P5QL Pro Software, BIOS, and Accessories
Asus includes several freeware and trial software packages with is P5QL Pro, plus utilities of its own.
For the P5QL Pro, Asus removed its AI Gear automatic overclocking utility from the AI Suite menu, retaining AI Nap, AI Booster, and Fan Xpert buttons
For the P5QL Pro, AI Booster allows the adjustment of CPU FSB frequency and multiplier, DRAM voltage and ratio, and PCIe frequency. We were able to use the CPU Frequency function to achieve mild overclocks. Using the utility to adjust the FSB clock on a heavily overclocked system resulted in a crash, even when we tried to use it to decrease speed.
Asus Fan Xpert has several profiles plus manual control for fan speed, but the P5QL Pro has only two onboard fan plugs for the controls to act upon.
PC Probe II monitors only a few voltage and temperature readings, since the low-cost P5QL Pro has fewer sensors than some of Asus’ more-expensive products.
BIOS
Asus provides a full set of BIOS controls for overclocking and memory optimization, though the range of some controls contradicts others.
| BIOS Frequency and Voltage settings (for overclocking) | |
|---|---|
| FSB Frequency | 200 to 800 MHz (1 MHz) |
| Clock Multiplier Adjustment | Yes |
| DRAM Ratios | Up to DDR2-1,200 (By Boot Strap) |
| PCIe Clock | 50 to 150 MHz (1 MHz) |
| CPU Vcore | 0.850 to 1.500 V (0.00625 V) |
| CPU FSB Voltage | 1.10 to 1.40 V (0.02 V) |
| Northbridge (MCH) | 1.10 to 1.40 V (0.02 V) |
| Southbridge (ICH) | 1.50 V, 1.70 V |
| DRAM Voltage | 1.80 - 2.30 V (0.01 V) |
| CASLatencyRange | |
| tCAS:3-11; tRCD: 3-18; tRP: 3-18; tRAS: 3-34 |
For example, the FSB clock can be increased to 800 MHz (FSB-3,200), yet the P5QL Pro doesn’t support nearly enough voltage to get the CPU core, FSB, or northbridge stable at super-high speeds. Similarly, memory can be set as high as DDR2-1200 as a starting point and can be further overclocked using FSB speed, but memory voltage is limited to moderately-safe levels.
The P5QL Pro has its most-important overclocking controls on a single scroll-down menu, eliminating redundant settings. For example, the CPU multiplier is only found in the CPU menu and not in the overclocking menu.
The Tools menu provides access to Asus EZ Flash 2 and Asus OC Profile. EZ Flash 2 allows flashing BIOS from non-bootable floppy and flash drives, while OC Profile allows the BIOS settings to be saved on one of two on-chip registers or a flash drive.
Accessories
| Accessories | |
|---|---|
| Documentation&Software | Motherboard ManualMotherboard Driver DVDAsus Case Badge |
| Hardware | 2x SATA Data Cable1x 4-pin to SATA power adapter1x 80-conductor Ultra ATA cable1x Floppy Cable1x Asus Q-Connector Kit1x I/O Panel Shield |
Like most low-cost motherboards, the P5QL Pro includes only two SATA cables. However, Asus does enhance its accessory kit with a Q-Connector set, which allows individual case leads to be bundled together prior to connecting them to the motherboard.
