Asus Computer Hardware P5N E SLI User Manual

P5N-E SLI  
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  
P5N-E SLI 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  
Product highlights................................................... 1-3  
Innovative ASUS features ....................................... 1-5  
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  
Installing the CPU..................................................1-10  
Installing the CPU heatsink and fan.......................1-13  
Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan...................1-15  
System memory.................................................................. 1-17  
1.7.1  
1.7.2  
1.7.3  
1.7.4  
Overview............................................................... 1-17  
Memory configurations .........................................1-17  
Installing a DIMM ...................................................1-21  
Removing a DIMM..................................................1-21  
1.8  
Expansion slots................................................................... 1-22  
1.8.1  
1.8.2  
1.8.3  
1.8.4  
1.8.5  
Installing an expansion card..................................1-22  
Configuring an expansion card..............................1-22  
Interrupt assignments...........................................1-23  
PCI slots................................................................ 1-24  
PCI Express x1 slot ...............................................1-24  
iii  
Contents  
1.8.6  
Two PCI Express x16 slots....................................1-25  
1.9  
Jumpers .............................................................................. 1-26  
1.10 Connectors ......................................................................... 1-28  
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors ..........................................1-28  
1.10.2 Internal connectors...............................................1-29  
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 Flash2 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  
2.2.7  
2.2.8  
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  
Pop-up window......................................................2-15  
General help..........................................................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  
Legacy Diskette A ..............................................2-16  
Primary and Secondary IDE Master/Slave .............2-17  
SATA 1-4.............................................................. 2-19  
HDD SMART Monitoring.........................................2-20  
Installed Memory...................................................2-20  
Usable Memory......................................................2-20  
2.4  
Advanced menu.................................................................. 2-21  
2.4.1  
JumperFree Configuration.....................................2-21  
2.4.2  
AI NET2................................................................. 2-25  
iv  
Contents  
2.4.3  
2.4.4  
2.4.5  
2.4.6  
2.4.7  
CPU Configuration.................................................2-26  
Chipset.................................................................. 2-27  
PCIPnP................................................................... 2-31  
Onboard Devices Configuration.............................2-31  
USB Configuration.................................................2-35  
2.5  
2.6  
Power menu........................................................................ 2-36  
2.5.1  
2.5.2  
2.5.3  
2.5.4  
ACPI Suspend Type .............................................2-36  
ACPI APIC Support Enabled ..................................2-36  
APM Configuration ................................................2-37  
Hardware Monitor..................................................2-39  
Boot menu.......................................................................... 2-40  
2.6.1  
2.6.2  
2.6.3  
2.6.4  
Boot Device Priority..............................................2-40  
Removable Drives..................................................2-41  
Boot Settings Configuration ................................2-41  
Security................................................................. 2-43  
2.7  
2.8  
Tools menu......................................................................... 2-44  
2.7.1  
ASUS O.C. Profile ..................................................2-45  
2.7.2  
ASUS EZ Flash 2....................................................2-47  
Exit menu............................................................................ 2-48  
Chpater 3:Software Support  
3.1  
3.2  
Installing an operating system.............................................. 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  
Runninig the support CD......................................... 3-2  
Drivers menu........................................................... 3-3  
Utilities menu.......................................................... 3-4  
Make Disk menu...................................................... 3-5  
Manuals menu ......................................................... 3-6  
ASUS Contact information...................................... 3-7  
3.3  
3.4  
NVIDIA® SLI™ technology...................................................... 3-8  
3.3.1  
3.3.2  
Requirements.......................................................... 3-8  
Dual graphics card setup ........................................ 3-9  
Creating a RAID driver disk .................................................3-16  
Appendix:  
CPU features  
v
A.1  
A.2  
Intel® EM64T......................................................................... A-1  
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology (EIST) ....................A-1  
A.2.1  
A.2.2  
System requirements..............................................A-1  
Using the EIST.........................................................A-2  
A.3  
Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology......................................A-3  
vi  
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 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.  
The symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product  
(electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in municipal  
waste. Please check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.  
viii  
About this guide  
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and  
configuring the motherboard.  
How this guide is organized  
This guide contains the following parts:  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new  
technology it supports.  
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.  
ix  
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 P5N-E SLI.BIN  
x
P5N-E SLI specifications summary  
LGA775 socket for Intel® Quad-Core/ Core™ Extreme/  
CPU  
Pentium D/ Pentium® 4/ Celeron® CPU processors  
Compatible with Intel® 06/05B/05A processors  
Supports Intel® Enhanced Memory 64 Technology (EM64T)  
Supports Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology (EIST)  
Supports Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology  
North Bridge: NVIDIA nForce® 650i SLI™ (C55)  
South Bridge: NVIDIA nForce® 430i (MCP 51)  
Chipset  
Front Side Bus  
Memory  
1333**/1066/800/533 MHz (** available when CPUs  
are ready for 1333MHz FSB)  
Dual-channel memory architecture  
4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support unbufferred non-ECC  
DDR2-800/667/533 memory modules  
Supports up to 8 GB system memory  
2 x PCI Express x16 slots with Scalable Link Interface  
(SLI™) support  
Expansion slots  
- Single VGA mode: x16 (Default)  
- SLI mode: x8, x8  
1 x PCI Express x1 slot  
2 x PCI slots (PCI 2.2)  
Realtek ALC883 6-channel CODEC  
1 x Coaxial S/PDIF out port  
Audio  
Supports Audio Sensing and Enumeration Technology  
Supports Multi-Streaming Technology  
NVIDIA nForce® 430i supports:  
- 2 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33  
- 4 x Serial ATA 3Gb/s devices  
- RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5 and JBOD  
configuration  
Storage  
Jmicron JMB 360 SATA controller supports:  
- 1 x External Serial ATA 3Gb/s device (SATA On-  
the-Go)  
Marvell 88E1116 PHY Gigabit LAN controller  
Supports AI NET2 network diagnosis before entering OS  
Gigabit LAN  
(continued on the next page)  
xi  
P5N-E SLI specifications summary  
Supports up to 8 USB 2.0 ports  
USB  
Intelligent overclocking tool:  
- AI Overclocking (Intelligent CPU Frequency  
Tuner)  
Overclocking  
features  
ASUS CPU Lock Free  
Precision Tweaker supports:  
- vDIMM voltage: 8-step DRAM voltage control  
- vCore voltage: Adjustable CPU voltage at 6.25mv  
- vChip voltage: 4-step Chip voltage control  
Stepless Frequency Selection (SFS):  
- FSB tuning from 200MHz to 750 MHz at 1MHz  
increment;  
- memory tuning from 533MHz to 1200MHz at  
1MHz increment;  
- PCI-E tuning from 100MHz to 131MHz at 1 MHz  
increment  
ASUS CPU Multiplier  
Overclocking Protection:  
- ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)  
ASUS Q-Fan2  
Special features  
ASUS Q-Connector  
ASUS Fanless Design  
ASUS MyLogo2  
ASUS O.C. Profile  
ASUS PC Probe2  
ASUS Update  
4 MB Flash ROM, Award BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, SM BIOS 2.3,  
WfM2.0, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS2  
BIOS features  
Power Requirement  
Rear panel  
ATX power supply (with 24-pin and 4-pin 12V plugs)  
ATX 12V 2.0 compliant  
1 x Parallel port  
1 x 1394a connector  
1 x LAN (RJ-45) ports  
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports  
1 x Coaxial S/PDIF Out port  
1 x External SATA  
1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple)  
1 x PS/2 mouse port (green)  
6-channel audio I/O ports  
(continued on the next page)  
xii  
P5N-E SLI specifications summary  
Internal connectors  
1 x Floppy disk drive connector  
1 x 1394a connector  
1 x CD audio in connector  
1 x 24-pin ATX power connector  
1 x 4-pin ATX 12 V power connector  
2 x USB connectors for additional four USB 2.0 ports  
1 x S/PDIF out connector  
1 x COM Port connector  
1 x Chassis intrusion connector  
1 x Front panel connector (AAFP)  
1 x CPU Fan connector  
2 x Chassis fan connectors  
System panel connector  
Manageability  
WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0,WOR by Ring, WOL by PME, WOR by  
PME, WO USB/KB/MS, PXE, RPL&AI Net2  
Support CD  
contents  
Device drivers  
ASUS PC Probe II  
ASUS Update  
NV RIS (Remote Installation Service)  
Microsoft® DirectX 9.0c  
Anti-Virus Utility (OEM version)  
Adobe Acrobat Reader v7.0  
Form Factor  
ATX form factor: 12 in x 9 in (30.5 cm x 22.9 cm)  
* Specifications are subject to change without notice.  
xiii  
xiv  
This chapter describes the motherboard  
features and the new technologies  
it supports.  
Product  
1
introduction  
1.1  
Welcome!  
Thank you for buying an ASUS® P5N-E SLI 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  
Cables  
P5N-E SLI  
Serial ATA and power cables  
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable  
1 x USB cable 2port  
1 x Floppy disk drive cable  
I/O shield  
Accessories  
2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector kit  
1 x SLI soft bridge  
Application CD  
Documentation  
ASUS motherboard support CD  
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  
LGA775 Intel® Quad-core Processor Ready  
This motherboard supports the latest powerful and energy efficient  
processors from Intel. Intel® Quad-core is based on the Intel Core  
Microarchitecture process technology that allows users to step up to new  
levels of gaming experience and multi-tasking performance.  
Combined with 1066/800 of front side bus (FSB), this motherboard  
guarantees enhanced user experience in the digital home and office.  
NVIDIA nForce® 650i SLI™  
The NVIDIA® nForce® 650i SLI™ chipset supports the NVIDIA® Scalable  
Link Interface (SLI™) technology that allows two graphics processing units  
(GPUs) in a single system. It is a highly integrated, high-performance,  
cost-effective processor.  
Intel® Dual-Core Technology CPU support  
The motherboard supports dual-core processors containing two physical  
CPU cores with dedicated L2 caches to meet demands for more powerful  
processing.  
Intel® EM64T  
The motherboard supports Intel® processors with the Intel® EM64T  
(Extended Memory 64 Technology). The Intel® EM64T feature allows your  
computer to run on 64-bit operating systems and access larger amounts of  
system memory for faster and more efficient computing.  
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology (EIST)  
The Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology (EIST) intelligently manages  
the CPU resources by automatically adjusting the CPU voltage and core  
frequency depending on the CPU loading and system speed or power  
requirement.  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
1-3  
DDR2 memory support  
The motherboard supports DDR2 memory which features data transfer rates of  
800 MHz, 667 MHz or 533 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements  
of the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The  
dual-channel DDR2 architecture doubles the bandwidth of your system  
memory to boost system performance, eliminating bottlenecks with peak  
bandwidths of up to 10.7 GB/s. See pages 1-17 to 1-21 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 pages 1-24 and 1-25 for details.  
Gigabit LAN  
The Marvell Gigabit LAN controller delivers transfer speeds up to ten times  
faster than conventional 10/100 Ethernet connections. Gigabit LAN is  
the networking standard for the early future and is ideal for handling large  
amounts of data such as video, audio, and voice.  
Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s technology and SATA on the go  
This motherboard supports the next-generation hard drives based on  
the Serial ATA (SATA) 3Gb/s storage specification, delivering enhanced  
scalability and doubling the bus bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval  
and saves. The external SATA port located at the back I/O provides smart  
setup and hot-plug functions. Easily backup photos, videos and other  
entertainment contents on external devices. See pages 1-31 and 2-19 for  
details.  
High Definition Audio  
The onboard 6-channel High Definition audio CODEC enables high-quality  
Realtek ALC883 audio CODEC, which automatically detects and identifies  
what types of peripherals are plugged into the audio I/O jacks and notifies  
users of inappropriate connection. See page 1-28 for details.  
S/PDIF digital sound ready  
The motherboard supports the S/PDIF technology through the S/PDIF  
interfaces on the rear panel and at midboard. The S/PDIF technology  
turns your computer into a high-end entertainment system with digital  
connectivity to powerful audio and speaker systems. See page 1-28.  
1-4  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features  
ASUS O.C. Profile  
The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Profile that allows users to  
conveniently store or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be  
stored in the CMOS or a separate file, giving users freedom to share and  
distribute their favorite settings. See pages 2-45 and 2-46 for details.  
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 page 2-6 for  
details.  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply press the predefined  
hotkey to launch the utility and update the BIOS without entering the OS.  
Update your BIOS easily without preparing a bootable diskette or using an  
OS-based flash utility. See pages 2-8 and 2-47 for details.  
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 the BIOS automatically restores the CPU default  
setting for each parameter.  
ASUS Q-Connector  
ASUS Q-Connector allows you to easily connect or disconnect the chassis  
front panel cables to the motherboard. This unique module eliminates the  
trouble of connecting the system panel cables one at a time and avoiding  
wrong cable connections. See page 1-37 for details.  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
1-5  
Fanless Design  
Cooling fans, though a popular thermal solution, also come with noise and  
malfunction likelyhood. ASUS Motherboard’s fansless concept is specifically  
created to provide a cool environment without all the baggage.  
ASUS has devoted special efforts to address the thermal issues across the  
motherboard, and most notably the areas that reside the CPU, power, VGA,  
Northbridge and Southbridge. The heat sinks and strategic board layout  
were tailor made to dissipate heat in the most efficient manner.  
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 Marvell LAN (RJ-45)  
port. During the bootup process, AI NET 2 immediately diagnoses the LAN  
cable and reports shorts and faults up to 100 meters at 1 meter accuracy.  
See page 2-25 for details.  
Precision Tweaker  
This feature allows you to fine tune the CPU/memory voltage and gradually  
increase the memory Front Side Bus (FSB) and PCI Express frequency at  
1MHz increment to achieve maximum system performance.  
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 2-42 for  
details.  
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 LED  
The motherboard comes with a standby power LED. The green LED  
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. The illustration below shows the location of  
the onboard LED.  
R
SB_PWR  
ON  
Standby  
Power  
OFF  
Powered  
Off  
P5N-E SLI Onboard LED  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
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 six (6) 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  
R
1-8  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.5.3 Motherboard layout  
22.9cm (9.0in)  
PS/2KBMS  
T:Mouse  
B:Keyboard  
CPU_FAN  
ATX12V  
LGA775  
USB12  
LAN_USB34  
NVIDIA  
nForce 650i SLITM  
R
CHA_FAN1  
AUDIO  
CR2032 3V  
Lithium Cell  
CMOS Power  
Marvell  
88E1116  
PCIEX16_1  
SLI_CON  
Super I/O  
PCIEX1_2  
NVIDIA  
nForce 430i  
R
PCIEX16_2  
VIA  
VT6308P  
PCI1  
ALC883  
4Mb  
BIOS  
USB78  
COM1  
PCI2  
SB_PWR  
CLRTC  
CHASSIS  
USBPW5-8  
USB56  
CHA_FAN2  
IE1394_2  
FLOPPY  
AAFP  
PANEL  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
1-9  
1.6  
Central Processing Unit (CPU)  
The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA775 designed for the  
Intel® Quad-Core, Core™2 Extreme, Core™2 Duo, Pentium® Extreme,  
Pentium® D, Pentium® 4 and Celeron® D processors in the 775-land  
package.  
Install a chassis fan with at least a speed of 2400 rpm and 8 CFM  
turnrate when using a dual-core CPU to ensure system stability.  
Overheating can permanently damage the system and/or CPU.  
Upon purchase of the motherboard, make sure that the PnP cap is  
on the socket and the socket contacts are not bent. Contact your  
retailer immediately if the PnP cap is missing, or if you see any  
damage to the PnP cap/socket contacts/motherboard components.  
ASUS will shoulder the cost of repair only if the damage is shipment/  
transit-related.  
Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process  
Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests only if the  
motherboard comes with the cap on the LGA775 socket.  
The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts  
resulting from incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/  
loss/incorrect removal of the PnP cap.  
1.6.1 Installing the CPU  
To install a CPU:  
1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.  
R
P5N-E SLI CPU Socket 775  
Before installing the CPU, make sure that the cam box is facing towards  
you and the load lever is on your left.  
1-10  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
2. Press the load lever with your thumb (A), then move it to the left (B)  
until it is released from the retention tab.  
Retention tab  
A
PnP cap  
Load lever  
B
This side of the socket  
box should face you.  
To prevent damage to the socket pins, do not remove the PnP cap  
unless you are installing a CPU.  
3. Lift the load lever in the direction  
of the arrow to a 135º angle.  
4. Lift the load plate with your  
thumb and forefinger to a 100º  
angle (A), then push the PnP cap  
B
from the load plate window to  
remove (B).  
A
Load plate  
Alignment key  
5. Position the CPU over  
the socket, making sure  
that the gold triangle  
is on the bottom-left  
corner of the socket.  
The socket alignment  
key should fit into the  
CPU notch.  
CPU notch  
Gold triangle mark  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
1-11  
The CPU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU  
into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and  
damaging the CPU!  
6. Close the load plate (A), then  
A
push the load lever (B) until it  
snaps into the retention tab.  
B
The motherboard supports Intel® Pentium® 4 LGA775 processors with  
the Intel® Enhanced Memory 64 Technology (EM64T), Enhanced Intel  
SpeedStep® Technology (EIST), and Hyper-Threading Technology.  
1-12  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.6.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan  
Intel® LGA775 processors require a specially designed heatsink and fan  
assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.  
When you buy a boxed Intel® processor, the package includes the  
CPU fan and heatsink assembly. If you buy a CPU separately, make  
sure that you use only Intel®-certified multi-directional heatsink and  
fan.  
Your Intel® LGA775 processor heatsink and fan assembly comes in a  
push-pin design and requires no tool to install.  
If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, make  
sure that you have properly applied Thermal Interface Material to  
the CPU heatsink or CPU before you install the heatsink and fan  
assembly.  
Make sure that you have installed the motherboard to the chassis before  
you install the CPU fan and heatsink assembly.  
To install the CPU heatsink and fan:  
1. Place the heatsink on top of the  
installed CPU, making sure that  
the four fasteners match the  
holes on the motherboard.  
Orient the heatsink and fan  
assembly such that the CPU  
fan cable is closest to the  
CPU fan connector.  
Motherboard hole  
Narrow end  
of the groove  
Fastener  
Make sure to orient each fastener with the narrow end of the groove  
pointing outward. (The photo shows the groove shaded for emphasis.)  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
1-13  
2. Push down two fasteners at  
a time in a diagonal sequence  
to secure the heatsink and fan  
assembly in place.  
B
B
A
A
A
B
B
A
3. Connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard  
labeled CPU_FAN.  
CPU_FAN  
R
P5N-E SLI CPU Fan Connector  
Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware  
monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector.  
The retention module of some third-party CPU heatsink and fan  
can interfere with chipset components at the bottom of the board.  
Before purchasing a separate CPU heatsink and fan, make sure that  
it will not interfere with the chipset components.  
1-14  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.6.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan  
To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan:  
1. Disconnect the CPU fan cable  
from the connector on the  
motherboard.  
2. Rotate each fastener  
counterclockwise.  
3. Pull up two fasteners at a  
time in a diagonal sequence to  
B
disengage the heatsink and fan  
A
assembly from the motherboard.  
A
B
A
B
B
A
4. Carefully remove the heatsink  
and fan assembly from the  
motherboard.  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
1-15  
5. Rotate each fastener clockwise  
to ensure correct orientation  
when reinstalling.  
Narrow end of the groove  
The narrow end of the  
groove should point outward  
after resetting. (The photo  
shows the groove shaded for  
emphasis.)  
Refer to the documentation in the boxed or stand-alone CPU fan package  
for detailed information on CPU fan installation.  
1-16  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.7  
System memory  
1.7.1 Overview  
The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline  
Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets.  
A DDR2 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR DIMM but has  
a 240-pin footprint compared to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. DDR2 DIMMs are  
notched differently to prevent installation on a DDR DIMM socket.  
The figure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets:  
P5N-E SLI 240-pin DDR2 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, 1 GB and 2 GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR2  
DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.  
For dual-channel configuration, the total size of memory module(s)  
installed per channel must be the same  
(DIMM_A1 + DIMM_A2 = DIMM_B1 + DIMM_B2).  
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 DDR2 Qualified Vendors List on the next  
page for details.  
Due to chipset resource allocation, the system may detect less than 8  
GB system memory when you installed four 2 GB DDR2 memory modules.  
If you install four 1GB memory modules, the system may only recognize  
less than 3 GB because the address space is reserved for other critical  
functions. This limitation appears on Windows® XP 32-bit operation  
system which does not support Physical Address Extension (PAE).  
If you install Windows® XP 32-bit operation system, a total memory of  
less than 3GB is recommended.  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
1-17  
Note on memory limitations  
The motherboard can support up to 8 GB on the operating systems listed  
below. You may install a maximum of 2 GB DIMMs on each slot.  
32-bit  
64-bit  
Windows® 2000 Advanced Server  
Windows® Server Standard x64 Edition  
Windows® XP Professional x64 Edition  
Windows® Server 2003 Enterprise x64 Edition  
Windows® Server 2003 Enterprise Edition  
Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)  
DDR2 with 800 MHz capability  
DIMM support  
Size  
Vendor  
Chip No  
Side(s)  
Part No.  
