Asus Computer Hardware A8N5X User Manual

A8N5X  
Contents  
Notices............................................................................................... vii  
Safety information ............................................................................ viii  
About this guide ................................................................................. ix  
How this guide is organized .................................................... ix  
Where to find more information .............................................. ix  
Conventions used in this guide ................................................ x  
Typography.......................................................................................... x  
A8N5X specifications summary .......................................................... xi  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.1  
1.2  
1.3  
Welcome!.............................................................................. 1-2  
Package contents ................................................................. 1-2  
Special features.................................................................... 1-3  
1.3.1  
1.3.2  
1.3.3  
Product highlights................................................... 1-3  
ASUS Proactive features ........................................ 1-5  
Innovative ASUS features ....................................... 1-6  
1.4  
1.5  
Before you proceed .............................................................. 1-7  
Motherboard overview.......................................................... 1-8  
1.5.1  
1.5.2  
1.5.3  
Placement direction ................................................ 1-8  
Screw holes ............................................................ 1-8  
Motherboard layout ................................................ 1-9  
1.6  
1.7  
Central Processing Unit (CPU) ............................................1-10  
1.6.1  
1.6.2  
1.6.3  
Overview...............................................................1-10  
Installling the CPU .................................................1-10  
Installing the heatsink and fan..............................1-12  
System memory .................................................................1-15  
1.7.1  
1.7.2  
1.7.3  
1.7.4  
Overview...............................................................1-15  
Memory Configurations.........................................1-15  
Installing a DIMM ...................................................1-17  
Removing a DIMM .................................................1-17  
1.8  
Expansion slots...................................................................1-18  
1.8.1  
1.8.2  
1.8.3  
1.8.4  
Installing an expansion card..................................1-18  
Configuring an expansion card..............................1-18  
Interrupt assignments ..........................................1-19  
PCI slots................................................................1-20  
iii  
Contents  
1.8.5  
1.8.6  
PCI Express x16 slot .............................................1-20  
PCI Express x1 slot ...............................................1-20  
1.9  
Jumpers ..............................................................................1-21  
1.10 Connectors .........................................................................1-22  
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors ..........................................1-22  
1.10.2 Internal connectors...............................................1-24  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
2.1  
Managing and updating your BIOS ........................................ 2-2  
2.1.1  
2.1.2  
2.1.3  
2.1.4  
2.1.5  
2.1.6  
Creating a bootable floppy disk.............................. 2-2  
Updating the BIOS .................................................. 2-3  
Saving the current BIOS file.................................... 2-5  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility ................................ 2-6  
ASUS EZ Flash utility .............................................. 2-8  
ASUS Update utility ................................................ 2-9  
2.2  
BIOS setup program ...........................................................2-12  
2.2.1  
2.2.2  
2.2.3  
2.2.4  
2.2.5  
2.2.6  
2.2.8  
2.2.7  
BIOS menu screen.................................................2-13  
Menu bar...............................................................2-13  
Legend bar ...........................................................2-14  
Menu items ...........................................................2-14  
Sub-menu items ...................................................2-14  
Configuration fields ..............................................2-14  
General help ..........................................................2-15  
Pop-up window .....................................................2-15  
2.3  
Main menu ..........................................................................2-16  
2.3.1  
2.3.2  
2.3.3  
2.3.4  
2.3.5  
2.3.6  
2.3.7  
2.3.8  
System Time.........................................................2-16  
System Date .........................................................2-16  
Language ..............................................................2-16  
Legacy Diskette A ................................................2-16  
Primary and Secondary IDE Master/Slave.............2-17  
First, Second, Third, Fourth SATA Master ............2-19  
HDD SMART Monitoring ........................................2-20  
Installed Memory ..................................................2-20  
2.4  
Advanced menu..................................................................2-21  
