K8N
User Guide
Contents
Notices ........................................................................................... vi
Safety information ......................................................................... vii
About this guide............................................................................ viii
Conventions used in this guide ........................................... viii
Typography.......................................................................... viii
K8N specifications summary .......................................................... ix
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome! ........................................................................... 1-2
1.2 Package contents ............................................................... 1-2
1.3 Special features.................................................................. 1-3
1.3.1 Product Highlights.................................................. 1-3
1.3.2 Unique ASUS features ........................................... 1-4
1.4 Before you proceed ............................................................ 1-5
1.5 Motherboard overview ........................................................ 1-6
1.5.1 Motherboard layout ................................................ 1-6
1.5.2 Placement direction ............................................... 1-7
1.5.3 Screw holes ........................................................... 1-7
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)........................................... 1-8
1.6.1 Overview ................................................................ 1-8
1.6.2 Installing the CPU .................................................. 1-9
1.7 System memory ............................................................... 1-10
1.7.1 DIMM sockets location......................................... 1-10
1.7.2 Memory configurations ........................................ 1-10
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM ................................................. 1-12
1.8 Expansion slots ................................................................ 1-12
1.8.1 Standard interrupt assignments ........................... 1-12
1.8.2 IRQ assignments for this motherboard ................ 1-13
1.8.3 PCI slots .............................................................. 1-13
1.8.4 AGP slot ............................................................... 1-14
1.9 Jumpers............................................................................ 1-15
1.10 Connectors ....................................................................... 1-17
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors......................................... 1-17
1.10.2 Internal connectors .............................................. 1-19
iii
Contents
Chapter 2: BIOS Information
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS .................................... 2-2
2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk ............................. 2-2
2.1.2 Using AFUDOS to update the BIOS ...................... 2-3
2.1.3 Using AFUDOS to copy BIOS from PC ................. 2-4
2.1.4 Using ASUS EZ Flash to update the BIOS ............ 2-5
2.1.5 Recovering the BIOS with CrashFree BIOS 2 ....... 2-6
2.2 BIOS Setup program .......................................................... 2-8
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen ................................................ 2-9
2.2.2 Menu bar ................................................................ 2-9
2.2.3 Navigation keys ..................................................... 2-9
2.2.4 Menu items .......................................................... 2-10
2.2.5 Sub-menu items................................................... 2-10
2.2.6 Configuration fields .............................................. 2-10
2.2.7 Pop-up window .................................................... 2-10
2.2.8 Scroll bar .............................................................. 2-10
2.2.9 General help ........................................................ 2-10
2.3 Main menu.........................................................................2-11
2.3.1 System Time .........................................................2-11
2.3.2 System Date .........................................................2-11
2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A .................................................2-11
2.3.4 Language ..............................................................2-11
2.3.5 Primary and Secondary IDE Master/Slave .......... 2-12
2.3.6 System Information .............................................. 2-13
2.4 Advanced menu ............................................................... 2-14
2.4.1 Instant Music Configuration ................................. 2-14
2.4.2 JumperFree Configuration ................................... 2-15
2.4.3 CPU Configuration ............................................... 2-16
2.4.4 Chipset................................................................. 2-17
2.4.5 Onboard Devices Configuration........................... 2-21
2.4.6 PCI PnP ............................................................... 2-22
2.5 Power menu ..................................................................... 2-24
2.5.1 ACPI Suspend Mode ........................................... 2-24
2.5.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume............................... 2-24
2.5.3 ACPI 2.0 Support ................................................. 2-24
2.5.4 ACPI APIC Support.............................................. 2-24
2.5.5 APM Configuration ............................................... 2-25
2.5.6 Hardware Monitor ................................................ 2-26
iv
Contents
2.6 Boot menu ........................................................................ 2-28
2.6.1 Boot Device Priority ............................................. 2-28
2.6.2 Hard Disk Drives .................................................. 2-29
2.6.3 Boot Settings Configuration ................................. 2-29
2.6.4 Security ................................................................ 2-30
2.7 Exit menu ......................................................................... 2-33
Chapter 3: Software support
3.1 Install an operating system................................................. 3-2
3.2 Support CD information ...................................................... 3-2
3.2.1 Running the support CD ........................................ 3-2
3.2.2 Drivers menu ......................................................... 3-3
3.2.3 Utilities menu ......................................................... 3-4
3.2.4 Manual menu ......................................................... 3-5
3.2.5 ASUS Contact Information..................................... 3-6
3.3 ASUS Instant Music Lite..................................................... 3-7
3.4 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology .............................................. 3-9
v
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, and
This device must accept any interference received including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is
required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modifications
to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise
emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference
Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Where to find more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and
software updates.
