Asus P4B User Manual

®
P4B  
User Guide  
Contents  
FCC/CDC statements ..................................................................... vi  
Safety information .......................................................................... vii  
About this guide ............................................................................ viii  
How this guide is organized.................................................. viii  
Conventions used in this guide ............................................... ix  
Where to find more information .............................................. ix  
ASUS contact information ................................................................x  
Chapter 1: Product introduction .......................................... 1-1  
1.1 Welcome! ............................................................................ 1-1  
1.2 Package contents ............................................................... 1-1  
1.3 Overview ............................................................................. 1-2  
1.3.1 Identifying the motherboard components ................ 1-2  
1.3.2 Pre-installed accessory ........................................... 1-5  
1.4 Special features .................................................................. 1-6  
1.4.1 Product highlights ................................................... 1-6  
1.4.2 Value-added solutions ............................................ 1-7  
Chapter 2: Hardware information .......................................... 2-1  
2.1 Motherboard installation ...................................................... 2-1  
2.1.1 Placement direction ................................................ 2-1  
2.1.2 Screw holes ............................................................ 2-1  
2.2 Motherboard layout ............................................................. 2-2  
2.3 Before you proceed ............................................................. 2-3  
2.4 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ............................................ 2-4  
2.4.1 Overview ................................................................ 2-4  
2.4.2 Installing the CPU ................................................... 2-5  
2.4.3 Installing the heatsink and fan ................................. 2-7  
2.4.4 Connecting the CPU fan cable ................................ 2-9  
2.5 System memory ................................................................ 2-10  
2.5.1 Overview .............................................................. 2-10  
2.5.2 Memory configurations ......................................... 2-10  
2.5.3 Installing a DIMM ...................................................2-11  
2.5.4 Removing a DIMM ................................................ 2-12  
iii  
Contents  
2.6 Expansion slots ................................................................. 2-13  
2.6.1 Installing an expansion card.................................. 2-13  
2.6.2 Configuring an expansion card ............................. 2-14  
2.6.3 PCI slots ............................................................... 2-15  
2.6.4 AGP slot ............................................................... 2-15  
2.6.5 CNR slot ............................................................... 2-16  
2.7 Switches and jumpers ....................................................... 2-17  
2.8 Connectors ....................................................................... 2-24  
Chapter 3: Powering up ......................................................... 3-1  
3.1 Starting up for the first time.................................................. 3-1  
3.2 Vocal POST Messages ....................................................... 3-2  
3.3 Powering off the computer................................................... 3-4  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup ........................................................... 4-1  
4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS...................................... 4-1  
4.1.1 Using the computer system for the first time ........... 4-1  
4.1.2 Updating BIOS procedures ..................................... 4-3  
4.2 BIOS Setup program ........................................................... 4-5  
4.2.1 BIOS menu bar....................................................... 4-6  
4.2.2 Legend bar ............................................................. 4-6  
4.3 Main Menu .......................................................................... 4-8  
4.3.1 Primary and Secondary Master/Slave ..................... 4-9  
4.3.2 Keyboard Features ............................................... 4-13  
4.4 Advanced Menu ................................................................ 4-15  
4.4.1 Chip Configuration ................................................ 4-17  
4.4.2 I/O Device Configuration ....................................... 4-20  
4.4.3 PCI Configuration ................................................. 4-22  
4.5 Power Menu...................................................................... 4-24  
4.5.1 Power Up Control ................................................. 4-26  
4.5.2 Hardware Monitor ................................................. 4-28  
4.6 Boot Menu ........................................................................ 4-29  
4.7 Exit Menu .......................................................................... 4-31  
iv  
Contents  
Chapter 5: Software support ................................................. 5-1  
5.1 Install an operating system .................................................. 5-1  
5.1.1 Windows 98 first time installation ............................ 5-1  
5.2 Support CD information ....................................................... 5-1  
5.2.1 Running the support CD ......................................... 5-1  
5.2.2 Main menu ............................................................. 5-2  
5.2.3 Software menu ....................................................... 5-3  
5.2.4 Drivers menu .......................................................... 5-5  
5.2.5 DOS Utilities menu ................................................. 5-6  
5.2.6 ASUS Contact Information ...................................... 5-6  
5.2.7 Other information .................................................... 5-7  
5.3 Software information ........................................................... 5-9  
5.3.1 ASUS Update ......................................................... 5-9  
5.3.2 ASUS MyLogo.................................................. 5-10  
5.3.3 Personalized Boot Logo........................................ 5-12  
5.3.4 Winbond Voice Editor ........................................... 5-13  
Glossary ................................................................................ G-1  
Index ........................................................................................ I-1  
v
FCC/CDC statements  
Federal Communications Commission Statement  
This device complies with FCC Rules Part 15. 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  
manufacturers 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 users 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.  
vi  
Safety information  
Electrical safety  
To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from  
the electrical outlet before relocating the system.  
When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that  
the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal  
cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the  
existing system before you add a device.  
Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard,  
ensure that all power cables are unplugged.  
Seek professional assistance before using an adpater or extension  
cord. These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.  
Make sure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your  
area. If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you  
are using, contact your local power company.  
If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a  
qualified service technician or your retailer.  
Operation safety  
Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully  
read all the manuals that came with the package.  
Before using the product, make sure all cables are correctly connected  
and the power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage,  
contact your dealer immediately.  
To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from  
connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.  
Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the  
product in any area where it may become wet.  
Place the product on a stable surface.  
If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a  
qualified service technician or your retailer.  
vii  
About this guide  
This user guide contains the information you need when installing the  
ASUS P4B motherboard.  
How this guide is organized  
This manual contains the following parts:  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
This chapter describes the features of the P4B motherboard. It  
includes brief descriptions of the special attributes 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 switches, jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard.  
Chapter 3: Powering up  
This chapter describes the power up sequence and gives information  
on the BIOS beep codes.  
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 CD that comes with  
the motherboard package.  
Glossary  
This part lists the technical terms that you may encounter when  
reading this document.  
Index  
This part contains an alphabetical list of the topics found in this  
document.  
viii  
Conventions used in this guide  
To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the  
following symbols used throughout this manual.  
WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying  
to complete a task.  
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components  
when trying to complete a task.  
IMPORTANT: Information that you MUST follow to complete a  
task.  
NOTE: Tips and additional information to aid in completing a task.  
Where to find more information  
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product  
and software updates.  
1. ASUS Websites  
The ASUS websites worldwide provide updated information on ASUS  
hardware and software products. The ASUS websites are listed in the  
ASUS Contact Information on page x.  
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  
ASUS contact information  
ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (Asia-Pacific)  
Address:  
150 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 112  
+886-2-2894-3447  
+886-2-2894-3449  
General Tel:  
General Fax:  
General Email:  
info@asus.com.tw  
Technical Support  
MB/Others (Tel):  
Notebook (Tel):  
+886-2-2890-7121 (English)  
+886-2-2890-7122 (English)  
Desktop/Server (Tel): +886-2-2890-7123 (English)  
Support Fax:  
Support Email:  
Web Site:  
+886-2-2890-7698  
tsd@asus.com.tw  
www.asus.com.tw  
cscnews.asus.com.tw  
Newsgroup:  
ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)  
Address:  
6737 Mowry Avenue, Mowry Business Center,  
Building 2, Newark, CA 94560, USA  
+1-510-608-4555  
General Fax:  
General Email:  
tmd1@asus.com  
Technical Support  
Support Fax:  
Notebook (Tel):  
Web Site:  
+1-510-608-4555  
1-877-918-ASUS (2787)  
www.asus.com  
Support Email:  
tsd@asus.com  
ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Europe)  
Address:  
Harkortstr. 25, 40880 Ratingen, BRD, Germany  
General Fax:  
General Email:  
+49-2102-442066  
sales@asuscom.de (for marketing requests only)  
Technical Support  
Support Hotline:  
Notebook (Tel):  
Support Fax:  
MB/Others: +49-2102-9599-0  
+49-2102-9599-10  
+49-2102-9599-11  
Support (Email):  
Web Site:  
www.asuscom.de/de/support (for online support)  
www.asuscom.de  
x
Chapter 1  
This chapter describes the features of the  
P4B motherboard. It includes brief  
explanations of the special attributes of the  
motherboard and the new technology it  
supports.  
Product introduction  
ASUS P4B motherboard  
1.1 Welcome!  
®
Thank you for buying the ASUS P4B motherboard!  
The ASUSP4B motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest  
technology making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality  
motherboards!  
®
®
The P4B incorporates the Intel Pentium 4 Processor in 478-pin  
®
package/Northwood Processor coupled with the Intel 845 (Brookdale)  
chipset to set a new benchmark for an effective desktop platform solution.  
Supporting up to 3GB of system memory with PC100/133 unbuffered  
SDRAM, high-resolution graphics via an AGP 4X slot, communication and  
networking options through a CNR slot, high-speed data transfers using  
the ATA100 protocol, and AC 97-compliant audio features, the P4B is your  
perfect vehicle to get ahead in the world of power computing!  
Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it,  
check the items in your package with the list below.  
1.2Package contents  
Check your P4B package for the following items.  
ASUS P4B motherboard (ATX form factor: 12-in x 8.6-in)  
ASUS P4B support CD  
ASUS 2-port USB module  
ASUS SPDIF module (for audio models only)  
80-conductor ribbon cable for UltraDMA/33/66/100 IDE drives  
40-conductor IDE cable  
Ribbon cable for a 3.5-inch floppy drive  
Bag of extra jumper caps  
User Guide  
Quick Setup Guide and Reference Card  
Jumpers and Connectors Sticker  
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.  
ASUS P4B motherboard user guide  
1-1  
1.3 Overview  
Before you install the P4B motherboard, take some time to familiarize  
yourself with its physical configuration and available features. This will  
facilitate the motherboard installation and future upgrades. A sufficient  
knowledge of the motherboard specifications will also help you avoid  
mistakes that may damage the board and its components.  
This section presents the motherboard components and points out their  
specific locations. A brief description of each component follows. Refer to  
Chapter 2 for detailed information on these components.  
1.3.1 Identifying the motherboard components  
5
4
6
3
7
8
2
9
10  
11  
1
12  
13  
29  
28  
27  
14  
26  
25  
24  
23  
22  
21  
15  
20  
19  
16  
18  
17  
Figure 1-1  
Motherboard Components  
Proceed to the succeeding pages for a brief description of each  
component.  
1-2  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1
2
CPU socket. A 478-pin surface mount, Zero Insertion Force (ZIF)  
®
socket called mPGA478 B. This socket accommodates the Intel  
®
Pentium 4 478/Northwood Processor with 400MHz system bus.  
North bridge controller. This controller called the Intel Memory  
Controller Hub (MCH) is one of the two major components of the  
Intel 845 (Brookdale) chipset. The MCH and the south bridge Intel  
I/O Controller Hub 2 (ICH2) are interconnected through the Intel  
proprietary Hub interface. The MCH provides the processor  
interface, memory interface, AGP interface, and Hub Interface.  
3
SDRAM DIMM sockets. These three 168-pin DIMM sockets  
support up to 3GB using unbuffered ECC or non-ECC PC100/133  
SDRAM DIMMs.  
4
5
6
ATX power connector. This 20-pin connector connects to an ATX  
12V power supply. The power supply must have at least 1A on the  
+5V standby lead (+5VSB).  
Floppy disk connector. This connector connects the provided  
ribbon cable for the floppy disk drive. One side of the connector is  
slotted to prevent incorrect insertion of the floppy disk cable.  
ASUS EZ PlugAuxilliary +12V connector. This ASUS patented  
auxilliary power connector is used if you dont have an ATX +12V  
power supply. Connect a 4-pin device connector from a standard  
power supply to this connector to provide sufficient power to the  
CPU.  
7
8
IDE connectors. These dual-channel bus master IDE connectors  
support up to four Ultra DMA/100/66, PIO Modes 3 & 4 IDE  
devices. Both the primary (blue) and secondary (black) connectors  
are slotted to prevent incorrect insertion of the IDE ribbon cable.  
AGP warning LED. Serving as a smart burn-out protection for the  
motherboard, this red LED lights up if you plug in any 3.3V AGP  
card into the AGP slot. When this LED is lit, there is no way you  
can turn on the system power even if you press the power button.  
(The AGP LED feature is present on PCB R1.05 or later versions.)  
9
South bridge controller. Referred to as the Intel I/O Controller  
Hub 2 (ICH2) of the Intel 845 chipset, this controller provides the  
I/O subsystem that allows access to the rest of the system. The  
ICH2 integrates I/O functions such as system bus interface, Ultra  
ATA/100, Low Pin Count (LPC) interface, Universal Serial Bus  
(USB) 1.1 interface, PCI interface, and CNR interface.  
ASUS P4B motherboard user guide  
1-3  
DIP switches. This 10-switch Dual Inline Package (DIP) allows you  
to set the CPU external frequency.  
10  
11  
12  
13  
Speech controller. This Winbond speech controller supports  
ASUS POST Reporterfor configurable vocal POST alerts.  
Flash EEPROM. This 2Mb firmware contains the programmable  
BIOS program.  
Super I/O chipset. This Low Pin Count (LPC) interface provides  
the commonly used Super I/O functionality. The chipset supports a  
high-performance floppy disk controller for a 360K/720K/1.44M/  
2.88M floppy disk drive, a multi-mode parallel port, two standard  
compatible UARTs, a Standard Infrared (SIR), one MPU-401 UART  
mode compatible MIDI/game port, and a Flash ROM interface.  
14  
15  
ASUS ASIC. This chip performs multiple system functions that  
include hardware and system voltage monitoring, IRQ routing,  
among others.  
CNR slot. This slot is specifically designed for the Communications  
and Networking Riser (CNR) card. The CNR supports V.90 analog  
modem, six-channel audio, HPNA, USB Hub, and the 10BASE-T/  
100BASE-TX Ethernet networking.  
16  
17  
Onboard LED. This onboard LED lights up if there is a standby  
power on the motherboard. This LED acts as a reminder to turn off  
the system power before plugging or unplugging devices.  
PCI slots. These six 32-bit PCI 2.2 expansion slots support bus  
master PCI cards like SCSI or LAN cards with 133MB/s maximum  
throughput.  
18  
19  
20  
Audio/Modem CODEC. This AC 97 compliant audio CODEC  
supports SPDIF Out feature.  
AGP slot. This Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) slot supports 1.5V  
AGP4X mode graphics cards for 3D graphical applications.  
ATX 12V connector. This power connector connects the 4-pin 12V  
plug from the ATX 12V power supply.  
21  
22  
Microphone jack. This Mic (pink) jack connects a microphone.  
Line In jack. This Line In (light blue) jack connects a tape player or  
other audio sources.  
1-4  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
Line Out jack. This Line Out (lime) jack connects a headphone or  
a speaker.  
23  
24  
Game/MIDI connector. This connector supports a joystick or a  
game pad for playing games, and MIDI devices for playing or  
editing audio files.  
25  
Serial ports. These two 9-pin COM1/COM2 ports are for pointing  
devices or other serial devices.  
26  
27  
28  
Parallel port. This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a  
scanner, or other devices.  
USB ports. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are  
available for connecting USB devices such as a mouse and PDA.  
PS/2 keyboard port. This purple 6-pin connector is for a PS/2  
keyboard.  
29  
PS/2 mouse port. This green 6-pin connector is for a PS/2 mouse.  
1.3.2 Pre-installed accessory  
This motherboard is shipped with the heatsink retention module base  
already installed. This module should fit the retention mechanism that  
comes with a boxed CPU.  
