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

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

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

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

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

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.

1-10

Chapter 1: Product introduction

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.

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.

1.6.3 Installing the heatsink and fan

The AMD Athlon™ 64FX or AMD Athlon 64™ processor require a specially

designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition

and performance.

Make sure that you use only qualified heatsink and fan assembly.

•

The retention module base is already installed on the motherboard

upon purchase.

You do not have to remove the retention module base when

installing the CPU or installing other motherboard components.

If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, make

sure that a Thermal Interface Material is properly applied to the CPU

heatsink or CPU before you install the heatsink and fan assembly.

ASUS A8N5X

1-11

Follow these steps to install the CPU heatsink and fan.

CPU Fan

CPU Heatsink

Retention Module Base

Retention bracket

Retention bracket lock

1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU.

2. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module

base.

3. Align the other end of the retention bracket (near the retention

bracket lock) to the retention module base. A clicking sound denotes

that the retention bracket is in place.

Make sure that the fan and heatsink assembly perfectly fits the

retention mechanism module base, otherwise you cannot snap the

retention bracket in place.

4. Push down the retention bracket lock on the retention mechanism to

secure the heatsink and fan to the module base.

5. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan

cable to the connector on the motherboard.

CPU_FAN

A8N5X

DO NOT forget to connect

the CPU fan connector!

Hardware monitoring error

can occur if you fail to plug

this connector.

A8N5X CPU fan connector

1-12

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.7 System memory

1.7.1 Overview

The motherboard comes with four 184-pin Double Data Rate (DDR) Dual

Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets.

The following figure illustrates the location of the sockets:

A8N5X

A8N5X 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets

Channel

Sockets

Channel A

Channel B

DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2

DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2

1.7.2 Memory Configurations

You may install 256 MB, 512 MB and 1 GB unbuffered ECC or non-ECC DDR

DIMMs into the DIMM sockets using the memory configurations in this

section.

•

For dual-channel configuration, the total size of memory module(s)

installed per channel must be the same for better performance

(DIMM_A1+DIMM_A2=DIMM_B1+DIMM_B2).

•

When using one DDR DIMM module, install into DIMM_B1 slot only.

When using two DDR DIMM modules, install into DIMM_A1 and

DIMM_B1 slots only.

•

Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum

compatibility, it is recommended that you obtain memory modules

from the same vendor. Refer to the DDR400 Qualified Vendors List

on the next page for details.

•

Due to chipset resource allocation, the system may detect less than

4 GB of system memory when you installed four 1 GB DDR memory

modules.

Due to CPU limitation, DIMM modules with 128 Mb memory chips or

double-sided x16 memory chips are not supported in this

motherboard.

ASUS A8N5X

1-13

DDR400 Qualified Vendors List

D I M M s u p p o r t

S i z e

V e n d o r

M o d e l

B r a n d

S i d e ( s )

C o m p o n e n t

256MB

512MB

256MB

512MB

256MB

512MB

256MB

512MB

1024MB

256MB

512MB

256MB

512MB

256MB

512MB

256MB

512MB

256MB

512MB

1024MB

256MB

512MB

KINGSTON

SAMSUNG

MICRON

Infineon

CORSAIR

Hynix

KVR400X64C3A/256

KVR400X64C3A/512

KVR400X72C3A/256

KVR400X72C3A/512

KVR400X64C3A/256

KVR400X64C3A/512

KVR400X64C3A/256

KVR400X64C3A/512

HYB25D512800BE-5B

M381L3223ETM-CCC

M381L6423ETM-CCC

M368L3223ETM-CCC

M368L3223FTN-CCC

M368L6423FTN-CCC

M368L6523BTM-CCC

MT8VDDT3264AG-40BCB

MT16VDDT6464AG-40BCB

HYS64D32300HU-5-C

HYS64D64320HU-5-C

CMX256A-3200C2PT

VS512MB400

Hynix

Mosel

Infineon

KINGSTON

N/A

SAMSUNG

MICRON

Infineon

Winbond

VALUE seLecT

N/A

HY5DU56822BT-D43

V58C2256804SAT5(ECC)

HYB25D256800BT-5B

HYB25D256809BT-5B

D3208DL2T-5

•

D328DIB-50

KVR400X64C3A/1G

K4H560838E-TCCC(ECC)

K4H560838E-TCCC

K4H560838F-TCCC

K4H510838B-TCCC

MT46V32M8TG-5BC

HYB25D256800CE-5C

W942508BH-5

•

VS32M8-5

N/A

HY5DU56822DT-D43

TWINX2048-3200C2

HYMD232645D8J-D43

HYMD264646D8J-D43

•

Hynix

•

Hynix

Side(s): SS - Single-Sided

DIMM Support:

DS - Double-Sided

A - supports one module inserted into either the blue slots, in a Single-channel

memory configuration.

B - supports on pair of modules inserted into either the blue slots or the black slots

as one pair of Dual-channel memory configuration.

C - support for 4 modules inserted into the blue and black slots as two pairs of

Dual-channel memory configuration.

Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) for the latest DDR 400 Qualified

Vendors List.

1-14

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.7.3 Installing a DIMM

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. Unlock a DIMM socket by

DDR DIMM notch

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.

Unlocked retaining clip

A DDR DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction.

DO NOT force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM.

3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the

socket until the retaining clips

snap back in place and the DIMM

is properly seated.

Locked Retaining Clip

1.7.4 Removing a DIMM

Follow these steps to remove a DIMM.

1. Simultaneously press the

retaining clips outward to

unlock the DIMM.

DDR DIMM notch

Support the DIMM lightly with your fingers when pressing the retaining

clips. The DIMM might get damaged when it flips out with extra force.

2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.

ASUS A8N5X

1-15

1.8 Expansion slots

In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following

sub-sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support.

Make sure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing

expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and

damage motherboard components.

We recommended to install the memory modules first before installing a

PCI Express x16 card.

1.8.1 Installing an expansion card

To install an expansion card:

1. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that

came with it and make the necessary hardware settings for the card.

2. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already

installed in a chassis).

3. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep

the screw for later use.

4. Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is

completely seated on the slot.

5. Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier.

6. Replace the system cover.

1.8.2 Configuring an expansion card

After installing the expansion card, configure the it by adjusting the

software settings.

1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any.

See Chapter 2 for information on BIOS setup.

2. Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page.

3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.

1-16

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.8.3 Interrupt assignments

Standard interrupt assignments

I R Q

Priority

Standard Function

System Timer

Keyboard Controller

–

Re-direct to IRQ#9

Communications Port (COM1)*

IRQ holder for PCI steering*

Floppy Disk Controller

Printer Port (LPT1)*

System CMOS/Real Time Clock

IRQ holder for PCI steering*

PS/2 Compatible Mouse Port*

Numeric Data Processor

Primary IDE Channel

Secondary IDE Channel

* These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices.

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

PCI slot 1

shared

—

shared

—

shared

—

PCI slot 2

PCI slot 3

—

Onboard USB 1.0 controller

Onboard USB 2.0 controller

Onboard LAN1

shared

—

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.

1.8.4 PCI slots

The PCI slots support cards such as a

LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and

other cards that comply with PCI

specifications. The figure shows a

LAN card installed on a PCI slot.

ASUS A8N5X

1-17

1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot

This motherboard supports PCI

Express x16 graphic cards that

comply with the PCI Express

specifications. The following figure

shows a graphics card installed on

the PCI Express x16 slot.

In Normal mode, only the PCI Express blue slot can be used for PCI

Express x16 graphics cards. The PCI Express black slot functions as a PCI

Express x1 slot.

1.8.6 PCI Express x1 slot

This motherboard supports PCI

Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards

and other cards that comply with the

PCI Express specifications. The figure

shows a network card installed on the

PCI Express x1 slot.

1.8.7 Universal PCIe slot (PCI Express x4 slot)

This motherboard provides a PCI

Express x4 slot that can support PCI

Express x1, x4, x8, or x16 cards. This

ASUS proprietary slot allows you to

use additional PCI Express cards

(e.g. graphics card) for twice the

speed of a PCI Express x1 slot.

The Universal PCIe slot

supports a total bandwidth of

1GB/s.

1-18

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.9 Jumpers

1 . Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC)

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 onboard

button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include

system setup information such as system passwords.

To erase the RTC RAM:

1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.

2. Remove the onboard battery.

3. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the

cap on pins 2-3 for about 5~10 seconds, then move the cap back to

pins 1-2.

4. Re-install the battery.

5. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.

6. 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 cap on CLRTC

jumper default position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!

CLRTC

A8N5X

1 2

2 3

Normal

Clear CMOS

(Default)

A8N5X Clear RTC RAM

You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to

overclocking. For system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU

Parameter Recall) feature. Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS

can automatically reset parameter settings to default values.

ASUS A8N5X

1-19

1.10 Connectors

1.10.1 Rear panel connectors

4 5

1 . PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse.

2 . Parallel port. This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a scanner,

or other devices.

3 . LAN (RJ-45) port. Supported by the NVIDIA^®nForce™ 4 Gigabit

MAC with external Marvell^®PHY, this port allows Gigabit connection to

a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. Refer to the table

below for the LAN port LED indications.

LAN port LED indications

ACT/LINK SPEED

ACT/LINK LED

Status Description

SPEED LED

LED

Status

OFF

Description

OFF

No link

10 Mbps connection

100 Mbps connection

1 Gbps connection

GREEN

BLINKING

Linked

Data activity

ORANGE

GREEN

LAN port

4 . Rear Speaker Out port (gray). This port connects the rear

speakers on a 4-channel, 6-channel, or 8-channel audio configuration.

5 . Side Speaker Out port (black). This port connects the side

speakers in an 8-channel audio configuration.

6 . Line In port (light blue). This port connects the tape, CD, DVD

player, or other audio sources.

7 . Line Out port (lime). This port connects a headphone or a

speaker. In 4-channel, 6-channel, and 8-channel configuration, the

function of this port becomes Front Speaker Out.

8 . Microphone port (pink). This port connects a microphone.

9 . Center/Subwoofer port (yellow orange). This port connects

the center/subwoofer speakers.

1-20

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Refer to the audio configuration table below for the function of the

audio ports in 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration.

Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration

Port

Headset

4-channel

6-channel

8-channel

2-channel

Light Blue

Lime

Pink

Line In

Line Out

Mic In

Line In

Front Speaker Out

Line In

Front Speaker Out

Mic In

Line In

Front Speaker Out

Mic In

Gray

Black

Yellow Orange

•

Rear Speaker Out

•

Center/Subwoofer

Rear Speaker Out

Side Speaker Out

Center/Subwoofer

•

10. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus

(USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

11. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus

(USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

12. Optical S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio

output device via an optical S/PDIF cable.

13. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio

output device via a coaxial S/PDIF cable.

14. PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.

ASUS A8N5X

1-21

1.10.2 Internal connectors

1 . Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)

This connector is for the provided floppy disk drive (FDD) signal cable.

Insert one end of the cable to this connector, then connect the other

end to the signal connector at the back of the floppy disk drive.

The Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable

connection when using an FDD cable with a covered Pin 5.

FLOPPY

NOTE: Orient the red markings on

the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1.

A8N5X

PIN 1

A8N5X Floppy disk drive connector

2 . IDE connectors (40-1 pin PRI_IDE, SEC_IDE)

These connectors are for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cables. The

Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable has three connectors: a blue

connector for the primary IDE connector on the motherboard, a black

connector for an Ultra DMA 133/100/66 IDE slave device (optical

drive/hard disk drive), and a gray connector for an Ultra DMA 133/

100/66 IDE master device (hard disk drive). If you install two hard disk

drives, 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.

