P4P8X
User Guide
Contents
Notices ............................................................................................v
Safety information .......................................................................... vi
About this guide............................................................................. vii
ASUS contact information ............................................................ viii
P4P8X specifications summary ...................................................... ix
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome! ........................................................................... 1-2
1.2 Package contents ............................................................... 1-2
1.3 Special features.................................................................. 1-3
1.4 Motherboard components .................................................. 1-5
1.5 Motherboard layout ............................................................ 1-9
1.6 Before you proceed .......................................................... 1-10
1.7 Motherboard installation ....................................................1-11
1.7.1 Placement direction ..............................................1-11
1.7.2 Screw holes ..........................................................1-11
1.8 Central Processing Unit (CPU)......................................... 1-12
1.8.1 Overview .............................................................. 1-12
1.8.2 Installing the CPU ................................................ 1-13
1.9 System memory ............................................................... 1-14
1.9.1 Memory configurations ........................................ 1-14
1.9.2 Installing a DIMM ................................................. 1-16
1.10 Expansion slots ................................................................ 1-17
1.10.1 Standard interrupt assignments ........................... 1-17
1.10.2 IRQ assignments for this motherboard ................ 1-17
1.10.3 PCI slots .............................................................. 1-18
1.10.4 AGP slot ............................................................... 1-18
1.11 Jumpers............................................................................ 1-19
1.12 Connectors ....................................................................... 1-21
Chapter 2: BIOS information
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS .................................... 2-2
2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk ............................. 2-2
2.1.2 Using AFUDOS to update the BIOS ...................... 2-2
2.1.3 Using ASUS EZ Flash to update the BIOS ............ 2-4
2.1.4 Recovering the BIOS with CrashFree BIOS 2 ....... 2-5
2.2 BIOS Setup program .......................................................... 2-7
iii
Contents
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen ................................................ 2-8
2.2.2 Menu bar ................................................................ 2-8
2.2.3 Navigation keys ..................................................... 2-8
2.2.4 Menu items ............................................................ 2-9
2.2.5 Sub-menu items..................................................... 2-9
2.2.6 Configuration fields ................................................ 2-9
2.2.7 Pop-up window ...................................................... 2-9
2.2.8 Scroll bar ................................................................ 2-9
2.2.9 General help .......................................................... 2-9
2.3 Main menu........................................................................ 2-10
2.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xxxx]..................................... 2-10
2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx] ............................. 2-10
2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.] ....................... 2-10
2.3.5 Primary/Sec./Third/Fourth IDE Master/Slave........2-11
2.3.6 IDE Configuration ................................................ 2-12
2.3.7 System Information .............................................. 2-14
2.4 Advanced menu ............................................................... 2-15
2.4.1 JumperFree Configuration ................................... 2-15
2.4.2 CPU Configuration ............................................... 2-17
2.4.3 Chipset................................................................. 2-18
2.4.4 Onboard Devices Configuration........................... 2-20
2.4.5 PCI PnP ............................................................... 2-22
2.4.6 USB Configuration ............................................... 2-23
2.5 Power menu ..................................................................... 2-25
2.5.1 Suspend Mode [Auto] .......................................... 2-25
2.5.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume [No] ....................... 2-25
2.5.3 ACPI 2.0 Support [No] ......................................... 2-25
2.5.4 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled] ............................. 2-25
2.5.5 BIOS -> AML ACPI Table [Enabled] ..................... 2-25
2.5.6 APM Configuration ............................................... 2-26
2.5.7 Hardware Monitor ................................................ 2-28
2.6 Boot menu ........................................................................ 2-29
2.6.1 Boot Device Priority ............................................. 2-29
2.6.2 Boot Settings Configuration ................................. 2-30
2.6.3 Security ................................................................ 2-31
2.7 Exit menu ......................................................................... 2-34
Chapter 3: Software support
3.1 Install an operating system................................................. 3-2
3.2 Support CD information ...................................................... 3-2
3.3 Software information .......................................................... 3-5
iv
Notices
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
manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the
graphics card is required to assure compliance with FCC regulations.
Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to
operate this equipment.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise
emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference
Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
v
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.
vi
About this guide
Conventions used in this guide
To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the
following symbols used throughout this manual.
WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying
to complete a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components
when trying to complete a task.
IMPORTANT: Information that you MUST follow to complete a
task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to aid in completing a task.
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 viii.
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.
vii
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:
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:
Web Site:
+886-2-2890-7698
ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)
Address:
General Fax:
General Email:
44370 Nobel Drive, Fremont, CA 94538, USA
+1-502-933-8713
Technical Support
Support Fax:
General Support:
Web Site:
+1-502-933-8713
+1-502-995-0883
Support Email:
ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany and Austria)
Address:
General Email:
General Fax:
Harkortstr. 25, 40880 Ratingen, BRD, Germany
[email protected] (for marketing requests only)
+49-2102-9599-31
Technical Support
Support Hotline:
Support (Email):
Web Site:
Components: +49-2102-9599-0
Support Fax:
+49-2102-9599-11
viii
P4P8X specifications summary
CPU
Socket 478 for Intel® Pentium® 4 / Celeron up to 3.2 GHz+
Supports Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology
Supports Intel® Prescott CPU
Chipset
North Bridge: Intel 82865P
South Bridge: Intel ICH5
Front Side Bus (FSB)
533/400 MHz
Memory
Dual channel memory architecture
4 x 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets for up to 4GB memory
Supports PC2700/2100 unbuffered non-ECC DDR DIMMs
Expansion slots
1 x AGP 8X
5 x PCI
1 x WiFi slot
Storage
Supported by South Bridge (ICH5)
- 2 x UltraDMA100 support for 4 drives
- 2 x Serial ATA
AI Audio
ADI AD1985 6-channel audio CODEC
1 x S/PDIF out
AI Net
3COM 3C940 Gbit PCI LAN controller
ASUS BIOS Features
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2
ASUS Q-Fan Technology
AI Overclocking
Intelligent CPU frequency tuner
ASUS JumperFree
Adjustable CPU VCORE, memory and AGP voltages
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection) from 100MHz to
400MHz at 1MHz increments
C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
Special Features
Rear Panel I/O
ASUS EZ Flash
CrashFree BIOS 2
1 x Parallel port
1 x Serial ports
1 x PS/2 keyboard port
1 x PS/2 mouse port
4 x USB 2.0/USB 1.1 ports
1 x RJ-45 port (optional)
1 x S/PDIF-out port
Line In/Line Out/Microphone ports
(continued on the next page)
ix
P4P8X specifications summary
Internal I/O
2 x USB 2.0/1.1 connector for 4 additional USB ports
CPU/Chassis/Power fan connectors
20-pin/4-pin ATX 12V power connectors
Chassis intrusion
GAME connector
S/PDIF out connector
CD/AUX/Modem audio connectors
Front panel audio connector
BIOS features
4Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, ACPI, SM
BIOS2.3, CrashFree BIOS 2, ASUS EZ Flash
Industry standard
Manageability
PCI 2.2, USB 2.0
DMI 2.0, WOL/WOR by PME, WO_USB, WO_KB/MS,
chassis intrusion
Form Factor
ATX form factor: 12 in x 9.6 in
Support CD contents
Device drivers
ASUS PC Probe
ASUS LiveUpdate
Trend Micro™ PC-cillin 2002 anti-virus software
* Specifications are subject to change without notice.
x
Chapter 1
This chapter describes the features of the
P4P8X motherboard. It includes brief
descriptions of the motherboard components,
and illustrations of the layout, jumper settings,
and connectors.
Product introduction
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying the ASUS® P4P8X motherboard!
The ASUS P4P8X motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest
technologies making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality
motherboards!
The P4P8X incorporates the Intel® Pentium® 4 / Celeron Processor in 478-pin
package coupled with the Intel® 865P chipset to set a new benchmark for an
effective desktop platform solution.
Supporting up to 4GB of system memory with PC2700/2100/1600 DDR SDRAM,
an AGP 8X slot, Serial ATA support, USB 2.0, and 6-channel audio features, the
P4P8X is your affordable vehicle to enter the world of computing!
Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the
items in your package with the list below.
1.2 Package contents
Check your P4P8X package for the following items.
ASUS P4P8X motherboard
ASUS P4P8X series support CD
UltraDMA 100/66 cable
Floppy disk cable
I/O shield
Bag of extra jumper caps
User Guide
Quick Reference Card (last page of User Guide)
Quick Setup Guide (Retail boxes only)
Jumpers and connectors sticker (Retail boxes only)
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
1-2
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.3 Special features
Latest processor technology
The motherboard supports the Intel® Pentium® 4 / Celeron Processors with 512KB L2
cache and an 533/400 MHz system bus. The CPU features the Intel Hyper-
Threading Technology and a new power design that allows up to 3.2GHz core
frequencies. The motherboard will also support the next generation Intel Prescott
CPU. See page 1-12.
Dual-channel DDR333 memory support
The motherboard supports up to 4GB of system memory using PC2700/2100
non-ECC DDR DIMMs to deliver up to 3.2GB/s data transfer rate for the latest 3D
graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. See page 1-14.
Serial ATA technology
The motherboard bundles the new Serial ATA technology through the SATA
interfaces onboard. The SATA specification allows for thinner, more flexible cables
with lower pin count, reduced voltage requirement, up to 150 MB/s data transfer
rate, and software compatibility with the legacy Parallel ATA. See page 1-23.
AGP 8X support
The motherboard also mounts an AGP 8X interface (a.k.a. AGP 3.0), offering
2.1GB/s bandwidth. See page 1-19.
CrashFree BIOS 2
This feature allows you to restore the original BIOS data from the support CD, or
from a bootable floppy disk, when the BIOS codes and data are corrupted. This
protection eliminates the need to buy a replacement ROM chip. See page 2-5.
ASUS EZ Flash BIOS
With the ASUS EZ Flash, you can easily update the system BIOS even before
loading the operating system. No need to use a DOS-based utility or boot from a
floppy disk. See page 2-4.
Ai NET solution
The Ai Series supports Gigabit LAN by integrating the 3COM 3C940 controller,
equipped with a unique net-diagnosing utility - VCT (Virtual Cable Tester). VCT
intelligently diagnoses and reports cable faults from a remote location up to 100
meters and helps users improve network quality.
ASUS P4P8X motherboard user guide
1-3
USB 2.0 technology
The motherboard implements the new Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0
specification, extending the connection speed from 12 Mbps on USB 1.1 to a fast
480 Mbps on USB 2.0. See pages 1-5 and 1-28.
6-channel digital audio
The ADI AD1985 AC’97 audio CODEC is onboard to provide 6-channel audio
playback for 5.1 surround sound and over 90dB dynamic range. A digital audio
connector is onboard to accommodate an optional S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital
Interface) Out module. See page 3-5.
Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP support 6/4/2-channel audio modes.
1-4
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.4 Motherboard components
Before you install the motherboard, learn about its major components and
available features to facilitate the installation and future upgrades. Refer to the
succeeding pages for the component descriptions.
1. ATX 12V connector
2. CPU socket
17. LAN controller
18. PS/2 mouse port
19. Parallel port
3. North Bridge controller
4. DDR DIMM sockets
5. ATX power connector
6. Super I/O controller
7. Floppy disk connector
8. IDE connectors
9. AGP 8X slot
20. RJ-45 port
21. Line In jack
22. Line Out jack
23. Microphone jack
24. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4
25. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2
26. Serial port
10. SATA connectors
11. Flash ROM
27. S/PDIF out port
28. Keyboard port
12. South Bridge controller
13. Standby power LED
14. WiFi slot
15. PCI slots
16. Audio CODEC
See page 1-6 for the specifications of each component.
ASUS P4P8X motherboard user guide
1-5
1
2 3
4
5
6
7
8
9
17
10
16
15
14
19
13
12
11
20
18
21
22
23
28
27
26
24
25
1-6
Chapter 1: Product introduction
ATX 12V connector. This power connector connects the 4-pin 12V plug from
the ATX 12V power supply.
1
2
CPU socket. A 478-pin surface mount, Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) socket for
the Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor, with 800/533/400 MHz system bus that allows
4.3GB/s, and 3.2GB/s data transfer rates, respectively.
North bridge controller. The Intel® 82865P Memory Controller Hub (MCH)
provides the processor interface with 533/400 MHz frequency, system
memory interface at 333/266MHz operation and an AGP interface that
supports AGP 3.0 specification including 8X Fast Write protocol. The MCH
interconnects to the south bridge ICH5 via the Intel® proprietary Hub Interface.
3
DDR DIMM sockets. These four 184-pin DIMM sockets support up to 4GB
system memory using unbuffered non-ECC PC2700/2100 DDR DIMMs.
4
5
ATX power connector. This 20-pin connector connects to an ATX power
supply. The power supply must have at least 1A on the +5V standby lead
(+5VSB).
Super I/O controller. This Winbond 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, and a Flash
ROM interface. This controller also integrates the ASIC for PC health
monitoring.
6
Floppy disk connector. This connector accommodates 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.
7
8
IDE connectors. These dual-channel bus master IDE connectors support
Ultra DMA100/66, 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 8X slot. This Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) slot supports 0.8V/1.5V
9
AGP 8X mode graphics cards for 3D graphical applications.
SATA connectors. These connectors support Serial ATA HDDs and allows
for up to 150MB/s data transfer rate, faster than the standard Parallel ATA
with 133 MB/s.
10
11
12
Flash ROM. This 4Mb firmware contains the programmable BIOS program.
South bridge controller. The fifth-generation Intel I/O Controller Hub (ICH5)
is a subsystem that integrates various I/O functions including 2-channel
ATA100 bus master IDE controller, up to eight USB 2.0/1.1 ports, I/O APIC,
SMBus 2.0 controller, LPC interface, AC’97 2.2 interface, and PCI 2.2
interface. The ICH5 also contains the necessary arbitration and buffering for
efficient utilization of these interfaces.
Standby power LED. This 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.
13
ASUS P4P8X motherboard user guide
1-7
WiFi slot. The WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) slot connects a Wi-Fi certified
equipment for wireless networking that allows 11Mbps transmission (with a
fallback to 5.5, 2 and 1 Mbps) in the 2.4 GHz band. Wi-Fi networks use
radio technologies known as IEEE 802.11b to provide a fast reliable
wireless connectivity.
14
PCI slots. These five 32-bit PCI 2.2 expansion slots support bus master
PCI cards like SCSI or LAN cards with 133MB/s maximum throughput.
15
16
Audio CODEC. The ADI AD1985 is an AC’97 CODEC that allows 6-channel
audio playback. The audio CODEC provides six DAC channels for 5.1
surround sound, S/PDIF output, AUX and Line In stereo inputs, integrated
headphone amplifier, and supports greater than 90dB dynamic range.
LAN controller. This 3Com® 3C940 Gbit PCI LAN controller support
10BASE/100BASE/1000BASE-TX networking.
17
PS/2 mouse port. This green 6-pin connector is for a PS/2 mouse.
18
19
Parallel port. This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a scanner, or other
devices.
RJ-45 port. This port allows connection to a Local Area Network (LAN)
through a network hub.
20
21
Line In jack. This Line In (light blue) jack connects a tape player or other
audio sources. In 6-channel mode, the function of this jack becomes Rear
Speaker out.
Line Out jack. This Line Out (lime) jack connects a headphone or a
speaker. In 6-channel mode, the function of this jack becomes Front
Speaker Out.
22
23
Microphone jack. This Mic (pink) jack connects a microphone. In 6-channel
mode, the function of this jack becomes Bass/Center Speaker Out.
The functions of the Line Out, Line In, and Microphone jacks change when you
select the 6-channel audio configuration as shown in the following table:
Audio 2, 4 or 6-channel configuration
Headphone/
2-Speaker
Line In
4-Speaker
6-Speaker
Light Blue
Lime
Rear Speaker Out
Front Speaker Out
Mic In
Rear Speaker Out
Front Speaker Out
Bass/Center Speaker Out
Line Out
Mic In
Pink
USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports
are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.
24
25
26
USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports
are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.
Serial port. This 9-pin COM1 port is for pointing devices or other serial
devices.
S/PDIF jack. This jack connects to external audio output devices.
27
28
PS/2 keyboard port. This purple connector is for a PS/2 keyboard.
1-8
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.5 Motherboard layout
24.5cm (9.6in)
PS/2KBMS
KBPWR
T: Mouse
B: Keyboard
Socket 478
CPU_FAN1
SPDIF_O
COM1
USB20_12
Intel
ATX12V1
82865P
USB2.0
Top:
Memory
Controller
Hub
T: USB4
B: USB3
USBPW12
USBPW34
RJ-45
Top:Line In
Center:Line Out
Below:Mic In
Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP1)
®
CHA_FAN1
PWR_FAN1
SATA2
SATA1
Intel
ICH5
PCI1
PCI2
CD1
AUX1
MODEM1
USBPW56
USBPW78
4Mbit
Firmware
Hub
CLRTC1
Audio
Codec
USB_56
USB_78
PCI3
FP_AUDIO
P4P8X
PCI4
CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
PCI5
COM2
CHASSIS1
SMB1
SB_PWR1
PANEL1
GAME1
WIFI
ASUS P4P8X motherboard user guide
1-9
1.6 Before you proceed
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components
or change any motherboard settings.
1. Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any
component.
2. Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or to a metal
object, such as the power supply case, before handling components to
avoid damaging them due to static electricity.
3. Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
4. Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic
pad or in the bag that came with the component.
5. Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX
power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the
power supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the
motherboard, peripherals, and/or components.
When lit, the standby power LED (SB_PWR1) indicates that the system is ON,
in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode, a reminder that you should shut down the
system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any
motherboard component.
SB_PWR1
®
P4P8X
ON
OFF
Standby
Power
Powered
Off
P4P8X Onboard LED
1-10
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.7 Motherboard installation
Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to
ensure that the motherboard fits into it. The motherboard uses the micro-ATX form
factor that measures 12 inches x 9 inches (30.5 cm x 24.5 cm).
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.
1.7.1 Placement direction
When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in
the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the
chassis as indicated in the image below.
1.7.2 Screw holes
Place nine (9) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard
to the chassis.
Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so may damage the motherboard.
Place this side towards
the rear of the chassis
ASUS P4P8X motherboard user guide
1-11
1.8 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
1.8.1 Overview
The motherboard comes with a surface mount 478-pin Zero Insertion Force (ZIF)
socket. The socket is designed for the Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor in the 478-pin
package with 512KB L2 cache. This processor supports 533/400MHz front side
bus (FSB), and allows data transfer rates of up to 3.2GB/s. The socket will also
support the Intel Prescott CPU when available.
Gold Mark
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!
Notes on Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology
1. This motherboard supports Intel Pentium 4 CPUs with Hyper-Threading
Technology.
2. Hyper-Threading Technology is supported under Windows XP and later
versions only. If you are using any other operating systems, disable the
Hyper-Threading Techonology item in BIOS to ensure system stability and
performance.
3. It is recommended that you install WinXP Service Pack 1.
4. Make sure to enable the Hyper-Threading Technology item in BIOS before
installing a supported operating system.
info/hyperthreading.
To use the Hyper-Threading Technology on this motherboard:
1. Buy an Intel Pentium 4 CPU that supports Hyper-Threading Technology. Install
the CPU.
2. Power up the system and enter BIOS Setup (see Chapter 2). Under the
Advanced Menu, make sure that the item Hyper-Threading Technology is set
to Enabled. The item appears only if you installed a CPU that supports Hyper-
Threading Techonology.
3. Reboot the computer.
1-12
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.8.2 Installing the CPU
Follow these steps to install a CPU.
1. Locate the 478-pin ZIF socket on the motherboard.
2. Unlock the socket by pressing the
lever sideways, then lift it up to a 90°-
100° angle.
Socket Lever
90 - 100
Make sure that the socket lever is lifted
up to 90°-100° angle, otherwise the
CPU does not fit in completely.
3. Position the CPU above the socket
such that its marked corner matches
the base of the socket lever.
Gold Mark
4. Carefully insert the CPU into the
socket until it fits in place.
The CPU fits only in one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the
socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU!
5. When the CPU is in place, push
down the socket lever to secure the
CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab
to indicate that it is locked.
6. Install a CPU heatsink and fan
following the instructions that came
with the heatsink package.
7. Connect the CPU fan cable to the
CPU_FAN1 connector on the
motherboard.
ASUS P4P8X motherboard user guide
1-13
1.9 System memory
The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate (DDR) Dual Inline Memory
Module (DIMM) sockets. These sockets support up to 4GB system memory using
184-pin unbuffered non-ECC PCPC2700/PC2100 DDR DIMMs. The following
figure shows the location of the DDR DIMM sockets.
®
P4P8X
P4P8X 184-Pin DDR DIMM Sockets
1.9.1 Memory configurations
You may install 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, and 1GB DDR DIMMs into the
DIMM sockets using the memory configurations in this section.
Important notes
1. Installing DDR DIMMs other than the recommended configurations may
cause memory sizing error or system boot failure. Use any of the
recommended configurations in Table 1.
2. In dual-channel configurations, install only identical (the same type and
size) DDR DIMM pairs for each channel.
3. Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum
compatibility, it is recommended that you obtain memory modules from the
same vendor.
4. Make sure that the memory frequency matches the CPU FSB (Front Side
Bus). Refer to Table 2.
5. DIMMs installed into any three sockets will function in single-channel
mode.