A
B
C
512MB  
1024MB  
1024MB  
512MB  
256MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
512MB  
256MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
1024MB  
512MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
Qimonda  
Qimonda  
Qimonda  
Qimonda  
SAMSUNG  
SAMSUNG  
SAMSUNG  
SAMSUNG  
Hynix  
K4T51083QC  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
KVR800D2N5/512  
K4T51083QC  
KVR800D2N5/1G  
Heat-Sink Package  
HYB18T256800AF25F  
HYB18T512160BF-25F  
HYB18T512800BF25F  
HYB18T512800BF25F  
EDD339XX  
KHX6400D2LLK2/1GN  
HYS64T64020HU-25F-A  
HYS64T32000HU-25F-B  
HYS64T64000HU-25F-B  
HYS64T128020HU-25F-B  
M378T6553CZ3-CE7  
M378T3354CZ3-CE7  
M378T6553CZ3-CE7  
M378T2953CZ3-CE7  
HYMP564U64BP8-S5  
HYMP512U64BP8-S5  
HYMP564U64CP8-S5  
HYMP512U64CP8-S5  
MT8HTF6464AY-80EA3  
MT16HTF12864AY-80EA3  
MT8HTF6464AY-80ED4  
MT16HTF12864AY-80ED4  
MT8HTF6464AY-80ED4  
MT16HTF12864AY-80ED4  
CM2X1024-6400C4  
K4T51163QC-ZCE7  
ZCE7K4T51083QC  
ZCE7K4T51083QC  
HY5PS12821BFP-S5  
HY5PS12821BFP-S5  
HY5PS12821CFP-S5  
HY5PS12821CFP-S5  
5JAIIZ9DQQ  
Hynix  
Hynix  
Hynix  
MICRON  
MICRON  
MICRON  
MICRON  
MICRON  
MICRON  
CORSAIR  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
A-DATA  
Crucial  
5JAIIZ9DQQ  
5ZD22D9GKX  
5ZD22D9GKX  
6CD22D9GKX  
6CD22D9GKX  
Heat-Sink Package  
N/A  
M2OAD6G3H3160J1E52  
M20AD6G3H3160I1E5E  
M20AD6G3I4170G1E53  
BL6464AA804.8FD  
AD29608A8A-25EG  
AD29608A8A-25EG  
Heat-Sink Package  
Heat-Sink Package  
K4T51083QC  
Crucial  
BL12864AA804.16FD  
TS64MLQ64V8J  
Transcend  
Transcend  
K4T51083QC  
TS128MLQ64V8J  
1-18  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
DDR2 with 667 MHz capability  
DIMM support  
Size  
Vendor  
Chip No  
Side(s)  
Part No.  
A
B
C
256MB  
256MB  
256MB  
256MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
256MB  
512MB  
256MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
1024MB  
512MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
512MB  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
Qimonda  
Qimonda  
Qimonda  
Qimonda  
SAMSUNG  
SAMSUNG  
SAMSUNG  
SAMSUNG  
SAMSUNG  
Apacer  
HYB18T256800AF3  
HYB18T256800AF3S  
HYB18T512160AF-3S  
HYB18T512160BF-3S  
HYB18T512800BF3S  
HYB18T512800BF3S  
K4T51163QC-ZCE6  
ZCE6K4T51083QC  
K4T51163QC-ZCE6  
K4T51083QC  
SS  
SS  
SS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
KVR667D2N5/256  
KVR667D2N5/256  
HYS64T32000HU-3S-A  
HYS64T32000HU-3S-B  
HYS64T64000HU-3S-B  
HYS64T128020HU-3S-B  
M378T3354CZ0-CE6  
M378T6553CZ0-CE6  
M378T3354CZ3-CE6  
M378T6553CZ3-CE6  
M378T2953CZ3-CE6  
AU01GE667C5KBGC  
KLCC28F-A8KB5  
ZCE6K4T51083QC  
AM4B5708GQJS7E  
KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX  
E5108AE-6E-E  
Kingmax  
Transcend  
Transcend  
TS64MLQ64V6J  
E5108AE-6E-E  
TS128MLQ64V6J  
Super Talent Heat-Sink Package  
T6UA512C5  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
1-19  
DDR2 with 533 MHz capability  
DIMM support  
Size  
Vendor  
Chip No.  
Side(s)  
Part No.  
A
B
C
256MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
256MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
2048MB  
256MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
256MB  
1024MB  
256MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
512MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
1024MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
1024MB  
512MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
512MB  
1024MB  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
KINGSTON  
Qimonda  
Qimonda  
Qimonda  
Qimonda  
Qimonda  
Qimonda  
Qimonda  
Qimonda  
Qimonda  
SAMSUNG  
SAMSUNG  
SAMSUNG  
Hynix  
E5116AF-5C-E  
SS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
KVR533D2N4/256  
KVR533D2N4/512  
KVR533D2N4/1G  
HYB18T512800AF37  
5YDIID9GCT  
HYB18T512160AF-3.7  
HYB18T512800AF37  
HYB18T512800AF37  
HYB18T1G800AF-3.7  
HYB18T5121608BF-3.7  
HYB18T512800BF37  
HYB18T512800BF37  
HYB18T256800AF37(ECC)  
HYB18T512800AF37(ECC)  
K4T51163QC-ZCD5  
ZCD5K4T51083QC  
ZCD5K4T51083QC  
HY5PS12821F-C4  
HY5PS12821F-C4(ECC)  
HY5PS12821F-C4  
HY5PS12821F-C4(ECC)  
HY5PS12821FP-C4(ECC)  
HY5PS12821FP-C4  
HY5PS12821AFP-C3  
HY5PS12821AFP-C3  
64M8CEDG  
HYS64T32000HU-3.7-A  
HYS64T64000HU-3.7-A  
HYS64T128020HU-3.7-A  
HYS64T256020HU-3.7-A  
HYS64T32000HU-3.7-B  
HYS64T64000HU-3.7-B  
HYS64T128020HU-3.7-B  
HYS72T32000HU-3.7-A  
HYS72T128020HU-3.7-A  
M378T3354CZ3-CD5  
M378T6553CZ3-CD5  
M378T2953CZ3-CD5  
HYMP564U648-C4  
HYMP564U728-C4  
HYMP512U648-C4  
HYMP512U728-C4  
HYMP564U728-C4  
HYMP512U648-C4  
HYMP564U64AP8-C3  
HYMP512U64AP8-C3  
VS1GB533D2  
Hynix  
Hynix  
Hynix  
Hynix  
Hynix  
Hynix  
Hynix  
CORSAIR  
ELPIDA  
E5108AB-5C-E  
EBE51UD8ABFA-5C  
EBE51UD8ABFA-5C-E  
EBE11UD8ABFA-5C-E  
KLBC28F-A8EB4  
ELPIDA  
E5108AB-5C-E  
ELPIDA  
E5108AB-5C-E  
KINGMAX  
KINGMAX  
KINGMAX  
KINGMAX  
E5108AE-5C-E  
E5108AE-5C-E  
KLBD48F-A8EB4  
KKEA88E4AAK-37  
5MB22D9DCN  
KLBC28F-A8KE4  
KLBD48F-A8ME4  
Super Talent Heat-Sink Package  
Super Talent Heat-Sink Package  
T5UA512C4  
T5UB1G8C4  
Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) for the latest QVL.  
Side(s): SS - Single-sided DS - Double-sided  
DIMM support:  
A
B
-
-
Supports one module inserted into either slot, in Single-channel memory configuration.  
Supports one pair of modules inserted into either the blue slots or the black slots as  
one pair of Dual-channel memory configuration.  
C
-
Supports two pairs of modules inserted into the blue and black slots as two pairs of  
Dual-channel memory configuration.  
1-20  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM  
Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other  
system components. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both  
the motherboard and the components.  
2
To install a DIMM:  
DDR2 DIMM notch  
3
1. Unlock a DIMM socket by  
pressing the retaining clips  
outward.  
2. Align a DIMM on the socket  
such that the notch on the  
DIMM matches the break on  
the socket.  
1
3. Firmly insert the DIMM into  
the socket until the retaining  
clips snap back in place and  
the DIMM is properly seated.  
Unlocked retaining clip  
A DDR2 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.  
The DDR2 DIMM sockets do not support DDR DIMMs. DO not install  
DDR DIMMs to the DDR2 DIMM sockets.  
1.7.4 Removing a DIMM  
Follow these steps to remove a DIMM.  
2
1. Simultaneously press the retaining  
clips outward to unlock the DIMM.  
Support the DIMM lightly with  
your fingers when pressing  
the retaining clips. The DIMM  
might get damaged when it  
flips out with extra force.  
1
DDR2 DIMM notch  
1
2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
1-21  
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.  
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.  
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. Refer to the table on the next page for  
details.  
1-22  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.8.3 Interrupt assignments  
Standard interrupt assignments  
IRQ  
Priority  
Standard Function  
0
1
1
2
System Timer  
Keyboard Controller  
2
4
5
6
7
8
9
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
12  
13  
14  
15  
3
4
5
6
7
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*  
IRQ holder for PCI steering*  
IRQ holder for PCI steering*  
PS/2 Compatible Mouse Port*  
Numeric Data Processor  
Primary IDE Channel  
8
9
10  
Secondary IDE Channel  
* These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices.  
IRQ assignments for this motherboard  
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
PCI Express x16 slot 1  
PCI Express x16 slot 2  
PCI Express x1 slot 1  
PCI slot 1  
shared  
shared  
shared  
shared  
shared  
PCI slot 2  
Onboard 1394  
Onboard Ext SATA  
shared  
shared  
Onboard USB1.0 controller  
Onboard USB2.0 controller  
Onboard SATA0 controller  
shared  
shared  
shared  
Onboard SATA1 controller  
Onboard LAN  
shared  
shared  
Onboard IDE controller  
Onboard Audio controller  
shared  
shared  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
1-23  
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.  
1.8.5 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.  
1-24  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.8.6 Two PCI Express x16 slots  
This motherboard supports one PCI  
Express x16 graphics card or two  
SLI-ready PCI Express x16 graphic  
cards that comply with the PCI  
Express specifications. The figure  
shows a graphics card installed on  
the PCI Express x16 slot.  
Install a rear chassis fan to the chassis (CHA_FAN) connector when using  
two graphics cards for better thermal environment. See page 1-32 for  
details.  
In Single Card mode, only the PCI Express blue slot can be used for  
PCI Express x16 graphics cards.  
In SLI mode, the PCI Express x16 slots work at the bandwidth of  
PCI Express x8. The combined bandwidth of these maintain the  
bandwidth of PCI Express x16.  
See the table below for possible PCI Express card configurations.  
PCI Express x16 slot configurations  
EZ Selector setting  
PCIEX16_1 (blue) slot  
PCIEX16_2 (black) slot  
Card Type Speed  
Card Type  
Speed  
x16  
Single Video Card  
Qualified PCIe x16  
graphics card  
SLI mode  
Qualified SLI-ready  
graphics cards  
x8  
x8  
Qualified SLI-ready  
graphics card  
x8  
Dual Video  
Cards  
Multi-monitor,  
RAID or LAN  
setup  
Qualified PCIe x16  
graphics card  
Qualified PCIe  
graphics card,  
RAID or LAN card  
x8, x4,  
x2, x1  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
1-25  
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 •words.  
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  
1 2  
2 3  
Normal  
(Default)  
Clear RTC  
P5N-E SLI Clear RTC RAM  
Make sure to re-enter your previous BIOS settings after you clear the  
CMOS.  
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.  