1. ASUS Websites
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and
software products. The ASUS websites are listed in the ASUS Contact
Information on the inside front cover.
2. Optional Documentation
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty
flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not
part of the standard package.
vi
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.
•
•
•
Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that
all power cables are unplugged.
Seek professional assistance before using an adpater or extension cord. These
devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.
Make sure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you
are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your
local power company.
•
If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified
service technician or your retailer.
Operation safety
•
Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the
manuals that came with the package.
•
Before using the product, make sure all cables are correctly connected and the
power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer
immediately.
•
•
To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from
connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.
Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any
area where it may become wet.
•
•
Place the product on a stable surface.
If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified service
technician or your retailer.
vii
About this guide
Conventions used in this guide
To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following
symbols used throughout this manual.
WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to
complete a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when
trying to complete a task.
IMPORTANT: Information that you MUST follow to complete a task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to aid in completing a task.
Typography
Bold text
Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
Italics
<Key>
Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign
indicates that you must press the enclosed key.
Example: <Enter> indicates that you must press the
Enter or Return key.
<Multiple key names>
If you must press two or more keys simultaneously,
the key names are linked with a plus sign (+).
Example: <Ctrl+Alt+D>
Command
Means that you must enter the command exactly as
shown then supply the appropriate values that
appear in brackets. Example:
At the DOS prompt, type the command line:
afudos /i[filename]
In this example, you must supply a filename for
[filename].
afudos /iK8N.ROM
viii
K8N specifications summary
CPU
Socket 754 for AMD Athlon™ 64 and AMD Sempron™ CPUs
Supports AMD 64 architecture that enables simultaneous
32-bit and 64-bit computing
Supports AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology
NVIDIA® nForce™ 3 250
800 MHz
Chipset
System Bus
Memory
3 x 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets for up to 3GB unbuffered
ECC and non-ECC PC3200/PC2700/PC2100/PC1600
SDRAM memory
Expansion slots
Storage
1 x AGP 8X/4X
5 x PCI
NVIDIA® nForce™ 3 250 supports:
- 2 x Ultra ATA 133 connector
- 2 x Serial ATA connectors
- RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1 and JBOD sets
LAN
IC Plus IP101 10/100 LAN PHY
Realtek® ALC850 8-channel CODEC
Audio Sensing and Enumeration Technology
Coaxial and Optical S/PDIF out support
AI Audio
AI BIOS
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2
AI Overclocking
CPU, Memory and AGP voltage adjustable
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection) from 200 MHz up to
300 MHz at 1 MHz increment
Adjustable FSB/DDR ratio. Fixed AGP/PCI frequencies
ASUS JumperFree
ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
USB
Maximum of eight USB 2.0 ports
Special features
ASUS MyLogo2™
ASUS Instant Music Lite
ASUS EZ Flash
Multi-Language BIOS
Back Panel I/O
1 x Parallel port
1 x Serial port
1 x PS/2 keyboard port
1 x PS/2 mouse port
4 x USB 2.0 ports
1 x RJ-45 port
1 x 8-channel audio I/O ports
1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port
1 x Coaxial S/PDIF Out port
(continued on the next page)
ix
K8N specifications summary
2 x USB 2.0 connector for 4 additional USB ports
Internal I/O
CPU/Chassis/Power fan connectors
20-pin/4-pin ATX 12V power connectors
Chassis intrusion connector
CD/AUX connectors
GAME/MIDI connector
Front Panel connector
4Mb Flash EEPROM
BIOS features
AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, Multi-Language BIOS,
SM BIOS 2.3, ASUS EZ Flash, ASUS MyLogo2, ASUS
CrashFree BIOS 2
PCI 2.2, USB 2.0
Industry standard
Manageability
WfM2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME,
Chassis intrusion
ATX power supply (with 4-pin 12V plug)
Power Requirement
Form Factor
ATX form factor: 12 in x 9.6 in (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)
Device drivers
Support CD contents
ASUS PC Probe
ASUS Live Update utility
Anti-virus utility
* Specifications are subject to change without notice.
x
Chapter 1
This chapter describes the features of the
motherboard. It includes brief descriptions of the
motherboard components, and illustrations of the
layout, jumper settings, and connectors.
Product introduction
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying the ASUS® K8N motherboard!
The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies making it
another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!
The motherboard combines the powers of the AMD Athlon™ 64 or AMD
Sempron™ processor with the NVIDIA® nForce3 250 chipset to set a new
benchmark for an effective desktop platform solution.
Supporting up to 3GB of system memory with PC3200/PC2700/PC2100/PC1600
DDR SDRAM, high-resolution graphics via an AGP 8X slot, Serial ATA RAID, USB
2.0, and 8-channel audio features, the motherboard takes you ahead in the world
of power computing!
Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the
items in your package with the list below.
1.2 Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
ASUS K8N motherboard
ASUS motherboard support CD
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cables
2 x Serial ATA cables
1 x Floppy disk cable
I/O shield
Bag of extra jumper caps
User guide
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
1-2
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product Highlights
Latest processor technology
The motherboard supports the AMD Athlon™ 64 and AMD Sempron™ desktop
processors. The AMD Athlon™ 64 is based on AMD’s 64-bit architecture, which
represents the landmark introduction of the industry’s first x86-64 technology. This
processor provides a dramatic leap forward in compatibility, performance,
investment protection, and reduced total cost of ownership and development.
The AMD Sempron™ is a 32-bit processor that provides the performance needs of
value-conscious buyers. This processor is designed to deliver best-in-class
performance for everyday computing.
HyperTransport™ Technology
HyperTransport™ Technology is a high-speed, low latency, point-to-point link
designed to increase the communication speed between integrated circuits in
computers, networking and telecommunicatons equipment up to 48 times faster
than other existing technologies.
Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology
The motherboard supports the AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology that dynamically
and automatically changes the CPU speed, voltage and amount of power
depending on the task the CPU performs.
Serial ATA solution
The motherboard supports two interfaces compliant to the Serial ATA (SATA)
specification, an evolutionary replacement of the Parallel ATA storage interface.
The Serial ATA specification allows for thinner, more flexible cables with lower pin
count, reduced voltage requirement, up to 150 MB/s data transfer rate.
Serial ATA RAID solution
The motherboard provides an onboard high-performance Serial ATA RAID
controller that enhance hard disk performance and data backup protection without
the cost of additional RAID cards.
AI Audio technology
The motherboard supports 8-channel audio through the onboard ALC850 CODEC
with 16-bit DAC, a stereo 16-bit ADC, and an AC97 2.3 compatible multi-channel
audio designed for PC multimedia systems. It also features intelligent detection of
plugged peripherals into the audio ports and identifies any incompatible devices.
AGP 8X support
AGP 8X (AGP 3.0) is the VGA interface specification that enables enhanced
graphics performance with maximum bandwidth speeds of up to 2.12 GB/s.
ASUS K8N motherboard
1-3
S/PDIF out
The motherboard’s S/PDIF out function turns your computer into a high-end
entertainment system with digital connectivity to powerful speaker systems.
USB 2.0 technology
The motherboard implements the new Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0
specification, extending the connection speed from 12 Mbps on USB 1.1 to a fast
480 Mbps on USB 2.0 - supporting up to eight USB 2.0 ports. The higher
bandwidth of USB 2.0 allows connection of devices such as high resolution video
conferencing cameras, next generation scanners and printers, and fast storage
units. USB 2.0 is backward compatible with USB 1.1.
1.3.2 Unique ASUS features
CrashFree BIOS 2
This feature allows you to restore the original BIOS data from the ASUS support
CD in case when the BIOS codes and data are corrupted. This protection
eliminates the need to buy a replacement ROM chip. See page 2-6.
C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
The C.P.R. feature of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to the
BIOS default settings in case the system hangs due to overclocking. When the
system hangs due to overclocking, C.P.R. eliminates the need to open the system
chassis and clear the RTC data. Simply shut down and reboot the system, and
BIOS automatically restores the CPU previous setting for each parameter.
ASUS MyLogo2™
This new feature present in the motherboard allows you to personalize and add
style to your system with customizable boot logos. See pages 2-31.
ASUS EZ Flash BIOS
With the ASUS EZ Flash, you can easily update the system BIOS even before
loading the operating system. No need to use a DOS-based utility or boot from a
floppy disk. See page 2-5.
Instant Music Lite
This unique feature allows you to playback audio CDs even without booting the
system to Windows®. Just press the ASUS Instant Music special function keys and
enjoy the music! See details on pages 2-25 and 3-5.
