Asus P4S8X MX User Manual

P4S8X-MX

Contents

Notices................................................................................................ vi

Safety information ............................................................................. vii

P4S8X-MX specifications summary ................................................... viii

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.5

Welcome!.............................................................................. 1-2

Package contents ................................................................. 1-2

Special features.................................................................... 1-2

Before you proceed .............................................................. 1-5

Motherboard overview.......................................................... 1-6

1.5.1

1.5.2

1.5.3

Motherboard layout ................................................ 1-6

Placement direction ................................................ 1-7

Screw holes ............................................................ 1-7

1.6

1.7

Central Processing Unit (CPU) .............................................. 1-8

1.6.1

1.6.2

1.6.3

Overview................................................................. 1-8

Installing the CPU.................................................... 1-8

Installing the heatsink and fan..............................1-11

System memory .................................................................1-14

1.7.1

1.7.2

1.7.3

1.7.4

Overview...............................................................1-14

Memory configurations .........................................1-14

Installing a DIMM ...................................................1-16

Removing a DIMM .................................................1-16

1.8

Expansion slots...................................................................1-17

1.8.1

1.8.2

1.8.3

1.8.4

Installing an expansion card..................................1-17

Configuring an expansion card..............................1-17

PCI slots................................................................1-19

AGP slot................................................................1-19

1.9

Jumpers..............................................................................1-20

1.10 Connectors .........................................................................1-23

1.10.1 Rear panel connectors ..........................................1-23

1.10.2 Internal connectors...............................................1-25

iii

Contents

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.1

Managing and updating your BIOS ........................................ 2-2

2.1.1

2.1.2

2.1.3

2.1.4

2.1.5

Creating a bootable floppy disk.............................. 2-2

ASUS EZ Flash utility .............................................. 2-3

AFUDOS utility ........................................................ 2-4

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility ................................ 2-6

ASUS Update utility ................................................ 2-8

2.2

BIOS setup program ...........................................................2-11

2.2.1

2.2.2

2.2.3

2.2.4

2.2.5

2.2.6

2.2.7

2.2.8

2.2.9

BIOS menu screen.................................................2-12

Menu bar...............................................................2-12

Navigation keys ....................................................2-12

Menu items ...........................................................2-13

Sub-menu items ...................................................2-13

Configuration fields ..............................................2-13

Pop-up window .....................................................2-13

Scroll bar ..............................................................2-13

General help ..........................................................2-13

2.3

Main menu ..........................................................................2-14

2.3.1

2.3.2

2.3.3

2.3.4

2.3.5

2.3.6

System Time.........................................................2-14

System Date .........................................................2-14

Legacy Diskette A ................................................2-14

Primary and Secondary IDE Master/Slave.............2-15

OnChip SATA Controller .......................................2-16

System Information ..............................................2-16

2.4

Advanced menu..................................................................2-17

2.4.1

2.4.2

2.4.3

2.4.4

2.4.5

2.4.6

JumperFree Configuration ....................................2-18

CPU Configuration.................................................2-20

Chipset .................................................................2-21

Onboard Devices Configuration ............................2-23

PCI PnP .................................................................2-24

USB Configuration.................................................2-27

i v

Contents

2.5

Power menu........................................................................2-28

2.5.1

2.5.2

2.5.3

2.5.4

2.5.5

Suspend Mode ......................................................2-28

ACPI 2.0 Support..................................................2-28

ACPI APIC Support ................................................2-28

APM Configuration ................................................2-29

Hardware Monitor .................................................2-31

2.6

2.7

Boot menu ..........................................................................2-32

2.6.1

2.6.2

2.6.3

2.6.4

Boot Device Priority..............................................2-32

Removable Drives .................................................2-33

Boot Settings Configuration .................................2-33

Security ................................................................2-35

Exit menu ...........................................................................2-37

Chapter 3: Software support

3.1

3.2

Installing an operating system ............................................. 3-2

Support CD information........................................................ 3-2

3.2.1

3.2.2

3.2.3

3.2.4

3.2.5

Running the support CD ......................................... 3-2

Drivers menu .......................................................... 3-3

Utilities menu.......................................................... 3-4

ASUS Contact information...................................... 3-6

Other information ................................................... 3-6

3.3

3.4

RAID configurations .............................................................. 3-8

3.3.1

3.3.2

Installing hard disks ................................................ 3-8

SIS RAID configurations .......................................... 3-9

Creating a RAID driver disk .................................................3-18

Notices

Federal Communications Commission Statement

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to

the following two conditions:

•

This device may not cause harmful interference, and

This device must accept any interference received including interference

that may cause undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a

Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are

designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a

residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio

frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with

manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio

communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not

occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful

interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by

turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct

the interference by one or more of the following measures:

•

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to

which the receiver is connected.

•

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics

card is required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or

modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party

responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate

this equipment.

Canadian Department of Communications Statement

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise

emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference

Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian

ICES-003.

v i

Safety information

Electrical safety

•

To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the

electrical outlet before relocating the system.

•

When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the

power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are

connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing

system before you add a device.

•

Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard,

ensure that all power cables are unplugged.

Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord.

These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.

Make sure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your

area. If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are

using, contact your local power company.

•

If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a

qualified service technician or your retailer.

Operation safety

•

Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read

all the manuals that came with the package.

•

Before using the product, make sure all cables are correctly connected

and the power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage,

contact your dealer immediately.

•

To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from

connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.

Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the

product in any area where it may become wet.

•

Place the product on a stable surface.

If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified

service technician or your retailer.

vii

P4S8X-MX specifications summary

Socket 478 for Intel^®Pentium^®4 / Celeron processors

Supports Intel^®Hyper-Threading Technology

CPU

Chipset

Northbridge: SiS 661GX

Southbridge: SiS 964

800*/533 MHz

Front Side Bus

Memory

2 x 184-pin DIMM sockets support up to 2 GB of

unbufferred non-ECC 400**/333 MHz DDR SDRAM

memory modules

1 x AGP 8X slot (1.5 V only)

3 x PCI slots

Expansion slots

Graphics

Storage

SiS Real 256E Graphics

SiS 964 Southbridge supports:

- 4 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33 hard disk drives

- 2 x Serial ATA drives with RAID 0, RAID 1, and

JBOD configuration

Audio

Realtek^®ALC655 6-channel CODEC

Coaxial S/PDIF out port

Realtek^®RTL8201CL 10/100 Mbps LAN PHY

LAN

Overclocking

Stepless Frequency Selection (SFS) from 100 MHz up

to 200 MHz at 1 MHz increment

AGP/PCI Asynchronous Mode with FSB

ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)

Supports up to 8 USB 2.0 ports

USB

Special features

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2

ASUS EZ Flash

ASUS MyLogo2™

(continued on the next page)

The motherboard runs at FSB800 when in overclock mode.

** 1. When using an FSB800 CPU with 400 MHz DDR memory, the

motherboard runs at 333 MHz by default.

2. When using an FSB533 CPU with 400 MHz DDR memory, the

motherboard runs at 400 MHz.

viii

P4S8X-MX specifications summary

BIOS features

Rear panel

4 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, Green, PnP, DMI2.0,

SM BIOS 2.3, WfM2.0, ACPI 2.0

1 x Parallel port

1 x LAN (RJ-45) port

4 x USB 2.0 ports

1 x VGA port

1 x Serial port (COM)

1 x PS/2 keyboard port

1 x PS/2 mouse port

6-channel audio ports

Internal

connectors

1 x Floppy disk drive connector

1 x Primary IDE connector

1 x Secondary IDE connector

2 x Serial ATA connectors

1 x CPU fan connector

1 x Chassis fan connector

2 x USB 2.0 connectors for four additional USB 2.0 ports

1 x Optical drive audio connector

1 x AUX connector

20-pin ATX power connector

4-pin x ATX 12V power connector

1 x GAME/MIDI connector

1 x S/PDIF Out connector

1 x Front panel audio connector

System panel connector

Power

Requirement

ATX power supply (with 20-pin and 4-pin 12 V plugs)

ATX 12 V 2.0 compliant

Form Factor

ATX form factor: 9.6 in x 9.6 in (24.5 cm x 24.5 cm)

Support CD

contents

Device drivers

ASUS PC Probe

ASUS Live Update utility

ASUS Screensaver

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Anti-virus software (OEM version)

*Specifications are subject to change without notice.

i x

This chapter describes the motherboard

features and the new technologies

it supports.

Product

introduction

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS^®P4S8X-MX motherboard!

The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies,

making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!

Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it,

check the items in your package with the list below.

1.2 Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

Motherboard

Cables

ASUS P4S8X-MX motherboard

1 x Serial ATA signal cable

1 x Serial ATA power cable

1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable

Floppy disk drive cable

Accessories

I/O shield

Application CDs ASUS motherboard support CD

Documentation User guide

If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.

