Page 2
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.
My Favorites ................2-10 Main menu .................. 2-11 Ai Tweaker menu ................ 2-13 Advanced menu ................. 2-22 Monitor menu ................2-31 Boot menu .................. 2-34 Tools menu ................. 2-40 2.10 Exit menu ..................2-41 Appendices Notices .......................A-1 ASUS contact information ...............A-3...
Safety information Electrical safety • To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating the system. • When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information. Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer.
* Hyper DIMM support is subject to the physical characteristics of individual CPUs. Please refer to the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List) for details. ** Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List). *** Due to Intel chipset limitation, the DDR3 1600MHz and higher memory ®...
Page 7
Realtek 8111G Gigabit LAN controller Intel H81 Express Chipset ® - Supports ASUS USB 3.0 Boost - 2 x USB 3.0/2.0 ports at back panel (blue) - 8 x USB2.0/1.1 ports (4 ports at midboard, 4 ports at back panel) ASMedia ASM1042A USB 3.0 controller...
Page 8
64 Mb Flash ROM, UEFI AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0, SM BIOS 2.6, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFreen BIOS 3, F12 Printscreen function, F3 Shortcut function and ASUS DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory information Manageability WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, PXE...
1.2.2 Screw holes Place six screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis. Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard. ASUS H81M2...
Central Processing Unit (CPU) This motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA1150 socket designed for the Intel ® generation Core™ i7 / Core™ i5 / Core™ i3, Pentium , Celeron processors. ® ® H81M2 H81M2 CPU socket LGA1150 ASUS H81M2...
Contact your retailer immediately if the PnP cap is missing, or if you see any damage to the PnP cap/socket contacts/motherboard components. ASUS will shoulder the cost of repair only if the damage is shipment/ transit-related.
1.3.2 CPU heatsink and fan assembly installation Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the CPU heatsink and CPU before you install the heatsink and fan if necessary. ASUS H81M2...
Page 14
To install the CPU heatsink and fan assembly To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan assembly Chapter 1: Product introduction...
Use a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32-bit Windows ® Install a 64-bit Windows OS if you want to install 4GB or more on the ® motherboard. • This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512Mb (64MB) chips or less. ASUS H81M2...
For system stability, use a more efficient memory cooling system to support a full memory load (2 DIMMs) or overclocking condition. • Visit the ASUS website at: www.asus.com for the latest QVL. 1.4.3 Installing a DIMM Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components.
When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Share IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise, conflicts will arise between the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable. ASUS H81M2...
1.5.3 PCI Express 2.0 x1 slots This motherboard supports 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.
Page 19
P/S 2 keyboard or by clicking on the P/S 2 mouse. This feature requires an ATX power supply that can supply at least 1A on the +5VSB lead, and a corresponding setting in the BIOS. KB_USBPWB H81M2 +5VSB (Default) H81M2 Keyboard and USB device wake up ASUS H81M2 1-11...
USB device wake-up (USBPWF) This jumper allows you to enable or disable the USB device wake-up feature. When you set this jumper to pins 2-3 (+5VSB), you can wake up the computer by pressing a key on the USB keyboard or by clicking on the USB mouse. This feature requires an ATX power supply that can supply at least 1A on the +5VSB lead, and a corresponding setting in the BIOS.
Page 21
DVI-D port. This port is for any DVI-D compatible device. DVI-D can’t be converted to output RGB Signal to CRT and is not compatible with DVI-I male solder connector. PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard. ASUS H81M2 1-13...
• If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your system, refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator at http://support.asus. com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM) This connector supports a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) system, which securely store keys, digital certificates, passwords and data.
• You must install Windows. XP Service Pack 3 or later version before using Serial ATA hard disk drives. • When using hot-plug and NCQ, set the SATA Mode Selection item in the BIOS to [AHCI]. See section 2.6.3 SATA Configuration for details. ASUS H81M2 1-15...