6. When all four sockets are populated with 1GB DIMMs (total 4GB), the
system may detect only 3+GB (a little less than 4GB) due to ICH5 resource
allocation.
7. Double-sided DDR DIMMs with x16 (databus width = 16-bit) memory chips
are not supported due to chipset limitation.
8. It is recommended to use the blue DIMM slots first.
1-14
Chapter 1: Product introduction
Table 1
Recommended memory configurations
Sockets
Mode
DIMM_A1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 DIMM_B2
(blue)
(black)
(blue)
(black)
Single-channel
Dual-channel
(1) Populated
—
Populated
—
—
—
—
(2)
(3)
(4)
—
—
—
—
Populated
—
—
—
Populated
—
(1) Populated
—
Populated
—
(2)
—
Populated
Populated
(3)* Populated Populated Populated Populated
* For dual-channel configuration (3), you may:
• install identical DIMMs in all four sockets, or
• install identical DIMMs in DIMM_A1 and DIMM_B1 (blue sockets)
and identical DIMMs in DIMM_A2 and DIMM_B2 (black sockets)
Table 2
Memory frequency/CPU FSB synchronization
This motherboard supports different memory frequencies depending on the CPU
FSB (Front Side Bus) and the type of DDR DIMM.
CPU FSB
800 MHz
533 MHz
400 MHz
DDR DIMM Type
PC3200
Memory Frequency
400 MHz
PC2700/PC2100
PC2100
333/266 MHz
266 MHz
•
•
When overclocking to 800MHz CPU FSB, the system supports only
DDR400 (PC3200) DIMMs due to chipset limitation.
The following FSB/DDR ratios are not supported: 400/333, 400/400,
533/400.
ASUS P4P8X motherboard user guide
1-15
Table 3 DDR400 Qualified Vendor List (QVL) (Overclocked Mode)
Size
Vendor
TwinMOS
TwinMOS
Apacer
P/N Number
M2G9J16AGATT9F081AA4T
M2S9I08AFAPS9F0811A-T
77.10636.465
DS/SS
DS
SS
SS
DS
SS
DS
SS
DS
SS
SS
SS
SS
SS
DS
SS
SS
DS
SS
DS
SS
DS
DS
SS
Component
Max. DIMMs
512MB
256MB
256MB
512MB
256MB
512MB
256MB
512MB
256MB
256MB
256MB
256MB
256MB
512MB
256MB
256MB
512MB
256MB
512MB
256MB
512MB
512MB
256MB
TMD7608F8E50D
A2S56D30ATP
2
2
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
K4H560838D-TCC4
K4H560838D-TCC4
K4H560838D-TCC4
K4H560838D-TCC4
V58C2256804SAT5
V58C2256804SAT5
ADD8608A8A-5B
K4H560838D-TCC4
W942508BH-5
Apacer
77.10736.464
Transcend
Transcend
Transcend
Transcend
A DATA
TS32MLD64V4F3
TS64MLD64V4F3
TS32MLD64V4F3
TS64MLD64V4F3
MDOAD5F3G315B1ECZ
MDOSS6F3G31JB1EAE
MDOWB5F3G316B1EAE
A DATA
A DATA
KINGSTON KVR400X64C25/256
W942508BH-5
Winbond
Winbond
Infineon
Infineon
Infineon
W9425GCDB-5
W942508BH-5
W9451GCDB-5
W942508BH-5
HYS64D16301GU-5-B
HYS64D32300GU-5-B
HYS64D64320GU-5-B
HYB25D256160BT-5B
HYB25D256800BT-5B
HYB25D256800BT-5B
K4H560838E-TCCC
K4H560838E-TCCC
HY5DU56822BT-D43
HY5DU56822BT-D43
MT46V32M8TG-5BC
MT46V32M8TG-5BC
SAMSUNG M368L3223ETM-CCC
SAMSUNG M368L6432ETM-CCC
Hynix
HYMD232646B8J-D43 AA
HYMD264646B8J-D43 AA
MT16VDDT6464AG-40BC4
MT8VDDT3264AG-40BC4
Hynix
MICRON
MICRON
•
•
Obtain DDR DIMMs only from ASUS qualified vendors for better system
FSB800 and DDR400 is not a default specification, take caution when
overclocking your system.
1.9.2 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.
DDR DIMM notch
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 notch on the DIMM matches the
break 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
1-16
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.10 Expansion slots
The motherboard has five PCI slots and one Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) slot.
To install and configure an expansion card:
1. Install an expansion card following the instructions that came with the chassis.
NOTE: The AGP slot supports only +0.8V or 1.5V AGP cards.
2. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See
Chapter 2 for BIOS information.
3. Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page.
4. Install the drivers and/or software applications for the expansion card
according to the card documentation.
1.10.1 Standard interrupt assignments
IRQ
0
Priority
Standard Function
System Timer
1
1
2
Keyboard Controller
2
3*
4*
5*
6
7*
8
9*
10*
11*
12*
13
14*
15*
N/A
11
12
13
14
15
3
4
5
6
7
Programmable Interrupt
Communications Port (COM2)
Communications Port (COM1)
IRQ holder for PCI steering
Floppy Disk Controller
Printer Port (LPT1)
System CMOS/Real Time Clock
IRQ holder for PCI steering
Advance AC’97 CODEC
Standard PCI Graphics Adapter (VGA)
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.
1.10.2 IRQ assignments for this motherboard
A
B
C
—
—
—
—
D
—
—
—
—
E
—
—
—
—
F
shared
—
G
—
shared
—
shared
—
H
—
—
PCI slot 1
PCI slot 2
PCI slot 3
PCI slot 4
PCI slot 5
AGP slot
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
shared
—
shared
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
shared shared
—
Onboard USB controller HC0 shared
—
—
—
—
—
used
—
—
used
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Onboard USB controller HC1
Onboard USB controller HC2
—
—
Onboard USB controller HC3 shared
—
—
Onboard USB 2.0 controller
Onboard LAN
Onboard audio
—
—
—
—
—
shared
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
used
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
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.
ASUS P4P8X motherboard user guide
1-17
1.10.3 PCI slots
There are five 32-bit PCI slots on 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 PCI 5 slot and the WiFi slot can not be used at the same time.
When installing long PCI cards, it is recommended that to install in PCI
slots 2, 4 or 5. Long PCI cards installed in PCI slot 1 may interfere with the
SATA connectors.
•
When installing 64-bit PCI cards, it is recommended not to install in PCI slot
3. 64-bit PCI cards installed in PCI slot 3 may interfere with the USB
connectors.
1.10.4 AGP slot
This motherboard has an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) slot that supports AGP
8X (+0.8V) cards and AGP 4X (+1.5V) cards. When you buy an AGP card, make
sure that you ask for one with +0.8V or +1.5V specification.
Note the notches on the card golden fingers to ensure that they fit the AGP slot on
your motherboard.
Install only +0.8V or +1.5V AGP cards. This motherboard does not support 3.3V
AGP cards.
®
P4P8X
Keyed for 1.5v
P4P8X Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)
If installing the ATi 9500 or 9700 Pro Series VGA cards, use only the card
version PN xxx-xxxxx-30 or later, for optimum performance and overclocking
stability.
1-18
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.11 Jumpers
1. Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC1)
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. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the cap on
pins 2-3 for about 5~10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2.
3. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.
4. Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup
to re-enter data.
Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC1 jumper
default position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!
CLRTC1
®
1 2
2 3
Normal
Clear CMOS
P4P8X
(Default)
P4P8X Clear RTC RAM
There is no need to clear the RTC when the system hands due to overclocking.
For system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
feature. Reboot the system and the BIOS will automatically reset the CPU
parameters to its previous setting.
ASUS P4P8X motherboard user guide
1-19
2. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW12, USBPW34, USBPW56, USBPW78)
Set these jumpers to +5V to wake up the computer from S1 sleep mode (CPU
stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in low power mode) using the
connected USB devices. Set to +5VSB to wake up from S3 and S4 sleep
modes (no power to CPU, DRAM in slow refresh, power supply in reduced
power mode).
The USBPWR12 and USBPWR34 jumpers are for the rear USB ports. The
USBPWR56 and USBPWR78 jumper is for the internal USB header that you
can connect to the front USB ports.
USBPW12
USBPW34
2
1 2
3
+5V
(Default)
+5VSB
®
USBPW56
USBPW78
2
1 2
3
P4P8X
+5V
(Default)
+5VSB
P4P8X USB Device Wake Up
1. The USB device wake-up feature requires a power supply that can provide
at least 500mA on the +5VSB lead when these jumpers are set to +5VSB.
Otherwise, the system would not power up.
2. The total current consumed must NOT exceed the power supply capability
(+5VSB) whether under normal condition or in sleep mode.
3. Keyboard power (3-pin KBPWR)
This jumper allows you to enable or disable the keyboard wake-up feature. Set
this jumper to pins 2-3 (+5VSB) if you wish to wake up the computer when you
press a key on the keyboard (the default value is [Disabled]). 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 2.5.1 Power Up Control)
KBPWR
1 2
2 3
+5V
(Default)
+5VSB
®
P4P8X
P4P8X Keyboard Power Setting
1-20
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.12 Connectors
This section describes and illustrates the internal connectors on the motherboard.
1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY1)
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).
FLOPPY1
NOTE: Orient the red markings on
the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1.
®
P4P8X
PIN 1
P4P8X Floppy Disk Drive Connector
2. Serial port 1 connector (10-1 pin COM2)
This connector accommodates a second serial port using an optional serial
port bracket. Connect the bracket cable to this connector then install the
bracket into a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.
The serial port (COM2) bracket is purchased separately.
COM2
®
PIN 1
P4P8X
P4P8X Serial COM2 Bracket
ASUS P4P8X motherboard user guide
1-21
Refer to the Parallel ATA and Serial ATA device configurations on the next page.
3. IDE connectors (40-1 pin PRI_IDE1, SEC_IDE1)
This connector supports the provided UltraDMA100/66 IDE ribbon cable. Connect
the cable’s blue connector to the primary (recommended) or secondary IDE
connector, then connect the gray connector to the UltraDMA100/66 slave device
(hard disk drive) and the black connector to the UltraDMA100/66 master device. It
is recommended that you connect non-UltraDMA100/66 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 UltraDMA100/66/33 devices, purchase another
UltraDMA100/66/33 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 UltraDMA100/66 cable is intentional.
3. For UltraDMA100/66 IDE devices, use the 80-conductor IDE cable.
NOTE: Orient the red marking
(usually zigzag) on the IDE
ribbon cable to PIN 1.
s
®
P4P8X
PIN 1
P4P8X IDE Connectors
Important note when using legacy OS
Refer to page 1-22 on how to configure P-ATA and S-ATA devices if you
installed a legacy operating system (e.g. MS-DOS, Windows 98/Me/NT4.0).