1-26  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
2. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW1-4, USBPW5-8)  
Set these jumpers to +5V to wake up the computer from S1 sleep  
mode (CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in low power  
mode) using the connected USB devices. Set to +5VSB to wake up  
from S3 and S4 sleep modes (no power to CPU, DRAM in slow refresh,  
power supply in reduced power mode).  
USBPW1-4  
+5VSB  
+5V  
(Default)  
R
USBPW5-8  
1 2  
2
3
+5VSB  
+5V  
(Default)  
P5N-E SLI USB Device Wake Up  
The USB device wake-up feature requires a power supply that can  
provide 500mA on the +5VSB lead for each USB port; otherwise,  
the system would not power up.  
The total current consumed must NOT exceed the power supply  
capability (+5VSB) whether under normal condition or in sleep mode.  
3. Keyboard power (3-pin KBPWR)  
This jumper allows you to enable or disable the keyboard wake-up  
feature. Set this jumper to pins 2-3 (+5VSB) to wake up the computer  
when you press a key on the keyboard (the default is the Space Bar).  
This feature requires an ATX power supply that can supply at least 1A  
on the +5VSB lead, and a corresponding setting in the BIOS.  
KBPWR  
3
2
2
1
+5VSB  
+5V  
(Default)  
R
P5N-E SLI Keyboard Power Setting  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
1-27  
1.10 Connectors  
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors  
3
4
1
2
5
6
7
12  
11  
9
8
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. IEEE 1394a port. This 6-pin IEEE 1394 port provides high-speed  
connectivity for audio/video devices, storage peripherals, PCs, or  
portable devices.  
4. LAN (RJ-45) port. Supported by Marvell® 88E1116 Gigabit LAN  
controller, 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  
SPEED  
LED  
ACT/LINK  
LED  
ACT/LINK LED  
Status Description  
SPEED LED  
Description  
Status  
OFF  
No link  
Linked  
OFF  
10 Mbps connection  
100 Mbps connection  
1 Gbps connection  
ORANGE  
ORANGE  
GREEN  
BLINKING Data activity  
LAN port  
5. Line In port (light blue). This port connects the tape, CD, DVD  
player, or other audio sources.  
6. Line Out port (lime). This port connects a headphone or a  
speaker. In 4-channel, and 6-channel configuration, the function of this  
port becomes Front Speaker Out.  
7. Microphone port (pink). This port connects a microphone.  
Refer to the audio configuration table below for the function of the audio  
ports in 2, 4, or 6-channel configuration.  
1-28  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
Audio 2, 4, or 6-channel configuration  
Port  
Headset  
4-channel  
6-channel  
2-channel  
Light Blue  
Lime  
Line In  
Line Out  
Mic In  
Rear Speaker Out  
Front Speaker Out  
Mic In  
Surround  
Front Speaker Out  
Center/Bass  
Pink  
8. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus  
(USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.  
9. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB)  
ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.  
10. External SATA port. This port connects to an Serial ATA hard disk  
drive.  
11. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio  
output device via a coaxial S/PDIF cable.  
12. PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.  
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.  
Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable connection  
when using a FDD cable with a covered Pin 5.  
R
FLOPPY  
PIN1  
NOTE: Orient the red markings on  
the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1.  
P5N-E SLI Floppy Disk Drive Connector  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
1-29  
2. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE, SEC_IDE)  
The onboard IDE connector is for the Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33  
signal cable. There are four connectors on each Ultra DMA  
133/100/66/33 signal cable: blue, black, and gray. Connect the blue  
connector to the motherboard’s IDE connector, then select one of the  
following modes to configure your device.  
Drive jumper setting  
Mode of  
Cable connector  
device(s)  
Single device  
Two devices  
Cable-Select or Master  
Cable-Select  
-
Black  
Black  
Master  
Slave  
Master  
Slave  
Gray  
Master  
Slave  
Black or gray  
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 Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33 IDE  
devices.  
If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select,” make sure all other device  
jumpers have the same setting.  
PIN1  
NOTE: Orient the red markings  
(usually zigzag) on the IDE  
ribbon cable to PIN 1.  
PIN1  
R
P5N-E SLI IDE Connectors  
1-30  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
3. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1 [red], SATA2 [black],  
SATA3 [red], SATA4 [black])  
These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA  
hard disk and optical disk drives.  
These connectors are Disabled by default. If you intend to create  
a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, enable the First,  
Second, Third or Fourth SATA Master RAID items in Advanced >  
Onboard Devices Configuration > NVRAID Configuration  
of the BIOS. See section “2.4.6 Onboard Devices Configuration” on  
page 2-30 for details.  
R
SATA1  
SATA2  
SATA3  
SATA4  
GND  
RSATA_TXP1  
RSATA_TXN1  
GND  
RSATA_TXP2  
RSATA_TXN2  
GND  
RSATA_TXP3  
RSATA_TXN3  
GND  
RSATA_TXP4  
RSATA_TXN4  
GND  
RSATA_RXP1  
RSATA_RXN1  
GND  
GND  
RSATA_RXP2  
RSATA_RXN2  
GND  
GND  
RSATA_RXP3  
RSATA_RXN3  
GND  
GND  
RSATA_RXP4  
RSATA_RXN4  
GND  
P5N-E SLI SATA Connectors  
These connectors support Native Command Queuing (NCQ), Power  
Management (PM) Implementation Algorithm, Hot Swap and smart setup.  
4. Audio connectors (4-pin CD)  
These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound  
sources such as a CD-ROM, TV-tuner, or MPEG card.  
R
CD  
(black)  
Right Audio Channel  
Ground  
Ground  
Left Audio Channel  
P5N-E SLI Internal Audio Connector  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
1-31  
5. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78)  
These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB 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.  
On WiFi model, the onboard WiFi and the rear panel USB7 port use the  
USB78 connector.  
USB78  
USB56  
R
1
1
P5N-E SLI USB 2.0 Connectors  
Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will  
damage the motherboard!  
6. ASUS EZ selector card connector (144-pin SLI_CON)  
This connector is for the ASUS proprietary ASUS EZ selector card that  
allows you to set the SLI mode to either Single Video card or Dual  
Video cards.  
P5N-E SLI Selector Card Connector  
The EZ Selector card is set to Single Video Card by default.  
1-32  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
7. Azalia Analog Front Panel (10-1 pin AAFP)  
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.  
AAFP  
HD-audio-compliant  
pin definition  
Legacy AC’97  
compliant definition  
R
P5N-E SLI Front Panel Audio Connector  
8. CPU and Chassis Fan connectors  
(4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN1, 3-pin CHA_FAN2)  
The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350 mA ~ 2000 mA (24  
W max.) or a total of 1 A ~ 3.48 A (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.  
Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard  
components. These are not jumpers! Do not place jumper caps on the  
fan connectors!  
CPU_FAN  
CHA_FAN2  
R
CHA_FAN1  
P5N-E SLI Fan Connectors  
Only the CPU_FAN connector support the ASUS Q-Fan feature.  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
1-33  
9. 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.  
CHASSIS  
R
(Default)  
P5N-E SLI Intrusion Connector  
10. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin EATX12V)  
These connectors are for 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.  
EATX12V  
EATXPWR  
+12V DC  
GND  
+12V DC  
GND  
+3 Volts  
Ground  
+5 Volts  
+5 Volts  
+5 Volts  
-5 Volts  
Ground  
Ground  
Ground  
PSON#  
Ground  
-12 Volts  
+3 Volts  
+12 Volts  
+12 Volts  
+5V Standby  
Power OK  
Ground  
+5 Volts  
Ground  
+5 Volts  
Ground  
+3 Volts  
+3 Volts  
P5N-E SLI ATX Power Connector  
1-34  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
For a fully configured system, we recommend that you use a power  
supply unit (PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specification 2.0 (or  
later version) and provides a minimum power of 400 W.  
Do not forget to connect the 4-pin ATX +12 V power plug;  
otherwise, the system will not boot.  
Use of a 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.  
Power supply requirements  
Loading  
Normal  
Components/Peripherals  
Intel® LGA775 CPU type  
PCIe™ x16 graphics cards  
DDR DIMMs  
Heavy  
Light  
Intel Pentium EE  
Intel Pentium D  
Intel Pentium 4  
6800 Ultra x2  
6800GT x2  
6600GT x2  
4
2
2
HDD  
4
2
2
Optical drive (DVD/CD-RW)  
PCIe™ x 1 card  
2
2
1
1
2
0
2
0
1
PCI cards  
USB devices  
6
4
3
Required +12V current  
Required wattage  
> 25A  
>= 500W  
> 20A  
>= 400W  
> 17A  
>= 350W  
11. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)  
This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface  
(S/PDIF) port(s). Connect the S/PDIF Out module cable to this  
connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the  
system chassis.  
R
GND  
SPDIFOUT  
+5V  
SPDIF_OUT  
P5N-E SLI Digital Audio Connector  
The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
1-35  
12. System panel connector (20-pin PANEL)  
This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.  
PANEL  
PLED  
SPEAKER  
R
IDE_LED  
RESET  
PWRSW  
Requires an ATX power supply  
*
P5N-E SLI System Panel Connector  
The sytem panel connector is color-coded for easy connection. Refer to  
the connector description below for details.  
System power LED (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 LED (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 (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.  
ATX power button/soft-off button (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 (2-pin RESET)  
This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for  
system reboot without turning off the system power.  
1-36  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
Q-Connector (System panel)  
ASUS Q-Connector allows you to easily to connect the chassis front  
panel cables to the motherboard. Perform these steps to install ASUS Q-  
Connector.  
Step 1  
Connect the front panel cables to  
their respective connectors on the  
ASUS Q-Connector. Refer to the  
labels on the Q-Connector for proper  
connection and pin definition.  
Step 2  
Carefully connect the ASUS  
Q-Connector to the System panel  
connector.  
The ASUS Q-Connector fits only in  
one orientation; if it doesn’t fit, try  
reversing it.  
When installed, the Q-connector  
appears as shown.  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
1-37  
1-38  
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  
2
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 2 (Updates the BIOS using a floppy disk, USB Flash,  
or the motherboard support CD during POST.)  
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.  
format A:/S  
b. At the DOS prompt, type  
Windows® XP environment  
then press <Enter>.  
a. Insert a 1.44 MB floppy disk to the floppy disk drive.  
b. Click Start from the Windows® desktop, then select My 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 P5NESLI.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 V1.08  
(C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved  
awdflash then press  
<Enter>. The Award  
BIOS Flash Utility screen  
appears.  
For NF-KC804-P5NESLI-00  
Flash Type - SST 49LF004A/B /3.3V  
DATE: 09/25/2005  
File Name to Program:  
Message: Please input File Name!  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
2-3  
6. Type the BIOS file name  
in the File Name to  
Program field, then  
press <Enter>.  
AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.08  
(C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved  
For NF-KC804-P5NESLI-00  
DATE: 03/25/2005  
Flash Type - SST 49LF004A/B /3.3V  
File Name to Program: P5NESLI.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 V1.08  
(C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved  
BIOS file in the floppy  
disk and starts flashing  
the BIOS file.  
