Asus P5K: Software

This chapter describes the contents

of the support CD that comes with the

motherboard package.

Software

5

support

5.2.5 Manual menu

The Manual menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to

open the folder of the user manual.

Most user manual les are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the

®

®

Adobe

Acrobat

Reader from the ASUS Superb Software Library CD before

opening a user manual le.

5.2.6 ASUS Contact information

Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can also nd

this information on the inside front cover of this user guide.

5-6 Chapter 5: Software support

5.2.7 Other information

The icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the

motherboard and the contents of the support CD. Click an icon to display the

specied information.

Motherboard Info

Displays the general specications of the motherboard.

Browse this CD

Displays the support CD contents in graphical format.

ASUS P5K 5-7

Technical support Form

Displays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to ll out when

requesting technical support.

Filelist

Displays the contents of the support CD and a brief description of each in text

format.

5-8 Chapter 5: Software support

5.3 Software information

Most of the applications in the Support CD have wizards that will conveniently

guide you through the installation. View the online help or readme le that came

with the software application for more information.

5.3.1 ASUS MyLogo2™

The ASUS MyLogo2™ utility lets you customize the boot logo. The boot logo is the

image that appears on screen during the Power-On Self-Tests (POST). The ASUS

MyLogo2™ is automatically installed when you install the ASUS Update utility from

the Support CD. See section “5.2.3 Utilities menu” for details.

• Before using the ASUS MyLogo2™, use the AFUDOS utility to make a copy

of your original BIOS le, or obtain the latest BIOS version from the ASUS

website. See section 4.1.4 AFUDOS utility.

• Make sure that the BIOS item Full Screen Logo is set to [Enabled] if

you wish to use ASUS MyLogo2. See section 4.6.2 Boot Settings

Conguration.

• You can create your own boot logo image in GIF, or BMP le formats.

• The le size should be smaller than 150 K.

To launch the ASUS MyLogo2™:

1. Launch the ASUS Update utility. Refer to section “4.1.1 ASUS Update utility”

for details.

2. Select

Options from the drop down menu, then click Next.

3. Check the option

Launch MyLogo to replace system boot logo before

ashing BIOS, then click Next.

4. Select

Update BIOS from a le from the drop down menu, then click Next.

5. When prompted, locate the new

BIOS le, then click Next. The ASUS

MyLogo window appears.

6. From the left window pane, select the

folder that contains the image you

intend to use as your boot logo.

ASUS P5K 5-9

7. When the logo images appear on the

right window pane, select an image to

enlarge by clicking on it.

8. Adjust the boot image to your desired

size by selecting a value on the Ratio

box.

9. When the screen returns to the ASUS Update utility, ash the original BIOS to

load the new boot logo.

10. After ashing the BIOS, restart the computer to display the new boot logo

during POST.

5-10 Chapter 5: Software support

5.3.2 Audio congurations

®

The Realtek

ALC883 audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver

the ultimate audio experience on your computer. The software provides Jack-

Sensing function, S/PDIF Out support, and interrupt capability. The ALC883 also

®

®

includes the Realtek

proprietary UAJ

(Universal Audio Jack) technology for all

audio ports, eliminating cable connection errors and giving users plug and play

convenience.

®

Follow the installation wizard to install the Realtek

Audio Driver from the support

CD that came with the motherboard package.

If the Realtek audio software is correctly installed, you will nd the Realtek HD

Audio Manager icon on the taskbar.

From the taskbar, double-click on the SoundEffect

icon to display the Realtek HD Audio Manager.

Realtek HD Audio Manager

Realtek HD Audio Manager

Exit button

Conguration

options

Minimize

button

Control settings

window

Information

button

ASUS P5K 5-11

Information

Click the information button ( ) to

display information about the audio driver

version, DirectX version, audio controller,

audio codec, and language setting.

Minimize

Click the minimize button ( ) to minimize the window.

Exit

Click the exit button ( ) to exit the Realtek HD Audio Manager.

Conguration options

Click any of the tabs in this area to congure your audio settings.

Sound Effect

®

The Realtek

ALC883 Audio CODEC

allows you to set your listening

environment, adjust the equalizer, set

the karaoke, or select pre-programmed

equalizer settings for your listening

pleasure.

To set the sound effect options:

1. From the Realtek HD Audio

Manager, click the Sound Effect

tab.

2. Click the shortcut buttons or the drop-down menus for options on changing

the acoustic environment, adjust the equalizer, or set the karaoke to your

desired settings.

3. Click

to effect the Sound Effect settings and exit.