1-22
Chapter 1: Product introduction
4. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2)
These next generation connectors support the thin Serial ATA cables for Serial ATA
hard disks. The current Serial ATA interface allows up to 150 MB/s data transfer
rate, faster than the standard parallel ATA with 133 MB/s (Ultra ATA/133).
SATA1
®
SATA2
P4P8X
P4P8X SATA Connectors
Important notes on Serial ATA solution:
•
In legacy operating system (Win98, WinME, WinNT, DOS) environment,
using SATA will disable one of the IDE channels from ICH5 south bridge
chipset. See BIOS section for correct settings.
•
Hot plug support for Serial ATA drive and connections are not available in
this motherboard.
Parallel ATA and Serial ATA device configurations
Following are the Parallel ATA and Serial ATA device configurations supported by
Intel ICH5 specifications.
Native operating systems (OS) are Windows 2000/XP. ICH5 supports a maximum
of six (6) devices using these OS.
Legacy OS are MS-DOS, Windows 98/Me/NT4.0. ICH5 supports a maximum of
four (4) devices using these OS.
P-ATA
S-ATA
Operating System
Primary
(2 devices)
Secondary
(2 devices)
Port 0
(1 device)
Port 1
(1 device)
1. Windows 2000/XP
2. Windows 98/Me/NT4.0
Configuration A
Configuration B
Configuration C
—
—
—
—
Legend:
Supported
Disabled
—
ASUS P4P8X motherboard user guide
1-23
Required IDE Configuration settings in BIOS
Refer to the following table for the appropriate BIOS settings of the above P-ATA
and S-ATA device configurations. See section “2.3.6 IDE Configuration” for details
on the related BIOS items.
Windows
2000/XP
Windows 98/Me/NT4.0
B
BIOS item
A
Compatible Mode
—
C
Onboard IDE Operate Mode
Enhanced Mode
Compatible Mode
Compatible Mode
Enhanced Mode Support On S-ATA
IDE Port Settings
—
—
—
Primary P-ATA+S-ATA Sec. P-ATA+S-ATA
P-ATA Ports Only
•
•
When using Serial ATA function, make sure that the Windows® XP™
Service Pack 1 is installed.
When using Serial ATA hard disks in a legacy operating system
(Windows 98, 98SE, ME, NT, DOS) make sure to adjust the appropriate
BIOS settings. Refer to section “2.3.6 IDE Configuration” in page 2-12 for
more detailed setting information.
5. ATX power connectors (20-pin ATXPWR1, 4-pin ATX12V1)
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 ATXPWR1 connector, this motherboard requires that
you connect the 4-pin ATX +12V power plug to provide sufficient power to the
CPU.
•
•
Do not forget to connect the 4-pin ATX +12V power plug. Otherwise, the
system will not boot up.
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.
ATXPWR1
ATX12V1
+3.3VDC
-12.0VDC
COM
+3.3VDC
+3.3VDC
COM
+12V DC GND
PS_ON#
COM
+5.0VDC
COM
®
+12V DC GND
COM
COM
+5.0VDC
COM
-5.0VDC
+5.0VDC
+5.0VDC
PWR_OK
+5VSB
+12.0VDC
P4P8X
P4P8X ATX Power Connector
1-24
Chapter 1: Product introduction
6. SMBus connector (6-1 pin SMB1)
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.
®
SMB1
1
P4P8X
P4P8X SMBus Connector
7. CPU and chassis fan connectors (3-pin CPU_FAN1, CHA_FAN1,
PWR_FAN1)
The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350mA~740mA (8.88W max.) or a
total of 1A~2.22A (26.64W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cables to the fan
connectors on the motherboard, making sure that the black wire of each cable
matches the ground pin of the connector.
Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Lack of sufficient
air flow within the system may damage the motherboard components. These
are not jumpers! DO NOT place jumper caps on the fan connectors!
CPU_FAN1
®
CHA_FAN1
P4P8X
PWR_FAN1
P4P8X 12-Volt Fan Connectors
ASUS P4P8X motherboard user guide
1-25
8. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin FP_AUDIO)
This is an interface for the Intel front panel audio cable that allow convenient
connection and control of audio devices.
By default, the pins labeled LINE OUT_R/BLINE_OUT_R and the pins LINE
OUT_L/BLINE_OUT_L are shorted with jumper caps. Remove the caps only
when you are connecting the front panel audio cable.
®
FP_AUDIO
P4P8X
P4P8X Front Panel Audio Connector
9. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS1)
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.
By default, the pins labeled “Chassis Signal” and “Ground” are shorted
with a jumper cap. If you wish to use the chassis intrusion detection
feature, remove the jumper cap from the pins.
CHASSIS1
®
P4P8X
(Default)
P4P8X Chassis Alarm Lead
1-26
Chapter 1: Product introduction
10. GAME/MIDI connector (16-1 pin GAME1)
This connector supports an optional GAME/MIDI module. Connect the GAME/
MIDI cable to this connector. The GAME/MIDI port on the module connects a
joystick or a game pad for playing games, and MIDI devices for playing or
editing audio files.
The USB 2.0/GAME module is purchased separately.
®
P4P8X
GAME1
P4P8X Game Connector
11. Internal audio connectors (4-pin CD1, AUX1, MODEM)
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.
MODEM
Modem-Out
Ground
Right Audio Channel
Ground
Ground
®
Ground
Modem-In
Left Audio Channel
CD1(Black) AUX1(White)
P4P8X
P4P8X Internal Audio Connectors
ASUS P4P8X motherboard user guide
1-27
12. USB header (10-1 pin USB56, USB78)
If the USB ports on the rear panel are inadequate, two USB headers are
available for additional USB ports. The USB header complies with USB 2.0
specification that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed. This speed
advantage over the conventional 12 Mbps on USB 1.1 allows faster Internet
connection, interactive gaming, and simultaneous running of high-speed
peripherals.
Connect an optional USB 2.0/GAME module to this header. The module has
two USB 2.0 ports that support the next generation USB peripherals such as
high resolution cameras, scanners, and printers.
You must install the driver before you can use the USB 2.0 capability.
®
P4P8X
USB56
USB78
1
1
P4P8X USB 2.0 Header
The USB 2.0/GAME module is purchased separately.
13. WiFi connector (63-pin WIFI)
This slot supports the ASUS proprietary WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) module.
®
WIFI
P4P8X
P4P8X Wi-Fi Slot
1-28
Chapter 1: Product introduction
14. System panel connector (20-pin PANEL1)
This connector accommodates several system front panel functions.
Speaker
Connector
Power LED
®
Reset SW
IDE_LED
P4P8X
ATX Power
Switch*
SMI Lead
Requires an ATX power supply.
*
P4P8X System Panel Connectors
•
•
System Power LED Lead (3-1 pin PLED)
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.
Hard disk activity LED (2-pin IDELED)
This 2-pin connector supplies power to the hard disk activity LED. The read
and write activities of any device connected to the primary or secondary IDE
connector cause this LED to light up.
•
•
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 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)
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.
ASUS P4P8X motherboard user guide
1-29
1-30
Chapter 1: Product introduction
Chapter 2
This chapter tells how to change system settings
through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed
descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also
provided.
BIOS information
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS
The original BIOS file for this motherboard is in the support CD.
Copy the original BIOS to a bootable floppy disk in case you need to restore
the BIOS in the future.
2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk
1. Do either one of the following to create a bootable floppy disk.
DOS environment
Insert a 1.44 MB floppy disk into the drive. At the DOS prompt, type:
format A:/S <Enter>
Windows environment
a. From your Windows desktop, click on Start, point to Settings, then click on
Control Panel.
b. Double-click on Add/Remove Programs icon from the Control Panel
window.
c. Click on the Startup Disk tab, then on Create Disk... button.
d. Insert a 1.44 MB floppy disk when prompted. Follow the succeeding screen
instructions to complete the process.
2. Copy the original (or the latest) motherboard BIOS to the bootable floppy disk.
2.1.2 Using AFUDOS to update the BIOS
Update the BIOS using the AFUDOS.EXE utility in DOS environment.
your motherboard. Save the BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk.
Write down the BIOS file name to a piece of paper. You need to type the exact
BIOS file name at the prompt.
2. Copy the AFUDOS.EXE utility from the support CD to the bootable floppy disk
that contains the BIOS file.
3. Boot the system from the floppy disk.
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Chapter 2: BIOS information
4. At the DOS prompt, type the command line:
afudos /i<filename>
where “filename” means the latest (or original) BIOS file that you copied to the
bootable floppy disk.
The screen displays the status of the update process.
The BIOS information on the screen is for reference only. What you see on your
screen may not be exactly the same as shown.
A:\>afudos /ip4p8x.rom
AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.10
Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.
Reading file ..... done
Erasing flash .... done
Writing flash .... 0x0008CC00 (9%)
DO NOT shutdown or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so may
cause system boot failure!
When the BIOS update process is complete, the utility returns to the DOS
prompt.
A:\>afudos /ip4p8x.rom
AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.10
Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.
Reading file ..... done
Erasing flash .... done
Writing flash .... 0x0008CC00 (9%)
Verifying flash .. done
A:\>
5. Reboot the system from the hard disk.
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2-3
2.1.3 Using ASUS EZ Flash to update the BIOS
The ASUS EZ Flash feature allows you to easily update the BIOS without
having to go through the long process of booting from a diskette and using
a DOS-based utility. The EZ Flash is built-in the BIOS firmware so it is
accessible by simply pressing <Alt> + <F2> during the Power-On Self
Tests (POST).
To update the BIOS using ASUS EZ Flash:
your motherboard and rename it to P4P8X.ROM. Save the BIOS file to a
floppy disk.
2. Reboot the system.
3. To launch EZ Flash, press <Alt> + <F2> during POST to display the following.
User recovery requested. Starting BIOS recovery...
Checking for floppy...
If there is no floppy disk found in the drive, the error message “Floppy not
found!” appears.
If the correct BIOS file is not found in the floppy disk, the error message
“P4P8X.ROM not found!”
4. Insert the floppy disk that contains the BIOS file. If the P4P8X.ROM file is
found in the floppy disk, EZ Flash performs the BIOS update process and
automatically reboots the system when done.
DO NOT shutdown or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so may
cause system boot failure!
User recovery requested. Starting BIOS recovery...
Checking for floppy...
Floppy found!
Reading file “p4p8x.rom”. Completed.
Start flashing...
Flashed successfully. Rebooting.
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Chapter 2: BIOS information
2.1.4 Recovering the BIOS with CrashFree BIOS 2
The CrashFree BIOS 2 auto recovery tool allows you to restore BIOS from the
motherboard support CD, or from a floppy disk that contains the BIOS file, in case
the current BIOS on the motherboard fails or gets corrupted.
1. Prepare the support CD that came with the motherboard or a floppy disk
that contains the motherboard BIOS (P4P8X.ROM) before proceeding
with the BIOS update process.