2.4.1 CPU Configuration.................................................2-21  
i v  
Contents  
2.4.2  
2.4.3  
2.4.4  
2.4.5  
2.4.6  
2.4.7  
PCIPnP...................................................................2-23  
Onboard Devices Configuration ............................2-24  
JumperFree Configuration ....................................2-28  
LAN Cable Status .................................................2-30  
PEG Link Mode ......................................................2-30  
Instant Music ........................................................2-31  
2.5  
2.6  
Power menu........................................................................2-32  
2.5.1  
2.5.2  
2.5.3  
2.5.4  
ACPI Suspend Type...............................................2-32  
ACPI APIC Support ................................................2-32  
APM Configuration ................................................2-33  
Hardware Monitor .................................................2-35  
Boot menu ..........................................................................2-36  
2.6.1  
2.6.2  
2.6.3  
2.6.4  
2.6.5  
2.6.6  
Boot Device Priority..............................................2-36  
Removable Drives .................................................2-37  
Hard Disk Drives ...................................................2-37  
CDROM Drives .......................................................2-37  
Boot Settings Configuration .................................2-38  
Security ................................................................2-39  
2.7  
Exit menu ...........................................................................2-41  
Chapter 3: Software support  
3.1  
Installing an operating system ............................................. 3-2  
3.2  
Support CD information........................................................ 3-2  
3.2.1  
3.2.2  
3.2.3  
3.2.4  
3.2.5  
3.2.6  
Running the support CD ......................................... 3-2  
Drivers menu .......................................................... 3-3  
Utilities menu.......................................................... 3-4  
Manuals menu ......................................................... 3-6  
ASUS Contact information...................................... 3-7  
Other information ................................................... 3-7  
3.3  
Software information ........................................................... 3-9  
3.3.1  
3.3.2  
ASUS MyLogo2™ .................................................... 3-9  
AI NET 2 ...............................................................3-11  
Using the Virtual Cable Tester™ ...........................3-11  
Audio configurations ............................................3-12  
Using the NVIDIA® Firewall™ .................................3-18  
3.3.3  
3.3.4  
v
Contents  
3.4  
RAID configurations ............................................................3-21  
3.4.1  
3.4.2  
Installing hard disks ..............................................3-22  
NVIDIA® RAID configurations ...............................3-23  
3.5  
3.6  
Creating a RAID driver disk .................................................3-30  
Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology...............................................3-31  
3.6.1  
3.6.2  
Enabling Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology...................3-31  
Launching the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software..............3-32  
v i  
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.  
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a  
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are  
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a  
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio  
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with  
manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio  
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not  
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful  
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by  
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct  
the interference by one or more of the following measures:  
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.  
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to  
which the receiver is connected.  
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.  
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.  
vii  
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 adapter 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.  
viii  
About this guide  
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and  
configuring the motherboard.  
How this guide is organized  
This manual contains the following parts:  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new  
technology it supports. It also lists the hardware setup procedures  
that you have to perform when installing system components. It  
includes description of the jumpers and connectors on the  
motherboard.  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS  
Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also  
provided.  
Chapter 3: Software support  
This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes  
with the motherboard package.  
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. Refer to the ASUS contact information.  
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.  
i x  
Conventions used in this guide  
To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the  
following symbols used throughout this manual.  
DANGER/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: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a  
task.  
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a  
task.  