You do not have to remove the retention module base when installing  
the CPU or installing other motherboard components.  
Retention Module Base  
Figure 1-2  
Pre-installed Heatsink Retention Module Base  
ASUS P4B motherboard user guide  
1-5  
1.4 Special features  
1.4.1 Product highlights  
Latest processor technology  
The P4B motherboard supports the latest Intel Pentium 4 478/Northwood  
Processor, also known as P4, via a 478-pin surface mount ZIF socket. The  
Pentium 4 processor utilizes the advanced 0.18 micron processor core in  
FC-PGA2 package for a 2.0GHz frequency, while the Northwood  
processor uses the 0.13 micron processor core with 512KB L2 cache for  
up to a speedy 2.4+GHz frequency. The P4 offers optimized performance  
for audio, video, and Internet applications.  
ASUS POST Reporter™  
P4B offers a new exciting feature called the ASUS POST Reporterto  
provide friendly voice messages and alerts during the Power-On Self-Tests  
(POST). Through the systems internal speaker, or an added external  
speaker, you will hear the messages informing you of the system boot  
status and causes of boot errors, if any. The bundled Winbond Voice  
Editor software allows you to customize the voice messages, and provides  
multi-language support.  
ASUS EZ Plug™  
This patented ASUS technology lets you use your existing power supply  
rather than buying a new ATX 12V power supply. The ASUS EZ Plugis  
a 4-pin auxillary +12V connector mounted on the motherboard that  
connects a regular 4-pin device power connector from the power supply.  
This connector is necessary to provide the additional power required by  
the P4 CPU.  
ASUS MyLogo™  
This new feature present in the P4B motherboard allows you to  
personalize and add style to your system using customizable boot logos.  
Digital audio interface  
On audio models, a digital audio connector is onboard to accommodate  
the Sony-Philips Digital Interface (SPDIF) Out module, which supports  
coaxial and optical interfaces. Experience 5.1-channel surround sound  
and enhanced 3D audio while playing your favorite DVDs and computer  
games.  
1-6  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.4.2 Value-added solutions  
Overclocking  
The P4B overclocking features:  
adjustable CPU frequency multiple in BIOS using the ASUS  
JumperFreesolution  
adjsutable FSB/MEM/PCI frequency ratio  
Stepless Frequency Selection (SFS) for fine-tuning system bus  
frequency from 100MHz up to 200MHz at 1MHz increments  
optimized system performance through BIOS built-in Turbo Mode  
adjustable Vcore and VIO  
ASUS iPanel support  
The motherboard supports the ASUS iPanel to provide easy connectivity,  
one-touch management of various peripherals, and convenient monitoring  
of system status.  
Special Card Reader support  
The P4B includes special connectors that support optional readers for  
Smart Card, Secure Digital (SD) memory Card, and Memory Stick (MS).  
The Smart Card Reader promotes cutting-edge technology featuring  
increased security for authenticating online transactions, editing IC-based  
information, and more. The SD/MS Reader allows portable high-capacity  
storage through the sophisticated SD and MS devices.  
Multi-language quick setup guide  
The motherboard package includes a multi-language Quick Setup Guide  
to let you set up your system the easiest way.  
Jumpers and connectors sticker  
This bundled sticker illustrates the locations of the motherboard jumpers  
and connectors to give you an easy reference when configuring the  
system. Attach this sticker to your system chassis or on a place most  
convenient to you.  
ASUS P4B motherboard user guide  
1-7  
1-8  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
Chapter 2  
This chapter describes the hardware setup  
procedures that you have to perform when  
installing system components. It includes  
details on the switches, jumpers, and  
connectors on the motherboard.  
Hardware information  
ASUS P4B motherboard  
2.1 Motherboard installation  
Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis  
to ensure that the motherboard fits into it. The P4B uses the ATX form  
factor that measures 12 inches x 8.6 inches, a standard fit for most  
chassis.  
Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the  
motherboard. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and  
damage motherboard components.  
2.1.1 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. Refer to the image below.  
2.1.2 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 may damage the  
motherboard.  
Place this side towards  
the rear of the chassis  
Figure 2-1  
Motherboard placement and screw holes  
ASUS P4B motherboard user guide  
2-1  
2.2 Motherboard layout  
22cm (8.7in)  
PWR_FAN  
CPU_FAN  
PS/2KBMS  
T: Mouse  
B: Keyboard  
SDRVOL  
Socket 478  
USB1  
USB2  
OVER_VOLT  
USBPWR1  
COM1  
COM2  
Intel 845  
Line  
Out  
Memory  
Controller  
Hub (MCH)  
Line  
In  
Mic  
In  
0
1
2
3
4
5
ATX12V  
®
Accelerated Graphics Port  
(AGP+1.5V)  
MICF  
SPEAKER  
P4B  
WARNING  
AAPANEL  
PCI1  
PCI2  
PCI3  
PCI4  
PCI5  
PCI6  
TRPWR  
MS  
CD1  
AUX  
SD  
Intel I/O  
Controller  
Hub  
CLRCMOS  
(ICH2)  
Audio  
Codec  
SMART  
CR2032 3V  
Lithium Cell  
CMOS Power  
MODEM  
JEN  
2Mbit  
Firmware  
Hub  
Super  
I/O  
LED1  
SPEECH  
CHASSIS  
SMB  
SPDIFOUT  
USB2  
SMARTCON  
ASUS  
ASIC  
with  
Hardware  
Monitor  
CHA_FAN  
AFPANEL  
KBPWR  
FUSB  
AUD_EN1  
CNR  
HDLED  
PANEL  
Figure 2-2  
Motherboard Layout  
The audio CODEC, external GAME/AUDIO connectors, internal audio  
connectors are optional components, and present in audio models  
only. The components are grayed in the above motherboard layout.  
For System Integrators:  
The SD and MS connectors may or may not be mounted depending on  
required specifications.  
2-2  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.3 Before you proceed  
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard  
components or change any motherboard settings.  
1. Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any  
component.  
2. Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or to  
a metal object, such as the power supply case, before handling  
components to avoid damaging them due to static electricity.  
3. Hold components by the edges and do not to touch the ICs on them.  
4. Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded  
antistatic pad or in the bag that came with the component.  
5. Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the  
ATX power supply is switched off or the power cord is  
detached from the power supply. Failure to do so may cause  
severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or  
components.  
When lit, the green LED (LED1) indicates that the system is ON, in  
sleep mode, or in soft-off mode, a reminder that you should shut down  
the system before removing of plugging in any motherboard  
component.  
The red LED (WARNING) is a smart protection from motherboard burn  
out caused by an incorrect AGP card. If you plug in any 3.3V AGP card  
into the 1.5V AGP slot, this LED lights up thus preventing the system to  
power up. This LED remains off if you plug in a 1.5V AGP card.  
(This feature is present on PCB R1.05 or later versions.)  
WARNING  
ON  
OFF  
Incorrect  
AGP Card  
Correct  
AGP Card  
®
P4B  
LED1  
ON  
OFF  
Standby  
Power  
Powered  
Off  
P4B Onboard LED  
Figure 2-3  
Onboard LEDs  
ASUS P4B motherboard user guide  
2-3  
2.4 Central Processing Unit (CPU)  
2.4.1 Overview  
The motherboard comes with a surface mount 478-pin Zero Insertion  
®
Force (ZIF) socket. This socket is specifically designed for the Intel  
Pentium 4 478/Northwood Processor.  
®
The Intel Pentium 4 Processor in the 478-pin package uses the Flip-Chip  
®
Pin Grid Array 2 (FC-PGA2) package technology, and includes the Intel  
NetBurstmicro-architecture. The Intel NetBurst micro-architecture  
features the hyper-pipelined technology, rapid execution engine, 400MHz  
system bus, and execution trace cache. Together, these attributes improve  
system performance by allowing higher processor frequencies, faster  
execution of integer instructions, and a data transfer rate of 3.2GB/s.  
Gold Mark  
Figure 2-4  
Intel Pentium 4 478/Northwood Processor  
Note in the illustration that the CPU has a gold triangular mark on one  
corner. This mark indicates the processor Pin 1 that should match a  
specific corner of the CPU socket.  
Incorrect installation of the CPU into the socket may bend the pins and  
severely damage the CPU!  
2-4  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.4.2 Installing the CPU  
Follow these steps to install a CPU.  
1. Locate the 478-pin ZIF socket on the motherboard.  
Figure 2-5  
Intel 478-pin ZIF Socket  
2. Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sideways, then lift it up to a  
90°-100° angle.  
Socket Lever  
90 - 100  
Figure 2-6  
CPU Socket Lever at 90° -100° Angle  
Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90°-100° angle,  
otherwise the CPU does not fit in completely.  
ASUS P4B motherboard user guide  
2-5  
3. Position the CPU above the socket such that its marked corner  
matches the base of the socket lever.  
4. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it fits in place.  
The CPU fits only in one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU  
into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU!  
Gold Mark  
Figure 2-7  
Installing the CPU  
5. When the CPU is in place, press it firmly on the socket while you push  
down the socket lever to secure the CPU. The lever clicks on the side  
tab to indicate that it is locked.  
Figure 2-8  
Installed CPU  
2-6  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.4.3 Installing the heatsink and fan  
®
®
The Intel Pentium 4 478/Northwood Processor requires a specially  
designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition  
and performance.  
When you buy a boxed Intel Pentium 4 478/Northwood Processor, the  
package includes the heatsink, fan, and retention mechanism.  
In case you buy a CPU separately, make sure that you use only Intel  
certified heatsink and fan.  
Follow these steps to install the CPU heatsink and fan.  
1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, making sure that the  
heatsink fits properly on the retention module base.  
The retention module base is already installed on the motherboard.  
CPU Heatsink  
Retention Module Base  
Figure 2-9  
Installing the CPU Heatsink  
Your boxed Intel Pentium 4 478/Northwood Processor package should  
come with installation instructions for the CPU, heatsink, and the  
retention mechanism. If the instructions in this section do not match the  
CPU documentation, follow the latter.  
ASUS P4B motherboard user guide  
2-7  
2. Position the fan with the retention mechanism on top of the heatsink.  
Align and snap the four hooks of the retention mechanism to the holes  
on each corner of the module base.  
Make sure that the fan and retention mechanism assembly perfectly  
fits the heatsink and module base, otherwise you cannot snap the  
hooks into the holes.  
Retention Hole  
Retention Lock  
Retention Hook Snapped  
to the Retention Hole  
Figure 2-10  
Installing the Fan and Retention Mechanism  
Keep the retention locks lifted upward while fitting the retention  
mechanism to the module base.  
2-8  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
3. Push down the locks on the retention mechanism to secure the  
heatsink and fan to the module base.  
When secure, the retention locks should point to opposite directions.  
Figure 2-11  
Fan and Retention Mechanism Installed and Locked  
2.4.4 Connecting the CPU fan cable  
When the fan, heatsink, and the retention mechanism are in place,  
connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled  
CPU_FAN.  
CPU Fan Connector  
(CPU_FAN)  
Figure 2-12  
CPU Fan Connector  
Dont forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring  
errors may occur if you fail to plug this connector.  
ASUS P4B motherboard user guide  
2-9  
2.5 System memory  
2.5.1 Overview  
The motherboard comes with three Single Data Rate (SDR) Dual Inline  
Memory Module (DIMM) sockets. These sockets support up to 3GB  
system memory using unbuffered ECC or non-ECC PC100/133 DIMMs.  
88 Pins  
®
P4B  
60 Pins  
20 Pins  
P4B 168-Pin DIMM Sockets  
Figure 2-13  
DIMM Sockets Location and SDR DIMMs  
DIMMs are keyed with notches so that they fit in only one direction. DO  
NOT force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM.  
2.5.2 Memory configurations  
Install DIMMs in any of the following combinations.  
DIMM Location  
168-pin DIMM (SDR)  
Total Memory  
Socket 1 (Rows 0&1) 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB x1  
Socket 2 (Rows 2&3) 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB x1  
Socket 3 (Rows 4&5) 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB x1  
Total system memory (Max. 3GB)  
=
2-10  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.5.3 Installing a DIMM  
Make sure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing  
DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so may cause  
severe damage to both the motherboard and the components.  
Follow these steps to install a DIMM.  
1. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward.  
2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notches on the DIMM match  
the breaks on the socket.  
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  
Figure 2-14  
Installing a DIMM  
Locked Retaining Clip  
Figure 2-15  
Installed DIMM  
ASUS P4B motherboard user guide  
2-11  
2.5.4 Removing a DIMM  
Follow these steps to remove a DIMM.  
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.  
2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.  
Figure 2-16  
Removing a DIMM  
2-12  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.6 Expansion slots  
In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The motherboard  
has six PCI slots, one Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) slot, and a  
Communications and Networking Riser (CNR) slot. 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.  
2.6.1 Installing an expansion card  
Follow these steps 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.  
Figure 2-17  
Installing a PCI Card  
ASUS P4B motherboard user guide  
2-13  
2.6.2 Configuring an expansion card  
After physically installing the expansion card, configure the card by  
adjusting the software settings.  
1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any.  
See Chapter 4 for information on BIOS setup.  
2. Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables below.  
3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.  
Standard Interrupt Assignments  
IRQ  
Priority  
Standard Function  
0
1
System Timer  
1
2
Keyboard Controller  
2
N/A  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
3
4
5
6
7
Programmable Interrupt  
Communications Port (COM2)  
Communications Port (COM1)  
Sound Card (sometimes LPT2)  
Floppy Disk Controller  
3*  
4*  
5*  
6
7*  
8
9*  
10*  
11*  
12*  
13  
14*  
15*  
Printer Port (LPT1)  
System CMOS/Real Time Clock  
ACPI Mode when used  
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
used  
C
used  
D
used  
E
F
shared  
shared  
G
used  
H
shared  
shared  
PCI slot 1  
PCI slot 2  
PCI slot 3  
PCI slot 4  
PCI slot 5  
PCI slot 6  
Onboard USB controller HC0  
Onboard USB controller HC1  
AGP  
shared  
used  
CNR LAN  
CNR Audio/Modem  
Onboard Audio  
shared  
shared  
When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support  
“Share IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments.  
Otherwise, conflicts will arise between the two PCI groups, making the  
system unstable and the card inoperable.  
2-14  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.6.3 PCI slots  
There are six 32-bit PCI slots in this motherboard. The slots support PCI  
cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that  
comply with PCI specifications. The following figure shows a LAN card  
installed on a PCI slot.  
Figure 2-18  
Installed PCI Card  
2.6.4 AGP slot  
This motherboard has an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) slot that  
supports +1.5V AGP cards. When you buy an AGP card, make sure that  
you ask for one with +1.5V specification. Note the notches on the card  
golden fingers to ensure that they fit the AGP slot on your motherboard.  
If you installed an incorrect AGP card, such as a SiS305-based AGP card  
or any other 3.3V AGP card, the onboard red LED (WARNING) lights up,  
an indication that the card is not supported on the motherboard. As long as  
this LED is lighted, you cannot turn on the system power even if you press  
the power button, thus preventing permanent damage to the motherboard.  
Install only 1.5V AGP cards on this motherboard.  
®
P4B  
Keyed for 1.5V  
P4B Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) Slot  
Figure 2-19  
Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) Slot Location  
ASUS P4B motherboard user guide  
2-15  
2.6.5 CNR slot  
The Communications and Networking Riser (CNR) slot supports interface  
cards that integrates audio, modem, and network functionality.  