2. If you have saved a copy of the original motherboard BIOS to a bootable
floppy disk, you may also use this disk to restore the BIOS. See section
“2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk.”
To recover the BIOS from a floppy disk:
1. Boot the system.
2. When a corrupted BIOS is detected, the following message appears.
Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...
Checking for floppy...
3. Insert a floppy disk that contains the original, or the latest, BIOS file for
this motherboard (P4P8X.ROM). If the BIOS file that you downloaded
from the ASUS website has a different filename (e.g. P4P8X11.ROM),
rename it to P4P8X.ROM. The BIOS update process continues when
the P4P8X.ROM is found.
Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...
Checking for floppy...
Floppy found!
Reading file “p4p8x.rom”. Completed.
Start flashing...
DO NOT shutdown or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so may
cause system boot failure!
4. When the BIOS update process is complete, reboot the system.
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2-5
To recover the BIOS from the support CD:
1. Boot the system.
2. When a corrupted BIOS is detected, the following screen message appears.
Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...
Checking for floppy...
If there is no floppy disk found in the drive, the system automatically checks the
CD-ROM.
3. Place the support CD in the CD-ROM. The support CD contains the
original BIOS for this motherboard.
Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...
Checking for floppy...
Floppy not found!
Checking for CD-ROM...
CD-ROM found.
Reading file “p4p8x.rom”. Completed.
Start flashing...
DO NOT shutdown or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so may
cause system boot failure!
4. When the BIOS update process is complete, reboot the system.
The recovered BIOS may not be the latest BIOS version for this motherboard.
2-6
Chapter 2: BIOS information
2.2 BIOS Setup program
This motherboard supports a programmable firmware hub (FWH) that you can
update using the provided utility described in section “2.1 Managing and updating
your BIOS.”
Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconfiguring
your system, or prompted to “Run Setup”. This section explains how to configure
your system using this utility.
Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you 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 firmware hub.
The firmware hub 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.
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2-7
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen
Menu items Menu bar
Configuration fields
General help
System Time
[11:10:19]
Use [ENTER], [TAB]
or [SHIFT-TAB] to
select a field.
System Date
[Thu 03/27/2003]
Legacy Diskette A
[1.44M, 3.5 in]
Primary IDE Master
Primary IDE Slave
Secondary IDE Master
Secondary IDE Slave
Third IDE Master
:[ST320413A]
Use [+] or [-] to
:[ASUS CD-S340]
:[Not Detected]
:[Not Detected]
:[Not Detected]
:[Not Detected]
configure system time.
Fourth IDE Master
IDE Configuration
Select Screen
Select Item
System Information
+-
Change Field
Tab Select Field
F1
General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
Sub-menu items
Navigation keys
2.2.2 Menu bar
The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:
Main
For changing the basic system configuration
For changing the advanced system settings
Advanced
Power
For changing the advanced power management (APM)
configuration
Boot
Exit
For changing the system boot configuration
For selecting the exit options and loading default settings
To select an item on the menu bar, press the right or left arrow key on the keyboard
until the desired item is highlighted.
2.2.3 Navigation keys
At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that
particular menu. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change
the settings.
Some of the navigation keys differ from one screen to another.
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Chapter 2: BIOS information
2.2.4 Menu items
The highlighted item on the menu bar
displays the specific items for that menu. For
example, selecting Main shows the Main
menu items.
System Time
[11:10:19]
Use [ENTER], [TAB]
or [SHIFT-TAB] to
select a field.
System Date
[Thu 03/27/2003]
[1.44M, 3.5 in]
Legacy Diskette A
Primary IDE Master
Primary IDE Slave
Secondary IDE Master
Secondary IDE Slave
Third IDE Master
:[ST320413A]
Use [+] or [-] to
:[ASUS CD-S340]
:[Not Detected]
:[Not Detected]
:[Not Detected]
:[Not Detected]
configure system time.
Fourth IDE Master
IDE Configuration
Select Screen
Select Item
System Information
+-
Change Field
Tab Select Field
F1
General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
The other items (Advanced, Power, Boot, and
Exit) on the menu bar have their respective
menu items.
Main menu items
2.2.5 Sub-menu items
An item with a sub-menu on any menu screen is distinguished by a solid triangle
before the item. To display the sub-menu, select the item and press Enter.
2.2.6 Configuration fields
These fields show the values for the menu items. If an item is user- configurable,
you may change the value of the field opposite the item. You can not select an item
that is not user-configurable.
A configurable field is enclosed in brackets, and is highlighted when selected. To
change the value of a field, select it then press Enter to display a list of options.
Refer to “2.2.7 Pop-up window.”
2.2.7 Pop-up window
Select a menu item then press Enter to
Configure System Frequency/Voltage
display a pop-up window with the
configuration options for that item.
AI Overclock Tuner
CPU External Frequency (MHz)
CPU Ratio
[Manual]
[100]
[12]
DRAM Frequency
[Auto]
AGP/PCI Frequency (MHz)
[Auto]
CPU VCore Offset to .IV
DDR Reference Voltage
AGP VDDQ Voltage
[Disabled]
[Auto]
Select Screen
Select Item
+-
F1
Change Option
General Help
2.2.8 Scroll bar
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
A scroll bar appears on the right side of a
menu screen when there are items that do
not fit on the screen. Press Up/Down arrow
keys or PageUp/PageDown keys to display
the other items on the screen.
Pop-up window
Scroll bar
2.2.9 General help
At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected
item.
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2-9
2.3 Main menu
When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears giving
you an overview of the basic system information.
Refer to section “2.2.1 BIOS menu screen” for information on the menu screen
items and how to navigate through them.
System Time
[11:10:19]
Use [ENTER], [TAB]
or [SHIFT-TAB] to
select a field.
System Date
[Thu 03/27/2003]
[1.44M, 3.5 in]
Legacy Diskette A
Primary IDE Master
Primary IDE Slave
Secondary IDE Master
Secondary IDE Slave
Third IDE Master
:[ST320413A]
Use [+] or [-] to
:[ASUS CD-S340]
:[Not Detected]
:[Not Detected]
:[Not Detected]
:[Not Detected]
configure system time.
Fourth IDE Master
IDE Configuration
Select Screen
Select Item
System Information
+-
Change Field
Tab Select Field
F1
General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
2.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xxxx]
This item allows you to set the system time.
2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]
This item allows you to set the system date.
2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]
Sets the type of floppy drive installed. Configuration options: [Disabled] [360K, 5.25
in.] [1.2M , 5.25 in.] [720K , 3.5 in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.] [2.88M, 3.5 in.]
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Chapter 2: BIOS information
2.3.5 Primary/Secondary/Third/Fourth
IDE Master/Slave
While entering Setup, BIOS auto-detects the presence of IDE devices. There is a
separate sub-menu for each IDE device. Select a device item then press Enter to
display the IDE device information.
Primary IDE Master
Select the type
Device
: Hard Disk
: ST320413A
: 20.0GB
of device connected
to the system.
Vendor
Size
LBA Mode
Block Mode
PIO Mode
Async DMA
Ultra DMA
: Supported
: 16 Sectors
: 4
: MultiWord DMA-2
: Ultra DMA-5
SMART Monitoring: Supported
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Disabled]
Type
Select Screen
Select Item
LBA/Large Mode
Block (Multi-sector Transfer)
PIO Mode
+-
F1
Change Option
General Help
DMA Mode
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
Smart Monitoring
32Bit Data Transfer
The values opposite the dimmed items (Device, Vendor, Size, LBA Mode, Block
Mode, PIO Mode, Async DMA, Ultra DMA, and SMART monitoring) are auto-
detected by BIOS and are not user-configurable. These items show N/A if no IDE
device is installed in the system.
Type [Auto]
Selects the type of IDE drive. Configuration options: [Not Installed] [Auto]
[CDROM] [ARMD]
LBA/Large Mode [Auto]
Enables or disables the LBA mode. Setting to Auto enables the LBA mode if the
device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously formatted with LBA
mode disabled. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto]
Block (Multi-sector Transfer) [Auto]
Enables or disables data multi-sectors transfers. When set to Auto, the data
transfer from and to the device occurs multiple sectors at a time if the device
supports multi-sector transfer feature. When set to Disabled, the data transfer from
and to the device occurs one sector at a time. Configuration options: [Disabled]
[Auto]
PIO Mode [Auto]
Selects the PIO mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4]
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DMA Mode [Auto]
Selects the DMA mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [SWDMA0] [SWDMA1]
[SWDMA2] [MWDMA0] [MWDMA1] [MWDMA2] [UDMA0] [UDMA1] [UDMA2]
[UDMA3] [UDMA4] [UDMA5]
SMART Monitoring [Auto]
Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology. Configuration
options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]
32Bit Data Transfer [Disabled]
Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer. Configuration options: [Disabled]
[Enabled]
2.3.6 IDE Configuration
The items in this menu allows you to change the settings for the IDE devices
installed in the system. Select an item then press Enter if you wish to configure the
item.
IDE Configuration
Onboard IDE Operate Mode
Enhanced Mode Support On
IDE Detect Time Out (Sec)
[Enhanced Mode]
[S-ATA]
[35]
Select Screen
Select Item
+-
F1
Change Option
General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
Onboard IDE Operate Mode [Enhanced Mode]
Allows selection of the IDE operation mode depending on the operating system
(OS) that you installed. Set to Enhanced Mode if you are using native OS, such as
Windows 2000/XP. Set to Compatible Mode if you are using legacy OS including
MS-DOS, Windows ME/98/NT4.0.
Configuration options: [Compatible Mode] [Enhanced Mode]
Refer to the section “Parallel ATA and Serial ATA device configurations” on page
1-22 for the appropriate settings of the IDE Configuration items under different
operating systems.
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Chapter 2: BIOS information
Enhanced Mode Support On [S-ATA]
The default setting S-ATA allows you to use native OS on Serial ATA and
Parallel ATA ports. We recommend that you do not change the default setting
for better OS compatibility. In this setting, you may use legacy OS on the
Parallel ATA ports only if you did not install any Serial ATA device.
The P-ATA+S-ATA and P-ATA options are for advanced users only. If you set to
any of these options and encounter problems, revert to the default setting
S-ATA. Configuration options: [P-ATA+S-ATA] [S-ATA] [P-ATA]
The Enhanced Mode Support On appears only when the item Onboard IDE
Operate Mode is set to Enhanced Mode.
IDE Port Settings [Primary P-ATA+S-ATA]
Allows selection of the IDE ports to activate if you are using a legacy operating
system. Set to [Primary P-ATA+S-ATA] if you wish to use the primary Parallel
ATA and Serial ATA ports, or set to [Secondary P-ATA+SATA] to enable the
secondary P-ATA port instead. Setting to [P-ATA Ports Only] disables the two
Serial ATA ports supported by ICH5. Configuration options: [Primary P-ATA+S-
ATA] [Secondary P-ATA+S-ATA] [P-ATA Ports Only]
The IDE Port Settings appears only when the item Onboard IDE Operate
Mode is set to Compatible Mode.
