Contents
Notices........................................................................................................ vii
Safety information .................................................................................... viii
Chapter 1:
Product introduction
Chapter 2:
Jumper ........................................................................................ 2-23
iii
Contents
Chapter 3:
Chapter 4:
iv
Chapter 5:
v
Appendix:
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 adapter or extension cord.
These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.
Make sure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area.
If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using,
contact your local power company.
•
If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a
qualified service technician or your retailer.
Operation safety
•
Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all
the manuals that came with the package.
•
Before using the product, make sure all cables are correctly connected and the
power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer
immediately.
•
•
To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from
connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.
Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in
any area where it may become wet.
•
•
Place the product on a stable surface.
If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified
service technician or your retailer.
This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical
and electronic equipment) should not be placed in municipal waste. 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: Hardware information
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform
when installing system components. It includes description of the jumpers
and connectors on the motherboard.
•
•
•
•
Chapter 3: Powering up
This chapter describes the power up sequence and ways of shutting down
the system.
Chapter 4: 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 5: Software support
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the
motherboard package.
Appendix: CPU features
The Appendix describes the CPU features and technologies that the
motherboard supports.
Where to find more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and
software updates.
1.
2.
ASUS websites
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and
software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.
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>
Comma nd
Means that you must type the command exactly
as shown, then supply the required item or value
enclosed in brackets.
Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line:
afudos /i[filename]
a f udos / i c omma ndo. r om
x
Commando specifications summary
CPU
LGA775 socket for Intel® Core™2 Extreme / Core™2
Duo / Pentium® Extreme / Pentium® D / Pentium® 4 /
Celeron® D Processors
Intel® Quad-core CPU Ready
Compatible with Intel® 06/05B/05A processors
* Refer to www.asus.com for Intel CPU support list
Chipset
Intel® P965 / ICH8R with Intel® Fast Memory Access
Technology
System bus
Memory
1066 / 800 / 533 MHz
4 x DIMM, max. 8GB, DDR2 800 / 667 / 533 MHz, non
ECC, un-buffered memory
Dual channel memory architecture
* Refer to www.asus.com or user manual for Memory
QVL (Qualify Vendor List)
Expansion slots
Storage
2 x PCI Express™ x16 (@ x16 and x4 mode)
4 x PCI 2.2
Southbridge
-
-
6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports
Intel Matrix Storage Technology supports RAID 0, 1,
5, and 10
JMicron® JMB363 PATA controller
-
1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66 for up to 2 PATA devices
LAN
Dual Gigabit LAN controllers, both featuring AI NET2
Marvell® PCI-E and PCI Gigabit LAN controllers
Audio
SupremeFX audio card featuring ADI® 1988B CODEC
-
Supports Jack-Sensing, Enumeration,
Multi-streaming, and Jack-Retasking
Coaxial / Optical S/PDIF out ports at back I/O
ASUS Noise Filter
-
-
-
DTS® Connect™
IEEE 1394
USB
2 x IEEE 1394a ports (1 at mid-board; 1 at rear panel)
10 x USB 2.0 ports (6 at mid-board; 4 at rear panel)
(continued on the next page)
xi
Commando specifications summary
Exclusive Overclocking
features
Extreme Tweaker
Intelligent overclocking tools:
-
-
-
-
AI NOS™ (Non-delay Overclocking System)
AI Overclocking (intelligent CPU frequency tuner)
ASUS AI Booster Utility
O.C. Profile
Overclocking protection:
ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
-
Unique features
LCD Poster
Onboard Switches: Power / Reset / Clr CMOS
Q-Connector
ASUS Crashfree BIOS 3
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS MyLogo 3
Rear panel I/O ports
1 x LCD Poster
1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple)
1 x PS/2 mouse (green)
1 x S/PDIF output port (Optical + Coaxial)
2 x LAN (RJ45) port
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 x IEEE1394a port
Internal I/O connectors
1 x IDE connector
3 x USB 2.0 connectors support six additional USB 2.0
ports
1 x Azalia Digital Header
3 x thermal sensor connectors
1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
8 x Fan connectors: 1 x CPU / 1 x Power / 3 x Chassis /
BIOS features
Manageability
8 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM
BIOS 2.3, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ
Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, PXE
(continued on the next page)
xii
Commando specifications summary
Accessories
UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable
FDD cable
SATA cables
SATA power cables
I/O shield
User's manual
USB2.0 port module
IEEE1394 port module
3 in 1 Q-connector
7 x cable ties
InterVideo® Media Launcher (OEM version)
Optional fan for Water-Cooling or Passive-Cooling only
Support DVD
Drivers
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS Update
ASUS AI Suite
ASUS AI Booster
Futuremark® 3DMark® 06 Advanced Edition
Kaspersky® Anti-Virus software (full version)
Form factor
ATX form factor: 12 in x 9.6 in (30.5 cm x 24.5 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
Chapter summary
1
ASUS Commando
1.1
Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS® Commando motherboard!