1.3 Special features

SiS661GX/964 chipset

Embedded in this motherboard is the SiS661GX/964 chipset that

integrates various SiS-developed technologies to ensure an efficient and

reliable computing performance.

The SiS661GX chipset provides a high performance host interface for the

Intel^®Pentium^®4 processor, and supports AGP 8X and DDR400. The

SiS661GX features the SiS HyperStreaming™ Engine that smartly manages

data streams between peripherals, core logic chipsets, front side bus,

memory and graphic interfaces. This technology dramatically optimizes and

improves the entire computer system performance.

Providing I/O and peripheral support is the SiS964 Southbridge, which

integrates various I/O functions including dual-channel ATA133 bus master

IDE, USB 2.0/1.1, Ethernet, and audio controllers. The SiS964 provides

1-2

Chapter 1: Product introduction

LPC and AC’97 interfaces, and complies with the Advanced Power

Management (APM) 1.2 specification. The SiS964 interconnects with the

Northbridge at up to 1GB/s using the SiS proprietary MuTIOL^®bus

interface.

Real256E integrated graphics

Embedded in the Northbridge is the SiS Real256E integrated graphics with

a 256-bit 3D engine and 2D graphics accelerator with a maximum 64MB

shared display memory. The Real256E integrated graphics engine

incorporates the UltraAGPII™ technology to provide a faster link between

the built-in graphic engine and the northbridge memory controller. This

technology boosts VGA throughput to up to 3.2 GB/s to bring clearer and

sharper images for your multimedia and graphic-intensive applications. The

Real256E integrated graphics achieves a maximum resolution of

2048x1536 at 32 bpp. See page 1-24.

Serial ATA technology

The motherboard supports the Serial ATA technology through the Serial ATA

interfaces and the Intel^®ICH6. The SATA specification allows for thinner,

more flexible cables with lower pin count, reduced voltage requirement, and

up to 150 MB/s data transfer rate. See page 1-27 for details.

Integrated 10/100 Mbps LAN controller

Onboard is the Realtek^®LAN PHY that interconnects with the SiS964

southbridge LAN controller to fully support 10BASE-T/ 100BASE-TX

Ethernet networking. See page 1-23.

6-Channel Audio solution

The motherboard uses an onboard audio CODEC that lets you enjoy high-

quality 6-channel audio without having to buy advanced sound cards. See

page 1-23.

DDR400 Support

The motherboard supports up to 2 GB system memory using DDR400/

333/266 non-ECC DDR DIMMs to deliver up to 3.2 GB/s data transfer rate

for the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. See page

1-15 for details.

ASUS P4S8X-MX

1-3

USB 2.0 technology

The motherboard implements the Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0

specification, dramatically increasing the connection speed from the

12 Mbps bandwidth on USB 1.1 to a fast 480 Mbps on USB 2.0. USB 2.0 is

backward compatible with USB 1.1. See pages 1-24 and 1-29 for details.

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2

This feature allows you to restore the original BIOS data from the support

CD in case when the BIOS codes and data are corrupted. This protection

eliminates the need to buy a replacement ROM chip. See page 2-6 for

details.

ASUS EZ Flash 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 2-3 for details.

ASUS MyLogo2™

This new feature present in the motherboard allows you to personalize and

add style to your system with customizable boot logos. See page 2-33 for

details.

C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)

The C.P.R. feature of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to

the BIOS default settings in case the system hangs due to overclocking.

When the system hangs due to overclocking, C.P.R. eliminates the need to

open the system chassis and clear the RTC data. Simply shut down and

reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically restores the CPU default

setting for each parameter.

1-4

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.4 Before you proceed

Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard

components or change any motherboard settings.

•

Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any

component.

Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a

metal object, such as the power supply case, before handling

components to avoid damaging them due to static electricity

•

Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.

Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded

antistatic pad or in the bag that came with the component.

•

Before you install or remove any component, ensure

that the ATX power supply is switched off or the

power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure

to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals,

and/or components.

Onboard LED

The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to

indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode.

This is a reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug

the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard

component. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard

LED.

SB_PWR

OFF

Standby

Power

Powered

Off

P4S8X-MX Onboard LED

ASUS P4S8X-MX

1-5

1.5 Motherboard overview

1.5.1 Motherboard layout

24.5cm (9.6in)

KBPWR

PS/2KBMS

T: Mouse

B: Keyboard

Super

I/O

CPU_FAN1

COM1

Socket 478

VGA

USB12

ATX12V

SiS

TOP

RJ-45

USB34

661GX

North Bridge

USBPW34

USBPW12

Top:Line In

Center:Line Out

Below:Mic In

AGP

CR2032 3V

Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

SB_PWR

PCI1

RTL8201CL

SiS

964

Chipset

SATA2

SATA1

PCI2

CLRTC1

PCI3

ALC655

AUX

USBPW56

USBPW78

SPDIF

FP_AUDIO

USB56

USB78

GAME

PANEL

KBPWR

USBPW34

USBPW12

USBPW56

USBPW78

CLRTC1

PANEL

PLED

SPEAKER

+5V

(Default)

+5VSB

Clear CMOS

Normal

(Default)

+5V

(Default)

+5VSB

+5V

(Default)

+5VSB

RESET

IDE_LED

PWRSW

Requires an ATX power supply.

1-6

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.5.2 Placement direction

When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the

chassis in the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the

rear part of the chassis as indicated in the image below.

1.5.3 Screw holes

Place eight (8) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the

motherboard to the chassis.

Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.

Place this side towards

the rear of the chassis

ASUS P4S8X-MX

1-7

1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

1.6.1 Overview

The motherboard comes with a surface mount 478-pin Zero Insertion Force

(ZIF) socket designed for the Intel^®Pentium^®4 Processor.

Take note of the marked corner (with

gold triangle) on the CPU. This mark

Gold mark

should match a specific corner on the

socket to ensure correct installation.

Your boxed Intel^®Pentium^®4 processor package should come with

installation instructions for the CPU, heatsink, and the retention

mechanism. If the instructions in this section do not match the CPU

documentation, follow the latter.

Incorrect installation of the CPU into the socket can bend the pins and

severely damage the CPU!

1.6.2 Installing the CPU

Follow these steps to install a CPU.

1. Locate the 478-pin ZIF socket on the motherboard.

Gold Arrow

P4S8X-MX CPU Socket 478

1-8

Chapter 1: Product introduction

2. Unlock the socket by pressing

the lever sideways, then lift it up

to a 90°-100° angle.

90°-100°

angle

Socket lever

Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90°-100° angle;

otherwise, the CPU does not fit in completely.

3. Position the CPU above the

socket such that its marked

corner matches the base of the

socket lever.

4. Carefully insert the CPU into the

socket until it fits in place.

Gold mark

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!

ASUS P4S8X-MX

1-9

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.

After installation, make sure to plug the 4-pin ATX power cable to the

motherboard.

Notes on Intel^®Hyper-Threading Technology

•

This motherboard supports Intel^®Pentium^®4 CPUs with

Hyper-Threading Technology.

Hyper-Threading Technology is supported under Windows^®XP/2003

Server and Linux 2.4.x (kernel) and later versions only. Under Linux,

use the Hyper-Threading compiler to compile the code. If you are

using any other operating systems, disable the Hyper-Threading

Technology item in BIOS to ensure system stability and

performance.

•

We recommend that you install Windows^®XP Service Pack 1.

Make sure to enable the Hyper-Threading Technology item in BIOS

before installing a supported operating system.

•

For more information on Hyper-Threading Technology, visit

www.intel.com/info/hyperthreading.

To use the Hyper-Threading Technology on this motherboard:

1. Install an Intel^®Pentium^®4 CPU that supports Hyper-Threading

Technology.

2. Power up the system and enter BIOS Setup (see Chapter 2: BIOS

setup). 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 Technology.

3. Reboot the computer.

1-10

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.6.3 Installing the heatsink and fan

The Intel^®Pentium^®4 Processor requires a specially designed heatsink and

fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.

•

When you buy a boxed Intel^®Pentium^®4 processor, the package

includes the heatsink, fan, and retention mechanism.

If you buy a CPU separately, make sure that you use only

Intel^®-certified heatsink and fan.

If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, make sure

that a Thermal Interface Material is properly applied to the CPU heatsink

or CPU before installing the heatsink and fan assembly.

To install the CPU heatsink and fan:

1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, making sure that the

heatsink fits properly on the retention module base.

•

The retention module base is already installed on the motherboard

upon purchase.

You do not have to remove the retention module base when

installing the CPU or installing other motherboard components.

CPU heatsink

Retention module base

ASUS P4S8X-MX

1-11

2. Position the fan with the retention mechanism on top of the heatsink.

Align and snap the four hooks of the retention mechanism to the

holes on each corner of the module base.

Make sure that the fan and retention mechanism assembly perfectly fits

the heatsink and module base; otherwise, you cannot snap the hooks

into the holes.