IDE Detect Time Out [35]
Selects the time out value for detecting ATA/ATAPI devices. Confgiuration options:
[0] [5] [10] [15] [20] [25] [30] [35]
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2.3.7 System Information
This menu gives you an overview of the general system specifications. The items
in this menu are auto-detected by BIOS.
AMI BIOS
Version
: 08.00.09
Build Date : 05/13/03
ID
: P4P8X063
Processor
Type
: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.40GHz
Speed
: 1800 MHz
: 1
Count
System Memory
Size
: 256MB
Select Screen
Select Item
+-
F1
Change Option
General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
AMI BIOS
This item displays the auto-detected BIOS information.
Processor
This item displays the auto-detected CPU specification.
System Memory
This item displays the auto-detected system memory.
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Chapter 2: BIOS information
2.4 Advanced menu
The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other
system devices.
Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items.
Incorrect field values may cause the system to malfunction.
Jumperfree Configuration
CPU Configuration
Chipset
Configure CPU.
Onboard Devices Configuration
PCI PnP
USB Configuration
Select Screen
Select Item
Enter Go to Sub-screen
F1
General Help
Save and Exit
Exit
F10
ESC
2.4.1 JumperFree Configuration
Configure System Frequency/Voltage
AI Overclock Tuner
CPU Ratio
[Standard]
[12]
Select Screen
Select Item
+-
F1
Change Option
General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
AI Overclock Tuner [Standard]
Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU internal
frequency. Select either one of the preset overclocking options. Configuration
options: [Manual] [Standard] [Overclock 5%] [Overclock 10%] [Overclock 20%]
[Overclock 30%]
Selecting a very high CPU frequency may cause the system to become
unstable! If this happens, revert to the default setting.
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2-15
If you are using an unlocked CPU, the item CPU Ratio appears under the AI
Overclock Tuner item. You may select your desired ratio from the available
options.
CPU Ratio [12]
This field sets the ratio between the CPU Core Clock and the Front Side Bus (FSB)
Frequency.
If an invalid ratio is set in CMOS, the actual and setpoint values may differ.
When you set the AI Overclocking Tuner item to [Manual], the related
overclocking items appear.
Configure System Frequency/Voltage
AI Overclock Tuner
CPU External Frequency (MHz)
CPU Ratio
[Manual]
[100]
[12]
DRAM Frequency
[Auto]
AGP/PCI Frequency (MHz)
[Auto]
CPU VCore Offset to .IV
DDR Reference Voltage
AGP VDDQ Voltage
[Disabled]
[Auto]
[1.50V]
Select Screen
Select Item
+-
F1
Change Option
General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
CPU External Frequency (MHz) [XXX] (value is auto-detected)
Indicates the frequency sent by the clock generator to the system bus and PCI
bus. The bus frequency (external frequency) multiplied by the bus multiple equals
the CPU speed. The value of this item is auto-detected by BIOS and is not
manually configurable. The values range from 100 to 400. Refer to the following
table for the correct Front Side Bus and CPU External Frequency settings.
DRAM Frequency [Auto]
Allows you to set the DDR operating frequency. Configuration options: [266 MHz]
[333 MHz] [400 MHz] [Auto]
AGP/PCI Frequency (MHz) [Auto]
Allows you to adjust to a higher AGP/PCI frequency for better system performance
and overclocking capability. Configuration options: [Auto] [66.66/33.33] [72.73/
36.36] [80.00/40.00]
Selecting a very high AGP/PCI frequency may cause the system to become
unstable! If this happens, revert to the default setting.
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Chapter 2: BIOS information
CPU VCore Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to select a specific CPU VCore voltage. Configuration options: [Auto]
[1.6000V] ... [1.4750V]
Refer to the CPU documentation before setting the CPU VCore voltage. A very
high Vcore voltage may severely damage the CPU!
DDR Reference Voltage [Auto]
Allows selection of the DDR SDRAM operating voltage. Configuration options:
[2.85V] [2.75V] [2.65V] [2.55V] [Auto]
AGP VDDQ voltage [1.50V]
Allows selection of the AGP operating voltage. Configuration options: [1.80V]
[1.70V] [1.60V] [1.50V]
2.4.2 CPU Configuration
The items in this menu show the CPU-related information auto-detected by BIOS.
Configure advanced CPU settings
Manufacturer : Intel(R)
Brand String : Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.4GHz
Frequency
: 1800 MHz
Ratio Status : Locked
Ratio Actual Value : 18
CPU Ratio
[18]
Hyper Threading Technology
[Enabled]
Select Screen
Select Item
+-
F1
Change Option
General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
Hyper-Threading Technology [Enabled]
This item allows you to enable or disable the processor Hyper-Threading
Technology. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
The item Hyper-Threading Technology appears only if you installed an Intel
Pentium 4 CPU that supports this feature.
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2-17
2.4.3 Chipset
The Chipset menu items allow you to change the advanced chipset settings. Select
an item then press Enter to display the sub-menu.
Advanced Chipset settings
WARNING: Setting wrong values in the sections below
may cause system to malfunction.
Configure DRAM Timing by SPD
Memory Acceleration Mode
DRAM Idle Timer
[Enabled]
[Auto]
[Auto]
DRAm Refresh Rate
[Auto]
Graphic Adapter Priority
Graphics Aperture Size
Spread Spectrum
[AGP/PCI]
[ 64 MB]
[Enabled]
Select Screen
Select Item
ICH Delayed Transaction
MPS Revision
[Enabled]
[1.4]
+-
F1
Change Option
General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
Configure DRAM Timing by SPD [Enabled]
When this item is enabled, the DRAM timing parameters are set according to the
DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect). When disabled, you can manually set the
DRAM timing parameters through the DRAM sub-items. Configuration options:
[Disabled] [Enabled]
Memory Acceleration Mode [Auto]
This field when [Enabled] minimize latencies from CPU to memory to boost system
performance. Configuration options: [Auto] [Enabled]
Setting to [Enabled] may cause the system to become unstable! If this
happens, revert to the default setting [Auto].
DRAM Idle Timer [Auto]
Configuration options: [Infinite] [0T] [8T] [16T] [64T] [Auto]
DRAM Refresh Mode [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [15.6 uSec] [7.8 uSec] [64 uSec] [64T]
If the system becomes unstable after changing the settings of any of the above
items, revert to the default settings.
The following sub-items appear only when the item Configure DRAM Timing
by SPD is set to Disabled.
2-18
Chapter 2: BIOS information
DRAM CAS# Latency [2.5 Clocks]
This item controls the latency between the SDRAM read command and the
time the data actually becomes available. Configuration options: [2.0 Clocks]
[2.5 Clocks] [3.0 Clocks]
DRAM RAS# Precharge [4 Clocks]
This item controls the idle clocks after issuing a precharge command to the
DDR SDRAM. Configuration options: [4 Clocks] [3 Clocks]
[2 Clocks]
DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay [4 Clocks]
This item controls the latency between the DDR SDRAM active command and
the read/write command. Configuration options:
[4 Clocks] [3 Clocks] [2 Clocks]
DRAM Precharge Delay [8 Clocks]
Configuration options: [8 Clocks] [7 Clocks] [6 Clocks] [5 Clocks]
DRAM Burst Length [4 Clocks]
Configuration options: [4 Clocks] [8 Clocks]
Graphic Adapter Priority [AGP/PCI]
Allows selection of the graphics controller to use as primary boot device.
Configuration options: [AGP/PCI] [PCI/AGP]
Graphics Aperture Size [64MB]
Allows you to select the size of mapped memory for AGP graphic data.
Configuration options: [4MB] [8MB] [16MB] [32MB] [64MB] [128MB] [256MB]
Spread Spectrum [Enabled]
This field enables or disables the clock generator spread spectrum. Configuration
options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
ICH Delayed Transaction [Enabled]
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
MPS Revision [1.1]
Configuration options: [1.1] [1.4]
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2.4.4 Onboard Devices Configuration
OnBoard AC’97 Audio
OnBoard LAN
[Auto]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
OnBoard LAN Boot ROM
Serial Port1 Address
Serial Port2 Address
Parallel Port Address
Parallel Port Mode
ECP Mode DMA Channel
Parallel Port IRQ
[3F8/IRQ4]
[2F8/IRQ3]
[378]
[ECP]
[DMA3]
[IRQ7]
OnBoard Game/MIDI Port
[Disabled]
Select Screen
Select Item
+-
F1
Change Option
General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
OnBoard AC’97 Audio [Auto]
[Auto] allows the BIOS to detect whether you are using any audio device. If an
audio device is detected, the onboard audio controller is enabled; if no audio
device is detected, the controller is disabled. Configuration options: [Disabled]
[Auto]
OnBoard LAN [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the onboard LAN controller. Configuration options:
[Disabled] [Enabled]
OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the option ROM in the onboard LAN controller.
This item appears only when the Onboard LAN item is set to Enabled.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]
Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address. Configuration options:
[Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3]
Serial Port2 Address [2F8/IRQ3]
Allows you to select the Serial Port2 base address. Configuration options:
[Disabled] [2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3]
Parallel Port Address [378]
Allows you to select the Parallel Port base addresses. Configuration options:
[Disabled] [378] [278] [3BC]
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Chapter 2: BIOS information
Parallel Port Mode [ECP]
Allows you to select the Parallel Port mode. When the item Parallel Port Address
is set to 278, the Parallel Port Mode options are only Normal and EPP.
Configuration options: [Normal] [Bi-directional] [EPP] [ECP]
EPP Version [1.9]
Allows selection of the Parallel Port EPP version. This item appears only when
the Parallel Port Mode is set to EPP. Configuration options: [1.9] [1.7]
ECP Mode DMA Channel [DMA3]
Allows selection of the Parallel Port ECP DMA channel. This item appears only
when the Parallel Port Mode is set to ECP. Configuration options: [DMA0]
[DMA1] [DMA3]
Parallel Port IRQ [IRQ7]
Allows you to select the Parallel Port IRQ. Configuration options: [IRQ5] [IRQ7]
Onboard Game/MIDI Port [Disabled]
Allows you to select the Game Port address or to disable the port. Configuration
options: [Disabled] [200/300] [200/330] [208/300] [208/330]
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2-21
2.4.5 PCI PnP
The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP
devices. The menu includes setting IRQ and DMA channel resources for either
PCI/PnP or legacy ISA devices, and setting the memory size block for legacy ISA
devices.
Take caution when changing the settings of the PCI PnP menu items.
Incorrect field values may cause the system to malfunction.
Advanced PCI/PnP settings
NO: Lets the bIOS
configure all the
devices in the system.