The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it
another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!
Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the
items in your package with the list below.
1.2
Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
Motherboard
I/O modules
ASUS Commando motherboard
1 x 1-port IEEE 1394a module
1 x 2-port USB 2.0 module
Cables
Serial ATA power and signal cables for 6 devices
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable
1 x Floppy disk drive cable
Cable ties
Accessories
I/O shield
1 x ASUS Optional Fan
1 x 3-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector Kit
(USB, IEEE 1394, system panel; Retail version only)
Application DVD
Documentation
ASUS motherboard support DVD
InterVideo® Media Launcher (OEM version)
User guide
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
ASUS Commando
1-1
1.3
Special features
1.3.1
Product highlights
Republic of Gamers
The Republic of Gamers consists only the best of the best. We offer the best
hardware engineering, the fastest performance, the most innovating ideas, and we
welcome the best gamers to join in.
In the Republic of Gamers, mercy rules are only for the weak, and bragging rights
means everything. We believe in making statements and we excel in competitions.
If your character matches our trait, then join the elite club, make your presence felt,
in the Republic of Gamers.
Green ASUS
This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction
on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision
of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard
consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.
Intel® Core™2 / Quad-core Processor Ready
This motherboard supports the latest Intel® Core™2 processor in the LGA775
package. With the new Intel® Core™ microarchitecture technology and 1066 /
800 MHz FSB, the Intel® Core™2 is one of the most powerful and energy efficient
CPUs in the world. This motherboard also supports the latest Intel® Quad-core
processor, which is excellent for multi-tasking, multi-media and enthusiastic
gamers with 1066 / 800 MHz FSB. See page 2-6 for details.
Intel P965 Chipset
The Intel® P965 Express Chipset is the latest chipset designed to support 8GB
of dual-channel DDR2 800/677/533 architecture, 1066/800 FSB (Front Side
Bus), PCI Express x16 graphics and multi-core CPU. It especially includes Intel®
Fast Memory Access technology that significantly optimizes the use of available
memory bandwidth and reduces the latency of the memory accesses.
DDR2 memory support
The motherboard supports DDR2 memory that features data transfer rates
of 800/667/533 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 12.8 GB/s.
See page 2-14 for details.
1-2
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s technology
The motherboard fully supports the Serial ATA II 3.0 Gb/s technology through the
Serial ATA interfaces and the Intel® P965 Express chipset. The Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s
specification provides twice the bandwidth of the current Serial ATA products with
a host of new features, including Native Command Queueing (NCQ), and Power
Management (PM) Implementation Algorithm. Serial ATA allows for thinner, more
flexible cables with lower pin count and reduced voltage required. See page 2-28
for details.
RAID solution
The Intel® P965 chipset incorporates six Serial ATA connectors with high
performance RAID 0, 1, 5 and 10 functions. Making this motherboard an ideal
solution to enhance hard disk performance and data back up protection without the
cost of add-on cards. See page 2-28 and 2-29 for details.