Typography  
Bold text  
Italics  
Indicates a menu or an item to select  
Used to emphasize a word or a phrase  
<Key>  
Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign means  
that you must press the enclosed key  
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or  
Return key  
<Key1+Key2+Key3>  
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 type the command exactly as shown,  
then supply the required item or value enclosed in  
brackets  
Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line:  
awdflash A8NE.ROM  
x
A8N5X specifications summary  
CPU  
Socket 939 for AMD Athlon™ 64 X2/AMD Athlon™ 64FX  
and AMD Athlon™ 64 processors  
Supports AMD 64 architecture that enables simultaneous  
32-bit and 64-bit architecture  
Supports AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet! Technology  
NVIDIA® nForce™ 4  
Chipset  
System Bus  
Memory  
1600/2000 MT per second  
Dual-channel memory architecture  
4 x 184-pin DIMM sockets support ECC/non-ECC  
unbufferred 400/333/266 MHz DDR memory modules  
Supports up to 4 GB system memory  
Expansion slots  
Storage  
1 x PCI Express x16 slots  
2 x PCI Express x1 slots  
1 x PCI Express x4 slot (Note: Supports a total bandwidth of 1GB/s)  
3 x PCI slots  
NVIDIA® nForce™ 4 chipset supports:  
- 2 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33  
- 4 x Serial ATA with RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 1+0, and  
JBOD that spans across the Serial ATA and Parallel  
ATA drives  
Overclocking  
AI NOS™ (Non-Delay Overclocking System)  
ASUS AI Overclocking (Intelligent CPU frequency tuner)  
ASUS PEG Link  
Fixed PCI Express/PCI/SATA frequencies  
ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)  
Precision Tweaker supports:  
- DIMM voltage: 9-step DRAM voltage control  
- Core voltage: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.0125  
increment  
- PCI Express Frequency: Allows 1MHz increment from  
100MHz to 200MHz  
- Stepless Frequency Selection(SFS) allows 1MHz  
increment from 200 MHz to 400 MHz  
Special features  
ASUS EZFlash  
ASUS Q-Fan  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2  
ASUS Multi-language BIOS  
ASUS MyLogo2  
ASUS Instant Music  
(continued on the next page)  
x i  
A8N5X specifications summary  
1 x Floppy disk drive connector  
2 x IDE connectors  
Internal  
connectors  
4 x Serial ATA connectors  
1 x CPU fan connector  
1 x Power fan connector  
2 x Chassis fan connector  
1 x Chipset fan connector  
1 x Serial port connector (COM port)  
1 x 24-pin ATX power connector  
1 x 4-pin ATX 12 V power connector  
3 x USB 2.0 connectors for 6 additional USB 2.0 ports  
1 x Internal audio connectors (CD\AUX)  
1 x GAME/MIDI connector  
1 x Chassis intrusion connector  
1 x Front panel audio connector  
System panel connector  
NVIDIA® nForce™ 4 built-in Gigabit MAC with external  
LAN  
Marvell® PHY supports:  
- NV Firewall™  
AI NET2  
Realtek® ALC850 8-channel CODEC  
1 x Coaxial S/PDIF out port  
AI Audio  
1 x Optical S/PDIF out port  
Supports Universal Audio Jack (UAJ®) Technology  
Supports Audio Sensing and Enumeration Technology  
Supports up to 10 USB 2.0 ports  
USB  
1 x Parallel port  
Rear panel  
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port  
4 x USB 2.0 ports  
1 x Optical S/PDIF out port  
1 x Coaxial S/PDIF out port  
1 x PS/2 keyboard port  
1 x PS/2 mouse port  
8-channel audio ports  
4 Mb Flash ROM, Phoenix-Award BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0,  
WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.3  
BIOS features  
ATX power supply (with 24-pin and 4-pin 12 V plugs)  
ATX 12 V 2.0 compliant  
Power  
Requirement  
(continued on the next page)  
xii  
A8N5X specifications summary  
Form Factor  
ATX form factor: 12 in x 9.6 in (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)  
Support CD  
contents  
Device drivers  
ASUS PC Probe II  
ASUS Live Update utility  
ASUS Cool’n’Quiet! utility  
Anti-virus utility (OEM version)  
NVIDIA® nTune™ utility  
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.  
xiii  
xiv  
This chapter describes the motherboard  
features and the new technologies  
it supports.  
Product  
1
introduction  
ASUS A8N5X  
1-1  
1.1 Welcome!  
Thank you for buying an ASUS® A8N5X motherboard!  
The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies,  
making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!  
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.  
Motherboard  
I/O modules  
Cables  
ASUS A8N5X motherboard  
USB 2.0 2-port module  
2 x Serial ATA signal cables  
1 x Serial ATA power cables (dual plugs)  
Ultra DMA/133 cable  
40-conductor IDE cable  
Floppy disk drive cable  
Accessories  
I/O shield  
Application CDs ASUS motherboard support CD  
Documentation 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  
AMD Dual-Core Architecture  
The motherboard supports AMD dual-core processors containing two  
physical CPU cores with discrete L2 cache structure for each core to meet  
demands for more powerful computing. See page 1-10.  
