Contents

Contents
- Notices
- Safety information
- About this guide
- P5N72-T Premium specifications summary
Chapter 1: Product introduction
- 1.1 Welcome!
- 1.2 Package contents
- 1.3 Special features
  - 1.3.1 Product highlights
  - 1.3.2 ASUS AI Lifestyle unique features
  - 1.3.3 ASUS Intelligent Performance and Overclocking features
  - 1.3.4 ASUS special features
Chapter 2: Hardware information
- 2.1 Before you proceed
- 2.2 Motherboard overview
  - 2.2.1 Placement direction
  - 2.2.2 Screw holes
  - 2.2.3 Motherboard layout
  - 2.2.4 Audio card layout
  - 2.2.5 Layout contents
- 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
  - 2.3.1 Installing the CPU
  - 2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan
  - 2.3.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan
  - 2.3.4 Installing the optional fans
- 2.4 System memory
  - 2.4.1 Overview
  - 2.4.2 Memory configurations
  - 2.4.3 Installing a DIMM
  - 2.4.4 Removing a DIMM
- 2.5 Expansion slots
  - 2.5.1 Installing an expansion card
  - 2.5.2 Configuring an expansion card
  - 2.5.3 Interrupt assignments
  - 2.5.4 PCI slots
  - 2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slots
  - 2.5.6 PCI Express x16 slots
- 2.6 Jumpers
- 2.7 Audio card installation
- 2.8 Connectors
  - 2.8.1 Rear panel connectors
  - 2.8.2 Internal connectors
Chapter 3: Powering up
- 3.1 Starting up for the first time
- 3.2 Turning off the computer
  - 3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function
  - 3.2.2 Using the dual function power switch
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
- 4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS
  - 4.1.1 ASUS Update utility
  - 4.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility
  - 4.1.3 Updating the BIOS
  - 4.1.4 Saving the current BIOS file
  - 4.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility
- 4.2 BIOS setup program
  - 4.2.1 BIOS menu screen
  - 4.2.2 Menu bar
  - 4.2.3 Legend bar
  - 4.2.4 Menu items
  - 4.2.5 Sub-menu items
  - 4.2.6 Configuration fields
  - 4.2.7 Pop-up window
  - 4.2.8 General help
- 4.3 Main menu
  - 4.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx]
  - 4.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]
  - 4.3.3 Language [English]
  - 4.3.4 Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]
  - 4.3.5 Primary IDE Master/Slave
  - 4.3.6 SATA 16
  - 4.3.7 HDD SMART Monitoring [Disabled]
  - 4.3.8 Installed Memory [xxx MB]
  - 4.3.9 Usable Memory [xxx MB]
  - 4.3.10 System Information
- 4.4 AI Tweaker menu
  - 4.4.1 AI Overclock Tuner [Auto]
  - 4.4.2 Overclocking
  - 4.4.3 Over Voltage
  - 4.4.4 Loadline Calibration [Disabled]
  - 4.4.5 NVIDIA GPU Ex [Disabled]
  - 4.4.6 SLI-Ready Memory [Disabled]
  - 4.4.7 ES Selection [Disabled]
- 4.5 Advanced menu
  - 4.5.1 AI NET2
  - 4.5.2 PCIPnP
  - 4.5.3 Onboard Device Configuration
- 4.6 Power menu
  - 4.6.1 ACPI Suspend Type [S1&S3]
  - 4.6.2 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]
  - 4.6.3 APM Configuration
  - 4.6.4 Hardware Monitor
- 4.7 Boot menu
  - 4.7.1 Boot Device Priority
  - 4.7.2 Removable Drives
  - 4.7.3 Hard Disk Drives
  - 4.7.4 CDROM Drives
  - 4.7.5 Boot Settings Configuration
  - 4.7.6 Security
- 4.8 Tools menu
  - 4.8.1 ASUS O.C. Profile
  - 4.8.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2
- 4.9 Exit menu
Chapter 5: Software support
- 5.1 Installing an operating system
- 5.2 Support DVD information
  - 5.2.1 Running the support DVD
  - 5.2.2 Drivers menu
  - 5.2.3 Utilities menu
  - 5.2.4 Make Disk menu
  - 5.2.5 Manual menu
  - 5.2.6 ASUS Contact information
  - 5.2.7 Other information
- 5.3 Software information
  - 5.3.1 ASUS MyLogo3
  - 5.3.2 AI NET 2
  - 5.3.3 AI Audio 2 (SoundMAX High Definition Audio utility)
  - 5.3.4 ASUS PC Probe II
  - 5.3.5 ASUS AI Suite
  - 5.3.6 ASUS EPU UtilityAI Gear 3+
  - 5.3.7 ASUS AI Nap
  - 5.3.8 ASUS Q-Fan 2
  - 5.3.9 ASUS AI Booster
- 5.4 RAID configurations
  - 5.4.1 RAID definitions
  - 5.4.2 NVIDIA RAID configurations
- 5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk
  - 5.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS
  - 5.5.2 Creating a RAID/SATA driver disk in Windows
Chapter 6: NVIDIA SLI technology support
- 6.1 Overview
  - Requirements
- 6.2 Graphics card setup
  - 6.2.1 Installing three SLI-ready graphics cards
  - 6.2.2 Installing two SLI-ready graphics cards
  - 6.2.3 Installing the device drivers
  - 6.2.4 Enabling the NVIDIA SLI technology in Windows
Appendix: CPU features
- A.1 Intel EM64T
- A.2 Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology (EIST)
  - A.2.1 System requirements
  - A.2.2 Using the EIST
- A.3 Intel Hyper-Threading Technology
  - Using the Hyper-Threading Technology

