A7N8X-LA
(Focus)
User Guide
A7N8X-LA (Focus) specifications summary
CPU
Socket A for AMD Athlon™/Athlon XP™
Supports up to Athlon XP™ 3200+
Chipset
nVidia nForce2 400 SPP
nVidia MCP-T
Front Side Bus (FSB)
Memory
400/333/266 MHz
2 x 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets for up to 2GB memory
Supports PC2700/PC2100 double-sided DDR
Expansion slots
IDE
1 x AGP 8X slot
3 x PCI slots
2 x UltraDMA100/66/33 connectors, PIO Mode 3/4
Supports ATAPI IDE, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW and LS-120
Onboard Audio
RealTek ALC650 6-channel audio CODEC subsystem
AC’97 2.2 compliant
Onboard LAN
Realtek 8201BL LAN PHY supports 10/100 Mbps
Onboard IEEE 1394
Agere FW802C PHY supports 2 x 1394 ports with
400/200/100Mbps data transfer rate
Hardware monitoring
Special features
Super I/O integrated monitoring of CPU and chassis fan
rotations and CPU/chassis temperature
Wakeup on Ring, LAN, Keyboard, PS/2 Mouse, RTC Timer
Supports ACPI STR (S3) function
Restart/Off Setup of AC recovery from power failure
Rear 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 IEEE 1394 port
Line In/Line Out/Microphone ports
Internal I/O
1 x USB 2.0 connector for 2 additional USB ports
1 x IEEE 1394 connector for additional 1394 port
CPU/chassis fan connectors
20-pin ATX power connectors
S/PDIF out connector
CD/AUX audio connectors
Front headphone connector
Front MIC-IN connector
(Continued next page)
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A7N8X-LA (Focus) specifications summary
BIOS features
4Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS with Enhanced ACPI,
DMI, Green, PnP features
Industry Standard
Form factor
USB 2.0/1.1, PCI 2.2
MicroATX form factor: 9.6 in x 9.6 in (24.5 cm x 24.5 cm)
* Specifications are subject to change without notice
iv
1. Motherboard layout
24.5cm (9.64in)
PS/2
T: Mouse
B: Keyboard
Socket 462
CPU_FAN1
COM1
Bottom:
Top:
USB1
1394
nVidia
USB2
nForce2
400 SPP
Chipset
Bottom:
Top:
RJ-45
USB1
USB2
Top:Line In
Center:Line Out
Below:Mic In
0
1
4
5
Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP8X1)
Realtek
RTL8201
Super
I/O
A7N8X-LA/Focus
CHA_FAN1
PCI 1
nVIDIA
MCP-T
Chipset
BAT1
J11
ASPDIF1
PCI 2
Agere
4Mb
BIOS
1394
CLRTC1
PHY
HJACK1
PCI 3
CD1 AUX1
BUZZ1
Audio
Codec
FP_MIC1
USB56
IEEE1394_1
HPANEL
ASUS A7N8X-LA (Focus) Motherboard
1
2. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The motherboard provides a Socket A (462) for CPU installation. AMD processors
offer gigahertz speeds to support all latest computing platforms and applications.
The A7N8X-LA supports AMD Athlon™/Athlon XP™ 3200+ processors. This
motherboard supports 400/333/266MHz front side bus (FSB), and allows data
transfers of up to 2.7GB/s with PC2700 DDR.
Each AMD CPU has a “marked” corner. This corner is usually indicated with a
notch and/or a golden square or triangle. Refer to this indicator while orienting the
CPU. A fan and a heatsink should be attached to the CPU to prevent overheating.
CPU NOTCH
TO INNER
CORNER
LOCK
LEVER
A7N8X-LA/Focus
CPU NOTCH
AMD™ CPU
A7N8X-LA/Focus
Socket 462
Installing the CPU
Follow these steps to install a CPU.
1. Locate the Socket 462 and open it by
pulling the lever gently sideways
away from the socket. Then lift the
lever upwards. The socket lever
must be fully opened (90 to 100
degrees).
2. Insert the CPU with the correct
orientation. The notched or golden
corner of the CPU must be oriented
toward the inner corner of the socket
base nearest to the lever hinge.
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!
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ASUS A7N8X-LA (Focus) Motherboard
3. System memory
The motherboard comes with two Double Data Rate (DDR) Dual Inline Memory
Module (DIMM) sockets. These sockets support up to 2GB system memory using
184-pin unbuffered non-ECC PC2700/PC2100 double-sided DDR DIMMs.
The following figure illustrates the location of the DDR DIMM sockets.
104 Pins
A7N8X-LA/Focus
80 Pins
A7N8X-LA/Focus
184-Pin DDR DIMM Sockets
CAUTION: DIMMs are keyed to fit with only one direction. DO NOT force a
DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM.
Installing a DIMM
You may install 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, and 1GB DDR DIMMs into the
DIMM sockets using the memory configurations in this section.
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.
DDR DIMM notch
Follow these steps to install a DIMM.
1. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing
the retaining clips outward.
2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that
the notch on the DIMM matches the
break on the socket.