The CNR specification supports interfaces including:  
Audio Codec 97 (AC 97) - for audio and/or modem functions  
Local Area Network (LAN) - for networking functions  
Universal Serial Bus (USB) - for functions implemented in the USB  
interface, and technologies such as broadband, DSL, and wireless  
System Management Bus (SMB) - for Plug-n-Play functionality  
Power - to provide the signals required for power management, and the  
main power supplies to operate the CNR circuitry  
The CNR is tagged to replace the current Audio Modem Riser (AMR) slot  
because of its flexibility and added features. Also, the CNR slot does not  
take up the motherboard space for one PCI slot because it is a shared  
slot; rather, it provides you more options.  
®
P4B  
P4B Communication & Networking  
Riser Slot  
Figure 2-20  
Communications and Networking Riser (CNR) Slot  
Location  
2-16  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.7 Switches and jumpers  
The motherboard frequency is adjusted through the DIP switches. The  
white block represents the switch position. The illustration below shows all  
the switches in the OFF position.  
SWITCH  
OFF ON  
1. Frequency Multiple  
2. Frequency Multiple  
3. Frequency Multiple  
®
P4B  
4. Frequency Multiple  
5. Frequency Selection  
6. Frequency Selection  
7. Frequency Selection  
8. Frequency Selection  
9. Frequency Selection  
10. Reserved  
P4B DIP Switches  
Figure 2-21  
DIP Switches  
The JEN jumper must be set to pins 1-2 (jumper mode) if you wish to  
use the DIP switches. Otherwise, setting the switches does not  
produce any effect.  
1. JumperFree™ mode (JEN)  
This jumper allows you to enable or disable the JumperFree™ mode.  
The JumperFree mode allows you to change CPU settings through the  
BIOS setup instead of using the DIP switches.  
OFF  
JEN  
SWITCH  
®
P4B  
3
2
2
1
P4B JumperFreeMode Setting  
Jumper Mode  
Jumper Free  
(Default)  
Figure 2-22  
JumperFree Mode Setting  
The JEN jumper is set in conjunction with the DIP switches. In  
JumperFree mode, set all the DIP switches to OFF.  
ASUS P4B motherboard user guide  
2-17  
2. CPU Core:Bus frequency multiple (SWITCH Switches 1-4)  
This option sets the frequency multiple between the CPU internal and  
external frequencies. This must be set in conjunction with the CPU Bus  
Frequency.  
SWITCH  
8.0x  
10.0x  
11.0x  
12.0x  
®
P4B  
13.0x  
14.0x  
15.0x  
16.0x  
P4B CPU Frequency  
Multiple Selection  
17.0x  
18.0x  
19.0x  
20.0x  
23.0x  
21.0x  
24.0x  
22.0x  
Figure 2-23  
CPU Core:Bus Frequency Multiple  
Make sure that the JEN jumper is set to jumper mode before setting  
the above switches.  
The option to set the CPU core:bus frequency multiple is available only  
on unlocked CPUs. If you are using a locked CPU, setting the switches  
does not produce any effect.  
2-18  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
3. CPU frequency selection (SWITCH Switches 5-9)  
This option tells the clock generator what frequency to send the CPU.  
This allows the selection of the CPUs external frequency (or Bus  
Clock). The BUS Clock multiplied by the Frequency Multiple equals the  
CPUs internal frequency (the advertised CPU speed).  
To select the CPU external frequency using the DIP switches, ensure  
that the JEN jumper is set to jumper mode.  
SWITCH  
CPU 100MHz  
AGP 67MHz  
PCI 33MHz  
105MHz  
70MHz  
35MHz  
111MHz  
74MHz  
37MHz  
120MHz  
80MHz  
40MHz  
®
P4B  
P4B CPU  
External Frequency Selection  
CPU 120MHz  
AGP 60MHz  
PCI 30MHz  
125MHz  
62MHz  
31MHz  
133MHz  
66MHz  
33MHz  
Figure 2-24  
CPU Frequency Settings  
Set the CPU frequency only to the recommended settings.  
Frequencies other than the recommended CPU bus frequencies are  
not guaranteed to be stable.  
ASUS P4B motherboard user guide  
2-19  
4. Audio controller (AUD_EN1) (on audio models only)  
This jumper allows you to enable or disable the audio CODEC on the  
motherboard. Disable the audio CODEC if you desire to install a PCI  
audio card on one of the PCI slots or on the CNR slot. The default  
setting is Enabled.  
AUD_EN1  
®
P4B  
1 2  
2 3  
Enable  
(Default)  
Disable  
P4B Audio Codec Setting  
Figure 2-25  
Audio CODEC Settings  
5. Keyboard power (KBPWR)  
This jumper allows you to enable or disable the keyboard wake-up  
feature. Set this jumper to pins 1-2 (+5VSB) if you wish 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 (see section 4.5.1 Power Up Control). The default is setting is on  
pins 1-2 (+5VSB).  
®
P4B  
KBPWR  
1 2  
2 3  
+5V  
+5VSB  
(Default)  
P4B Keyboard Power Setting  
Figure 2-26  
Keyboard Power Settings  
2-20  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
6. USB device wake-up (USBPWR, FUSB)  
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 sleep mode (no power to CPU, DRAM in slow refresh, power  
supply in reduced power mode). Both jumpers are set to pins 2-3 (+5V)  
by default because not all computers have the appropriate power  
supply to support this feature.  
The USBPWR jumper is for the rear USB ports. The FUSB jumper is  
for the internal USB header that you can connect to the front USB  
ports.  
1. This feature requires a power supply that can provide at least 1A  
on the +5VSB lead when these jumpers are set to +5VSB.  
Otherwise, the system does not power up.  
2. The total current consumed must NOT exceed the power supply  
capability (+5VSB) whether under normal condition or in sleep  
mode.  
USBPWR  
1 2  
2 3  
+5VSB  
+5V  
®
(Default)  
P4B  
FUSB  
1 2  
2 3  
P4B USB Device Wake Up  
+5VSB  
+5V  
(Default)  
Figure 2-27  
USB Device Wake-up Settings  
ASUS P4B motherboard user guide  
2-21  
7. SDRAM voltage (SDRVOL)  
This jumper allows you to select the voltage supplied to the system  
memory. The default setting is on pins 1-2 (3.4V).  
SDRVOL  
3
1 2  
2 3  
4
®
P4B  
3.4 V  
(Default)  
3.5 V  
3.6 V  
P4B SDR Voltage Setting  
Figure 2-28  
SDRAM Voltage Settings  
8. Speaker selector (SPEECH) (on audio models only)  
This jumper allows you to select the speaker you wish to use for the  
ASUS POST Reporter function. Set to pins 1-2 to use the internal  
speaker (usually included in the chassis). Set to pins 2-3 if you  
connected an external speaker to the Line Out jack (lime color) on the  
rear panel.  
SPEECH  
®
P4B  
3
2
2
1
BUZZER  
LINEOUT  
(Default)  
P4B Speaker Selector  
Figure 2-29  
Speaker Selection Settings  
2-22  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
9. VCORE over-voltage (OVER_VOLT)  
When enabled, this jumper allows a CPU Vcore setting range of  
+1.75V to +2.1V for P4 Willamette processor, and a 1.475V to 1.75V  
range for Northwood processor through BIOS Setup. When disabled,  
the allowed Vcore settings are lower. (This feature is present on PCB  
R1.05 or later versions.)  
Setting to a very high core voltage may cause permanent damage to  
the CPU. It is recommended that you keep the default setting  
(Disable).  
OVER_VOLT  
1 2  
2 3  
Disable  
Enable  
(Default)  
®
P4B  
P4B OVER_VOLT Setting  
10. Clear RTC RAM (CLRCMOS)  
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 RAM  
data in CMOS, that include system setup information such as system  
passwords, is powered by the onboard button cell battery.  
To erase the RTC RAM:  
1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.  
2. Remove the battery.  
3. Place a jumper cap over the pins for a few seconds to short the  
jumper. Remove the jumper cap.  
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.  
Refer to the illustration on the next page showing the CLRCMOS  
location on the motherboard.  
ASUS P4B motherboard user guide  
2-23  
®
Intel I/O  
Controller  
Hub  
P4B  
CLRCMOS  
(ICH2)  
Short jumper  
to clear CMOS  
P4B Clear RTC RAM  
Figure 2-30  
Clear RTC RAM  
2.8 Connectors  
This section describes and illustrates the internal connectors on the  
motherboard.  
Some pins are used for connectors or power sources. These are  
clearly distinguished from jumpers in the Motherboard Layout. Placing  
jumper caps over these connector pins will cause damage to your  
motherboard.  
Always connect ribbon cables with the red stripe to Pin 1 on the  
connectors. Pin 1 is usually on the side closest to the power connector  
on hard drives and CD-ROM drives, but may be on the opposite side  
on floppy disk drives.  
1. Hard disk activity LED (2-pin HDLED)  
This connector supplies power to the hard disk activity LED. The read  
or write activities of any device connected to the primary or secondary  
IDE connector cause this LED to light up.  
TIP: If the case-mounted LED does not  
light, try reversing the 2-pin plug.  
®
P4B  
HDLED  
P4B HD Activity LED  
Figure 2-31  
Hard Disk LED Connector  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2-24  
2. Primary/Secondary IDE connectors (40-1 pin IDE1/IDE2)  
This connector supports the provided UltraDMA/100/66 IDE hard disk  
ribbon cable. Connect the cable’s blue connector to the primary  
(recommended) or secondary IDE connector, then connect the gray  
connector to the UltraDMA/100/66 slave device (hard disk drive) and  
the black connector to the UltraDMA/100/66 master device. It is  
recommended that you connect non-UltraDMA/100/66 devices to the  
secondary IDE connector. If you install two hard disks, you must  
configure the second drive as a slave device by setting its jumper  
accordingly. Refer to the hard disk documentation for the jumper  
settings. BIOS supports specific device bootup. If you have more than  
two UltraDMA/100/66 devices, purchase another UltraDMA/100/66  
cable. You may configure two hard disks to be both master devices  
with two ribbon cables – one for the primary IDE connector and  
another for the secondary IDE connector.  
1. Pin 20 on each IDE connector is removed to match the covered  
hole on the UltraDMA cable connector. This prevents incorrect  
orientation when you connect the cables.  
2. The hole near the blue connector on the UltraDMA/100/66 cable is  
intentional.  
NOTE: Orient the red markings  
®
P4B  
(usually zigzag) on the IDE  
ribbon cable to PIN 1.  
P4B IDE Connectors  
PIN 1  
Figure 2-32  
IDE Connectors  
For UltraDMA/100/66 IDE devices, use an 80-conductor IDE cable. The  
UltraDMA/66 cable included in the motherboard package also supports  
UltraDMA/100.  
ASUS P4B motherboard user guide  
2-25  
3. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)  
This connector supports the provided floppy drive ribbon cable. After  
connecting one end to the motherboard, connect the other end to the  
floppy drive. (Pin 5 is removed to prevent incorrect insertion when  
using ribbon cables with pin 5 plug).  
FLOPPY  
PIN 1  
NOTE: Orient the red markings on  
the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1.  
®
P4B  
P4B Floppy Disk Drive Connector  
Figure 2-33  
Floppy Disk Drive Connector  
4. Chassis open alarm lead (4-1 pin CHASSIS)  
This lead is for a chassis designed with intrusion detection feature.  
This requires an external detection mechanism such as a chassis  
intrusion sensor or microswitch. When you remove any chassis  
component, the sensor triggers and sends a high-level signal to this  
lead to record a chassis intrusion event.  
If you do not wish to use the chassis intrusion lead, place a jumper cap  
over the pins labeled Chassis Signaland Groundto close the  
circuit.  
CHASSIS  
®
P4B  
1
P4B Chassis Alarm Lead  
Figure 2-34  
Chassis Alarm Lead  
2-26  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
5. CPU, Chassis, and Power Fan Connectors  
(3-pin CPU_FAN, CHA_FAN, PWR_FAN)  
The three fan connectors support cooling fans of 350mA (4.2 Watts) or  
a total of 1A (12W) at +12V. Orient the fans so that the heat sink fins  
allow air flow to go across the onboard heat sinks instead of the  
expansion slots. The fan wiring and plug may vary depending on the  
fan manufacturer. Connect the fan cable to the connector matching the  
black wire to the ground pin.  
Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Lack of  
sufficient air flow within the system may damage the motherboard  
components. These are not jumpers! DO NOT place jumper caps on  
the fan connectors!  
PWR_FAN  
®
P4B  
CPU_FAN  
CHA_FAN  
P4B 12-Volt Fan Connectors  
Figure 2-35  
CPU, Chassis, and Power Fan Connectors  
6. USB Header (10-1 pin USB2)  
If the USB port connectors on the rear panel are inadequate, a USB  
header is available for two additional USB port connectors. Connect a  
2-port USB connector set to the USB header and mount the USB  
bracket to an open slot in the chassis.  
USB2  
10  
5
6
1
®
P4B  
1: USB Power 6: USB Power  
2: USBP2–  
3: USBP2+  
4: GND  
7: USBP3–  
8: USBP3+  
9: GND  
5: NC  
P4B USB Header  
Figure 2-36  
USB Header  
ASUS P4B motherboard user guide  
2-27  
7. Power supply connectors (20-pin ATXPWR, 4-pin ATX+12V,  
4-pin AUX+12V)  
These connectors connect to an ATX 12V power supply. The plugs from  
the power supply are designed to fit these connectors in only one  
orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the  
connectors completely fit.  
In addition to the 20-pin ATXPWR connector, this motherboard requires  
that you connect the 4-pin ATX +12V power plug to provide sufficient  
power to the CPU.  
If you are using a standard ATX power supply that does not have the  
ATX +12V plug, connect one 4-pin device power plug to the ASUS EZ  
Plugconnector labeled AUX +12V.  
Make sure that your ATX 12V power supply can provide 8A on the  
+12V lead and at least 1A on the +5-volt standby lead (+5VSB). The  
minimum recommended wattage is 230W, or 300W for a fully  
configured system. The system may become unstable and may  
experience difficulty powering up if the power supply is inadequate.  
+3.3VDC  
-12.0VDC  
COM  
+3.3VDC  
+3.3VDC  
COM  
ATXPWR  
PS_ON#  
COM  
+5.0VDC  
COM  
AUX+12V  
COM  
COM  
+5.0VDC  
COM  
+5V  
-5.0VDC  
+5.0VDC  
+5.0VDC  
PWR_OK  
+5VSB  
+12.0VDC  
GND  
GND  
+12V  
®
P4B  
+12V DC COM  
+12V DC COM  
ATX12V  
P4B ATX & Auxiliary Power Connectors  
Figure 2-37  
Power Supply Connectors  
2-28  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
8. SMBus connector (6-1 pin SMB)  
This connector allows you to connect SMBus (System Management  
Bus) devices. Devices communicate with an SMBus host and/or other  
SMBus devices using the SMBus interface. SMBus is a specific  
implementation of an I2C bus, a multi-device bus that allows multiple  
chips to connect to the same bus and enable each one to act as a  
master by initiating data transfer.  
®
P4B  
SMB  
1
P4B SMBus Connector  
Figure 2-38  
SMBus Connector  
9. Internal audio connectors (4-pin CD1, AUX, MODEM) (optional)  
These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound  
sources such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card. The MODEM  
connector allows the onboard audio to interface with a voice modem  
card with a similar connector. It also allows the sharing of mono_in  
(such as a phone) and a mono_out (such as a speaker) between the  
audio and a voice modem card.  