Retention hole

Retention lock

Retention hook snapped

to the retention hole

Keep the retention locks lifted upward while fitting the retention

mechanism to the module base.

1-12

Chapter 1: Product introduction

3. Push down the locks on the retention mechanism to secure the

heatsink and fan to the module base.

When secure, the retention locks should point to opposite directions.

4. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan

cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN1.

CPU_FAN1

P4S8X-MX CPU fan connector

Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring

errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector.

ASUS P4S8X-MX

1-13

1.7 System memory

1.7.1 Overview

The motherboard comes with four 184-pin Double Data Rate (DDR) Dual

Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets.

The following figure illustrates the location of the sockets:

P4S8X-MX 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets

1.7.2 Memory configurations

You may install 128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB, and 1 GB unbuffered non-ECC

DDR DIMMs into the DIMM sockets using the memory configurations in this

section.

•

Installing DDR DIMMs other than the recommended configurations

may cause memory sizing error or system boot failure.

Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) for the latest DDR Qualified

Vendors List (QVL).

1-14

Chapter 1: Product introduction

DDR400* Qualified Vendors List

D I M M s u p p o r t

S i z e

V e n d o r

M o d e l

B r a n d

S i d e ( s ) C o m p o n e n t

C L

256 MB CORSAIR

512 MB CORSAIR

256 MB CORSAIR

512 MB CORSAIR

CMX256A-3200LL DDR400

VS256MB400

–

Heat-Sink Package

VS32M8-5 2B0409

VS32M8-5

2.5

–

•

Value Select

WINBOND

–

VS512MB400

•

CMX256A-3200C2PT

W942508BH-5

•

CMX512-3200LL DDR400

TWINX2048-3200C2 DDR400 1024MB

GE2563200B

Heat-Sink Package

GL3LC32G88TG-5A

HY5DU56822BT-D43

HY5DU56822DT-D43

KDL388P4LA-50

•

1 G

CORSAIR

–

256 MB GEIL

GEIL

256 MB HYNIX

HYMD232646B8J-D43

HYNIX

256 MB HYNIX

HYMD232646D8J-D43 AA

HYMD264646D8J-D43 DDR400 512MB

MPXC22D-38KT3R

HYNIX

512 MB HYNIX

HYNIX

512 MB KINGMAX

256 MB KINGMAX

256 MB KINGSTON

512 MB KINGSTON

KINGMAX

Mosel

N/A

V58C2556804SAT5B

HYB25D256800BT-5B

HYB25D256800BT-6B

–

•

VALUE RAM KVR400X64C3A/256

VALUE RAM KVR400X64C3A/512

KHX3200A/512 DDR400 512MB

KHX3200ULK2/1G DDR400 1024MB

VALUE RAM KVR400X64C3A/256

VALUE RAM KVR400X64C3A/512

VALUE RAM KVR400X72C3A/512 DDR

VALUE RAM KVR400X64C3A/256 DDR

VALUE RAM KVR400X64C3A/512 DDR

MT16VDDT6464AG-40BC4

MT16VDDT6464AG-40BGB

V826632K24SCTG-D0

INFINEON

–

•

KINGSTON

–

256 MB KINGSTON

512 MB KINGSTON

256 MB KINGSTON

512 MB KINGSTON

512 MB MICRON

256 MB PROMOS

256 MB MICRON

256 MB SAMSUNG

512 MB SAMSUNG

256 MB Infineon

512 MB Infineon

256 MB APACER

KINGSTON

Mosel

D3208DH1T-5

V58C2256804SAT5

HY5DU56822BT-D43

MT46V32M8TG-5BC

MT46V32M8TG-5BG

V58C2256804SCT5B

MT46V32M8TG-5BG

K4H560838F-TCCC

HYB25D512160CE-5C

HYB25D256800CE-5C

HYB25D256800CE-6C

HYB25D256800BT-5B

V58C2256804SAT5

W942508CH-5

•

HYNIX

•

MICRON

–

•

MT8VDDT3264AG-40BGB

M368L3223FTN-CCC

MICRON

SAMSUNG

INFINEON

Mosel

M368L6423FTN-CCC

M368L6523BTM-CCC

•

HYS64D32301HU-5-C

HYS64D64320HU-5-C

•

HYS64D64300HU-5-C

77.10636.11G

256 MB TRAMSCEND TS32MLD64V4F3

256 MB WINBOND U24512ADWBG6H20

256 MB BRAIN POWER B6U808-256M-SAM-400

WINBOND

SAMSUNG

NANYA

K4H560838D-TCC4

NT5DS3232M8BT-5T

512 MB NANYA

NT512D64S8HB1G-5T

Legend:

SS - Single Sided

DS - Double Sided

CL - CAS Latency

A - supports one module inserted into either slot, in a Single-channel memory

configuration.

B - supports one pair of modules inserted into both slots as one pair of

Dual-channel memory configuration.

1. When using an FSB800 CPU with 400 MHz DDR memory, the

motherboard runs at 333 MHz by default.

2. When using an FSB533 CPU with 400 MHz DDR memory, the

motherboard runs at 400 MHz.

ASUS P4S8X-MX

1-15

1.7.3 Installing a DIMM

Make sure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs

or other system components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage

to both the motherboard and the components.

1. Unlock a DIMM socket by

DDR DIMM notch

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.

Unlocked retaining clip

A DDR DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction.

DO NOT force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM.

3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the

socket until the retaining clips

snap back in place and the DIMM

is properly seated.

Locked retaining clip

1.7.4 Removing a DIMM

To remove a DIMM:

1. Simultaneously press the

retaining clips outward to unlock

the DIMM.

DDR DIMM notch

Support the DIMM lightly with your fingers when pressing the retaining

clips. The DIMM might get damaged when it flips out with extra force.

2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.

1-16

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.8 Expansion slots

In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following

sub-sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support.

Make sure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing

expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and

damage motherboard components.

1.8.1 Installing an expansion card

To install an expansion card:

1. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that

came with it and make the necessary hardware settings for the card.

2. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already

installed in a chassis).

3. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep

the screw for later use.

4. Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is

completely seated on the slot.

5. Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier.

6. Replace the system cover.

1.8.2 Configuring an expansion card

After installing the expansion card, configure it by adjusting the software

settings.

1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any.

See Chapter 2 for information on BIOS setup.

2. Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page.

3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.

ASUS P4S8X-MX

1-17

Standard interrupt assignments

I R Q

Priority

Standard Function

System Timer

Keyboard Controller

–

Programmable Interrupt

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

10*

11*

12*

14*

15*

Secondary IDE Channel

* These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices.

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

PCI slot 1

—

shared

—

shared

—

PCI slot 2

PCI slot 3

—

used

—

AGP slot

shared

—

Onboard USB controller 1

Onboard USB controller 2

Onboard USB controller 3

Onboard USB 2.0 controller

Onboard LAN

—

used

—

used

—

used

—

used

—

shared

—

Onboard audio

—

shared

—

Onboard VGA

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.

1-18

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.8.3 PCI slots

The PCI slots support cards such as a

LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and

other cards that comply with PCI

specifications. The figure shows a

LAN card installed on a PCI slot.

1.8.4 AGP slot

The Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) slot that supports AGP 8X/4X

(+1.5V) cards. When you buy an AGP card, make sure that you ask for one

with +1.5V specification.

Note the notches on the card golden fingers to ensure that they fit the

AGP slot on the motherboard.

This motherboard does not support 3.3V AGP cards. Install only +1.5V

AGP cards.

Keyed for 1.5v

P4S8X-MX Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)

ASUS P4S8X-MX

1-19

1.9 Jumpers

1 . Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC)

This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in

CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system

setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard

button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include

system setup information such as system passwords.

To erase the RTC RAM:

1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.

2. Remove the onboard battery.

3. Move the jumper cap from pins 2-3 (default) to pins 1-2. Keep the

cap on pins 1-2 for about 5~10 seconds, then move the cap back to

pins 2-3.

4. Re-install the battery.

5. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.

6. Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS

setup to re-enter data.

Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC

jumper default position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!

CLRTC1

1 2

2 3

Clear CMOS

Normal

(Default)

P4S8X-MX Clear RTC RAM

You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to

overclocking. For system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU

Parameter Recall) feature. Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS

can automatically reset parameter settings to default values.

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1-20

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.

The USBPW12 and USBPW34 jumpers are for the rear USB ports. The

USBPW56 and USBPW78 jumper is for the internal USB connectors

that you can connect to additional USB ports.

USBPW34

USBPW12

1 2

2 3

+5V

(Default)

+5VSB

USBPW56

USBPW78

1 2

2 3

+5V

(Default)

+5VSB

P4S8X-MX USB device wake up

•

The USB device wake-up feature requires a power supply that can

provide 500mA on the +5VSB lead for each USB port; otherwise,

the system would not power up.

The total current consumed must NOT exceed the power supply

capability (+5VSB) whether under normal condition or in sleep mode.

ASUS P4S8X-MX

1-21

3 . Keyboard power (3-pin KBPWR)

This jumper allows you to enable or disable the keyboard wake-up

feature. Set this jumper to pins 2-3 (+5VSB) to wake up the

computer when you press a key on the keyboard (the default is the

Space Bar). This feature requires an ATX power supply that can supply

at least 500 mA on the +5VSB lead, and a corresponding setting in

the BIOS.

KBPWR

1 2

2 3

+5V

(Default)

+5VSB

P4S8X-MX Keyboard power setting

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1-22

1.10 Connectors

1.10.1 Rear panel connectors

1 . PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse.

2 . Parallel port. This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a scanner,

or other devices.

3 . LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows connection to a Local Area

Network (LAN) through a network hub.

4 . Line In port (light blue). This port connects a tape, CD, DVD

player, or other audio sources.

5 . Line Out port (lime). This port connects a headphone or a

speaker. In 4-channel and 6-channel configuration, the function of this

port becomes Front Speaker Out.

6 . Microphone port (pink). This port connects a microphone.

Refer to the audio configuration table below for the function of the

audio ports in 2, 4, or 6-channel configuration.

Audio 2, 4, or 6-channel configuration

Port

Headset

2-channel

4-channel

6-channel

Light Blue

Lime

Line In

Line Out

Mic In

Rear Speaker Out

Front Speaker Out

Mic In

Rear Speaker Out

Front Speaker Out

Bass/Center Speaker

Pink

ASUS P4S8X-MX

1-23

7 . USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus

(USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

8 . USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus

(USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

9 . Video Graphics Adapter port. This 15-pin port is for a VGA

monitor or other VGA-compatible devices.

10. Serial connector. This 9-pin COM1 port is for serial devices.

11. PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1-24

1.10.2 Internal connectors

1 . Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)

This connector is for the provided floppy disk drive (FDD) signal cable.

Insert one end of the cable to this connector, then connect the other

end to the signal connector at the back of the floppy disk drive.

Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable connection

when using an FDD cable with a covered Pin 5.

FLOPPY

NOTE: Orient the red markings on

the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1.

PIN 1

P4S8X-MX Floppy disk drive connector

ASUS P4S8X-MX

1-25

2 . IDE connectors (40-1 pin PRI_IDE, SEC_IDE)

These connectors are for Ultra DMA 100/66 signal cables. The Ultra

DMA 100/66 signal cable has three connectors: a blue connector for

the primary IDE connector on the motherboard, a black connector for

an Ultra DMA 100/66 IDE slave device (optical drive/hard disk drive),

and a gray connector for an Ultra DMA 100/66 IDE master device (hard

disk drive). If you install two hard disk drives, 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.

•

Pin 20 on the IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole

on the Ultra DMA cable connector. This prevents incorrect insertion

when you connect the IDE cable.

•

Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for Ultra DMA 100/66 IDE devices.

Support for Ultra ATA/133 is available only when using Windows^®XP

with Service Pack 2.

NOTE: Orient the red markings

(usually zigzag) on the IDE

ribbon cable to PIN 1.

PIN 1

P4S8X-MX IDE connectors

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1-26

3 . Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2)

These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA

hard disk drives. 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 DMA/133)

SATA2

P4S8X-MX SATA connectors

SATA1

If you install SATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, RAID 1, or

JBOD configuration with the SIS964 RAID controller. Refer to page 2-16

for the BIOS setting and page 3-18 for creating a RAID driver disk.

•

Install Windows^®2000 Service Pack 4, Windows^®XP Service Pack 1

or later versions before using the Serial ATA feature.

The Serial ATA RAID feature (RAID 0, RAID 1, JBOD) is available only

if you’re using Windows^®2000/XP or Windows^®2003 Server

operating systems.

•

Hot plug support for the Serial ATA drive and connectors are not

available in this motherboard.

Make sure to install the SIS RAID drivers before using the Serial ATA

connectors.

Serial ATA Master/Slave connectors

Connector

Setting

U s e

SATA1

SATA2

Master

Slave

Boot disk

Data disk

ASUS P4S8X-MX

1-27

4 . CPU fan connector (3-pin CPU_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.

Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard

components. These are not jumpers! DO NOT place jumper caps on the

fan connectors.

CPU_FAN1

P4S8X-MX CPU fan connector

5 . GAME/MIDI connector (16-1 pin GAME1)

This connector supports a GAME/MIDI module. Connect the GAME/MIDI

cable with yellow connector to the yellow header onboard. 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.

GAME

P4S8X-MX Game connector

The GAME module is purchased separately.

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1-28

6 . USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78)

These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB/GAME

module cable to any of these connectors, then install the module to a

slot opening at the back of the system chassis. These USB connectors

comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to 480 Mbps

connection speed.

USB56

USB78

P4S8X-MX USB 2.0 connectors

Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will

damage the motherboard!

The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately.

7 . Internal audio connectors (4-pin CD, AUX)

These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound

sources such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card.

(Black)

AUX

(White)

P4S8X-MX Internal audio connectors

ASUS P4S8X-MX

1-29

8 . ATX power connectors (20-pin ATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V)

These connectors are for an ATX 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.

ATX12V

ATXPWR

GND

+12V DC

+12.0VDC

+5.0VDC

-5.0VDC

GND

+12V DC

+5VSB

PWR_OK

COM

+5.0VDC

COM

+5.0VDC

COM

PS_ON#

COM

+3.3VDC

-12.0VDC

+3.3VDC

P4S8X-MX ATX power connectors

Make sure that your ATX 12 V power supply can provide 8 A on the

+12 V lead and at least 1 A on the +5-volt standby lead (+5 VSB). The

minimum recommended wattage is 230 W, or 300 W for a fully

configured system. The system may become unstable and may

experience diffculty powering up if the power supply is inadequate.

9 . Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)

This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module

that supports legacy AC ‘97 audio standard. Connect one end of the

front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.

FP_AUDIO1

P4S8X-MX Front panel audio connector

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1-30

10. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF)

An onboard S/PDIF Out connector is available for an optional S/PDIF

audio module. Connect one end of the S/PDIF audio cable this

connector and the other end to the S/PDIF module.

SPDIF

P4S8X-MX Digital Audio Connector

The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.

ASUS P4S8X-MX

1-31

13. System panel connector (20-pin PANEL)

This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

PLED

SPEAKER

PANEL

RESET

IDE_LED

PWRSW

* Requires an ATX power supply.

P4S8X-MX System panel connector

The sytem panel connector is color-coded for easy connection. Refer to

the connector description below for details.

•

System power LED (Green 3-pin PLED)

This 3-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the

chassis power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED

lights up when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the

system is in sleep mode.

Hard disk drive activity (Red 2-pin IDE_LED)

This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD

Activity LED cable to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or flashes

when data is read from or written to the HDD.

•

System warning speaker (Orange 4-pin SPEAKER)

This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning

speaker. The speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.

Power/Soft-off button (Yellow 2-pin PWRSW)

This connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power

button turns the system ON or puts the system in SLEEP or SOFT-OFF

mode depending on the BIOS settings. Pressing the power switch for

more than four seconds while the system is ON turns the system OFF.

•

Reset button (Blue 2-pin RESET)

This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for

system reboot without turning off the system power.

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1-32

This chapter tells how to change

the system settings through the BIOS

Setup menus. Detailed descriptions

of the BIOS parameters are also

provided.

BIOS setup

2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS

The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard

Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup.

1. ASUS AFUDOS (Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a bootable

floppy disk.)

2. ASUS EZ Flash (Updates the BIOS using a floppy disk during POST.)

3. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 (Updates the BIOS using a bootable

floppy disk or the motherboard support CD when the BIOS file fails or

gets corrupted.)

4. ASUS Update (Updates the BIOS in Windows^®environment.)

Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.

Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a bootable floppy

disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original

motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update or AFUDOS utilities.

2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk

1. Do either one of the following to create a bootable floppy disk.

DOS environment

a. Insert a 1.44MB floppy disk into the drive.

b. At the DOS prompt, type format A:/S then press <Enter>.

Windows^®XP environment

a. Insert a 1.44 MB floppy disk to the floppy disk drive.

b. Click Start from the Windows^®desktop, then select M y

Computer.

c. Select the 3 1/2 Floppy Drive icon.

d. Click File from the menu, then select Format. A Format 3 1/2

Floppy Disk window appears.

e. Select Create an MS-DOS startup disk from the format

options field, then click Start.

Windows^®2000 environment

To create a set of boot disks for Windows^®2000:

a. Insert a formatted, high density 1.44 MB floppy disk into the drive.

b. Insert the Windows^®2000 CD to the optical drive.

c. Click Start, then select Run.

2-2

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

d. From the Open field, type

D:\bootdisk\makeboot a:

assuming that D: is your optical drive.

e. Press <Enter>, then follow screen instructions to continue.

2. Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS file to the bootable

floppy disk.

2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash utility

The ASUS EZ Flash feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to

go through the long process of booting from a floppy disk and using a

DOS-based utility. The EZ Flash utility is built-in the BIOS chip so it is

accessible by pressing <Alt> + <F2> during the Power-On Self Tests

(POST).

To update the BIOS using EZ Flash:

1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS

file for the motherboard and rename the same to P4S8XMX.ROM.

2. Save the BIOS file to a floppy disk, then restart the system.

3. Press <Alt> + <F2> during POST to display the following.

EZFlash starting BIOS update

Checking for floppy...

4. Insert the floppy disk that contains the BIOS file to the floppy disk

drive. When the correct BIOS file is found, EZ Flash performs the BIOS

update process and automatically reboots the system when done.

EZFlash starting BIOS update

Checking for floppy...

Floppy found!

Reading file “P4S8XMX.ROM”. Completed.

Start erasing.......|

Start programming...|

Flashed successfully. Rebooting.

•

Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to

prevent system boot failure!

A “Floppy not found!” error message appears if there is no floppy

disk in the drive. A “P4S8XMX.ROM not found!” error message

appears if the correct BIOS file is not found in the floppy disk. Make

sure that you rename the BIOS file to P4S8XMX.ROM.

ASUS P4S8X-MX

2-3

2.1.3 AFUDOS utility

The AFUDOS utility allows you to update the BIOS file in DOS environment

using a bootable floppy disk with the updated BIOS file. This utility also

allows you to copy the current BIOS file that you can use as backup when

the BIOS fails or gets corrupted during the updating process.

Copying the current BIOS

To copy the current BIOS file using the AFUDOS utility:

•

Make sure that the floppy disk is not write-protected and has at

least 600 KB free space to save the file.

The succeeding BIOS screens are for reference only. The actual BIOS

screen displays may not be exactly the same as shown.

1. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support

CD to the bootable floppy disk you created earlier.

2. Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the prompt type:

afudos /o[filename]

where the [filename] is any user-assigned filename not more than

eight alphanumeric characters for the main filename and three

alphanumeric characters for the extension name.

A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.ROM

Main filename

Extension name

3. Press <Enter>. The utility copies the current BIOS file to the floppy

disk.

A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.ROM

AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.10

Reading flash ..... done

A:\>

The utility returns to the DOS prompt after copying the current BIOS

file.

2-4

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

Updating the BIOS file

To update the BIOS file using the AFUDOS utility:

1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) and download the latest BIOS

file for the motherboard. Save the BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk.

Write the BIOS filename on a piece of paper. You need to type the exact

BIOS filename at the DOS prompt.

2. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support

CD to the bootable floppy disk you created earlier.

3. Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the prompt type:

afudos /i[filename]

where [filename] is the latest or the original BIOS file on the bootable

floppy disk.

A:\>afudos /iP4S8XMX.ROM

4. The utility verifies the file and starts updating the BIOS.

A:\>afudos /iP4S8XMX.ROM

AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.10

Reading file ..... done

Erasing flash .... done

Writing flash .... 0x0008CC00 (9%)

Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to

prevent system boot failure!

5. The utility returns to the DOS prompt after the BIOS update process is

completed. Reboot the system from the hard disk drive.

A:\>afudos /iP4S8XMX.ROM

AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.10

Reading file ..... done

Erasing flash .... done

Writing flash .... 0x0008CC00 (9%)

Verifying flash .. done

A:\>

ASUS P4S8X-MX

2-5

2.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility

The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to

restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating

process. You can update a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard

support CD or the floppy disk that contains the updated BIOS file.

•

Prepare the motherboard support CD or the floppy disk containing

the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility.

Make sure that you rename the original or updated BIOS file in the

floppy disk to P4S8XMX.ROM.

Recovering the BIOS from a floppy disk

To recover the BIOS from a floppy disk:

1. Turn on the system.

2. Insert the floppy disk with the original or updated BIOS file to the

floppy disk drive.

3. The utility displays the following message and automatically checks

the floppy disk for the original or updated BIOS file.

Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...

Checking for floppy...

When found, the utility reads the BIOS file and starts flashing the

corrupted BIOS file.

Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...

Checking for floppy...

Floppy found!

Reading file “P4S8XMX.ROM”. Completed.

Start flashing...

DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing

so can cause system boot failure!

4. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.

2-6

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

Recovering the BIOS from the support CD

To recover the BIOS from the support CD:

1. Remove any floppy disk from the floppy disk drive, then turn on the

system.

2. Insert the support CD to the optical drive.

3. The utility displays the following message and automatically checks

the floppy disk for the original or updated BIOS file.

Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...

Checking for floppy...

When no floppy disk is found, the utility automatically checks the

optical drive for the original or updated BIOS file. The utility then

updates the corrupted BIOS file.

Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...

Checking for floppy...

Floppy not found!

Checking for CD-ROM...

CD-ROM found!

Reading file “P4S8XMX.ROM”. Completed.

Start flashing...

DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing

so can cause system boot failure!

4. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.

The recovered BIOS may not be the latest BIOS version for this

motherboard. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the

latest BIOS file.

ASUS P4S8X-MX

2-7

2.1.5 ASUS Update utility

The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update

the motherboard BIOS in Windows^®environment. The ASUS Update utility

allows you to:

• Save the current BIOS file

• Download the latest BIOS file from the Internet

• Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS file

• Update the BIOS directly from the Internet, and

• View the BIOS version information.

This utility is available in the support CD that comes with the motherboard

package.

ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network

or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Installing ASUS Update

To install ASUS Update:

1. Place the support CD in the optical drive. The Drivers menu appears.

2. Click the Utilities tab, then click Install ASUS Update

VX.XX.XX. See page 3-3 for the Utilities screen menu.

3. The ASUS Update utility is copied to your system.

Quit all Windows^®applications before you update the BIOS using this

utility.

2-8

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

Updating the BIOS through the Internet

To update the BIOS through the Internet:

1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows^®desktop by clicking

Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The

ASUS Update main window appears.

2. Select Update BIOS from

the Internet option from the

drop-down menu, then click

Next.

3. Select the ASUS FTP site

nearest you to avoid network

traffic, or click Auto Select.

Click Next.

ASUS P4S8X-MX

2-9

4. From the FTP site, select the

BIOS version that you wish to

download. Click Next.

5. Follow the screen instructions to

complete the update process.

The ASUS Update utility is

capable of updating itself

through the Internet. Always

update the utility to avail all

its features.

Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file

To update the BIOS through a BIOS file:

1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows^®desktop by

clicking Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate >

ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update main window appears.

2. Select Update BIOS from a

file option from the drop-down

menu, then click Next.

3. Locate the BIOS file from the

Open window, then click Save.

4. Follow the screen instructions to

complete the update process.

2-10

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.2 BIOS setup program

This motherboard supports a programmable firmware chip that you can

update using the provided utility described in section “2.1 Managing and

updating your BIOS.”

Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard,

reconfiguring your system, or prompted to “Run Setup.” This section

explains how to configure your system using this utility.

Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you can change

the configuration of your computer in the future. For example, you can

enable the security password feature or change the power management

settings. This requires you to reconfigure your system using the BIOS

Setup program so that the computer can recognize these changes and

record them in the CMOS RAM of the 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 <Del> during the Power-On-Self-Test (POST) to

enter the Setup utility; otherwise, POST continues with its test routines.

If you wish to enter Setup after POST, restart the system by pressing

<Ctrl+Alt+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. Being

a menu-driven program, it lets you scroll through the various sub-menus

and make your selections from the available options using the navigation

keys.

•

The default BIOS settings for this motherboard apply for most

conditions to ensure optimum performance. If the system becomes

unstable after changing any BIOS settings, load the default settings

to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load

Default Settings item under the Exit Menu. See section “2.7 Exit

Menu.”

•

The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference

purposes only, and may not exactly match what you see on your

screen.

Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS

file for this motherboard and .

ASUS P4S8X-MX

2-11

2.2.1 BIOS menu screen

Menu items

Menu bar

Configuration fields

General help

Use [ENTER], [TAB] or

[SHIFT-TAB] to select

a field.

System Time

System Date

Legacy Diskette A

[10:55:25]

[Mon 03/14/2005]

[1.44M, 3.5 in]

Use [+] or [-] to

configure the System

Time.

Primary IDE Master

Primary IDE Slave

Secondary IDE Master

Secondary IDE Slave

OnChip SATA Controller

[ST320410A]

[ASUS CD-S520/A]

[Not Detected]

[RAID Mode]

System Information

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

Advanced For changing the advanced system settings

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.

2-12

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.2.4 Menu items

System Time

System Date

Legacy Diskette A

[10:55:25]

[Mon 03/15/2005]

[1.44M, 3.5 in]

Use [ENTER], [TAB]

or [SHIFT-TAB] to

select a field.

The highlighted item on the menu

bar displays the specific items for

that menu. For example, selecting

Main shows the Main menu items.

