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Contents Safety information iv About this guide iv Package contents vi H81M-CT specifications summary vi Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Before you proceed 1-1 1.2 Motherboard overview 1-1 1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU 1-3 1.4 System memory 1-7 1.5 Expansion slots 1-9 1.6 Jumpers 1-11 1.7 Connectors 1-12 1.8 Onboard LEDs 1-19 1.9 Software support 1-20 Chapter 2: BIOS information ...2-10 2.5 Ai Tweaker menu 2-12 2.6 Advanced menu 2-13 2.7 Monitor menu 2-22 2.8 Boot menu 2-23 2.9 Tools menu 2-27 2.10 Exit menu 2-29 Appendices Notices...A-1 ASUS contact information A-4 iii
Contents Safety information iv About this guide iv Package contents vi H81M-CT specifications summary vi Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Before you proceed 1-1 1.2 Motherboard overview 1-1 1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU 1-3 1.4 System memory 1-7 1.5 Expansion slots 1-9 1.6 Jumpers 1-11 1.7 Connectors 1-12 1.8 Onboard LEDs 1-19 1.9 Software support 1-20 Chapter 2: BIOS information ...2-10 2.5 Ai Tweaker menu 2-12 2.6 Advanced menu 2-13 2.7 Monitor menu 2-22 2.8 Boot menu 2-23 2.9 Tools menu 2-27 2.10 Exit menu 2-29 Appendices Notices...A-1 ASUS contact information A-4 iii
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... dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. If you detect any area where it may be exposed to moisture. • Place the product on the motherboard. • Chapter 2: BIOS information This chapter discusses changing system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. How this guide This user guide contains the information.... About this guide is broken, do not try to fix it supports. iv If you are not sure about the voltage of the motherboard and the new technology it by yourself. Contact a qualified service technician or your local power company. • If the power supply is...
... dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. If you detect any area where it may be exposed to moisture. • Place the product on the motherboard. • Chapter 2: BIOS information This chapter discusses changing system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. How this guide This user guide contains the information.... About this guide is broken, do not try to fix it supports. iv If you are not sure about the voltage of the motherboard and the new technology it by yourself. Contact a qualified service technician or your local power company. • If the power supply is...
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... memory architecture Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) * Hyper DIMM support is damaged or missing, contact your motherboard package for 4th Generation Intel® CoreTM i7/i5/i3, Pentium®, Celeron® Processors Supports Intel® 22nm ...page) vi Multi-VGA output support: HDMI, D-SUB ports - H81M-CT specifications summary CPU Chipset Memory Graphics Expansion slots Storage Audio LAN LGA1150 socket for the following items. Motherboard Cables Accessories Application DVD Documentation ASUS H81M-CT motherboard 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 1 x I/O Shield ...
... memory architecture Supports Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) * Hyper DIMM support is damaged or missing, contact your motherboard package for 4th Generation Intel® CoreTM i7/i5/i3, Pentium®, Celeron® Processors Supports Intel® 22nm ...page) vi Multi-VGA output support: HDMI, D-SUB ports - H81M-CT specifications summary CPU Chipset Memory Graphics Expansion slots Storage Audio LAN LGA1150 socket for the following items. Motherboard Cables Accessories Application DVD Documentation ASUS H81M-CT motherboard 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables 1 x I/O Shield ...
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...the bag that came with external ports goes to the rear part of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the power supply. The edge with the component. •... power cord before installing or removing the motherboard. Doing so can cause you physical injury and damage to motherboard components. 1.2.1 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the correct orientation. ASUS H81M-CT 1-1 Product introduction 1 1.1 Before you ...
...the bag that came with external ports goes to the rear part of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the power supply. The edge with the component. •... power cord before installing or removing the motherboard. Doing so can cause you physical injury and damage to motherboard components. 1.2.1 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the correct orientation. ASUS H81M-CT 1-1 Product introduction 1 1.1 Before you ...