CD1 (Black)  
AUX (White)  
®
P4B  
MODEM  
P4B Internal Audio Connectors  
Figure 2-39  
Internal Audio Connectors  
ASUS P4B motherboard user guide  
2-29  
10. Front panel audio connectors (3-pin MICF, 3-pin SPEAKER)  
(optional)  
These connectors connect to an optional front panel audio module  
using two 3-pin audio cables. If your chassis has this audio module,  
you may conveniently connect a microphone and a speaker/  
headphone on the front panel.  
The front panel microphone and speaker may not work properly if there  
is another microphone connected to the Microphone (pink) jack and a  
speaker on the Line Out (lime) jack on the rear panel. You may only  
use one microphone and one speaker/headphone at a time.  
1
MICF  
®
1
SPEAKER  
P4B  
P4B Front Panel Audio Connectors  
Figure 2-40  
Front Panel Audio Connectors  
11. ASUS iPanel audio connector (10-1 pin AAPANEL) (optional)  
This connector accommodates the audio cable from the optional ASUS  
iPanel. The audio connectors on the iPanel allow you convenient audio  
control from the front panel.  
AAPANEL  
®
P4B  
P4B Audio Panel Connector  
Figure 2-41  
ASUS iPanel Audio Connector  
2-30  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
12. ASUS iPanel connector (24-1 pin AFPANEL)  
This connector allows you to connect an optional ASUS iPanel, an  
easy-to-access drive bay with front I/O ports and status LEDs. If you  
are not using an ASUS iPanel, you can connect an optional wireless  
transmitting and receiving infrared module to the SIR connector.  
AFPANEL  
®
P4B  
SIR  
Standard Infrared (SIR)  
CIR  
Front View  
Back View  
IR_CON  
P4B iPanel Connector  
+5V  
(NC)  
IRTX  
GND  
IRRX  
Figure 2-42  
ASUS iPanel Connector  
13. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIFOUT) (optional)  
This connector connects an SPDIF audio module that allows digital  
instead of analog sound output. Connect one end of the audio cable to  
the SPDIFOUT connector on the motherboard, and the other end to  
the SPDIF module.  
®
P4B  
SPDIFOUT  
GND  
SPDIFOUT  
+5V  
P4B Digital Audio Connector  
Figure 2-43  
Digital Audio Connector  
ASUS P4B motherboard user guide  
2-31  
14. Smart Card Reader connector (14-1 pin SMARTCON) (optional)  
This connector accommodates a Smart Card Reader that allows you to  
conveniently make transactions such as financial, health care,  
telephony, or traveling services through a Smart Card user interface  
software.  
SMARTCON  
®
P4B  
1
P4B Smartcard  
Figure 2-44  
Smart Card Reader Connector  
15. SD and MS connectors (10-pin SD, MS)*  
These connectors support the sophisticated memory devices called  
Secure Digital (SD) memory card and Memory Stick (MS). These  
devices facilitate fast and secure downloading of all types of digital files  
such as photos, music, news, and movies. You may also use SD and  
MS to directly record audio, video, and still photos. The SD and MS are  
non-volatile devices so they do not require power to retain the  
information stored in them.  
*
The SD and MS connectors may or may not be mounted depending on SI requirements.  
You need an SD/MS reader to use the SD and MS devices. The SD,  
MS, and the SD/MS reader are optional items and may be purchased  
separately.  
SD  
MS  
GND  
SDB1  
+3V  
GND  
MSDA1  
+3V  
®
P4B  
SDB2  
MSDA2  
SDA3  
SDB3  
SDB4  
SDA4  
SDB5  
SDA5  
SDBCLK  
SDBPWCTL#  
SDBLED  
SDACLK  
SDAPWCTL#  
SDALED  
1
1
P4B SD MS Connectors  
Figure 2-45  
Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card and  
Memory Stick (MS) Connectors  
2-32  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
16. Power supply thermal connector (2-pin TRPWR)  
If your power supply has a thermal monitoring feature, connect its  
thermal sensor cable to this connector.  
TRPWR  
®
P4B  
Ground  
TRPWR  
P4B Power Supply Thermal Connector  
Figure 2-46  
Power Supply Thermal Connector  
17. System panel connector (20-pin PANEL)  
This connector accommodates several system front panel functions.  
Speaker  
Connector  
Keyboard Lock  
Power LED  
®
P4B  
Reset SW  
Message LED  
SMI Lead  
ATX Power  
Switch*  
*
Requires an ATX power supply.  
P4B System Panel Connectors  
Figure 2-47  
System Panel Connector  
• System Power LED Lead (3-1 pin PWR.LED)  
This 3-1 pin connector connects to the system power LED. The LED  
lights up when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the  
system is in sleep mode.  
• Keyboard Lock Lead (2-pin KEYLOCK)  
This 2-pin connector connects to a chassis-mounted switch to allow  
the use of the keyboard lock feature.  
ASUS P4B motherboard user guide  
2-33  
System Warning Speaker Lead (4-pin SPEAKER)  
This 4-pin connector connects to the case-mounted speaker and  
allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.  
System Message LED Lead (2-pin MSG.LED)  
This 2-pin connector is for the system message LED that indicates  
receipt of messages from a fax/modem. The normal status for this LED  
is ON, when there is no incoming data signal. The LED blinks when  
data is received. The system message LED feature requires an ACPI  
OS and driver support.  
System Management Interrupt Lead (2-pin SMI)  
This 2-pin connector allows you to manually place the system into a  
suspend mode, or “green” mode, where system activity is instantly  
decreased to save power and to expand the life of certain system  
components. Attach the case-mounted suspend switch to this 2-pin  
connector.  
ATX Power Switch / Soft-Off Switch Lead (2-pin PWR.SW)  
This connector connects a switch that controls the system power.  
Pressing the power switch turns the system between ON and SLEEP,  
or ON and SOFT OFF, depending on the BIOS or OS settings.  
Pressing the power switch while in the ON mode for more than 4  
seconds turns the system OFF.  
Reset Switch Lead (2-pin RESET)  
This 2-pin connector connects to the case-mounted reset switch for  
rebooting the system without turning off the system power.  
2-34  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
Chapter 3  
This chapter describes the power up  
sequence and gives information on the  
BIOS beep codes.  
Powering up  
ASUS P4B motherboard  
3.1 Starting up for the first time  
1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover.  
2. Be sure that all switches are off.  
3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the  
system chassis.  
4. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge  
protector.  
5. Turn on the devices in the following order:  
a. Monitor  
b. External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain)  
c. System power (if you are using an ATX power supply, you need to  
switch on the power supply as well as press the ATX power switch  
on the front of the chassis).  
6. After applying power, the power LED on the system front panel case  
lights up. For ATX power supplies, the system LED lights up when you  
press the ATX power switch. If your monitor complies with “green”  
standards or if it has a “power standby” feature, the monitor LED may  
light up or switch between orange and green after the system LED  
turns on. The system then runs the power-on tests. While the tests are  
running, the BIOS beeps or additional messages appear on the  
screen. If you do not see anything within 30 seconds from the time you  
turned on the power, the system may have failed a power-on test.  
Check the jumper settings and connections or call your retailer for  
assistance.  
Award BIOS Beep Codes  
Beep  
Meaning  
One short beep when  
displaying logo  
No error during POST  
Long beeps in an endless loop  
No DRAM installed or detected  
One long beep followed by  
three short beeps  
Video card not found or video card  
memory bad  
High frequency beeps when  
system is working  
CPU overheated;  
System running at a lower frequency  
You will not hear the BIOS beeps when the ASUS POST Reporter is  
enabled. You will hear the vocal POST messages instead.  
7. At power on, hold down <Delete> to enter BIOS Setup. Follow the  
instructions in Chapter 4.  
ASUS P4B motherboard user guide  
3-1  
3.2 Vocal POST Messages  
This motherboard includes the Winbond speech controller to support a  
special feature called the ASUS POST Reporter. This feature gives you  
vocal POST messages and alerts to inform you of system events and boot  
status. In case of a boot failure, you will hear the specific cause of the  
problem.  
These POST messages are customizable using the Winbond Voice Editor  
software that came with your package. You can record your own  
messages to replace the default messages.  
Following is a list of the default POST messages and their corresponding  
actions, if any.  
POST Message  
Action  
No CPU installed  
Install an Intel Pentium 4  
478/Northwood Processor into the  
CPU socket.  
System failed CPU test  
Check the CPU if properly installed.  
Call ASUS technical support for  
assistance. See the ASUS contact  
informationon page x.  
System failed memory test  
Install 168-pin unbuffered  
PC133 DIMMs into the DIMM  
sockets.  
Check if the DIMMs on the DIMM  
sockets are properly installed.  
Make sure that your DIMMs are  
not defective.  
Refer to section 2.3 System  
memoryfor instruction on installing  
a DIMM.  
System failed VGA test  
Install a PCI VGA card into one of  
the PCI slots, or a 1.5V AGP card  
into the AGP slot.  
Make sure that your VGA/AGP card  
is not defective.  
System failed due to CPU  
over-clocking  
In JumperFree mode, check your  
CPU settings in BIOS and make  
sure you only set to the recom-  
mended settings. See section 4.4  
Advanced menu.”  
In jumper mode, refer to section  
2.7 Switches and jumpers.”  
3-2  
Chapter 3: Powering up  
POST Message  
Action  
No keyboard detected  
Check your keyboard if properly  
connected to the purple PS/2  
connector on the rear panel.  
See section 1.3.1 Identifying the  
motherboard componentsfor the  
location of the connector.  
No floppy disk detected  
Make sure you have connected a  
floppy disk to the floppy disk  
connector on the motherboard.  
See section 2.8 Connectors.”  
No IDE hard disk detected  
Make sure you have connected an  
IDE hard disk drive to the one of the  
IDE connectors on the motherboard.  
See section 2.8 Connectors.”  
CPU temperature too high  
CPU fan failed  
Check CPU fan if working properly.  
Check the CPU fan and make sure  
it turns on after you applied power  
to the system.  
CPU voltage out of range  
Check your power supply and  
make sure it is not defective.  
Call ASUS technical support for  
assistance. See the ASUS contact  
informationon page x.  
System completed Power-On Self Test No action required  
Computer now booting from operating No action required  
system  
You may disable the ASUS POST Reporter in the BIOS setup. See  
section 4.4.2 I/O Device Configuration.  
ASUS P4B motherboard user guide  
3-3  
3.3 Powering off the computer  
You must first exit the operating system and shut down the system before  
switching off the power. For ATX power supplies, you can press the ATX  
power switch after exiting or shutting down the operating system. If you  
use Windows 95/98/2000/XP, click the Start button, click Shut Down, then  
click the OK button to shut down the computer. The power supply should  
turn off after Windows shuts down.  
The message You can now safely turn off your computerdoes not  
appear when shutting down with ATX power supplies.  
3-4  
Chapter 3: Powering up  
Chapter 4  
This chapter tells how to change system  
settings through the BIOS Setup menus.  
Detailed descriptions of the BIOS  
parameters are also provided.  
BIOS setup  
ASUS P4B motherboard  
4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS  
4.1.1 Using the computer system for the first time  
It is recommended that you save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS  
along with a Flash Memory Writer utility (AFLASH.EXE) to a bootable  
floppy disk in case you need to reinstall the BIOS later. AFLASH.EXE is a  
Flash Memory Writer utility that updates the BIOS by uploading a new  
BIOS file to the programmable flash ROM on the motherboard. This file  
works only in DOS mode. To determine the BIOS version of your  
motherboard, check the last four numbers of the code displayed on the  
upper left-hand corner of your screen during bootup. Larger numbers  
represent a newer BIOS file.  
1. Type FORMAT A:/S at the DOS prompt to create a bootable system  
disk. DO NOT copy AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS to the disk.  
2. Type COPY D:\AFLASH\AFLASH.EXE A:\ (assuming D is your  
CD-ROM drive) to copy AFLASH.EXE to the boot disk you created.  
AFLASH works only in DOS mode. It does not work in the DOS prompt  
within Windows, and does not work with certain memory drivers that  
may be loaded when you boot from the hard drive. It is recommended  
that you reboot using a floppy disk.  
3. Reboot the computer from the floppy disk.  
BIOS setup must specify “Floppy” as the first item in the boot  
sequence.  
4. In DOS mode, type A:\AFLASH <Enter> to run AFLASH.  
If the word unknownappears after Flash Memory:, the memory chip  
is either not programmable or is not supported by the ACPI BIOS and  
therefore, cannot be programmed by the Flash Memory Writer utility.  
ASUS P4B motherboard user guide  
4-1  
5. Select 1. Save Current BIOS to File from the Main menu and press  
<Enter>. The Save Current BIOS To File screen appears.  
6. Type a filename and the path, for example, A:\XXX-XX.XXX, then  
press <Enter>.  
4-2  
Chapter 4: BIOS Setup  
4.1.2 Updating BIOS procedures  
Update the BIOS only if you have problems with the motherboard and  
you are sure that the new BIOS revision will solve your problems.  
Careless updating may result to more problems with the motherboard!  
1. Download an updated ASUS BIOS file from the Internet (WWW or  
FTP) (see ASUS CONTACT INFORMATION on page x for details) and  
save to the boot floppy disk you created earlier.  
2. Boot from the floppy disk.  
3. At the A:\prompt, type AFLASH and then press <Enter>.  
4. At the Main Menu, type 2 then press <Enter>. The Update BIOS  
Including Boot Block and ESCD screen appears.  
5. Type the filename of your new BIOS and the path, for example,  
A:\XXX-XX.XXX, then press <Enter>.  
To cancel this operation, press <Enter>.  
6. When prompted to confirm the BIOS update, press Y to start the  
update.  
ASUS P4B motherboard user guide  
4-3  
7. The utility starts to program the new BIOS information into the Flash  
ROM. The boot block is updated automatically only when necessary.  
This minimizes the possibility of boot problems in case of update  
failures. When the programming is done, the message “Flashed  
Successfully” appears.  
8. Follow the onscreen instructions to continue.  
If you encounter problems while updating the new BIOS, DO NOT turn  
off the system because this may cause boot problems. Just repeat the  
process, and if the problem persists, load the original BIOS file you  
saved to the boot disk. If the Flash Memory Writer utility is not able to  
successfully update a complete BIOS file, the system may not boot. If  
this happens, call the ASUS service center for support.  
4-4  
Chapter 4: BIOS Setup  
4.2 BIOS Setup program  
This motherboard supports a programmable EEPROM that you can  
update using the provided utility described in section 4.1 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 may want to  
change the configuration of your computer in the future. For example, you  
may want to enable the security password feature or make changes to 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 EEPROM.  
The EEPROM 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 <Delete> during the Power-On Self Test (POST) to enter  
the Setup utility, otherwise, POST continues with its test routines.  
If you wish to enter Setup after POST, restart the system by pressing  
<Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Delete>, or by pressing the reset button on the system  
chassis. You can also restart by turning the system off and then back on.  
Do this last option only if the first two failed.  
The Setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. It is  
a menu-driven program, which means you can scroll through the various  
sub-menus and make your selections among the predetermined choices.  
Because the BIOS software is constantly being updated, the following  
BIOS setup screens and descriptions are for reference purposes only,  
and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.  