•

The Pin 20 on the IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole

on the Ultra DMA cable connector. This prevents incorrect insertion

when you connect the IDE cable.

•

Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for UltraDMA133/100/66 IDE devices.

A8N5X

NOTE: Orient the red markings

(usually zigzag) on the IDE

ribbon cable to PIN 1.

PIN 1

A8N5X IDE connectors

1-22

Chapter 1: Product introduction

3 . Serial ATA connectors

(7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA4)

Supported by the NVIDIA^®nForce™ 4 chipset, these connectors are

for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk drives that

allows up to 1.5Gb/s of data transfer rate.

If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0,

RAID 1, RAID 1+0, or JBOD configuration that span across the Parallel

ATA drives. Refer to Chapter 3 for details on how to set up RAID

configurations.

These connectors are set to SATA by default. In SATA mode, you can

connect Serial ATA boot or data hard disk drives to these connectors. If

you intent to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors,

enable the RAID function of each port from the NVRAID

Configuration sub-menu item in the BIOS. See section “2.4.3 Onboard

Devices Configuration” on pages 2-24 and 2-25 for details.

SATA4

SATA2

SATA3

SATA1

A8N5X

A8N5X SATA connectors

ASUS A8N5X

1-23

4 . CPU, Chassis, Chipset and Power fan connectors

(3-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA2_FAN, 3-pin CHIP_FAN,

3-pin PWR_FAN, 3-pin CHA1_FAN)

The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350mA~2000mA (24 W

max.) or a total of 1A~3.48A (41.76 W 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 inside the system may damage the

motherboard components. These are not jumpers! DO NOT place

jumper caps on the fan connectors!

•

The ASUS Q-Fan function is supported using the CPU Fan (CPU_FAN)

and Chassis Fan 1 (CHA1_FAN) connectors only.

The chipset fan is synchronized with the CPU fan.

CPU_FAN

CHA2_FAN

PWR_FAN

CHA2_FAN

GND

PWR_FAN

A8N5X

+12V

CHIP_FAN

CHA1_FAN

Rotation

CHIP_FAN

CHA1_FAN

A8N5X Fan connectors

GND

+12V

Rotation

1-24

Chapter 1: Product introduction

5 . Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)

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.

COM1

PIN 1

A8N5X

A8N5X COM port connector

6 . USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, USB910)

These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB/GAME

module cable to any of these connectors, then install the module to a

slot opening at the back of the system chassis. These USB connectors

comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to 480 Mbps

connection speed.

A8N5X

USB78

USB56

USB910

A8N5X

USB 2.0 connectors

Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will

damage the motherboard!

ASUS A8N5X

1-25

8 . ATX power connectors

(24-pin EATXPWR1, 4-pin ATX12V1)

These connectors are for an ATX power supply plugs. The power

supply plugs are designed to fit these connectors in only one

orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the

connectors completely fit.

•

Use of a power supply unit (PSU) with a higher power output is

recommended when configuring a system with more power-

consuming devices. The system may become unstable or may not

boot up if the power is inadequate.

•

Make sure that your PSU can provide at least the minimum power

required by your system.

EATXPWR

ATX12V

+12V DC GND

+3 Volts

-12 Volts

Ground

PSON#

Ground

-5 Volts

+5 Volts

Ground

+3 Volts

Ground

+5 Volts

Ground

+12V DC GND

A8N5X

+5 Volts

Ground

Power OK

+5V Standby

+12 Volts

+3 Volts

A8N5X ATX power connectors

1-26

Chapter 1: Product introduction

9 . Internal audio connectors (4-pin CD, AUX)

These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound

sources such as a CD-ROM, TV-tuner, or MPEG card.

(black)

AUX

(white)

Right Audio Channel

Ground

Left Audio Channel

A8N5X

A8N5X Internal audio connectors

The function of these connectors are disabled under 8-channel mode.

10. GAME/MIDI port connector (16-1 pin GAME)

This connector is for a GAME/MIDI port. Connect the USB/GAME

module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot

opening at the back of the system chassis. The GAME/MIDI port

connects a joystick or game pad for playing games, and MIDI devices

for playing or editing audio files.

A8N5X

GAME

A8N5X Game connector

ASUS A8N5X

1-27

11. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)

This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detection sensor or

switch. Connect one end of the chassis intrusion sensor or switch

cable to this connector. The chassis intrusion sensor or switch sends a

high-level signal to this connector when a chassis component is

removed or replaced. The signal is then generated as a chassis

intrusion event.

By default, the pins labeled “Chassis Signal” and “Ground” are shorted

with a jumper cap. Remove the jumper caps only when you intend to

use the chassis intrusion detection feature. See related BIOS item in

page 2-42.

A8N5X

CHASSIS

(Default)

A8N5X Chassis intrusion connector

12. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin FP_AUDIO)

This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module

that supports legacy AC ‘97 audio standard. Connect one end of the

front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.

FP_AUDIO

BLINE_OUT_L

Line out_L

BLINE_OUT_R

+5VA

Line out_R

MICPWR

MIC2

A8N5X

AGND

A8N5X Front panel audio connector

1-28

Chapter 1: Product introduction

13. System panel connector (20-pin PANEL)

This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

PLED

SPEAKER

PANEL

A8N5X

IDE_LED

RESET

PWRSW

Requires an ATX power supply.

A8N5X System panel connector

The sytem panel connector is color-coded for easy connection. Refer to

the connector description below for details.

•

System power LED (Green 3-pin PLED)

This 3-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the

chassis power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED

lights up when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the

system is in sleep mode.

Hard disk drive activity (Red 2-pin IDE_LED)

This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD

Activity LED cable to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or flashes

when data is read from or written to the HDD.

•

System warning speaker (Orange 4-pin SPEAKER)

This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning

speaker. The speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.

Power/Soft-off button (Yellow 2-pin PWRSW)

This connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power

button turns the system ON or puts the system in SLEEP or SOFT-OFF

mode depending on the BIOS settings. Pressing the power switch for

more than four seconds while the system is ON turns the system OFF.

•

Reset button (Blue 2-pin RESET)

This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for

system reboot without turning off the system power.

ASUS A8N5X

1-29

1-30

Chapter 1: Product introduction

This chapter tells how to change

the system settings through the BIOS

Setup menus. Detailed descriptions

of the BIOS parameters are also

provided.

BIOS setup

ASUS A8N5X

2-1

2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS

The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard

Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup.

1. Award BIOS Flash Utility (Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a

bootable floppy disk.)

2. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 (Updates the BIOS using a bootable

floppy disk or the motherboard support CD when the BIOS file fails or

gets corrupted.)

3. ASUS EZ Flash (Updates the BIOS in DOS using a floppy disk or the

motherboard support CD.)

4. ASUS Update (Updates the BIOS in Windows^®environment.)

Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.

Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a bootable floppy

disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original

motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update or AwardBIOS Flash utilities.

2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk

1. Do either one of the following to create a bootable floppy disk.

DOS environment

a. Insert a 1.44MB floppy disk into the drive.

b. At the DOS prompt, type format A:/S then press <Enter>.

Windows^®XP environment

a. Insert a 1.44 MB floppy disk to the floppy disk drive.

b. Click Start from the Windows^®desktop, then select M y

Computer.

c. Select the 3 1/2 Floppy Drive icon.

d. Click File from the menu, then select Format. A Format 3 1/2

Floppy Disk window appears.

e. Select Create an MS-DOS startup disk from the format

options field, then click Start.

Windows^®2000 environment

To create a set of boot disks for Windows^®2000:

a. Insert a formatted, high density 1.44 MB floppy disk into the drive.

b. Insert the Windows^®2000 CD to the optical drive.

2-2

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

c. Click Start, then select Run.

d. From the Open field, type

D:\bootdisk\makeboot a:

assuming that D: is your optical drive.

e. Press <Enter>, then follow screen instructions to continue.

2. Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS file to the bootable

floppy disk.

2.1.2 Updating the BIOS

The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) can be updated using the

AwardBIOS Flash Utility. Follow these instructions to update the BIOS using

this utility.

1. Download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS web site. Rename the file

to A8N5X.BIN and save it to a floppy disk.

Save only the updated BIOS file in the floppy disk to avoid loading the

wrong BIOS file.

2. Copy the AwardBIOS Flash Utility (awdflash.exe) from the Software

folder of the support CD to the floppy disk with the latest BIOS file.

3. Boot the system in DOS mode using the bootable floppy disk you

created earlier.

4. When the A:> appears, replace the bootable floppy disk with the

floppy disk containing the new BIOS file and the Award BIOS Flash

Utility.

5. At the prompt, type

AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.01

awdflash then press

<Enter>. The Award

For NF-KC804-A8N5X-00

DATE: 11/18/2004

BIOS Flash Utility screen

appears.

Flash Type - SST 49LF004A/B /3.3V

File Name to Program:

Message: Please input File Name!

ASUS A8N5X

2-3

6. Type the BIOS file name

in the File Name to

Program field, then

press <Enter>.

AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.01

For NF-KC804-A8N5X-00

DATE: 11/18/2004

Flash Type - SST 49LF004A/B /3.3V

File Name to Program: 1001.bin

Message: Do You Want To Save Bios (Y/N)

7. Press <N> when the utility prompts you to save the current BIOS file.

The following screen appears.

8. The utility verifies the

AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.01

BIOS file in the floppy

disk and starts flashing

For NF-KC804-A8N5X-00

DATE: 11/18/2004

Flash Type - SST 49LF004A/B /3.3V

File Name to Program: 1001.bin

Program Flashing Memory - OFE00 OK

the BIOS file.

Write OK

No Update

Write Fail

Warning: Don’t Turn Off Power Or Reset System!

Do not turn off or reset the system during the flashing process!

9. The utility displays a

AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.01

Flashing Complete

message indicating that

you have successfully

flashed the BIOS file.

Remove the floppy disk

then press <F1> to

For NF-KC804-A8N5X-00

DATE: 11/18/2004

Flash Type - SST 49LF004A/B /3.3V

File Name to Program: 1001.bin

Flashing Complete

Press <F1> to Continue

restart the system.

Write OK

F1 Reset

No Update

Write Fail

2-4

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.1.3 Saving the current BIOS file

You can use the AwardBIOS Flash Utility to save the current BIOS file. You

can load the current BIOS file when the BIOS file gets corrupted during the

flashing process.

Make sure that the floppy disk has enough disk space to save the file.

To save the current BIOS file using the AwardBIOS Flash Utility:

1. Follow steps 1 to 6 of

AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.01

the previous section.

For NF-KC804-A8N5X-00

DATE: 11/18/2004

2. Press <Y> when the

utility prompts you to

save the current BIOS

Flash Type - SST 49LF004A/B /3.3V

File Name to Program: 1001.bin

file. The following screen Save current BIOS as:

appears.

Message:

3. Type a filename for the

AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.01

current BIOS file in the

Save current BIOS

as field, then press

<Enter>.

For NF-KC804-A8N5X-00 DATE: 11/18/2004

Flash Type - SST 49LF004A/B /3.3V

File Name to Program: 1001.bin

Checksum: DAD6H

Save current BIOS as: old.bin

Message: Please Wait!

4. The utility saves the

current BIOS file to the

floppy disk, then returns

to the BIOS flashing

process.

AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.01

For NF-KC804-A8N5X-00

DATE: 11/18/2004

Flash Type - SST 49LF004A/B /3.3V

File Name to Program: 1001.bin

Now Backup System BIOS to

File!

Message: Please Wait!