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Place this side towards the rear of the chassis H81M-CT 1.2.3 Motherboard layout 1 23 4 19.8cm(7.8in) 15 KBMS HDMI DIGI +VRM ATX12V ASM 1442K CPU_FAN COM1 VGA DDR3 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module) DDR3 DIMM_B1 (64bit, ...240-pin module) EATXPWR 24.4cm(9.6in) LGA1150 2 USB56 CHA_FAN LAN_USB34 COM2 16 AUDIO RTL 8111G BATTERY TPM H81M-CT PCIEX16 6 USB3_12 15 Super I/O PCIEX1_1 ASM 1083 PCI1 ALC 887- VD2 SB_PWR PCI2 BUZZER Intel® 8Mb H81 BIOS 7 CLRTC F_PANEL 8 AAFP MONO_OUT LPT USB910...
Place this side towards the rear of the chassis H81M-CT 1.2.3 Motherboard layout 1 23 4 19.8cm(7.8in) 15 KBMS HDMI DIGI +VRM ATX12V ASM 1442K CPU_FAN COM1 VGA DDR3 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module) DDR3 DIMM_B1 (64bit, ...240-pin module) EATXPWR 24.4cm(9.6in) LGA1150 2 USB56 CHA_FAN LAN_USB34 COM2 16 AUDIO RTL 8111G BATTERY TPM H81M-CT PCIEX16 6 USB3_12 15 Super I/O PCIEX1_1 ASM 1083 PCI1 ALC 887- VD2 SB_PWR PCI2 BUZZER Intel® 8Mb H81 BIOS 7 CLRTC F_PANEL 8 AAFP MONO_OUT LPT USB910...
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.... Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 15. H81M-CT H81M-CT CPU socket LGA1150 ASUS H81M-CT 1-3 ATX power connectors (24-pin ATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) 3. Mono out header (2-pin MONO_OUT) 14. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 8. TPM header (20-1 pin TPM) Page 1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) This motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1150 socket designed for the...
.... Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 15. H81M-CT H81M-CT CPU socket LGA1150 ASUS H81M-CT 1-3 ATX power connectors (24-pin ATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) 3. Mono out header (2-pin MONO_OUT) 14. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 8. TPM header (20-1 pin TPM) Page 1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) This motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1150 socket designed for the...
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...A B 2 3 1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction DO NOT install a CPU designed for the LGA1150 socket only. ASUS will process Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the socket and the socket contacts are not bent. Contact your retailer immediately if the...you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1155 and LGA1156 sockets on the LGA1150 socket. • Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that you see any damage to the socket contacts resulting from incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/incorrect ...
...A B 2 3 1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction DO NOT install a CPU designed for the LGA1150 socket only. ASUS will process Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the socket and the socket contacts are not bent. Contact your retailer immediately if the...you install the correct CPU designed for LGA1155 and LGA1156 sockets on the LGA1150 socket. • Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that you see any damage to the socket contacts resulting from incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/incorrect ...
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DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 Channel Channel A Channel B Sockets DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 H81M-CT H81M-CT 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets 1.4.2 Memory configurations You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. • .... • Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. ASUS H81M-CT 1-7 Check with two Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM) sockets. A DDR3 module is then mapped for single-channel operation. • Due to install 4GB or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the dual-channel configuration...
DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 Channel Channel A Channel B Sockets DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 H81M-CT H81M-CT 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets 1.4.2 Memory configurations You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. • .... • Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. ASUS H81M-CT 1-7 Check with two Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM) sockets. A DDR3 module is then mapped for single-channel operation. • Due to install 4GB or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the dual-channel configuration...
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...the DIMM is properly seated. 1.4.4 Removing a DIMM Locked Retaining Clip To remove a DIMM: 1. Press the retaining clips outward to both the motherboard and the components. 1. DO NOT force a DIMM into the 3 socket until the retaining clips snap back in the wrong direction to support... a full memory load (2 DIMMs) or overclocking condition. • Visit the ASUS website at a lower frequency than the vendor-marked value. • The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect...
...the DIMM is properly seated. 1.4.4 Removing a DIMM Locked Retaining Clip To remove a DIMM: 1. Press the retaining clips outward to both the motherboard and the components. 1. DO NOT force a DIMM into the 3 socket until the retaining clips snap back in the wrong direction to support... a full memory load (2 DIMMs) or overclocking condition. • Visit the ASUS website at a lower frequency than the vendor-marked value. • The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect...
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Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is already installed in a chassis). 3. ASUS H81M-CT 1-9 Remove the DIMM from the socket. The following sub‑sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that you may cause you ...the screw for information on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support "Share IRQ" or that came with the screw you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 1.5.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1. Otherwise, conflicts will arise between the two PCI groups, making the system...
Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is already installed in a chassis). 3. ASUS H81M-CT 1-9 Remove the DIMM from the socket. The following sub‑sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that you may cause you ...the screw for information on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support "Share IRQ" or that came with the screw you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 1.5.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1. Otherwise, conflicts will arise between the two PCI groups, making the system...
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... PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. 1.5.4 PCI Express x16 slot This motherboard has a PCI Express x16 slot that supports PCI Express x16 graphic cards complying with the PCI Express specifications. 1.5.3 PCI slots The PCI slot ...supports cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. IRQ assignments for this motherboard PCIEx16_1 PCIEx1_1 Intel SATA Controller Realtek LAN Intel XHC Intel EHCI1 Intel EHCI2 HD Audio A BC D E F G H shared - - - - - - -
... PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. 1.5.4 PCI Express x16 slot This motherboard has a PCI Express x16 slot that supports PCI Express x16 graphic cards complying with the PCI Express specifications. 1.5.3 PCI slots The PCI slot ...supports cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. IRQ assignments for this motherboard PCIEx16_1 PCIEx1_1 Intel SATA Controller Realtek LAN Intel XHC Intel EHCI1 Intel EHCI2 HD Audio A BC D E F G H shared - - - - - - -
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...to [AC97]. By default, this connector, set to this connector. ASUS H81M-CT 1-15 4. Connect one end of the front panel audio I /O module that you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the motherboard's high-definition audio capability. • If you want to connect a...-mounted front panel audio I /O module cable to this connector, set the SATA Mode Selection item in the BIOS setup to [AHCI]. H81M-CT SATA6G_1 SATA6G_2 GND RSATA_RXP1 RSATA_RXN1 GND RSATA_TXN1 RSATA_TXP1 GND GND RSATA_RXP2 RSATA_RXN2 GND RSATA_TXN2 RSATA_TXP2 GND...
...to [AC97]. By default, this connector, set to this connector. ASUS H81M-CT 1-15 4. Connect one end of the front panel audio I /O module that you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the motherboard's high-definition audio capability. • If you want to connect a...-mounted front panel audio I /O module cable to this connector, set the SATA Mode Selection item in the BIOS setup to [AHCI]. H81M-CT SATA6G_1 SATA6G_2 GND RSATA_RXP1 RSATA_RXN1 GND RSATA_TXN1 RSATA_TXP1 GND GND RSATA_RXP2 RSATA_RXN2 GND RSATA_TXN2 RSATA_TXP2 GND...
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...IN CPU FAN PWR GND H81M-CT CHA_FAN +5V CHA FAN IN CHA FAN PWR GND H81M-CT Fan connectors Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the fan connectors! Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. 6. CPU and ...chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN) Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Only the 4-pin CPU fan supports the ASUS Fan Xpert 2 feature. 1-16 Chapter 1: Product introduction
...IN CPU FAN PWR GND H81M-CT CHA_FAN +5V CHA FAN IN CHA FAN PWR GND H81M-CT Fan connectors Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the fan connectors! Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. 6. CPU and ...chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN) Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Only the 4-pin CPU fan supports the ASUS Fan Xpert 2 feature. 1-16 Chapter 1: Product introduction
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...USB_P11USB_P11+ GND NC USB+5V USB_P9USB_P9+ GND NC H81M-CT USB910 PIN 1 USB1112 PIN 1 USB+5V USB_P12USB_P12+ GND USB+5V USB_P10USB_P10+ GND H81M-CT USB2.0 connectors Never connect a 1394 cable to connect a USB 3.0 module for additional USB 3.0 front or rear panel ports. Doing so will damage the motherboard! USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_12) This...the module to a slot opening at the back of up to 5Gbps, faster charging time for USB 2.0 ports. The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. ASUS H81M-CT 1-17 With an installed USB 3.0 module, you to the USB connectors.