3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the socket
until the retaining clips snap back in
Unlocked Retaining Clip
place and the DIMM is properly
seated.
ASUS A7N8X-LA (Focus) Motherboard
3
4. Expansion slots
The motherboard has three PCI slots and one Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) slot.
To install and configure an expansion card:
1. Install an expansion card following the instructions that came with the chassis.
2. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any.
3. Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables below.
4. Install the drivers and/or software applications for the expansion card
according to the card documentation.
Standard interrupt assignments
IRQ
0
Priority
Standard Function
System Timer
1
1
2
Keyboard Controller
2
3*
4*
5*
6
7*
8
9*
10*
11*
12*
13
14*
15*
N/A
11
12
13
14
15
3
4
5
6
7
Programmable Interrupt
Communications Port (COM2)
Communications Port (COM1)
Sound Card (sometimes LPT2)
Floppy Disk Controller
Printer Port (LPT1)
System CMOS/Real Time Clock
ACPI Mode when used
IRQ holder for PCI steering
IRQ holder for PCI steering
PS/2 Compatible Mouse Port
Numeric Data Processor
Primary IDE Channel
8
9
10
Secondary IDE Channel
*
These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices.
IRQ assignments for this motherboard
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
PCI slot 1
shared
PCI slot 2
used
PCI slot 3
used
AGP slot
shared
Onboard USB controller 1
Onboard LAN
Onboard audio
Onboard 1394 controller
4
ASUS A7N8X-LA (Focus) Motherboard
PCI slots
There are three (3) 32-bit PCI slots on this motherboard. The slots support PCI
cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with
PCI specifications. The figure below shows a typical PCI card installed into a slot.
AGP slot
This motherboard has an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) slot that supports
AGP 8X cards. When you buy an AGP card, make sure that you ask for one with
+1.5V specification.
Note the notches on the card golden fingers to ensure that they fit the AGP slot on
your motherboard.
Install only +1.5V AGP cards on this motherboard!
AGP Card without Retention Notch
A7N8X-LA/Focus
A7N8X-LA/Focus
Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP8X)
ASUS A7N8X-LA (Focus) Motherboard
5
5. Jumpers
1. Clear RTC (3-pin CLRTC1)
This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS.
You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters
by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The RAM data in CMOS, that include
system setup information, is powered by the onboard button cell battery.
To erase the RTC RAM:
1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.
2. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (Default) to pins 2-3 (Clear CMOS).
Keep the cap on pins 2-3 for about 5~10 seconds, then move the cap
back to pins 1-2.
3. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.
4. Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup
to re-enter data.
Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the jumper caps on default
position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!
CLRTC1
A7N8X-LA/Focus
1 2
2 3
Normal
Clear CMOS
A7N8X-LA/Focus
Clear RTC RAM
(Default)
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ASUS A7N8X-LA (Focus) Motherboard
2. Clear Password (3-pin J11)
This jumper allows you to clear the password in CMOS. To erase the Password
move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (Default) to pins 2-3 (Clear Password).
Keep the cap on pins 2-3 for about 5~10 seconds, then move the cap back to
pins 1-2. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer. Hold down the <Del>
key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-enter data.
J11
1 2
2 3
A7N8X-LA/Focus
Normal
Clear Password
(Default)
A7N8X-LA/Focus
Clear Password Setting
ASUS A7N8X-LA (Focus) Motherboard
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6. Connectors
This section describes and illustrates the internal connectors on the motherboard.
1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY1)
This connector supports the provided floppy drive ribbon cable. After
connecting one end to the motherboard, connect the other end to the floppy
drive. (Pin 5 is removed to prevent incorrect insertion when using ribbon cables
with pin 5 plug).
FLOPPY1
NOTE: Orient the red markings on
the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1
A7N8X-LA/Focus
PIN 1
A7N8X-LA/Focus
Floppy Disk Drive Connector
2. ATX power connectors (20-pin ATXPWR1)
These connectors connect to an ATX 12V power supply. The plugs from the
power supply are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find
the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.
Make sure that your ATX 12V power supply can provide 8A on the +12V lead
and at least 1A on the +5-volt standby lead (+5VSB). The minimum
recommended wattage is 230W, or 300W for a fully configured system. The
system may become unstable and may experience difficulty powering up if the
power supply is inadequate.
ATXPWR1
+12.0VDC
+5VSB
PWR_OK
COM
+5.0VDC
+5.0VDC
-5.0VDC
COM
+5.0VDC
COM
COM
COM
A7N8X-LA/Focus
+5.0VDC
COM
PS_ON#
COM
+3.3VDC
+3.3VDC
-12.0VDC
+3.3VDC
A7N8X-LA/Focus
ATX Power Connector
8
ASUS A7N8X-LA (Focus) Motherboard
3. IDE connectors (40-1 pin IDE1, IDE2)
This connector supports the provided UltraDMA100/66/33 IDE hard disk ribbon
cable. Connect the cable’s blue connector to the primary (recommended) or
secondary IDE connector, then connect the gray connector to the
UltraDMA100/66/33 slave device (hard disk drive) and the black connector to the
UltraDMA100/66/33 master device. It is recommended that you connect non-
UltraDMA100/66/33 devices to the secondary IDE connector. If you install two
hard disks, you must configure the second drive as a slave device by setting its
jumper accordingly. Refer to the hard disk documentation for the jumper settings.