ASUS A8N5X

2-5

2.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility

The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 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 update a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard

support CD or the floppy disk that contains the updated BIOS file.

Prepare the motherboard support CD or the floppy disk containing the

updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility.

Recovering the BIOS from the support CD

To recover the BIOS from the support CD:

1. Turn on the system.

2. Insert the motherboard support CD to the optical drive.

3. The utility displays the following message and automatically checks

the CD for the BIOS file.

Award BootBlock BIOS v1.0

BIOS ROM checksum error

Detecting IDE ATAPI device...

When found, the utility reads the BIOS file and starts flashing the

corrupted BIOS file.

Award BootBlock BIOS v1.0

BIOS ROM checksum error

Detecting IDE ATAPI device...

Found CDROM, try to Boot from it... Pass

DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing

so can cause system boot failure!

4. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.

2-6

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

Recovering the BIOS from a floppy disk

To recover the BIOS from a floppy disk:

1. Remove any CD from the optical drive, then turn on the system.

2. Insert the floppy disk with the original or updated BIOS file to the

floppy disk drive.

3. The utility displays the following message and automatically checks

the floppy disk for the original or updated BIOS file.

Award BootBlock BIOS v1.0

BIOS ROM checksum error

Detecting IDE ATAPI device...

When no CD is found, the utility automatically checks the floppy drive

for the original or updated BIOS file. The utility then updates the

corrupted BIOS file.

Award BootBlock BIOS v1.0

BIOS ROM checksum error

Detecting IDE ATAPI device...

Found CDROM, try to Boot from it... Fail

Detecting floppy drive A media...

DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing

so can cause system boot failure!

4. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.

The recovered BIOS may not be the latest BIOS version for this

motherboard. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the

latest BIOS file.

ASUS A8N5X

2-7

2.1.5 ASUS EZ Flash utility

The ASUS EZ Flash feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to

go through the long process of booting from a floppy disk and using a

DOS-based utility. The EZ Flash utility is built-in the BIOS chip so it is

accessible by pressing <Alt> + <F2> during the Power-On Self Tests

(POST).

To update the BIOS using EZ Flash:

1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS

file for the motherboard.

2. Save the BIOS file to a floppy disk, then restart the system.

3. Press <Alt> + <F2> during POST to display the following.

Insert Disk then press Enter or ESC to continue POST

4. Insert the floppy disk

AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.01

that contains the BIOS

file to the floppy disk

For NF-KC804-A8N5X-00

DATE: 11/18/2004

Flash Type - SST 49LF004A/B /3.3V

drive then press

<Enter>. The following

screen appears.

File Name to Program:

Message: Please wait...

5. When the correct BIOS file is found, EZ Flash performs the BIOS

update process and automatically reboots the system when done.

Do not shutdown or reset the system while updating the BIOS to

prevent system boot failure!

2-8

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.1.6 ASUS Update utility

The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update

the motherboard BIOS in Windows^®environment. The ASUS Update utility

allows you to:

• Save the current BIOS file

• Download the latest BIOS file from the Internet

• Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS file

• Update the BIOS directly from the Internet, and

• View the BIOS version information.

This utility is available in the support CD that comes with the motherboard

package.

ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network

or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Installing ASUS Update

To install ASUS Update:

1. Place the support CD in the optical drive. The Drivers menu appears.

2. Click the Utilities tab, then click Install ASUS Update

VX.XX.XX. See page 3-3 for the Utilities screen menu.

3. The ASUS Update utility is copied to your system.

Quit all Windows^®applications before you update the BIOS using this

utility.

ASUS A8N5X

2-9

Updating the BIOS through the Internet

To update the BIOS through the Internet:

1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows^®desktop by clicking

Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The

ASUS Update main window appears.

2. Select Update BIOS from

the Internet option from the

drop-down menu, then click

Next.

3. Select the ASUS FTP site

nearest you to avoid network

traffic, or click Auto Select.

Click Next.

2-10

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

4. From the FTP site, select the

BIOS version that you wish to

download. Click Next.

5. Follow the screen instructions to

complete the update process.

The ASUS Update utility is

capable of updating itself

through the Internet. Always

update the utility to avail all

its features.

Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file

To update the BIOS through a BIOS file:

1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows^®desktop by

clicking Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate >

ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update main window appears.

2. Select Update BIOS from a

file option from the drop-down

menu, then click Next.

3. Locate the BIOS file from the

Open window, then click Open.

4. Follow the screen instructions to

complete the update process.

ASUS A8N5X

2-11

2.2 BIOS setup program

This motherboard supports a programmable Low-Pin Count (LPC) chip that

you can update using the provided utility described in section “2.1

Managing and updating your BIOS.”

Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard,

reconfiguring your system, or prompted to “Run Setup”. This section

explains how to configure your system using this utility.

Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you can change

the configuration of your computer in the future. For example, you can

enable the security password feature or change the power management

settings. This requires you to reconfigure your system using the BIOS

Setup program so that the computer can recognize these changes and

record them in the CMOS RAM of the LPC chip.

The LPC chip on the motherboard stores the Setup utility. When you start

up the computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this

program. Press <Del> during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to enter the

Setup utility; otherwise, POST continues with its test routines.

If you wish to enter Setup after POST, restart the system by pressing

<Ctrl+Alt+Delete>, or by pressing the reset button on the system chassis.

You can also restart by turning the system off and then back on. Do this

last option only if the first two failed.

The Setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. Being

a menu-driven program, it lets you scroll through the various sub-menus

and make your selections from the available options using the navigation

keys.

•

The default BIOS settings for this motherboard apply for most

conditions to ensure optimum performance. If the system becomes

unstable after changing any BIOS settings, load the default settings

to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load

Default Settings item under the Exit Menu. See section “2.7 Exit

Menu.”

•

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 (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS

file for this motherboard and .

2-12

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.2.1 BIOS menu screen

Menu items Menu bar

Configuration fields

General help

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Main

Advanced

Power

Boot

Exit

System Time

System Date

Language

15 : 30 : 36

Wed, Nov 5 2004

[English]

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

Legacy Diskette A:

[1.44M, 3.5 in.]

Change the day, month,

year and century.

Primary IDE Master

Primary IDE Slave

Secondary IDE Master

Secondary IDE Slave

First SATA Master

Second SATA Slave

Third SATA Master

Fourth SATA Slave

HDD SMART Monitoring

[ST321122A]

[ASUS CDS520/A]

[None]

[Disabled]

Installed Memory

256MB

F1:Help

ESC: Exit

↑

↓

: Select Item

-/+: Change Value

Enter: Select Sub-menu

F5: Setup Defaults

F10: Save and Exit

→←: Select Menu

Sub-menu items

Legend bar

2.2.2 Menu bar

The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:

Main For changing the basic system configuration

Advanced For changing the advanced system settings

Power

For changing the advanced power management (APM)

configuration

Boot

Exit

For changing the system boot configuration

For selecting the exit options and loading default settings

To select an item on the menu bar, press the right or left arrow key on the

keyboard until the desired item is highlighted.

•

The BIOS setup screens shown in this chapter are for reference

purposes only, and may not exactly match what you see on your

screen.

Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS

information.

ASUS A8N5X

2-13

2.2.3 Legend bar

At the bottom of the Setup screen is a legend bar. The keys in the legend

bar allow you to navigate through the various setup menus. The following

table lists the keys found in the legend bar with their corresponding

functions.

Navigation Key

<F1>

<F5>

Function

Displays the General Help screen

Loads setup default values

<Esc>

Exits the BIOS setup or returns to the main menu

from a sub-menu

Left or Right arrow

Up or Down arrow

Selects the menu item to the left or right

Moves the highlight up or down between fields

Page Down or – (minus) Scrolls backward through the values for the

highlighted field

Page Up or + (plus)

Scrolls forward through the values for the highlighted

field

<Enter>

<F10>

Brings up a selection menu for the highlighted field

Saves changes and exit

2.2.4 Menu items

The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that

menu. For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items.

The other items (Advanced, Power, Boot, and Exit) on the menu bar have

their respective menu items.

2.2.5 Sub-menu items

A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen means that the iteam

has a sub-menu. To display the sub-menu, select the item and press

<Enter>.

2.2.6 Configuration fields

These fields show the values for the menu items. If an item is

user-configurable, you can change the value of the field opposite the item.

You cannot select an item that is not user-configurable.

A configurable field is enclosed in brackets, and is highlighted when

selected. To change the value of a field, select it then press <Enter> to

display a list of options. Refer to “2.2.7 Pop-up window.”

2-14

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.2.7 Pop-up window

Select a menu item then press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with

the configuration options for that item.

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Main

Advanced

Power

Boot

Exit

System Time

System Date

Language

15 : 30 : 36

Wed, Nov 5 2004

[English]

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

Legacy Diskette A:

[1.44M, 3.5 in.]

Specifies the capacity

and physical size of

diskette drive A.

Legacy Diskette A:

Primary IDE Master

Primary IDE Slave

Secondary IDE Master

Secondary IDE Slave

First SATA Master

Second SATA Slave

Third SATA Master

Fourth SATA Slave

HDD SMART Monitoring

[ST321122A]

Disabled

..... [ ]

[ASUS CDS520/A]

360K , 5.25 in.

..... [ ]

[None]

1.2M , 5.25 in.

[None]

720K , 3.5 in.

[None]

1.44M, 3.5 in.

[None]

2.88M, 3.5 in.

[None]

[Disabled]

↑↓ :Move ENTER:Accept ESC:Abort

Installed Memory

256MB

F1:Help

ESC: Exit

↑↓ : Select Item

→←: Select Menu

-/+: Change Value

Enter: Select Sub-menu

F5: Setup Defaults

F10: Save and Exit

Pop-up menu

2.2.8 General help

At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the

selected item.

ASUS A8N5X

2-15

2.3 Main menu

When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears,

giving you an overview of the basic system information.

Refer to section “2.2.1 BIOS menu screen” for information on the menu

screen items and how to navigate through them.

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Main

Advanced

Power

Boot

Exit

System Time

System Date

Language

15 : 30 : 36

Wed, Nov 5 2004

[English]

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

Legacy Diskette A:

[1.44M, 3.5 in.]

Change the day, month,

year and century.

Primary IDE Master

Primary IDE Slave

Secondary IDE Master

Secondary IDE Slave

First SATA Master

Second SATA Slave

Third SATA Master

Fourth SATA Slave

HDD SMART Monitoring

[ST321122A]

[ASUS CDS520/A]

[None]

[Disabled]

Installed Memory

256MB

F1:Help

ESC: Exit

↑

↓

: Select Item

-/+: Change Value

Enter: Select Sub-menu

F5: Setup Defaults

F10: Save and Exit

→←: Select Menu

2.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xxxx]

Allows you to set the system time.

2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]

Allows you to set the system date.

2.3.3 Language [English]

Allows you to choose the BIOS language version from the options.

Configuration options: [Français] [German] [English]

2.3.4 Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]

Sets the type of floppy drive installed. Configuration options: [Disabled]

[360K, 5.25 in.] [1.2M , 5.25 in.] [720K , 3.5 in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.]

[2.88M, 3.5 in.]

2-16

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.3.5 Primary and Secondary IDE Master/Slave

While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE

devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each IDE device. Select a device

item then press <Enter> to display the IDE device information.

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Main

Primary IDE Master

Select Menu

PIO Mode

[Auto]

Item Specific Help

UDMA Mode

[Auto]

Press [Enter] to

select

Primary IDE Master

Access Mode

UDMA Mode

[Auto]

Capacity

13579 MB

Cylinder

Head

26310

Sector

Transfer Mode

UDMA 4

F1:Help

ESC: Exit

↑↓ : Select Item

→←: Select Menu

-/+: Change Value

Enter: Select Sub-menu

F5: Setup Defaults

F10: Save and Exit

The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items

(Capacity, Cylinder, Head, Sector and Transfer Mode). These values are not

user-configurable. These items show N/A if no IDE device is installed in the

system.