Page 24
These are not jumpers! Do not place jumper caps on the fan connectors! The CPU_FAN connector supports a CPU fan of maximum 1A (12 W) fan power. Only the 4-pin CPU fan supports the ASUS Fan Xpert feature. Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-16...
Page 25
This connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. PIN 1 H81M2 H81M2 Serial port connectors The COM module is purchased separately. ASUS H81M2 1-17...
System panel connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. F_PANEL +PWR LED PWR BTN PIN 1 H81M2 +HDD_LED RESET H81M2 System panel connector • System power LED (2-pin PWR_LED) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector.
Page 27
This connector is for additional USB 3.0 ports. Connect the USB 3.0 bracket cable to this connector, then install the USB 3.0 bracket to the rear side of the chassis. If your chassis supports front panel ports, you can use the ASUS USB 3.0 header to install additional front panel USB 3.0 ports.
Onboard LEDs Standby Power LED The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard component.
Place the Support DVD into the optical drive. If Autorun is enabled in your computer, the DVD automatically displays the Specials screen which lists the unique features of your ASUS motherboard. Click Drivers, Utilities, AHCI Driver, Manual, Contact and Specials tabs to display their respective menus.
Managing and updating your BIOS Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility.
2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS-based utility. Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2: Insert the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to the USB port.
2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can restore a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash drive that contains the updated BIOS file.
Page 33
Insert the DOS-bootable USB flash drive with the latest BIOS file and BIOS Updater to your computer’s USB port. Boot your computer. When the ASUS Logo appears, press <F8> to show the BIOS Boot Device Select Menu. Select the optical drive as the boot device. The DOS screen appears.
Page 34
Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. Refer to section 2.10 Exit menu for details. • Ensure to connect all SATA hard disk drives after updating the BIOS file if you have disconnected them. ASUS H81M2...
The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen. • Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS file for this motherboard. •...
The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to configure the BIOS settings. The figure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the following sections for the detailed configurations. To access the EZ Mode, click Exit, then select ASUS EZ Mode or press F7. ASUS H81M2...
Back button Menu items Menu bar Configuration fields General help Last modified settings Quick note Pop-up window Submenu item Navigation keys Scroll bar Menu bar The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items: My Favorites For saving the frequently-used system settings and configuration Main For changing the basic system configuration...
The Quick Note function does not support the following keyboard functions: delete, cut, copy and paste. • You can only use the English letters to type your notes. Last Modified button This button shows the items that you last modified and saved in BIOS Setup. ASUS H81M2...
My Favorites MyFavorites is your personal space where you can easily save and access your favorite BIOS items. Adding items to My Favorites To add frequently-used BIOS items to My Favorites: Use the arrow keys to select an item that you want to add. When using a mouse, hover the pointer to the item.
Otherwise, you might be able to see or change only selected fields in the BIOS setup program. To set an administrator password: Select the Administrator Password item and press <Enter>. From the Create New Password box, key in a password, then press <Enter>. ASUS H81M2 2-11...
Confirm the password when prompted. To change an administrator password: Select the Administrator Password item and press <Enter>. From the Enter Current Password box, key in the current password, then press <Enter>. From the Create New Password box, key in a new password, then press <Enter>. Confirm the password when prompted.
Target DRAM Speed : xxxxMHz Displays the target DRAM speed. Target Cache Speed : xxxxMHz Displays the target Cache speed. Target DMI/PEG Clock : xxxxMHz Displays the target DMI/PEG clock. Target CPU Graphics Speed : xxxxMHz Displays the target iGPU speed. ASUS H81M2 2-13...
Page 43
2.5.1 ASUS MultiCore Enhancement [Auto] [Auto] Default set to [Auto] for maximum performance under XMP/Manual/User- defined memory frequency mode. [Disabled] Allows you to set to default core ratio settings. 2.5.2 CPU Core Ratio [Auto] Allows you to set the CPU core ratio automatically or manually.
Primary Timings DRAM CAS# Latency [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [31 DRAM Clock] DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [31 DRAM Clock] ASUS H81M2 2-15...