ASUS Multi-language BIOS
The multi-language BIOS allows you to select the language of your choice from the
available options. The localized BIOS menus allow you to configure easier and
faster. See details on page 2-11.
1-4
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.4 Before you proceed
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components
or change any motherboard settings.
1. Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any
component.
2. Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or to a metal
object, such as the power supply case, before handling components to
avoid damaging them due to static electricity.
3. Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
4. Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic
pad or in the bag that came with the component.
5. Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX
power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the
power supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the
motherboard, peripherals, and/or components.
Onboard LED
The motherboard comes with a stand-by power LED. When lit, this green LED
indicates that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode, a reminder that
you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or
plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location
of the onboard LED.
SB_PWR
®
ON
OFF
Standby
Power
Powered
Off
K8N
K8N Onboard LED
ASUS K8N motherboard
1-5
1.5 Motherboard overview
1.5.1 Motherboard layout
24.5cm (9.6in)
PS/2KBMS
T: Mouse
B: Keyboard
CPU_FAN
ATX12V
SPDIF_O1
SPDIF_O2
COM1
USB1
USB2
USBPW12
USBPW34
USB2.0
T: USB3
B: USB4
Top:
RJ-45
Top:
Rear Surround L/R
Middle:
Side surround L/R
Bottom:
Center/Subwoofer
PWR_FAN
Top:Line In
Center:Line Out
Below:Mic In
SATA2
SATA1
FP_AUDIO
Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)
Audio
Codec
nVIDIA
nForce3
250
PCI1
PCI2
R
4Mbit
BIOS
CHA_FAN
PCI3
FLOPPY
SB_PWR
USBPW56
USBPW78
PCI4
K8N
Super
I/O
CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
PCI5
CLRTC
GAME
USB56
USB78
CHASSIS
PANEL
USBPW12
USBPW34
USBPW56
USBPW78
CLRTC
PANEL
Speaker
2
1 2
3
Connector
Power LED
2
1 2
3
2
1 2
3
Normal
Clear CMOS
(Default)
+5V
(Default)
+5VSB
+5V
(Default)
+5VSB
Reset SW
ATX Power
Switch*
IDE_LED
* Requires an ATX power supply.
1-6
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.5.2 Placement direction
When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in
the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the
chassis as indicated in the image below.
1.5.3 Screw holes
Place nine (9) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard
to the chassis.
Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so may damage the motherboard.
Place this side towards
the rear of the chassis
R
ASUS K8N motherboard
1-7
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
1.6.1 Overview
The motherboard comes with a surface mount 754-pin Zero Insertion Force (ZIF)
socket designed for the AMD Athlon™ 64 and AMD Sempron™ processors.
The 128-bit-wide data paths of these processors can run applications faster than
processors with only 32-bit or 64-bit wide data paths.
®
K8N
Gold Arrow
K8N CPU Socket 754
Incorrect installation of the CPU into the socket may bend the pins and severely
damage the CPU!
1-8
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.6.2 Installing the CPU
Follow these steps to install a CPU.
1. Locate the 754-pin ZIF socket on the motherboard.
2. Unlock the socket by pressing the
lever sideways, then lift it up to a
90°-100° angle.
Socket Lever
Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90°-100° angle, otherwise the
CPU does not fit in completely.
3. Position the CPU above the socket
such that the CPU corner with the
gold triangle matches the socket
corner with a small triangle.
4. Carefully insert the CPU into the
socket until it fits in place.
Gold triangle
Small triangle
The CPU fits only in one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the
socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU!
5. When the CPU is in place, push
down the socket lever to secure the
CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab
to indicate that it is locked.
6. Install specifically designed heatsink
and fan assembly.
ASUS K8N motherboard
1-9
1.7 System memory
1.7.1 DIMM sockets location
The following figure illustrates the location of the DDR DIMM sockets.
®
K8N
K8N 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets
Make sure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or
other system components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to both
the motherboard and the components.
1.7.2 Memory configurations
You may install 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, and 1GB DDR DIMMs into the
DIMM sockets using the memory configurations in this section.
Important notes
•
•
Installing DDR DIMMs other than the given memory configurations may
cause memory sizing error or system boot failure. Use any of the memory
configurations in Table 1.
For optimum compatibility, obtain memory modules from qualified
vendors. See Qualified Vendors List on page 1-11.
•
•
Use the blue DIMM slot first.
Stacked RAM and DDR DIMM modules with more than |