PIO Mode

Sets the PIO mode for the IDE device.

Configuration options: [Auto] [Mode 0] [Mode 1] [Mode 2] [Mode 3]

[Mode 4]

UDMA Mode

Disables or sets the UDMA mode. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

IDE Primary Master/Slave [Auto]; IDE Secondary Master/

Slave [Auto]

Select [Auto] to automatically detect an IDE hard disk drive. If automatic

detection is successful, the BIOS automatically fills in the correct values for

the remaining fields on this sub-menu. If the hard disk was already

formatted on a previous system, the setup BIOS may detect incorrect

parameters. Select [Manual] to manually enter the IDE hard disk drive

parameters. If no drive is installed select [None].

Configuration options: [None] [Auto] [Manual]

ASUS A8N5X

2-17

Access Mode [Auto]

The default [Auto] allows automatic detection of an IDE hard disk drive.

Select [CHS] for this item if you set the IDE Primary Master/Slave to

[Manual]. Configuration options: [CHS] [LBA] [Large] [Auto]

Before attempting to configure a hard disk drive, make sure you have

the correct configuration information supplied by the drive

manufacturer. Incorrect settings may cause the system to fail to

recognize the installed hard disk.

Capacity

Displays the auto-detected hard disk capacity. This item is not

configurable.

Cylinder

Shows the number of the hard disk cylinders. This item is not configurable.

Head

Shows the number of the hard disk read/write heads. This item is not

configurable.

Sector

Shows the number of sectors per track. This item is not configurable.

Transfer Mode

Shows the Transfer mode. This item is not configurable.

After entering the IDE hard disk drive information into BIOS, use a disk

utility, such as FDISK, to partition and format new IDE hard disk drives.

This is necessary so that you can write or read data from the hard disk.

Make sure to set the partition of the Primary IDE hard disk drives to

active.

2-18

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.3.6 First, Second, Third, Fourth SATA Master

While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of Serial

ATA devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each SATA device. Select a

device item then press <Enter> to display the SATA device information.

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Main

Primary IDE Master

Select Menu

Extended Drive

Access Mode

[Auto]

Item Specific Help

[Auto]

Press [Enter] to

select

Capacity

xxxxx MB

Cylinder

Head

Precomp

Landing Zone

Sector

xxxxx

F1:Help

ESC: Exit

↑↓ : Select Item

-/+: Change Value

Enter: Select Sub-menu

F5: Setup Defaults

F10: Save and Exit

→←: Select Menu

The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items

(Capacity, Cylinder, Head, Precomp, Landing Zone and Sector). These

values are not user-configurable. These items show 0 if no SATA device is

installed in the system.

Extended Drive

Selects the type of fixed disk connected to the system.

Configuration options: [None] [Auto]

Access Mode

Sets the sector addressing mode. Configuration options: [Large] [Auto]

Before attempting to configure a hard disk drive, make sure you have

the correct configuration information supplied by the drive

manufacturer. Incorrect settings may cause the system to fail to

recognize the installed hard disk.

Capacity

Displays the auto-detected hard disk capacity. This item is not

configurable.

Cylinder

Shows the number of the hard disk cylinders. This item is not configurable.

ASUS A8N5X

2-19

Head

Shows the number of the hard disk read/write heads. This item is not

configurable.

Precomp

Shows the number of precomp per track. This item is not configurable.

Landing Zone

Shows the number of landing zone per track. This item is not configurable.

Sector

Shows the number of sectors per track. This item is not configurable.

After entering the IDE hard disk drive information into BIOS, use a disk

utility, such as FDISK, to partition and format new IDE hard disk drives.

This is necessary so that you can write or read data from the hard disk.

Make sure to set the partition of the Primary IDE hard disk drives to

active.

2.3.7 HDD SMART Monitoring

Allows you to enable or disable the HDD Self-Monitoring Analysis and

Reporting Technology (SMART) feature.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2.3.8 Installed Memory

Shows the size of installed memory.

2-20

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.4 Advanced menu

The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU

and other system devices.

Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items.

Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction.

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Main

Advanced

Power

Boot

Exit

CPU Configuration

PCIPnP

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

Press Enter to Set

Onboard Device Configuration

JumperFree Configuration

LAN Cable Status

PEG Link Mode

Instant Music

F1:Help

ESC: Exit

↑↓ : Select Item

-/+: Change Value

Enter: Select Sub-menu

F5: Setup Defaults

F10: Save and Exit

→←: Select Menu

2.4.1 CPU Configuration

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Advanced

CPU Configuration

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

CPU Type

AMD Athlon(tm) 64 FX-55 Processor

3400MHz

512K

CPU Speed

Cache RAM

DRAM timing and

control

DRAM Configuration

Hyper Transport Frequency

AMD K8 Cool’n’Quiet control

[Auto]

DRAM Configuration

The items in this sub-menu show the DRAM-related information

auto-detected by the BIOS.

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Advanced

DRAM Configuration

Select Menu

Max Memclock (MHz)

[Auto]

Item Specific Help

1T/2T Memory Timing

[Auto]

CAS# latency (Tcl)

[Auto]

Place an artificial

memory clock limit on

the system. Memory is

prevented from

running faster than

this frequency.

RAS# to CAS# delay (Trcd)

Min RAS# active time (Tras)

Row precharge Time (Trp)

Master ECC Enabled

[Auto]

[Disabled]

ASUS A8N5X

2-21

Max Memclock (MHz) [Auto]

Sets the maximum operating memory clock.

Configuration options: [Auto] [DDR200] [DDR266] [DDR333]

[DDR400] [DDR400] [DDR433] [DDR466] [DDR500] [DDR533]

[DDR550] [DDR600]

1T/2T Memory Timing [Auto]

Sets the memory timing. Configuration options: [Auto] [1T] [2T]

CAS# latency (Tcl) [Auto]

Sets the CAS# latency.

Configuration options: [Auto] [2.0] [2.5] [3.0]

RAS# to CAS# delay (Trcd) [Auto]

Sets the RAS# to CAS# delay to Rd/Wr command on the same bank.

Configuration options: [Auto] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]

Min RAS# active time (Tras) [Auto]

Sets the minimum RAS# active time.

Configuration options: [Auto] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13]

[14] [15]

Row precharge Time (Trp) [Auto]

Sets the Row precharge time. Precharge to Active or Auto-Refresh of

the same bank. Configuration options: [Auto] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

Master ECC Enable [Disabled]

Enables or disables the master ECC function.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Hyper Transport Frequency [Auto]

Sets the Hyper Transport frequency.

Configuration options: [Auto] [1x] [2x] [3x] [4x] [5x] [Auto]

AMD K8 Cool’n’Quiet control [Auto]

Enables or disables the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet! technology.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2-22

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.4.2 PCIPnP

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Advanced

Frequency/Voltage control

Select Menu

Plug & Play O/S

Init Display First

[No]

[PCI Slot]

Item Specific Help

Resources Controlled By

x IRQ Resources

[Auto]

PCI/VGA Palette Snoop

[Disabled]

Plug & Play O/S [No]

When set to [No], the BIOS configures all the devices in the system. When

set to [Yes] and if you install a Plug and Play operating system, the

operating system configures the Plug and Play devices not required for

boot. Configuration options: [No] [Yes]

Resources Controlled By [Auto]

When set to [Auto], the BIOS automatically configures all the boot and

Plug and Play compatible devices. Set to [Manual] if you want to assign the

IRQ DMA and memory base address fields.

Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual]

When the item Resources Controlled By is set to [Auto], the item IRQ

Resources is grayed out and not user-configurable. Refer to the section

“IRQ Resources” for information on how to enable this item.

IRQ Resources

This sub-menu is activated only when the Resources Controlled By

item is set to Manual.

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Advanced

IRQ Resources

Select Menu

IRQ-3 assigned to

IRQ-4 assigned to

IRQ-5 assigned to

IRQ-7 assigned to

IRQ-9 assigned to

IRQ-10 assigned to

IRQ-11 assigned to

IRQ-12 assigned to

IRQ-14 assigned to

IRQ-15 assigned to

[PCI Device]

Item Specific Help

Legacy ISA for devices

compliant with the

original PC AT bus

specification, PCI/ISA

PnP for devices

compliant with the

IRQ-xx assigned to

When set to [PCI Device], the specific IRQ is free for use of PCI/PnP

devices. When set to [Reserved], the IRQ is reserved for legacy ISA

devices. Configuration options: [PCI Device] [Reserved]

ASUS A8N5X

2-23

PCI/VGA Palette Snoop [Disabled]

When set to [Enabled], the pallete snooping feature informs the PCI

devices that an ISA graphics device is installed in the system so that the

latter can function correctly. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2.4.3 Onboard Devices Configuration

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Advanced

Onboard Device Configuration

Select Menu

IDE Function Setup

Item Specific Help

NVRAID Configuration

USB Configuration

Onboard NV LAN

[Enabled]

[Disabled]

[Enabled]

[3F8/IRQ4]

[378/IRQ7]

[ECP+EPP]

[3]

Onboard LAN Boot ROM

AC97 Audio

Serial Port1 Address

Parallel Port Address

Parallel Port Mode

ECP MOde Use DMA

Game Port Address

Midi Port Address

x Midi Port IRQ

[201]

[Disabled]

F1:Help

ESC: Exit

↑↓ : Select Item

→←: Select Menu

-/+: Change Value

Enter: Select Sub-menu

F5: Setup Defaults

F10: Save and Exit

IDE Function Setup

This sub-menu contains IDE function-related items. Select an item then

press <Enter> to edit.

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Advanced

Onboard Device Configuration

Select Menu

OnChip IDE Channel0

[Enabled]

Item Specific Help

OnChip IDE Channel1

IDE DMA transfer access

Serial Port 1, 2

SATA DMA transfer

Serial Port 3, 4

SATA DMA transfer

IDE Prefetch Mode

OnChip IDE Channel0 [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the onchip IDE channel 0 controller .

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

OnChip IDE Channel1 [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the onchip IDE channel 1 controller .

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2-24

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

IDE DMA transfer access [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the IDE DMA transfer access.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Serial Port 1, 2 [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the SATA 1 and 2 ports.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

SATA DMA access [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the SATA DMA transfer access.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Serial Port 3, 4 [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the SATA 3 and 4 ports.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

SATA DMA transfer [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the SATA DMA transfer access.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

IDE Prefetch Mode [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the IDE prefetch mode.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

NVRAID Configuration

This sub-menu contains NVRAID function-related items. Select an item then

press <Enter> to edit.

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Advanced

NVRAID Configuration

Select Menu

RAID Enabled

[Disabled]

Disabled

Item Specific Help

x IDE Primary Master RAID

x IDE Primary Slave RAID

x IDE Secondary Master RAID

x IDE Secondary Slave RAID

x First SATA Master RAID

x Second SATA Master RAID

x Third SATA Master RAID

x Fourth SATA Master RAID

RAID Enabled [Disabled]

Enables or disables the onboard RAID controller. When Enabled, the

succeeding items becomes user-configurable.

Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

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2-25

IDE Primary, Secondary Master/Slave RAID [Disabled]

Enables or disables the RAID function of the primary or secondary master

or slave IDE. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

First, Second, Third, Fourth SATA Master RAID [Disabled]

Enables or disables the RAID function of the first, second, third or fourth

SATA master drive. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

USB Configuration

The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features.

Select an item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options.

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Advanced

USB Configuration

Select Menu

USB Controller

USB2.0 Controller

USB Legacy support

[Enabled]

Item Specific Help

USB Controller [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the onchip USB controller.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the USB 2.0 controller.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

USB Legacy Support [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable support for USB devices on legacy

operating systems (OS). Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Onboard NV LAN [Enabled]

Enables or disables the onboard NVIDIA^®Gigabit LAN controller.

Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the onboard LAN boot ROM.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

AC97 Audio [Enabled]

Allows you to disable or enabled the onboard AC97 audio controller.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2-26

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]

Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3]

Parallel Port Address [378/IRQ7]

Allows you to select the Parallel Port base addresses.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [378/IRQ7] [278/IRQ5] [3BC/IRQ7]

Parallel Port Mode [ECP+EPP]

Allows you to select the Parallel Port mode.

Configuration options: [Normal] [Bi-directional] [EPP] [ECP]

ECP Mode Use DMA [3]

Allows selection of ECP Mode. Configuration options: [1] [3]

Game Port Address [201]

Allows you to select the Game Port address or to disable the port.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [201] [209]

Midi Port Address [Disabled]

Allows you to select the Game Port address or to disable the port.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [330] [300]

Midi Port IRQ [10]

Allows you to set the Midi port IRQ address. Configuration options: [5] [10]

ASUS A8N5X

2-27

2.4.4 JumperFree Configuration

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Advanced

JumperFree Configuration

Select Menu

Overclock Profile

x Overclock Options

x N.O.S. Option

x CPU Frequency

x PCI Express Clock

x DDR Voltage

[Auto]

Disable

200.00

100Mhz

Auto

Item Specific Help

x CPU Multiplier

x CPU Voltage

Auto

Overclock Profile [Auto]

Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU

internal frequency. Select either one of the preset overclocking

configuration options:

Manual

Allows you to individually set overclocking

parameters.

Auto

Standard

AI Overclock

Loads the optimal settings for the system.

Loads the standard settings for the system.

Loads overclocking profiles with optimal

parameters for stability when overclocking.

AI N.O.S.

The ASUS AI Non-delay Overclocking System

feature intelligently determines the system

load and automatically boost the performance

for the most demanding tasks.

The following items are user-configurable only when the Overclock

Profile item is set to [Manual].

CPU Frequency [XXX] (value is auto-detected)

Indicates the frequency sent by the clock generator to the system bus and

PCI bus. The bus frequency (external frequency) multiplied by the bus

multiple equals the CPU speed. The value of this item is auto-detected by

BIOS. The values range from 200 to 400. Refer to the following table for

the correct Front Side Bus and CPU External Frequency settings.

Selecting a very high CPU frequency may cause the system to become

unstable! If this happens, revert to the default setting.

2-28

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

PCI Express Clock [100MHz]

Allows you to set the PCI Express clock. Key-in a decimal value between

100-200 MHz. Configuration options: [100Mhz] [101Mhz~[145Mhz]

DDR Voltage [Auto]

Sets the operating DDR voltage. Configuration options: [Auto] [2.60V]

[2.65V] [2.70V] [2.75V] [2.80V] [2.85V] [2.90V] [2.95V] [3.00V]

CPU Multiplier [Auto]

Sets the operating CPU multiplier. The configuration options vary

depending on the type of CPU installed. Configuration options: [Auto] [x4]

[x4.5] [x5] [x5.5] [x6] [x6.5] [x7] [x7.5] [x7.5] [x8] [x8.5] [x9] [x9.5]

[x10] [x10.5] [x11] [x11.5] [x12] [x12.5] [x13] [x13.5] [x14] [x14.5]

[x15] [x15.5] [x16] [x16.5] [x17] [x17.5] [x18] [x18.5] [x19] [x19.5]

[x20]

CPU Voltage [Auto]

Sets the operating CPU voltage. Configuration options: [Auto]

[1.650V] [1.6375V] [1.625V] [1.6125V] [1.600V] [1.5875V]

[1.575V] [1.5625V] [1.550V] [1.5375V] [1.525V] [1.5125V]

[1.500V] [1.4875V] [1.475V] [1.4625V] [1.450V] [1.4375V]

[1.425V] [1.4125V] [1.400V] [1.3875V] [1.375V] [1.3625V]

[1.350V] [1.3375V] [1.325V] [1.3125V] [1.300V] [1.2875V]

[1.275V] [1.2625V] [1.250V] [1.2375V] [1.225V] [1.2125V]

[1.200V] [1.1875V] [1.175V] [1.1625V] [1.150V] [1.1375V]

[1.125V] [1.1125V] [1.100V] [1.0875V] [1.075V] [1.0625V]

[1.050V] [1.0375V] [1.025V] [1.0125V] [1.000V] [0.9875V]

[0.975V] [0.9625V] [0.950V] [0.9375V] [0.925V] [0.9125V]

[0.900V] [0.8875V] [0.875V] [0.8625V] [0.850V] [0.8375V]

[0.825V] [0.8125V] [0.800V]

The following item is user-configurable only when the AI Overclocking

item is set to [AI Overclock].

Overclock Options [Disable]

Allows you to set the oveclocking options.

Configuration options: [Disable] [Overclock 3%] [Overclock 5%]

[Overclock 8%] [Overclock 10%]

ASUS A8N5X

2-29

The following item is user-configurable only when the AI Overclocking

item is set to [AI N.O.S.].

N.O.S. Option [Disable]

Sets the Non-Delay Overclocking System mode.

Configuration options: [Disable] [Overclock 3%] [Overclock 5%]

[Overclock 8%] [Overclock 10%]

2.4.5 LAN Cable Status

The items in this menu displays the status of the Local Area Network

(LAN) cable.

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Advanced

JumperFree Configuration

POST Check LAN Cable [Disabled]

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

Pair

1-2

3-6

4-5

7-8

Status

Open

Length

N/A

Open

N/A

Open

N/A

POST Check LAN cable [Disabled]

Enables or disables checking of the LAN cable during the Power-On

Self-Test (POST). Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2.4.6 PEG Link Mode

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Advanced

JumperFree Configuration

[Auto]

Select Menu

PEG Link Mode

PEG Root Control

PEG Buffer Length

Item Specific Help

[Auto]

PEG Link Mode [Disabled]

Allows you to enhance the performance of your PCI Express graphics card.

Configuration options: [Auto] [Slow] [Normal] [Fast] [Faster]

PEG Root Control [Auto]

Allows you to enable or disable the PCI Express graphics root control.

Configuration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]

2-30

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

PEG Buffer Length [Auto]

Allows you to set the PCI Express graphics buffer length.

Configuration options: [Auto] [Long] [Short]

2.4.7 Instant Music

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Advanced

JumperFree Configuration

Select Menu

Instant Music

x Instant Music CD-ROM Drive

[Disabled]

Primary Master

Item Specific Help

If enabled, power up

by PS/2 keyboard

function will be

disabled.

Instant Music [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Instant Music feature.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Enabling Instant Music automatically disables the PS/2 keyboard power

up feature.

Instant Music CD-ROM Drive [Primary Master]

Allows you to select the CD-ROM drive that you wish to use for the Instant

Music CD playback. Configuration options: [Primary Master] [Primary Slave]

[Secondary Master] [Secondary Slave]

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2-31

2.5 Power menu

The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced

Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) and the Advanced Power

Management (APM). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the

configuration options.

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Main

Advanced

Power

Boot

Exit

Select Menu

ACPI Suspend Type

ACPI APIC support

APM Configuration

Hardware Monitor

[S1&S3]

[Enabled]

Item Specific Help

Select the ACPI state

used for System

Suspend.

F1:Help

ESC: Exit

↑↓ : Select Item

-/+: Change Value

Enter: Select Sub-menu

F5: Setup Defaults

F10: Save and Exit

→←: Select Menu

2.5.1 ACPI Suspend Type [S1&S3]

Allows you to select the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface

(ACPI) state to be used for system suspend.

Configuration options: [S1 (POS)] [S3(STR)] [S1&S3]

2.5.2 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Configuration and Power

Interface (ACPI) support in the Application-Specific Integrated Circuit

(ASIC). When set to Enabled, the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the

RSDT pointer list. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

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Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.5.3 APM Configuration

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Power

APM Configuration

Select Menu

Restore on AC Power Loss

[Disabled]

[Instant Off]

[Disabled]

Item Specific Help

PWR Button < 4 secs

Power On By PCI Devices

Power On By External Modems

Power-On by RTC Alarm

x Date (of Month)

Press [ENTER] to

select whether or not

to restart the system

after AC power loss.

x Resume Time (hh:mm:ss)

Power Up By PS/2 Mouse

Power Up By PS/2 Keyboard

0 : 0 : 0

[Disabled]

F1:Help

ESC: Exit

↑↓ : Select Item

-/+: Change Value

Enter: Select Sub-menu

F5: Setup Defaults

F10: Save and Exit

→←: Select Menu

Restore on AC Power Loss [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Restore on AC Power Loss function.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

PWR Button < 4 secs [Instant-Off]

Allows you to set the event after the power button is pressed for more

than 4 seconds. Configuration options: [Suspend] [Instant-Off]

Power On By PCI Devices [Disabled]

When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to turn on the system

through a PCI LAN or modem card. This feature requires an ATX power

supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Power On By External Modems [Disabled]

This allows either settings of [Enabled] or [Disabled] for powering up the

computer when the external modem receives a call while the computer is in

Soft-off mode. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The computer cannot receive or transmit data until the computer and

applications are fully running. Thus, connection cannot be made on the

first try. Turning an external modem off and then back on while the

computer is off causes an initialization string that turns the system

power on.

ASUS A8N5X

2-33

Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable RTC to generate a wake event. When this

item is set to Enabled, the items Date of Month Alarm and Time (hh:mm:ss)

Alarm items become user-configurable with set values.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Day of Month Alarm [Disabled]

To set the date of alarm, highlight this item and press <Enter> to display

the Day of Month Alarm pop-up menu. Key-in a value within the specified

range then press <Enter>. Configuration options: [Min=0] [Max=31]

Time (hh:mm:ss) Alarm [Disabled]

To set the time of alarm:

1. Highlight this item and press <Enter> to display a pop-up menu for the

hour field.

2. Key-in a value (Min=0, Max=23), then press <Enter>.

3. Press <TAB> to move to the minutes field then press <Enter>.

4. Key-in a minute value (Min=0, Max=59), then press <Enter>.

5. Press <TAB> to move to the seconds field then press <Enter>.

6. Key-in a value (Min=0, Max=59), then press <Enter>.

Power Up By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]

When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to use the PS/2 mouse

to turn on the system. This feature requires an ATX power supply that

provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]

Allows you to disable the Power On by PS/2 keyboard function or set

specific keys on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system. This feature

requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Space Bar] [Ctrl-ESC] [Power Key]

2-34

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.5.4 Hardware Monitor

The items in this sub-menu displays the hardware monitor values

automatically detected by the BIOS. It also allows you to change CPU Q-Fan

feature-related parameters. Select an item then press <Enter> to display

the configuration options.

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Power

Hardware Monitor

Select Menu

Q-Fan Controller

Vcore Voltage

3.3V Voltage

5V Voltage

[Disabled]

Item Specific Help

1.50V

3.31V

Press [Enter] to

enable or disable

4.94V

11.26V

12V Voltage

CPU Temperature

M/B Temperature

CPU FAN Speed

48ºC

38ºC

4962 RPM

0 RPM

CHA1 FAN Speed

CHIP FAN Speed

x CPU Target Temperature

5443 RPM

72ºC

F1:Help

ESC: Exit

↑↓ : Select Item

→←: Select Menu

-/+: Change Value

Enter: Select Sub-menu

F5: Setup Defaults

F10: Save and Exit

Q-Fan Controller [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Q-Fan controller.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

VCORE Voltage, +12V Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5VCC

Voltage

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output

through the onboard voltage regulators. These items are not

user-configurable.

CPU Temperature, M/B Temperature

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the

motherboard and CPU temperatures. These items are not user-configurable.

CPU Fan Speed

CHA1 Fan Speed

CHIP Fan Speed

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the

Chassis, CPU, and Chip fan speeds in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan

is not connected to the motherboard, the field shows 0. These items are

not user-configurable.

ASUS A8N5X

2-35

CPU Target Temperature

Allows you to set the temperature threshold before the CPU fan rotates at

full speed. Configuration options: [51ºC] [54ºC] [57ºC] [60ºC] [63ºC]

[66ºC] [69ºC] [72ºC] [75ºC] [78ºC] [81ºC]

2.6 Boot menu

The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select

an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Main

Advanced

Power

Boot

Exit

Boot Device Priority

Removable Drives

Hard Disk Drives

CDROM Drives

Boot Settings Configuration

Security

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

F1:Help

ESC: Exit

↑↓ : Select Item

-/+: Change Value

Enter: Select Sub-menu

F5: Setup Defaults

F10: Save and Exit

→←: Select Menu

2.6.1 Boot Device Priority

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Power

Boot Device Priority

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

1st Boot Device

2nd Boot Device

3rd Boot Device

4th Boot Device

[Removable]

[Hard Disk]

[CDROM]

Select your boot

device priority

[Disabled]

1st ~ xxth Boot Device [Removable]

These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available

devices. The number of device items that appears on the screen depends

on the number of devices installed in the system.

Configuration options: [Removable] [Hard Disk] [CDROM] [Legacy LAN]

[Disabled]

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Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.6.2 Removable Drives

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Boot

Removable Drives

Select Menu

1. Floppy Disks

Item Specific Help

1. Floppy Disks

Allows you to assign a removable drive attached to the system.

2.6.3 Hard Disk Drives

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Boot

Hard Disk Drives

Select Menu

1. 1st Master: XXXXXXXXX

2. Bootable Add-in Cards

Item Specific Help

1. 1st Master: XXXXXXXXX

Allows you to assign hard disk drives attached to the system.

2.6.4 CDROM Drives

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Boot

CDROM Drives

1. 1st Slave: XXXXXXXXX

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

1. 1st Slave: XXXXXXXXX

Allows you to assign optical drives attached to the system.

ASUS A8N5X

2-37

2.6.5 Boot Settings Configuration

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Boot

Boot Settings Configuration

Select Menu

Case Open Warning

Quick Boot

[Enabled]

[On]

Item Specific Help

Boot Up Floppy Seek

Bootup Num-Lock

Press [Enter] to

enable or disable.

Typematic Rate Setting

x Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec)

x Typematic Delay (Msec)

OS Select For DRAM > 64MB

Full Screen LOGO

[Disabled]

250

[Non-OS2]

[Enabled]

[All Errors]

Halt On

F1:Help

ESC: Exit

↑↓ : Select Item

-/+: Change Value

Enter: Select Sub-menu

F5: Setup Defaults

F10: Save and Exit

→←: Select Menu

Case Open Warning [Enabled]

Enables or disables the chassis open status feature. Setting to Enabled,

clears the chassis open status. Refer to section “2.7 Internal connectors”

for setting details. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Quick Boot [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the system quick boot feature. When

Enabled, the system skips certain tests while booting.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Boot Up Floppy Seek [Enabled]

Enable this item to allow the BIOS to check a boot floppy disk during POST.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Bootup Num-Lock [On]

Allows you to select the power-on state for the NumLock.

Configuration options: [Off] [On]

Typematic Rate Setting [Disabled]

Allows you to set the keystroke rate. Enable this item to configure the

Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec) and the Typematic Delay (Msec).

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The items Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec) and Typematic Delay

(Msec) becomes user-configurable only when the item Typematic Rate

Setting is enabled.

2-38

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec) [6]

Allows you to select the rate at which a character repeats when you hold a

key. Configuration options: [6] [8] [10] [12] [15] [20] [24] [30]

Typematic Delay (Msec) [250]

Allows you to set the delay before keystrokes begin to repeat.

Configuration options: [250] [500] [750] [1000]

OS Select for DRAM > 64MB [Non-OS2]

Set this item to OS2 only when you are running on an OS/2 operating

system with an installed RAM of greater than 64 KB.

Configuration options: [Non-OS2] [OS2]

Full Screen LOGO [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

•

Make sure that the above item is set to [Enabled] if you want to use

the ASUS MyLogo2™ feature.

See section “3.3.1 ASUS MyLogo2™” for details.

Halt On [All Errors]

Allows you to error report type.

Configuration options: [All Errors] [No Errors] [All, But Keyboard]

[All, But Diskette] [All, But Disk/Key]

2.6.6 Security

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Boot

Boot Settings Configuration

Select Menu

Supervisor Password

User Password

Password Check

Clear

Item Specific Help

Clear

[Setup]

Supervisor Password

User Password

These fields allow you to set passwords:

To set a password:

1. Select an item then press <Enter>.

2. Type in a password using a combination of a maximum of eight (8)

alpha-numeric characters, then press <Enter>.

ASUS A8N5X

2-39

3. When prompted, confirm the password by typing the exact characters

again, then press <Enter>. The password field setting is changed to

Set.

To clear the password:

1. Select the password field and press <Enter> twice. The following

message appears:

PASSWORD DISABLED !!!

Press any key to continue...

2. Press any key to continue. The password field setting is changed to

Clear.

A note about passwords

The Supervisor password is required to enter the BIOS Setup program

preventing unauthorized access. The User password is required to

boot the system preventing unauthorized use.

Forgot your password?

If you forget your password, you can clear it by erasing the CMOS Real

Time Clock (RTC) RAM. The RAM data containing the password

information is powered by the onboard button cell battery. If you need

to erase the CMOS RAM, refer to section “2.6 Jumpers” for

instructions.

Password Check

This field requires you to enter the password before entering the BIOS

setup or the system. Select [Setup] to require the password before

entering the BIOS Setup. Select [System] to require the password before

entering the system. Configuration options: [Setup] [System]

2-40

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.7 Exit menu

The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values

for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items.

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Main

Advanced

Power

Boot

Exit

Select Menu

Exit & Save Changes

Exit & Discard Changes

Load Setup Default

Discard Changes

Item Specific Help

This option save data

to CMOS and exiting

the setup menu.

F1:Help

ESC: Exit

↑↓ : Select Item

-/+: Change Value

Enter: Select Sub-menu

F5: Setup Defaults

F10: Save and Exit

→←: Select Menu

Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the

options from this menu or <F10> from the legend bar to exit.

Exit & Save Changes

Once you are finished making your selections, choose this option from the

Exit menu to ensure the values you selected are saved to the CMOS RAM.

An onboard backup battery sustains the CMOS RAM so it stays on even

when the PC is turned off. When you select this option, a confirmation

window appears. Select Yes to save changes and exit.

If you attempt to exit the Setup program without saving your changes,

the program prompts you with a message asking if you want to save

your changes before exiting. Press <Enter> to save the changes while

exiting.

Exit & Discard Changes

Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you

made to the Setup program. If you made changes to fields other than

System Date, System Time, and Password, the BIOS asks for a confirmation

before exiting.

ASUS A8N5X

2-41

Load Setup Defaults

This option allows you to load the default values for each of the

parameters on the Setup menus. When you select this option or if you

press <F5>, a confirmation window appears. Select Yes to load default

values. Select Exit & Save Changes or make other changes before

saving the values to the non-volatile RAM.

Discard Changes

This option allows you to discard the selections you made and restore the

previously saved values. After selecting this option, a confirmation appears.

Select Yes to discard any changes and load the previously saved values.

2-42

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

This chapter describes the contents

of the support CD that comes with

the motherboard package.

Software

support

ASUS A8N5X

3-1

3.1 Installing an operating system

This motherboard supports Windows^®2000/XP operating systems (OS).

Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize

the features of your hardware.

•

Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Use the setup

procedures presented in this chapter for reference only. Refer to

your OS documentation for detailed information.

•

Make sure that you install Windows^®2000 Service Pack 4 or the

Windows^®XP Service Pack 2 or later versions before installing the

drivers for better compatibility and system stability.

3.2 Support CD information

The support CD that came with the motherboard package contains the

drivers, software applications, and utilities that you can install to avail all

motherboard features.

The contents of the support CD are subject to change at any time

without notice. Visit the ASUS website(www.asus.com) for updates.

3.2.1 Running the support CD

Place the support CD to the optical drive. The CD automatically displays the

Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer.

Click an icon to

display support

CD/motherboard

information

Click an item to install

If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of

the support CD to locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder.

Double-click the ASSETUP.EXE to run the CD.

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Chapter 3: Software support

3.2.2 Drivers menu

The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects

installed devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices.

Nvidia Chipset Driver Program

Installs the NVIDIA^®Chipset drivers for the NVIDIA^®nForce™ 4 chipset.

Make NVIDIA PATA RAID Driver Disk

Creates the NVIDIA^®driver disk for Parallel ATA and RAID features.

Make NVIDIA SATA RAID Driver Disk

Creates the NVIDIA^®driver disk for Serial ATA and RAID features.

Realtek ALC850 Driver

Installs the Realtek^®ALC850 audio controller and application.

AMD Cool’n’Quiet Driver

Installs the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet! Technology drivers.

USB 2.0 Driver

Installs the Universal Serial Bus 2.0 (USB 2.0) driver.

The screen display and drivers option may not be the same for different

operating system versions.

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3-3

3.2.3 Utilities menu

The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the

motherboard supports.

ASUS PC Probe II

This smart utility monitors the fan speed, CPU temperature, and system

voltages, and alerts you of any detected problems. This utility helps you

keep your computer in healthy operating condition.

ASUS Update

Allows you to download the latest version of the BIOS from the ASUS

website.

Before using the ASUS Update, make sure that you have an Internet

connection so you can connect to the ASUS website.

ASUS AI Booster

The ASUS AI Booster application allows you to overclock the CPU speed in a

Windows^®environment.

Microsoft DirectX

Installs the Microsoft^®DirectX 9.0 driver. The Microsoft DirectX^®9.0 is a

multimedia technology that enhances computer graphics and sound.

DirectX^®improves the multimedia features of you computer so you can

enjoy watching TV and movies, capturing videos, or playing games in your

computer. Visit the Microsoft website (www.microsoft.com) for updates.

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Chapter 3: Software support

Anti-virus Utility

The anti-virus application detects and protects your computer from viruses

that destroys data.

ADOBE Acrobat Reader

Installs the Adobe^®Acrobat^®Reader that allows you to open, view, and

print documents in Portable Document Format (PDF).

ASUS Screen Saver

Bring life to your computer screen by installing the ASUS screen saver.

ASUS AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Software

Installs the AMD^®Cool ‘n’ Quiet! software.

3.2.4 Manuals menu

The Manuals menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an

item to open the folder of the user manual.

•

Most user manual files are in Portable Document Format (PDF).

Install the Adobe^®Acrobat^®Reader from the Utilities menu

before opening a user manual file.

•

Some user manuals listed in this menu may not be applicable for this

motherboard model.

NVIDIA Firewall Administrator’s Guide

Allows you to open the NVIDIA^®ForceWare Networking and Firewall

Administrator’s Guide.

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3-5

NVIDIA RAID User’s Guide

Allows you to open the NVIDIA^®RAID User’s Guide.

Sil3114 User’s Manual

Allows you to open the Silicon Image RAID User’s Guide.

NVIDIA nTune Manual

Allows you to open the NVIDIA^®nTune™ user’s manual.

NvRAID Disk Alert User’s Guide

Allows you to open the NVIDIA^®NVRAID™ Disk Alert user’s guide.

3.2.5 ASUS Contact information

Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can

also find this information on the inside front cover of this user guide.

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Chapter 3: Software support

3.3 Software information

Most of the applications in the support CD have wizards that will

conveniently guide you through the installation. View the online help or

readme file that came with the software application for more information.

3.3.1 ASUS MyLogo2™

The ASUS MyLogo2™ utility lets you customize the boot logo. The boot

logo is the image that appears on screen during the Power-On Self-Tests

(POST). The ASUS MyLogo2™ is automatically installed when you install the

ASUS Update utility from the support CD. See section “3.2.3 Utilities

menu” for details.

•

Before using the ASUS MyLogo2™, use the Award BIOS Flash utility

to make a copy of your original BIOS file, or obtain the latest BIOS

version from the ASUS website. See section “2.1.2 Updating the

BIOS”.

•

Make sure that the BIOS item Full Screen Logo is set to

[Enabled] if you wish to use ASUS MyLogo2. See section “2.6.5

Boot Settings Configuration”.

You can create your own boot logo image in GIF, JPG, or BMP file

formats.

To launch the ASUS MyLogo2™:

1. Launch the ASUS Update utility. Refer to section “2.1.6 ASUS Update

utility” for details.

2. Select Options from the drop down menu, then click Next.

3. Check the option Launch MyLogo to replace system boot

logo before flashing BIOS, then click Next.

4. Select Update BIOS from a file from the drop down menu, then

click Next.

5. When prompted, locate the new

BIOS file, then click Next. The

ASUS MyLogo2 window appears.

6. From the left window pane, select

the folder that contains the image

you intend to use as your boot

logo.

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7. When the logo images appear on

the right window pane, select an

image to enlarge by clicking on it.

8. Adjust the boot image to your

desired size by selecting a value

on the Ratio box.

9. When the screen returns to the ASUS Update utility, flash the original

BIOS to load the new boot logo.

10. After flashing the BIOS, restart the computer to display the new boot

logo during POST.

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Chapter 3: Software support

3.3.2 AI NET 2

The Marvell^®Virtual Cable Tester™ (VCT) is a cable diagnostic utility that

reports LAN cable faults and shorts using the Time Domain Reflectometry

(TDR) technology. The VCT detects and reports open and shorted cables,

impedance mismatches, pair swaps, pair polarity problems, and pair skew

problems of up to 100 meters at one meter accuracy.

The VCT feature reduces networking and support costs through a highly

manageable and controlled network system. This utility can be incorporated

in the network systems sofware for ideal field support as well as

development diagnostics.

Using the Virtual Cable Tester™

To use the the Marvell^®Virtual Cable Tester™ utility:

1. Launch the VCT utility from the Windows^®desktop by clicking

Start > All Programs > Marvell > Virtual Cable Tester.

2. Click Virtual Cable

Tester from the menu

to display the screen

below.

3. Click the Run button to perform a cable test.

•

The VCT only runs on systems with Windows^®XP or Windows^®2000

operating systems.

The Run button on the Virtual Cable Tester™ main window is

disabled if no problem is detected on the LAN cable(s) connected to

the LAN port(s).

•

If you want the system to check the LAN cable before entering the

OS, enable the POST Check LAN cable item in the BIOS. See

section “2.4.5 LAN Cable Status” for details.

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3.3.3 Audio configurations

The Realtek^®ALC850 AC ‘97 audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio

capability to deliver the ultimate audio experience on your PC. The software

provides Jack-Sensing function (Line-In, Line-Out, Mic-In), S/PDIF out

support and interrupt capability. The ALC850 also includes the Realtek^®

proprietary UAJ^®(Universal Audio Jack) technology for three ports (Line-In,

Line-Out and Mic-In), eliminating cable connection errors and giving users

plug and play convenience.

Follow the installation wizard to install the Realtek ALC850 Audio

Driver and Application from the support CD that came with the

motherboard package.

If the Realtek audio software is correctly installed, you will find the

SoundEffect icon on the taskbar.

From the taskbar, double-click on the

SoundEffect icon to display the Realtek

Audio Control Panel.

Realtek SoundEffect icon

The Jack-sensing and UAJ^®technology features are supported on the

Line-In, Line-Out, and Mic jacks only.

Sound Effect options

The Realtek^®ALC850 Audio CODEC allows you to set your listening

environment, adjust the equalizer, set the karaoke, or select

pre-programmed equalizer settings for your listening pleasure.

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Chapter 3: Software support

To set the sound effect options:

1. From the Realtek Audio Control Panel, click the Sound Effect

button.

2. Click the shortcut buttons to change the acoustic environment, adjust

the equalizer, or set the karaoke to your desired settings.

3. The audio settings take effect immediately after you click on the

buttons.

4. Click the Exit (X) button on the upper-right hand corner of the window

to exit.

S/PDIF option

The Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) options allows you to change

your S/PDIF output settings.

To set the S/PDIF options:

1. From the Realtek Audio Control Panel, click the SPDIF button.

2. Click the option buttons to change your S/PDIF out settings.

3. Click the Exit (X) button on the upper-right hand corner of the window

to exit.

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Speaker Configuration

This option allows you to set your speaker configuration.

To set the speaker configuration:

1. From the Realtek Audio Control Panel, click the Speaker

Configuration button.

2. Select from the combo list box your current speaker setup, then click

Auto Test to test your settings.

3. Click the UAJ Automatic button to enable or disable the Universal

Audio Jack(UAJ^®) technology feature.

4. Click the Exit (X) button on the upper-right hand corner of the window

to exit.

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Chapter 3: Software support

AI Audio feature

The AI Audio feature works through the connector sensing option that

allows you to check if your audio devices are connected properly.

To start the connector sensing:

1. From the Realtek Audio Control Panel, click the Connector Sensing

button.

2. Click the Bracket button to display connected audio devices.

3. Click the Option button to change sensing options.

4. Click the Start button to start connection sensing. A progress bar

displays current connector sensing status.

Make sure to exit all audio applications before starting this function.

5. When finished, the utility prompts the Realtek^®EZ-connection dialog

box showing your current audio connections. The text at the bottom

of the box explains your audio connection status. An X mark denotes

an incorrect connection.

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6. If there are detected problems, make sure that your audio cables are

connected to the proper audio jack and repeat connector sensing.

7. Click the X button to exit EZ-connection dialog box.

8. Click the Exit (X) button on the upper-right hand corner of the window

to exit audio control panel.

HRTF Demo

This option shows a demo of the Head-Related Transfer Functions (HRTF).

To start the HRTF demo:

1. From the Realtek Audio Control Panel, click the HRTF Demo button.

2. Click the option buttons to change the sound, moving path or EAX

settings.

3. Click the Play button to start or the Stop button to stop.

4. Click the Exit (X) button on the upper-right hand corner of the window

to exit.

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Chapter 3: Software support

General settings

This option shows the audio settings and allows you to change the

language setting or toggle the SoundEffect icon display on the Windows

taskbar.

To display the general settings:

1. From the Realtek Audio Control Panel, click the General button.

2. Click the option button to enable or disable the icon display on the

Windows taskbar.

3. Click the Language combo list box to change language display.

4. Click the Exit (X) button on the upper-right hand corner of the window

to exit.

Rear panel audio ports function variation

The functions of the Line Out (lime), Line In (blue), Mic (pink), Rear

Speaker Out (gray), Side Speaker Out (black), and Center/Subwoofer

(yellow orange) ports on the rear panel change when you select the

4-channel, 6-channel or 8-channel audio configuration. See the 8, 6, 4 or

2-channel speaker configuration on page 1-21.

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3.3.4 Using the NVIDIA^®Firewall™

The motherboard supports the NVIDIA^®Firewall™ (NVFirewall™) application

that protects your computer from intruders. The NVFirewall™ is classified

as a personal firewall or desktop firewall that works at the device level to

protect your system from malicious computer code by controlling the

connections to and from your computer and alerting you for attempted

intrusions. The following sections describe how to use the NVIDIA^®

Firewall™.

Launching the NVFirewall™ summary

After you install the NVFirewall™ application from the motherboard support

CD, it is automatically activated with a Medium security profile as its

default setting. The setup summary of NVFirewall™ is displayed in the

summary menu.

To launch the NVFirewall™ summary menu:

1. Click the NVIDIA^®Firewall™ icon from

the Windows^®taskbar.

NVIDIA^®Firewall™ icon

2. Double-click the icon to display

the NVFirewall™ Summary

menu.

Click to select firewall profile

Click to view profile details

Click to view the firewall log

Click to view the firewall stats

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Chapter 3: Software support

Setting security profiles

The NVFirewall™ application allows several security profiles to match your

system security needs. The following describes the NVFirewall™ security

profiles:

•

Low - allows safe incoming connections and deny those that are

known to be dangerous connections. This profile also enables some

anti-hacking features.

•

Medium - blocks most incoming connections. Incoming connections

to some ports must be set to allow file transfers using some online

messaging applications. This profile also enables some anti-hacking

features.

•

High - allows the least traffic through. Only outbound connections

are allowed. This profile also includes the “stealth mode’ feature that

makes your system invisible to intruders. This also enables some

anti-hacking features.

•

Lockdown - blocks all incoming and outgoing connections.

Anti-hacking only - this profile enables all anti-hacking features but

disables the firewall. This security profile is useful if you want to use a

third-party firewall application.

•

Custom 1, 2, 3 - these are reserved for customized profiles.

Off - deactivates the firewall.

To set a security profile:

1. From the NVFirewall™ summary

menu, click the Current

Firewall Profile combo list

box then select a security profile.

The following confirmation box

appears.

2. Click Change Profile to apply

settings or D o n ’ t C h a n g e

Profile to return to previous

menu.

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Turning the NVFirewall™ off

Take caution when using this option, your computer becomes vulnerable

to viruses, hackers or intruders after you turn off the firewall.

To turn off the NVFirewall:

1. From the NVIDIA Firewall

summary menu, click the

Current Firewall Profile

combo list box then select Off.

The following confirmation box

appears.

2. Click Turn Firewall OFF.

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Chapter 3: Software support

3.4 RAID configurations

The motherboard comes with the NVIDIA^®nForce™ 4 southbridge RAID

controller that allow you to configure IDE and Serial ATA hard disk drives as

RAID sets. The motherboard supports the following RAID configurations.

RAID 0 (Data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and

write data in parallel, interleaved stacks. Two hard disks perform the same

work as a single drive but at a sustained data transfer rate, double that of

a single disk alone, thus improving data access and storage. Use of two

new identical hard disk drives is required for this setup.

RAID 1 (Data mirroring) copies and maintains an identical image of data

from one drive to a second drive. If one drive fails, the disk array

management software directs all applications to the surviving drive as it

contains a complete copy of the data in the other drive. This RAID

configuration provides data protection and increases fault tolerance to the

entire system. Use two new drives or use an existing drive and a new drive

for this setup. The new drive must be of the same size or larger than the

existing drive.