For NF-KC804-P5NESLI-00  
DATE: 03/25/2005  
Flash Type - SST 49LF004A/B /3.3V  
File Name to Program: P5NESLI.bin  
Program Flashing Memory - OFE00 OK  
Write OK  
No Update  
Write Fail  
Warning: Dont 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 V1.08  
(C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved  
Flashing Complete  
message indicating that  
you have successfully  
flashed the BIOS file.  
Remove the floppy disk  
then press <F1> to  
For NF-KC804-P5NESLI-00  
DATE: 03/25/2005  
Flash Type - SST 49LF004A/B /3.3V  
File Name to Program: P5NESLI.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 V1.08  
(C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved  
the previous section.  
For C55-MCP51-P5NESLI-00  
DATE: 03/25/2005  
2. Press <Y> when the  
utility prompts you  
to save the current  
BIOS file. The following  
screen appears.  
Flash Type - SST 49LF004A/B /3.3V  
File Name to Program:10111.bin  
Save current BIOS as:  
Message:  
3. Type a filename for the  
current BIOS file in the  
Save current BIOS  
as field, then press  
<Enter>.  
AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.08  
(C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved  
For NF-KC804-P5NESLI-00  
DATE: 03/25/2005  
Flash Type - SST 49LF004A/B /3.3V  
File Name to Program: 0111.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 V1.08  
(C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved  
For NF-KC804-P5NESLI-00  
DATE: 03/25/2005  
Flash Type - SST 49LF004A/B /3.3V  
File Name to Program: 0111.bin  
Now Backup System BIOS to  
File!  
Message: Please Wait!  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
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  
Copyright (c) 2000, Award Software, Inc.  
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  
Copyright (c) 2000, Award Software, Inc.  
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 the 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 optical drive for the original or updated BIOS file.  
Award BootBlock BIOS v1.0  
Copyright (c) 2000, Award Software, Inc.  
BIOS ROM checksum error  
Detecting IDE ATAPI device...  
When no CD is found, the utility automatically checks the floppy disk  
for the original or updated BIOS file. The utility then updates the  
corrupted BIOS file.  
Award BootBlock BIOS v1.0  
Copyright (c) 2000, Award Software, Inc.  
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 P5N-E SLI  
2-7  
2.1.5 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility  
The ASUS EZ Flash 2 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 2 utility is built-in the BIOS chip so it is  
accessible by pressing <Alt> + <F2> during the Power-On Self-Test (POST).  
To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:  
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 or a USB flash disk, then restart the  
system.  
3. You can launch the EZ Flash 2 by two methods.  
(1) Insert the floppy disk / USB flash disk that contains the BIOS file  
to the floppy disk drive or the USB port.  
Press <Alt> + <F2> during POST to display the following.  
ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.00  
FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L8005  
Current ROM  
BOARD: P5NESLI  
VER: 0144 [0000]  
DATE: 05/20/06  
Update ROM  
BOARD: Unknown  
VER: Unknown  
DATE: Unknown  
PATH: A:\  
A:  
Note  
[Enter] Select or Load  
[B] Backup  
[ESC] Exit  
[Tab] Switch  
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move  
(2) Enter BIOS setup program. Go to the Tools menu to select EZ  
Flash2 and press <Enter> to enable it.  
You can switch between drives by pressing <Tab> before the  
correct file is found. Then press <Enter>.  
4. When the correct BIOS file is found, EZ Flash 2 performs the BIOS  
update process and automatically reboots the system when done.  
This function can support devices such as USB flash disk, or floppy  
disk with FAT 32/16 format only.  
Do not shut down 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 3-4 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 P5N-E SLI  
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 P5N-E SLI  
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>+<Del>, 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 “2.8 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.  
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  
Tools  
Exit  
System Time  
23 : 8 : 36  
Select Menu  
System Date  
Language  
Thu, Jan 19 2006  
[English]  
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  
SATA 1  
[None]  
[None]  
[None]  
[None]  
[None]  
[None]  
[None]  
[None]  
[Disabled]  
SATA 2  
SATA 3  
SATA 4  
HDD SMART Monitoring  
Installed Memory  
Usable Memory  
256MB  
255MB  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
: Select Item  
: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select Sub-menu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
↑↓  
→←  
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  
Tools  
Exit  
For changing the system boot configuration  
For using various ASUS BIOS tools.  
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 P5N-E SLI  
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>  
Function  
Displays the General Help screen  
Loads setup default values  
<F5>  
<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)  
<Enter>  
Scrolls forward through the values for the highlighted field  
Brings up a selection menu for the highlighted field  
Saves changes and exit  
<F10>  
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  
Tools  
Exit  
System Time  
System Date  
Language  
23 : 8 : 36  
Select Menu  
Thu, Jan 19 2006  
[English]  
Item Specific Help  
Legacy Diskette A:  
[1.44M, 3.5 in.]  
pecifies the capacity and  
hysical size of diskette  
rive A.  
Legacy Diskette A:  
Primary IDE Mas
Primary IDE Sla
..... [ ]  
720K , 3.5 in.  
Disabled  
Secondary IDE M
..... [ ]  
..... [ ]  
Secondary IDE S
SATA 1  
1.44M, 3.5 in.  
SATA 2  
:Move ENTER:Accept ESC:Abort  
↑↓  
SATA 3  
SATA 4  
[None]  
[Disabled]  
HDD SMART Monitoring  
Installed Memory  
256MB  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
: Select Item  
→←  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select Sub-menu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
↑↓  
: Select Menu  
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 P5N-E SLI  
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  
Tools  
Exit  
System Time  
System Date  
Language  
23 : 8 : 36  
Select Menu  
Thu, Jan 19 2006  
[English]  
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  
SATA 1  
[None]  
[None]  
[None]  
[None]  
[None]  
[None]  
[None]  
[None]  
[Disabled]  
SATA 2  
SATA 3  
SATA 4  
HDD SMART Monitoring  
Installed Memory  
Usable Memory  
256MB  
255MB  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
: Select Item  
: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select Sub-menu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
↑↓  
→←  
2.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx]  
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 Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]  
Sets the type of floppy drive installed. Configuration options: [Disabled]  
[720K , 3.5 in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.]  
2-16  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
2.3.4 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]  
[Auto]  
Item Specific Help  
UDMA Mode  
Press [Enter] to  
select  
Primary IDE Master  
Access Mode  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
Capacity  
0 MB  
Cylinder  
Head  
0
0
0
Sector  
Transfer Mode  
None  
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 [Auto]  
Sets the PIO mode for the IDE device.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Mode 0] [Mode 1] [Mode 2] [Mode 3] [Mode4]  
UDMA Mode [Auto]  
Disables or sets the UDMA mode. Configuration options: [Disable] [Auto]  
Primary IDE Master/Slave [Auto]  
Secondary IDE 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 P5N-E SLI  
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  
2.3.5 SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA4  
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 IDE Drive  
Access Mode  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
Item Specific Help  
Press [Enter] to  
select  
Capacity  
xxxxx MB  
Cylinder  
Head  
Landing Zone  
Sector  
xxxxx  
xx  
xx  
xx  
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 IDE Drive [Auto]  
Selects the type of fixed disk connected to the system.  
Configuration options: [None] [Auto]  
Access Mode [Auto]  
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.  
Head  
Shows the number of the hard disk read/write heads. This item is not  
configurable.  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
2-19  
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.  
2.3.6 HDD SMART Monitoring [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the HDD Self-Monitoring Analysis and  
Reporting Technology (SMART) feature.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
2.3.7 Installed Memory  
Shows the size of installed memory.  
2.3.8 Usable Memory  
Shows the size of usable 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  
Tools  
Exit  
JumperFree Configuration  
AI NET2  
Select Menu  
Item Specific Help  
Press Enter to Set  
CPU Configuration  
Chipset  
PCIPnP  
Onboard Device Configuration  
USB Configuration  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
: Select Item  
: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select Sub-menu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
↑↓  
→←  
2.4.1 JumperFree Configuration  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Advanced  
JumperFree Configuration  
Select Menu  
Item Specific Help  
AI Tuning  
[Auto]  
Disabled  
x
x
x
x
Overclock Options  
System Clocks  
Voltage Control  
FSB & Memory Config  
AI Tuning [Auto]  
Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU  
internal frequency. Selct either one of the preset overclocking configuration  
options:  
Manual  
Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.  
Loads the optimal settings for the system.  
Auto  
Standard  
AI Overclock  
Loads the standard settings for the system.  
Loads overclocking profiles with optimal parameters for  
stability when overclocking.  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
2-21  
Overclock Options [Disabled]  
Allows you to disable or set the overclocking options.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Overclock 5%] [Overclock 10%]  
[Overclock 15%] [Overclock 20%]  
The Overclock Options item is user-configurable only when the AI Tuning  
is set to [AI Overclock].  
System Clocks  
This sub-menu allows you to set PCI Express related field. Set the AI Tuning  
to [Manual], if you want to configure this item.  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Advanced  
System Clocks  
NB PCIE Frequency (MHz)  
Select Menu  
[100]  
Item Specific Help  
Press [Enter] to Set.  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
: Select Item  
: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select Sub-menu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
↑↓  
→←  
NB PCIE Frequency [100]  
Allows you to set the PCI Express frequency. Key-in a decimal value  
between 100-131 MHz. Configuration options: [100MHz] [101MHz] ~  
[130MHz] [131MHz]  
Selecting a very high PCIE frequency may cause the system to become  
unstable! If this happens, revert to the default setting.  