...USB_P11USB_P11+ GND NC USB+5V USB_P9USB_P9+ GND NC H81M-CT USB910 PIN 1 USB1112 PIN 1 USB+5V USB_P12USB_P12+ GND USB+5V USB_P10USB_P10+ GND H81M-CT USB2.0 connectors Never connect a 1394 cable to connect a USB 3.0 module for additional USB 3.0 front or rear panel ports. Doing so will damage the motherboard! USB 3.0 connector (20-1 pin USB3_12) This...the module to a slot opening at the back of up to 5Gbps, faster charging time for USB 2.0 ports. The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. ASUS H81M-CT 1-17 With an installed USB 3.0 module, you to the USB connectors.
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...down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard component. H81M-CT SB_PWR ON OFF Standby Power Powered Off H81M-CT Onboard LED ASUS H81M-CT 1-19 Standby Power LED The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that you turn on the system power, ...The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED. This is for the system power LED. Ground HWRST# (NC) H81M-CT PIN 1 +HDD_LED RESET H81M-CT System panel connector • System power LED (2-pin PWR_LED) This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button ...
...down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard component. H81M-CT SB_PWR ON OFF Standby Power Powered Off H81M-CT Onboard LED ASUS H81M-CT 1-19 Standby Power LED The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that you turn on the system power, ...The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED. This is for the system power LED. Ground HWRST# (NC) H81M-CT PIN 1 +HDD_LED RESET H81M-CT System panel connector • System power LED (2-pin PWR_LED) This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button ...
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... If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, the DVD automatically displays the Specials screen which lists the unique features of your ASUS motherboard. Double-click the ASSETUP.EXE to locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. The contents of the Support DVD are... detailed information. 1.9.2 Support DVD information The Support DVD that comes with the motherboard package contains the drivers, software applications, and utilities that you can install to display their respective menus. Visit the ASUS website at any time without notice. Always install the latest OS version and...
... If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, the DVD automatically displays the Specials screen which lists the unique features of your ASUS motherboard. Double-click the ASSETUP.EXE to locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. The contents of the Support DVD are... detailed information. 1.9.2 Support DVD information The Support DVD that comes with the motherboard package contains the drivers, software applications, and utilities that you can install to display their respective menus. Visit the ASUS website at any time without notice. Always install the latest OS version and...
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... Update, click EZ Update on the AI Suite 3 main menu bar. With this utlity, you to automatically update your motherboard's softwares, drivers and the BIOS version easily. ASUS H81M-CT 2-1 Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility. 2.1.1 EZ Update EZ Update is a utility that allows you can also manually update the saved BIOS...
... Update, click EZ Update on the AI Suite 3 main menu bar. With this utlity, you to automatically update your motherboard's softwares, drivers and the BIOS version easily. ASUS H81M-CT 2-1 Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility. 2.1.1 EZ Update EZ Update is a utility that allows you can also manually update the saved BIOS...
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.... 4. Before updating BIOS 1. Doing so can cause system boot failure! 2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater The ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to copy the current BIOS file that you can restore a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that contains the updated BIOS file. ...displays may not be same as a backup when the BIOS fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. ASUS H81M-CT 2-3 Turn on the USB flash drive. Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive formatted using this utility, rename the BIOS file in the removable ...
.... 4. Before updating BIOS 1. Doing so can cause system boot failure! 2.1.4 ASUS BIOS Updater The ASUS BIOS Updater allows you to copy the current BIOS file that you can restore a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that contains the updated BIOS file. ...displays may not be same as a backup when the BIOS fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. ASUS H81M-CT 2-3 Turn on the USB flash drive. Prepare the motherboard support DVD and a USB flash drive formatted using this utility, rename the BIOS file in the removable ...
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... Setup program to force reset from the operating system. • The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for information on your motherboard if you do not press , POST continues with its parameters. See section 2.10 Exit Menu for this option only if you always shut...to boot after changing any BIOS setting, load the default settings to your screen. • Visit the ASUS website at startup: • Press during the Power-On Self Test (POST). Do this motherboard. • Ensure that a USB mouse is connected to ensure system compatibility and stability. Using the power ...
... Setup program to force reset from the operating system. • The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for information on your motherboard if you do not press , POST continues with its parameters. See section 2.10 Exit Menu for this option only if you always shut...to boot after changing any BIOS setting, load the default settings to your screen. • Visit the ASUS website at startup: • Press during the Power-On Self Test (POST). Do this motherboard. • Ensure that a USB mouse is connected to ensure system compatibility and stability. Using the power ...