YES: Lets the
WARNING: Setting wrong values in the sections below
may cause system to malfunction.
Plug and Play OS
[No]
operating system
configure Plug and
Play (PnP) devices not
required for boot if
your system has a Plug
and Play operating
system.
PCI Latency Timer
Allocate IRQ to PCI VGA
Palette Snooping
[64]
[Yes]
[Disabled]
PCI IDE BusMaster
[Enabled]
IRQ3
[Available]
[Available]
[Available]
[Available]
[Available]
[Available]
[Available]
[Available]
[Available]
IRQ4
IRQ5
Select Screen
IRQ7
Select Item
IRQ9
+-
F1
Change Option
General Help
IRQ10
IRQ11
IRQ14
IRQ15
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
Scroll down to display the rest of the menu items
Plug and Play O/S [No]
When set to [No], BIOS configures all the devices in the system. When set to [Yes]
and if you installed a Plug & Play operating system, the operating system
configures the Plug & Play devices not required for boot. Configuration options:
[No] [Yes]
PCI Latency Timer [64]
Allows you to select the value in units of PCI clocks for the PCI device latency
timer register. Configuration options: [32] [64] [96] [128] [160] [192] [224] [248]
Allocate IRQ to PCI VGA [Yes]
When set to [Yes], BIOS assigns an IRQ to PCI VGA card if the card requests for
an IRQ. When set to [No], BIOS does not assign an IRQ to the PCI VGA card even
if requested. Configuration options: [No] [Yes]
Pallete Snooping [Disabled]
When set to [Enabled], the pallete snooping feature informs the PCI devices that
an ISA graphics device is installed in the system so that the latter can function
correctly. Setting to [Disabled] deactivates this feature. Configuration options:
[Disabled] [Enabled]
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Chapter 2: BIOS information
PCI IDE BusMaster [Enabled]
Allows BIOS to use PCI bus mastering when reading/writing to IDE devices.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
IRQ xx [Available]
When set to [Available], the specific IRQ is free for use of PCI/PnP devices. When
set to [Reserved], the IRQ is reserved for legacy ISA devices. Configuration
options: [Available] [Reserved]
DMA Channel xx [Available]
When set to [Available], the specific DMA channel is free for use of PCI/PnP
devices. When set to [Reserved], the DMA channel is reserved for legacy ISA
devices. Configuration options: [Available] [Reserved]
Reserved Memory Size [Disabled]
Sets the size of memory block reserved for legacy ISA devices. Configuration
options: [Disabled] [16K] [32K] [64K]
2.4.6 USB Configuration
The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an
item then press Enter to display the configuration options.
USB Configuration
Enables USB host
controllers.
Module Version : 2.22.4-5.3
USB Devices Enabled : None
USB Function
[8 USB Ports]
[Auto]
Legacy USB Support
USB 2.0 Controller
USB 2.0 Controller Mode
[Enabled]
[HiSpeed]
USB Mass Storage Device Configuration
Select Screen
Select Item
+-
F1
Change Option
General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
The Module Version and USB Devices Enabled items show the auto-detected
values. If no USB device is detected, the item shows None.
USB Function [8 USB Ports]
Allows you to set the number of USB ports to activate. Before using the USB 2.0
feature, make sure that the USB 2.0 driver is installed. Configuration options:
[Disabled] [2 USB Ports] [4 USB Ports] [6 USB Ports] [8 USB Ports]
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2-23
Legacy USB Support [Auto]
Allows you to enable or disable support for legacy USB devices. Setting to Auto
allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If detected,
the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is detected, the
legacy USB support is disabled. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]
USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the USB 2.0 controller. Configuration options:
[Disabled] [Enabled[
USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]
Allows you to configure the USB 2.0 controller in HiSpeed (480 Mbps) or Full
Speed (12 Mbps). Configuration options: [HiSpeed ] [Full Speed]
USB Mass Storage Device Configuration
USB Mass Storage Device Configuration
Number of seconds
POST waits for the USB
USB Mass Storage Reset Delay
[20 Sec]
mass storage device
after that start unit
command.
No USB Mass Storage device detected
Device #1
N/A
Emulation Type
Device #2
[N/A]
N/A
Emulation Type
Device #3
[N/A]
N/A
Emulation Type
Device #4
[N/A]
N/A
Select Screen
Select Item
Emulation Type
Device #5
[N/A]
N/A
+-
F1
Change Option
General Help
Emulation Type
Device #6
[N/A]
N/A
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
Emulation Type
[N/A]
USB Mass Storage Reset Delay [20 Sec]
Allows you to select the number of seconds POST waits for the USB mass
storage device after the start unit command. The message “No USB mass
storage device detected” appears if none is installed in the system.
Configuration options: [10 Sec ] [20 Sec] [30 Sec] [40 Sec]
The Device items appear only when there are installed USB devices.
Emulation Type [N/A]
When set to Auto, USB devices less than 530MB will be emulated as floppy
drive, and the remaining drives as hard drives. Forced FDD option can be used
to force an HDD formatted drive to boot as FDD (for example, ZIP drive).
2-24
Chapter 2: BIOS information
2.5 Power menu
The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Power
Management (APM). Select an item then press Enter to display the configuration
options.
Suspend Mode
[Auto]
[No]
Configure CPU.
Repost Video on S3 Resume
ACPI 2.0 Support
[No]
ACPI APIC Support
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
BIOS -> AML ACPI table
APM Configuration
Hardware Monitor
Select Screen
Select Item
Enter Go to Sub-screen
F1
General Help
Save and Exit
Exit
F10
ESC
2.5.1 Suspend Mode [Auto]
Allows you to select the ACPI state to be used for system suspend. Configuration
options: [S1 (POS) Only] [S3 Only] [Auto]
2.5.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume [No]
Determines whether to invoke VGA BIOS POST on S3/STR resume. Configuration
options: [No] [Yes]
2.5.3 ACPI 2.0 Support [No]
Allows you to add more tables for ACPI 2.0 specifications. Configuration options:
[No] [Yes]
2.5.4 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the ACPI support in the ASIC. When set to
Enabled, the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
2.5.5 BIOS -> AML ACPI Table [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the inclusion of the BIOS ->AML exchange pointer
to (X)RSDT pointer list. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
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2-25
2.5.6 APM Configuration
APM Configuration
Enabled or disable
APM.
Power Management/APM
Video Power Down Mode
Hard Disk Power Down Mode
Suspend Time Out
[Enabled]
[Suspend]
[Suspend]
[Disabled]
[50%]
Throttle Slow Clock Ratio
System Thermal
[Disabled]
Power Button Mode
[On/Off]
Restore on AC Power Loss
[Power Off]
Select Screen
Select Item
Power On By RTC Alarm
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
Power On By External Modem
Power On By PCI Devices
Power On By PS/2 Keyboard
Power On By PS/2 Mouse
+-
F1
Change Option
General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
Power Management/APM [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Power Management (APM) feature.
Configuration options: [Disbaled] [Enabled]
Video Power Down Mode [Suspend]
Allows you to select the video power down mode. Configuration options: [Disabled]
[Standby] [Suspend]
Hard Disk Power Down Mode [Suspend]
Allows you to select the hard disk power down mode. Configuration options:
[Disabled] [Standby] [Suspend]
Standby Time Out [Disabled]
Allows you to select the specified time at which the system goes on standby.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [1 Min] [2 Min] [4 Min] [8 Min] [10 Min] [20 Min]
[30 Min] [40 Min] [50 Min] [60 Min]
Suspend Time Out [Disabled]
Allows you to select the specified time at which the system goes on suspend.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [1 Min] [2 Min] [4 Min] [8 Min] [10 Min] [20 Min]
[30 Min] [40 Min] [50 Min] [60 Min]
Throttle Slow Clock Ratio [50%]
Allows you to select the duty cycle in throttle mode. Configuration options: [87.5%]
[75.0%] [62.5%] [50%] [37.5%] [25%] [12.5%]
System Thermal [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the system thermal feature to generate a power
management event. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
2-26
Chapter 2: BIOS information
Power Button Mode [On/Off]
Allows the system to go into On/Off mode or suspend mode when the power
button is pressed. Configuration options: [On/Off] [Suspend]
Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off]
When set to Power Off, the system goes into off state after an AC power loss.
When set to Power On, the system goes on after an AC power loss. When set to
Last State, the system goes into either off or on state whatever was the system
state before the AC power loss. Configuration options: [Power Off] [Power On]
[Last State]
Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable RTC to generate a wake event. When this item is
set to Enabled, the items RTC Alarm Date, RTC Alarm Hour, RTC Alarm Minute,
and RTC Alarm Second appear with set values. Configuration options: [Disabled]
[Enabled]
Power On By External 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 On By PCI Devices [Disabled]
When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to turn on the system through a
PCI LAN or modem card. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides
at least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Power On By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]
When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to use the PS/2 mouse to turn on
the system. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on
the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]
When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to use the PS/2 keyboard to turn
on the system. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A
on the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
ASUS P4P8X motherboard user guide
2-27
2.5.7 Hardware Monitor
Hardware Monitor
CPU temperature
CPU Temperature
MB Temperature
Power Temperature
[44°C/111°F]
[36°C/96.5°F]
N/A
CPU Fan Speed
[2250RPM]
N/A
Chassis Fan Speed
Power Fan Speed
N/A
VCORE Voltage
3.3V Voltage
5V Voltage
[1.550V]
[3.386V]
[4.890V]
[11.900V]
Select Screen
Select Item
12V Voltage
+-
F1
Change Option
General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
CPU Temperature [xxxC/xxxF]
MB Temperature [xxxC/xxxF]
Power Temperature [xxxC/xxxF]
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the
motherboard, CPU, and power supply temperatures.
CPU Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [N/A]
Chassis Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [N/A]
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU and
chassis fan speeds in rotations per minute (RPM). If any of the fans is not
connected to the motherboard, the specific field shows N/A.
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”.
2-28
Chapter 2: BIOS information
2.6 Boot menu
The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item
then press Enter to display the sub-menu.
Boot Settings
Specifies the Boot
Device Priority
sequence.
Boot Device Priority
Boot Settings Configuration
Security
Select Screen
Select Item
Enter Go to Sub-screen
F1
General Help
Save and Exit
Exit
F10
ESC
2.6.1 Boot Device Priority
Boot Device Priority
Specifies the boot
sequence from the
available devices.
1st Boot Device
2nd Boot Device
3rd Boot Device
[First Floppy Drive]
[PM-ST320413A]
[PS-ASUS CD-S340]
A device enclosed in
parenthesis has been
disabled in the
corresponding type
menu.
Select Screen
Select Item
+-
F1
Change Option
General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
1st ~ xxth Boot Device [1st Floppy Drive]
These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices.