2-22  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
Voltage Control  
This sub-menu allows you to set the system operating voltages. Set the AI  
Tuning to [Manual], if you want to configure this item.  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Advanced  
Voltage Control  
Select Menu  
VCore Voltage  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
Item Specific Help  
Memory Voltage  
NB Core Voltage  
VCore offset Voltage  
Press [Enter] to set.  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
: Select Item  
: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select Sub-menu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
↑↓  
→←  
VCore Voltage [Auto]  
Sets the operating VCore voltage. Configuration options: [Auto]  
[1.60000V] [1.59375V]][1.58750V] [1.58125V] [1.57500V]  
[1.56875V] [1.56250V] [1.55625V] [1.55000V] [1.54375V]  
[1.53750V] [1.53125V] [1.52500V] [1.51875V] [1.51250V]  
[1.50625V] [1.50000V] [1.49375V] [1.48750V] [1.48125V]  
[1.47500V] [1.46875V] [1.46250V] [1.45625V] [1.45000V]  
[1.44375V] [1.43750V] [1.43125V] [1.42500V] [1.41875V]  
[1.41250V] [1.40625V] [1.40000V] [1.39375V] [1.38750V]  
[1.38125V] [1.37500V] [1.36875V] [1.36250V] [1.35625V]  
[1.35000V] [1.34375V] [1.33750V] [1.33125V] [1.32500V]  
[1.31875V] [1.31250V] [1.30625V] [1.30000V] [1.29375V]  
[1.28750V] [1.28125V] [1.27500V] [1.26875V] [1.26250V]  
[1.25625V] [1.25000V] [1.24375V] [1.23750V] [1.23125V]  
[1.22500V] [1.21875V] [1.21250V] [1.20625V] [1.20000V]  
[1.19375V] [1.18750V] [1.18125V] [1.17500V] [1.16875V]  
[1.16250V] [1.15625V] [1.15000V] [1.14375V] [1.13750V]  
[1.13125V] [1.12500V] [1.11875V] [1.11250V] [1.10625V]  
[1.10000V] [1.09375V] [1.08750V] [1.08125V] [1.07500V]  
[1.06875V] [1.06250V] [1.05625V] [1.05000V] [1.04375V]  
[1.03750V] [1.03125V] [1.02500V] [1.01875V] [1.01250V]  
[1.00625V] [1.00000V] [0.99375V] [0.98750V] [0.98125V]  
[0.97500V] [0.96875V] [0.96250V] [0.95625V] [0.95000V]  
[0.94375V] [0.93750V] [0.93125V] [0.92500V] [0.91875V]  
[0.91250V] [0.90625V] [0.90000V] [0.89375V] [0.88750V]  
[0.88125V] [0.87500V] [0.86875V] [0.86250V] [0.85625V]  
[0.85000V] [0.84375V] [0.83750V] [0.83125V]  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
2-23  
Memory Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to set the memory operating voltage. Set to Auto for safe  
mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [1.920V] [2.013V] [2.085V]  
[2.178V] [2.259V] [2.353V] [2.424V] [2.517V]  
Refer to the DDR2 documentation before setting the memory voltage.  
Setting a very high memory voltage may damage the memory module(s)!  
NB Core Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to set the NB core voltage.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1.208V] [1.393V] [1.563V] [1.748V]  
VCore offset Voltage [Auto]  
Allows you to set the VCore offset voltage.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [+100mv]  
FSB & Memory Config  
This sub-menu allows you to set FSB & Memory config. Set the AI Tuning to  
[Manual], if you want to configure this item.  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Advanced  
FSB & Memory Config  
Select Menu  
Item Specific Help  
Press [Enter] to Set.  
FSB - Memory Clock Mode  
FSB - Memory Ratio  
FSB (QDR), MHz  
[Linked]  
[Auto]  
[800]  
Actual FSB (QDR), MHz  
800.0  
x
MEM (DDR), MHz  
Linked  
533.3  
Actual MEM (DDR), MHz  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select Sub-menu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
→←: Select Menu  
FSB - Memory Clock Mode [Auto]  
Allows you to set the FSB - Memory Clock Mode. Configuration options:  
[Auto] [Linked] [Unlinked]  
2-24  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
FSB - Memory Ratio [Auto]  
Allows you to set the FSB - Memory Ratio. Configuration options:  
[Auto] [1:1] [5:4] [3:2] [Sync Mode]  
FSB (QDR), MHz [800]  
Allows you to set the FSB (QDR), MHz. Configuration options:  
[Min= 533] [Max= 3000]  
MEM (DDR), MHz [Unlinked]  
Allows you to set the MEM (DDR), MHz.  
Configuration options: [Unlinked] [Linked]  
2.4.2 AI NET2  
The items in this menu displays the status of the Local Area Network (LAN)  
cable.  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Advanced  
AI NET2  
Select Menu  
POST Check LAN Cable  
Pair  
[Disabled]  
Status  
Item Specific Help  
Length  
Check LAN cable during  
POST.  
LAN1(1-2)  
LAN1(3-6)  
LAN1(4-5)  
LAN1(7-8)  
Open  
Open  
Open  
Open  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
: Select Item  
: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select Sub-menu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
↑↓  
→←  
POST Check LAN Cable [Disabled]  
Enables or disables LAN cable check during POST.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
2-25  
2.4.3 CPU Configuration  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Advanced  
Select Menu  
CPU Configuration  
Item Specific Help  
CPU Type  
Genuine Intel(R) CPU  
2.80GHz  
CPU Speed  
Cache RAM  
2048K  
DRAM timing and  
control  
CPU Multiplier  
CPU Core Unlock  
CPU Internal Thermal Control  
Limit CPUID MaxVal  
Enhanced C1 (C1E)  
Execute Disable Bit  
[
14  
[Disabled]  
[Auto]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm)Tech. [Disabled]  
Hyper-Threading Technology  
[Enabled]  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
: Select Item  
: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select Sub-menu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
↑↓  
→←  
CPU Multiplier [14]  
Allows you to adjust the CPU Multiplier from 6 to 50.  
Configuration options: [6] [7] [8] [9] ... [49] [50]  
CPU Core Unlock [Disabled]  
Enables or disables the CPU Core Unlock.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
CPU Internal Thermal Control [Auto]  
Enables or disables the CPU Internal Thermal Control feature.  
Configurable options: [Auto] [Disabled]  
Limit CPUID MaxVal [Disabled]  
Enables or disables the CPU ID maximum value limit.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Enhanced C1 (C1E) [Disabled]  
When set to [Auto], the BIOS automatically check the CPU’s capability  
to enable the C1E support. In C1E mode, the CPU power consumption  
is lower when idle. This item appears only when you install a processor  
with Enhanced C1E feature.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
Execute Disable Bit [Enabled]  
When disabled, the processor forces the XD feature flag to always  
return 0. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
2-26  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech. [Disabled]  
Allows you to use the Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology. When  
set to [Auto], you can adjust the system power settings in the  
operation system to use the EIST feature. Set this item to [Disabled]  
if you do not want to use the EIST.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Hyper-Threading Technology [Enabled]  
Enables or disables the Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology feature.  
This item appears only when you install a Hyper-Treading CPU.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
2.4.4 Chipset  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Advanced  
Chipset  
Select Menu  
Item Specific Help  
Memory Timing Setting  
Spread Spectrum Control  
SLI Broadcast Aperture  
LDT Frequency  
[Disabled]  
[5x]  
Press [Enter] to set.  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
: Select Item  
→←  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select Sub-menu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
↑↓  
: Select Menu  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
2-27  
Memory Timing Setting  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Advanced  
Memory Timing Setting  
Select Menu  
tCL (CAS Latency)  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
Item Specific Help  
tRCD  
tRP  
tRAS  
Select [Expert] to  
enter timings manually  
Command Per Clock (CMD)  
** Advanced Memory Settings **  
tRRD  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
[7]  
tRC  
tWR  
tWTR  
tREF  
tRD  
tRFC  
[114]  
[Auto]  
Async Latency  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
: Select Item  
: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select Sub-menu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
↑↓  
→←  
tCL (CAS Latency) [Auto]  
Sets the CAS latency timing.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]  
tRCD [Auto]  
Sets the RAS-to-CAS delay timing.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]  
tRP [Auto]  
Sets the row-precharge delay timing.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]  
tRAS [Auto]  
Sets the row-active delay timing.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] ~ [31]  
Command Per Clock [Auto]  
Sets the command timing. (per clock unit)  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 clock] [2 clock]  
tRRD [Auto]  
Sets the RAS-to-RAS delay timing.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] ~ [15]  
2-28  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
tRC [Auto]  
Sets the row cycle timing.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] ~ [31]  
tWR [Auto]  
Sets the WR delay timing.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]  
tWTR [Auto]  
Sets the WTR delay timing.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] ~ [15]  
tREF [Auto]  
Sets the REF delay timing.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2]  
tRD [7]  
Sets the RD delay timing.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] ~ [15]  
tRFC [114]  
Sets the RFC delay timing.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] ~ [127]  
Async Latency [Auto]  
Sets the Async latency timing.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1.00nS] [1.25nS] [1.50nS] [1.75nS]  
[2.00nS] [2.25nS] [2.50nS]  
Spread Spectrum Control  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Advanced  
Select Menu  
Spread Spectrum Control  
Item Specific Help  
CPU Spread Spectrum  
PCIE Spread Spectrum  
SATA Spread Spectrum  
LDT Spread Spectrum  
[Disabled]  
[Down Spread]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
→←: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select Sub-menu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
2-29  
CPU Spread Spectrum [Disabled]  
Enables or disables CPU Spread Spectrum.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto]  
PCIE Spread Spectrum [Down Spread]  
Enables or disables PCIE Spread Spectrum.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Down Spread]  
SATA Spread Spectrum [Disabled]  
Enables or disables SATA Spread Spectrum.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto]  
LDT Spread Spectrum [Disabled]  
Enables or disables LDT Spread Spectrum.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Center] [Down]  
SLI Broadcast Aperture [Disabled]  
Enables or disables the SLI Broadcast Aperture.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled]  
LDT Frequency [5x]  
Sets the Lightning Data Transport (LDT) frequency multiplier.  
Configuration options: [1x] [2x] [3x] [4x] [5x] [6x] [7x] [8x]  
2-30  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
2.4.5 PCIPnP  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Advanced  
PCIPnP  
Select Menu  
Plug & Play O/S  
Primary Display Adapter  
[No  
[PCI]  
Item Specific Help  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
: Select Item  
: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select Sub-menu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
↑↓  
→←  
Plug & Play O/S [No]  
Selects the plug and play O/S to operate system.  
Configuration options: [No] [Yes]  
Primary Display Adapter [PCI]  
Allows you to set which graphics controller to use as primary boot device.  
Configuration options: [PCI] [PCI-E]  
2.4.6 Onboard Devices Configuration  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Advanced  
Onboard Device Configuration  
Select Menu  
IDE Function Setup  
NVRAID Configuration  
HD Audio  
Front Panel Support Type  
Onboard nVidia LAN  
Onboard LAN Boot ROM  
Onboard 1394  
Item Specific Help  
[Enabled]  
[AC97]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[3F8/IRQ4]  
[378/IRQ7]  
[EPP]  
JMicron SATA controller  
Serial Port1 Address  
Parallel Port Address  
Parallel Port Mode  
x
ECP Mode Use DMA  
[3]  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
: Select Item  
: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select Sub-menu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
↑↓  
→←  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
2-31  
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  
IDE Function Setup  
Select Menu  
OnChip IDE Channel0  
OnChip IDE Channel1  
IDE DMA transfer access  
SATA Port 1, 2  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
Item Specific Help  
Disable/Enable OnChip  
IDE Channel0  
SATA DMA transfer  
SATA Port 3, 4  
SATA2 DMA transfer  
IDE Prefetch Mode  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
: Select Item  
: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select Sub-menu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
↑↓  
→←  
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]  
IDE DMA transfer access [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the IDE DMA transfer access.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
SATA Port 1, 2 [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the SATA 1 and 2 ports.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
SATA DMA transfer [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the SATA DMA transfer access.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
SATA Port 3, 4 [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the SATA 3 and 4 ports.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
2-32  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
SATA2 DMA transfer [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the SATA2 DMA transfer access.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
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 Enable  
x SATA1 RAID  
x SATA2 RAID  
x SATA3 RAID  
x SATA4 RAID  
[Disabled]  
Disabled  
Disabled  
Disabled  
Disabled  
Item Specific Help  
Disable/Enable NVIDIA  
RAID feature.  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
: Select Item  
: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select Sub-menu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
↑↓  
→←  
RAID Enable [Disabled]  
Enables or disables the onboard RAID controller. When set to  
[Enabled], the succeeding items becomes user-configurable.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA4 RAID [Disabled]  
Enables or disables the RAID function of the SATA1, SATA2, SATA3 or  
SATA4 master drive. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
HD Audio [Enabled]  
Allows you to disable or enabled the onboard HD audio controller.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Front Panel Support Type [AC97]  
Allows you to select the Front Panel Type AC97 or HD Audio.  
