Asus Computer Hardware K8N E User Manual

K8N-E  
User Guide  
Contents  
Notices ........................................................................................... vi  
Safety information ......................................................................... vii  
About this guide............................................................................ viii  
Conventions used in this guide ........................................... viii  
Typography.......................................................................... viii  
K8N-E specifications summary ...................................................... ix  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.1 Welcome! ........................................................................... 1-2  
1.2 Package contents ............................................................... 1-2  
1.3 Special features.................................................................. 1-3  
1.3.1 Product Highlights.................................................. 1-3  
1.3.2 Unique ASUS features ........................................... 1-4  
1.4 Before you proceed ............................................................ 1-5  
1.5 Motherboard overview ........................................................ 1-6  
1.5.1 Motherboard layout ................................................ 1-6  
1.5.2 Placement direction ............................................... 1-7  
1.5.3 Screw holes ........................................................... 1-7  
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)........................................... 1-8  
1.6.1 Overview ................................................................ 1-8  
1.6.2 Installing the CPU .................................................. 1-9  
1.7 System memory ............................................................... 1-10  
1.7.1 DIMM sockets location......................................... 1-10  
1.7.2 Memory configurations ........................................ 1-10  
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM ................................................. 1-12  
1.8 Expansion slots ................................................................ 1-12  
1.8.1 Standard interrupt assignments ........................... 1-12  
1.8.2 IRQ assignments for this motherboard ................ 1-13  
1.8.3 PCI slots .............................................................. 1-13  
1.8.4 AGP slot ............................................................... 1-14  
1.9 Jumpers............................................................................ 1-15  
1.10 Connectors ....................................................................... 1-17  
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors......................................... 1-17  
1.10.2 Internal connectors .............................................. 1-18  
iii  
Contents  
Chapter 2: BIOS Information  
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS .................................... 2-2  
2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk ............................. 2-2  
2.1.2 Using AFUDOS to update the BIOS ...................... 2-3  
2.1.3 Using AFUDOS to copy BIOS from PC ................. 2-4  
2.1.4 Using ASUS EZ Flash to update the BIOS ............ 2-5  
2.1.5 Recovering the BIOS with CrashFree BIOS 2 ....... 2-6  
2.2 BIOS Setup program .......................................................... 2-8  
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen ................................................ 2-9  
2.2.2 Menu bar ................................................................ 2-9  
2.2.3 Navigation keys ..................................................... 2-9  
2.2.4 Menu items .......................................................... 2-10  
2.2.5 Sub-menu items................................................... 2-10  
2.2.6 Configuration fields .............................................. 2-10  
2.2.7 Pop-up window .................................................... 2-10  
2.2.8 Scroll bar .............................................................. 2-10  
2.2.9 General help ........................................................ 2-10  
2.3 Main menu.........................................................................2-11  
2.3.1 System Time .........................................................2-11  
2.3.2 System Date .........................................................2-11  
2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A .................................................2-11  
2.3.4 Primary and Secondary IDE Master/Slave .......... 2-12  
2.3.5 System Information .............................................. 2-13  
2.4 Advanced menu ............................................................... 2-14  
2.4.1 JumperFree Configuration ................................... 2-14  
2.4.3 CPU Configuration ............................................... 2-16  
2.4.4 Chipset................................................................. 2-17  
2.4.5 Onboard Devices Configuration........................... 2-21  
2.4.6 PCI PnP ............................................................... 2-22  
2.5 Power menu ..................................................................... 2-24  
2.5.1 ACPI Suspend Mode ........................................... 2-24  
2.5.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume............................... 2-24  
2.5.3 ACPI 2.0 Support ................................................. 2-24  
2.5.4 ACPI APIC Support.............................................. 2-24  
2.5.5 APM Configuration ............................................... 2-25  
2.5.6 Hardware Monitor ................................................ 2-26  
2.6 Boot menu ........................................................................ 2-27  
2.6.1 Boot Device Priority ............................................. 2-27  
iv  
Contents  
2.6.2 Hard Disk Drives .................................................. 2-28  
2.6.3 Boot Settings Configuration ................................. 2-28  
2.6.4 Security ................................................................ 2-29  
2.7 Exit menu ......................................................................... 2-32  
Chapter 3: Software support  
3.1 Install an operating system................................................. 3-2  
3.2 Support CD information ...................................................... 3-2  
3.2.1 Running the support CD ........................................ 3-2  
3.2.2 Drivers menu ......................................................... 3-3  
3.2.3 Utilities menu ......................................................... 3-4  
3.2.4 Manual menu ......................................................... 3-5  
3.2.5 ASUS Contact Information..................................... 3-5  
3.3 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology .............................................. 3-6  
v
Notices  
Federal Communications Commission Statement  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to  
the following two conditions:  
This device may not cause harmful interference, and  
This device must accept any interference received including interference that  
may cause undesired operation.  
