Asus A8N-E User Manual
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Asus A8N-E User Manual

Asus a8n-e motherboard: user guide
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  • Page 1 A8N-E...
  • Page 2 Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    How this guide is organized ... ix Where to find more information ... ix Conventions used in this guide ... x Typography ... x A8N-E specifications summary ... xi Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1: Product introduction Chapter 1: Product introduction...
  • Page 4 2.1.2 Updating the BIOS ... 2-3 2.1.3 Saving the current BIOS file ... 2-5 2.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility ... 2-6 2.1.5 ASUS EZ Flash utility ... 2-8 2.1.6 ASUS Update utility ... 2-9 BIOS setup program ... 2-12 2.2.1...
  • Page 5 3.2.2 Drivers menu ... 3-3 3.2.3 Utilities menu ... 3-4 3.2.4 Manuals menu ... 3-6 3.2.5 ASUS Contact information ... 3-7 3.2.6 Other information ... 3-7 Software information ... 3-9 3.3.1 ASUS MyLogo2™ ... 3-9 3.3.3 AI NET 2 ... 3-11 Using the Virtual Cable Tester™...
  • Page 6 Contents RAID configurations ... 3-21 3.4.1 Installing hard disks ... 3-22 3.4.2 NVIDIA® RAID configurations ... 3-23 Creating a RAID driver disk ... 3-30 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology ... 3-31 3.6.1 Enabling Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology ... 3-31 3.6.2 Launching the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software ... 3-32 v i v i v i v i v i...

  • Page 7: Notices

    Notices Federal Communications Commission Statement Federal Communications Commission Statement Federal Communications Commission Statement Federal Communications Commission Statement 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 •...

  • Page 8: Safety Information

    Operation safety Operation safety 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.

  • Page 9: About This Guide

    A S U S w e b s i t e s A S U S w e b s i t e s The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.

  • Page 10: Conventions Used In This Guide

    Conventions used in this guide Conventions used in this guide Conventions used in this guide Conventions used in this guide Conventions used in this guide To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. D A N G E R / W A R N I N G : D A N G E R / W A R N I N G : D A N G E R / W A R N I N G : Information to prevent injury to yourself...

  • Page 11: A8N-E Specifications Summary

    O v e r c l o c k i n g O v e r c l o c k i n g AI NOS™ (Non-Delay Overclocking System) ASUS AI Overclocking (Intelligent CPU frequency tuner) ASUS PEG Link Fixed PCI Express/PCI/SATA frequencies ASUS C.P.R.
  • Page 12 A8N-E specifications summary I n t e r n a l I n t e r n a l I n t e r n a l I n t e r n a l I n t e r n a l...
  • Page 13 A8N-E specifications summary F o r m F a c t o r F o r m F a c t o r F o r m F a c t o r F o r m F a c t o r F o r m F a c t o r ATX form factor: 12 in x 9.6 in (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)
  • Page 14 x i v x i v x i v x i v x i v...

  • Page 15: Chapter 1: Product Introduction

    This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports. A S U S A 8 N - E A S U S A 8 N - E A S U S A 8 N - E A S U S A 8 N - E...

  • Page 16: Welcome

    T h a n k y o u f o r b u y i n g a n A S U S 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.

  • Page 17: Special Features

    AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology The motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology that dynamically and automatically changes the CPU speed, voltage and amount of power depending on the task the CPU performs. See pages 2-22, 3-31.
  • Page 18 The NVIDIA ® nForce™ 4 Ultra RAID controller onboard provides the motherboard with RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 1+0 and JBOD configuration for four SATA and two PATA connectors. See page 3-21 for details. PCI Express™ interface PCI Express™ interface PCI Express™...

  • Page 19: Asus Proactive Features

    AI NOS™ (Non-Delay Overclocking System) AI NOS™ (Non-Delay Overclocking System) AI NOS™ (Non-Delay Overclocking System) ASUS Non-delay Overclocking System™ (NOS) is a technology that auto-detects the CPU loading and dynamically overclocks the CPU speed only when needed. See page 2-28 for details.

  • Page 20: Innovative Asus Features

    ASUS Instant Lite ASUS Instant Lite This unique feature allows you to playback audio files even without booting the system to Windows. Just press the ASUS Instant Music Lite special function keys and enjoy the music! See pages 2-31. 1 - 6...

  • Page 21: Before You Proceed

    . to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or components.

  • Page 22: 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. 1.5.1 1.5.1...

  • Page 23: Motherboard Layout

    A S U S A 8 N - E A S U S A 8 N - E A S U S A 8 N - E 24.5cm (9.6in) CHA2_FAN CPU_FAN nForce4 ultra A8N-E CHIP_FAN ® Super CR2032 3V Lithium Cell CMOS Power...

  • Page 24: Central Processing Unit (Cpu)

    1.6.1 1.6.1 Overview Overview The motherboard comes with a surface mount 939-pin Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) socket designed for the AMD Athlon™ 64FX, AMD Athlon 64™ or AMD Sempron™ processor. The 128-bit-wide data paths of these processors can run applications faster than processors with only 32-bit or 64-bit wide data paths.
  • Page 25 Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sideways, then lift it up to a 90 -100 angle. Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90 -100 angle, otherwise the CPU does not fit in completely. Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with a small...

  • Page 26: Installing The Heatsink And Fan

    Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, making sure that the heatsink fits properly on the retention module base. • The retention module base is already installed on the motherboard upon purchase. • You do not have to remove the retention module base when installing the CPU or installing other motherboard components.
  • Page 27 Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base. Align the other end of the retention bracket (near the retention bracket lock) to the retention module base. A clicking sound denotes that the retention bracket is in place. Make sure that the fan and heatsink assembly perfectly fits the retention mechanism...
  • Page 28 CPU_FAN. A8N-E ® A8N-E CPU fan connector Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector. 1 - 1 4...