Primary IDE Master:[ST320410A]

Primary IDE Slave :[ASUS CD-S520/A]

Secondary IDE Master :[Not Detected]

Secondary IDE Slave :[Not Detected]

OnChip SATA Controller [RAID Mode]

Use [+] or [-] to

configure the

System Time.

System Information

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

A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen means that the item

has a sub-menu. To display the sub-menu, select the item and press

<Enter>.

2.2.6 Configuration fields

These fields show the values for the menu items. If an item is

user-configurable, you can change the value of the field opposite the item.

You cannot select an item that is not user-configurable.

A configurable field is enclosed in brackets, and is highlighted when

selected. To change the value of a field, select it then press <Enter> to

display a list of options. Refer to “2.2.7 Pop-up window.”

2.2.7 Pop-up window

Select a menu item then press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with

the configuration options for that item.

2.2.8 Scroll bar

A scroll bar appears on the right side

Advanced PCI/PnP Settings

WARNING: Setting wrong values in

below sections may cause system to

malfunction.

of a menu screen when there are

items that do not fit on the screen.

Press the

Plug And Play O/S

PCI Latency Timer

Allocate IRQ to PCI VGA

Palette Snooping

[No]

[64]

[Yes]

[Disabled]

[Enabled]

PCI IDE BusMaster

Up/Down arrow keys or <Page Up> /

<Page Down> keys to display the

other items on the screen.

Pop-up window

2.2.9 General help

At the top right corner of the menu

screen is a brief description of the

selected item.

Scroll bar

ASUS P4S8X-MX

2-13

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.

Use [ENTER], [TAB] or

[SHIFT-TAB] to select

a field.

System Time

System Date

Legacy Diskette A

[10:55:25]

[Mon 03/15/2005]

[1.44M, 3.5 in]

Use [+] or [-] to

configure the System

Time.

Primary IDE Master

Primary IDE Slave

Secondary IDE Master

Secondary IDE Slave

OnChip SATA Controller

[ST320410A]

[ASUS CD-S520/A]

[Not Detected]

[RAID Mode]

System Information

2.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx]

Allows you to set the system time.

2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]

Allows you to set the system date.

2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]

Sets the type of floppy drive installed. Configuration options: [Disabled]

[360K, 5.25 in.] [1.2M , 5.25 in.] [720K , 3.5 in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.]

[2.88M, 3.5 in.]

2-14

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.3.4 Primary and Secondary IDE Master/Slave

While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE

devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each IDE device. Select a device

item then press <Enter> to display the IDE device information.

Primary IDE Master

Device

Vendor

Size

: Hard Disk

: ST320410A

: 20.0GB

LBA Mode

Block Mode

PIO Mode

Async DMA

Ultra DMA

: Supported

: 16 Sectors

: Supported

: MultiWord DMA-2

: Ultra DMA-2

SMART Monitoring: Supported

Type

LBA/Large Mode

[Auto]

Block(Multi-sector Transfer) M[Auto]

PIO Mode

DMA Mode

Smart Monitoring

32Bit Data Transfer

[Auto]

[Disabled]

The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items

(Device, Vendor, Size, LBA Mode, Block Mode, PIO Mode, Async DMA, Ultra

DMA, and SMART monitoring). These values 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. Setting to Auto allows automatic selection of

the appropriate IDE device type. Select CDROM if you are specifically

configuring a CD-ROM drive. Select ARMD (ATAPI Removable Media Device)

if your device is either a ZIP, LS-120, or MO 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) M [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]

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2-15

PIO Mode [Auto]

Selects the PIO mode.

Configuration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4]

DMA Mode [Auto]

Selects the DMA mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [SWDMA0]

[SWDMA1] [SWDMA2] [MWDMA0] [MWDMA1] [MWDMA2] [UDMA0]

[UDMA1] [UDMA2] [UDMA3] [UDMA4] [UDMA5] [UDMA6]

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]

2.3.5 OnChip SATA Controller [RAID Mode]

Allows you to disable or set the onchip Serial ATA controller mode. Set to

[Native Mode] when using generic IDE devices or [Raid Mode] to enable the

RAID function. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Native Mode] [Raid Mode]

2.3.6 System Information

This menu gives you an overview of the general system specifications. The

BIOS automatically detects the items in this menu.

AMIBIOS

Version

: 0106

Build Date : 03/10/05

Processor

Type

Speed

Count

: Genuine Intel(R) CPU 2.04GHz

: 2400 MHz

: 1

System Memory

Size : 224MB

2-16

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

AMI BIOS

Displays the auto-detected BIOS information.

Processor

Displays the auto-detected CPU specification.

System Memory

Displays the auto-detected system memory.

2.4 Advanced menu

The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU

and other system devices.

Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items.

Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction.

Adjust system

JumperFree Configuration

frequency/voltage.

CPU Configuration

Chipset

Onboard Devices Configuration

PCI PnP

USB Configuration

ASUS P4S8X-MX

2-17

2.4.1 JumperFree Configuration

Configure System Frequency

Select the target CPU

frequency, and the

relevant parameters

will be auto-adjusted.

Frequencies higher

than CPU manufacturer

recommends are not

guaranteed to be

AI Overclock Tuner

CPU Frequency

AGP/PCI Frequency

Spread Spectrum

DRAM Frequency

[Manual]

[133]

[Auto]

[Enabled]

[Auto]

stable. If the system

becomes unstable,

return to the default.

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]

Selecting a very high CPU frequency may cause the system to become

unstable! If this happens, revert to the default setting.

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 Frequency (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 ranges from 100 to 200.

The CPU Frequency item appears only when you set the A I

Overclocking Tuner item to [Manual].

2-18

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

AGP/PCI Frequency [Auto]

Allows you to set the AGP/PCI operating frequency.

Configuration options: [Auto][ 66.6/33.3] [75.0/37.5] [85.7/42.8]

Spread Spectrum [Enabled]

Enables or disables the clock generator spread spectrum.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

DRAM Frequency [Auto]

Allows you to set the DDR operating frequency.

Configuration options: [266 MHz] [333 MHz] [400 MHz] [Auto]

ASUS P4S8X-MX

2-19

2.4.2 CPU Configuration

The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS

automatically detects.

Configure Advanced CPU settings

Sets the ratio between

CPU Core Clock and the

FSB Frequency.

NOTE: If an invalid

ratio is set in CMOS

then actual and

Manufacturer: Intel

Brand String: Genuine Intel (R) CPU 2.40 GHz

Frequency

FSB Speed

: 2400 MHz

: 533 MHz

setpoint values may

differ.

Cache L1

Cache L2

Cache L3

: 16 KB

: 1024 KB

: 0 KB

Ratio Status: Unlocked (Max: 28, Min:14)

Ratio Actual Value : 18

Ratio CMOS Setting:

Max CPUID Value Limit:

Enhanced C1 Control

[ 18]

[Disabled]

[Auto]

CPU Internal Thermal Control

Ratio CMOS Setting [ 18]

Sets the ratio between the CPU Core Clock and the Front Side Bus

frequency. The default value of this item is auto-detected by BIOS. Use the

<+> or <-> keys to adjust the values.

Max CPUID Value Limit [Disabled]

Enable this item to boot legacy operating systems that cannot support

CPUs with extended CPUID functions. Configuration options: [Disabled]

[Enabled]

Enhanced C1 Control [Auto]

When set to [Auto], the BIOS will automatically check the CPU’s capability

to enable the C1E support. In C1E mode, the CPU power consumption is

lower when idle. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled]

CPU Internal Thermal Control [Auto]

Disables or sets the CPU internal thermal control.

Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled]

2-20

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

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.

NorthBridge SIS661GX Configuration

SouthBridge SIS964 Configuration

NorthBridge SiS661GX Configuration

Primary Graphics Adapter

MA 1T/2T Select

DRAM CAS# Latency

DRAM Precharge Delay

DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay

DRAM RAS# Precharge

Graphic Win Size

[PCI]

[Auto]

[By SPD]

[Auto]

[ 64MB]

[Disabled]

AGP Fast Write Control

Share Memory Size

[ 32MB]

Primary Graphics Adapter [PCI]

Allows selection of the graphics controller to use as primary boot

device. Configuration options: [PCI] [AGP] [Onboard AGP]

MA 1T/2T Select [Auto]

Allows you to set the Channel MA 1T or 2T setting.