Page 45
DRAM RAS# PRE Time [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [31 DRAM Clock] DRAM RAS# ACT Time [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] – [63 DRAM Clock] DRAM COMMAND Rate [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] [2 DRAM Clock] [3 DRAM Clock] Secondary Timings DRAM RAS# to RAS# Delay [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1 DRAM Clock] –...
Page 46
Configuration options: [Enable Both DIMMS] [Disable DIMM0] [Disable DIMM1] [Disable Both DIMMS] Channel B DIMM Control [Enable Bot...] Configuration options: [Enable Both DIMMS] [Disable DIMM0] [Disable DIMM1] [Disable Both DIMMS] Scrambler Setting [Optimized ...] Configuration options: [Optimized (ASUS)] [Default (MRC)] ASUS H81M2 2-17...
2.5.11 CPU Power Management The subitems in this menu allow you to set the CPU ratio and features. Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology [Enabled] ® Allows you to enable or disable the Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology (EIST). ® [Disabled] Disables this function. [Enabled] The operating system dynamically adjusts the processor voltage and core frequency which may result in decreased average consumption and...
Page 48
CPU Core Voltage Override [Auto] This item appears only when you set the CPU Core Voltage to [Manual Mode] and allows you to set the CPU core voltage override. The values range from 0.001V to 1.920V with a 0.001V interval. ASUS H81M2 2-19...
Page 49
2.5.13 CPU Cache Voltage [Auto] This item allows you to set the CPU cache voltage. Increase the cache voltage when increasing the ring frequency. Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual Mode] CPU Cache Voltage Override [Auto] This item appears only when you set the CPU Cache Voltage to [Manual Mode] and allows you to set the CPU cache voltage override.
Page 50
Allows you to set the DRAM Voltage. The values range from 1.500V to 1.650V with a 0.05V interval. According to Intel CPU specifications, DIMMs with voltage requirement over 1.65V may damage the CPU permanently. We recommend that you install the DIMMs with the voltage requirement below 1.65V. ASUS H81M2 2-21...
Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. 2.6.1 CPU Configuration The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects.
Page 52
Enables the CPU C states. [Disabled] Disables the CPU C states. The following items appear only when you set the CPU C states to [Enabled]. Enhanced C1 state [Enabled] [Enabled] Enables enhanced C1 state. [Disabled] Disables enhanced C1 state. ASUS H81M2 2-23...
CPU C3 Report [Enabled] Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C3 report to OS. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] CPU C6 report [Enabled] Allows you to disable or enable the CPU C6 report to OS. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] C6 Latency [Short] Allows you to choose short or long latency for C6.
Aggressive LPM Support [Auto] This item appears only when you set the previous item to [AHCI] and allows you to enable or disable PCH entering link power state aggressively. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS H81M2 2-25...
S.M.A.R.T. Status Check [Enabled] S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) is a monitor system. When read/write of your hard disk errors occur, this feature allows the hard disk to report warning messages during the POST. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Hot Plug [Disabled] These items appear only when you set the SATA Mode Selection item to [AHCI] and allow you to enable/disable SATA Hot Plug Support.
USB support is disabled. Intel xHCI Mode [Smart Auto] [Smart Auto] Enables the operation of xHCI controller. [Auto] Keeps the last operation of xHCI controller in OS during bootup. [Enabled] Enables the function. [Disabled] Disables the function. ASUS H81M2 2-27...
EHCI Hand-off [Disabled] [Enabled] Enables the support for operating systems without an EHCI hand-off feature. [Disabled] Disables the function. USB Single Port Control USB3_1~2 [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable an individual USB port. Refer to the section 1.2.3 Motherboard layout in this user manual for the locations of the USB ports.
Device Mode [STD Printe...] Allows you to select the Printer Port mode. Configuration options: [STD Printer Mode] [SPP Mode] [EPP-1.9 and SPP Mode] [EPP-1.7 and SPP Mode] [ECP Mode] [ECP and EPP 1.9 Mode] [ECP and EPP 1.7 Mode] ASUS H81M2 2-29...