IEEE 1394a support
The IEEE 1394a interface provides high speed digital interface for audio/video
appliances such as digital television, digital video camcorders, storage peripherals
& other PC portable devices. See pages 2-26 and 2-30 for details.
S/PDIF digital sound ready
This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio
systems via coaxial and optical S/PDIF-out (SONY/PHILIPS Digital Interface)
jacks.It allows to transfer digital audio without converting to analog format and
keeps the best signal quality. See page 2-25 and 2-26 for details.
Dual Gigabit LAN solution
The motherboard comes with dual Gigabit LAN controllers to provide the total
solution for your networking needs. These network controllers use the PCI Express
segment to provide faster data bandwidth for your wired or wireless Internet, LAN,
and file sharing requirements. See page 2-25 for details.
ASUS Commando
1-3
1.3.2
Unique features
8-phase cap-less Power design
The 8-phase EL Capless Power Design demonstrates two hardcore commitments
of ROG products: ultimate overclocking capability, and ultimate reliability. The 8-
phase power design yields unparalleled superiority in the overclocking arena, while
the cap-less design removes any worries of capacitor problems once and for all.
Fanless Design
The ASUS fanless design allows multi-directional heat flow from major thermal
sources in the motherboard to lower overall system temperature, resulting in
quieter operation and longer system life. ASUS has devoted special efforts to
address the thermal issues across the motherboard, and most notably in the
following areas: CPU, power, VGA, Northbridge and Southbridge. The heat pipe,
heatsink, and strategic board layout were tailor made to dissipate heat in the most
efficient manner.
AI NOS™ (Non-Delay Overclocking System)
ASUS Non-delay Overclocking System™ (NOS) is a technology that auto-detects
the CPU loading and dynamically overclocks the CPU speed only when needed.
See page 4-16 for details.
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.
Extreme Tweaker
This feature allows you to fine tune the various voltage settings and gradually
increase the memory Front Side Bus (FSB) and PCI Express frequency at 1MHz
increment to achieve maximum system performance.
Optional fan (for water-cooling/passive-cooling only)
The optional fan is specifically designed to provide sufficient airflow over the CPU
power modules and chipset area when water-cooling or passive-cooling is utilized,
ensuring effective heat dissipation for the entire system. See page 2-13 for details.
1-4
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
ASUS Q-Connector
The ASUS Q-Connector allows you to connect or disconnect chassis front panel
cables in one easy step. This unique adapter eliminates the trouble of plugging in
one cable at a time, making connection quick and error-free. See pages 2-36 for
details.
ASUS LCD Poster
The LCD Poster displays actual boot error messages instead of codes that other
debug cards show. This unique feature allows you to easily find out which devices
fail during the boot process, eliminating guesswork and allowing you to solve the
problem immediately.
Onboard Switches
A power-on button, a resetbutton, and a clear CMOS button are onboard to provide
overclockers and gamers the convenience of fine-tuning performance when
working on a bare (open-case) system. Press the power-on button to wake up
the system, the reset button to reboot, and the clear CMOS button to clear setup
information when the system hangs due to overclocking. See page 2-37 for details.
ASUS Multi-language BIOS
The multi-language BIOS allows you to select the language of your choice from the
available options. The localized BIOS menus allow easier and faster configuration.
See page 4-12 for details.
ASUS MyLogo3
This new feature present in the motherboard allows you to personalize and add
style to your system with customizable boot logos. See page 5-8 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 Commando
1-5
Supreme FX features
This feature can enhance speech-centric applications like Skype, online game,
video conference and recording.
Noise Filter
This feature detects repetitive and stationary noises (non-voice signals) like
computer fans, air conditioners, and other background noises then eliminates
it in the incoming audio stream while recording.