ASUS P4B motherboard user guide  
4-5  
4.2.1 BIOS menu bar  
The top of the screen has a menu bar with the following selections:  
MAIN  
Use this menu to make changes to the basic system  
configuration.  
ADVANCED Use this menu to enable and make changes to the  
advanced features.  
POWER  
BOOT  
EXIT  
Use this menu to configure and enable Power Management  
features.  
Use this menu to configure the default system device used  
to locate and load the Operating System.  
Use this menu to exit the current menu or to exit the Setup  
program.  
To access the menu bar items, press the right or left arrow key on the  
keyboard until the desired item is highlighted.  
4.2.2 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(s)  
<F1> or <Alt + H>  
Function Description  
Displays the General Help screen from any-  
where in the BIOS Setup  
<Esc>  
Jumps to the Exit menu or returns to the main  
menu from a sub-menu  
Left or Right arrow  
Up or Down arrow  
- (minus key)  
Selects the menu item to the left or right  
Moves the highlight up or down between fields  
Scrolls backward through the values for the  
highlighted field  
+ (plus key) or spacebar Scrolls forward through the values for the high-  
lighted field  
<Enter>  
Brings up a selection menu for the highlighted  
field  
<Home> or <PgUp>  
<End> or <PgDn>  
<F5>  
Moves the cursor to the first field  
Moves the cursor to the last field  
Resets the current screen to its Setup Defaults  
Saves changes and exits Setup  
<F10>  
4-6  
Chapter 4: BIOS Setup  
General help  
In addition to the Item Specific Help window, the BIOS setup program also  
provides a General Help screen. You may launch this screen from any  
menu by simply pressing <F1> or the <Alt> + <H> combination. The  
General Help screen lists the legend keys and their corresponding  
functions.  
Saving changes and exiting the Setup program  
See 4.7 Exit Menufor detailed information on saving changes and exiting  
the setup program.  
Scroll bar  
When a scroll bar appears to the right of a help window, it indicates that  
there is more information to be displayed that will not fit in the window. Use  
<PgUp> and <PgDn> or the up and down arrow keys to scroll through the  
entire help document. Press <Home> to display the first page, press  
<End> to go to the last page. To exit the help window, press <Enter> or  
<Esc>.  
Sub-menu  
Note that a right pointer symbol (as shown on the  
left) appears to the left of certain fields. This pointer  
indicates that you can display a sub-menu from this  
field. A sub-menu contains additional options for a  
field parameter. To display a sub-menu, move the  
highlight to the field and press <Enter>. The sub-  
menu appears. Use the legend keys to enter values  
and move from field to field within a sub-menu as  
you would within a menu. Use the <Esc> key to  
return to the main menu.  
Take some time to familiarize yourself with the legend keys and their  
corresponding functions. Practice navigating through the various menus  
and sub-menus. If you accidentally make unwanted changes to any of the  
fields, use the set default hot key <F5> to load the Setup default values.  
While moving around through the Setup program, note that explanations  
appear in the Item Specific Help window located to the right of each menu.  
This window displays the help text for the currently highlighted field.  
ASUS P4B motherboard user guide  
4-7  
4.3 Main Menu  
When you enter the Setup program, the following screen appears.  
System Time [XX:XX:XX]  
Sets the system to the time that you specify (usually the current time). The  
format is hour, minute, second. Valid values for hour, minute and second  
are Hour: (00 to 23), Minute: (00 to 59), Second: (00 to 59). Use the <Tab>  
or <Shift> + <Tab> keys to move between the hour, minute, and second  
fields.  
System Date [XX/XX/XXXX]  
Sets the system to the date that you specify (usually the current date). The  
format is month, day, year. Valid values for month, day, and year are  
Month: (1 to 12), Day: (1 to 31), Year: (up to 2084). Use the <Tab> or  
<Shift> + <Tab> keys to move between the month, day, and year fields.  
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]  
Sets the type of floppy drive installed. Configuration options: [None] [360K,  
5.25 in.] [1.2M , 5.25 in.] [720K , 3.5 in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.] [2.88M, 3.5 in.]  
Floppy 3 Mode Support [Disabled]  
This is required to support older Japanese floppy drives. The Floppy 3  
Mode feature allows reading and writing of 1.2MB (as opposed to 1.44MB)  
on a 3.5-inch diskette. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
4-8  
Chapter 4: BIOS Setup  
4.3.1 Primary and Secondary Master/Slave  
Type [Auto]  
Select [Auto] to automatically detect an IDE hard disk drive. If automatic  
detection is successful, Setup automatically fills in the correct values for  
the remaining fields on this sub-menu. If automatic detection fails, this may  
be because the hard disk drive is too old or too new. If the hard disk was  
already formatted on an older system, Setup may detect incorrect  
parameters. In these cases, select [User Type HDD] to manually enter the  
IDE hard disk drive parameters. Refer to the next section for details.  
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.  
ASUS P4B motherboard user guide  
4-9  
[User Type HDD]  
Manually enter the number of cylinders, heads and sectors per track for  
the drive. Refer to the drive documentation or on the drive label for this  
information.  
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.  
If no drive is installed or if you are removing a drive and not replacing it,  
select [None].  
Other options for the Type field are:  
[CD-ROM] - for IDE CD-ROM drives  
[LS-120] - for LS-120 compatible floppy disk drives  
[ZIP] - for ZIP-compatible disk drives  
[MO] - for IDE magneto optical disk drives  
[Other ATAPI Device] - for IDE devices not listed here  
After making your selections on this sub-menu, press the <Esc> key to  
return to the Main menu. When the Main menu appears, the hard disk  
drive field displays the size for the hard disk drive that you configured.  
4-10  
Chapter 4: BIOS Setup  
Translation Method [LBA]  
Select the hard disk drive type in this field. When Logical Block Addressing  
(LBA) is enabled, the 28-bit addressing of the hard drive is used without  
regard for cylinders, heads, or sectors. Note that LBA Mode is necessary  
for drives with more than 504MB storage capacity. Configuration options:  
[LBA] [LARGE] [Normal] [Match Partition Table] [Manual]  
Cylinders  
This field configures the number of cylinders. Refer to the drive  
documentation to determine the correct value. To make changes to this  
field, set the Type field to [User Type HDD] and the Translation Method  
field to [Manual].  
Head  
This field configures the number of read/write heads. Refer to the drive  
documentation to determine the correct value. To make changes to this  
field, set the Type field to [User Type HDD] and the Translation Method  
field to [Manual].  
Sector  
This field configures the number of sectors per track. Refer to the drive  
documentation to determine the correct value. To make changes to this  
field, set the Type field to [User Type HDD] and the Translation Method  
field to [Manual].  
CHS Capacity  
This field shows the drives maximum CHS capacity as calculated by the  
BIOS based on the drive information you entered.  
Maximum LBA Capacity  
This field shows the drives maximum LBA capacity as calculated by the  
BIOS based on the drive information you entered.  
Multi-Sector Transfers [Maximum]  
This option automatically sets the number of sectors per block to the  
highest number that the drive supports. Note that when this field is  
automatically configured, the set value may not always be the fastest  
value for the drive. You may also manually configure this field. Refer to the  
documentation that came with the hard drive to determine the optimum  
value and set it manually. To make changes to this field, set the Type field  
to [User Type HDD]. Configuration options: [Disabled] [2 Sectors] [4  
Sectors] [8 Sectors] [16 Sectors] [32 Sectors] [Maximum]  
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4-11  
SMART Monitoring [Disabled]  
This field allows you to enable or disable the S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring,  
Analysis and Reporting Technology) system that utilizes internal hard disk  
drive monitoring technology. This parameter is normally disabled because  
the resources used in the SMART monitoring feature may decrease  
system performance. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
PIO Mode [4]  
This option lets you set a PIO (Programmed Input/Output) mode for the  
IDE device. Modes 0 through 4 provide successive increase in  
performance. Configuration options: [0] [1] [2] [3] [4]  
Ultra DMA Mode [Disabled]  
Ultra DMA capability allows improved transfer speeds and data integrity for  
compatible IDE devices. Set to [Disabled] to suppress Ultra DMA  
capability. To make changes to this field, set the Type field to [User Type  
HDD]. Configuration options: [0] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [Disabled]  
4-12  
Chapter 4: BIOS Setup  
4.3.2 Keyboard Features  
Boot Up NumLock Status [On]  
This field enables users to activate the Number Lock function upon system  
boot. Configuration options: [Off] [On]  
Keyboard Auto-Repeat Rate [6/Sec]  
This controls the speed at which the system registers repeated keystrokes.  
Options range from 6 to 30 characters per second. Configuration options:  
[6/Sec] [8/Sec] [10/Sec] [12/Sec] [15/Sec] [20/Sec] [24/Sec] [30/Sec]  
Keyboard Auto-Repeat Delay [1/4 Sec]  
This field sets the time interval for displaying the first and second  
characters. Configuration options: [1/4 Sec] [1/2 Sec] [3/4 Sec] [1 Sec]  
ASUS P4B motherboard user guide  
4-13  
Main menu items continued...  
Language [English]  
This field displays the BIOS language version.  
Supervisor Password [Disabled] / User Password [Disabled]  
These fields allow you to set passwords. To set a password, highlight the  
appropriate field and press <Enter>. Type in a password then press  
<Enter>. You can type up to eight alphanumeric characters. Symbols and  
other characters are ignored. To confirm the password, type the password  
again and press <Enter>. The password is now set to [Enabled]. This  
password allows full access to the BIOS Setup menus. To clear the  
password, highlight this field and press <Enter>. The same dialog box as  
above appears. Press <Enter>. The password is set to [Disabled].  
A note about passwords  
The BIOS Setup program allows you to specify passwords in the Main  
menu. The passwords control access to the BIOS during system  
startup. Passwords are not case sensitive, meaning, passwords typed  
in either uppercase or lowercase letters are accepted. The BIOS Setup  
program allows you to specify two different passwords: a Supervisor  
password and a User password. If you did not set a Supervisor  
password, anyone can access the BIOS Setup program. If you did, the  
Supervisor password is required to enter the BIOS Setup program and  
to gain full access to the configuration fields.  
Forgot the 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. See section  
2.7 Switches and jumpersfor information on how to erase the RTC  
RAM.  
Halt On [All Errors]  
This field specifies the types of errors that will cause the system to halt.  
Configuration options: [All Errors] [No Error] [All but Keyboard] [All but  
Disk] [All but Disk/Keyboard]  
Installed Memory [XXX MB]  
This field automatically displays the amount of conventional memory  
detected by the system during the boot process.  
4-14  
Chapter 4: BIOS Setup  
4.4 Advanced Menu  
CPU Speed [Manual]  
When the motherboard is set to JumperFreemode, this field allows you  
to select the internal frequency of the CPU. Select [Manual] if you want to  
make changes to the two subsequent fields. Note that selecting a  
frequency higher than the CPU manufacturer recommends may cause the  
system to hang or crash.  
CPU Frequency Multiple (when CPU Speed is set to [Manual])  
This field is for unlocked processors only. If your processor frequency  
multiple is locked, you cannot access this field. This field sets the  
frequency multiple between the CPUs internal frequency (CPU speed)  
and external frequency. Set this field in conjunction with CPU Frequency  
(MHz) to match the speed of the CPU.  
CPU Frequency (MHz) (when CPU Speed is set to [Manual])  
This feature tells the clock generator what frequency to send to the system  
bus and PCI bus. The bus frequency (external frequency) multiplied by the  
bus multiple equals the CPU speed.  
CPU/Memory Frequency Ratio [Auto]  
This field determines whether the memory clock frequency is set to be in  
synchronous or asynchronous mode with respect to the system frequency.  
The options that appear in the popup menu vary according to the CPU  
Frequency (MHz). Configuration options: [Auto] [1:1] [3:4]  
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4-15  
CPU VCore Setting [Auto]  
The [Manual] setting allows you to manually select the core voltage  
supplied to the CPU (see next item). However, it is recommended that you  
keep the default setting [Auto] to allow the system to automatically  
determine the appropriate CPU core voltage.  
CPU VCore [1.750V]  
When the CPU VCore Setting parameter above is set to [Manual], the  
CPU VCore item allows you to select a specific CPU core voltage. This  
field is not accessible when the CPU VCore Setting is set to [Auto].  
Depending on the OVER_VOLT jumper setting (see page 2-23 for the  
jumper location and settings), the CPU core voltage options vary for both  
Willamette and Northwood processors. See the following table.  
Refer to the CPU documentation before setting this field. A very high  
core voltage may severely damage the CPU.  
OVER_VOLT  
Jumper  
P4 Processor  
Disabled  
Enabled  
Willamette  
1.750V, 1.775V, 1.800V,  
1.825V, 1.850V  
1.750V, 1.775V, 1.800V,  
1.825V, 1.850V, 1.875V,  
1.900V, 1.925V, 1.950V,  
1.975V, 2.000V, 2.025V,  
2.050V, 2.075V, 2.100V  
Northwood  
1.475V, 1.500V, 1.525V,  
1.550V, 1.575V, 1.600V,  
1.625V, 1.650V, 1.675V  
1.475V, 1.500V, 1.525V,  
1.550V, 1.575V, 1.600V,  
1.625V, 1,650V, 1.675V,  
1.700V, 1.725V, 1.750V  
Motherboard versions earlier than R1.05 do not have the OVER_VOLT  
jumper. For these motherboards, the CPU VCore configuration options  
are the same as those under the Disabled column in the table.  
CPU Level 1 Cache, CPU Level 2 Cache [Enabled]  
These fields allow you to choose from the default [Enabled] or choose  
[Disabled] to turn on or off the CPU Level 1 and Level 2 built-in cache.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
BIOS Update [Enabled]  
This field functions as an update loader integrated into the BIOS to supply  
the processor with the required data. When set to [Enabled], the BIOS  
loads the update on all processors during system bootup. Configuration  
options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup  
PS/2 Mouse Function Control [Auto]  
The default setting [Auto] allows the system to detect a PS/2 mouse at  
startup. If a mouse is detected, the BIOS assigns IRQ12 to the PS/2  
mouse. Otherwise, IRQ12 can be used for expansion cards. When you set  
this field to [Enabled], BIOS reserves IRQ12, whether or not a PS/2 mouse  
is detected at startup. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Auto]  
USB Legacy Support [Auto]  
This motherboard supports Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices. The  
default of [Auto] allows the system to detect a USB device at startup. If  
detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If not detected, the  
USB controller legacy mode is disabled.  
When you set this field to [Disabled], the USB controller legacy mode is  
disabled whether or not you are using a USB device. Configuration  
options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]  
OS/2 Onboard Memory > 64M [Disabled]  
When using OS/2 operating systems with installed DRAM of greater than  
64MB, you need to set this option to [Enabled]. Otherwise, leave to the  
default setting [Disabled]. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
4.4.1 Chip Configuration  
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4-17  
SDRAM Configuration [By SPD]  
This parameter allows you to set the optimal timings for items 25,  
depending on the memory modules that you are using. The default setting  
is [By SPD], which configures items 25 by reading the contents in the  
SPD (Serial Presence Detect) device. The EEPROM on the memory  
module stores critical information about the module, such as memory type,  
size, speed, voltage interface, and module banks.  
Configuration options: [User Defined] [By SPD]  
SDRAM CAS Latency [3T]  
This item controls the latency between the SDRAM read command and  
the time the data actually becomes available.  
The SDRAM CAS Latency parameter appears only when you set the  
SDRAM Configuration to [User Defined].  
SDRAM RAS to CAS Delay [3T]  
This item controls the latency between the SDRAM active command and  
the read/write command.  