Configuration options: [AC97] [HD Audio]  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
2-33  
Onboard nVidia LAN [Enabled]  
Enables or disables the onboard NVIDIA® Gigabit LAN controller.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the onboard NVIDIA® LAN boot ROM.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
Onboard 1394 [Enabled]  
Enables or disables the onboard 1394 device support.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
JMicron SATA controller [Enabled]  
Enables or disables the JMiron SATA controller.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]  
Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4] [2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4]  
[2E8/IRQ3] [Auto]  
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 [EPP]  
Allows you to select the Parallel Port mode.  
Configuration options: [Normal] [EPP] [ECP] [Bi-Directional]  
The following item appears only when the Parallel Port Mode is set to  
[ECP].  
ECP Mode Use DMA [3]  
Allows selection of ECP Mode. Configuration options: [1] [3]  
2-34  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
2.4.7 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  
USB Legacy support  
USB 2.0 Controller  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
Item Specific Help  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
: Select Item  
: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select Sub-menu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
↑↓  
→←  
USB Controller [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the onchip USB 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]  
USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the USB 2.0 controller.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
2-35  
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  
Tools  
Exit  
ACPI Suspend Type  
ACPI APIC support  
APM Configuration  
Hardware Monitor  
[S1&S3]  
[Enabled]  
Select Menu  
x
Item Specific Help  
Select the ACPI state  
used for System  
Suspend.  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
: Select Item  
: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select Sub-menu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
↑↓  
→←  
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).  
2-36  
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  
PWR Button < 4 secs  
[Power-Off]  
[Instant-Off]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
0
Item Specific Help  
Power Up On PCI/PCIE Devices  
Power On By External Modems  
Power On By RTC Alarm  
Date (of Month) Alarm  
Alarm (hh:mm:ss)Time  
HPET Support  
Press [ENTER] to  
select whether or not  
to restart the system  
after AC power loss.  
x
x
0 :0 : 0  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
Power Up By PS/2 Mouse  
Power Up By PS/2 Keyboard  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
: Select Item  
: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select Sub-menu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
↑↓  
→←  
Restore on AC Power Loss [Power-Off]  
Allows you to enable or disable the Restore on AC Power Loss function.  
Configuration options: [Power-Off] [Power-On] [Last State]  
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 Up On PCI/PCIE 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 P5N-E SLI  
2-37  
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]  
Date (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]  
Alarm (hh:mm:ss) Time [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>.  
HPET Support [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the HPET Support.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
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 Up 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]  
2-38  
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  
CPU Q-Fan Control  
Chassis Q-Fan Control  
Vcore Voltage  
3.3V Voltage  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[1.32V]  
Item Specific Help  
Press [Enter] to  
enable or disable  
[3.28V]  
5V Voltage  
[4.94V]  
[11.84V]  
12V Voltage  
CPU Temperature  
M/B Temperature  
CPU FAN Speed  
CHA_FAN1 Speed  
CHA_FAN2 Speed  
CPU Fan Speed warning  
66ºC  
38ºC  
4470 RPM  
0 RPM  
0 RPM  
[600 RPM]  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
: Select Item  
: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select Sub-menu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
↑↓  
→←  
CPU Q-Fan Control [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Q-Fan feature.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Chassis Q-Fan Controller [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Chassis Q-Fan feature.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
VCORE Voltage, +3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output  
through the onboard voltage regulators. These items can be set to [Ignored].  
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, CHA_FAN1 Speed, CHA_FAN2 Speed  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU,  
Power, and Chassis 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.  
CPU Fan Speed Warning [600 RPM]  
Allows you to set the CPU fan warning speed.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [600 RPM] [1200 RPM] [1600 RPM]  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
2-39  
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  
Tools  
Exit  
Select Menu  
Boot Device Priority  
Removable Drives  
Boot Settings Configuration  
Security  
Item Specific Help  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
: Select Item  
: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select Sub-menu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
↑↓  
→←  
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]  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
: Select Item  
→←  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select Sub-menu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
↑↓  
: Select Menu  
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] [Disabled]  
2-40  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
2.6.2 Removable Drives  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Boot  
Removable Drives  
1. Floppy Disks  
Select Menu  
Item Specific Help  
Use < > or < > to  
select a device, then  
press <+> to move it  
up, or <-> to move it  
down the list. Press  
<ESC> to exit this  
menu.  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
: Select Item  
: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select Sub-menu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
↑↓  
→←  
1. Floppy Disks  
Allows you to assign a removable drive attached to the system.  
2.6.3 Boot Settings Configuration  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Boot  
Boot Settings Configuration  
Select Menu  
Item Specific Help  
Quick Boot  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
[On]  
Boot Up Floppy Seek  
Bootup Num-Lock  
Typematic Rate Setting  
Press [Enter] to  
enable or disable.  
[Disabled]  
6
x
x
Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec)  
Typematic Delay (Msec)  
OS Select For DRAM > 64MB  
Full Screen LOGO  
250  
[Non-OS2]  
[Disabled]  
[All Errors]  
Halt On  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
: Select Item  
: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select Sub-menu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
↑↓  
→←  
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]  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
2-41  
Boot Up Floppy Seek [Disabled]  
Enable this item to allow the BIOS to check a floppy drive 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.  
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]  
Allows you to select the OS2 to operate system with greater than 64MB of  
RAM on the system. Configuration options: [Non-OS2] [OS2]  
Full Screen LOGO [Disabled]  
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.  
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]  
2-42  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
2.6.4 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  
controls full access,  
<Enter> to change  
password.  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
: Select Item  
: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select Sub-menu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
↑↓  
→←  
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>.  
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.  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
2-43  
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 “1.9 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]  
2.7  
Tools menu  
The Tools menu allows you to access special BIOS functions. Select an item  
then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Main  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
ASUS O.C. Profile  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
Select Menu  
Item Specific Help  
F1:Help  
↑↓ : Select Item  
-/+: Change Value  
2-44  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
2.7.1 ASUS O.C. Profile  
This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings.  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Tools  
Select Menu  
ASUS O.C. Profile  
Item Specific Help  
Load BIOS Profile  
Save BIOS Profile  
Press [Enter] to select.  
Load BIOS Profile  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Tools  
Select Menu  
Load BIOS Profile  
Item Specific Help  
Load from Profile 1  
Load from Profile 2  
Load from File  
Load BIOS Profile from  
Profile 1.  
Load from Profile 1/2  
Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash.  
Press <Enter> to load the file.  
Load from File  
Allows you to load the previous BIOS file saved in the hard disk, floppy disk,  
or USB flash disk with a FAT32/16/12 format.  
To load the BIOS file:  
1. Insert the storage device that contains the “xxx.CMO” BIOS profile.  
2. Turn on the system.  
3. Enter BIOS setup program. Go to Tools then select Load from File  
and press <Enter>.  
4. Press <Tab> to select the drive with the BIOS profile then press  
<Enter>to load file.  
5. Follow message screen when loading is finished.  
Update only a BIOS file coming from the same memory/CPU  
configuration and BIOS version.  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
2-45  
Save BIOS Profile  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Tools  
Select Menu  
Save BIOS Profile  
Item Specific Help  
Save to Profile 1  
Save to Profile 2  
Save to File  
Save current BIOS Profile  
to Profile 1.  
Save to Profile 1/2  
Allows you to save the current BIOS file to the BIOS Flash. Press <Enter> to  
save the file.  
Save to File  
Allows you to save the current BIOS file to the hard disk, a floppy, or USB  
flash disk with a FAT32/16/12 format.  
To save the BIOS file:  
1. Insert the storage device with at least xxMB of available storage  
space.  
2. Turn on the system.  
3. Enter the BIOS setup program. Go to Tool then select Save to File and  
press <Enter>.  
4. Press <Tab> to select the drive with the BIOS profile then press  
<Enter>to load file.  
5. Follow message screen when loading is finished. A pop-up message will  
inform you when the saving process is finished.  
ASUSTek O.C. Profile Utility B311  
Current CMOS  
BOARD: P5N-ESLI  
VER: 0111 [0000]  
DATE: 01/12/06  
Update CMOS  
BOARD: Unknown  
VER: Unknown  
DATE: Unknown  
PATH: C:\P5NESLI  
CMOS backup is done! Press any key to Exit.  
A:  
C:  
M2N32  
<DIR>  
<DIR>  
<DIR>  
<DIR>  
<DIR>  
<DIR>  
<DIR>  
DOCUME"1  
PROGRA"1  
SYSTEM"1  
M2NSLI  
RECYCLED  
TEST_REB  
BOOTFONT.BIN 213830 2001-09-05 20:00:00  
Note  
[Enter] Select [Y] Yes [N/Eec] No [Left/Right]: Switch  
The BIOS file will be saved as “xxx.CMO“.  
2-46  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
2.7.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2  
Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. Press <Enter> to start EZ Flash 2 then  
from the confirmation screen, use the left or right arrows to select [Yes] or  
[No] then press <Enter>.  
The following screen appears if you select [Yes]. Follow screen instructions  
to flash the BIOS.  
ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.00  
FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L8005  
Current ROM  
BOARD: P5N-ESLI  
VER: 0111 [0000]  
DATE: 01/12/06  
Update ROM  
BOARD: Unknown  
VER: Unknown  
DATE: Unknown  
PATH: A:\  
A:  
Note  
[Enter] Select or Load  
[B] Backup  
[ESC] Exit  
[Tab] Switch  
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
2-47  
2.8  
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  
Exit & Save Changes  
Exit & Discard Changes  
Load Setup Default  
Discard Changes  
Select Menu  
Item Specific Help  
This option save data  
to CMOS and exiting  
the setup menu.  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
: Select Item  
: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select Sub-menu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
↑↓  
→←  
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.  
2-48  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
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.  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
2-49  
2-50  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
This chapter describes the contents  
of the support CD that comes with  
the motherboard package.  
Software  
3
support  
3.1  
Installing an operating system  
This motherboard supports Windows® 2000/2003 Server/XP/64-bit  
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 Pack2 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.  
3-2  
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.  
ASUS InstAll-Drivers Installation Wizard  
Installs all of the drivers through ASUS InstAll-Installation wizard.  
nVidia Chipset Driver Program  
Installs the NVIDIA® Chipset drivers for the NVIDIA® nForce™ 650i SLI  
chipset.  