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is  
required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modifications  
to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance  
could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.  
Canadian Department of Communications Statement  
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise  
emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference  
Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.  
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.  
Where to find more information  
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and  
software updates.  
1. ASUS Websites  
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and  
software products. The ASUS websites are listed in the ASUS Contact  
Information on the inside front cover.  
2. Optional Documentation  
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty  
flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not  
part of the standard package.  
vi  
Safety information  
Electrical safety  
To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the  
electrical outlet before relocating the system.  
When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power  
cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If  
possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a  
device.  
Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that  
all power cables are unplugged.  
Seek professional assistance before using an adpater or extension cord. These  
devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.  
Make sure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you  
are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your  
local power company.  
If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified  
service technician or your retailer.  
Operation safety  
Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the  
manuals that came with the package.  
Before using the product, make sure all cables are correctly connected and the  
power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer  
immediately.  
To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from  
connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.  
Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any  
area where it may become wet.  
Place the product on a stable surface.  
If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified service  
technician or your retailer.  
vii  
About this guide  
Conventions used in this guide  
To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following  
symbols used throughout this manual.  
WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to  
complete a task.  
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when  
trying to complete a task.  
IMPORTANT: Information that you MUST follow to complete a task.  
NOTE: Tips and additional information to aid in completing a task.  
Typography  
Bold text  
Indicates a menu or an item to select  
Italics  
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: afudos /iK8NE.ROM  
viii  
K8N-E specifications summary  
CPU  
Socket 754 for AMD Athlon™ 64 and AMD Sempron™ CPUs  
Supports AMD 64 architecture that enables simultaneous  
32-bit and 64-bit computing  
Supports AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology  
NVIDIA® nForce™ 3 250Gb  
1600 MT/s  
Chipset  
System Bus  
Memory  
3 x 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets for up to 3GB unbuffered  
ECC and non-ECC PC3200/PC2700/PC2100/PC1600  
SDRAM memory  
Expansion slots  
Storage  
1 x AGP 8X/4X  
5 x PCI  
NVIDIA® nForce™ 3 250Gb supports:  
- 2 x Ultra ATA 133 connector  
- 2 x Serial ATA connectors with RAID 0, RAID 1, and  
JBOD sets  
LAN  
Marvell Gbit LAN PHY 88E1111  
Realtek® ALC850 6-channel CODEC  
Audio Sensing and Enumeration Technology  
S/PDIF out support  
AI Audio  
AI Overclocking  
CPU, Memory and AGP voltage adjustable  
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection) from 200 MHz up to  
300 MHz at 1 MHz increment  
Adjustable FSB/DDR ratio. Fixed AGP/PCI frequencies  
USB  
Maximum of eight (8) USB 2.0 ports  
Special features  
ASUS MyLogo2™  
ASUS EZ Flash  
ASUS JumperFree  
ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)  
Back Panel I/O  
1 x Parallel port  
1 x Serial port  
1 x PS/2 keyboard port  
1 x PS/2 mouse port  
4 x USB 2.0 ports  
1 x RJ-45 port  
1 x 6-channel audio I/O ports  
1 x Coaxial S/PDIF Out port  
(continued on the next page)  
ix  
K8N-E specifications summary  
2 x USB 2.0 connector for 4 additional USB ports  
Internal I/O  
CPU and chassis fan connectors  
20-pin/4-pin ATX 12V power connectors  
Chassis intrusion connector  
CD/AUX connectors  
S/PDIF out connector  
GAME/MIDI connector  
Front Panel connector  
4Mb Flash EEPROM  
BIOS features  
AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0,SM BIOS 2.3, ASUS EZ  
Flash, ASUS MyLogo2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2  
PCI 2.2, USB 2.0  
Industry standard  
Manageability  
WfM2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME,  
Chassis intrusion  
ATX power supply (with 4-pin 12V plug)  
Power Requirement  
Form Factor  
ATX form factor: 12 in x 9.6 in (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)  
Device drivers  
Support CD contents  
ASUS PC Probe II  
ASUS Live Update utility  
Anti-virus utility  
* Specifications are subject to change without notice.  
x
Chapter 1  
This chapter describes the features of the  
motherboard. It includes brief descriptions of the  
motherboard components, and illustrations of the  
layout, jumper settings, and connectors.  
Product introduction  
1.1 Welcome!  
Thank you for buying the ASUS® K8N-E motherboard!  
The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies making it  
another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!  
The motherboard combines the powers of the AMD Athlon™ 64 or AMD  
Sempron™ processor with the NVIDIA® nForce3 250Gb chipset to set a new  
benchmark for an effective desktop platform solution.  