2.6.8 Restore AC Power Loss [Power Off] [Power On] The system goes into on state after an AC power loss. [Power Off] The system goes into off state after an AC power loss. [Last State] The system goes into either off or on state, whatever the system state was before the AC power loss.
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard voltage regulators. Select Ignore if you do not want to detect this item. 2.7.4 CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled] [Disabled] Disables the CPU Q-Fan control feature. [Enabled] Enables the CPU Q-Fan control feature. ASUS H81M2 2-31...
Page 61
CPU Fan Speed Low Limit [200 RPM] This item appears only when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control feature and allows you to disable or set the CPU fan warning speed. Configuration options: [Ignore] [100RPM] [200RPM] [300 RPM] [400 RPM] [500 RPM] CPU Fan Profile [Standard] This item appears only when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control feature and allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU fan.
Page 62
60% to 100%. When the chassis temperature is under 40ºC, the chassis fan will operate at the minimum duty cycle. 2.7.6 Anti Surge Support [Disabled] This item allows you to enable or disable the Anti Surge function. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS H81M2 2-33...
Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Scroll down to display the other items. 2.8.1 Fast Boot [Enabled] [Enabled] Select to accelerate the boot speed. [Disabled] Select to go back to normal boot. The following five items appear when you set Fast Boot to [Enabled].
Page 64
Configuration options: [1 sec] ~ [10 sec] [Until Press ESC]. 2.8.3 Bootup NumLock State [On] [On] Sets the power-on state of the NumLock to [On]. [Off] Sets the power-on state of the NumLock to [Off]. ASUS H81M2 2-35...
Page 65
2.8.4 Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled] When this item is set to [Enabled], the system waits for the F1 key to be pressed when error occurs. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.8.5 Option ROM Messages [Force BIOS] [Force BIOS] The third-party ROM messages will be forced to display during the boot sequence.
The system verifies the PK before your system enters the OS. Delete PK Allows you to delete the PK from your system. Once the PK is deleted, all the system’s Secure Boot keys will not be active. Configuration options: [Yes] [No] ASUS H81M2 2-37...
Load PK from File Allows you to load the downloaded PK from a USB storage device. The PK file must be formatted as a UEFI variable structure with time-based authenticated variable. KEK Management The KEK (Key-exchange Key or Key Enrollment Key) manages the Signature database (db) and Revoked Signature database (dbx).
• To select the boot device during system startup, press <F8> when ASUS Logo appears. • To access Windows OS in Safe Mode, do any of the following: •...
<Enter> to display the submenu. 2.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. Press [Enter] to launch the ASUS EZ Flash 2 screen. For more details, see section 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2. 2.9.2 ASUS Overclocking Profile This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings.
This option allows you to exit the Setup program without saving your changes. When you select this option or if you press <Esc>, a confirmation window appears. Select Yes to discard changes and exit. ASUS EZ Mode This option allows you to enter the EZ Mode screen. Launch EFI Shell from filesystem device This option allows you to attempt to launch the EFI Shell application (shellx64.efi) from one of...
Appendices Notices Federal Communications Commission Statement This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: • This device may not cause harmful interference. • This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation.
ASUS Recycling/Takeback Services ASUS recycling and takeback programs come from our commitment to the highest standards for protecting our environment. We believe in providing solutions for you to be able to responsibly recycle our products, batteries, other components as well as the packaging materials.
+1-812-282-3777 +1-510-608-4555 Web site usa.asus.com Technical Support Telephone +1-812-282-2787 Support fax +1-812-284-0883 Online support support.asus.com ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany and Austria) Address Harkort Str. 21-23, D-40880 Ratingen, Germany +49-2102-959911 Web site www.asus.de Online contact www.asus.de/sales Technical Support Telephone +49-1805-010923* Support Fax...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the H81-M2 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers