P5NT WS
Contents
Notices........................................................................................................ vii
Safety information .................................................................................... viii
About this guide ......................................................................................... ix
P5NT WS specifications summary............................................................ xi
Chapter 1:
Product introduction
1.1
1.2
1.3
Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1
Package contents......................................................................... 1-1
Special features............................................................................ 1-2
1.3.1
1.3.2
1.3.3
Product highlights ........................................................... 1-2
ASUS AI Lifestyle features ............................................. 1-4
ASUS special features.................................................... 1-5
Chapter 2:
Hardware information
2.1
2.2
Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1
Motherboard overview................................................................. 2-2
2.2.1
2.2.2
2.2.3
2.2.4
2.2.5
Placement direction ........................................................ 2-2
Screw holes .................................................................... 2-2
ASUS Stack Cool 2......................................................... 2-3
Motherboard layout......................................................... 2-4
Layout contents............................................................... 2-5
2.3
2.4
Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-7
2.3.1
2.3.2
2.3.3
Installing the CPU ........................................................... 2-8
Installing the CPU heatsink and fan.............................. 2-10
Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan ......................... 2-12
System memory ........................................................................... -14
2.4.1
2.4.2
2.4.3
2.4.4
Overview....................................................................... 2-14
Memory configurations.................................................. 2-15
Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 2-16
Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 2-16
2.5
Expansion slots.......................................................................... 2-17
2.5.1
2.5.2
2.5.3
2.5.4
Installing an expansion card ......................................... 2-17
Configuring an expansion card ..................................... 2-17
Interrupt assignments ................................................... 2-18
PCI slot ......................................................................... 2-19
iii
Contents
2.5.5
2.5.6
2.5.7
PCI Express x1 slots..................................................... 2-19
PCI-X slot...................................................................... 2-19
PCI Express x16 slots................................................... 2-19
2.6
2.7
Jumpers ...................................................................................... 2-20
Connectors ................................................................................. 2-22
2.7.1
2.7.2
Rear panel connectors.................................................. 2-22
Internal connectors ....................................................... 2-24
Chapter 3:
Powering up
3.1
Starting up for the first time........................................................ 3-1
3.2
Turning off the computer............................................................. 3-2
3.2.1
3.2.2
Using the OS shut down function.................................... 3-2
Using the dual function power switch.............................. 3-2
Chapter 4:
4.1
BIOS setup
Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 4-1
4.1.1
4.1.2
4.1.3
4.1.4
4.1.5
4.1.6
ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 4-1
Creating a bootable floppy disk....................................... 4-4
ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility................................................... 4-5
Updating the BIOS.......................................................... 4-6
Saving the current BIOS file............................................ 4-8
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility ...................................... 4-9
4.2
BIOS setup program .................................................................. 4-10
4.2.1
4.2.2
4.2.3
4.2.4
4.2.5
4.2.6
4.2.7
4.2.8
BIOS menu screen.........................................................4-11
Menu bar........................................................................4-11
Legend bar.................................................................... 4-12
Menu items ................................................................... 4-12
Sub-menu items............................................................ 4-12
Configuration fields ....................................................... 4-12
Pop-up window ............................................................. 4-13
General help ................................................................. 4-13
4.3
Main menu .................................................................................. 4-14
4.3.1
4.3.2
4.3.3
System Time ................................................................. 4-14
System Date ................................................................. 4-14
Language...................................................................... 4-14
iv
Contents
4.3.4
4.3.5
4.3.6
4.3.7
4.3.8
4.3.9
Legacy Diskette A ......................................................... 4-14
Primary IDE Master/Slave............................................. 4-15
SATA1/2/3/4/5/6..............................................................................4-17
HDD SMART Monitoring............................................... 4-18
Installed Memory........................................................... 4-18
Usable Memory............................................................. 4-18
4.4
Advanced menu ......................................................................... 4-19
4.4.1
4.4.2
4.4.3
4.4.4
4.4.5
4.4.6
JumperFree Configuration ............................................ 4-19
AI NET2 ........................................................................ 4-23
CPU Configuration........................................................ 4-23
Chipset.......................................................................... 4-24
PCIPnP ......................................................................... 4-27
Onboard Device Configuration...................................... 4-28
4.5
4.6
Power menu................................................................................ 4-31
4.5.1
4.5.2
4.5.3
4.5.4
ACPI Suspend Type ..................................................... 4-31
ACPI APIC Support....................................................... 4-31
APM Configuration........................................................ 4-32
Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 4-34
Boot menu .................................................................................. 4-36
4.6.1
4.6.2
4.6.3
4.6.4
4.6.5
Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 4-36
Removable Drives......................................................... 4-37
Hard Disk Drives........................................................... 4-37
Boot Settings Configuration ......................................... 4-38
Security......................................................................... 4-39
4.7
4.8
Tools menu ................................................................................. 4-41
4.7.1
4.7.2
4.7.3
ASUS Music Alarm........................................................ 4-41
ASUS O.C. Profile......................................................... 4-42
ASUS EZ Flash 2.......................................................... 4-44
Exit menu.................................................................................... 4-45
Chapter 5:
Software support
v
Contents
5.1
5.2
Installing an operating system ................................................... 5-1
Support DVD information............................................................ 5-1
5.2.1
5.2.2
5.2.3
5.2.4
5.2.5
5.2.6
5.2.7
Running the Support DVD .............................................. 5-1
Drivers menu................................................................... 5-2
Utilities menu .................................................................. 5-3
Make Disk menu ............................................................. 5-5
Manuals menu ................................................................ 5-6
ASUS Contact information.............................................. 5-6
Other information ............................................................ 5-7
5.3
Software information ................................................................... 5-9
5.3.1
5.3.2
5.3.3
5.3.4
5.3.5
5.3.6
5.3.7
5.3.8
5.3.9
ASUS MyLogo2™........................................................... 5-9
Audio configurations ......................................................5-11
ASUS PC Probe II......................................................... 5-16
ASUS Music Alarm........................................................ 5-22
ASUS AI Suite............................................................... 5-25
ASUS AI Gear............................................................... 5-27
ASUS AI Nap ................................................................ 5-28
ASUS AI N.O.S. ............................................................ 5-29
ASUS Q-Fan................................................................. 5-30
5.3.10 ASUS AI Booster........................................................... 5-31
5.4
RAID configurations .................................................................. 5-32
5.4.1
RAID definitions ............................................................ 5-32
5.4.2
NVIDIA® RAID configurations........................................ 5-33
5.5
Creating a RAID driver disk....................................................... 5-40
Chapter 6:
NVIDIA® dual graphics technology support
6.1
6.2
Overview ....................................................................................... 6-1
Dual graphics card setup ............................................................ 6-2
6.2.1
6.2.2
6.2.3
Installing dual graphics cards.......................................... 6-2
Installing the device drivers............................................. 6-5
Enabling the multi-GPU feature in Windows® ................. 6-5
vi
Notices
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
•
•
This device may not cause harmful interference, and
This device must accept any interference received including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
•
•
•
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
•
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is
required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modifications
to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions
from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the
Canadian Department of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
vii
Safety information
Electrical safety
•
To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the
electrical outlet before relocating the system.
•
When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the
power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are
connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system
before you add a device.
•
•
•
Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure
that all power cables are unplugged.
Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord.
These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.
Make sure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area.
If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using,
contact your local power company.
•
If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a
qualified service technician or your retailer.
Operation safety
•
Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all
the manuals that came with the package.
•
Before using the product, make sure all cables are correctly connected and the
power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer
immediately.
•
•
To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from
connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.
Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in
any area where it may become wet.
•
•
Place the product on a stable surface.
If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified
service technician or your retailer.
This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical
and electronic equipment) should not be placed in municipal waste. Check local
regulations for disposal of electronic products.
viii
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring
the motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This guide contains the following parts:
•
Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new
technology it supports.
•
Chapter 2: Hardware information
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform
when installing system components. It includes description of the jumpers
and connectors on the motherboard.
•
•
•
•
Chapter 3: Powering up
This chapter describes the power up sequence and ways of shutting down
the system.
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup
menus. Descriptions of the BIOS items are also provided.
Chapter 5: Software support
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the
motherboard package.
Chapter 6: NVIDIA® dual graphics technology support
This chapter tells how to install PCI Express graphics cards.
Where to find more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and
software updates.
1.
2.
ASUS websites
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and
software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.
Optional documentation
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty
flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not
part of the standard package.
ix
Conventions used in this guide
To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following
symbols used throughout this manual.
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself
when trying to complete a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components
when trying to complete a task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a
task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a
task.
Typography
Bold text
Italics
Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key>
Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign
means that you must press the enclosed key.
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the
Enter or Return key.
<Key1+Key2+Key3>
If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the
key names are linked with a plus sign (+).
Example: <Ctrl+Alt+D>
Command
Means that you must type the command exactly
as shown, then supply the required item or value
enclosed in brackets.
Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line:
format A:/S
x
P5NT WS specifications summary
CPU
LGA775 socket for Intel® Core™2 Extreme / Core™2
Duo / Pentium® Extreme / Pentium® D / Pentium® 4 /
Celeron® D Processors
Intel® Quad-core CPU Ready
Compatible with Intel® 06/05B/05A processors
Note: Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for the Intel® CPU support
list.
Chipset
NVIDIA® Dual PCI-E x16 Graphics Chipset
1333 / 1066 / 800 / 533 MHz
Front Side Bus
Memory
Dual-channel memory architecture
-
4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support non-ECC
unbuffered DDR2 800/667/533 MHz memory modules
Supports up to 8 GB system memory
-
Note: Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for the latest Qualified
Vendors List (QVL).
Expansion slots
Storage/RAID
3 x PCI Express™ x16 slots at x8, x8, x16, or x16, x1,x16
speed
2 x PCI Express™ x1 slots
1 x PCI-X slot
1 x PCI 2.2 slot
Southbridge supports:
-
-
-
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33
6 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s
NVIDIA® MediaShield™ RAID supports RAID 0, 1,
0+1, 5 and JBOD configuration across Serial ATA
drives
LAN
NVIDIA® built-in dual Gigabit MAC with external Marvell
88E1116 PHY
-
Supports NVIDIA® DualNet® Technology
(continued on the next page)
xi
P5NT WS specifications summary
High Definition Audio
Realtek ALC888 8-channel High Definition Audio CODEC
-
Supports Jack-Sensing, Multi-streaming and
Jack-Retasking
Coaxial, Optical S/PDIF out
IEEE 1394
USB
VIA6308S controller supports:
-
2 x IEEE 1394a connectors
Supports up to 10 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 at mid-board, 4
on the rear panel)
ASUS Exclusive
Intelligent overclocking tools:
Overclocking features
-
-
-
-
AI NOS™ (Non-delay Overclocking System)
AI Overclocking (intelligent CPU frequency tuner)
AI Booster
O.C. Profile
Overclocking protection:
ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
-
ASUS Unique features
ASUS EZ DIY:
-
-
-
Q-Connector
ASUS Crashfree BIOS2
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS MyLogo 2
Q-Fan 2
Rear panel
1 x PS/2 Keyboard port (purple)
1 x PS/2 Mouse (green)
1 x parallel port
1 x Optical S/PDIF Output port
1 x Coaxial S/PDIF Output port
2 x LAN (RJ45) port
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 x Antenna jack (only for WiFi edition)
1 x WiFi-AP Solo LED indicator (only for WiFi edition)
8-Channel audio ports
(continued on the next page)
xii
P5NT WS specifications summary
Internal connectors
1 x Floppy disk drive connector
1 x IDE connector for 2 devices
6 x Serial ATA connectors
3 x USB 2.0 connectors support six additional USB 2.0
ports
1 x Serial port (COM) connector
1 x Chassis intrusion connector
1 x EZ Plug connector
1 x 24-pin ATX power connector
1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 x CD audio in connector
2 x IEEE 1394a connectors
6 x Fan connectors: 1 x CPU / 1 x Power / 4 x Chassis
System panel connector
BIOS features
8 Mb AWARD BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS
2.3, Multi-Language BIOS
Manageability
Accessories
WOL by PME, WOR by PME, Chasis Intrusion, PXE
1 x SLI bridge
1 x ASUS Q-connector Kit (USB, 1394, system panel;
Retail version only)
1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable
1 x Floppy disk drive cable
6 x SATA cables
3 x SATA power cables for six devices
1 x USB2.0 module
1 x IEEE1394a module
User’s manual
Support DVD contents
Drivers
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS Update
ASUS AI Booster
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
NVIDIA® MediaShield™ RAID
Form factor
ATX form factor: 12 in x 9.6 in (30.5 cm x 24.5 cm)
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.
xiii
xiv
This chapter describes the motherboard
features and the new technologies
it supports.
Product
1
introduction
Chapter summary
1
1.1
1.2
1.3
Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1
Package contents......................................................................... 1-1
Special features............................................................................ 1-2
ASUS P5NT WS
1.1
Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS® P5NT WS motherboard!
The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it
another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!
Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the
items in your package with the list below.
1.2
Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
Motherboard
I/O modules
ASUS P5NT WS motherboard
1 x 2-port IEEE 1394a module
1 x 2-port USB 2.0 module
Cables
3 x Serial ATA power cables
6 x Serial ATA signal cables
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable
1 x Floppy disk drive cable
Accessories
I/O shield
1 x 3-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector Kit
(USB, IEEE 1394, system panel; Retail version only)
1 x ASUS SLI Bridge
Application DVD
Documentation
ASUS motherboard support DVD
User guide
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
ASUS P5NT WS
1-1
1.3
Special features
1.3.1
Product highlights
Green ASUS
This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction
on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision
of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard
consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.
Intel® Core™2 / Quad-core Processor Ready
This motherboard supports the latest Intel® Core™2 processor in the LGA775
package. With the new Intel® Core™ microarchitecture technology and 1066 /
800 MHz FSB, the Intel® Core™2 is one of the most powerful and energy efficient
CPUs in the world. This motherboard also supports the latest Intel® Quad-core
processor, which is excellent for multi-tasking, multi-media and enthusiastic
gamers with 1066 / 800 MHz FSB. See page 2-7 for details.
NVIDIA® nForce® Dual PCI Express™ x16 Graphics chipset
The NVIDIA® Dual PCI Express™ x16 chipset allows two graphics processing
units (GPUs) in a single system. It’s designed for enthusiast, extreme overclocking
capability, ultimate gaming performance. It’s definitely one of the fastest platform in
the world. See Chapter 6 for details. The NVIDIA® PCI Express™ x16 chipset also
supports six (6) Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s devices, dual PCI Express™ x16 slots at full
x16, x16 mode, and up to 10 USB 2.0 ports.
DDR2 memory support
The motherboard supports DDR2 memory that features data transfer rates
of 800/667/533 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest
3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel DDR2
architecture doubles the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system
performance, eliminating bottlenecks with peak bandwidths of up to 12.8 GB/s.
See page 2-14 for details.
1-2
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Serial ATA II technology
The motherboard fully supports the Serial ATA II 3.0 Gb/s technology through
the Serial ATA interfaces and the NVIDIA® chipset. The Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s
specification provides twice the bandwidth of the current Serial ATA products with
a host of new features, including Native Command Queueing (NCQ), and Power
Management (PM) Implementation Algorithm. Serial ATA allows for thinner, more
flexible cables with lower pin count and reduced voltage required. See page 2-26
for details.
The NVIDIA® MediaShield™ RAID controller integrated in the NVIDIA® chipset
allows RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD configurations for six SATA
3.0 Gb/s connectors. See pages 2-26 and 5-32 for details.
IEEE 1394a support
The IEEE 1394a interface provides high speed digital interface for audio/video
appliances such as digital television, digital video camcorders, storage peripherals
& other PC portable devices. See page 2-28 for details.
S/PDIF digital sound ready
This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio
systems via coaxial and optical S/PDIF-out (SONY/PHILIPS Digital Interface) jacks.
It allows to transfer digital audio without converting to analog format and keeps the
best signal quality. See pages 2-22 and 2-23 for details.
Dual Gigabit LAN solution
The motherboard comes with dual Gigabit LAN controllers to provide the total
solution for your networking needs. These network controllers provide faster data
bandwidth for your wired or wireless Internet, LAN, and file sharing requirements.
See page 2-22 for details.
ASUS P5NT WS
1-3
1.3.2
ASUS AI Lifestyle features
ASUS has devoted special efforts to address the thermal issues across the
motherboard, and most notably the areas that reside the CPU, power, Northbridge
and Southbridge.
Advanced thermal design
Stack Cool 2
Stack Cool 2 is a fan-less and zero-noise cooling solution offered exclusively
by ASUS. It effectively transfers heat generated by the critical components
to the other side of the specially designed PCB (printed circuit board) for
effective heat dissipation. See page 2-3 for details.
8 Phase Power Design
ASUS 8-Phase Power Design keeps CPU and power module away from
suffering risk of high power stress, which makes CPU lifetime much longer
and system more stable. Furthermore, It provides high efficiency operation
to generate less heat than conventional power solutions and consequently
achieve cool system environment. With this strong power pump, this
motherboard is made for overclocking.