Supporting up to 3GB of system memory with PC3200/PC2700/PC2100/PC1600  
DDR SDRAM, high-resolution graphics via an AGP 8X slot, Serial ATA RAID, USB  
2.0, and 8-channel audio features, the motherboard takes you ahead in the world  
of power computing!  
Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the  
items in your package with the list below.  
1.2 Package contents  
Check your motherboard package for the following items.  
ASUS K8N-E motherboard  
ASUS motherboard support CD  
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cables  
1 x Serial ATA module (SATA cable + Power cable)  
1 x Floppy disk cable  
I/O shield  
Bag of extra jumper caps  
User guide  
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.  
1-2  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.3 Special features  
1.3.1 Product Highlights  
Latest processor technology  
The motherboard supports the AMD Athlon™ 64 and AMD Sempron™ desktop  
processors. The AMD Athlon™ 64 is based on AMD’s 64-bit architecture, which  
represents the landmark introduction of the industry’s first x86-64 technology. This  
processor provides a dramatic leap forward in compatibility, performance,  
investment protection, and reduced total cost of ownership and development.  
The AMD Sempron™ is a 32-bit processor that provides the performance needs of  
value-conscious buyers. This processor is designed to deliver best-in-class  
performance for everyday computing.  
HyperTransport™ Technology  
HyperTransport™ Technology is a high-speed, low latency, point-to-point link  
designed to increase the communication speed between integrated circuits in  
computers, networking and telecommunicatons equipment up to 48 times faster  
than other existing technologies.  
Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology  
The motherboard supports the AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology that dynamically  
and automatically changes the CPU speed, voltage and amount of power  
depending on the task the CPU performs.  
Serial ATA solution  
The motherboard supports two interfaces compliant to the Serial ATA (SATA)  
specification, an evolutionary replacement of the Parallel ATA storage interface.  
The Serial ATA specification allows for thinner, more flexible cables with lower pin  
count, reduced voltage requirement, up to 150 MB/s data transfer rate.  
RAID solution  
The motherboard provides a built-in high-performance RAID controller that allows  
you to configure a RAID 0, RAID 1 or JBOD set that spans across the IDE and  
Serial ATA drives. The built-in RAID controller enhances hard disk performance  
and data backup protection without the cost of additional RAID cards.  
AI Audio technology  
The motherboard supports 6-channel audio through the onboard ALC850 CODEC  
with 16-bit DAC, a stereo 16-bit ADC, and an AC97 2.3 compatible multi-channel  
audio designed for PC multimedia systems. It also features intelligent detection of  
plugged peripherals into the audio ports and identifies any incompatible devices.  
ASUS K8N-E  
1-3  
AGP 8X support  
AGP 8X (AGP 3.0) is the VGA interface specification that enables enhanced  
graphics performance with maximum bandwidth speeds of up to 2.12 GB/s.  
S/PDIF out  
The motherboard’s S/PDIF out function turns your computer into a high-end  
entertainment system with digital connectivity to powerful speaker systems.  
USB 2.0 technology  
The motherboard implements the new Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0  
specification, extending the connection speed from 12 Mbps on USB 1.1 to a fast  
480 Mbps on USB 2.0 - supporting up to eight USB 2.0 ports. The higher  
bandwidth of USB 2.0 allows connection of devices such as high resolution video  
conferencing cameras, next generation scanners and printers, and fast storage  
units. USB 2.0 is backward compatible with USB 1.1.  
1.3.2 Unique ASUS features  
CrashFree BIOS 2  
This feature allows you to restore the original BIOS data from the ASUS support  
CD in case when the BIOS codes and data are corrupted. This protection  
eliminates the need to buy a replacement ROM chip. See page 2-6.  
C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)  
The C.P.R. feature of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to the  
BIOS default settings in case the system hangs due to overclocking. When the  
system hangs due to overclocking, C.P.R. eliminates the need to open the system  
chassis and clear the RTC data. Simply shut down and reboot the system, and  
BIOS automatically restores the CPU previous setting for each parameter.  
ASUS MyLogo2™  
This new feature present in the motherboard allows you to personalize and add  
style to your system with customizable boot logos. See pages 2-26.  
ASUS EZ Flash BIOS  
With the ASUS EZ Flash, you can easily update the system BIOS even before  
loading the operating system. No need to use a DOS-based utility or boot from a  
floppy disk. See page 2-5.  
1-4  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.4 Before you proceed  
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components  
or change any motherboard settings.  
1. Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any  
component.  
2. Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or to a metal  
object, such as the power supply case, before handling components to  
avoid damaging them due to static electricity.  
3. Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.  
4. Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic  
pad or in the bag that came with the component.  
5. Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX  
power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the  
power supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the  
motherboard, peripherals, and/or components.  
Onboard LED  
The motherboard comes with a stand-by power LED. When lit, this green LED  
indicates that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode, a reminder that  
you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or  
plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location  
of the onboard LED.  