Realtek Audio Driver  
Installs the Realtek audio controller and application.  
JMicron JMB36X RAID Controller Driver  
Installs the JMicron JMB36X RAID Controller driver.  
USB 2.0 Driver  
Installs the Universal Serial Bus 2.0 (USB 2.0) driver.  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
3-3  
3.2.3 Utilities menu  
The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the  
motherboard supports.  
ASUS InstAll-Installation Wizard for Utilities  
Install all of the utilities through the Installation Wizard.  
ADOBE Acrobat Reader V7.0  
Installs the Adobe® Acrobat® Reader V7.0 that allows you to open, view,  
and print documents in Portable Document Format (PDF).  
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 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.  
3-4  
Chapter 3: Software support  
Microsoft DirectX 9.0c  
Installs the Microsoft® DirectX 9.0c driver. The Microsoft DirectX® 9.0c  
is a multimedia technology that enhances computer graphics and sound.  
DirectX® improves the multimedia features of your 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.  
Anti-virus Utility  
The anti-virus application scans, identifies, and removes computer viruses.  
View the online help for detailed information.  
3.2.4 Make Disk menu  
The Make Disk menu contains items to create the NVIDIA® nForce™ 4  
SATA RAID driver disk.  
NVIDIA 32bit SATA RAID Driver  
Creates the NVIDIA® 32bit driver disk for Serial ATA RAID features.  
NVIDIA 64bit SATA RAID Driver  
Creates the NVIDIA® 64bit driver disk for Serial ATA RAID features.  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
3-5  
JMicron JMB36X 32bit RAID Driver  
Creates the JMicron JMB36X 32bit RAID Driver.  
JMicron JMB36X 64bit RAID Driver  
Creates the JMicron JMB36X 64bit RAID Driver.  
3.2.5 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 RAID User’s Guide  
Allows you to open the Nvidia® RAID user guide.  
Realtek HDA Audio User’s Manual  
Allows you to open the Realtek® HDA Audio User’s Manual.  
3-6  
Chapter 3: Software support  
JMicron JMB36X RAID AP User’s Manual  
Allows you to open the JMicron JMB36X RAID AP User’s Manual.  
JMicron JMB36X RAID BIOS User’s Manual  
Allows you to open the JMicron JMB36X RAID BIOS User’s Manual.  
3.2.6 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.  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
3-7  
3.3  
NVIDIA® SLI™ technology  
The motherboard supports the NVIDIA® SLI™ (Scalable Link Interface)  
technology that allows you to install two identical PCI Express™ x16  
graphics cards. Follow the installation procedures in this section.  
3.3.1 Requirements  
You should have two identical SLI-ready graphics cards that are  
NVIDIA® certified.  
Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) for a list of qualified  
SLI-ready graphics cards for this motherboard.  
Make sure that your graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA SLI  
technology. Download the latest driver from the NVIDIA website  
(www.nvidia.com).  
Make sure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at  
least the minimum power required by your system. See “10. ATX  
power connectors” on page 1-34 for details.  
The NVIDIA SLI technology supports Windows® XP™ operating  
system only.  
Visit the NVIDIA website for the supported 3D applications.  
Visit the NVIDIA zone website (http://www.nzone.com) for the  
latest certified graphics card list.  
3-8  
Chapter 3: Software support  
3.3.2 Dual graphics card setup  
Setting the ASUS EZ selector card  
Your motherboard package comes with a pre-  
installed ASUS EZ selector card. By default, the  
card is set for a single graphics card. To use two  
graphics cards on this motherboard, you must first  
set the selector card to Dual Video Cards.  
ASUS EZ selector card  
To set the selector card:  
1. Locate the selector card on the motherboard.  
Pre-installed  
ASUS EZ  
selector card  
2. Simultaneously push the retention clips outward to release the card.  
Retention clip  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
3-9  
3. When released, pull the selector  
card out of the slot.  
4. Invert the selector card and  
insert the edge labeled Dual  
Video Cards.  
5. Push down the selector card  
until the retention clips snap into  
place.  
Make sure to completely insert  
the selector card into the slot.  
3-10  
Chapter 3: Software support  
Installing SLI-ready graphics cards  
Install only identical SLI-ready graphics cards that are NVIDIA® certified.  
Different types of graphics cards will not work together properly.  
To install the graphics cards:  
1. Prepare two graphics cards. Each graphics card should have  
goldfingers for the SLI connector.  
Goldfingers  
2. Remove the metal bracket covers opposite the two PCI Express x16  
slots.  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
3-11  
3. Insert one graphics card into the blue slot labeled PCIEX16_1. Make  
sure that the card is properly seated on the slot.  
4. Insert the second graphics card into the black slot labeled PCIEX16_2.  
Make sure that the card is properly seated on the slot.  
If required, connect an auxiliary power source to the PCI Express graphics  
cards.  
3-12  
Chapter 3: Software support  
5. Align and insert the SLI flexible cable connector to the goldfingers on  
each graphics card. Make sure that the connector is firmly in place.  
SLI connector  
6. Connect a VGA cable or a DVI-I cable to the graphics card installed on  
the blue PCI Express slot.  
Installing the device drivers  
Refer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to  
install the device drivers.  
Make sure that your PCI Express graphics card driver supports the  
NVIDIA SLI technology. Download the latest driver from the NVIDIA  
website (www.nvidia.com).  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
3-13  
Enabling the multi-GPU feature in Windows  
After installing your graphics cards and the device drivers, enable  
the Multi-Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) feature in the NVIDIA nView  
properties.  
To enable the multi-GPU feature:  
1. Click the NVIDIA Settings icon  
on your Windows taskbar.  
NVIDIA Settings icon  
2. From the pop-up menu, select  
nView Desktop Manager then  
click nView Properties.  
3. From the nView Desktop Manager  
window, select the Desktop  
Management tab.  
4. Click Properties to display the  
Display Properties dialog box.  
3-14  
Chapter 3: Software support  
5. From the Display Properties  
dialog box, select the Settings  
tab then click Advanced.  
6. Select the NVIDIA GeForce tab.  
7. Click the slider to display the following  
screen, then select the SLI multi-GPU  
item.  
Slider  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
3-15  
8. Click the Enable SLI multi-GPU check box.  
9. Click OK when done.  
3.4  
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.  
To create a RAID driver disk:  
1. Place the motherboard support CD into the CD-ROM drive.  
2. Select Make Disk tab.  
3. From the Make Disk menu, select the RAID driver disk you want to  
create or browse the contents of the support CD to locate the driver  
disk utility.  
For detailed descriptions on the NVIDIA® RAID configuration, refer to the  
“NVIDIA® MediaShield RAID User’s Manual” found in your motherboard  
support CD .  
4. Insert floppy disk to floppy disk drive.  
5. Follow succeeding screen information to complete process.  
6. Write-protect the floppy disk to avoid computer virus infection.  
To install the RAID driver:  
1. During the 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.  
Due to chipset limitation, the Serial ATA ports supported by the NVIDIA  
chipset doesn’t support Serial Optical Disk Drives (Serial ODD) under  
DOS.  
3-16  
Chapter 3: Software support  
The Appendix describes the CPU  
features that the motherboard  
supports.  
CPU features  
A
A.1  
Intel® EM64T  
The motherboard is fully compatible with Intel® Pentium® 4 LGA775  
processors running on 32-bit operating systems.  
The motherboard comes with a BIOS file that supports EM64T. You  
can download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website (www.asus.  
com/support/download/) if you need to update the BIOS file. See  
Chapter 2 for details.  
Visit www.intel.com for more information on the EM64T feature.  
Visit www.microsoft.com for more information on Windows® 64-bit OS.  
Using the Intel® EM64T feature  
To use the Intel® EM64T feature:  
1. Install an Intel® Pentium® 4 CPU that supports the Intel® EM64T.  
2. Install a 64-bit operating system (Windows® XP Professional x64  
Edition or Windows® Server 2003 x64 Edition).  
3. Install the 64-bit drivers for the motherboard components and devices  
from the support CD.  
4. Install the 64-bit drivers for expansion cards or add-on devices, if any.  
Refer to the expansion card or add-on device(s) documentation, or visit  
the related website, to verify if the card/device supports a 64-bit system.  
A.2  
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep®  
Technology (EIST)  
The motherboard comes with a BIOS file that supports EIST. You  
can download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website (www.  
asus.com/support/download/) if you need to update the BIOS. See  
Chapter 2 for details.  
Visit www.intel.com for more information on the EIST feature.  
A.2.1 System requirements  
Before using EIST, check your system if it meets the following  
requirements:  
Intel® Pentium® 4 processor with EIST support  
BIOS file with EIST support  
Operating system with EIST support (Windows® XP SP2/Windows®  
Server 2003 SP1/Linux 2.6 kernel or later versions)  
A-2  
Appendix: CPU features  
A.2.2 Using the EIST  
To use the EIST feature:  
1.  
Turn on the computer, then enter the BIOS Setup.  
2.  
Go to the Advanced Menu, highlight CPU Configuration,  
then press <Enter>.  
3. Set the Intel(R) SpeedStep Technology item to [Automatic],  
then press <Enter>. See page 2-27 for details.  
4.  
5.  
Press <F10> to save your changes and exit the BIOS setup.  
After the computer restarts, right click on a blank space on the desktop,  
then select Properties from the pop-up menu.  
6.  
7.  
When the Display Properties  
window appears, click the Screen  
Saver tab.  
Click the Power button on the  
Monitor power section to open  
the Power Options Properties  
window.  
8. On the Power schemes section,  
click , then select any option  
except Home/Office Desktop or  
Always On.  
9. Click Apply, then click OK.  
10. Close the Display Properties  
window.  
After you adjust the power  
scheme, the CPU internal  
frequency slightly decreases  
when the CPU loading is low.  
The screen displays and procedures may vary depending on the  
operating system.  
ASUS P5N-E SLI  
A-3  
A.3  
Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology  
The motherboard supports Intel® Pentium® 4 LGA775 processors  
with Hyper-Threading Technology.  
Hyper-Threading Technology is supported under Windows® XP/2003  
Server and Linux 2.4.x (kernel) and later versions only. Under Linux,  
use the Hyper-Threading compiler to compile the code. If you are  
using any other operating systems, disable the Hyper-Threading  
Techonology item in the BIOS to ensure system stability and  
performance.  
Installing Windows® XP Service Pack 1 or later version is  
recommended.  
Make sure to enable the Hyper-Threading Technology item in BIOS  
before installing a supported operating system.  
For more information on Hyper-Threading Technology, visit  
www.intel.com/info/hyperthreading.  
Using the Hyper-Threading Technology  
To use the Hyper-Threading Technology:  
1. Install an Intel® Pentium® 4 CPU that supports Hyper-Threading  
Technology.  
2. Power up the system and enter the BIOS Setup. Under the Advanced  
Menu, make sure that the item Hyper-Threading Technology is set to  
Enabled.  
The BIOS item appears only if you installed a CPU that supports  
Hyper-Threading Technology.  
A-4  
Appendix: CPU features  

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