RAID 0+1 is data striping and data mirroring combined without parity

(redundancy data) having to be calculated and written. With the RAID 0+1

configuration you get all the benefits of both RAID 0 and RAID 1

configurations. Use four new hard disk drives or use an existing drive and

three new drives for this setup.

JBOD (Spanning) stands for Just a Bunch of Disks and refers to hard

disk drives that are not yet configured as a RAID set. This configuration

stores the same data redundantly on multiple disks that appear as a single

disk on the operating system. Spanning does not deliver any advantage

over using separate disks independently and does not provide fault

tolerance or other RAID performance benefits.

If you want to boot the system from a hard disk drive included in a RAID

set, copy first the RAID driver from the support CD to a floppy disk

before you install an operating system to a selected hard disk drive.

Refer to section “3.5 Creating a RAID driver disk” for details.

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3.4.1 Installing hard disks

The motherboard supports Ultra DMA /133/100/66 and Serial ATA hard

disk drives. For optimal performance, install identical drives of the same

model and capacity when creating a disk array.

Installing Parallel ATA hard disks

To install IDE hard disks for a RAID configuration:

1. Set the jumpers of each hard disk as Master/Master or Slave/Slave.

2. Install the hard disks into the drive bays.

3. Connect the HDD signal cables.

4. Connect a 4-pin power cable to the power connector on each drive.

Installing Serial ATA (SATA) hard disks

To install the SATA hard disks for a RAID configuration:

1. Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays.

2. Connect the SATA signal cables.

3. Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector on each drive.

Refer to the RAID controllers user manual in the motherboard support

CD for detailed information on RAID configurations. See section “3.2.4

Manuals menu”.

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Chapter 3: Software support

3.4.2 NVIDIA^®RAID configurations

The motherboard includes a high performance IDE RAID controller

integrated in the NVIDIA^®nForce 4 southbridge chipset. It supports RAID 0,

RAID 1, RAID 1+0, and JBOD with four independent Serial ATA channels.

Setting the BIOS RAID items

After installing the hard disk drives, make sure to set the necessary RAID

items in the BIOS before setting your RAID configuration.

To set the BIOS RAID items:

1. Boot the system and press <Del> during the Power-On Self-Test

(POST) to enter the BIOS Setup Utility.

2. From the Advanced > Onboard Devices Configuration >

NVRAID Configuration menu item in the BIOS set the RAID

Enabled item to Enabled. The succeeding items become

user-configurable.

3. Select and enable the IDE or SATA drive(s) that you want to configure

as RAID. See section “2.4.3 Onboard Devices Configuration” for

details.

4. Save your changes and Exit Setup.

For detailed descriptions on the NVIDIA^®RAID configuration, refer to the

“NVIDIA^®RAID User’s Manual” found in your motherboard support CD.

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3-21

Entering the NVIDIA^®RAID utility

To enter the NVIDIA^®RAID utility:

1. Boot up your computer.

2. During POST, press <F10> to display the main menu of the utility.

The RAID BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference

only, and may not exactly match the items on your screen.

NVIDIA RAID Utility Oct 5 2004

- Define a New Array -

RAID Mode: Striping

Free Disks

Striping Block:

Array Disks

Optimal

Loc

Disk Model Name

Loc

Disk Model Name

1.0.M XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

1.1.M XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

2.0.M XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

2.1.M XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

[→] Add

[←] Del

[F6] Back [F7] Finish [TAB] Navigate [↑↓] Select [ENTER] Popup

At the bottom of the screen are the navigation keys. These keys allow you

to move through and select menu options.

Creating a RAID Volume

To create a RAID volume:

1. From the NVIDIA^®RAID utility Define a New Array menu, select RAID

Mode then press <Enter>. The following submenu appears.

Use the up or down arrow keys to

Mirroring

select a RAID mode then press

Striping

Stripe Mirroring

<Enter>.

Spanning

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Chapter 3: Software support

2. Press <TAB> select the Striping

Block then press <Enter>. The

following submenu appears:

↑

16K

32K

64K

128K

Optim↓

If you selected Striping or Stripe Mirroring, use the up or down arrow

keys to select the stripe size for your RAID 0 array then press

<Enter>.The available values range from 8 KB to 128 KB. The default

selection is 128 KB. The strip value should be chosen based on the

planned drive usage.

• 8 /16 KB - low disk usage

• 64 KB - typical disk usage

• 128 KB - performance disk usage

TIP: For server systems, use of a lower array block size is

recommended. For multimedia computer systems used mainly for audio

and video editing, a higher array block size is recommended for optimum

performance.

3.` Press <TAB> to select the Free Disks area. Use the left or right arrow

keys to assign the array disks.

4. Press <F7> to create RAID set. The following message box appears.

Clear disk data?

[Y] YES

[N]

5. Press <Y> to clear the selected disks or <N> to proceed without

clearing the disks. The following screen appears.

Take caution in using this option. All data on the RAID drives will be lost!

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3-23

NVIDIA RAID Utility Oct 5 2004

- Array List -

Boot

Id Status

Vendor

NVIDIA

Array Model Name

MIRROR XXX.XXG

Healthy

[Ctrl-X]Exit [

↑

↓

]Select [B]Set Boot [N]New Array [ENTER]Detail

A new set of navigation keys is displayed on the bottom of the

screen.

6. Press <Ctrl+X> to save settings and exit.

Rebuilding a RAID array

To rebuild a RAID array:

1. From the Array List menu, use the up or down arrow keys to select a

RAID array then press <Enter>. The RAID Array details appear.

Array 1 : NVIDIA MIRROR XXX.XXG

- Array Detail -

RAID Mode: Mirroring

Striping Width: 1

Striping Block: 64K

Adapt Channel M/S

Index Disk Model Name

Capacity

Master

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

XXX.XXGB

[R] Rebuild [D] Delete [C] Clear Disk [ENTER] Return

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Chapter 3: Software support

A new set of navigation keys is displayed on the bottom of the

screen.

2. Press <R> to rebuild a RAID array. The following screen appears.

Array 1 : NVIDIA MIRROR XXX.XXG

- Select Disk Inside Array -

RAID Mode: Mirroring

Striping Width: 1

Striping Block: 64K

Adapt Channel M/S

Index Disk Model Name

Capacity

Master

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

XXX.XXGB

[↑↓] Select [F6] Back [F7] Finish

3. Use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID array to rebuild, then

press <F7>. The following confirmation message appears.

Rebuild array?

[ENTER] OK [ESC] Cancel

4. Press <Enter> to start rebuilding array or press <Esc> to cancel.

5. After the rebuild process, the Array list menu appears.

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3-25

Deleting a RAID array

To delete a RAID array:

1. From the Array List menu, use the up or down arrow keys to select a

RAID array then press <Enter>. The RAID Array details appear.

Array 1 : NVIDIA MIRROR XXX.XXG

- Array Detail -

RAID Mode: Mirroring

Striping Width: 1

Striping Block: 64K

Adapt Channel M/S

Index Disk Model Name

Capacity

Master

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

XXX.XXGB

[R] Rebuild [D] Delete [C] Clear Disk [ENTER] Return

A new set of navigation keys is displayed on the bottom of the

screen.

2. Press <D> to delete a RAID array. The following confirmation message

appears.

Delete this array?

[Y] YES [N] No

3. Press <Y> to delete array or press <N> to cancel.

Take caution in using this option. All data on the RAID drives will be lost!

4. If you selected Yes, the Define a New Array menu appears.

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Chapter 3: Software support

Clearing a disk data

To clear disk data:

1. From the Array List menu, use the up or down arrow keys to select a

RAID array then press <Enter>. The RAID Array details appear.

Array 1 : NVIDIA MIRROR XXX.XXG

- Array Detail -

RAID Mode: Mirroring

Striping Width: 1

Striping Block: 64K

Adapt Channel M/S

Index Disk Model Name

Capacity

Master

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

XXX.XXGB

[R] Rebuild [D] Delete [C] Clear Disk [ENTER] Return

A new set of navigation keys is displayed on the bottom of the

screen.

2. Press <C> to clear disk. The following confirmation message appears.

Clear disk data?

[Y] YES

[N]

5. Press <Y> to clear the disk data or press <N> to cancel.

Take caution in using this option. All data on the RAID drives will be lost!

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3.5 RAID driver installation

Creating a RAID driver disk

A floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows^®

2000/XP operating system on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID

set. You can create a RAID driver disk in DOS (using FreeDOS from the

support CD).

To create a RAID driver disk in DOS environment:

1. Place the motherboard support CD in the optical drive.

2. Restart the computer, then enter the BIOS Setup.

3. Set the optical drive as the first boot priority to boot from the

support CD. Save your changes, then exit the BIOS Setup.

4. Restart the computer. The following screen appears during POST.

1) Make Sil3114 32bit SATA/RAID Driver Disk

2) Make Sil3114 64bit SATA/RAID Driver Disk

3) Make Nvidia 2000 RAID Driver Disk

4) Make Nvidia XP RAID Driver Disk

5) Make Nvidia 2003 RAID Driver Disk

6) Make Nvidia 64bit XP RAID Driver Disk

7) Make Nvidia 64bit 2003 RAID Driver Disk

8) Format Floppy Disk

9) FreeDOS command prompt

Please choose 1 ~ 9:

5. Place a blank, high-density floppy disk to the floppy disk drive, then

press the number of your choice. The following message will appear:

Warning!!!

Bootable CD will delete all data in floppy

Press a key to continue.

6. Press any key to continue. The RAID drivers are copied to the floppy

disk.

7. Eject the floppy disk, then write-protect it to prevent computer virus

infection.

8. Press any key to continue.

To install the RAID driver:

1. During OS installation, the system prompts you to press the F6 key to

install third-party SCSI or RAID driver.

2. Press <F6> then insert the floppy disk with RAID driver into the floppy

disk drive.

3. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.

Chapter 3: Software support

3-28

3.6 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology

The motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology that

dynamically and automatically change the CPU speed, voltage, and amount

of power depending on the task the CPU performs.

3.6.1 Enabling Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology

To enable Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology:

1. Turn on the system and enter BIOS by pressing the <Del> key during

the Power-On Self-Tests (POST).

2. In the Advanced > CPU Configuration > AMD CPU Cool &

Quiet Configuration menu, select the item Cool N’Quiet and set

it to Enabled. See section “2.4 Advanced Menu” in the user guide.

3. In the Power menu, select the item ACPI 2.0 Support and set it

to Yes. See section “2.5 Power Menu” in the user guide.

4. Save your changes and exit BIOS Setup.

5. Reboot your computer and set your Power Option Properties

depending on your operating system.

Windows^®2000/XP

1. From the Windows^®2000/XP operating system, click the Start

button. Select Settings, then Control Panel.

2. Make sure the Control Panel is set to Classic View.

3. Double-click the Display icon in

the Control Panel then select the

Screen Saver tab.

4. Click the Power... button. The

following dialog box appears.

5. From the Power schemes

combo list box, select Minimal

Power Management.

6. Click OK to effect settings.

Make sure to install the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ driver and application before

using this feature.

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3.6.2 Launching the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software

The motherboard support CD includes the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software that

enables you to view your system’s real-time CPU Frequency and voltage.

Make sure to install the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software from the motherboard

support CD. Refer to section “3.2.3 Utilities menu”, for details.

To launch the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ program:

1. If you are using Windows^®2000, click the Start button. Select

Programs > ASUS > Cool & Quiet > Cool & Quiet.

2. If you are using Windows^®XP, click the Start button. Select All

Programs > ASUS > Cool & Quiet > Cool & Quiet.

3. The Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ technology screen appears and displays the

current CPU Frequency and CPU Voltage.

3-30

Chapter 3: Software support

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