The number of device items that appear on the screen depends on the the number
of devices installed in the system. Configuration options: [xxxxx Drive] [Disabled]
ASUS P4P8X motherboard user guide
2-29
2.6.2 Boot Settings Configuration
Boot Settings Configuration
Allows BIOS to skip
certain tests while
booting. This will
decrease the time
needed to boot the
system.
Quick Boot
[Enabled]
[Force BIOS]
[On]
Add On ROM Display Mode
Bootup Num-Lock
PS/2 Mouse Support
Typematic Rate
[Auto]
[Fast]
Boot to OS/2
[No]
Wait for ‘F1’ If Error
Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display
Interrupt 19 Capture
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
Select Screen
Select Item
+-
F1
Change Option
General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
Quick Boot [Enabled]
Enabling this item allows BIOS to skip some power on self tests (POST) while
booting to decrease the time needed to boot the system. When set to [Disabled],
BIOS performs all the POST items. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Add On ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS]
Sets the display mode for option ROM. Configuration options: [Force BIOS] [Keep
Current]
Bootup Num-Lock [On]
Allows you to select the power-on state for the NumLock. Configuration options:
[Off] [On]
PS/2 Mouse Support [Auto]
Allows you to enable or disable support fr PS/2 mouse. Configuration options:
[Disabled] [Enabled]
Typematic Rate [Fast]
Allows you to select the keyboard typematic rate. Configuration options: [Slow]
[Fast]
Boot to OS/2 [No]
Allows you to specify the OS/2 compatibility mode. Configuration options: [No]
[Yes]
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Chapter 2: BIOS information
Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]
When set to Enabled, the system waits for F1 key to be pressed when error
occurs. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]
When set to Enabled, the system displays the message “Press DEL to run Setup”
during POST. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Interrupt 19 Capture [Disabled]
When set to [Enabled], this function allows the option ROMs to trap Interrupt 19.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
2.6.3 Security
The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select
an item then press Enter to display the configuration options.
Security Settings
<Enter> to change
password.
Supervisor Password
Not Installed
<Enter> again to
User Password
Not Installed
disable password.
Change Supervisor Password
Boot Sector Virus Protection
[Disabled]
Select Screen
Select Item
+-
F1
Change Option
General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
ASUS P4P8X motherboard user guide
2-31
Change Supervisor Password
Select this item to set or change the supervisor password. The Supervisor
Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you
have set a password, this item shows Installed.
To set a Supervisor Password:
1. Select the Change Supervisor Password item and press Enter.
2. On the password box that appears, type a password composed of letters and/
or numbers, then press Enter. Your password should have at least six
characters.
3. Confirm the password when prompted.
The message “Password Installed” appears after you have successfully set
your password.
The Supervisor Password item now shows Installed.
To change the supervisor password, follow the same steps as in setting a user
password.
To clear the supervisor password, select the Change Supervisor Password then
press Enter. The message “Password Uninstalled” appears.
After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to
change other security settings.
Security Settings
<Enter> to change
password.
Supervisor Password
Installed
<Enter> again to
User Password
Not Installed
disable password.
Change Supervisor Password
User Access Level
[Full Access]
Change User Password
Clear User Password
Password Check
[Setup]
Boot Sector Virus Protection
[Disabled]
Select Screen
Select Item
+-
F1
Change Option
General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
User Access Level (Full Access]
This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items.
Configuration options: [No Access] [View Only] [Limited] [Full Access]
No Access prevents user access to the Setup utility.
View Only allows access but does not allow change to any field.
Limited allows change to only selected fields, such as Date and Time.
Full Access allows viewing and changing all the fields in the Setup utility.
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Chapter 2: BIOS information
Change User Password
Select this item to set or change the user password. The User Password item on
top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you have set a password,
this item shows Installed.
To set a User Password:
1. Select the Change User Password item and press Enter.
2. On the password box that appears, type a password composed of letters and/
or numbers, then press Enter. Your password should have at least six
characters.
3. Confirm the password when prompted.
The message “Password Installed” appears after you have successfully set
your password.
The User Password item now shows Installed.
To change the user password, follow the same steps as in setting a user password.
Clear User Password
Select this item if you wish to clear the user password.
Password Check [Setup]
When set to [Setup], BIOS checks for user password when accessing the Setup
utility. When set to [Always], BIOS checks for user password both when accessing
Setup and booting the system. Configuration options: [Setup] [Always]
Boot Sector Virus Protection [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the boot sector virus protection. Configuration
options: [Disabledc] [Enabled]
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2-33
2.7 Exit menu
The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the
BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items.
Exit Options
Exit & Save Changes
Exit & Discard Changes
Discard Changes
Exit system setup
after saving the
changes.
F10 key can be used
for this operation.
Load Setup Defaults
Select Screen
Select Item
Enter Go to Sub-screen
F1
General Help
Save and Exit
Exit
F10
ESC
Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options
from this menu or <F10> from the legend bar to exit.
Exit & Save Changes
Once you are finished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit
menu to ensure the values you selected are saved to the CMOS RAM. 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 & Discard Changes
Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you made to the
Setup program. If you made changes to fields other than system date, system
time, and password, the BIOS asks for a confirmation before exiting.
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.
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.
2-34
Chapter 2: BIOS information
Chapter 3
This chapter describes the contents of the
support CD that comes with the motherboard
package.
Software support
3.1 Install an operating system
This motherboard supports Windows 98SE/ME/NT/2000/XP operating system
(OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates so you can
maximize the features of your hardware.
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.
3.2 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.
3.2.1 Running the support CD
To begin using the support CD, simply insert the CD into your CD-ROM drive. The
CD automatically displays the Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your
computer.
Click an icon to display
more information
Click an item to install
If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the
support CD to locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-click
the ASSETUP.EXE to run the CD.
3-2
Chapter 3: Software support
3.2.2 Drivers menu
The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed
devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices.
Intel® Chipset Inf Update program
This item installs the Intel® Chipset INF Update Program 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. Refer to the online help or readme file that came
with the utility.
SoundMAX Audio Driver and Application
This item installs the AC’97 audio driver and
applications to activate the 6-channel audio
feature. After installing the driver and
applications, the SoundMAX Integrated Audio
SoundMAX Integrated Audio icon
icon appears on the taskbar. Double-click the icon to display the SoundMAX
Control Panel from which you can adjust to 6-channel audio settings.
USB 2.0 Driver
This item installs the USB 2.0 driver.
3COM® Gigabit LOM Driver
This item installs the 3COM Gigabit LAN On Motherboard (LOM) Ethernet driver to
support 10/100/1000 Mbps networking.
3.2.3 Utilities menu
The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard
supports.
ASUS P4P8X motherboard user guide
3-3
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.
Install 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. Installing ASUS Update also
installs ASUS Mylogo™.
Microsoft Direct X Driver
This item installs the Microsoft Direct X driver.
PC-CILLIN 2002
This item installs the PC-cillin 2002 anti-virus program. View the PC-cillin online
help for detailed information.
Adobe 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).
ASUS Screen Saver
This item installs the ASUS screen saver.
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
removes dark washed-out graphics to deliver true vibrant colors.
3.2.4 ASUS Contact Information
Clicking the ASUS Contact Information tab displays as stated. You may also find
this information on page viii of this user guide.
3-4
Chapter 3: Software support
3.3 Software information
3.3.1 SoundMAX® 4 XL software
The ADI AD1985 AC ‘97 audio CODEC provides 6-channel audio capability
through the SoundMAX4 XL with AudioESP™ software to deliver the ultimate
audio experience on your PC. The software implements high quality audio
synthesis/rendering, 3D sound positioning, and advanced voice-input technologies.
Follow the installation wizard install the SoundMAX Audio Driver and
Application from the support CD that came with the motherboard package to
activate the 6-channel audio feature.
You must use 4-channel or 6-channel speakers for this setup.
SoundMAX 4 XL requires Microsoft Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP. Make sure
that one of these operating systems is installed before installing SoundMAX.
If the SoundMAX4 XL software is correctly installed, you
will find the SoundMAX4 XL icon on the taskbar.
From the taskbar, double-click on the SoundMAX4 XL
icon to display the SoundMAX Control Panel.
SoundMAX4 XL icon
ASUS P4P8X motherboard user guide
3-5
Setup wizards
Use the speaker and microphone setup wizards to fine tune the gain/attenuation of
the inputs/outputs for optimal audio performance. You may launch the setup
wizards by clicking the Configuration button when AudioESP detects and verifies a
newly connected peripheral, or by clicking on the
control panel.
icon from the SoundMAX
Speaker wizard
Follow the screen instructions to configure the speakers to your desired settings.
Microphone wizard
Follow the screen instructions to configure the microphone to your desired settings.
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Chapter 3: Software support
Audio preferences
The Preferences page of the SoundMAX4 XL allows you to change various audio
settings.
Listening environment options
The SoundMAX4 XL support several audio technologies including SoundMAX
SPX™ Animated Audio, 3DPA™, MultiDrive™ 5.1, EnvironmentFC™, MacroFX/
ZoomFX™, and Virtual Theater Surround.
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Rear panel audio ports function variation
The functions of the Line Out (lime), Line In (blue), and Mic (pink) ports on the rear
panel change when you select the 4-channel or 6-channel audio configuration as
shown in the following table.
Headphone/
2-Speaker
4-Speaker
6-Speaker
Light Blue
Lime
Line In
Line Out
Mic In
Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out
Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out
Pink
Mic In
Bass/Center
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Chapter 3: Software support
3.3.2 Marvell® Virtual Cable Tester™ (VCT)
Technology
The P4P8X motherboard supports the Marvell® Virtual Cable Tester (VCT)
Technology. The VCT virtually diagnose and report cable faults using the Time
Domain Reflectometry (TDR). With this essential tool, installation and network
diagnosis have never been easier. The VCT technology detects and reports open
and shorted cables with up to 1 meter of accuracy. It also detects impedance
mismatches, pair swaps, pair polarity problems and pair skew problems of up to
64ns.
VCT remarkably reduces networking and support costs, complementing a highly
manageable and controlled network system. Also, this tool can be incorporated in
the network systems software making it ideal for field support as well as
development diagnostics.
Using the Virtual Cable Tester™
1.
2.
3.
Right click on the My Computer icon on your desktop, on the pop-
up menu, click on Properties to display the System Properties
dialog box.
Locate Network adapters and select 3COM Gigabit LOM (3C940)
from the list. Click on the Properties button.
From the 3Com Gigabit LOM (3C940) Properties dialogue box,
select the Diagnostics tab.
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4.
Click on the (VCT) Virtual Cable Tester button. The following
screen display appears.
5.
Click on Run to execute test.
•
•
The Virtual Cable Tester™ (VCT) feature is supported in Windows®
XP™ and Windows® 2000™ operating systems only.
The Run button on the VCT Tester dialogue box is disabled if no
problem is detected on the network.
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Chapter 3: Software support
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