SB_PWR  
®
ON  
OFF  
Standby  
Power  
Powered  
Off  
K8N-E  
K8N-E Onboard LED  
ASUS K8N-E  
1-5  
1.5 Motherboard overview  
1.5.1 Motherboard layout  
24.5cm (9.6in)  
PS/2KBMS  
T: Mouse  
B: Keyboard  
CPU_FAN  
ATX12V  
SPDIF_O1  
COM1  
USB1  
USB2  
USBPW12  
USBPW34  
USB2.0  
T: USB3  
B: USB4  
Top:  
RJ-45  
PWR_FAN  
Top:Line In  
Center:Line Out  
Below:Mic In  
SATA2  
SATA1  
FP_AUDIO  
Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)  
ALC850  
nVIDIA  
nForce3  
250Gb  
SPDIF_OUT  
PCI1  
PCI2  
R
4Mbit  
BIOS  
CHA_FAN  
PCI3  
PCI4  
FLOPPY  
SB_PWR  
USBPW56  
USBPW78  
Super  
I/O  
CR2032 3V  
Lithium Cell  
CMOS Power  
K8N-E  
PCI5  
CLRTC  
GAME  
USB56  
USB78  
CHASSIS  
PANEL  
1-6  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.5.2 Placement direction  
When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in  
the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the  
chassis as indicated in the image below.  
1.5.3 Screw holes  
Place nine (9) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard  
to the chassis.  
Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so may damage the motherboard.  
Place this side towards  
the rear of the chassis  
®
K8N-E  
ASUS K8N-E  
1-7  
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)  
1.6.1 Overview  
The motherboard comes with a surface mount 754-pin Zero Insertion Force (ZIF)  
socket designed for the AMD Athlon™ 64 and AMD Sempron™ processors.  
The 128-bit-wide data paths of these processors can run applications faster than  
processors with only 32-bit or 64-bit wide data paths.  
®
K8N-E  
Gold Arrow  
K8N-E CPU Socket 754  
Incorrect installation of the CPU into the socket may bend the pins and severely  
damage the CPU!  
1-8  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.6.2 Installing the CPU  
Follow these steps to install a CPU.  
1. Locate the 754-pin ZIF socket on the motherboard.  
2. Unlock the socket by pressing the  
lever sideways, then lift it up to a  
90°-100° angle.  
Socket Lever  
Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90°-100° angle, otherwise the  
CPU does not fit in completely.  
3. Position the CPU above the socket  
such that the CPU corner with the  
gold triangle matches the socket  
corner with a small triangle.  
4. Carefully insert the CPU into the  
socket until it fits in place.  
Gold triangle  
Small triangle  
The CPU fits only in one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the  
socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU!  
5. When the CPU is in place, push  
down the socket lever to secure the  
CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab  
to indicate that it is locked.  
6. Install specifically designed heatsink  
and fan assembly.  
ASUS K8N-E  
1-9  
1.7 System memory  
1.7.1 DIMM sockets location  
The following figure illustrates the location of the DDR DIMM sockets.  
®
K8N-E  
K8N-E 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets  
Make sure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or  
other system components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to both  
the motherboard and the components.  
1.7.2 Memory configurations  
You may install 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, and 1GB DDR DIMMs into the  
DIMM sockets using the memory configurations in this section.  
Important notes  
Installing DDR DIMMs other than the given memory configurations may  
cause memory sizing error or system boot failure. Use any of the memory  
configurations in Table 1.  
For optimum compatibility, obtain memory modules from qualified  
vendors. See Qualified Vendors List on page 1-11.  
Stacked RAM and DDR DIMM modules with more than 18 chips are not  
supported.  
Always install DIMMs with the same CAS Latency. For optimum  
compatibility, obtain memory modules from the same vendors. See  
Qualified Vendors List on page 1-11.  
Obtain DDR DIMMs only from ASUS qualified vendors for better system  
Qualified Vendor List for this motherboard.  
1-10  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
Table 1 Memory configurations  
Number of  
DIMMs  
DIMM Slot  
DIMM2  
DIMM1  
DIMM3  
Max Speed  
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Single Side  
-
-
-
-
DDR 400  
DDR 400  
DDR 400  
DDR 400  
DDR 400  
DDR 400  
DDR 400  
DDR 400  
DDR 400  
DDR 400  
DDR 400  
DDR 333  
DDR 400  
DDR 333  
DDR 200  
DDR 200  
DDR 200  
DDR 333  
DDR 333  
DDR 200  
DDR 200  
DDR 200  
DDR 333  
DDR 200  
DDR 200  
DDR 200  
Single Side  
-
-
Single Side  
-
Double Side  
-
-
Double Side  
-
Single Side  
Double Side  
-
-
-
Double Side  
-
Single Side  
Single Side  
Single Side  
Single Side  
Double Side  
Double Side  
Double Side  
-
-
Single Side  
Double Side