The SDRAM RAS to CAS Delay parameter appears only when you set  
the SDRAM Configuration to [User Defined].  
SDRAM RAS Precharge Delay [3T]  
This item controls the idle clocks after issuing a precharge command to  
the SDRAM.  
The SDRAM RAS Precharge Delay parameter appears only when you  
set the SDRAM Configuration to [User Defined].  
SDRAM Active Precharge Delay [6T]  
This item controls the number os SDRAM clocks used for SDRAM  
parameters.  
The SDRAM Active Precharge Delay parameter appears only when  
you set the SDRAM Configuration to [User Defined].  
SDRAM Idle Timer [Infinite]  
Configuration options: [Infinite] [0T] [8T] [16T] [64T]  
4-18  
Chapter 4: BIOS Setup  
Optimization Mode [Normal]  
This parameter allows you to enhance system performance when set to  
[Turbo 1] or [Turbo 2]. If you encounter any problems with the turbo  
settings, return to the default setting [Normal]. Configuration options:  
[Normal] [Turbo 1] [Turbo 2]  
Graphics Aperture Size [64MB]  
This feature allows you to select the size of mapped memory for AGP  
graphic data. Configuration options: [4MB] [8MB] [16MB] [32MB] [64MB]  
[128MB] [256MB]  
AGP Capability [4X Mode]  
This motherboard supports the AGP 4X interface that transfers video data  
at 1066MB/s. AGP 4X is backward-compatible, so you may keep the  
default [4X Mode] even if you are using an AGP 1X video card. When set  
to [1X Mode], the AGP interface only provides a peak data throughput of  
266MB/s even if you are using an AGP 4x card.  
Configuration options: [1X Mode] [4X Mode]  
Video Memory Cache Mode [UC]  
USWC (uncacheable, speculative write combining) is a new cache  
technology for the video memory of the processor. It can greatly improve  
the display speed by caching the display data. You must set this to UC  
(uncacheable) if your display card does not support this feature, otherwise  
the system may not boot. Configuration options: [UC] [USWC]  
Memory Hole At 15M-16M [Disabled]  
This field allows you to reserve an address space for ISA expansion cards.  
Setting the address space to a particular setting makes that memory  
space unavailable to other system components. Expansion cards can only  
access memory up to 16MB. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Delayed Transaction [Disabled]  
When set to [Enabled], this feature frees the PCI bus when the CPU is  
accessing 8-bit ISA cards. This process normally consumes about 50-60  
PCI clocks without PCI delayed transaction. Set this field to [Disabled]  
when using ISA cards that are not PCI 2.1 compliant. Configuration  
options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
Onboard PCI IDE [Both]  
This field allows you to enable either the primary IDE channel or  
secondary IDE channel, or both. You can also set both channels to  
[Disabled]. Configuration options: [Both] [Primary] [Secondary] [Disabled]  
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4-19  
4.4.2 I/O Device Configuration  
(Scroll down to see the last item as shown)  
Floppy Disk Access Control [R/W]  
When set to [Read Only], this parameter protects files from being copied to  
floppy disks by allowing reads from, but not writes to, the floppy disk drive.  
The default setting [R/W] allows both reads and writes. Configuration  
options: [R/W] [Read Only]  
Onboard Serial Port 1 [3F8H/IRQ4]  
Onboard Serial Port 2 [2F8H/IRQ3]  
These fields allow you to set the addresses for the onboard serial  
connectors. Serial Port 1 and Serial Port 2 must have different addresses.  
Configuration options: [3F8H/IRQ4] [2F8H/IRQ3] [3E8H/IRQ4] [2E8H/  
IRQ10] [Disabled]  
UART2 Use As [COM Port]  
This field allows you to select the device on which to assign UART2.  
Configuration options: [COM Port] [IR] [Smart Card Reader]  
Onboard Parallel Port [378H/IRQ7]  
This field sets the address of the onboard parallel port connector. If you  
disable this field, the Parallel Port Mode and ECP DMA Select  
configurations are not available. Configuration options: [Disabled] [378H/  
IRQ7] [278H/IRQ5]  
4-20  
Chapter 4: BIOS Setup  
Parallel Port Mode [ECP+EPP]  
This field allows you to set the operation mode of the parallel port.  
[Normal] allows normal-speed operation but in one direction only; [EPP]  
allows bidirectional parallel port operation; [ECP] allows the parallel port to  
operate in bidirectional DMA mode; [ECP+EPP] allows normal speed  
operation in a two-way mode. Configuration options: [Normal] [EPP] [ECP]  
[ECP+EPP]  
ECP DMA Select [3]  
This field allows you to configure the parallel port DMA channel for the  
selected ECP mode. This selection is available only if you select [ECP] or  
[ECP+EPP] in Parallel Port Mode above. Configuration options: [1] [3]  
Onboard Game Port [200H-207H]  
This field allows you to select the I/O address for the game port.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [200H-207H] [208H-20FH]  
Onboard MIDI I/O [Disabled]  
This field allows you to select the I/O address for the game port.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [330H-331H] [300H-301H]  
Onboard Card Reader Type [Disabled]  
This field allows you to select the appropriate card reader type to match  
your device if you installed one. Keep the default setting [Disabled] if you  
did not install any. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Memory Stick]  
[Secure Digital]  
Onboard AC97 Audio Controller [Auto]  
Onboard AC97 Modem Controller [Auto]  
[Auto] allows the BIOS to detect whether you are using any modem/audio  
device. If a modem/audio device is detected, the onboard modem/audio  
controller is enabled; if no modem/audio device is detected, the controller  
is disabled. If there are conflicts with the onboard modem/audio controller,  
set the appropriate field to [Disabled]. Configuration options: [Disabled]  
[Auto]  
Speech POST Reporter [Enabled]  
This field enables or disables the ASUS POST Reporterfeature. See  
section 1.4 Special Featuresand 3.2 Vocal POST messagesfor more  
information. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
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4-21  
4.4.3 PCI Configuration  
Slot 1/5, Slot 2, Slot 3, Slot 4, Slot 6 IRQ [Auto]  
These fields automatically assign the IRQ for each PCI slot. The default  
setting for each field is [Auto], which utilizes auto-routing to determine IRQ  
assignments. Configuration options: [Auto] [NA] [3] [4] [5] [7] [9] [10] [11]  
[12] [14] [15]  
PCI/VGA Palette Snoop [Disabled]  
Some non-standard VGA cards, like graphics accelerators or MPEG video  
cards, may not show colors properly. Setting this field to [Enabled] corrects  
this problem. If you are using standard VGA cards, leave this field to the  
default setting [Disabled]. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
PCI Latency Timer [32]  
Leave this field to the default setting [32] for best performance and  
stability.  
USB Function [Both]  
This motherboard supports Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices. Set this  
field to [Primary] or [Both] if you want to connect USB devices.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Primary] [Both]]  
Primary VGA BIOS [PCI VGA Card]  
This field allows you to select the primary graphics card. Configuration  
options: [PCI VGA Card] [AGP VGA Card]  
4-22  
Chapter 4: BIOS Setup  
4.4.3.1 PCI IRQ Resource Exclusion  
IRQ XX Reserved [No/ICU]  
These fields indicate whether or not the displayed IRQ for each field is  
being used by a legacy (non-PnP) ISA card. The setting [No/ICU] for an  
IRQ field indicates that you are using the ISA Configuration Utility (ICU),  
and that this particular IRQ is NOT required by a legacy ISA card. Set the  
IRQ field to [Yes] if you install a legacy ISA card that requires a unique IRQ  
and you are NOT using ICU. Configuration options: [No/ICU] [Yes]  
ASUS P4B motherboard user guide  
4-23  
4.5 Power Menu  
The Power menu allows you to reduce power consumption. This feature  
turns off the video display and shuts down the hard disk after a period of  
inactivity.  
Power Management [User Defined]  
This field allows you to activate or deactivate the automatic power saving  
features. When set to [Disabled], the power management features do not  
function regardless of the other settings on this menu. The [User Defined]  
option allows you to set the period of inactivity before the system enters  
suspend mode. Refer to Suspend Modelater in this section.  
When set to [Max Saving], system power is conserved to its greatest  
amount. This setting automatically puts the system into suspend mode  
after a brief period of system inactivity. [Min Saving] allows the least power  
saving as the system enters suspend mode only after a long period of  
inactivity. Configuration options: [User Defined] [Disabled] [Min Saving]  
[Max Saving]  
You should install the Advanced Power Management (APM) utility to  
keep the system time updated even when the computer enters  
suspend mode. In Windows 3.x and Windows 95, you need to install  
Windows with the APM feature. In Windows 98 or later, APM is  
automatically installed as indicated by a battery and power cord icon  
labeled Power Managementin the Control Panel. Select the item  
Advancedin the Power Management Properties dialog box.  
4-24  
Chapter 4: BIOS Setup  
Video Off Option [Suspend -> Off ]  
This field determines when to activate the video off feature for monitor  
power management. Configuration options: [Always On] [Suspend -> Off]  
Video Off Method [DPMS OFF]  
This field defines the video off features. The Display Power Management  
System (DPMS) feature allows the BIOS to control the video display card if  
it supports the DPMS feature. [Blank Screen] only blanks the screen. Use  
this for monitors without power management or greenfeatures.  
Even if installed, your screen saver does not display when you select  
[Blank Screen] for the above field.  
[V/H SYNC+Blank] blanks the screen and turns off vertical and horizontal  
scanning. Configuration options: [Blank Screen] [V/H SYNC+Blank]  
[DPMS Standby] [DPMS Suspend] [DPMS OFF] [DPMS Reduce ON]  
HDD Power Down [Disabled]  
Shuts down any IDE hard disk drives in the system after a period of  
inactivity as set in this user-configurable field. This feature does not affect  
SCSI hard drives. Configuration options: [Disabled] [1 Min] [2 Min] [3  
Min]...[15 Min]  
ACPI Suspend To RAM [Disabled]  
This field allows you to enable or disable the ACPI Suspend-to-RAM  
feature. To support this feature, the +5VSB of the power supply should  
have the capacity to provide more than 720mA current. Configuration  
options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Suspend Mode [Disabled]  
Sets the time period before the system goes into suspend mode.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [1~2 Min] [2~3 Min] [4~5 min] [8~9 Min]  
[20 Min] [30 Min]  
PWR Button < 4 Secs [Soft Off]  
When set to [Soft off], the ATX switch can be used as a normal system  
power-off button when pressed for less than 4 seconds. [Suspend] allows  
the button to have a dual function where pressing less than 4 seconds  
puts the system in sleep mode. Regardless of the setting, holding the ATX  
switch for more than 4 seconds powers off the system. Configuration  
options: [Soft off] [Suspend]  
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4-25  
4.5.1 Power Up Control  
AC PWR Loss Restart [Disabled]  
This allows you to set whether or not to reboot the system after power  
interruptions. [Disabled] leaves your system off while [Enabled] reboots the  
system. [Previous State] sets the system back to the state it was before  
the power interruption. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
[Previous State]  
Wake/Power Up On Ext. Modem [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.  
Power Up On PCI Card [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]  
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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup  
Power Up On USB [Disabled]  
When set to [Enabled], this field allows system power up through a USB  
device activity. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at  
least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Space Bar]  
This parameter allows you to use specific keys on the 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]  
Power On 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]  
Automatic Power Up [Disabled]  
This allows an unattended or automatic system power up. You may  
configure your system to power up at a certain time of the day by selecting  
[Everyday] or at a certain time and day by selecting [By Date].  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Everyday] [By Date]  
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4-27  
4.5.2 Hardware Monitor  
MB Temperature [xxxC/xxxF]  
CPU Temperature [xxxC/xxxF]  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the MB  
(motherboard) and CPU temperatures.  
CPU Fan Speed [xxxxRPM]  
Power Fan Speed  
Chassis Fan Speed [N/A]  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the CPU and chassis  
fan speeds in rotations per minute (RPM).  
VCORE Voltage, +3.3V Voltage, +5V Voltage, +12V Voltage  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output  
through the onboard voltage regulators.  
If any of the monitored items is out of range, the following error  
message appears: Hardware Monitor found an error. Enter Power  
setup menu for details. You will then be prompted to Press F1 to  
continue or DEL to enter SETUP.  
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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup  
4.6 Boot Menu  
Boot Sequence  
The Boot menu allows you to select among the four possible types of boot  
devices listed using the up and down arrow keys. By using the <+> or  
<Space> key, you can promote devices and by using the <-> key, you can  
demote devices. Promotion or demotion of devices alters the priority which  
the system uses to search for a boot device on system power up.  
Configuration fields include Removable Devices, IDE Hard Drive, ATAPI  
CD-ROM, and Other Boot Device.  
Removable Device [Legacy Floppy]  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Legacy Floppy] [LS-120] [ZIP]  
[ATAPI MO]  
IDE Hard Drive  
This field allows you to select which IDE hard disk drive to use in the boot  
sequence. Pressing [Enter] will show the product IDs of all connected IDE  
hard disk drives.  
ATAPI CD-ROM  
This field allows you to select which ATAPI CD-ROM drive to use in the  
boot sequence. Pressing [Enter] will show the product IDs of all your  
connected ATAPI CD-ROM drives.  
Other Boot Device Select [INT18 Device (Network)]  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [SCSI Boot Device] [INT18 Device  
(Network)]  
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4-29  
Plug & Play O/S [No]  
This field allows you to use a Plug-and-Play (PnP) operating system to  
configure the PCI bus slots instead of using the BIOS. When [Yes] is  
selected, interrupts may be reassigned by the OS. If you installed a non-  
PnP OS or if you want to prevent reassigning of interrupt settings, keep  
the default setting [No]. Configuration options: [No] [Yes]  
Reset Configuration Data [No]  
The Extended System Configuration Data (ESCD) contain information  
about non-PnP devices. It also holds the complete record of how the  
system was configured the last time is was booted. Select [Yes] if you  
want to clear these data during the Power-On-Self-Test (POST).  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Boot Virus Detection [Enabled]  
This field allows you to set boot virus detection, ensuring a virus-free boot  
sector. The system halts and displays a warning message when it detects  
a virus. If this occurs, you can either allow the operation to continue or use  
a virus-free bootable floppy disk to restart and investigate your system.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Quick Power On Self Test [Enabled]  
This field speeds up the Power-On-Self Test (POST) routine by skipping  
retesting a second, third, and fourth time. Configuration options: [Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Boot Up Floppy Seek [Enabled]  
When enabled, the BIOS will seek the floppy disk drive to determine  
whether the drive has 40 or 80 tracks. Configuration options: [Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Full Screen Logo [Enabled]  
This 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 wish to use the  
ASUS MyLogofeature.  
Interrupt Mode [APIC]  
The Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC) setting allows  
you to distribute interrupt routings other than the 16 IRQs. The  
Programmable Interrupt Controller (PIC) setting allows you to use the 16  
IRQs only. Configuration options: [PIC] [APIC]  
4-30  
Chapter 4: BIOS Setup  
4.7 Exit Menu  
When you have made all of your selections from the various menus in the  
Setup program, save your changes and exit Setup. Select Exit from the  
menu bar to display the following menu.  
Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the  
options from this menu or <F10> from the legend bar to exit.  
Exit Saving 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.  
The CMOS RAM is sustained by an onboard backup battery and 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. Pressing <Enter> saves the changes  
while exiting.  
Exit Discarding 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.  
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4-31  
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 Saving 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.  