Latest processor technology  
The AMD Athlon™ 64FX and Athlon™ 64 desktop processors are based on  
AMD’s 64-bit and 32-bit architecture, which represents the landmark  
introduction of the industry’s first x86-64 technology. These processors  
provide a dramatic leap forward in compatibility, performance, investment  
protection, and reduced total cost of ownership and development. See  
page 1-10.  
Built-in NVFirewall™  
The NVIDIA® Firewall™ (NVFirewall™) is an easy-to-use high-performance  
desktop firewall application that protects your system from intruders.  
Integrated into the NVIDIA® nForce™ 4 chipset with the NVIDIA® Gigabit  
Ethernet, it provides advanced anti-computer-hacking technologies, remote  
management capabilities, and a user-friendly setup wizard that improves  
overall system security.  
AMD 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. See pages 2-22, 3-29.  
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.  
ASUS A8N5X  
1-3  
Dual Channel DDR memory support  
Employing the Double Data Rate (DDR) memory technology, the  
motherboard supports up to 4GB of system memory using DDR400/333/  
266 DIMMs. The ultra-fast 400MHz memory bus delivers the required  
bandwidth for the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications.  
See page 1-13.  
Serial ATA technology  
The motherboard supports the next-generation Serial ATA technology  
through the Serial ATA interfaces and the NVIDIA® nForce™ 4 chipset. Serial  
ATA allows thinner, more flexible cables with lower pin count, and reduced  
voltage requirement. See pages 1-23.  
RAID solution  
The NVIDIA® nForce™ 4 RAID controller onboard provides the motherboard  
with RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 1+0 and JBOD configuration for four SATA and  
two PATA connectors. See page 3-21 for details.  
PCI Express™ interface  
The motherboard fully supports PCI Express, the latest I/O interconnect  
technology that speeds up the PCI bus. PCI Express features point-to-point  
serial interconnections between devices and allows higher clockspeeds by  
carrying data in packets. This high speed interface is software compatible with  
existing PCI specifications. See page 1-18 for details.  
S/PDIF digital sound ready  
The motherboard supports the S/PDIF Out function through the S/PDIF  
interfaces on the rear panel. The S/PDIF technology turns your computer into  
a high-end entertainment system with digital connectivity to powerful audio  
and speaker systems. See page 1-21 for details.  
USB 2.0 technology  
The motherboard implements the Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0  
specification, dramatically increasing the connection speed from the  
12 Mbps bandwidth on USB 1.1 to a fast 480 Mbps on USB 2.0. USB 2.0 is  
backward compatible with USB 1.1. See page 1-21 and 1-25 for details.  
1-4  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
Temperature, fan, and voltage monitoring  
The CPU temperature is monitored by the ASIC (integrated in the Winbond  
Super I/O) to prevent overheating and damage. The system fan rotations  
per minute (RPM) is monitored for timely failure detection. The ASIC  
monitors the voltage levels to ensure stable supply of current for critical  
components. See section “2.5.4 Hardware Monitor” on page 2-35.  
1.3.2 ASUS Proactive features  
AI NOS™ (Non-Delay Overclocking System)  
ASUS Non-delay Overclocking System™ (NOS) is a technology that  
auto-detects the CPU loading and dynamically overclocks the CPU speed  
only when needed. See page 2-28 for details.  
Precision Tweaker  
Designed for overclocking aficionados, this feature allows you to fine tune  
the CPU and memory voltage and gradually increase the Front Side Bus  
(FSB) and PCI Express frequency to achieve maximum system performance.  
PEG Link mode  
This feature allows you to adjust the PCI Express graphics frequency  
according to your system configuration for optimized graphics  
performance.  
AI NET 2  
AI NET 2 is a BIOS-based diagnostic tool that detects and reports Ethernet  
cable faults and shorts. With this utility, you can easily monitor the  
condition of the Ethernet cable(s) connected to the LAN (RJ-45) port(s).  