5-12 Chapter 5: Software support

Mixer

The Mixer option allows you to congure

audio output (playback) volume and

audio input (record) volume.

To set the mixer options:

1. From the Realtek HD Audio

Manager, click the Mixer tab.

2. Turn the volume buttons to adjust

the Playback and/or Record

volume.

The Mixer option activates voice input from all channels by default. Make sure

to set all channels to mute ( ) if you do not want voice input.

3. Make adjustments to Wave, SW Synth, Front, Rear, Subwoofer, CD volume,

Mic volume, Line Volume, and Stereo mix by clicking the control tabs and

dragging them up and down until you get the desired levels.

4. Click

to effect the Mixer settings and exit.

Audio I/O

The Audio I/O option allows you

congure your input/output settings.

To set the Audio I/O options:

1. From the Realtek HD Audio

Manager, click the Audio I/O tab.

2. Click the drop-down menu to

select the channel conguration.

3. The control settings window

displays the status of connected

devices. Click for analog and digital options.

4. Click <OK> to effect the Audio I/O settings and exit

ASUS P5K 5-13

Microphone

The Microphone option allows you

congure your input/output settings

and to check if your audio devices are

connected properly.

To set the Microphone options:

1. From the Realtek HD Audio

Manager, click the Microphone

tab.

2. Click the Noise Suppression

option button to reduce the static background noise when recording.

3. Click the Acoustic Echo Cancellation option button to reduce the echo from

the front speakers when recording.

4. Click

to effect the Microphone settings and exit.

3D Audio Demo

The 3D Audio Demo option gives you a

demonstration of the 3D audio feature.

To start the 3D Audio Demo:

1. From the Realtek HD Audio

Manager, click the 3D Audio

Demo tab.

2. Click the option buttons to change

the sound, moving path, or

environment settings.

3. Click

to test your settings.

4. Click

to effect the 3D Audio Demo settings and exit.

5-14 Chapter 5: Software support

5.3.3 ASUS PC Probe II

PC Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects

and alerts you of any problem with these components. PC Probe II senses fan

rotations, CPU temperature, and system voltages, among others. Because PC

Probe II is software-based, you can start monitoring your computer the moment

you turn it on. With this utility, you are assured that your computer is always at a

healthy operating condition.

Installing PC Probe II

To install PC Probe II on your computer:

1. Place the Support CD to the optical drive. The Drivers installation tab appears

if your computer has an enabled Autorun feature.

If Autorun is not enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the Support

CD to locate the setup.exe le from the ASUS PC Probe II folder. Double-click

the setup.exe le to start installation.

2. Click the Utilities tab, then click ASUS PC Probe II.

3. Follow the screen instructions to complete installation.

Launching PC Probe II

You can launch the PC Probe II right after installation or anytime from the

®

Windows

desktop.

®

To launch the PC Probe II from the Windows

desktop, click Start > All Programs

> ASUS > PC Probe II > PC Probe II v1.xx.xx. The PC Probe II main window

appears.

®

After launching the application, the PC Probe II icon appears in the Windows

taskbar. Click this icon to close or restore the application.

Using PC Probe II

Main window

The PC Probe II main window

allows you to view the current

status of your system and change

the utility conguration. By

default, the main window displays

the Preference section. You can

close or restore the Preference

section by clicking on the triangle on the main window right handle.

Click to close the

Preference panel

ASUS P5K 5-15

Other feature buttons

Click on right corner of the main window to open the monitor window.

Displays the CPU/

system temperature,

CPU/memory/PCIE

voltage, and CPU/

chassis fan speed

Displays the FSB/CPU

frequency

Click on right corner of the expanded window to switch the temperature from

degrees Centigrade to degrees Fahrenheit.

5-22 Chapter 5: Software support

5.3.5 ASUS AI Gear2

ASUS AI Gear2 provides four system performance options that allows you to select

the best performance setting for your computing needs. This easy-to-use utility

adjusts the processor frequency and vCore voltage to minimize system noise and

power consumption.

After installing AI Suite from the bundled support CD, you can launch AI Gear2 by

double-clicking the AI Suite icon on your Windows OS taskbar and then click the AI

Gear2 button on the AI Suite main window.

Shift the gear to the performance setting that you like.

Maximum

Medium

Performance

Performance

High

Maximum

Performance

Power Saving

ASUS P5K 5-23

5.3.6 ASUS AI Nap

This feature allows you to minimize the power consumption of your computer

whenever you are away. Enable this feature for minimum power consumption and

a more quiet system operation.

After installing AI Suite from the bundled support CD, you can launch the utility by

double-clicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows OS taskbar and click the AI Nap

button on the AI Suite main window.