BIOS supports specific device bootup. If you have more than two
UltraDMA100/66/33 devices, purchase another UltraDMA100/66/33 cable. You
may configure two hard disks to be both master devices with two ribbon cables –
one for the primary IDE connector and another for the secondary IDE connector.
1. Pin 20 on each IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole on the
UltraDMA cable connector. This prevents incorrect orientation when you
connect the cables.
2. The hole near the blue connector on the UltraDMA100/66/33 cable is
intentional.
NOTE: Orient the red markings
(usually zigzag) on the IDE
ribbon cable to PIN 1.
A7N8X-LA/Focus
PIN 1
A7N8X-LA/Focus
IDE Connectors
ASUS A7N8X-LA (Focus) Motherboard
9
4. CPU and Chassis Fan Connectors (3-pin CPU_FAN1, CHA_FAN1)
The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350mA~740mA (8.88W max.) or a
total of 1A~2.22A (26.64W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cables to the fan
connectors on the motherboard, making sure that the black wire of each cable
matches the ground pin of the connector.
Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Lack of sufficient
air flow within the system may damage the motherboard components. These
are not jumpers! DO NOT place jumper caps on the fan connectors!
CPU_FAN1
A7N8X-LA/Focus
CHA_FAN1
A7N8X-LA/Focus
12-Volt Cooling Fan Power
5. Internal audio connectors (4-pin CD1, AUX1)
These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources
such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card.
CD1 (Black) AUX1 (White)
A7N8X-LA/Focus
A7N8X-LA/Focus
Internal Audio Connectors
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ASUS A7N8X-LA (Focus) Motherboard
6. USB headers (10-1 pin USB56)
If the USB ports on the rear panel are inadequate, a USB header is available
for additional USB ports. The USB header complies with USB 2.0 specification
that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed. This speed advantage over
the conventional 12 Mbps on USB 1.1 allows faster Internet connection,
interactive gaming, and simultaneous running of high-speed peripherals. You
may connect a USB module to the USB header.
The USB module is purchased separately.
A7N8X-LA/Focus
USB56
1
A7N8X-LA/Focus
USB 2.0 Header
7. IEEE 1394 connector (10-1 pin IEEE1394_1)
This connector is for a 10-to-6-pin 1394 serial connector cable that connects to
a 1394 module. Attach the 10-1 pin cable plug to this connector, and the 6-pin
cable plug to the 1394 module. You may also connect a 1394-compliant
internal hard disk to this connector.
NEVER connect a USB cable to any of the IEEE 1394 connectors. Doing so
will damage the motherboard!
IEEE1394_1
A7N8X-LA/Focus
1
A7N8X-LA/Focus
IEEE-1394 Connectors
ASUS A7N8X-LA (Focus) Motherboard
11
8. Front headphone connector (5-pin HJACK1)
This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel headphone jack.
HJACK1
A7N8X-LA/Focus
1
A7N8X-LA/Focus
Front HeadPhone Header Connector
9. Front microphone connector (3-pin FP_MIC1)
This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel microphone jack. Use a
3-pin audio cable to connect the microphone jack to this connector.
FP_MIC1
A7N8X-LA/Focus
A7N8X-LA/Focus
Front Microphone Connector
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ASUS A7N8X-LA (Focus) Motherboard
10. Digital audio connector (3-pin ASPDIF1)
This connector is for an S/PDIF audio module that allows digital instead of
analog sound output. Connect one end of the audio cable to this connector and
the other end to the S/PDIF module.
ASPDIF1
A7N8X-LA/Focus
A7N8X-LA/Focus
Digital Audio Interface
ASUS A7N8X-LA (Focus) Motherboard
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11. System panel connector (10-pin HPANEL)
This connector accommodates several system front panel functions.
ATX Power
Switch*
Power LED
HPANEL
A7N8X-LA/Focus
HDLED Reset SW
A7N8X-LA/Focus
Front Panel Audio Connector
•
•
•
System Power LED Lead (2-pin PLED)
This 3-1 pin connector connects to the system power LED. The LED lights up
when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep
mode.
Hard Disk Activity LED Lead (2-pin HDLED)
This 2-pin connector is for the HDD LED cable. The read or write activities of
the device connected to the any of IDE connectors cause the IDE LED to light
up.
ATX Power Switch / Soft-Off Switch Lead (2-pin PWR)
This connector connects a switch that controls the system power. Pressing the
power switch turns the system between ON and SLEEP, or ON and SOFT
OFF, depending on the BIOS or OS settings. Pressing the power switch while
in the ON mode for more than 4 seconds turns the system OFF.
•
Reset Switch Lead (2-pin RESET)
This 2-pin connector connects to the case-mounted reset switch for rebooting
the system without turning off the system power.
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ASUS A7N8X-LA (Focus) Motherboard
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