During the bootup process, AI NET 2 immediately diagnoses the LAN  
cable(s) and reports shorts and faults up to 100 meters at 1 meter  
accuracy. See pages 2-30 and 3-9 for details.  
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 provides  
Jack-Sensing function, S/PDIF out support, interrupt capability and includes  
the Realtek® proprietary UAJ® (Universal Audio Jack) technology. See pages  
1-22, 1-23 and 3-10 for details.  
ASUS A8N5X  
1-5  
1.3.3 Innovative ASUS features  
CrashFree BIOS 2  
This feature allows you to restore the original BIOS data from the support CD  
in case when the BIOS codes and data are corrupted. This protection  
eliminates the need to buy a replacement ROM chip. See details on page 2-5.  
ASUS Q-Fan technology  
The ASUS Q-Fan technology smartly adjusts the fan speeds according to  
the system loading to ensure quiet, cool, and efficient operation. See page  
2-35 for details.  
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 page 2-16 for details.  
ASUS MyLogo2™  
This new feature present in the motherboard allows you to personalize and  
add style to your system with customizable boot logos. See page 3-9 for  
details.  
ASUS Instant Lite  
This unique feature allows you to playback audio files even without booting  
the system to Windows. Just press the ASUS Instant Music Lite special  
function keys and enjoy the music! See pages 2-31.  
1-6  
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.  
Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any  
component.  
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  
Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.  
Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded  
antistatic pad or in the bag that came with the component.  
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 LEDs  
The motherboard comes with a green 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.  
A8N5X  
SB_PWR  
®
ON  
OFF  
Standby  
Power  
Powered  
Off  
A8N5X Onboard LED  
ASUS A8N5X  
1-7  
1.5 Motherboard overview  
Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis  
to ensure that the motherboard fits into it.  
Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the  
motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage  
motherboard components.  
1.5.1 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.  
1.5.2 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 can damage the motherboard.  
Place this side towards  
the rear of the chassis  
A8N5X  
1-8  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.5.3 Motherboard layout  
24.5cm (9.6in)  
PS/2KBMS  
T: Mouse  
B: Keyboard  
CPU_FAN  
CHA2_FAN  
ATX12V  
SPDIF_O  
SPDIF_O2  
USB12  
LAN1_USB34  
CD  
Top:Rear Speaker Out  
Center:  
Side Speaker Out  
Below:  
AUX  
Center/Subwoofer  
Marvell  
88E1111  
Top:Line In  
Center:Line Out  
Bottom:Mic In  
PWR_FAN  
FP_AUDIO  
PCIEX16_1  
ACL850  
PCIEX1_1  
PCIEX1_2  
A8N5X  
nForce4  
CHIP_FAN  
PCIEX4_1  
®
SATA4  
SATA2  
SATA3  
PCI1  
PCI2  
PCI3  
SATA1  
Super  
I/O  
CR2032 3V  
Lithium Cell  
CHA1_FAN  
CMOS Power  
CLRTC  
CHASSIS  
GAME  
COM1  
USB78  
USB56  
USB910  
PANEL  
SB_PWR  
ASUS A8N5X  
1-9  
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)  
1.6.1 Overview  
The motherboard comes with a surface mount 939-pin Zero Insertion Force  
(ZIF) socket designed for the AMD Athlon™ 64FX, AMD Athlon 64™ or AMD  
Sempron™ processor.  
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.  
Take note of the marked corner (with gold triangle) on the CPU. This mark  
should match a specific corner on the socket to ensure correct installation.  
1.6.2 Installling the CPU  
To install a CPU:  
1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.  
A8N5X  
®
A8N5X CPU Socket 939  
Before installing the CPU, make sure that the socket box is facing  
towards you and the load lever is on your left.  
2. Unlock the socket by pressing  
the lever sideways, then lift it up  
to a 90°-100° angle.  
Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90°-100° angle, otherwise  
the CPU does not fit in completely.  
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Chapter 1: Product introduction