Click Yes on the conrmation screen.

To exit AI Nap mode, press the system power or mouse button then click Yes on

the conrmation screen.

To switch the power button functions from AI Nap to shutting down, just right

click the AI Suite icon on the OS taskbar, select AI Nap and click Use power

button. Unclick the the item to switch the function back.

5-24 Chapter 5: Software support

5.3.7 ASUS AI N.O.S.

This ASUS Non-delay Overclocking System feature intelligently determines the

system load and automatically boosts the performance for the most demanding

tasks.

After installing AI Suite from the bundled support CD, you can launch the utility

by double-clicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows OS taskbar and click the AI

N.O.S. button on the AI Suite main window.

drop-down menu

button

Click the drop-down menu button and select Disable or Manual.

select an N.O.S.

mode

Click Apply at the bottom to save the conguration.

ASUS P5K 5-25

5.3.8 ASUS Q-Fan2

This ASUS Q-Fan2 Control feature allows you to set the appropriate performance

level of the CPU Q-Fan2 or the Chassis Q-Fan2 for more efcient system

operation. After enabling the Q-Fan2 function, the fans can be set to automatically

adjust depending on the temperature, to decrease fan speed, or to achieve the

maximum fan speed.

After installing AI Suite from the bundled support CD, you can launch the utility by

®

double-clicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows

OS taskbar and click the Q-Fan2

button on the AI Suite mAIn window.

Click the drop-down menu button and display the fan names. Select CPU Q-Fan2

or CHASSIS Q-Fan2. Click the box of Enable Q-Fan2 to activate this function.

drop-down list

Enable Q-

button

Fan2 box

Prole list appears after clicking the Enable Q-Fan2 box. Click the drop-down

list button and select a prole. Optimal mode makes the fans adjust speed

with the temperature; Silent mode minimizes fan speed for quiet fan operation;

Performance mode boosts the fan to achieve maximal fan speed for the best

cooling effect.

click to display the drop-

down list and select a

Q-Fan2 mode

Click Apply at the bottom to save the setup.

5-26 Chapter 5: Software support

5.3.9 ASUS AI Booster

The ASUS AI Booster application allows you to overclock the CPU speed in

®

WIndows

environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS.

After installing AI Suite from the bundled support CD, you can launch the utility

®

by double-clicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows

OS taskbar and click the AI

Booster button on the AI Suite main window.

The options on the taskbar allow you to use the default settings, adjust CPU/

Memory/PCI-E frequency manually, or create and apply your personal overclocking

congurations.

ASUS P5K 5-27

5.4 RAID congurations

®

The motherboard comes with the JMicron

JMB363 RAID controller that allows you

to congure Serial ATA hard disk drives as RAID sets. The motherboard supports

the following RAID congurations.

RAID 0

(Data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and write

data in parallel, interleaved stacks. Two hard disks perform the same work as a

single drive but at a sustained data transfer rate, double that of a single disk alone,

thus improving data access and storage. Use of two new identical hard disk drives

is required for this setup.

RAID 1

(Data mirroring) copies and maintains an identical image of data from one

drive to a second drive. If one drive fails, the disk array management software

directs all applications to the surviving drive as it contains a complete copy of

the data in the other drive. This RAID conguration provides data protection and

increases fault tolerance to the entire system. Use two new drives or use an

existing drive and a new drive for this setup. The new drive must be of the same

size or larger than the existing drive.

JBOD

(Spanning) stands for Just a Bunch of Disks and refers to hard disk drives

that are not yet congured as a RAID set. This conguration stores the same data

redundantly on multiple disks that appear as a single disk on the operating system.

Spanning does not deliver any advantage over using separate disks independently

and does not provide fault tolerance or other RAID performance benets.

If you want to boot the system from a hard disk drive included in a created RAID

set, copy rst the RAID driver from the support CD to a oppy disk before you

install an operating system to the selected hard disk drive. Refer to section “5.5

Creating a RAID driver disk” for details.

5.4.1 Installing Serial ATA hard disks

The motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal performance,

install identical drives of the same model and capacity when creating a disk array.

To install the SATA hard disks for a RAID conguration:

1. Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays.

2. Connect the SATA signal cables.

3. Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector on each drive.

5-28 Chapter 5: Software support

®

5.4.2 JMicron

RAID Conguration

®

The JMicron

Serial ATA controller allows you to congure RAID 0, RAID 1 and

JBOD sets on the external Serial ATA hard disk drives.