Fanless Design: Heat-pipe Thermal solution
Cooling fans, though a popular thermal solution, also come with noise and
malfunction likelyhood. ASUS Motherboard's fansless concept is specifically
created to provide a cool environment without all the baggage.
The heat pipe, heat sinks and strategic board layout were tailor made to
dissipate heat in the most efficient manner.
1-4
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
ASUS EZ DIY
ASUS Q-Connector
The ASUS Q-Connector allows you to connect or disconnect chassis front
panel cables in one easy step with one complete module. This unique
adapter eliminates the trouble of plugging in one cable at a time, making
connection quick and accurate. See page 2-34 for details.
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2
The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data
from a USB flash disk containing the BIOS file. This utility saves users the
cost and hassle of buying a replacement BIOS chip. See page 4-9 for details.
ASUS EZ Flash 2
EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply launch this tool and
update BIOS from a USB flash disk before entering the OS. You can update
your BIOS only in a few clicks without preparing an additional floppy diskette
or using an OS-based flash utility. See pages 4-5 and 4-44 for details.
1.3.3
ASUS special features
ASUS O.C. Profile
The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Profile that allows users to conveniently
store or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be stored in the
CMOS or a separate file, giving users freedom to share and distribute their favorite
overclocking settings. See page 4-42 for details.
ASUS Multi-language BIOS
The multi-language BIOS allows you to select the language of your choice from the
available options. The localized BIOS menus allow easier and faster configuration.
See page 4-14 for details.
ASUS P5NT WS
1-5
AI NOS™
Applications such as 3D games and video editing demand a huge chunk of
system resource. Inject "nitrous oxide" into your CPU! The patented AI NOS™
(Non-delay Overclocking System) technology intelligently detects system load
and automatically boosts performance for the most demanding tasks. Unlike other
dynamic overclocking techniques, AI NOS™ reacts much faster to satisfy your
unending need for speeds. See page 5-29 for details.
AI Gear
AI Gear allows users to choose from four modes to adjust CPU, FSB speed and
Vcore voltage, minimizing noise and power consumption. Users can choose the
mode that best suits their needs. See page 5-27 for details
AI Nap
With AI Nap, the system can continue running at minimum power and noise
when the user is temporarily away. To wake the system and return to the OS
environment, simply click the mouse or press a key. See page 5-28 for details.
C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
The C.P.R. feature of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to the
BIOS default settings in case the system hangs due to overclocking. When the
system hangs due to overclocking, C.P.R. eliminates the need to open the system
chassis and clear the RTC data. Simply shut down and reboot the system, and the
BIOS automatically restores the CPU default setting for each parameter.
ASUS MyLogo2
This new feature present in the motherboard allows you to personalize and add
style to your system with customizable boot logos. See page 5-9 for details.
1-6
Chapter 1: Product Introduction
This chapter lists the hardware setup
procedures that you have to perform
when installing system components. It
includes description of the jumpers and
connectors on the motherboard.
Hardware
2
information
Chapter summary
2
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1
Motherboard overview................................................................. 2-2
Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-7
System memory ......................................................................... 2-14
Expansion slots.......................................................................... 2-17
Jumper ........................................................................................ 2-20
Connectors ................................................................................. 2-21
ASUS P5NT WS
2.1
Before you proceed
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components
or change any motherboard settings.
•
Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or to
a metal object, such as the power supply case, before handling
components to avoid damaging them due to static electricity.
•
•
Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded
antistatic pad or in the bag that came with the component.
Onboard LED
The motherboard comes with a standby power LED. The green LED lights up
to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a
reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before
removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows
the location of the onboard LED.
SB_PWR
ON
OFF
Standby
Powered
P5NT WS Onboard LED
Power
Off
ASUS P5NT WS
2-1
2.2
Motherboard overview
Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to
ensure that the motherboard fits into it.
Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the
motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage
motherboard components.
2.2.1
Placement direction
When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in
the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the
chassis as indicated in the image below.
2.2.2
Screw holes
Place nine (9) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard
to the chassis.
DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
Place this side towards
the rear of the chassis
2-2
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.2.3
ASUS Stack Cool 2
The motherboard comes with the ASUS Stack Cool 2 cooling solution that lowers
the temperature of critical heat generating components. The motherboard uses
a special design on the printed circuit board (PCB) to dissipate heat that critical
components generate.
ASUS P5NT WS
2-3
2.2.4
Motherboard layout
24.5cm (9.6in)
CHA_FAN3
PS/2KBMS
T: Mouse
B: Keyboard
PWR_FAN
SPDIF_O
ATX12V
CPU_FAN
SPDIF_O2
LGA775
LAN2_USB34
LAN1_USB12
AUDIO
NVIDIA®
C55
CHA_FAN4
PCIEX1_1
PCIEX1_2
PCIEX16_1
PCIEX16_2
Marvell
88E1116
NEC
720404
PCIX_SPEED
Marvell
88E1116
NVIDIA®
MCP55PXE
CHA_FAN2
ALC888
CD
PCIX_1
SB_PWR
PCIEX16_3
SATA2
SATA1
VIA
VT6308S
CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
CLRTC
8Mb
BIOS
PCI1
IE1394_2
CHASSIS
PANEL
AAFP
IE1394_1
USB56
USB78
TPM
COM1
Refer to 2.7 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and
internal connectors.
•
The Antenna jack and the WiFi-AP Solo LED indicator are only for the WiFi
edition.
•
The USB910 port does not exist for the WiFi edition.
2-4
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.2.5
Layout contents
Slots
Page
2-14
2-19
2-19
2-19
2-19
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
DDR2 DIMM slots
PCI slot
PCI-X slot
PCI Express x1 slots
PCI Express x16 slots
Jumper
Page
1.
Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC_EN)
2-20
2.
PCI-X Speed setting (6-pin PCIX_SPEED)
2-21
Rear panel connectors
Page
2-22
2-22
2-22
2-22
2-22
2-22
2-22
2-22
2-23
2-23
2-23
2-23
2-23
2-23
2-23
2-23
2-23
2-23
1.
PS/2 mouse port (green)
2.
Parallel port
3.
LAN 1 (RJ-45) port.
4.
LAN 2 (RJ-45) port
5.
Rear Speaker Out port (black)
Center/Subwoofer port (orange)
Line In port (light blue)
6
7.
8.
Line Out port (lime)
9.
Antenna jack (Only for WiFi edition)
WiFi-AP Solo LED indicator (Only for WiFi edition)
Microphone port (pink)
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
Side Speaker Out port (gray)
USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2
USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4
External SATA port
Optical S/PDIF Out port
Coaxial S/PDIF Out port
PS/2 keyboard port (purple)
ASUS P5NT WS
2-5
Internal connectors
Page
2-24
2-25
2-26
2-27
2-27
2-28
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)
IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)
Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1-6)
USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB 78, USB910)
Internal audio connector (4-pin CD)
IEEE 1394a port connectors (10-1 pin IE1394_1; 10-1 pin
IE1394_2)
7.
8.
Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)
2-28
2-29
CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors
(4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN1~4, 3-pin PWR_FAN)
9.
Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)
2-30
2-30
10.
ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 2 x 4-pin ATX12V,
4-pin EZ_PLUG)
11.
12.
TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM)
2-32
2-33
System panel connector (20-8-pin PANEL)
•
•
•
•
•
System power LED (2-pin PLED)
Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED)
System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)
ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWR)
Reset button (2-pin RESET)
ASUS Q-connector (system panel)
2-34
2-6
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.3
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA775 socket designed for the
Intel® Quad-core / Core™2 Extreme / Core™2 Duo / Pentium® Extreme / Pentium®
D/ Pentium® 4 and Celeron® D processors.
•
•
Make sure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.
Connect the chassis fan cable to the CHA_FAN1 connector to ensure
system stability.
•
Upon purchase of the motherboard, make sure that the PnP cap is on
the socket and the socket contacts are not bent. Contact your retailer
immediately if the PnP cap is missing, or if you see any damage to the PnP
cap/socket contacts/motherboard components. ASUS will shoulder the cost
of repair only if the damage is shipment/transit-related.
•
•
Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return
Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes
with the cap on the LGA775 socket.
The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts
resulting from incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/
incorrect removal of the PnP cap.
ASUS P5NT WS
2-7
2.3.1
Installing the CPU
To install a CPU:
1.
Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.
P5NT WS CPU Socket 775
Before installing the CPU, make sure that the socket box is facing towards you
and the load lever is on your left.
2.
Press the load lever with your thumb (A), then move it to the left (B) until it is
released from the retention tab.
Retention tab
A
PnP cap
Load lever
B
This side of the socket box
should face you.
To prevent damage to the socket pins, do not remove the PnP cap unless you
are installing a CPU.
3.
Lift the load lever in the direction of
the arrow to a 135º angle.
2-8
Chapter 2: Hardware information
4.
Lift the load plate with your thumb
and forefinger to a 100º angle (A),
then push the PnP cap from the load
plate window to remove (B).
B
A
Load plate
Alignment key
5.
Position the CPU over the
socket, making sure that
the gold triangle is on the
bottom-left corner of the
socket then fit the socket
alignment key into the
CPU notch.
CPU notch
Gold triangle mark
The CPU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the
socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and damaging the CPU!
A
6.
7.
Close the load plate (A), then
push the load lever (B) until it
snaps into the retention tab.
If installing a dual-core CPU,
B
connect the chassis fan cable
to the CHA_FAN1 connector to
ensure system stability.
The motherboard supports Intel® LGA775 processors with the Intel® Enhanced
Memory 64 Technology (EM64T), Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology
(EIST), and Hyper-Threading Technology. Refer to the Appendix for more
information on these CPU features.
ASUS P5NT WS
2-9
2.3.2
Installing the CPU heatsink and fan
The Intel® LGA775 processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan
assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.
•
When you buy a boxed Intel® processor, the package includes the CPU fan
and heatsink assembly. If you buy a CPU separately, make sure that you
use only Intel®-certified multi-directional heatsink and fan.
•
•
Your Intel® LGA775 heatsink and fan assembly comes in a push-pin design
and requires no tool to install.
If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, make sure
that you have properly applied Thermal Interface Material to the CPU
heatsink or CPU before you install the heatsink and fan assembly.
Make sure that you have installed the motherboard to the chassis before you
install the CPU fan and heatsink assembly.
To install the CPU heatsink and fan:
1.
Place the heatsink on top of the
installed CPU, making sure that
the four fasteners match the holes
on the motherboard.
Orient the heatsink and fan
assembly such that the CPU fan
cable is closest to the CPU fan
connector.
Motherboard hole
Fastener
Narrow end
of the groove
Make sure to orient each fastener with the narrow end of the groove pointing
outward. (The photo shows the groove shaded for emphasis.)
2-10
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.
Push down two fasteners at a time in
a diagonal sequence to secure the
heatsink and fan assembly in place.
B
B
A
A
A
B
B
A
3.
Connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled
CPU_FAN.
CPU_FAN
P5NT WS 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 P5NT WS
2-11
2.3.3
Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan
To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan:
1.
2.
Disconnect the CPU fan cable from
the connector on the motherboard.
Rotate each fastener
counterclockwise.
3.
Pull up two fasteners at a time in
a diagonal sequence to disengage
the heatsink and fan assembly
from the motherboard.
B
B
A
A
A
B
B
A
4.
Carefully remove the heatsink
and fan assembly from the
motherboard.
2-12
Chapter 2: Hardware information
5.
Rotate each fastener clockwise to
ensure correct orientation when
reinstalling.
Narrow end of the groove
The narrow end of the
groove should point
outward after resetting.
(The photo shows the
groove shaded for
emphasis.)
Refer to the documentation in the boxed or stand-alone CPU fan package for
detailed information on CPU fan installation.
ASUS P5NT WS
2-13
2.4
System memory
2.4.1
Overview
The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory
Modules (DIMM) sockets.
A DDR2 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR DIMM but has a
240-pin footprint compared to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. DDR2 DIMMs are notched
differently to prevent installation on a DDR DIMM socket.
The figure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets:
P5NT WS 240-pin DDR2 DIMM sockets
Channel
Sockets
Channel A
Channel B
DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2
DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2
2-14
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.4.2
Memory configurations
You may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR2
DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.
•
For dual-channel configuration, the total size of memory module(s) installed
per channel must be the same (DIMM_A1 + DIMM_A2 = DIMM_B1 +
DIMM_B2).
•
Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum
compatibility, we recommend that you obtain memory modules from the
same vendor. Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for the latest DDR2
Qualified Vendors List.
•
•
Due to chipset resource allocation, the system may detect less than 8 GB
system memory when you installed four 2 GB DDR2 memory modules.
The motherboard can support up to 8 GB on the operating system listed
below. You may install a maximum of 2 GB DIMMs on each slot.
32-bit
64-bit
Windows® 2000 Advanced
Server
Windows® Server 2003
Standard x64 Edition
Windows® Server 2003
Enterprise Edition
Windows® XP Professional x64
Edition
Windows® Server 2003
Enterprise x64 Edition
Visit the ASUS website for the latest DDR2-800/667/533 MHz QVL.
ASUS P5NT WS
2-15
2.4.3
Installing a DIMM
Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other
system components. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the
motherboard and the components.
2
To install a DIMM:
DDR2 DIMM notch
3
1.
2.
3.
Unlock a DIMM socket by
pressing the retaining clips
outward.
1
Align a DIMM on the socket
such that the notch on the DIMM
matches the break on the socket.
1
Firmly insert the DIMM into the
socket until the retaining clips
snap back in place and the DIMM
is properly seated.
Unlocked retaining clip
•
A DDR2 DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction. Do
not force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM.
•
The DDR2 DIMM sockets do not support DDR DIMMs. Do not install DDR
DIMMs to the DDR2 DIMM sockets.
2.4.4
Removing a DIMM
To remove a DIMM:
2
1. Simultaneously press the retaining
clips outward to unlock the DIMM.
Support the DIMM lightly with
your fingers when pressing the
retaining clips. The DIMM might
get damaged when it flips out with
extra force.
1
DDR2 DIMM notch
1
2.
Remove the DIMM from the socket.
2-16
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.5
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.
2.5.1
Installing an expansion card
To install an expansion card:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with
it and make the necessary hardware settings for the card.
Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a
chassis).
Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screw
for later use.
Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is
completely seated on the slot.
5.
6.
Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier.
Replace the system cover.
2.5.2
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 4 for information on BIOS setup.
2.
3.
Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page.
Install the software drivers for the expansion card.
When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Share
IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise, conflicts will
arise between the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card
inoperable. Refer to the table on the next page for details.
ASUS P5NT WS
2-17
2.5.3
Interrupt assignments
IRQ
Standard function
0
System timer
1
4
Standard 101/102-key or Microsoft Natural Keyboard
Communications Port (COM1)*
6
Standard floppy disk controller
8
System CMOS/real-time clock
9
9
9
Microsoft ACPI-compliant system
NVIDIA nForce networking controller #3
NVIDIA nForce networking controller #4
NVIDIA nForce PCI system management
Mass storage controller
PS/2 compatible mouse port
Numeric data processor
Primary IDE channel
NVIDIA GeForce 6600 GT
VIA OHCI compliant IEEE 1394 host controller
NVIDIA nForce 590/570/550 Serial ATA controller
NVIDIA network bus enumerator
NVIDIA network bus enumerator
Standard OpenHCD USB host controller
NVIDIA nForce 590/570/550 Serial ATA controller
Standard Enhanced PCI to USB host controller
NVIDIA nForce 590/570/550 Serial ATA controller
10
11
12
13
14
16
19
20
20
21
22
22
23
23
IRQ assignments for this motherboard
A
–
–
–
–
B
–
–
–
–
–
C
–
–
–
–
–
D
–
–
–
–
–
E
F
G
–
–
–
–
–
H
–
–
–
–
–
PCIEx16_1
PCIEx16_2
PCIEx16_3
PCIEx1_1
PCIEx1_2
shared
–
shared
–
–
–
shared
–
shared
–
shared
PCI Slot
USB 1.1
USB 2.0
LAN_1
–
shared
shared
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
shared
–
–
shared
shared
–
–
–
LAN_2
–
–
–
PATA
shared
–
–
SATA_1
SATA_2
SATA_3
SATA_RAID
1394
–
–
–
–
–
–
shared
–
–
–
shared
–
–
–
used
–
shared
shared
–
–
–
–
Audio
shared
–
2-18
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.5.4
PCI slot
The PCI slot supports cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other
cards that comply with PCI specifications. Refer to the figure below for the location
of the slots.
2.5.5
PCI Express x1 slots
This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other
cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. Refer to the figure below for
the location of the slots.
2.5.6
PCI-X slot
The PCI-X slot supports cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and
other cards that comply with PCI-X 1.0 specifications. Refer to the figure below for
the location of the slots.
2.5.7
PCI Express x16 slots
This motherboard has three PCI Express x16 slots that support PCI Express x16
graphic cards complying with the PCI Express specifications. Refer to the figure
below for the location of the slots.
PCI slot
PCI Express x 16 slot (blue)
PCIX slot
PCI Express x 16 slot (black)
PCI Express x 1 slot
PCI Express x 16 slot (blue)
PCI Express x 1 slot
ASUS P5NT WS
2-19
2.6
Jumpers
1.
Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC)
You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup
parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data.
To erase the RTC RAM:
1.
2.
Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.
Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3 to enable the CLRTC
function.
3.
4.
Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.
Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to
re-enter data.
CLRTC
1
2
2
3
Normal
Clear RTC
P5NT WS Clear RTC RAM
(Default)
•
•
Make sure to re-enter your previous BIOS settings after you clear the
CMOS.
You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to
overclocking. For system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU
Parameter Recall) feature. Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS
can automatically reset parameter settings to default values.
2-20
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.
PCI-X Speed setting (6-pin PCIX_SPEED)
This jumper allows you to set the PCI-X slot’s maximum frequency
capability.
1~2: the slots will have 133 MHZ capability whether you install one or two
cards.
3~4: the slots will have 100 MHZ capability whether you install one or two
cards.
PCIX_SPEED
1
1
1
AUTO by PCI-X Card Force PCI-X 133MHz Force PCI-X 100MHz
(Default)
P5NT WS PCI-X Speed setting
ASUS P5NT WS
2-21
2.7
Connectors
2.7.1
Rear panel connectors
1
2
3
4
5 6 7 8
9
10
18
17
16
15
14
13
12 11
1.
2.
PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse.
Parallel port. This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a scanner, or other
devices.
3.
4.
LAN 1 (RJ-45) port. Supported by Marvell® 88E1116 Gigabit LAN controller,
this port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a
network hub. Refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indications.
LAN 2 (RJ-45) port. Supported by the Marvell® 88E1116 Gigabit LAN
controller, this port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network
(LAN) through a network hub. Refer to the table below for the LAN port LED
indications.
LAN port LED indications
ACT/LINK SPEED
LED LED
Activity/Link Speed LED
Status
Description
No link
Status
OFF
Description
OFF
10 Mbps connection
100 Mbps connection
1 Gbps connection
ORANGE
BLINKING
Linked
ORANGE
GREEN
Data activity
LAN port
5.
6.
7.
8.
Rear Speaker Out port (black). This port connects the rear speakers in a
4-channel, 6-channel, or 8-channel audio configuration.
Center/Subwoofer port (orange). This port connects the center/subwoofer
speakers.
Line In port (light blue). This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player, or
other audio sources.
Line Out port (lime). This port connects a headphone or a speaker. In
4-channel, 6-channel, and 8-channel configuration, the function of this port
becomes Front Speaker Out.
2-22
Chapter 2: Hardware information
9.
Antenna jack (Only for WiFi edition). This port is on the onboard wireless
LAN module that allows you to set up a wireless network and exchange
information with other wireless devices without tangling cables and wires.
Connect the moveable omni-directional antenna to this jack.
10. WIFI-AP Solo LED indicator (Only for WiFi edtion). The WIFI-AP Solo
comes with a green data transmission LED (AIR). Refer to the ASUS WiFi-AP
Solo user guide.
11. Microphone port (pink). This port connects a microphone.
12. Side Speaker Out port (gray). This port connects the side speakers in an
8-channel audio configuration.
Refer to the audio configuration table below for the function of the audio ports in
2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration.
Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration
Port
Headset
4-channel
6-channel
8-channel
2-channel
Light Blue
Lime
Line In
Line In
Line In
Line In
Line Out
Front Speaker Out
Front Speaker Out
Mic In
Front Speaker Out
Mic In
Pink
Mic In
Mic In
Gray
–
–
–
–
–
Side Speaker Out
Rear Speaker Out
Center/Subwoofer
Black
Rear Speaker Out
–
Rear Speaker Out
Center/Subwoofer
Orange
13. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports
are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.
14. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports
are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.
15. External SATA port. This port connects to an external SATA box or a Serial
ATA port multiplier.
The external SATA port supports
external Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s
devices. Longer cables support
higher power requirements to
deliver signal up to two meters
away, and enables improved hot-
swap function.
16. Optical S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device
via an optical S/PDIF cable.
17. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device
via an coaxial S/PDIF cable.
18. PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.
ASUS P5NT WS
2-23
2.7.2
Internal connectors
1.
Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)
This connector is for the provided floppy disk drive (FDD) signal cable. Insert
one end of the cable to this connector, then connect the other end to the
signal connector at the back of the floppy disk drive.
Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable connection when
using a FDD cable with a covered Pin 5.
FLOPPY
NOTE: Orient the red markings on
the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1.
PIN 1
P5NT WS Floppy disk drive connector
2-24
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.
IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)
The onboard IDE connector is for the Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable.
There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable:
blue, black, and gray. Connect the blue connector to the motherboard’s IDE
connector, then select one of the following modes to configure your device.
Drive jumper setting
Mode of
Cable connector
device(s)
Single device
Two devices
Cable-Select or Master
Cable-Select
-
Black
Black
Master
Slave
Master
Slave
Gray
Master
Slave
Black or gray
PRI_IDE
NOTE: Orient the red markings
(usually zigzag) on the IDE
ribbon cable to PIN 1.
P5NT WS IDE connector
•
•
Pin 20 on the IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole on the
Ultra DMA cable connector. This prevents incorrect insertion when you
connect the IDE cable.
Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 IDE devices.
If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select,” make sure all other device
jumpers have the same setting.
ASUS P5NT WS
2-25
3.
Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1-6)
These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk
drives.
If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, RAID
1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, or JBOD configuration with the onboard NVIDIA®
MediaShield™ RAID controller.
The RAID function of these connectors is set to [Disabled] by default. If you
intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, enable the RAID
Enabled item under the Serial-ATA Configuration sub-menu in the BIOS. See
section “4.4.6 Onboard Device Configuration” for details.
SATA2
SATA1
SATA4 SATA6
SATA3 SATA5
P5NT WS SATA connectors
These connectors support Native Command Queuing (NCQ), Power
Management (PM) Implementation Algorithm, Hot Swap and smart setup.
Right-angle side
Connect the right-angle side of SATA
signal cable to the SATA device, or
connect the right-angle side of the
SATA cable to the onboard SATA port
to avoid mechanical conflict with huge
graphics cards.
2-26
Chapter 2: Hardware information
4.
USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, USB910)
These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable
to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the
back of the system chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0
specification that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed.
USB910 1
1
1
USB56
P5NT WS USB 2.0 connectors
USB78
Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the
motherboard!
You can connect the USB cable to ASUS Q-Connector (USB, blue) first, and
then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector onboard.
The USB910 port does not exist for the WiFi edition.
5.
Internal audio connector Int(4-pin CD [Black])
This connector allows you to receive a stereo audio input from sound source
such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, MPEG card or modem.
CD
(black)
Right Audio Channel
Ground
Ground
Left Audio Channel
P5NT WS Internal audio connector
ASUS P5NT WS
2-27
6.
IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_1; 10-1 pin IE1394_2)
The connectors are for IEEE 1394a ports. Connect the IEEE 1394a module
cable to any of the connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the
back of the system chassis.
IE1394_1
IE1394_2
PIN1
PIN1
P5NT WS IEEE 1394 connectors
Never connect a USB cable to the IEEE 1394a connector. Doing so will damage
the motherboard!
You can connect the 1394 cable to ASUS Q-Connector (1394, red) first, and
then install the Q-Connector (1394) to the 1394 connector onboard.
7.
Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)
This connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module
cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back
of the system chassis.
COM1
PIN 1
P5NT WS COM port connector
The Serial (COM) port module is purchased separately.
2-28
Chapter 2: Hardware information
8.
CPU, chassis, and power connectors
(4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN1~4, 3-pin PWR_FAN)
The fan connectors support cooling fans of 1A~2.2A (26.4 W max.) at +12V.
Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, making
sure that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the
connector.
DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air
flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. These are
not jumpers! DO NOT place jumper caps on the fan connectors!
•
•
Only the CHA_FAN1 connector supports the ASUS Q-FAN 2 feature.
If you install two VGA cards, we recommend that you plug the rear chassis
fan cable to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1 or CHA_FAN2
for better themal environment.
ASUS P5NT WS
2-29
9.
Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)
This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detection sensor or switch.
Connect one end of the chassis intrusion sensor or switch cable to this
connector. The chassis intrusion sensor or switch sends a high-level signal to
this connector when a chassis component is removed or replaced. The signal
is then generated as a chassis intrusion event.
By default, the pin labeled “Chassis Signal” and “ Ground” are shorted with
a jumper cap. Remove the jumper caps only when you intend to use the
chassis intrusion detection feature.
CHASSIS
(Default)
P5NT WS Chassis intrusion connector
10. ATX power connectors
(24-pin EATXPWR, 2 x 4-pin ATX12V, 4-pin EZ_PLUG)
These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs
are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper
orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.
EATXPWR
+3 Volts
+12 Volts
+12 Volts
+5V Standby
Power OK
Ground
Ground
+5 Volts
+5 Volts
+5 Volts
-5 Volts
Ground
Ground
Ground
PSON#
Ground
-12 Volts
+3 Volts
ATX12V
+5 Volts
EZ_PLUG
Ground
+5 Volts
+12V
GND
Ground
+3 Volts
EZ_DET
+5V
+3 Volts
P5NT WS ATX power connectors
•
•
Make sure to remove the cap on the ATX12V connector before connecting
an 8-pin EPS +12V power plug.
Use only either a 4-pin ATX12V or an 8-pin EPS +12V power plug for the
ATX12V connector.
2-30
Chapter 2: Hardware information
•
For a fully configured system, we recommend that you use a power supply
unit (PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specification 2.0 (or later version)
and provides a minimum power of 550 W.
•
Do not forget to connect the 4-pin/8pin EATX12V power plug; otherwise,
the system will not boot.
•
Make sure to connect the EZ Plug™ when using PCI Express graphics
cards and a 20-pin ATX power supply unit; otherwise, the system may
become unstable.
•
Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when configuring
a system with more power-consuming devices. The system may become
unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.
•
If you want to use two high-end PCI Express x16 cards, use a PSU with
500 W to 600 W power or above to ensure the system stability.
•
The ATX 12 V Specification 2.0-compliant (500 W) PSU has been tested to
support the motherboard power requirement with the following configuration:
Normal Loading
CPU
PSC 3.73G 1066
DDR800
VGA
1GB*2
Nvidia 7800GTX*2
SATA-HD
ESATA-HD
IDE-HD
CD-ROM
USB
SATA*4
1
1
1
2
1
PCI
•
If you want to use two EN7950GX2 graphics cards, visit the NVIDIA website
(www.nvidia.com) for the qualified PSU vendor list.
ASUS P5NT WS
2-31
11. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM) [Optional])
This connector supports a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) system, which can
securely store keys, digital certificates, passwords, and data. A TPM system
also helps enhance network security, protects digital identities, and ensures
platform integrity.
TPM
P5NT WS TPM connector
The TPM module is purchased separately.
2-32
Chapter 2: Hardware information
12. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)
This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.
PLED
SPEAKER
PANEL
IDE_LED
RESET
PWR
* Requires an ATX power supply.
P5NT WS System panel connector
•
•
System power LED (2-pin PLED)
This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power
LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when you turn
on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.
Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED)
This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity
LED cable to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or flashes when data is
read from or written to the HDD.
•
•
System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)
This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The
speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.
ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWR)
This connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power button
turns the system on or puts the system in sleep or soft-off mode depending
on the BIOS settings. Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds
while the system is ON turns the system OFF.
•
Reset button (2-pin RESET)
This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system
reboot without turning off the system power.
ASUS P5NT WS
2-33
ASUS Q-Connector (system panel)
You can use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect chassis front
panel cables in a few steps. Refer to the instructions below to install the ASUS
Q-Connector.
1.
2.
3.
Connect the front panel cables to the
ASUS Q-Connector.
Refer to the labels on the Q-Connector
to know the detailed pin definitions, then
match them to the respective front panel
cable labels.
Install the ASUS Q-Connector to the
system panel connector, making sure
the orientation matches the labels on the
motherboard.
The front panel functions are now enabled.
The figure shows the Q-Connector properly
installed on the motherboard.
2-34
Chapter 2: Hardware information
This chapter describes the power up
sequence, the vocal POST messages,
and ways of shutting down the system.
Powering up
3
Chapter summary
3
3.1
Starting up for the first time........................................................ 3-1
3.2
Turning off the computer............................................................. 3-2
ASUS P5NT WS
3.1
Starting up for the first time
1.
2.
3.
After making all the connections, replace the system case cover.
Be sure that all switches are off.
Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system
chassis.
4.
5.
Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge
protector.
Turn on the devices in the following order:
a. Monitor
b. External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain)
c. System power
6.
After applying power, the system power LED on the system front panel case
lights up. For systems with ATX power supplies, the system LED lights up
when you press the ATX power button. If your monitor complies with “green”
standards or if it has a “power standby” feature, the monitor LED may light up
or switch between orange and green after the system LED turns on.
The system then runs the power-on self tests or POST. While the tests are
running, the BIOS beeps or additional messages appear on the screen.
If you do not see anything within 30 seconds from the time you turned on
the power, the system may have failed a power-on test. Check the jumper
settings and connections or call your retailer for assistance.
7.
At power on, hold down the <Delete> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the
instructions in Chapter 4.
ASUS P5NT WS
3-1
3.2
Turning off the computer
3.2.1
Using the OS shut down function
If you are using Windows® 2000:
1.
2.
Click the Start button then click Shut Down.
Make sure that the Shut Down option button is selected, then click the OK
button to shut down the computer.
3.
The power supply should turn off after Windows® shuts down.
If you are using Windows® XP:
1.
2.
3.
Click the Start button then select Turn Off Computer.
Click the Turn Off button to shut down the computer.
The power supply should turn off after Windows® shuts down.
If you are using Windows® Vista:
1.
2.
Click the Start button then select ShutDown.
The power supply should turn off after Windows® shuts down.
3.2.2
Using the dual function power switch
While the system is ON, pressing the power switch for less than four seconds puts
the system to sleep mode or to soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting.
Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds lets the system enter the
soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS setting. Refer to section 4.5 Power Menu in
Chapter 4 for details.
3-2
Chapter 3: Powering up
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
4
Chapter summary
4
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 4-1
BIOS setup program .................................................................... 4-9
Main menu .................................................................................. 4-13
Advanced menu ......................................................................... 4-18
Power menu................................................................................ 4-30
Boot menu .................................................................................. 4-35
Tools menu ................................................................................. 4-40
Exit menu.................................................................................... 4-44
ASUS P5NT WS
4.1
Managing and updating your BIOS
The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic
Input/Output System (BIOS) setup.
1.
2.
ASUS Update (Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.)
ASUS EZ Flash 2 (Updates the BIOS in DOS using a floppy disk or a USB
flash disk.)
3.
Award BIOS Flash Utility (Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a bootable
floppy disk.)
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 Award BIOS Flash utilities.
4.1.1
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 DVD 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.
2.
Place the support DVD in the optical drive. The Drivers menu appears.
Click the Utilities tab, then click Install ASUS Update VX.XX.XX. See page
5-3 for the Utilities screen menu.
3.
The ASUS Update utility is copied to your system.
ASUS P5NT WS
4-1
Quit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility.
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.
4-2
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
4.
5.
From the FTP site, select the BIOS
version that you wish to download.
Click Next.
Follow the screen instructions to
complete the update process.
The ASUS Update utility is
capable of updating itself through
the Internet. Always update the
utility to avail all its features.
Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file
To update the BIOS through a BIOS file:
1.
Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start
> Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update
main window appears.
2.
Select Update BIOS from a file
option from the drop-down menu,
then click Next.
3.
Locate the BIOS file from the Open
window, then click Open.
4.
Follow the screen instructions to
complete the update process.
ASUS P5NT WS
4-3
4.1.2
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:/Sthen 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 My Computer.
c. Select the 3 1/2 Floppy Drive icon.
d. Click File from the menu, then select Format. A Format 3 1/2 Floppy
Disk window appears.
e. Select Create an MS-DOS startup disk from the format options field,
then click Start.
Windows® 2000 environment
To create a set of boot disks for Windows® 2000:
a. Insert a formatted, high density 1.44 MB floppy disk into the drive.
b. Insert the Windows® 2000 CD to the optical drive.
c. Click Start, then select Run.
d. From the Open field, type
D:\bootdisk\makeboot a:
assuming that D: is your optical drive.
e. Press <Enter>, then follow screen instructions to continue.
2.
Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS file to the bootable floppy
disk.
4-4
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
4.1.3
ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility
The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go
through the long process of booting from a floppy disk and using a DOS-based
utility. The EZ Flash 2 utility is built-in the BIOS chip so it is accessible by pressing
<Alt> + <F2> during the Power-On Self Tests (POST).
To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:
1.
Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for
the motherboard.
2.
Save the BIOS file to a floppy disk, then restart the system.
3.
You can launch the EZ Flash 2 by two methods.
(1) Insert the floppy disk/USB flash disk that contains the BIOS file to
the floppy disk drive or the USB port.
Press <Alt> + <F2> during POST to display the following.
ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility B318
FLASH TYPE: Winbond W39V080A 8Mb LPC
Current ROM
Update ROM
BOARD: Unknown
VER: Unknown
DATE: Unknown
BOARD: P5NT WS
VER: 0111
DATE: 11/30/2006
PATH: A:\
A
Note
[Enter] Select
[Tab]Switch
[S] Save
[ESC]Exit
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move
(2) Enter BIOS setup program. Go to the Tools menu to select EZ
Flash 2 and press <Enter> to enable it.
You can switch between drives by pressing <Tab> before the
correct file is found. Then press <Enter>.
4.
When the correct BIOS file is found, EZ Flash 2 performs the BIOS update
process and automatically reboots the system when down.
•
This function can support devices such as USB flash disk, hard disk,
or floppy disk with FAT32/16/12 format only.
•
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to
prevent system boot failure!
ASUS P5NT WS
4-5
4.1.4
Updating the BIOS
The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) can be updated using the AwardBIOS
Flash Utility. Follow these instructions to update the BIOS using this utility.
1.
Download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS web site. Rename the file to
P5NT-WS.BIN and save it to a floppy disk, CD ROM or a USB flash disk in
FAT 16/12 format.
Save only the updated BIOS file in the disk to avoid loading the wrong BIOS file.
2.
Copy the AwardBIOS Flash Utility (awdflash.exe) from the Software folder
of the support DVD to the floppy disk, CD ROM or a USB flash disk with the
latest BIOS file.
3.
Boot the system in DOS mode using the bootable floppy disk, CD ROM or a
USB flash disk you created earlier.
4.
Under the DOS mode,
AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.17
(C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved
use <X:> (X stands for
the name of the disk
assignment) to switch to
the folder of floppy disk,
CD ROM or USB flash
disk you saved the BIOS
fileand AwardBIOS Flash
Utility.
For C55XEMCP55PXE-P5NT-WS
Flash Type - Winbond W39V080A (8Mb)
DATE:11/30/2006
File Name to Program:
5.
At the prompt, type
Message: Please input File Name!
awdflash then press
<Enter>. The Award BIOS
Flash Utility screen appears.
4-6
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
6.
Type the BIOS file name in
the File Name to Program
field, then press <Enter>.
AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.17
(C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved
For C55XEMCP55PXE-P5NT-WS
DATE:11/30/2006
Flash Type - Winbond W39V080A (8Mb)
File Name to Program: P5NT-WS.bin
Message: Do You Want To Save Bios (Y/N)
7.
8.
Press <N> when the utility prompts you to save the current BIOS file. The
following screen appears.
The utility verifies the BIOS
AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.17
(C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved
file in the floppy disk, CD
ROM or a USB flash disk
and starts flashing the
BIOS file.
For C55XEMCP55PXE-P5NT-WS
Flash Type - Winbond W39V080A (8Mb)
DATE:11/30/2006
File Name to Program: P5NT-WS.bin
Programming Flash Memory - OFE00 OK
Write OK
No Update
Write Fail
Warning: Don’t Turn Off Power Or Reset System!
Do not turn off or reset the system during the flashing process!
9.
The utility displays a
Flashing Complete
message indicating that
you have successfully
flashed the BIOS file.
Remove the disk then
press <F1> to restart the
system.
AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.17
(C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved
For C55XEMCP55PXE-P5NT-WS
DATE:11/30/2006
Flash Type - Winbond W39V080A (8Mb)
File Name to Program: P5NT-WS.bin
Flashing Complete
Press <F1> to Continue
Write OK
F1 Reset
No Update
Write Fail
ASUS P5NT WS
4-7
4.1.5
Saving the current BIOS file
You can use the AwardBIOS Flash Utility to save the current BIOS file. You can
load the current BIOS file when the BIOS file gets corrupted during the flashing
process.
Make sure that the floppy disk, CD ROM or a USB flash disk has enough disk
space to save the file.
To save the current BIOS file using the AwardBIOS Flash Utility:
1.
2.
Follow steps 1 to 6 of the
previous section.
AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.17
(C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved
For C55XEMCP55PXE-P5NT-WS
DATE:11/30/2006
Press <Y> when the utility
prompts you to save the
current BIOS file. The
Flash Type - Winbond W39V080A (8Mb)
File Name to Program: 0111.bin
Save current BIOS as:
following screen appears.
Message:
3.
Type a filename for the
current BIOS file in the
AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.17
(C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved
Save current BIOS as field, For C55XEMCP55PXE-P5NT-WS
then press <Enter>.
DATE:11/30/2006
Flash Type - Winbond W39V080A (8Mb)
File Name to Program: 0111.bin
Checksum: 810DH
Save current BIOS as: old.bin
Message: Please Wait!
4.
The utility saves the
AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.17
(C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved
current BIOS file to the
floppy disk, then returns to
the BIOS flashing process.
For C55XEMCP55PXE-P5NT-WS
DATE:11/30/2006
Flash Type - Winbond W39V080A (8Mb)
File Name to Program: 0110.bin
Now Backup System BIOS to
File!
Message: Please Wait!
4-8
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
4.1.6
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 DVD or the floppy disk
that contains the updated BIOS file.
•
•
Prepare the motherboard support DVD or the floppy disk containing
the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility.
Make sure that you rename the original or updatedd BIOS file in the
floppy disk to P5NT-WS.BIN
.
Recovering the BIOS from the support DVD
To recover the BIOS from the support DVD:
1.
2.
3.
Turn on the system.
Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive.
The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the DVD
for the BIOS file.
Award BootBlock BIOS v1.0
Copyright (C) 2000, Award Software, Inc.
BIOS ROM checksum error,
Detecting IDE ATAPI device...
When found, the utility reads the BIOS file and starts flashing the corrupted
BIOS file.
Award BootBlock BIOS v1.0
Copyright (C) 2000, Award Software, Inc.
BIOS ROM checksum error,
Detecting IDE ATAPI device...
Found CDROM, try to Boot from it...Pass
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can
cause system boot failure!
4.
Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.
ASUS P5NT WS
4-9
4.2
BIOS setup program
This motherboard supports a programmable Low-Pin Count (LPC) chip that you
can update using the provided utility described in section “4.1 Managing and
updating your BIOS.”
Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconfiguring
your system, or prompted to“Run Setup.” This section explains how to configure
your system using this utility.
Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you can change the
configuration of your computer in the future. For example, you can enable the
security password feature or change the power management settings. This
requires you to reconfigure your system using the BIOS Setup program so that the
computer can recognize these changes and record them in the CMOS RAM of the
LPC chip.
The LPC chip on the motherboard stores the Setup utility. When you start up the
computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program. Press
<Del> during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to enter the Setup utility; otherwise,
POST continues with its test routines.
If you wish to enter Setup after POST, restart the system by pressing
<Ctrl+Alt+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 “4.8 Exit Menu.”
•
The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes
only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.
•
Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for
this motherboard.
4-10
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
4.2.1
BIOS menu screen
Menu items
Menu bar
Configuration fields
General help
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Power Boot Tools Exit
Main
Advanced
System Time
System Date
Language
15 : 30 : 36
Sat, Jan 21 2006
[English]
Select Menu
Item Specific Help
Legacy Diskette A:
[1.44M, 3.5 in.]
Change the day, month,
year and century.
Primary IDE Master
[ST321122A]
[ASUS CDS520/A]
[None]
Primary IDE Slave
SATA1
SATA2
[None]
SATA3
[None]
SATA4
[None]
SATA5
[None]
SATA6
[None]
HDD SMART Monitoring
[Disabled]
Installed Memory
Usable Memory
512MB
511MB
F1:Help
ESC: Exit
: Select Item
→←
-/+: Change Value
Enter: Select SubMenu
F5: Setup Defaults
F10: Save and Exit
↑↓
: Select Menu
Sub-menu items
Legend bar
4.2.2
Menu bar
The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:
Main
For changing the basic system configuration
Advanced
Power
For changing the advanced system settings
For changing the advanced power management (APM)
configuration
Boot
Tools
Exit
For changing the system boot configuration
For configuring options for special functions
For selecting the exit options and loading default
settings
To select an item on the menu bar, press the right or left arrow key on the keyboard
until the desired item is highlighted.
•
•
The BIOS setup screens shown in this chapter are for reference purposes
only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.
Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS
information.
ASUS P5NT WS
4-11
4.2.3
Legend bar
At the bottom of the Setup screen is a legend bar. The keys in the legend bar allow
you to navigate through the various setup menus. The following table lists the keys
found in the legend bar with their corresponding functions.
Navigation Key
<F1>
Function
Displays the General Help screen
Loads setup default values
<F5>
<Esc>
Exits the BIOS setup or returns to the main menu from a
sub‑menu
Left or Right arrow
Up or Down arrow
Page Down or – (minus)
Page Up or + (plus)
<Enter>
Selects the menu item to the left or right
Moves the highlight up or down between fields
Scrolls backward through the values for the highlighted field
Scrolls forward through the values for the highlighted field
Brings up a selection menu for the highlighted field
Saves changes and exit
<F10>
4.2.4
Menu items
The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu.
For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items.
The other items (Advanced, Power, Boot, and Exit) on the menu bar have their
respective menu items.
4.2.5
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>.
4.2.6
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 “4.2.7 Pop-up window.”
4-12
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
4.2.7
Pop-up window
Select a menu item then press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the
configuration options for that item.
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Main
Advanced
Power
Boot
Tools
Exit
System Time
System Date
Language
15 : 30 : 36
Thu, Apr 6 2006
[English]
Select Menu
Legacy Diskette A:
[1.44M, 3.5 in.]
Item Specific Help
Legacy Diskette A:
Primary IDE Mast
cifies the capacity and
sical size of diskette
ve A.
Primary IDE Slav
SATA1
Disabled
720K , 3.5 in.
1.44M, 3.5 in.
..... [ ]
..... [ ]
SATA2
..... [ ]
SATA3
SATA4
SATA5
SATA6
HDD SMART Monito
↑↓ :Move ENTER:Accept ESC:Abort
Installed Memory
Usable Memory
F1:Help
ESC: Exit
↑↓ : Select Item
→←: Select Menu
-/+: Change Value
Enter: Select SubMenu
F5: Setup Defaults
F10: Save and Exit
Pop-up menu
4.2.8
General help
At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected
item.
ASUS P5NT WS
4-13
4.3
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 “4.2.1 BIOS menu screen” for information on the menu screen
items and how to navigate through them.
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Main
Advanced
Power
Boot
Tools
Exit
System Time
System Date
Language
15 : 30 : 36
Sat, Jan 21 2006
[English]
Select Menu
Item Specific Help
Legacy Diskette A:
[1.44M, 3.5 in.]
Change the day, month,
year and century.
Primary IDE Master
[ST321122A]
[ASUS CDS520/A]
[None]
Primary IDE Slave
SATA1
SATA2
[None]
SATA3
[None]
SATA4
[None]
SATA5
[None]
SATA6
[None]
HDD SMART Monitoring
[Disabled]
Installed Memory
Usable Memory
512MB
511MB
F1:Help
ESC: Exit
↑↓ : Select Item
→←: Select Menu
-/+: Change Value
Enter: Select SubMenu
F5: Setup Defaults
F10: Save and Exit
4.3.1
System Time [xx:xx:xx]
Allows you to set the system time.
4.3.2
System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]
Allows you to set the system date.
4.3.3
Language [English]
Allows you to choose the BIOS language version from the options. Configuration
options: [English] [French] [Deutsch] [Chinese (Trad.)] [Chinese (Simp.)]
[Japanese]
4.3.4
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]
Sets the type of floppy drive installed.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [720K , 3.5 in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.]
4-14
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
4.3.5
Primary IDE Master/Slave
While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE devices.
There is a separate sub-menu for each IDE device. Select a device item then
press <Enter> to display the IDE device information.
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Main
Primary IDE Master
Select Menu
PIO Mode
UDMA Mode
[Auto]
[Auto]
Item Specific Help
Set a PIO mode for IDE
device. Mode0 through 4
for successive increase in
performance.
Primary IDE Master
Access Mode
[Auto]
[Auto]
Capacity
82 GB
Cylinder
Head
39420
16
Sector
255
Transfer Mode
UDMA 5
F1:Help
ESC: Exit
↑↓ : Select Item
→←: Select Menu
-/+: Change Value
Enter: Select SubMenu
F5: Setup Defaults
F10: Save and Exit
The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items
(Capacity, Cylinder, Head, Sector and Transfer Mode). These values are not
user-configurable. These items show N/A if no IDE device is installed in the
system.
PIO Mode [Auto]
Sets the PIO mode for the IDE device.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Mode 0] [Mode 1] [Mode 2] [Mode 3] [Mode 4]
UDMA Mode [Auto]
Disables or sets the UDMA mode. Configuration options: [Disable] [Auto]
Primary IDE Master/Slave [Auto]
Select [Auto] to automatically detect an IDE hard disk drive. If automatic detection
is successful, the BIOS automatically fills in the correct values for the remaining
fields on this sub-menu. If the hard disk was already formatted on a previous
system, the setup BIOS may detect incorrect parameters. Select [Manual] to
manually enter the IDE hard disk drive parameters. If no drive is installed select
[None]. Configuration options: [None] [Auto] [Manual]
ASUS P5NT WS
4-15
Access Mode [Auto]
The default [Auto] allows automatic detection of an IDE hard disk drive.
Select [CHS] for this item if you set the IDE Primary Master/Slave to [Manual].
Configuration options: [CHS] [LBA] [Large] [Auto]
Before attempting to configure a hard disk drive, make sure you have the
correct configuration information supplied by the drive manufacturer. Incorrect
settings may cause the system to fail to recognize the installed hard disk.
Capacity
Displays the auto-detected hard disk capacity. This item is not configurable.
Cylinder
Shows the number of the hard disk cylinders. This item is not configurable.
Head
Shows the number of the hard disk read/write heads. This item is not configurable.
Sector
Shows the number of sectors per track. This item is not configurable.
Transfer Mode
Shows the Transfer mode. This item is not configurable.
After entering the IDE hard disk drive information into BIOS, use a disk utility,
such as FDISK, to partition and format new IDE hard disk drives. This is
necessary so that you can write or read data from the hard disk. Make sure to
set the partition of the Primary IDE hard disk drives to active.
4-16
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
4.3.6
SATA1/2/3/4/5/6
While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of Serial ATA
devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each SATA device. Select a device item
then press <Enter> to display the SATA device information.
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Main
SATA1
Select Menu
Extended IDE Drive
Access Mode
[Auto]
[Auto]
Item Specific Help
Selects the type of fixed
disk connected to the
system.
Capacity
0 MB
Cylinder
Head
Landing Zone
Sector
0
0
0
0
F1:Help
ESC: Exit
↑↓ : Select Item
→←: Select Menu
-/+: Change Value
Enter: Select SubMenu
F5: Setup Defaults
F10: Save and Exit
The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Capacity,
Cylinder, Head, Landing Zone and Sector). These values are not user-
configurable. These items show 0 if no SATA device is installed in the system.
Extended IDE Drive [Auto]
Selects the type of fixed disk connected to the system.
Configuration options: [None] [Auto]
Access Mode [Auto]
Sets the sector addressing mode. Configuration options: [Large] [Auto]
Before attempting to configure a hard disk drive, make sure you have the
correct configuration information supplied by the drive manufacturer. Incorrect
settings may cause the system to fail to recognize the installed hard disk.
Capacity
Displays the auto-detected hard disk capacity. This item is not configurable.
Cylinder
Shows the number of the hard disk cylinders. This item is not configurable.
ASUS P5NT WS
4-17
Head
Shows the number of the hard disk read/write heads. This item is not configurable.
Landing Zone
Shows the number of landing zone per track. This item is not configurable.
Sector
Shows the number of sectors per track. This item is not configurable.
After entering the IDE hard disk drive information into BIOS, use a disk utility,
such as FDISK, to partition and format new IDE hard disk drives. This is
necessary so that you can write or read data from the hard disk. Make sure to
set the partition of the Primary IDE hard disk drives to active.
4.3.7
HDD SMART Monitoring [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the HDD Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting
Technology (SMART) feature. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
4.3.8
Installed Memory [xxx MB]
Shows the size of installed memory.
4.3.9
Usable Memory [XXX MB]
Shows the size of usable memory.
4-18
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
4.4
Advanced menu
The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for system devices.
Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect
field values can cause the system to malfunction.
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Main
Advanced
Power
Boot
Tools
Exit
JumperFree Configuration
Select Menu
Item Specific Help
Press [Enter] to set.
AI NET2
CPU Configuration
Chipset
PCIPnP
Onboard Device Configuration
USB Configuration
F1:Help
↑↓ : Select Item
-/+: Change Value
Enter: Select SubMenu
F5: Setup Defaults
F10: Save and Exit
ESC: Exit →←: Select Menu
4.4.1
JumperFree Configuration
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Power Boot Tools Exit
Main
Advanced
JumperFree Configuration
Select Menu
AI Tuning
[Auto]
Item Specific Help
x
x
x
x
x
x
Overclock Options
N.O.S. Mode
Disabled
Auto
Press [Enter] to select
overclock profile
N.O.S. Sensitivity
N.O.S. Overclock
System Clocks
FSB & Memory Config
Advanced Voltage Control
Normal
3%
x
SLI-Ready Memory
Not Detected
F1:Help
ESC: Exit
: Select Item
: Select Menu
-/+: Change Value
Enter: Select SubMenu
F5: Setup Defaults
F10: Save and Exit
↑↓
→←
ASUS P5NT WS
4-19
AI Tuning [Auto]
Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU internal
frequency. Selct either one of the preset overclocking configuration options:
Manual
Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.
Loads the optimal settings for the system.
Auto
Standard
AI Overclock
Loads the standard settings for the system.
Loads overclocking profiles with optimal parameters for stability when
overclocking.
AI N.O.S.
The ASUS Non-delay Overclocking System feature intelligently
determines the system load and automatically boosts the performance
for the most demanding tasks.
The following item becomes user-configurable when you set AI Tuning to
[AI Overclocking].
Overclock Options [Disabled]
Allows you to set the overclocking options.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Overclock 5%] [Overclock 10%] [Overclock 15%]
[Overclock 20%]
The following item becomes user-configurable when you set AI Tuning to
[AI N.O.S.]
N.O.S. Mode [Auto]
Allows you to set the Non-delay Overclocking System mode.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual]
The following items become user-configurable when you set N.O.S. Mode to
[Manual].
N.O.S. Sensitivity [Normal]
Allows you to select the Non-delay Overclocking System sensitivity.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual]
N.O.S. Overclock [3%]
Allows you to set the overclocking ratio.
Configuration options: [Overclock 3%] [Overclock 5%] [Overclock 8%] [Overclock
10%]
The following items become user-configurable when you set AI Tuning to
[Manual].
4-20
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
System Clocks
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Advanced
System Clocks
Select Menu
Item Specific Help
NB PCIEX16 Frequency
SB PCIEX16 Frequency
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Auto]
Set C55 PCIE Overclock
NB PCIEX16 Frequency/SB PCIEX16 Frequency [Auto]
Allows you to set the NB/SB PCIEX16 overclocking frequency. Use the <+> and <->
keys to adjust the frequency. The values range from 100 to 200.
SPP<->MCP Ref Clock, MHz [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [200.0 MHz] [200.5 MHz] [201.0 MHz]...[500.0 MHz]
FSB & Memory Config
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Extreme Tweaker
Select Menu
FSB & Memory Config
Item Specific Help
FSB - Memory Clock Mode
FSB - Memory Ratio
FSB (QDR), MHz
[Auto]
Auto
x
x
System clock mode
Auto
Actual FSB (QDR), MHz
MEM (DDR), MHz
800.0
Linked
667
[Optimal]
Set FSB and memory speed
automatically.
x
Actual MEM (DDR), MHz
[Linked]
Enter FSB Speed manually.
Memory Speed changes
proportionally.
F1:Help
ESC: Exit
: Select Item
→←
-/+: Change Value
Enter: Select SubMenu
F5: Setup Defaults
F10: Save and Exit
↑↓
: Select Menu
FSB - Memory Clock Mode [Auto]
Allows you to set the memory clock mode.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Linked] [Unlinked]
The following items become user-configurable when you set the FSB-Memory
Clock Mode item to [Linked].
FSB - Memory Ratio [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1:1] [5:4] [3:2] [Sync Mode]
FSB (QDR), MHz [800]
Use the numeric keypad to enter a new value or use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust
the frequency. The values range from 533 to 3000.
The following items become user-configurable when you set the FSB-Memory
Clock Mode item to [Unlinked].
ASUS P5NT WS
4-21
FSB (QDR), MHz [800]
Use the numeric keypad to enter a new value or use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust
the frequency. The values range from 533 to 3000.
MEM (DDR), MHz [667]
Use the numeric keypad to enter a new value or use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust
the frequency. The values range from 400 to 2600.
Advanced Voltage Control
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Advanced
Advanced Voltage Control
[Auto]
Select Menu
VCore Voltage
Memory Voltage
Item Specific Help
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Auto]
Set CPU VID to desired
voltage, but it will cause
other CPU power management
feature such as C1E, EIST,
and TM2 fail to control
CPU VID. Select [Auto] to
let CPU VID keep original
value.
NB Core Voltage
SB Core Voltage
NB <-> SB HT Voltage
CPU VTT Voltage
SB Standby Voltage
VCore Voltage [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1.70000V] [1.69375V] [1.68750V]...[0.93125V]
Memory Voltage [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1.800V] [1.825V] [1.850V] [1.875V]... [2.575V]
NB Voltage [Auto]
Configuration options: [1.20V] [1.25V] [1.30V] [1.35V]...[1.55V]
SB Voltage [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1.500V] [1.525V] [1.550V] [1.575V]... [1.750V]
NB <-> SB HT Voltage [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1.20V] [1.25V] [1.30V] [1.35V]... [1.55V]
CPU VTT Voltage [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1.20V] [1.30V] [1.40V] [1.50V]
SB Standby Voltage [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1.50V] [1.60V] [1.70V] [1.80V]
SLI-Ready Memory [Disabled]
Allows you to select the SPD profile for SLI-Ready memory modules. The
configuration options may vary depending on the type of module you installed.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [CPUOC 0%] [CPUOC 1%] [CPUOC 2%]
[CPUOC 3%] [CPUOC 4%] [CPUOC 5%] [CPUOC MAX]
4-22
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
4.4.2
AI NET2
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
AI NET2
Advanced
Select Menu
POST Check LAN Cable
POST Check LAN2 Cable
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
Item Specific Help
Enable or Disable LAN
cable check during POST.
Pair
Status
Length
LAN1(1-2)
LAN1(3-6)
LAN1(4-5)
LAN1(7-8)
Open
Open
Open
Open
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
LAN2(1-2)
LAN2(3-6)
LAN2(4-5)
LAN2(7-8)
Open
Open
Open
Open
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
F1:Help
ESC: Exit
: Select Item
: Select Menu
-/+: Change Value
Enter: Select SubMenu
F5: Setup Defaults
F10: Save and Exit
↑↓
→←
POST Check LAN Cable [Disabled]
POST Check LAN2 Cable[Disabled]
Enables or disables checking of the LAN/LAN2 cable during the Power-On
Self-Test (POST). Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
4.4.3
CPU Configuration
This sub-menu allows you to adjust the CPU-related items. Select an item, then
press <Enter> to edit.
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Advanced
CPU Configuration
Select Menu
CPU Type
Genuine Intel(R) CPU
Item Specific Help
CPU Speed
3.20GHz
1024K
Cache RAM
CPU Multiplier
[16]
[Disabled]
CPU Internal Thermal Control
Limit CPUID MaxVal
Hyper-Threading Technology
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
CPU Multiplier [16]
Use the numeric keypad to enter a new value or use the <+> and <-> keys to
adjust the value. The values range from 6 to 50.
CPU Internal Thermal Control [Disabled]
Allows you to disable or set to auto the CPU Internal Thermal Control function.
When set to [Auto], the BIOS automatically checks the CPU’s capability to enable
TM or TM2 support. In TM mode, the CPU power consumption is reduced. In TM2
mode, the CPU core ratio and VID are reduced. Configuration options: [Auto]
[Disabled]
ASUS P5NT WS
4-23
The following item appears only when you installed an Intel® Pentium® 4 CPU
that supports the Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology (EIST).
Intel(R) SpeedStep Technology [Automatic]
Allows you to use the Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology. When set to
[Automatic], you can adjust the system power settings in the operating system to
use the EIST feature.
Set this item to [Disabled] if you do not want to use the EIST.
Configuration options: [Automatic] [Disabled]
•
Refer to the Appendix for details on how to use the EIST feature.
•
The motherboard comes with a BIOS file that supports EIST.
Limit CPUID MaxVal [Disabled]
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Hyper-Threading Technology [Enabled]
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
4.4.4
Chipset
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Chipset
Advanced
Select Menu
Memory Timing Setting
SLI Broadcast Aperture
LDT Frequency
Item Specific Help
[Disabled]
[5x]
NVIDIA GPU Ex
[Disabled]
[Auto]
PCIEX16_2 Mode
Spread Spectrum Control
LinkBoost
[Auto]
F1:Help
ESC: Exit
: Select Item
→←
-/+: Change Value
Enter: Select SubMenu
F5: Setup Defaults
F10: Save and Exit
↑↓
: Select Menu
4-24
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
Memory Timing Setting
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Advanced
Select Menu
Memory Timing Setting
Item Specific Help
tCL (CAS Latency)
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Auto]
tRCD
tRP
tRAS
Command Per Clock (CMD)
[Auto]
** Advanced Memory Settings **
tRRD
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Auto]
tRC
tWR
tWTR
tREF
tRD
tRFC
Async Latency
F1:Help
ESC: Exit
: Select Item
: Select Menu
-/+: Change Value
Enter: Select SubMenu
F5: Setup Defaults
F10: Save and Exit
↑↓
→←
tCL (CAS Latency) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]
tRCD [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]
tRP [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]
tRAS [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]...[31]
Command Per Clock (CMD) [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1 clock] [2 clock]
tRRD [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]...[15]
tRC [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]...[31]
tWR [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]
tWTR [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]...[15]
tREF [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2]
tRD [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]...[15]
tRFC [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]...[127]
ASUS P5NT WS
4-25
Async Latency [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1.00nS] [1.25nS] [1.50nS] [1.75nS] [2.00nS]
[2.25nS] [2.50nS]
SLI Broadcast Aperture [Disabled]
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled]
LDT Frequency [5x]
Configuration options: [1x] [2x] [3x]...[8x]
NVIDIA GPU Ex [Disabled]
Enables or disables the NVIDIA® GPU Ex function. This function requires the
NVIDIA® ForceWare Graphics Driver with NVIDIA® Ex support.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
PCIEX16_2 Mode [Auto]
Allows you to select the link mode of the PCIEX16_2 slot.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Force x1]
Spread Spectrum Control
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Advanced
Spread Spectrum Control
Select Menu
CPU Spread Spectrum
[Auto]
Item Specific Help
PCIE Spread Spectrum
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum
SATA Spread Spectrum
LDT Spread Spectrum
[Auto]
[Auto]
[Disabled]
[Auto]
CPU Spread Spectrum [Disabled]
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto]
PCIE Spread Spectrum [Auto]
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto]
MCP PCIE Spread Spectrum [Auto]
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto]
SATA Spread Spectrum [Disabled]
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto]
LDT Spread Spectrum [Auto]
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto]
LinkBoost [Auto]
Enables or disables guaranteed higher clocks with certified GPUs.
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] [Auto]
4-26
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
4.4.5
PCIPnP
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Advanced
PCIPnP
Select Menu
Plug & Play O/S
Primary Display Adapter
[No]
[PCI]
Item Specific Help
Select Yes if you are using
a Plug and Play capable
operating system. Select
No if you need the BIOS to
configure non-boot devices.
Plug & Play O/S [No]
When set to [No], the BIOS configures all the devices in the system. When set to
[Yes] and if you install a Plug and Play operating system, the operating system
configures the Plug and Play devices not required for boot. Configuration options:
[No] [Yes]
Primary Display Adapter [PCI]
Allows you to select which graphics controller to use as the primary boot device.
Configuration options: [PCI] [PCI-E]
ASUS P5NT WS
4-27
4.4.6
Onboard Device Configuration
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Advanced
Onboard Device Configuration
Select Menu
IDE Function Setup
Item Specific Help
Serial-ATA Configuration
HD Audio
[Auto]
Front Panel Support Type
Onboard 1st nVidia LAN
Onboard 2nd nVidia LAN
Onboard LAN Boot ROM
Serial Port1 Address
Parallel Port Address
Parallel Port Mode
ECP Mode Use DMA
[AC97]
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
[3F8/IRQ4]
[378/IRQ7]
[EPP]
x
3
Silicon SATAII Controller
Silicon SATAII Option ROM
Onboard 1394
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
[Enabled]
F1:Help
ESC: Exit
: Select Item
: Select Menu
-/+: Change Value
F5: Setup Defaults
↑↓
→←
Enter: Select SubMenu F10: Save and Exit
IDE Function Setup
This sub-menu contains IDE function-related items. Select an item then press
<Enter> to edit.
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Advanced
IDE Function Setup
OnChip IDE Channel0
IDE DMA transfer access
IDE Prefetch Mode
Select Menu
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
Item Specific Help
OnChip IDE Channel0 [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the onchip IDE channel 0 controller .
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
IDE DMA transfer access [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the IDE DMA transfer access.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
IDE Prefetch Mode [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the IDE PIO read prefetch mode.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
4-28
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
Serial-ATA Configuration
This sub-menu allows you to change Serial ATA settings. Select an item then press
<Enter> to edit.
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Advanced
Serial-ATA Configuration
Serial-ATA Controller
Select Menu
[Enabled]
Item Specific Help
RAID Enabled
[Disabled]
x
x
x
x
x
x
SATA1
SATA2
SATA3
SATA4
SATA5
SATA6
RAID
RAID
RAID
RAID
RAID
RAID
Disabled
Disabled
Disabled
Disabled
Disabled
Disabled
Serial-ATA Controller [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the onboard Serial ATA controller.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
RAID Enabled [Disabled]
Enables or disables the onboard RAID controller. When set to [Enabled], the
succeeding items become user-configurable.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
SATA1/2/3/4/5/6 [Disabled]
Enables or disables the RAID function of the first to sixth SATA master drive.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
HD Audio [Auto]
Allows you to disable or set the High-Definition audio function.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled]
Front Panel Support Type [AC97]
Allows you to set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC`97
or high-definition audio depending on the audio standard that the front panel audio
module supports. Configuration options: [AC97] [HD Audio]
Onboard 1st/2nd Nvidia LAN [Enabled]
Enables or disables the onboard NVIDIA® LAN controller.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the onboard LAN boot ROM.
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]
Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4] [2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3]
[Auto]
ASUS P5NT WS
4-29
Parallel Port Address [378/IRQ7]
Allows you to select the Parallel Port addresses.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [378/IRQ7] [278/IRQ5] [3BC/IRQ7]
Parallel Port Mode [EPP]
Allows you to select the Parallel Port mode.
Configuration options: [Normal] [EPP] [ECP] [Bi-Directional]
The following item becomes user-configurable when the Parallel Port Mode is
set to [ECP] or [Bi-Directional].
ECP Mode Use DMA [3]
Configuration options: [1] [3]
Silicon SATAII Controller [Enabled]
Allows you to disable or enable the function of the extended SATAII controller.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Silicon SATAII option ROM [Disabled]
Allows you to disable or enable the extended SATAII option ROM.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Onboard 1394 [Enabled]
Allows you to disable or enable the onboard 1394 device support.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
USB Configuration
The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an
item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options.
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Advanced
USB Configuration
Select Menu
USB Controller
USB Legacy support
USB2.0 Controller
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
Item Specific Help
Enable or Disable
USB 1.1 and 2.0
Controller.
USB Controller [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the onchip USB controller.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
USB Legacy Support [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable support for USB devices on legacy operating
systems (OS). Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the USB 2.0 controller.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
4-30
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
4.5
Power menu
The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced
Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) and the Advanced Power Management
(APM). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options.
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Main
Advanced
Power
Boot
Tools
Exit
ACPI Suspend Type
[S1&S3]
Select Menu
x
ACPI APIC support
APM Configuration
Hardware Monitor
Enabled
Item Specific Help
Select the ACPI state used
for System Suspend.
F1:Help
ESC: Exit
: Select Item
→←
-/+: Change Value
Enter: Select SubMenu
F5: Setup Defaults
F10: Save and Exit
↑↓
: Select Menu
4.5.1
ACPI Suspend Type [S1&S3]
Allows you to select the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) state
to be used for system suspend.
Configuration options: [S1(POS)] [S3(STR)] [S1&S3]
4.5.2
ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface
(ACPI) support in the Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). When set
to Enabled, the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
ASUS P5NT WS
4-31
4.5.3
APM Configuration
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Power
APM Configuration
Select Menu
Restore on AC Power Loss
[Power-Off]
[Instant-Off]
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
0
0 : 0 : 0
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
[Disabled]
Item Specific Help
PWR Button < 4 secs
Power Up On PCI/PCIE Devices
Power On By External Modems
USB Resume from S5
Press [Enter] to select
whether or not to restart
the system after AC power
loss
Power On by RTC Alarm
Date (of Month)Alarm
Alarm Time(hh:mm)
HPET Support
Power Up By PS/2 Mouse
Power Up By PS/2 Keyboard
x
x
F1:Help
ESC: Exit
↑↓ : Select Item
→←: Select Menu
-/+: Change Value
Enter: Select SubMenu
F5: Setup Defaults
F10: Save and Exit
Restore on AC Power Loss [Power-Off]
Allows you to enable or disable the Restore on AC Power Loss function.
Configuration options: [Power-Off] [Power-On]
PWR Button < 4 secs [Instant-Off]
Allows you to set the event after the power button is pressed for more than 4
seconds. Configuration options: [Suspend] [Instant-Off]
Power Up On PCI/PCIE Devices [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the PME to wake up from S5 by PCI/PCIE devices
& NV Onboard LAN. 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.
USB Resume from S5 [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the support of USB keyboard or mouse resumption
from S5. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
4-32
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable RTC to generate a wake event. When this item
is set to [Enabled], the items Date (of Month) Alarm and Alarm Time (hh:mm:ss)
items become user-configurable with set values.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Date (of Month) Alarm [XX]
To set the date of alarm, highlight this item and press <Enter> to display the Date
of Month Alarm pop-up menu. Key-in a value within the specified range then press
<Enter>. Value ‘0’ means everyday. Configuration options: [Min=0] [Max=31].
Alarm Time (hh:mm:ss) [ X: X: X]
To set the time of alarm:
1.
Highlight this item and press <Enter> to display a pop-up menu for the hour
field.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Key-in a value (Min=0, Max=23), then press <Enter>.
Press <TAB> to move to the minutes field then press <Enter>.
Key-in a minute value (Min=0, Max=59), then press <Enter>.
Press <TAB> to move to the seconds field then press <Enter>.
Key-in a second value (Min=0, Max=59), then press <Enter>.
HPET Support [Enabled]
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Power Up By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]
When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to use the PS/2 mouse to turn on
the system. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on
the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Power Up By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]
Allows you to disable the Power On by PS/2 keyboard function or set specific keys
on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system. This feature requires an ATX power
supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Space Bar] [Ctrl-ESC] [Power Key]
ASUS P5NT WS
4-33
4.5.4
Hardware Monitor
The items in this sub-menu displays the hardware monitor values automatically
detected by the BIOS. It also allows you to change CPU Q-Fan feature-related
parameters. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options.
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Power
Select Menu
Voltage Monitor
CPU_FAN Type
Vcore Voltage
3.3V Voltage
5V Voltage
[PWM Mode]
[ 1.31V]
[ 3.05V]
[ 4.67V]
[ 11.32V]
Item Specific Help
Press [Enter] to set.
12V Voltage
CPU Temperature
M/B Temperature
CPU Fan Speed
CHA_FAN1 Speed
CHA_FAN2 Speed
PWR_FAN Speed
CPU_FAN Control
72ºC
33ºC
4272 RPM
0 RPM
5314 RPM
0 RPM
[Duty-Cycle Mode]
[100%]
CPU_FAN Duty Cycle
CPU_FAN Profile
x
Silent
CHA_FAN Control
CHA_FAN Duty Cycle
CPU Fan Speed Warning
[Duty-Cycle Mode]
[100%]
[600 RPM]
F1:Help
ESC: Exit
↑↓ : Select Item
→←: Select Menu
-/+: Change Value
Enter: Select SubMenu
F5: Setup Defaults
F10: Save and Exit
CPU_FAN Type [PWM Mode]
Configuration options: [PWM Mode] [DC Mode]
VCORE Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through
the onboard voltage regulators.
CPU Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]
MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the
motherboard and CPU temperatures. Select [Disabled] if you do not wish to
display the detected temperatures.
CPU Fan Speed
CHA _FAN1/2 Speed
PWR_FAN Speed
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU,
Chassis, and Power fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If any of the fans
is not connected to the motherboard, the field shows 0. These items are not
user-configurable.
4-34
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
CPU/CHA Fan Control [Duty-Cycle Mode]
Allows you to select the CPU/Chassis fan control mode.
Configuration options: [Duty-Cycle Mode] [Q-FAN Mode]
CPU_FAN/CHA_FAN Duty Cycle [100%]
Allows you to set the CPU fan duty cycle. When the CPU_FAN/CHA_FAN Control
item is set to [Q-FAN Mode], these item are not user-configurable.
Configuration options: [60%] [70%] [80%] [90%] [100%]
CHA_Fan Profile [Silent]
Allows you to set the fan duty cycle. When the CHA_Fan Control item is set to
[Q-FAN Mode], this item is user-configurable.
Configuration options: [60%] [70%] [80%] [90%] [100%]
CPU Fan Speed warning [600 RPM]
Allows you to set the CPU fan warning speed function, which gives off a warning
when the CPU fan speed is too low. If you set this item to [Disabled], the system
will not warn you even if no fan is installed or if the fan is not functioning properly.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [600 RPM] [1200 RPM] [1600 RPM]
ASUS P5NT WS
4-35
4.6
Boot menu
The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item
then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Main
Advanced
Power
Boot
Tools
Exit
Boot Device Priority
Removable Drives
Hard Disk Drives
Select Menu
Item Specific Help
Boot Settings Configuration
Security
Select Boot Device
Priority
F1:Help
ESC: Exit
↑↓ : Select Item
→←: Select Menu
-/+: Change Value
Enter: Select SubMenu
F5: Setup Defaults
F10: Save and Exit
4.6.1
Boot Device Priority
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Boot
Boot Device Priority
Select Menu
1st Boot Device
[Removable]
Item Specific Help
2nd Boot Device
3rd Boot Device
4th Boot Device
[Hard Disk]
[CDROM]
Select Your Boot
Device Priority
[Disabled]
1st ~ 4th Boot Device [Removable]
These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices.
The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of
devices installed in the system.
Configuration options: [Removable] [Hard Disk] [CDROM] [Disabled]
4-36
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
4.6.2
Removable Drives
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Boot
Removable Drives
Select Menu
1. Floppy Disks
Item Specific Help
1. Floppy Disks
Allows you to assign a removable drive attached to the system.
4.6.3
Hard Disk Drives
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Boot
Hard Disk Drives
Select Menu
1. SATA X: XXXXXXXXX
Item Specific Help
1. SATA X: XXXXXXXXX
Allows you to assign hard disk drives attached to the system.
ASUS P5NT WS
4-37
4.6.4
Boot Settings Configuration
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Boot
Boot Settings Configuration
Select Menu
Case Open Warning
[Enabled]
[Enabled]
[Disabled]
[On]
Item Specific Help
Quick Boot
Boot Up Floppy Seek
Bootup Num-Lock
Press [Enter] to
enable or disable.
Typematic Rate Setting
Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec)
Typematic Delay (Msec)
OS Select For DRAM > 64MB
Full Screen LOGO
[Disabled]
6
x
x
250
[Non-OS2]
[Enabled]
[All Errors]
Halt On
F1:Help
ESC: Exit
↑↓ : Select Item
→←: Select Menu
-/+: Change Value
F5: Setup Defaults
Enter: Select SubMenu F10: Save and Exit
Case Open Warning [Enabled]
Enables or disables the chassis open status feature. Setting to Enabled, clears the
chassis open status. Refer to section “2.8.2 Internal connectors” for setting details.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Quick Boot [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the system quick boot feature. When Enabled, the
system skips certain tests while booting.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Boot Up Floppy Seek [Disabled]
Enables or disables the chassis open status feature. Setting to Enabled, clears the
chassis open status. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Bootup Num-Lock [On]
Allows you to select the power-on state for the NumLock.
Configuration options: [Off] [On]
Typematic Rate Setting [Disabled]
Allows you to set the keystroke rate. Enable this item to configure the Typematic
Rate (Chars/Sec) and the Typematic Delay (Msec).
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
The items Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec) and Typematic Delay (Msec) become
user-configurable only when the item Typematic Rate Setting is enabled.
4-38
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec) [6]
Allows you to select the rate at which a character repeats when you hold a key.
Configuration options: [6] [8] [10] [12] [15] [20] [24] [30]
Typematic Delay (Msec) [250]
Allows you to set the delay before keystrokes begin to repeat.
Configuration options: [250] [500] [750] [1000]
OS Select for DRAM > 64MB [Non-OS2]
Set this item to OS2 only when you are running on an OS/2 operating system with
an installed RAM of greater than 64 MB. Configuration options: [Non-OS2] [OS2]
Full Screen LOGO [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Make sure that the above item is set to [Enabled] if you want to use the ASUS
MyLogo2™ feature.
Halt On [All Errors]
Allows you to set the error report type.
Configuration options: [All Errors] [No Errors] [All, But Keyboard] [All, But Diskette]
[All, But Disk/Key]
4.6.5
Security
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Boot
Security
Select Menu
Supervisor Password
User Password
Password Check
Clear
Item Specific Help
Clear
[Setup]
Supervisor Password
User Password
These fields allow you to set passwords:
To set a password:
1.
2.
Select an item then press <Enter>.
Type in a password using a combination of a maximum of eight (8)
alpha-numeric characters, then press <Enter>.
ASUS P5NT WS
4-39
3.
When prompted, confirm the password by typing the exact characters again,
then press <Enter>. The password field setting is changed to Set.
To clear the password:
1.
Select the password field and press <Enter> twice. The following message
appears:
PASSWORD DISABLED !!!
Press any key to continue...
2.
Press any key to continue. The password field setting is changed to Clear.
A note about passwords
The Supervisor password is required to enter the BIOS Setup program
preventing unauthorized access. The User password is required to boot the
system preventing unauthorized use.
Forgot your password?
If you forget your password, you can clear it by erasing the CMOS Real Time
Clock (RTC) RAM. The RAM data containing the password information is
powered by the onboard button cell battery. If you need to erase the CMOS
RAM, refer to section “2.6 Jumper” for instructions.
Password Check
This field requires you to enter the password before entering the BIOS setup or the
system. Select [Setup] to require the password before entering the BIOS Setup.
Select [System] to require the password before entering the system.
Configuration options: [Setup] [System]
4-40
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
4.7
Tools menu
The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select
an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Main
Advanced
Power
Boot
Tools
Exit
ASUS Music Alarm
ASUS O.C. Profile
Select Menu
ASUS EZ Flash 2
Item Specific Help
F1:Help
ESC: Exit
↑↓ : Select Item
→←: Select Menu
-/+: Change Value
Enter: Select SubMenu
F5: Setup Defaults
F10: Save and Exit
4.7.1
ASUS Music Alarm
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Tools
ASUS Music Alarm
Select Menu
ASUS Music Alarm
[Disabled]
Enabled
Enabled
Enabled
Enabled
Enabled
Enabled
Enabled
Item Specific Help
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Alarm Date: Sunday
Monday
Press [Enter] to select.
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Alarm Time (hh:mm)
Audio CD Drive
Detect CD
0
:
0
Primary IDE Master
Enter
N/A
Disabled
10 Mins
16
Starting Track
Repeat Track
Length
Volume
F1:Help
ESC: Exit
↑↓ : Select Item
→←: Select Menu
-/+: Change Value
Enter: Select SubMenu
F5: Setup Defaults
F10: Save and Exit
ASUS Music Alarm [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Music Alarm function.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
The succeeding items become user-configurable when you enable the ASUS
Music Alarm.
Alarm Date: Sunday/Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday/Friday/
Saturday [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the alarm for a particular day.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
ASUS P5NT WS
4-41
Alarm Time (hh:mm) 0 : 0
Allows you to set the alarm time. Press <Tab> to select the field, then use <+> or
<-> to change the value. The value range from 0 to 23.
Audio CD Drive [Primary IDE Master]
Allows you to select the connection configuration of the optical storage device from
which the alarm music will play from.
Configuration options: [Primary IDE Master] [Primary IDE Slave]
Detect CD [Enter]
Press <Enter> to search the CD track number.
Starting Track
Allows you to choose the starting track from the CD from which you would like the
alarm music to play.
Repeat Track [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the repeat track function.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Single] [All]
Length [10 Mins]
Allows you to set the length of the music alarm.
Configuration options: [10 Mins] [20 Mins] [30 Mins] [1 Hour]
Volume [16]
Allows you to set the volume level of the music alarm.
Configuration options: [01] ~ [32]
4.7.2
ASUS O.C. Profile
This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings.
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Tools
ASUS BIOS Profile
Select Menu
Load BIOS Profile
Save BIOS Profile
Item Specific Help
Press [Enter] to select.
Load BIOS Profile
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Tools
Load BIOS Profile
Select Menu
Load from Profile 1
Load from Profile 2
Load from File
Item Specific Help
Load BIOS Profile from
Profile 1.
4-42
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
Load from Profile 1/2
Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Press
<Enter> to load the file.
Load from File
Allows you to load the previous BIOS file saved in the hard disk/floppy disk/USB
flash disk with the FAT32/16/12 format. Follow the instructions below to load the
BIOS file.
1. Insert the storage devices that contains the “xxx.CMO” file.
2. Turn on the system.
3. Enter BIOS setup program. Go to the “Tools” menu to select “Load from
File.” Press <Enter> then the setup screen will appear.
4. Press <Tab> to switch between drives before the correct “xxx.CMO” file
is found. Then press <Enter> to load the file.
5. A pop-up message will inform you when the loading process finishes.
•
•
Suggest only to update the BIOS file coming from the same memory/CPU
configuration and BIOS version.
Only the “xxx.CMO” file can be loaded.
Save BIOS Profile
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Tools
Save BIOS Profile
Select Menu
Save to Profile 1
Save to Profile 2
Save to File
Item Specific Help
Save current BIOS Profile
to Profile 1.
Save to Profle 1/2
Allows you to save the current BIOS file to the BIOS Flash. Press <Enter> to save
the file.
Save to File
Allows you to save the current BIOS file to the hard disk/floppy disk/USB flash disk
with FAT32/16/12 format. Follow the instructions below to save the BIOS file.
1. Insert the storage devices with enough space.
2. Turn on the system.
3. Enter the BIOS setup program. Go to the “Tools” menu to select “Save to
File.” Press <Enter> then the setup screen will appear.
4. Press <Tab> to switch between the drives. Press hot-key <S> to save
the file.
ASUS P5NT WS
4-43
5. Key in the file name. Then press <Enter>.
6. A pop-up message will inform you when the saving process finishes.
ASUSTek O.C. Profile Utility B318
Current CMOS
BOARD: P5NT WS
VER: 0111
Update CMOS
BOARD: Unknown
VER: Unknown
DATE: 11/30/2006
DATE: Unknown
PATH: A:\
A:
CMOS backup is done! Press any key to Exit.
Note
[Enter] Select
[S] Save
[ESC]: Exit
[Tab] Switch
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move
The BIOS file will be saved as “xxx.CMO“.
4.7.3
ASUS EZ Flash 2
Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Enter>, a confirmation
message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No],
then press <Enter> to confirm your choice.
ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility B318
FLASH TYPE: Winbond W39V080A 8Mb LPC
Current ROM
BOARD: P5NT WS
VER: 0111
Update ROM
BOARD: Unknown
VER: Unknown
DATE: 11/30/2006
DATE: Unknown
PATH: A:\
A:
Note
[Enter] Select
[S] Save
[ESC] Exit
[Tab] Switch
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move
4-44
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
4.8
Exit menu
The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the
BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items.
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Main
Advanced
Power
Boot
Tools
Exit
Exit & Save Changes
Exit & Discard Changes
Load Setup Default
Discard Changes
Select Menu
Item Specific Help
This option save data
to CMOS and exiting
the setup menu.
F1:Help
ESC: Exit
↑↓ : Select Item
→←: Select Menu
-/+: Change Value
Enter: Select SubMenu
F5: Setup Defaults
F10: Save and Exit
Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options
from this menu or <F10> from the legend bar to exit.
Exit & Save Changes
Once you are finished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit
menu to ensure the values you selected are saved to the CMOS RAM. An onboard
backup battery sustains the CMOS RAM so it stays on even when the PC is turned
off. When you select this option, a confirmation window appears. Select YES to
save changes and exit.
If you attempt to exit the Setup program without saving your changes, the
program prompts you with a message asking if you want to save your changes
before exiting. Press <Enter> to save the changes while exiting.
Exit & Discard Changes
Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you made to the
Setup program. If you made changes to fields other than System Date, System
Time, and Password, the BIOS asks for a confirmation before exiting.
Load Setup Default
This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the
Setup menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a confirmation
window appears. Select YES to load default values. Select Exit & Save Changes
or make other changes before saving the values to the non-volatile RAM.
Discard Changes
This option allows you to discard the selections you made and restore the
previously saved values. After selecting this option, a confirmation appears. Select
YES to discard any changes and load the previously saved values.
ASUS P5NT WS
4-45
4-46
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
This chapter describes the contents of
the support DVD that comes with the
motherboard package.
Software
5
support
Chapter summary
5
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
Installing an operating system ................................................... 5-1
Support DVD information............................................................ 5-1
Software information ................................................................... 5-9
RAID configurations .................................................................. 5-32
Creating a RAID driver disk....................................................... 5-40
ASUS P5NT WS
5.1
Installing an operating system
This motherboard supports Windows® 2000/2003 Server/XP/64-bit XP/Vista
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 2 or later versions before installing the drivers for better
compatibility and system stability.
5.2
Support DVD information
The Support DVD 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 DVD are subject to change at any time without
notice. Visit the ASUS website(www.asus.com) for updates.
5.2.1
Running the Support DVD
Place the Support DVD to the optical drive. The DVD automatically displays the
Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer.
Click an icon to
display support
DVDmotherboard
information
Click an item to install
If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the Support
DVD to locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-click the
ASSETUP.EXE to run the DVD.
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5.2.2
Drivers menu
The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed
devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices.
ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Drivers
Launches the ASUS InstAll driver installation wizard.
Nvidia nForce Chipset Driver
Installs the NVIDIA® Chipset drivers for the NVIDIA® chipset.
Realtek Audio Driver
Installs the Realtek® ALC888 high definition audio driver and application.
Silicon Image Sil3531 SATA Driver
Installs the Silicon Image® Sil3531 Serial ATA driver.
USB 2.0 Driver
Installs the Universal Serial Bus 2.0 (USB 2.0) driver.
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Chapter 5: Software support
5.2.3
Utilities menu
The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard
supports.
ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Utilities
Launches the ASUS InstAll utilities installation wizard.
ASUS PC Probe II
This smart utility monitors the fan speed, CPU temperature, and system voltages,
and alerts you of any detected problems. This utility helps you keep your computer
in healthy operating condition.
ASUS Update
The ASUS Update utility allows you to update the motherboard BIOS in Windows®
environment. This utility requires an Internet connection either through a network
or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
ASUS AI Suite
The ASUS AI Suite application allows you to overclock the CPU speed in
Windows® environment.
ASUS AI Selector
The ASUS AI Suite application allows you to switch PCI-E bandwidth for
PCIEx16_1 and PCIEx16_2 slots.
ASUS Music Alarm
The ASUS Music Alarm is an audio alarm clock that uses your favorite CD music to
give you a personal wake-up call.
Click
to open the next screen.
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ADOBE Acrobat Reader V7.0
Installs the Adobe® Acrobat® Reader that allows you to open, view, and print
documents in Portable Document Format (PDF).
Microsoft DirectX 9.0c
Installs the Microsoft® DirectX 9.0c driver. The Microsoft DirectX® 9.0c is a
multimedia technology that enhances computer graphics and sound. DirectX®
improves the multimedia features of you computer so you can enjoy watching
TV and movies, capturing videos, or playing games in your computer. Visit the
Microsoft website (www.microsoft.com) for updates.
Anti-Virus Utility
The anti-virus application scans, identifies, and removes computer viruses. View
the online help for detailed information.
WinDVD Copy5 Trial
Installs the WinDVD Copy5 Trial utility.
InterVideo MediaOne Gallery
Installs the InterVideo MediaOne Gallery utility.
Ulead PhotoImpact 12 SE
Installs the Ulead PhotoImpact 12 SE utility.
CyberLink PowerBackup
Installs the CyberLink PowerBackup utility.
Corel Snapfire Plus SE
Installs the Corel Snapfire Plus SE utility.
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Chapter 5: Software support
5.2.4
Make Disk menu
The Make Disk menu contains items to create the NVIDIA® SATA RAID driver disk.
NVIDIA 32bit 2000/2003/XP/Vista SATA RAID Driver
NVIDIA 64bit 2003/XP/Vista SATA RAID Driver
Allows you to create an NVIDIA® Serial ATA RAID driver disk for a 32-bit/64-bit
system.
Sil3531 32bit 2K/XP/2003/Vista SATA Driver
NVIDIA 64bit XP/2003/Vista SATA Driver
Allows you to create an Silicon Image® Serial ATA driver disk for a 32-bit/64-bit
system.
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5.2.5
Manuals menu
The Manuals menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to
open the folder of the user manual.
Most user manual files are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader from the Utilities menu before opening a user manual
file.
5.2.6
ASUS Contact information
Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can also find
this information on the inside front cover of this user guide.
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Chapter 5: Software support
5.2.7
Other information
The icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the
motherboard and the contents of the Support DVD. Click an icon to display the
specified information.
Motherboard Info
Displays the general specifications of the motherboard.
Browse this DVD
Displays the Support DVD contents in graphical format.
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5-7
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 DVD and a brief description of each in text
format.
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Chapter 5: Software support
5.3
Software information
Most of the applications in the Support DVD have wizards that will conveniently
guide you through the installation. View the online help or readme file that came
with the software application for more information.
5.3.1
ASUS MyLogo2™
The ASUS MyLogo2™ utility lets you customize the boot logo. The boot logo is the
image that appears on screen during the Power-On Self-Tests (POST). The ASUS
MyLogo2™ is automatically installed when you install the ASUS Update utility from
the Support DVD. See section “5.2.3 Utilities menu” for details.
•
•
Before using the ASUS MyLogo2™, use the Award BIOS Flash utility to
make a copy of your original BIOS file, or obtain the latest BIOS version
from the ASUS website. See section “4.1.4 Updating the BIOS.”
Make sure that the BIOS item Full Screen Logo is set to [Enabled]
if you wish to use ASUS MyLogo2. See section “4.7.5 Boot Settings
Configuration”.
•
•
You can create your own boot logo image in GIF, or BMP file formats.
The file size should be smaller than 150 K.
To launch the ASUS MyLogo2™:
1.
Launch the ASUS Update utility. Refer to section “4.1.1 ASUS Update utility”
for details.
2.
3.
Select Options from the drop down menu, then click Next.
Check the option Launch MyLogo to replace system boot logo before
flashing BIOS, then click Next.
4.
5.
Select Update BIOS from a file from the drop down menu, then click Next.
When prompted, locate the new
BIOS file, then click Next. The ASUS
MyLogo window appears.
6.
From the left window pane, select the
folder that contains the image you
intend to use as your boot logo.
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7.
When the logo images appear on the
right window pane, select an image to
enlarge by clicking on it.
8.
Adjust the boot image to your desired
size by selecting a value on the Ratio
box.
9.
When the screen returns to the ASUS Update utility, flash the original BIOS to
load the new boot logo.
10. After flashing the BIOS, restart the computer to display the new boot logo
during POST.
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Chapter 5: Software support
5.3.2
Audio configurations
The Realtek® ALC888 audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver
the ultimate audio experience on your computer. The software provides Jack-
Sensing function, S/PDIF Out support, and interrupt capability. The ALC888 also
includes the Realtek® proprietary UAJ® (Universal Audio Jack) technology for all
audio ports, eliminating cable connection errors and giving users plug and play
convenience.
Follow the installation wizard to install the Realtek® Audio Driver from the support
DVD that came with the motherboard package.
If the Realtek audio software is correctly installed, you will find the Realtek HD
Audio Manager icon on the taskbar.
From the taskbar, double-click on the SoundEffect icon to display the Realtek HD
Audio Manager.
Realtek HD Audio Manager
Realtek HD Audio Manager
Exit button
Configuration
options
Minimize
button
Control settings
window
Information
button
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Information
Click the information button (
) to
display information about the audio driver
version, DirectX version, audio controller,
audio codec, and language setting.
Minimize
Click the minimize button (
) to minimize the window.
Exit
Click the exit button (
) to exit the Realtek HD Audio Manager.
Configuration options
Click any of the tabs in this area to configure your audio settings. Click the arrow
button ( ) to display more options.
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Chapter 5: Software support
Sound Effect
The Realtek® ALC888 Audio CODEC
allows you to set your listening
environment, adjust the equalizer, set
the karaoke, or select pre-programmed
equalizer settings for your listening
pleasure.
To set the sound effect options:
1.
From the Realtek HD Audio
Manager, click the Sound Effect tab.
2.
Click the shortcut buttons or the
drop-down menus for options on changing the acoustic environment, adjust
the equalizer, or set the karaoke to your desired settings.
3.
Click
to effect the Sound Effect settings and exit.
Mixer
The Mixer option allows you to configure
audio output (playback) volume and audio
input (record) volume.
To set the mixer options:
1.
From the Realtek HD Audio
Manager, click the Mixer tab.
2.
Turn the volume buttons to adjust
the Playback and/or Record volume.
The Mixer option activates voice input from all channels by default. Make sure
to set all channels to mute (
) if you do not want voice input.
3.
4.
Make adjustments to Wave, SW Synth, Front, Rear, Subwoofer, CD volume,
Mic volume, Line Volume, and Stereo mix by clicking the control tabs and
dragging them up and down until you get the desired levels.
Click
to effect the Mixer settings and exit.
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Audio I/O
The Audio I/O option allows you configure
your input/output settings.
To set the Audio I/O options:
1.
2.
3.
From the Realtek HD Audio
Manager, click the Audio I/O tab.
Click the drop-down menu to select
the channel configuration.
The control settings window displays
the status of connected devices.
Click
for analog and digital options.
4.
Click <OK> to effect the Audio I/O settings and exit
Microphone
The Microphone option allows you
configure your input/output settings and to
check if your audio devices are connected
properly.
To set the Microphone options:
1.
2.
From the Realtek HD Audio
Manager, click the Microphone tab.
Click the Noise Suppression
option button to reduce the static
background noise when recording.
3.
4.
Click the Acoustic Echo Cancellation option button to reduce the echo from
the front speakers when recording.
Click
to effect the Microphone settings and exit.
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Chapter 5: Software support
3D Audio Demo
The 3D Audio Demo option gives you a
demonstration of the 3D audio feature.
To start the 3D Audio Demo:
1.
From the Realtek HD Audio
Manager, click the 3D Audio Demo
tab.
2.
Click the option buttons to change
the sound, moving path, or
environment settings.
3.
4.
Click
Click
to test your settings.
to effect the 3D Audio Demo settings and exit.
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5.3.3
ASUS PC Probe II
PC Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects
and alerts you of any problem with these components. PC Probe II senses fan
rotations, CPU temperature, and system voltages, among others. Because PC
Probe II is software-based, you can start monitoring your computer the moment
you turn it on. With this utility, you are assured that your computer is always at a
healthy operating condition.
Installing PC Probe II
To install PC Probe II on your computer:
1.
Place the Support DVD to the optical drive. The Drivers installation tab
appears if your computer has an enabled Autorun feature.
If Autorun is not enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the Support
DVD to locate the setup.exe file from the ASUS PC Probe II folder. Double-click
the setup.exe file to start installation.
2.
3.
Click the Utilities tab, then click ASUS PC Probe II.
Follow the screen instructions to complete installation.
Launching PC Probe II
You can launch the PC Probe II right after installation or anytime from the
Windows® desktop.
To launch the PC Probe II from the Windows® desktop, click Start > All Programs
> ASUS > PC Probe II > PC Probe II v1.xx.xx. The PC Probe II main window
appears.
After launching the application, the PC Probe II icon appears in the Windows®
taskbar. Click this icon to close or restore the application.
Using PC Probe II
Main window
The PC Probe II main window
allows you to view the current
status of your system and change
the utility configuration. By
default, the main window displays
the Preference section. You can
close or restore the Preference
section by clicking on the triangle on the main window right handle.
Click to close the
Preference panel
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Chapter 5: Software support
Button
Function
Opens the Configuration window
Opens the Report window
Opens the Desktop Management Interface window
Opens the Peripheral Component Interconnect window
Opens the Windows Management Instrumentation window
Opens the hard disk drive, memory, CPU usage window
Shows/Hides the Preference section
Minimizes the application
Closes the application
Sensor alert
When a system sensor detects a problem, the main window right handle
turns red, as the illustrations below show.
When displayed, the monitor panel for that sensor also turns red. Refer to the
Monitor panels section for details.
Preferences
You can customize the application using the
Preference section in the main window. Click
the box before each preference to activate or
deactivate.
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Hardware monitor panels
The hardware monitor panels display the current value of a system sensor such as
fan rotation, CPU temperature, and voltages.
The hardware monitor panels come in two display modes: hexagonal (large) and
rectangular (small). When you check the Enable Monitoring Panel option from the
Preference section, the monitor panels appear on your computer’s desktop.
Small display
Large display
Changing the monitor panels position
To change the position of the monitor panels in the desktop,
click the arrow down button of the Scheme options, then select
another position from the list box. Click OK when finished.
Moving the monitor panels
All monitor panels move together using a magnetic effect. If
you want to detach a monitor panel from
the group, click the horseshoe magnet
icon. You can now move or reposition the
panel independently.
Adjusting the sensor threshold value
You can adjust the sensor threshold
value in the monitor panel by
clicking the or buttons. You can
also adjust the threshold values
Click to
increase
value
using the Config window.
Click to
You cannot adjust the sensor
threshold values in a small
monitoring panel.
decrease
value
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Chapter 5: Software support
Monitoring sensor alert
The monitor panel turns red when a component value exceeds or is lower
than the threshold value. Refer to the illustrations below.
Small display
Large display
WMI browser
Click to display the
WMI (Windows Management
Instrumentation) browser. This
browser displays various Windows®
management information. Click an
item from the left panel to display on
the right panel. Click the plus sign (+)
before WMI Information to display the
available information.
You can enlarge or reduce the browser size by dragging the bottom right corner
of the browser.
DMI browser
Click to display the DMI
(Desktop Management Interface)
browser. This browser displays various
desktop and system information.
Click the plus sign (+) before DMI
Information to display the available
information.
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PCI browser
Click
to display the PCI
(Peripheral Component Interconnect)
browser. This browser provides
information on the PCI devices installed
on your system. Click the plus sign
(+) before the PCI Information item to
display available information.
Usage
The Usage browser displays real-time information on the CPU, hard disk drive
space, and memory usage. Click
to display the Usage browser.
CPU usage
The CPU tab displays real-
time CPU usage in line graph
representation. If the CPU has
an enabled Hyper-Threading,
two separate line graphs display
the operation of the two logical
processors.
Hard disk drive space usage
The Hard Disk tab displays the
used and available hard disk
drive space. The left panel of the
tab lists all logical drives. Click
a hard disk drive to display the
information on the right panel.
The pie chart at the bottom of
the window represents the used
(blue) and the available HDD
space.
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Chapter 5: Software support
Memory usage
The Memory tab shows both
used and available physical
memory. The pie chart at the
bottom of the window represents
the used (blue) and the available
Configuring PC Probe II
Click
to view and adjust the sensor threshold values.
The Config window has two tabs: Sensor/Threshold and Preference. The Sensor/
Threshold tab enables you to activate the sensors or to adjust the sensor threshold
values. The Preference tab allows you to customize sensor alerts, or change the
temperature scale.
Loads the default
Loads your saved
configuration
threshold values for
each sensor
Cancels or
ignores your
changes
Applies your
changes
Saves your
configuration
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5.3.4
ASUS Music Alarm
This motherboard is equipped with an audio alarm clock called ASUS Music Alarm.
The ASUS Music Alarm gives you a personal wake-up called with your favorite CD
music when the system is off. The onboard audio CODEC supports this feature,
which requires an optical drive (CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD-ROM).
•
Make sure that the power cord is plugged to a grounded power source so
that the system has standby power.
•
•
ASUS Music Alarm only supports audio CDs.
ASUS Music Alarm will not work if you installed and enabled an add-on
sound card.
•
Only IDE ATAPI devices from the Southbridge support this feature.
Hardware setup
To set up the hardware:
1.
2.
Connect the analog audio cable from the optical drive to the 4-pin CD-In
connector on the audio module.
Connect speakers or a headphone to the Line-Out (lime-colored) port on
the front or rear panel for audio output. You may also connect speakers or a
headphone to the output jack on the optical drive.
3.
Refer to the succeeding sections to make the appropriate settings in the
BIOS or in Windows®.
BIOS configuration
To enable ASUS Music Alarm in the BIOS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Turn on the system.
During POST, press <Del> to enter BIOS setup.
Go to the Tools menu, then select ASUS Music Alarm.
Set the ASUS Music Alarm item to [Enabled]. See section “4.8.1 ASUS
Music Alarm” for details.
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Chapter 5: Software support
OS configuration
To configure ASUS Music Alarm in Windows®
1.
2.
3.
4.
Place the Support DVD into the optical drive.
Click the Utilities tab and choose ASUS Music Alarm to install the utility.
Insert an audio CD into the optical drive.
Launch the ASUS Music Alarm application by going to Start > ASUS > ASUS
Music Alarm. The main window appears.
Minimize button
Exit button
Alarm information section
shows the alarm time and
days
Options section
shows playing options
Music section
shows the drive letter of the
chosen optical drive and the
starting track number to use
as music alarm
5.
Click the arrow ( ) next to Time
for Next Alarm in the Alarm
information section. The Alarm
Time Setting panel appears. Set
the days and time of the alarm, or
enable/disable the Music Alarm
feature.
When done, click OK.
6.
Click the arrow ( ) next to Music in the Music
section. The Music Selection panel appears.
Select the optical storage device, then choose
the starting CD track number from which you
would like the music alarm to play.
When done, click OK.
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7.
Click the arrow ( ) next to Options
in the Options section. The Options
panel appears. Disable or select the
Repeat mode, then specify the length
of the alarm music to play. Set the
desired volume.
When done, click OK.
8.
After you have finished making all the required settings, turn off the system.
Adjusting the volume
To adjust the volume while the music alarm is playing:
•
Use the <Up> or <Down> arrow key to increase or decrease the volume.
Turning off the music alarm
To turn off the music alarm:
•
Press any key to stop playing the CD and turn off the system.
•
•
•
•
While the music alarm is playing, the system wake-up features (LAN,
keyboard, mouse, PCI/PCIE device, modem) are deactivated.
If the system loses connection or if it does not detect any optical drive or
audio CD, the ASUS Music Alarm is automatically disabled/turned off.
While the music alarm is playing, the optical drive front panel functions are
automatically disabled.
The ASUS Music Alarm works only when the system is off.
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Chapter 5: Software support
5.3.5
ASUS AI Suite
ASUS AI Suite allows you to launch AI Gear, AI N.O.S., AI Booster, AI Nap, and
Q-Fan utilities easily.
Installing AI Suite
To install AI Suite on your computer:
1.
Place the support DVD to the optical drive. The Drivers installation tab
appears if your computer has an enabled Autorun feature.
2.
3.
Click the Utilities tab, then click AI Suite.
Follow the screen instructions to complete installation.
Launching AI Suite
You can launch the AI Suite right after installation or anytime from the Windows®
desktop.
To launch the AI Suite from the Windows® desktop, click Start > All Programs >
ASUS > AI Suite > AI Suite v1.xx.xx. The AI Suite main window appears.
After launching the application, the AI Suite icon appears in the Windows® taskbar.
Click this icon to close or restore the application.
Using AI Suite
Click the AI N.O.S., AI Gear, AI Nap, AI Booster, or Q-Fan icon to launch the utility,
or click the Normal icon to restore the system to normal state.
Press to restore to normal
Press to launch AI Nap
Press to launch AI Gear
Press to launch AI N.O.S.
Press to launch AI Booster
Press to launch Q-Fan
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Other feature buttons
Click on right corner of the main window to open the monitor window.
Displays the CPU/
system temperature,
CPU/memory/PCIE
voltage, and CPU/
chassis fan speed
Displays the FSB/CPU
frequency
Click
on right corner of the expanded window to switch the temperature from
degrees Centigrade to degrees Fahrenheit.
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Chapter 5: Software support
5.3.6
ASUS AI Gear
ASUS AI Gear provides four system performance options that allows you to select
the best performance setting for your computing needs. This easy-to-use utility
adjusts the processor frequency and vCore voltage to minimize system noise and
power consumption.
After installing AI Suite from the bundled support DVD, you can launch AI Gear by
double-clicking the AI Suite icon on your Windows OS taskbar and then click the AI
Gear button on the AI Suite main window.
Shift the gear to the performance setting that you like.
Maximum
Medium
Performance
Performance
High
Maximum
Performance
Power Saving
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5.3.7
ASUS AI Nap
This feature allows you to minimize the power consumption of your computer
whenever you are away. Enable this feature for minimum power consumption and
a more quiet system operation.
After installing AI Suite from the bundled support DVD, you can launch the utility by
double-clicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows OS taskbar and click the AI Nap
button on the AI Suite main window.
Click Yes on the confirmation screen.
To exit AI Nap mode, press the system power or mouse button then click Yes on
the confirmation screen.
To switch the power button functions from AI Nap to shutting down, just right
click the AI Suite icon on the OS taskbar, select AI Nap and click Use power
button. Unclick the the item to switch the function back.
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Chapter 5: Software support
5.3.8
ASUS AI N.O.S.
This ASUS Non-delay Overclocking System feature intelligently determines the
system load and automatically boosts the performance for the most demanding
tasks.
After installing AI Suite from the bundled support DVD, you can launch the utility
by double-clicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows OS taskbar and click the AI
N.O.S. button on the AI Suite main window.
drop-down
menu button
Click the drop-down menu button and select Disable or Manual.
select an
N.O.S. mode
Click Apply at the bottom to save the configuration.
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5.3.9
ASUS Q-Fan
This ASUS Q-Fan Control feature allows you to set the appropriate performance
level of the CPU Q-Fan or the Chassis Q-Fan for more efficient system operation.
After enabling the Q-Fan function, the fans can be set to automatically adjust
depending on the temperature, to decrease fan speed, or to achieve the maximum
fan speed.
After installing AI Suite from the bundled support DVD, you can launch the utility by
double-clicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows® OS taskbar and click the Q-Fan
button on the AI Suite mAIn window.
Click the drop-down menu button and display the fan names. Select CPU_FAN or
CHA_FAN1.
Click the drop-down menu button and select a CPU_FAN Control mode. Select
Duty-Cycle Mode or Q-FAN Mode.
Click the drop-down menu button and select a CPU_FAN DUTY CYCLE. Select
from 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% and 100%.
Click the drop-down list button and select a profile. Optimal mode makes the fans
adjust speed with the temperature; Silent mode minimizes fan speed for quiet fan
operation; Performance mode boosts the fan to achieve maximal fan speed for
the best cooling effect.
drop-down list
button
Click Apply at the bottom to save the setup.
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Chapter 5: Software support
5.3.10
ASUS AI Booster
The ASUS AI Booster application allows you to overclock the CPU speed in
WIndows® environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS.
After installing AI Suite from the bundled support DVD, you can launch the utility
by double-clicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows® OS taskbar and click the AI
Booster button on the AI Suite main window.
The options on the taskbar allow you to use the default settings, adjust CPU/
Memory/PCI-E frequency manually, or create and apply your personal overclocking
configurations.
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5.4
RAID configurations
The motherboard comes with two RAID controllers that allow you to configure
Serial ATA hard disk drives as RAID sets.
•
The NVIDIA® Southbridge includes a high performance SATA RAID
controller that supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5 and JBOD for six
independent Serial ATA channels.
5.4.1
RAID definitions
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.
RAID 0+1 is data striping and data mirroring combined without parity (redundancy
data) having to be calculated and written. With the RAID 0+1 configuration you get
all the benefits of both RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations. Use four new hard disk
drives or use an existing drive and three new drives for this setup.
RAID 5 stripes both data and parity information across three or more hard
disk drives. Among the advantages of RAID 5 configuration include better
HDD performance, fault tolerance, and higher storage capacity. The RAID
5 configuration is best suited for transaction processing, relational database
applications, enterprise resource planning, and other business systems. Use a
minimum of three identical hard disk drives for this setup.
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.
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Chapter 5: Software support
If you want to boot the system from a hard disk drive included in a RAID set,
first copy the RAID driver from the Support DVD to a floppy disk before you
install an operating system to a selected hard disk drive. Refer to section “5.5
Creating a RAID driver disk” for details.
5.4.2
NVIDIA® RAID configurations
The motherboard includes a high performance SATA RAID controller integrated in
the NVIDIA® chipset. It supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5 and JBOD for
six independent Serial ATA channels.
Installing Serial ATA (SATA) hard disks
The motherboard supports Ultra DMA 133/100/66 and Serial ATA hard disk drives.
For optimal performance, install identical drives of the same model and capacity
when creating a disk array.
To install the SATA hard disks for a RAID configuration:
1.
2.
3.
Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays.
Connect the SATA signal cables.
Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector on each drive.
Refer to the RAID controllers user manual in the motherboard support DVD
for detailed information on RAID configurations. See section “5.2.5 Manuals
menu.”
Setting the BIOS RAID items
After installing the hard disk drives, make sure to set the necessary RAID items in
the BIOS before setting your RAID configuration.
To set the BIOS RAID items:
1.
2.
3.
Boot the system and press <Del> during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to
enter the BIOS Setup Utility.
Enable the RAID Enabled item in the BIOS. See section “4.4.6 Onboard
Device Configuration > Serial-ATA Configuration” for details.
Select and enable the IDE or SATA drive(s) that you want to configure
as RAID. See section “4.4.6 Onboard Device Configuration > Serial-ATA
Configuration” for details.
4.
Save your changes and Exit Setup.
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Make sure to re-enter your NVRAID settings after the CMOS is cleared;
otherwise, the system will not recognize your RAID setup.
•
•
For detailed descriptions on the NVIDIA® RAID configuration, refer to the
“NVIDIA® RAID User Guide” found in your motherboard Support DVD.
When using Windows® 2000 operating system, make sure to install the
Windows® 2000 Service Pack 4 or later version.
Entering the NVIDIA® RAID utility
To enter the NVIDIA® RAID utility:
1.
2.
Boot up your computer.
During POST, press <F10> to display the main menu of the utility.
The RAID BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference only, and
may not exactly match the items on your screen.
NVIDIA RAID Utility Oct 5 2004
- Define a New Array -
RAID Mode: Striping
Free Disks
Striping Block:
Array Disks
Optimal
Loc
Disk Model Name
Loc
Disk Model Name
1.0.M XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
1.1.M XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
2.0.M XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
2.1.M XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
[→] Add
[←] Del
[F6] Back [F7] Finish [TAB] Navigate [↑↓] Select [ENTER] Popup
At the bottom of the screen are the navigation keys. These keys allow you to move
through and select menu options.
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Chapter 5: Software support
Creating a RAID Volume
To create a RAID volume:
1.
From the NVIDIA® RAID utility Define a New Array menu, select RAID Mode
then press <Enter>. The following submenu appears.
Use the up or down arrow keys to select a
RAID mode then press <Enter>.
Mirroring
Striping
Stripe Mirroring
Spanning
2.
Press <TAB> select the Striping
Block then press <Enter>. The
following submenu appears:
8K
↑
16K
32K
64K
128K
Optim↓
If you selected Striping or Stripe Mirroring, use the up or down arrow keys to
select the stripe size for your RAID 0 array then press <Enter>.The available
values range from 8 KB to 128 KB. The default selection is 128 KB. The strip
value should be chosen based on the planned drive usage.
• 8 /16 KB - low disk usage
• 64 KB - typical disk usage
• 128 KB - performance disk usage
TIP: For server systems, we recommend using a lower array block size. For
multimedia computer systems used mainly for audio and video editing, we
recommend a higher array block size for optimum performance.
3.` Press <TAB> to select the Free Disks area. Use the left or right arrow keys to
assign the array disks.
4.
Press <F7> to create RAID set. The following message box appears.
Clear disk data?
[Y] YES
[N] NO
5.
Press <Y> to clear the selected disks or <N> to proceed without clearing the
disks. The following screen appears.
Take caution in using this option. All data on the RAID drives will be lost!
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NVIDIA RAID Utility Oct 5 2004
- Array List -
Boot
No
Id Status
Healthy
Vendor
NVIDIA
Array Model Name
MIRROR XXX.XXG
4
[Ctrl-X]Exit [↑↓]Select [B]Set Boot [N]New Array [ENTER]Detail
A new set of navigation keys is displayed on the bottom of the screen.
Press <Ctrl+X> to save settings and exit.
6.
Rebuilding a RAID array
To rebuild a RAID array:
1.
From the Array List menu, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID
array then press <Enter>. The RAID Array details appear.
Array 1 : NVIDIA MIRROR XXX.XXG
- Array Detail -
RAID Mode: Mirroring
Striping Width: 1
Striping Block: 64K
Adapt Channel M/S
Index Disk Model Name
Capacity
2
1
1
0
Master
Master
0
1
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXX.XXGB
XXX.XXGB
[R] Rebuild [D] Delete [C] Clear Disk [ENTER] Return
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Chapter 5: Software support
A new set of navigation keys is displayed on the bottom of the screen.
Press <R> to rebuild a RAID array. The following screen appears.
2.
Array 1 : NVIDIA MIRROR XXX.XXG
- Select Disk Inside Array -
RAID Mode: Mirroring
Striping Width: 1
Striping Block: 64K
Adapt Channel M/S
Index Disk Model Name
Capacity
2
1
1
0
Master
Master
0
1
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXX.XXGB
XXX.XXGB
[↑↓] Select [F6] Back [F7] Finish
3.
Use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID array to rebuild, then press
<F7>. The following confirmation message appears.
Rebuild array?
[ENTER] OK [ESC] Cancel
4.
5.
Press <Enter> to start rebuilding array or press <Esc> to cancel.
After the rebuild process, the Array list menu appears.
You will need to enter Window® XP and run the NVIDIA utility in order to
complete the rebuilt process.
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Deleting a RAID array
To delete a RAID array:
1.
From the Array List menu, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID
array then press <Enter>. The RAID Array details appear.
Array 1 : NVIDIA MIRROR XXX.XXG
- Array Detail -
RAID Mode: Mirroring
Striping Width: 1
Striping Block: 64K
Adapt Channel M/S
Index Disk Model Name
Capacity
2
1
1
0
Master
Master
0
1
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXX.XXGB
XXX.XXGB
[R] Rebuild [D] Delete [C] Clear Disk [ENTER] Return
A new set of navigation keys is displayed on the bottom of the screen.
2.
Press <D> to delete a RAID array. The following confirmation message
appears.
Delete this array?
[Y] YES [N] No
3.
Press <Y> to delete array or press <N> to cancel.
Take caution in using this option. All data on the RAID drives will be lost!
4.
If you selected Yes, the Define a New Array menu appears.
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Chapter 5: Software support
Clearing a disk data
To clear disk data:
1.
From the Array List menu, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID
array then press <Enter>. The RAID Array details appear.
Array 1 : NVIDIA MIRROR XXX.XXG
- Array Detail -
RAID Mode: Mirroring
Striping Width: 1
Striping Block: 64K
Adapt Channel M/S
Index Disk Model Name
Capacity
2
1
1
0
Master
Master
0
1
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXX.XXGB
XXX.XXGB
[R] Rebuild [D] Delete [C] Clear Disk [ENTER] Return
A new set of navigation keys is displayed on the bottom of the screen.
2.
Press <C> to clear disk. The following confirmation message appears.
Clear disk data?
[Y] YES
[N]
5.
Press <Y> to clear the disk data or press <N> to cancel.
Take caution in using this option. All data on the RAID drives will be lost!
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5.5
Creating a RAID driver disk
A floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows® 2000/XP
operating system on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set.
To create a RAID driver disk:
1.
2.
3.
Place the motherboard support DVD into the CD-ROM drive.
Select Make Disk tab.
From the Make Disk menu, select the RAID driver disk you want to create or
browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the driver disk utility.
Refer to section “5.2.4 Make Disk menu” for details.
4.
5.
6.
Insert floppy disk to floppy disk drive.
Follow succeeding screen information to complete process.
Write-protect the floppy disk to avoid computer virus infection.
To install the RAID driver:
1.
2.
3.
During the OS installation, the system prompts you to press the F6 key to
install third-party SCSI or RAID driver.
Press <F6> then insert the floppy disk with RAID driver into the floppy disk
drive.
Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.
Due to chipset limitation, the Serial ATA ports supported by the NVIDIA chipset
doesn’t support Serial Optical Disk Drives (Serial ODD) under DOS.
5-40
Chapter 5: Software support
This chapter tells how to install PCI
Express graphics cards.
NVIDIA® dual
graphics techno6logy
support
Chapter summary
6.1
6.2
Overview ....................................................................................... 6-1
Dual graphics cards setup .......................................................... 6-2
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6.1
Overview
The motherboard supports the NVIDIA® dual graphics technology that allows you
to install two identical PCI Express™ x16 graphics cards. Follow the installation
procedures in this section.
Requirements
•
•
You should have two identical graphics cards that are NVIDIA® certified.
Make sure that your graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA dual graphics
technology. Download the latest driver from the NVIDIA website (www.nvidia.
com).
•
Make sure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least the
minimum power required by your system. See “8. ATX power connectors” on
page 2-31 for details.
•
The NVIDIA dual graphics technology supports Windows® XP™ 32-bit/64bit
operating system only.
•
Visit the NVIDIA zone website (http://www.nzone.com) for the latest certified
graphics card and supported 3D application list.
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6.2
Dual graphics card setup
6.2.1
Installing dual graphics cards
Install only identical graphics cards that are NVIDIA®-certified. Different types of
graphics cards will not work together properly.
To install the graphics cards:
1.
Prepare two graphics cards. Each graphics card should have goldfingers for
the connector.
Goldfingers
2.
Remove the metal bracket covers opposite the two PCI Express x16 slots.
6-2
Chapter 6: NVIDIA® dual graphics technology support
3.
Insert one graphics card into one of the blue slots (PCIEX16_1). Make sure
that the card is properly seated on the slot.
4.
Insert the second graphics card into the other slot (PCIEX16_3). Make sure
that the card is properly seated on the slot.
If required, connect an auxiliary power source to the PCI Express graphics
cards.
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5.
Align and insert the connector to the goldfingers on each graphics card. Make
sure that the connector is firmly in place.
connector
6.
When installing two VGA cards using a 20-pin ATX PSU with sufficient+12v
capability, we recommend that you connect the auxillary power source from
the power supply to the graphics card. Refer to the PSU documentation for
dual VGA power requirements.
7.
Connect a VGA cable or a DVI-I cable to the graphics card/s.
We recommend to install an additional chassis fan for better thermal
environment.
6-4
Chapter 6: NVIDIA® dual graphics technology support
6.2.2
Installing the device drivers
Refer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to install
the device drivers.
Make sure that your PCI Express graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA dual
graphics technology. Download the latest driver from the NVIDIA website (www.
nvidia.com).
6.2.3
Enabling the multi-GPU feature in Windows®
After installing your graphics cards and the device drivers, enable the
Multi-Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) feature in the NVIDIA nView properties.
To enable the multi-GPU feature:
1.
2.
Click the NVIDIA Settings icon on
your Windows taskbar.
NVIDIA Settings icon
From the pop-up menu, select
nView Desktop Manager then click
nView Properties.
3.
From the nView Desktop Manager
window, select the Desktop
Management tab.
4.
Click Properties to display the
Display Properties dialog box.
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5.
6.
7.
From the Display Properties dialog
box, select the Settings tab then
click Advanced.
Select the NVIDIA GeForce tab.
Click the slider to display the
following screen, then select the SLI
multi-GPU item.
Slider
8.
9.
Click the Enable SLI multi-GPU check box.
Click OK when done.
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Chapter 6: NVIDIA® dual graphics technology support
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