Save Changes  
This option saves your selections without exiting the Setup program. You  
can then return to other menus and make further changes. After you select  
this option, a confirmation window appears. Select [Yes] to save any  
changes to the non-volatile RAM.  
4-32  
Chapter 4: BIOS Setup  
Chapter 5  
This chapter describes the contents of the  
support CD that comes with the  
motherboard package.  
Software support  
ASUS P4B motherboard  
5.1 Install an operating system  
This motherboard supports Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP and OS/2  
operating system (OS). Always install the latest OS version and  
corresponding updates so you can maximize the features of your  
hardware.  
5.1.1 Windows 98 first time installation  
When you start Windows for the first time after installing the motherboard,  
Windows 98 detects all Plug-n-Play devices devices. Follow the Add New  
Hardware wizard to install the necessary device drivers. When prompted to  
restart, select No. Refer to the following sections in this chapter to install  
the software and drivers contained in the support CD.  
Because motherboard settings and hardware options vary, use the  
setup procedures presented in this chapter for general reference only.  
Refer to your OS documentation for more information.  
5.2 Support CD information  
The support CD that came with the motherboard contains useful software  
and several utility drivers that enhance the motherboard features.  
The contents of the support CD are subject to change at any time  
without notice. Visit the ASUS website for updates.  
5.2.1 Running the support CD  
To begin using the support CD, simply insert the CD into your CD-ROM  
drive. The CD automatically displays the welcome screen and the  
installation menus if Autorun is enabled in your computer.  
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5-1  
If the welcome screen did not appear automatically, locate and double-  
click on the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder in the support CD to  
display the menus.  
5.2.2 Main menu  
From the welcome screen, the program takes you directly to the main  
menu. The main menu displays an image of the motherboard, and the  
buttons and icons that link you to the software, drivers, utilities, and other  
information contained in the support CD.  
Place your mouse cursor on  
an icon and click to display  
the specified item  
Click on a button to display  
the available options  
5-2  
Chapter 5: Software support  
5.2.3 Software menu  
The software menu shows the applications and other software that the  
motherboard supports. The highlighted items indicate that they are  
available for your motherboard. Simply click on a specific item then follow  
the installation wizard to install it.  
The software menu is composed of two screens. Click on the Next button  
on the lower right corner of the first screen to display the second menu  
screen. To return to the first menu screen, click on the Back button on the  
lower right corner of the second screen.  
ASUS Update  
This program 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.  
The ASUS Update includes a new feature called ASUS MyLogo™. This  
feature allows you to get rid of the boring boot up screens by customizing  
your own boot logo. Refer to section “5.3 Software information” for setup  
instructions.  
Intel® LDCM Administrator Setup  
This program is for monitoring PC systems on the network within the same  
bridge as the installed Client software.  
The administrator should install both the Administrator and the Client  
software.  
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5-3  
Intel® LDCM Client Setup  
This program is for monitoring the Client system. Install the LANDesk  
Client Manager to use the hardware manager features.  
ASUS BIOS Flash Utility  
This utility allows you to remotely flash the Client PCs BIOS when used  
with the Intel LDCM Administrator.  
ASUS PC Probe  
This smart utility monitors the fan speed, CPU temperature, and system  
voltages, and alerts you on any detected problems. This utility helps you  
keep your computer at a healthy operating condition.  
Winbond Voice Editor  
This program is for recording and customizing wave files for the ASUS  
POST Reporter. Use this program if you wish to change the default  
vocal POST messages. See section 3.2 Vocal POST messagesfor a list  
of the default messages.  
Cyberlink Video and Audio Applications  
This item installs the Cyberlink PowerPlayer SE 5.0 and Cyberlink  
VideoLive Mail 4.0.  
Direct X  
This item installs the Microsoft V8.0a driver.  
PC-cillin  
This item installs the PC-cillin 2000 V7.61 anti-virus software. View the  
PC-cillin online help for detailed information.  
The above PC-cillin version supports Windows XP operating system  
and maintains backward compatibility with Windows 95.  
Acrobat Reader  
This item installs the Adobe Acrobat Reader V5.0. The Acrobat Reader  
software is for viewing files saved in Portable Document Format (PDF).  
E-Color 3Deep  
This item installs the 3Deep software. 3Deep is the first application that  
gives online gamers the competitive edge in multi-player skirmishes. This  
application eliminates dark washed-out graphics to deliver true vibrant  
colors.  
ASUS Screen Saver  
This item installs the ASUS screen saver.  
5-4  
Chapter 5: Software support  
5.2.4 Drivers menu  
The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects  
installed devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices.  
The drivers menu is composed of two screens. Click on the Next button on  
the lower right corner of the first screen to display the second menu  
screen. To return to the first menu screen, click on the Back button on the  
lower right corner of the second screen.  
INF Driver  
®
This item installs the Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility that enables  
Plug-n-Play INF support for Intel chipset components. This utility installs to  
the target system the Windows INF files that outline to the operating  
system how the chipset components will be configured.  
You may install this utility in three modes: interactive, silent, and  
unattended preload. The interactive mode requires user input during  
installation. This is not required in the silent and unattended preload  
modes.  
Refer to the online help or readme file that came with the utility.  
Intel® Application Accelerator  
®
®
This item installs the Intel Application Accelerator for Microsoft Windows  
98/98SE/ME/NT4.0/2000. This program is designed to improve  
performance of the storage sub-system and overall system performace.  
Install the INF Driver before installing the Intel Application Accelerator.  
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5-5  
Winbond Memory Stick Storage Device Driver  
This item installs the Memory Stick (MS) device driver. The device driver  
allows you to use the MS for securely downloading and storing digital files  
and other data.  
Winbond Secure Digital Storage (SD/MMC) Device Driver  
This item installs the Secure Digital (SD) device driver. The device driver  
allows you to use the SD for securely downloading and storing digital files  
and other data.  
5.2.5 DOS Utilities menu  
The DOS utilities menu includes items that you can run in DOS mode.  
These items are also present in the software menu.  
5.2.6 ASUS Contact Information  
Clicking the ASUS Contact Information button displays as stated. You may  
also find this information on page x of this user guide.  
5-6  
Chapter 5: Software support  
5.2.7 Other information  
The icons on the left side of the screen give additional information on the  
motherboard and the contents of the support CD. This section shows the  
pop-up windows that appear when you click the icons.  
Motherboard Info  
The window displays the general specifications of the P4B motherboard.  
Browse this CD  
The window displays the support CD contents in graphical format.  
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5-7  
Technical Support Form  
The window displays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you  
have to fill up when requesting technical support.  
Readme  
The window displays the contents of the support CD and a brief  
description of each in text format.  
5-8  
Chapter 5: Software support  
5.3 Software information  
Most of the applications in the support CD have wizards that will  
conveniently guide you through the installation. View the online help or  
readme file that came with the software for more information.  
This section provides details on the new software applications that the  
motherboard supports.  
5.3.1 ASUS Update  
The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to update the motherboard  
BIOS and drivers. This utility requires an Internet connection either  
through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).  
Follow these steps to use the ASUS Update.  
1. Launch the utility from your Windows  
Start menu:  
Programs/AsusUpdate Vx.xx.xx/  
AsusUpdate  
The ASUS Update initial screen  
appears.  
2. Select your desired update method,  
then click Next.  
3. If you selected updating/  
downloading from the Internet,  
select the ASUS FTP site nearest  
you to avoid network traffic, or  
choose Auto Select. Click Next.  
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5-9  
4. From the FTP site, select the  
BIOS version that you wish to  
download. Click Next.  
5. Follow the instructions on the  
succeeding screens to complete  
the update process.  
If you selected the option to update  
the BIOS from a file, a window pops  
up prompting you to locate the file.  
Select the file, click Save, then follow  
the screen instructions to complete  
the update process.  
5.3.2 ASUS MyLogo™  
The ASUS MyLogo is automatically installed when you install the ASUS  
Update utility from the software menu. See section “5.2.3 Software menu”.  
Before using ASUS MyLogo feature, use the AFLASH utility to make a  
copy of your original BIOS file, or obtain the latest BIOS version from  
the ASUS website.  
Follow these steps to use ASUS MyLogo.  
1. Launch the ASUS Update utility.  
See section “5.3.1 ASUS Update.”  
2. When prompted for the BIOS  
update method, select the option  
“Update BIOS from a file.”  
3. Specify the location of the BIOS  
file, such as from a floppy disk.  
Click Next.  
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Chapter 5: Software support  
4. From the selection that appears,  
choose a logo image. Click Next.  
NOTE: If you wish, you may  
create your own boot logo image  
in GIF, JPG, or BMP file formats.  
5. When you click on an image, it  
displays larger on the MyLogo  
screen.  
6. The next screen prompts you to  
flash the original BIOS to update  
it with the new boot logo. Click  
Flash to update the BIOS.  
7. When finished, click Exit, then  
reboot your computer.  
Your system boots with the new  
boot logo.  
Instead of starting from ASUS Update, you may also launch ASUS  
MyLogo directly from the Windows Start menu to change your BIOS  
boot logo. After you have modified the BIOS file with the new logo, use  
the ASUS Update utility to upload the new BIOS into the EEPROM.  
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5-11  
5.3.3 Personalized Boot Logo  
Also included in the support CD is a DOS version of ASUS MyLogo.  
Locate the application called LOGO.EXE and a sample image library of  
boot screens in bitmap (BMP) format to install this feature.  
Back up your system BIOS to a bootable floppy disk before using  
LOGO.EXE to modify your boot screen. See section 4.1 Managing  
and updating your BIOS.  
Make sure that the item Full Screen Logo in BIOS is set to [Enabled].  
1. To set up a new Personalized Boot Logo, browse the Support CD and  
copy these three components to the windows directory: LOGO.EXE;  
AFLASH.EXE; one or more BMP files in 640 x 480 pixel, 16-color  
format.  
2. Then go to the Shut Down Menu and select: Restart in DOS Mode.”  
From the DOS prompt, run AFLASH:  
C:\WINDOWS>AFLASH  
3. In AFLASH, select [1] and save the existing system BIOS file with a  
new name, for example: CSCB1016.AWD. Exit AFLASH to DOS.  
4. To set up a new boot screen, run LOGO from DOS. Both the BIOS file  
name and the BMP file name must follow in the command line:  
C:\WINDOWS>LOGO CSCB1016.AWD SEA2.BMP  
5. Press <Enter> to save the image with the BIOS file.  
6. Run AFLASH again. Select [2] and flash the updated BIOS file, in this  
case, CSCB1016.AWD, to the ROM.  
7. Reboot your computer by pressing <Ctl><Alt><Del>. The new boot  
screen that you selected appears.  
If you wish to select a new BMP file, re-run the process from Step 4.  
You may wish to create an original boot image. Use your favorite photo  
editor to save an image as a 640 x 480 pixel, 16-color BMP file. Choose a  
file name for the image with eight digits and characters recognizable in the  
DOS environment.  
Make sure to place the .BMP files in the same directory as the BIOS  
file and LOGO.EXE.  
5-12  
Chapter 5: Software support  
5.3.4 Winbond Voice Editor  
The Winbond Voice Editor software allows you to customize the vocal  
POST messages. Install the software from the software menu in the  
support CD. See section 5.2.3 Software menu.  
To avoid conflicts, do not run the Winbond Voice Editor while running  
the ASUS PC Probe.  
Follow these steps to use the Winbond Voice Editor.  
Launching the program  
Launch the program either from the Winbond Voice Editor icon on your  
desktop, or from the Windows Start menu, Programs/Winbond Voice Editor/  
Voice Editor  
.
The Winbond Voice Editor screen appears.  
Default Messages  
POST Events  
Playing the default wave files  
To play the default wave files, simply click on a POST event on the left  
side of the screen, then click the Play button.  
The default language setting is English.  
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5-13  
Changing the default language  
1. Click on the Load button. a  
window showing the available  
languages appears.  
2. Select your desired language then  
click Open. The event messages  
for the language you selected  
appear on the Voice Editor screen.  
For some languages, not all events have a corresponding message  
due to file size constraints.  
3. Click on the Write button to update  
the EEPROM.  
4. Click Yes on the confirmation  
window that appears.  
The next time you boot your computer, the POST messages are  
announced in the language that you selected .  
5-14  
Chapter 5: Software support  
Customizing your POST messages  
If your language is not in the selection or if you wish to record your own  
POST messages to replace the pre-installed wave files, you may easily do  
so.  
Follow these steps to customize your POST messages.  
1. Launch the Voice Editor and take note of the list of POST events on  
the leftmost column of the screen.  
2. Prepare your message for each event.  
The total compressed size for all the wave files must not exceed 1Mbit,  
so make your messages as short as possible.  
3. Use a recording software, such as Windows Recorder, to record your  
messages.  
4. Save the messages as wave files (.WAV). It is recommended that you  
save your files in low quality to keep them small. For example, use  
8-bit, mono quality at 22Khz sampling rate.  
You may want to create a separate folder for your wave files so you  
can locate them easily in one place.  
5. From the Voice Editor screen,  
click on the Add button to display  
the Add Wave File window.  
6. Copy the wave files that you  
recorded to the database. Close  
the window when done.  
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5-15  
7. Click a POST event on the Voice  
Editor screen, then on the Edit  
button. The Event Sound Editor  
window appears.  
8. Locate and select your wave file  
for the event then click on the  
arrow opposite Voice1. The file  
you selected appears on the  
space next to it.  
9. Click OK to return to the Voice  
Editor screen.  
10. Do steps 7 to 9 for the other  
events.  
11. When done, click the Save  
button. A window appears  
prompting you to save your  
configuration.  
12. Type a file name with a .flh  
extension, then click Save.  
13. Click on the Write button to  
compress the file and copy into  
the EEPROM.  
14. Click Yes on the confirmation  
window that appears.  
If you receive an error message telling you that the files exceed the total  
allowable size, do one or all of the following.  
Try to modify your messages to make them shorter  
Save the wave files at a lower quality  
Skip lesser used events like FDD Detection, IDE HDD Detection, etc.  
5-16  
Chapter 5: Software support  
Glossary  
This part lists the technical terms that you  
may encounter when reading this  
document.  
ASUS P4B motherboard  
This glossary also includes some terms that are not found in this  
document but might be of help to you when operating, upgrading, or  
reconfiguring your computer.  
AC’97 (Audio Codec '97). AC '97 is the next step in enabling PCs with  
audio quality comparable to consumer electronics devices. The  
specification defines new cost-effective options to help integrate the  
components necessary to support next-generation auto-intensive PC  
applications such as DVD, 3-D multiplayer gaming and interactive music.  
The specification also defines new extensions supporting modem and  
docking to help both desktop and mobile manufacturers adopt these new  
technologies more quickly and cost-effectively. This specification uses  
software emulation to compete with the PCI SoundBlaster specification.  
ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface). The ACPI  
specification defines a cross-platform interface designed to support many  
operating systems. ACPI defines a flexible and abstract hardware interface  
that provides a standard way to integrate power management features in a  
PC system, including hardware, operating system and application  
software. This enables the system to automatically turn ON and OFF  
peripherals such as CD-ROMs, network cards, hard disk drives, and  
printers, as well as consumer devices connected to the PC such as VCRs,  
TVs, phones, and stereos. With this technology, peripherals are also able  
to activate the PC. For example, inserting a tape into a VCR can turn on  
the PC, which could then activate a large-screen TV and high-fidelity  
sound system.  
AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port). An interface specification that enables  
high-performance 3D graphics on mainstream PCs. AGP was designed to  
offer the necessary bandwidth and latency to perform texture mapping  
directly from system memory.  
Bus  
Bus Frequency  
Bandwidth  
Data Transfer Rate  
PCI  
AGP 1X  
AGP 2X  
33MHz  
66MHz  
66MHz  
33MHz  
66MHz  
133MHz  
133MByte/sec  
266MByte/sec  
512MByte/sec  
AGP 4X  
66MHz  
266MHz  
1024MByte/sec  
Backup. A copy of a file, directory, or volume on a separate storage device  
from the original. This copy is for the purpose of data retrieval in case the  
original is accidentally erased, damaged, or destroyed.  
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G-1  
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). BIOS is a set of routines that control  
how the computer transfers data between computer components, such as  
memory, disks, and the display adapter. The BIOS instructions are built  
into the computer’s read-only memory. BIOS parameters are configurable  
through the BIOS Setup program. You can update the BIOS using the  
AFLASH utility by copying a new BIOS file into the EEPROM.  
Bit (Binary Digit). Represents the smallest unit of data used by the  
computer. A bit can have one of two values: 0 or 1.  
Boot. Boot means to start the computer operating system by loading it into  
system memory. When the manual instructs you to “boot” your system (or  
computer), it means to turn ON your computer. “Reboot” means to restart  
your computer. When using Windows 95 or later, selecting “Restart” from  
“Start | Shut Down...” will reboot your computer.  
Bus Master IDE. PIO (Programmable I/O) IDE requires that the CPU be  
involved in IDE access and waiting for mechanical events. Bus master IDE  
transfers data to/from the memory without interrupting the CPU. Bus  
master IDE driver and bus master IDE hard disk drives are required to  
support bus master IDE mode.  
Byte (Binary Term). One byte is a group of eight contiguous bits. A byte is  
used to represent a single alphanumeric character, punctuation mark, or  
other symbol.  
Cache Memory. A type of RAM that allows a faster from the CPU than a  
regular RAM. The cache memory eliminates the CPU wait state. When the  
CPU reads data from the main memory, a copy of this data is stored in the  
cache memory. The next time the same address, the data is transferred  
from the cache memory instead of from the main memory.  
CODEC (Compressor/Decompressor). A software component that  
translates video or audio between its uncompressed form and the  
compressed form in which it is stored.  
COM Port. A connector with the accompanying circuitry that supports  
serial devices such as printers, mice, modems, and infrared modules.  
Each COM port is configured to use a different IRQ and address  
assignment. COM port is short for communication port, and is also called  
a serial port.  
CPU (Central Processing Unit). The CPU, also called “Processor,”  
actually functions as the “brain” of the computer. It interprets and executes  
program commands and processes data stored in the system memory.  
G-2  
Appendix C: Glossary  
Device Driver. A software routine that links a peripheral device to the  
operating system. It acts as a translator between the device and the  
applications that use it. Each device has its own set of specialized  
commands known only to its driver while the applications access devices  
using high-level generic commands. The driver translates these  
commands into the commands required by the devices.  
DOS (Disk Operating System). A software that organizes how a  
computer reads, writes, and communicate to the disks and various input/  
output devices (such as keyboards, screens, serial and parallel ports,  
printers, modems, etc.) connected to it. DOS was the most popular PC  
operating system until the introduction of Windows.  
DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). A type of RAM that requires  
refresh cycles to prevent the loss of the data stored in it. See also RAM  
and SDRAM.  
Expansion Card. A printed circuit card suchas an audio card, a video  
card, or a LAN card that plugs into an expansion slot on the motherboard.  
An expansion card add functions that are not present in the motherboard.  
Flash ROM. A non-volatile memory device that retains its data even when  
power is removed. This device is similar to EPROM, but unlike EPROM  
which can be erased only using an ultra-violet light, flash ROM can be  
electrically erased. Flash ROM is normally used for system BIOS, which  
initiates hardware devices and sets up necessary parameters for the OS.  
Since the flash ROM contents can be modified, you can update the BIOS  
by yourself.  
IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics). IDE devices integrate the drive  
control circuitry directly on the drive itself, eliminating the need for a  
separate adapter card (in the case for SCSI devices). UltraDMA/100/6633  
IDE devices can achieve up to 100MB/sec transfers.  
Internet. The global computer network composed of WANs and LANs that  
uses TCP/IP to provide worldwide communications to homes, schools,  
businesses, and the government.  
I/O (Input/Output). The data transfers from the input devices like a  
keyboard, mouse, or scanner, to the output devices like a printer or the  
monitor screen.  
I/O Address. The specific memory location for a particular device. Two  
devices cannot share the same I/O address space.  
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G-3  
IrDA (Infrared Data Association). An internaltional organization that  
creates and promotes inter-operable, low cost, infrared data  
interconnection standards that support a walk-up, point-to-point model.  
The IrDA protocol is designed to support transmission of data between two  
devices over short-range point-to-point infrared at speeds between  
9.6Kbps and 4Mbps.  
ISP (Internet Service Provider). A company that provides customer  
access to the Internet and the World Wide Web for a fee. The ISP also  
provides Internet utilities and services like e-mail, newsgroup, weather  
reports, and a host of others. The user can connect to the ISP using a  
modem installed in the computer and connected to a phone line.  
LAN (Local Area Network). A network technology designed to connect  
computers that are separated by a short distance. The local group of  
linked computers are normally connected to a single server. See also  
WAN (Wide Area Network)  
Modem. A device that allows a computer to talk to another computer  
through the phone system.  
Network. An interconnected computer system linked by telephone wires,  
or other means.  
OS (Operating System). The software that controls the overall operation  
of a computer system. The OS tasks include memory allocation, input and  
output distribution, interrupt processing, job scheduling, and various other  
duties.  
PC100/PC133. This is an industry-standard designation for memory  
capacity as a measure of the speed of the memory bus. New platform  
requirements ensure that memory does not become a bottleneck to  
system performance.  
PCI Bus (Peripheral Component Interconnect Local Bus). PCI bus is a  
specification that defines a 32-bit data bus interface. PCI is a standard  
widely used by expansion card manufacturers.  
PCI Bus Master. The PCI Bus Master can perform data transfer without  
local CPU help and furthermore, the CPU can be treated as one of the Bus  
Masters. PCI 2.1 supports concurrent PCI operation to allow the local CPU  
and bus master to work simultaneously.  
G-4  
Appendix C: Glossary  
POST (Power On Self Test). When you turn ON the computer, it will first  
run through the POST, a series of software-controlled diagnostic tests. The  
POST checks system memory, the motherboard circuitry, the display, the  
keyboard, the diskette drive, and other I/O devices.  
PS/2 Port. PS/2 ports are based on IBM Micro Channel Architecture. This  
type of architecture transfers data through a 16-bit or 32-bit bus. A PS/2  
mouse and/or keyboard may be used on ATX motherboards.  
RAM (Random Access Memory). The computer’s primary storage area  
used to write, store, and retrieve information and program instructions  
which are passed to the CPU for processing. The information in RAM can  
be repeatedly re-written with new data. Compared to other storage media  
like magnetic tape, floppy disk, and hard disk, RAM has an extraordinarily  
fast access rate. RAM, however, is volatile, which means that the data  
stored in it are lost when the system power is turned off, or if power  
glitches occur. See also DRAM and SDRAM.  
ROM (Read Only Memory). An integrated circuit chip containing program  
and data that can be accessed and read but not modified.  
SCSI (Small Computer System Interface). High speed multi-threaded I/  
O interface defined by the X3T9.2 committee of the American National  
Standards Institute (ANSI) for connecting many peripheral devices. The  
standard covers 10MBytes/sec to 160MBytes/sec data rates.  
SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM). A type of DRAM with access signals that  
are synchronized with the CPU clock, eliminating the delay associated with  
data transfers between the CPU and memory. SDRAM takes memory  
access away from the CPU control; internal registers in the memory  
accept the request, and lets the CPU do something else while the data  
requested is assembled for the next time the CPU talks to the memory.  
SIR (Serial IrDA). A SIR specification defines a short-range infrared  
asynchronous serial transmission mode with one stat bit, eight data bits  
and one stop bit. The maximum data rate is 115.2Kbps.  
SPD for SDRAM module. Serial Presence Detect (SPD) is most like an  
ID detect for SDRAM module, it uses an EEPROM component on a DIMM  
for storing module configuration information inside. The Serial Presence  
Detect function is implemented using a 2048 bit EEPROM component.  
This nonvolatile storage device contains data programmed by the DIMM  
manufacturer that identifies the module type and various SDRAM  
organization and timing parameters.  
ASUS P4B motherboard user guide  
G-5  
System Disk. A system disk contains the core file of an operating system  
and is used to boot up the operating system.  
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol). The  
communications protocol used by the UNIX system and the Internet. TCP  
checks for lost packets, puts the data from multiple packets into the correct  
order, and requests that missing or damaged packets be resent.  
USB (Universal Serial Bus). A 4-pin serial cable bus that allows up to 127  
Plug-n-Play computer peripherals (such as keyboard, mouse, joystick,  
scanner, printer, modem, and monitor) to share bandwidth through a host  
scheduled token-based protocols. This allows attaching or detaching while  
the host and other peripherals are in operation. Supports synchronous  
and asynchronous transfer types over the same set of wires up to 12Mbit/  
sec. USB 2.0 provides 40 times the transfer rate compared to USB 1.0 and  
competes with the 1394 standard.  
WAN (Wide Area Network). A geographically dispersed network formed  
by linking several computers or Local Area Networks (LANs) together over  
long distances. WANs usually use leased long-distance lines to connect  
systems across towns, in different cities, or in different regions of the  
world.  
G-6  
Appendix C: Glossary  
Index  
This part contains an alphabetical list of the  
topics found in this document.  
ASUS P4B motherboard  
A
C
Accelerated Graphics Port 2-15  
Acrobat Reader 5-4  
AGP warning LED 1-3, 2-3  
ASUS ASIC 1-4  
ASUS EZ Plug™ 1-6  
ASUS iPanel 1-7, 2-30  
ASUS MyLogo™ 1-6, 5-10  
ASUS PC Probe 5-4  
ASUS POST Reporter™ 1-4, 6  
ASUS Update 5-9  
Central Processing Unit (CPU)  
fan connector 2-9  
installation 2-5  
Level 1/Level 2 Cache 4-16  
Speed 4-15  
CPU socket 1-3  
Chip Configuration 4-17  
Clear RTC RAM 2-23  
Connectors  
HDD LED 2-24  
ATAPI CD-ROM 4-29  
Audio CODEC 2-20  
Automatic Power Up 4- 28  
CODEC 1-4  
Communications and Networking  
Riser 1-4, 2-16  
Connectors  
B
ASUS EZ Plug 1-3  
ATX 12V 1-4  
ATX power 1-3  
chassis alarm 2-26  
digital audio 2-31  
fan 2-27  
BIOS  
Advanced Menu 4-15  
Boot Menu 4-29  
Boot Sequence 4-29  
Exit Menu 4-31  
floppy disk 1-3, 2-26  
front panel audio 2-30  
game/MIDI 1-5  
Language 4-14  
Legend Bar 4-6  
Main Menu 4-8  
Menu Bar 4-6  
IDE 1-3  
internal audio 2-29  
Memory Stick (MS) 2-32  
panel 2-33  
power supply 2-28  
power supply thermal 2-33  
primary/secondary IDE 2-25  
Secure Digital (SD) 2-32  
Smart Card Reader 2-32  
SMBus 2-29  
Power Menu 4-24  
Setup Defaults, loading 4-32  
Setup Program 4-5  
Sub-menu launching 4-7  
Updating 4-1  
BIOS Beep Codes 3-1  
BIOS Flash Utility 5-4  
Boot Device  
selection 4-29  
Boot Up NumLock Status 4-13  
Boot Virus Detection 4-30  
USB port 2-27  
CPU bus frequency 2-18  
CPU frequency 2-19  
ASUS P4B motherboard user guide  
I-1  
D
J
DIMM  
JumperFree mode 2-17  
Jumpers  
installing 2-11  
removing 2-12  
DIMM sockets 1-3  
DIP switches 1-4, 2-17  
audio controller 2-20  
keyboard power 2-20  
RTC RAM 2-23  
SDRAM voltage 2-22  
speaker selector 2-22  
USB device wake-up 2-21  
E
Expansion card  
installation 2-13  
IRQ assigments 2-14  
Expansion slots 1-4, 2-13  
AGP 1-4  
K
Keyboard  
Auto-Repeat Delay 4-13  
Auto-Repeat Rate 4-13  
Features 4-13  
CNR 1-4  
PCI 1-4  
E-Color 3Deep 5-4  
L
F
Legacy Diskette 4-8  
Flash EEPROM 1-4  
Floppy 3 Mode 4-8  
M
Motherboard  
H
components 1-2  
IRQ Table 2-14  
layout 2-2  
placement 2-1  
screws 2-1  
Hard Disk Drives (HDDs)  
CHS Capacity 4-11  
Cylinders 4-11  
Heads 4-11  
LBA Capacity 4-11  
Primary/Secondary Master 4-9  
Primary/Secondary Slave 4-9  
Sectors 4-11  
Multi-Sector Transfers 4-11  
O
Onboard LED 2-3  
Operating system  
installation 5-1  
Types 4-9  
Hardware Monitor 4-28  
Heatsink  
installation 2-7  
Heatsink retention module 1-5  
Overclocking features 1-7  
P
Parallel Port 1-5, 4-20  
Modes 4-20  
Password  
I
Interrupt Assignments 2-14  
IRQ assignments 2-14  
Supervisor 4-14  
User 4-14  
I-2  
Index  
PC-cillin 5-4  
motherboard information 5-7  
readme file 5-8  
PCI Configuration 4-22  
PCI Latency Timer 4-22  
PCI/VGA Palette Snoop 4-22  
PIO Mode 4-12  
Plug & Play O/S 4-30  
Power Management 4-24  
Power On Self Test 4-30  
POST Messages 3-2  
customizing 5-15  
Software menu 5-3  
Technical Support Form 5-8  
Welcome screen 5-1  
Winbond Voice Editor 5-13  
Suspend Mode 4-25  
System Controller  
North Bridge 1-3  
South Bridge 1-3  
PS/2 Keyboard Port 1-5  
PS/2 Mouse Port 1-5  
PS/2 Mouse  
System Date 4-8  
System memory  
configurations 2-10  
System Time 4-8  
Function Control 4-17  
R
U
Retention Mechanism 2-8  
UART2 4-22  
Ultra DMA Mode 4-12  
USB Legacy Support 4-17  
USB ports 1-5  
S
SCSI BIOS 4-22  
SDRAM  
USWC 4-19  
Active to Precharge Time 4-18, 19 V  
CAS Latency 4-17  
Configuration 4-18  
RAS Precharge Time 4-18  
RAS to CAS Delay 4-17, 19  
Serial Ports 1-5, 4-20  
Slots  
Video Memory 4-19  
Z
ZIF socket 2-4  
AGP 2-15  
CNR 2-16  
PCI 2-15  
Smart Card Reader 2-32  
SMART Monitoring 4-12  
SPDIF audio 2-31  
Super I/O chipset 1-4  
Support CD 5-1  
ASUS Update 5-3  
Boot Logo 5-12  
DOS Utilities 5-6  
Drivers menu 5-5  
Main menu 5-2  
ASUS P4B motherboard user guide  
I-3  
I-4  
Index  

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