DTS® Connect
This feature is consists of two elements: DTS interactive and DTS NEO:PC.
DTS interactive re-encodes your stereo or multi-channel sound into a DTS
audio signal and send it out from your PC to any DTS enabled system. While
DTS NEO:PC turns your stereo audio such as MP3, WMA, CD, and other
sound format into a convincing multi-channel audio experience.
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 page 4-38 for details.
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data from a
USB flash disk containing the BIOS file. See page 4-8 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 4-5 and 4-37 for details.
1-6
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
This chapter lists the hardware setup
procedures that you have to perform
when installing system components. It
includes description of the jumpers and
connectors on the motherboard.
Hardware
2
information
Chapter summary
2
2.7
Jumper ........................................................................................ 2-23
Audio Card Installation.............................................................. 2-24
ASUS Commando
2.1
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 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 that lights up to indicate that
the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder that you
should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or
plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location
of the onboard LED.
®
SB_PWR
COMMANDO
ON
Standby
Power
OFF
Powered
Off
COMMANDO Onboard LED
ASUS Commando
2-1
2.2
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.
2.2.1
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.
2.2.2
Screw holes
Place nine (9) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard
to the chassis.
Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
Place this side towards
the rear of the chassis
®
COMMANDO
2-2
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.2.3
Motherboard layout
24.5cm (9.6in)
EATX12V
PWR_FAN
CPU_FAN
PS/2KBMS
T: Mouse
B: Keyboard
SPDIF_O1
E1394
LGA775
LAN2_USB34
LAN1_USB12
Marvell
88E8056
Intel®
P965
AUDIO1
OPT_TEMP1
ADH
OPT_FAN1
PCI1
JMicron
JMB363
®
CHA_FAN2
PCIEX16_1
W83791G
COMMANDO
CHASSIS
PCI2
Intel®
ICH8R
PCI3
PCIEX16_2
PCI4
CR2032 3V
Lithium BATTERY
CMOS Power
TSB43AB22A
SB_PWR
CHA_FAN3
CLRTC_EN
IE1394_2
USB910
USB56
USB78
OPT_TEMP3 OPT_TEMP2
OPT_FAN3
OPT_FAN2
CHA_FAN1
PWR_SW RST_SW CLR_CMOS
PANEL
Refer to 2.8 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and
internal connectors.
ASUS Commando
2-3
2.2.4
Layout contents
Slots
Page
2-14
2-22
2-22
1.
2.
3.
DDR2 DIMM slots
PCI slots
PCI Express x16 slots
Jumper
Page
2-23
Rear panel connectors
Page
2-25
2-25
2-25
2-25
2-25
2-26
2-26
2-26
2-26
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
PS/2 mouse port (green)
Coaxial S/PDIF Out port
LCD Poster
LAN 2 (RJ-45) port
LAN 1 (RJ-45) port
USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2, 3 and 4
IEEE 1394a port
Optical S/PDIF Out port
PS/2 keyboard port (purple)
Supreme FX
Page
2-26
2-26
1.
2.
Line In port (light blue)
Line Out port (lime)
3.
4.
5.
6.
Microphone port (pink)
2-26
2-26
2-26
2-26
Center/Subwoofer port (orange)
Side Speaker Out port (gray)
Rear Speaker Out port (black)
2-4
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.3
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA775 socket designed for the
Intel® Quad-core / Core™2 Extreme / Core™2 Duo / Pentium® Extreme / Pentium®
D/ Pentium® 4 and Celeron® D processors.
•
•
Make sure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.
Connect the chassis fan cable to the CHA_FAN2 connector to ensure
system stability.
•
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.
2-6
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.3.1
Installing the CPU
To install a CPU:
1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.
®
COMMANDO
COMMANDO CPU Socket 775
Before installing the CPU, make sure that the socket box is facing towards you
and the load lever is on your left.
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
Load lever
A
PnP cap
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.
ASUS Commando
2-7
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