Configuration options: [Auto] [MA 2T] [MA 1T]

DRAM CAS# Latency [By SPD]

Controls the latency between the SDRAM read command and the time

the data actually becomes available. Configuration options: [By SPD]

[2T] [2.5T] [3T]

DRAM Precharge Delay [Auto]

Sets the DRAM Precharge Delay. Configuration options: [Auto] [6T]

[7T] [5T] [4T] [8T] [9T]

DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay [Auto]

Controls the latency between the DDR SDRAM active command and

the read/write command. Configuration options: [Auto] [3T] [2T]

[4T] [5T]

ASUS P4S8X-MX

2-21

DRAM RAS# Precharge [Auto]

Controls the idle clocks after issuing a precharge command to the DDR

SDRAM. Configuration options: [Auto] [3T] [2T] [4T] [5T]

Graphics Win Size [64MB]

Allows you to select the size of mapped memory for AGP graphic

data. Configuration options: [32MB] [64MB] [128MB]

AGP Fast Write Control [Disabled]

Enables or disables the AGP Fast Write Control feature.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Share Memory Size [32MB]

Sets the share memory size. Configuration options: [16MB] [32MB]

[64MB] [128MB] [Disabled]

SouthBridge SiS964 Configuration

Onboard AC97 Audio Device

Onboard SIS900 LAN Device

Onboard LAN Boot ROM

[Enabled]

[Disabled]

Onboard AC97 Audio Device [Enabled]

This item enables or disables the onboard AC’97 audio CODEC device.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

OnBoard SiS900 LAN Device [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]

2-22

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.4.4 Onboard Devices Configuration

Allows BIOS to

select Serial Port1

Base addresses.

Configure Onboard Device

Serial Port1 Address

Parallel Port Address

Parallel Port Mode

ECP Mode DMA Channel

Parallel Port IRQ

[3F8/IRQ4]

[378]

[ECP]

[DMA3]

[IRQ7]

[Disabled]

Onboard Game/MIDI Port

Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]

Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4] [2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4]

[2E8/IRQ3]

Parallel Port Address [378]

Allows you to select the Parallel Port base addresses.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [378] [278] [3BC]

Parallel Port Mode [ECP]

Allows you to select the Parallel Port mode. When the item Parallel Port

Address is set to 3BC, the Parallel Port Mode options are only Normal,

Bi-directional, and ECP. 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.

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]

ASUS P4S8X-MX

2-23

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

WARNING: Setting wrong values in below sections

devices in the system.

may cause system to malfunction.

YES: Lets the

operating system

Plug And Play O/S

PCI Lantency Timer

Allocate IRQ to PCI VGA

Palette Snooping

[No]

[64]

[Yes]

[Disabled]

configure Plug and

Play (PnP) devices not

required for boot if

your system has a Plug

and Play operating

system.

IRQ3

IRQ4

IRQ5

IRQ7

IRQ9

IRQ10

IRQ11

IRQ14

IRQ15

[PCI Device]

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]

2-24

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

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.

OnBoard SiS USB1.1 Device

OnBoard SiS USB2.0 Device

[Enabled]

USB Configuration

Module Version - 2.23.2-10.4

USB Devices Enabled: None

Legacy USB Support

USB 2.0 Controller Mode

[Auto]

[HiSpeed]

OnBoard SiS USB 1.1 Device [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the onboard SiS USB 1.1 device.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

OnBoard SiS USB 2.0 Device [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the onboard SiS USB 2.0 device.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

•

The Module Version and USB Devices Enabled items show the

auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the item shows

None.

Set this item to Disable when using Windows^®98 SE or Windows^®

Me OS.

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 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]

ASUS P4S8X-MX

2-27

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.

Select the ACPI state

used for System

Suspend.

Suspend Mode

ACPI 2.0 Support

ACPI APIC Support

[Auto]

[No]

[Enabled]

APM Configuration

Hardware Monitor

2.5.1 Suspend Mode [Auto]

Allows you to select the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface

(ACPI) state to be used for system suspend.

Configuration options: [S1 (POS) Only] [S3 Only] [Auto]

2.5.2 ACPI 2.0 Support [No]

Allows you to add more tables for Advanced Configuration and Power

Interface (ACPI) 2.0 specifications. Configuration options: [No] [Yes]

2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Configuration and Power

Interface (ACPI) support in the Advanced Programmable Interrupt

Controller (APIC). When set to Enabled, the ACPI APIC table pointer is

included in the RSDT pointer list. Configuration options: [Disabled]

[Enabled]

2-28

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.5.4 APM Configuration

APM Configuration

<Enter> to select

whether or not to

restart the system

after AC power loss.

Power Button Mode

[On/Off]

Restore on AC Power Loss

Power On By PS2 Keyboard

Power On By PS2 Mouse

Power On By Internal MAC LAN

Power On By PCI Devices

Power On By External Modems

Power On By RTC Alarm

[Always OFF]

[Disabled]

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 [Always 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: [Always Off] [Always On] [Keep Previous State]

Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]

This parameter allows you to use specific keys on the keyboard to turn on

the system. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at

least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Space Bar]

[Ctrl-Esc] [Power key]

Power On By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]

When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to use the PS/2 mouse

to turn on the system. This feature requires an ATX power supply that

provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled]

[Enabled]

If the Power On By PS/2 Keyboard is enabled, the Power On by

PS/2 Mouse function is disabled.

Power On By Internal MAC LAN [Disabled]

When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to turn on the system

through the internal MAC LAN. This feature requires an ATX power supply

that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Configuration options:

[Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS P4S8X-MX

2-29

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 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 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]

2-30

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.5.5 Hardware Monitor

Hardware Monitor

CPU Temperature

MB Temperature

[65.5ºC/148ºF]

[36ºC/96.5ºF]

CPU Fan Speed

Chassis Fan Speed

[3260RPM]

[N/A]

VCORE Voltage

3.3V Voltage

5V Voltage

[ 1.504V]

[ 3.360V]

[ 5.160V]

[11.328V]

12V Voltage

CPU Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]

MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the

motherboard and CPU temperatures. Select [Ignored] if you do not wish to

display the detected 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.

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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

Boot Device Priority

Boot Settings Configuration

Security

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

[1st FLOPPY DRIVE]

[PM-ST330620A]

[PS-ASUS CD-S360]

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 appears on the screen depends

on the number of devices installed in the system.

Configuration options: [xxxxx Drive] [Disabled]

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Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.6.2 Removable Drives

This item appears only when there are removable drives (like a USB flash

disk) plugged in the system.

Removable Drives

Specifies the boot

sequence from the

available devices.

1st Boot Device

2nd Boot Device

3rd Boot Device

[1st FLOPPY DRIVE]

[ASUS USB Flash Disk]

1st ~ xxth Boot Device [1st Floppy Drive]

These items specify the removable boot device priority sequence from the

available removable boot devices. Configuration options: [xxxxx Drive]

[Disabled]

2.6.3 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

Full Screen Logo

AddOn ROM Display Mode

Bootup Num-Lock

[Enabled]

[Force BIOS]

[On]

PS/2 Mouse Support

Wait For ‘F1’ If Error

Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display

Interrupt 19 Capture

[Auto]

[Enabled]

[Disabled]

Quick Boot [Enabled]

Enabling this item allows the 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]

Full Screen Logo [Enabled]

This allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo2™ feature.

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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 for PS/2 mouse.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]

Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]

When set to Enabled, the system waits for the 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]

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Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.6.4 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

User Password

: Not Installed

<Enter> again to

disabled password.

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 set a password, this item shows Installed.

To set a Supervisor Password:

1. Select the Change Supervisor Password item and press <Enter>.

2. From the password box, type a password composed of at least six

letters and/or numbers, then press <Enter>.

3. Confirm the password when prompted.

The message “Password Installed” appears after you successfully set your

password.

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.

If you forget your BIOS password, you can clear it by erasing the CMOS

Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM. See section “1.9 Jumpers” for information

on how to erase the RTC RAM.

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After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow

you to change other security settings.

Security Settings

Supervisor Password

User Password

: Not Installed

Change Supervisor Password

User Access Level

Change User Password

Clear User Password

Password Check

[Full Access]

[Setup]

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 changes only to selected fields, such as Date and

Time.

Full Access allows viewing and changing all the fields in the Setup

utility.

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 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 at

least six letters and/or numbers, then press <Enter>.

3. Confirm the password when prompted.

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Chapter 2: BIOS setup

The message “Password Installed” appears after you set your password

successfully.

To change the user password, follow the same steps as in setting a user

password.

Clear User Password

Select this item 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]

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

Load Setup Defaults

Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the

options from this menu or <F10> from the legend bar to exit.

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Exit & Save Changes

Once you are finished making your selections, choose this option from the

Exit menu to ensure the values you selected are saved to the CMOS RAM.

An onboard backup battery sustains the CMOS RAM so it stays on even

when the PC is turned off. When you select this option, a confirmation

window appears. Select Yes to save changes and exit.

If you attempt to exit the Setup program without saving your changes,

the program prompts you with a message asking if you want to save

your changes before exiting. Press <Enter> to save the changes while

exiting.

Exit & Discard Changes

Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you

made to the Setup program. If you made changes to fields other than

System Date, System Time, and Password, the BIOS asks for a confirmation

before exiting.

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 & Save Changes or make other changes before

saving the values to the non-volatile RAM.

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Chapter 2: BIOS setup

This chapter describes the contents

of the support CD that comes with

the motherboard package.

Software

support

3.1 Installing an operating system

This motherboard supports Windows^®2000/2003 Server/XP operating

systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding

updates to maximize the features of your hardware.