ASUS P5N72-T Premium User Manual

ASUS P5N72-T Premium Motherboard manual cover

Pages 178

Year 2008

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of 178

ASUS P5N72-T Premium Motherboard Specification

The ASUS P5N72-T Premium Motherboard is designed to cater to high-performance computing needs with its robust architecture and extensive feature set. It is built on the NVIDIA nForce 780i SLI chipset, supporting Intel Socket 775 processors, including Core 2 Quad, Core 2 Extreme, Core 2 Duo, Pentium, and Celeron, ensuring wide compatibility with a range of CPUs. The motherboard includes three PCIe 2.0 x16 slots, enabling NVIDIA 3-way SLI technology for enhanced graphics performance, making it ideal for gaming and multimedia applications. It supports up to 8GB of DDR2 memory across four DIMM slots, offering dual-channel architecture to maximize data throughput.

For connectivity, the P5N72-T Premium provides a rich array of options. It includes six SATA 3Gb/s ports with RAID 0, 1, 5, and 0+1 support for flexible storage configurations, as well as two eSATA ports for external storage devices. Eight USB 2.0 ports and a FireWire port ensure ample connectivity for peripherals. Audio is handled by the SupremeFX II high-definition audio system, delivering 8-channel surround sound for an immersive audio experience. The motherboard also features Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed network connectivity.

ASUS has integrated several proprietary technologies to enhance performance and usability, including AI Lifestyle features for system tuning and Express Gate for quick access to the internet and applications without booting into the main operating system. The P5N72-T Premium is designed with a heat-pipe cooling solution to maintain optimal thermal performance. Overall, this motherboard is tailored for users seeking high performance and versatility in their computing systems.

ASUS P5N72-T Premium Motherboard F.A.Q.

How do I update the BIOS on the ASUS P5N72-T Premium Motherboard?

To update the BIOS, download the latest BIOS version from the ASUS support website, format a USB drive to FAT32, copy the BIOS file to the drive, restart your PC, and enter the BIOS Setup. Use the EZ Flash Utility to select the BIOS file from the USB drive and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

What should I do if my ASUS P5N72-T Premium Motherboard won't boot?

Check if all cables are securely connected, ensure that the RAM and CPU are properly seated, and reset the CMOS by removing the battery for a few minutes. If the problem persists, try booting with minimal hardware to identify the issue.

How can I enable overclocking on the P5N72-T Premium?

Enter the BIOS Setup by pressing the 'Delete' key during startup. Navigate to the 'Advanced' tab, then to 'JumperFree Configuration'. Set 'AI Overclocking' to 'Manual' and adjust the CPU and RAM settings as needed. Monitor system stability and temperatures while overclocking.

What is the maximum RAM capacity supported by ASUS P5N72-T Premium?

The ASUS P5N72-T Premium Motherboard supports up to 8GB of DDR2 RAM, distributed across its four memory slots. Ensure that the RAM modules are compatible with the motherboard specifications.

How can I resolve audio issues on the ASUS P5N72-T Premium?

Ensure that the audio drivers are up-to-date by downloading the latest version from the ASUS website. Check if the audio device is enabled in the BIOS and verify that the speakers or headphones are properly connected to the correct audio port.

Which expansion slots are available on the ASUS P5N72-T Premium Motherboard?

The ASUS P5N72-T Premium features two PCIe x16 slots, one PCIe x1 slot, and two PCI slots, allowing for multiple expansion cards such as graphics cards, sound cards, and network adapters.

How do I configure RAID on the P5N72-T Premium?

Enter the BIOS Setup and navigate to the 'Advanced' tab. Select 'RAID Configuration' and enable RAID. Save and exit the BIOS, then use the RAID setup utility during boot to configure your RAID array with the connected drives.

What should I check if my USB ports are not working?

Verify that the USB ports are enabled in the BIOS settings. Update the chipset drivers from the ASUS support website. Check for physical damage and test with different USB devices to ensure the ports are functional.

How can I improve system cooling for the ASUS P5N72-T Premium?

Ensure that your case has adequate airflow by installing additional case fans. Clean any dust from existing fans and heat sinks. Consider upgrading to a more powerful CPU cooler if necessary. Proper cable management can also help improve airflow.

Can I use a modern GPU with the ASUS P5N72-T Premium?

Yes, you can use a modern GPU with the ASUS P5N72-T Premium as long as it is compatible with PCIe x16 slots. Make sure your power supply unit (PSU) has enough wattage and the necessary power connectors to support the new GPU.