Before creating a RAID set

Prepare the following items:

1. Two SATA HDDs, preferably with the same model and capacity.

®

2. A write-enabled oppy disk for

Windows

XP or a oppy disk/USB device for

®

Windows

Vista.

®

®

®

3. Microsoft

Windows

OS installation disk (Windows

XP/Vista)

4. Motherboard support CD with JMB363 driver

Complete the following steps before you create a RAID set:

1. Install the external Serial ATA hard disk drives (HDDs) on your system.

2. Set the

J-Micron eSATA/PATA Controller Mode

item in the BIOS to [RAID].

See section “4.4.5 Onboard Devices Conguration” for details.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Advanced

Onboard Device Conguraiton

Enable or Disable

High Denition Audio

Controller

High Denition Audio [Enabled]

Front Panel Type [HD Audio]

Onboard 1394 Controller [Enabled]

Onboard PCIE GbE LAN [Enabled]

LAN Option ROM [Disabled]

J-Micron eSATA/PATA Controller [Enabled]

Controller Mode [IDE]

Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]

Select Screen

Select Item

+- Change Option

F1 General Help

F10 Save and Exit

ESC Exit

v02.58 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.

3. Enter the JMB363 RAID BIOS utility to set up your RAID conguration.

®

4. Create a JMB363 RAID driver disk for Windows

OS installation. See section

“5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk” for details.

®

5. Install the JMB363 driver after the Windows

OS had been installed.

ASUS P5K 5-29

Entering the JMB363 RAID BIOS utility

1. During POST, press <Ctrl-J> to enter the JBM363 RAID BIOS menu.

JMicron Technology Corp. PCI-to-SATA II/IDE RAID Controller BIOS v0.97

Copyright (C) 2004-2005 JMicron Technology http://www. jmicron.com

HDD0 : HDS722516VLSA80 164 GB Non-RAID

HDD1 : HDS722516DLA380 164 GB Non-RAID

Press <Ctrl-J> to enter RAID Setup Utility...

2. The main JMB363 RAID BIOS menu appears.

3. Use the arrow keys to move the color bar and navigate through the items.

JMicron Technology Corp. PCI-to-SATA II/IDE RAID Controller BIOS v0.97

[Main Menu]

[Hard Disk Drive List]

Create RAID Disk Drive

Model Name Capacity Type/Status

Delete RAID Disk Drive

HDD0: HDS722516VLSA80 164 GB Non-RAID

Revert HDD to Non-RAID

HDD1: HDS722516DLA380 164 GB Non-RAID

Solve Mirror Conict

Rebuild Mirror Drive

Save and Exit Setup

Exit Without Saving

[RAID Disk Drive List]

[

TAB]-Switch Window [

↑↓

]-Select Item [ENTER]-Action [ESC]-Exit

Creating a RAID set

1. In the main JMB363 RAID BIOS menu, highlight Create RAID Disk Drive

using the up/down arrow key then press <Enter>.

[Main Menu]

Create RAID Disk Drive

Delete RAID Disk Drive

Revert HDD to Non-RAID

Solve Mirror Conict

Rebuild Mirror Drive

Save and Exit Setup

Exit Without Saving

5-30 Chapter 5: Software support

2. When the Level item is highlighted, use the up/down arrow key to select the

RAID set that you want to create.

[Create New RAID]

[Create New RAID]

Name : JRAID

Name : JRAID

Level: 0-Stripe

Level: 1-Mirror

Disks: Select Disk

Disks: Select Disk

Block: 128 KB

Block: N/A

Size : 319 GB

Size : 159 GB

Conrm Creation

Conrm Creation

3. When the Disks item is highlighted, use the up/down arrow key to highlight

an HDD that you want to belong to the RAID set, then press the space bar to

conrm selection. Repeat the process until the HDDs are selected.

A selected HDD shows a

sign before it.

[Hard Disk Drive List]

Model Name Capacity Type/Status

HDD0: HDS722516VLSA80 XXX GB Non-RAID

HDD1: HDS722516DLA380 XXX GB Non-RAID

4. Key in the RAID volume capacity. Use the up/down arrow to choose the block

size. The default value indicates the maximum allowed capacity.

[Create New RAID]

Name : JRAID

Level: 0-Stripe

Disks: Select Disk

Block: 128 KB

Size : 319 GB

Conrm Creation

ASUS P5K 5-31

®

To install the RAID driver in Windows

Vista:

1. Insert the oppy disk/USB device with RAID driver into the oppy disk drive/USB

port.

2. During the OS installation, select

JMicron JMB363.

3. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.

5-38 Chapter 5: Software support