•

Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Use the setup

procedures presented in this chapter for reference only. Refer to

your OS documentation for detailed information.

•

Make sure that you install Windows^®2000 Service Pack 4 or the

Windows^®XP Service Pack 1 or later versions before installing the

drivers for better compatibility and system stability.

3.2 Support CD information

The support CD that came with the motherboard package contains the

drivers, software applications, and utilities that you can install to avail all

motherboard features.

The contents of the support CD are subject to change at any time

without notice. Visit the ASUS website(www.asus.com) for updates.

3.2.1 Running the support CD

Place the support CD to the optical drive. The CD automatically displays the

Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer.

Click an icon to

display support

CD/motherboard

information

Click an item to install

If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of

the support CD to locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder.

Double-click the ASSETUP.EXE to run the CD.

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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.

SiS AGP Driver

Installs SiS AGP display driver.

SiS Onboard Graphics Driver

Installs SiS graphics driver for the onboard graphics controller.

Make sure you uninstall the SiS onboard graphics driver before installing

a PCI VGA card.

Realtek ALC655 Audio Driver

Installs the Realtek^®ALC655 audio driver and application.

SIS RAID Controller Driver

Installs the SIS RAID driver.

Make SiS RAID Controller Driver Disk

Creates a SIS RAID driver disk.

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3-3

SiS PCI Fast Ethernet Adapter Driver

Installs the driver for the onboard SiS PCI LAN controller.

USB 2.0 Driver

Installs the USB 2.0 driver.

The screen display and drivers option may not be the same for different

operating system versions.

3.2.3 Utilities menu

The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the

motherboard supports.

ASUS PC Probe

This smart utility monitors the fan speed, CPU temperature, and system

voltages, and alerts you of any detected problems. This utility helps you

keep your computer in healthy operating condition.

ASUS Update

The ASUS Update utility allows you to update the motherboard BIOS in a

Windows^®environment. This utility requires an Internet connection either

through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

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Chapter 3: Software support

Microsoft DirectX 9.0c

The Microsoft^®DirectX^®9.0c is a multimedia technology that enhances

computer graphics and sounds. DirectX^®improves the multimedia features

of your computer so you can enjoy watching TV and movies, capturing

videos, or playing games in your computer.

Anti-virus utility

The anti-virus utility scans, identifies, and removes computer viruses. View

the online help for detailed information.

ADOBE Acrobat Reader

The Adobe® Acrobat® Reader V5.0 is for opening, viewing, and printing

documents in Portable Document Format (PDF).

ASUS Screen Saver

Installs the ASUS screen saver.

The screen display and utilities option may not be the same for different

operating system versions.

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3-5

3.2.4 ASUS Contact information

Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can

also find this information on the inside front cover of this user guide.

3.2.5 Other information

The icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information

on the motherboard and the contents of the support CD. Click an icon to

display the specified information.

Motherboard Info

Displays the general specifications of the motherboard.

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Chapter 3: Software support

Browse this CD

Displays the support CD contents in graphical format.

Technical support Form

Displays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to fill out

when requesting technical support.

Filelist

Displays the contents of the support CD and a brief description of each in

text format.

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3.3 RAID configurations

The SIS 964 southbridge comes with a RAID controller that allows you to

configure Serial ATA hard disk drives as RAID sets. The motherboard

supports the following RAID configurations.

RAID 0 (Data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and

write data in parallel, interleaved stacks. Two hard disks perform the same

work as a single drive but at a sustained data transfer rate, double that of

a single disk alone, thus improving data access and storage. Use of two

new identical hard disk drives is required for this setup.

RAID 1 (Data mirroring) copies and maintains an identical image of data

from one drive to a second drive. If one drive fails, the disk array

management software directs all applications to the surviving drive as it

contains a complete copy of the data in the other drive. This RAID

configuration provides data protection and increases fault tolerance to the

entire system. Use two new drives or use an existing drive and a new drive

for this setup. The new drive must be of the same size or larger than the

existing drive.

JBOD (Spanning) stands for Just a Bunch of Disks and refers to hard

disk drives that are not yet configured as a RAID set. This configuration

stores the same data redundantly on multiple disks that appear as a single

disk on the operating system. Spanning does not deliver any advantage

over using separate disks independently and does not provide fault

tolerance or other RAID performance benefits.

If you want to boot the system from a hard disk drive included in a RAID

set, copy first the RAID driver from the support CD to a floppy disk

before you install an operating system to a selected hard disk drive.

Refer to section “3.4 Creating a RAID driver disk” for details.

3.3.1 Installing hard disks

The motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal

performance, install identical drives of the same model and capacity when

creating a disk array.

Installing Serial ATA (SATA) hard disks

To install the SATA hard disks for a RAID configuration:

1. Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays.

2. Connect the SATA signal cables.

3. Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector on each drive.

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Chapter 3: Software support

3.3.2 SIS RAID configurations

The motherboard includes a high performance Serial ATA RAID controller

integrated in the SIS 964 Southbridge chipset. It supports RAID 0 and RAID

1 with two independent Serial ATA channels.

Entering the SIS RAID BIOS utility

1. Boot your computer.

2. During POST, press <Ctrl> + <S> to enter the SIS RAID configuration

utility. The following menu options appear.

3. Press <R> to display the RAID setup menu.

Create an Array

1. From the SIS RAID BIOS utility main menu, press <A> to create an

array.

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Creating JBOD

1. From the RAID Setup, press <1> then <Enter> to select JBOD

(Spanning)

2. Select <1> to auto-create a RAID array or press <2> to manually

configure array then press <Enter>.

3. If you selected 1 proceed to step 5.

4. Use the up/down arrow keys to move the selection bar, then press

<Enter> to select a disk drive.

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Chapter 3: Software support

5. The current RAID set is displayed on the upper side of the screen.

6. Press <Q> to exit the RAID setup.

7. Press <Y> then <Enter> to save changes.

8. After the setup is complete, you can partition and format your hard

disk as a single hard drive.

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3-11

Creating RAID 0 for performance

1. From the RAID Setup, press <2> then <Enter> to select RAID 0

(Striping).

2. Select <1> to auto-create a RAID array or press <2> to manually

configure array then press <Enter>.

3. If you selected 1 proceed to step 7.

4. If you selected 2, select the array block size by pressing the

corresponding number beside the available block sizes then press

<Enter>.

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Chapter 3: Software support

5. Use the up/down arrow keys to move the selection bar, then press

<Enter> to select a disk drive.

6. After selecting the drives, press <Q> to return to previous menu.

7. Press <N> then <Enter> to create a Stripe only configuration. Press

<Y> if you wish to split the data on the source disk to other disks.

8. If you selected Y, the following screen appears.

9. When finished, press <Q> to return to previous menu.

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3-13

10. The current RAID setup is displayed on the upper side of the screen.

Press <Q> to exit the RAID setup menu.

11. Press <Y> then <Enter> to save changes.

12. When finished, you can partition and format the array as a single hard

drive.

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Chapter 3: Software support

Creating RAID 1 for capacity

1. From the RAID Setup, press <3> then <Enter> to select RAID 1

(Mirroring).

2. Select <1> to auto-create a RAID array or press <2> to manually

configure array then press <Enter>.

3. If you selected 1 proceed to step 5.

4. Use the up/down arrow keys to move the selection bar, then press

<Enter> to select a disk drive.

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5. Press <N> then <Enter> to create a mirrored set. Press <Y> if you

wish to duplicate the source disk (DISK 1) data to the RAID disks.

6. If you selected Y, the following screen appears.

7. When finished, press <Q> to return to previous menu. The current

RAID set is displayed on the upper side of the screen.

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Chapter 3: Software support

8. Press <Q> to exit the RAID setup.

9. Press <Y> then <Enter> to save changes.

10. After the setup is complete, you can partition and format the array as

a single hard drive.

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3.4 Creating a RAID driver disk

A floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows^®

2000/XP operating system on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID

set. Use the support CD that came with the motherboard package to

create a RAID driver disk.

To use the support CD:

1. Boot your computer and insert the support CD into the optical drive.

2. Make sure that the optical drive is the primary boot device. If not, set

the optical drive as the primary boot device in the BIOS.

3. Press the any key when the prompts “Press any key to boot from the

optical drive.” The following menu appears:

1) Make SIS RAID Driver Disk

2) Format Floppy Disk

3) FreeDOS command prompt

Please choose 1 ~ 3:_

4. Press <1> to create a RAID driver disk.

5. Insert a formatted floppy disk into the floppy drive then press

<Enter>.

6. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the process.

7. Write-protect the floppy disk to avoid computer virus infection.

To install the RAID driver:

1. During the OS installation, the system prompts you to press the <F6>

key to install third-party SCSI or RAID driver.

2. Press <F6> then insert the floppy disk with RAID driver into the floppy

disk drive.

3. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.

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Chapter 3: Software support

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