  • Page 29: System Memory

    1.7.1 1.7.1 1.7.1 Overview Overview Overview The motherboard comes with four 184-pin Double Data Rate (DDR) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. The following figure illustrates the location of the sockets: A8N-E ® A8N-E 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets C h a n n e l...

  • Page 30: Memory Configuration

    C C C C C - support for 4 modules inserted into the blue and black slots as two pairs of Dual-channel memory configuration. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) for the latest DDR 400 Qualified Vendors List. 1 - 1 6...

  • Page 31: Installing A Dimm

    Make sure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward.

  • Page 32: Expansion Slots

    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.

  • Page 33: Interrupt Assignments

    P r i o r i t y – * These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices. IRQ assignments for this motherboard IRQ assignments for this motherboard IRQ assignments for this motherboard IRQ assignments for this motherboard...

  • Page 34: Pci Express X16 Slot

    This motherboard provides a PCI Express x4 slot that can support PCI Express x1, x4, x8, or x16 cards. This ASUS proprietary slot allows you to use additional PCI Express cards (e.g. graphics card) for twice the speed of a PCI Express x1 slot.

  • Page 35: Clear Rtc Ram (Clrtc)

    Removing the cap will cause system boot failure! A8N-E ® A8N-E Clear RTC RAM You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking. For system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature.

  • Page 36: 1.10 Connectors

    1.10 Connectors 1.10.1 1.10.1 Rear panel connectors Rear panel connectors 1.10.1 1.10.1 1.10.1 Rear panel connectors Rear panel connectors Rear panel connectors 1 . 1 . P S / 2 m o u s e p o r t ( g r e e n ) . P S / 2 m o u s e p o r t ( g r e e n ) .
  • Page 37 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 Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration P o r t...

  • Page 38: Internal Connectors

    A8N-E ® A8N-E Floppy disk drive connector 2 . 2 . I D E c o n n e c t o r s ( 4 0 - 1 p i n P R I _ I D E , S E C _ I D E )
  • Page 39 A8N-E ® A8N-E SATA connectors I m p o r t a n t n o t e s o n S e r i a l A T A I m p o r t a n t n o t e s o n S e r i a l A T A...
  • Page 40 These are not jumpers! DO NOT place jumper caps on the fan connectors! • The ASUS Q-Fan function is supported using the CPU Fan (CPU_FAN) and Chassis Fan 1 (CHA1_FAN) connectors only. • The chipset fan is synchronized with the CPU fan.
  • Page 41 A8N-E ® A8N-E COM port connector 6 . 6 . U S B c o n n e c t o r s ( 1 0 - 1 p i n U S B 5 6 , U S B 7 8 , U S B 9 1 0 )
  • Page 42 • Make sure that your PSU can provide at least the minimum power required by your system. A8N-E ® A8N-E ATX power connectors 1 - 2 8 1 - 2 8 1 - 2 8 1 - 2 8 1 - 2 8...
  • Page 43 These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources such as a CD-ROM, TV-tuner, or MPEG card. A8N-E ® A8N-E Internal audio connectors The function of these connectors are disabled under 8-channel mode. 1 0 . 1 0 .
  • Page 44 AC ‘97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector. A8N-E ® A8N-E Front panel audio connector 1 - 3 0 1 - 3 0 1 - 3 0...

  • Page 45: System Panel Connector

    S y s t e m p a n e l c o n n e c t o r ( 2 0 - p i n P A N E L ) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. A8N-E ® A8N-E System panel connector The sytem panel connector is color-coded for easy connection. Refer to the connector description below for details. •...
  • Page 46 1 - 3 2 1 - 3 2 1 - 3 2 1 - 3 2 1 - 3 2 C h a p t e r 1 : P r o d u c t i n t r o d u c t i o n C h a p t e r 1 : P r o d u c t i n t r o d u c t i o n C h a p t e r 1 : P r o d u c t i n t r o d u c t i o n C h a p t e r 1 : P r o d u c t i n t r o d u c t i o n...

  • Page 47: Chapter 2: Bios Setup

    This chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided. A S U S A 8 N - E A S U S A 8 N - E A S U S A 8 N - E A S U S A 8 N - E A S U S A 8 N - E...

  • Page 48: Managing And Updating Your Bios

    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 AwardBIOS Flash utilities. 2.1.1 2.1.1...

  • Page 49: Updating The Bios

    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 A 8 N - E . B I N A 8 N - E . B I N A 8 N - E .
  • Page 50 2 - 4 2 - 4 2 - 4 2 - 4 2 - 4 AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.01 (C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved For NF-KC804-A8N-E-00 DATE: 11/18/2004 Flash Type - SST 49LF004A/B /3.3V File Name to Program: 1001.bin...

  • Page 51: Saving The Current Bios File

    A S U S A 8 N - E A S U S A 8 N - E A S U S A 8 N - E AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.01 (C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved For NF-KC804-A8N-E-00 DATE: 11/18/2004 Flash Type - SST 49LF004A/B /3.3V...

  • Page 52: Asus Crashfree Bios 2 Utility

    ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can update a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support CD or the floppy disk that contains the updated BIOS file.
  • Page 53 Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process. The recovered BIOS may not be the latest BIOS version for this motherboard. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file. A S U S A 8 N - E...

  • Page 54: Asus Ez Flash Utility

    ASUS EZ Flash utility ASUS EZ Flash utility The ASUS EZ Flash feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go through the long process of booting from a floppy disk and using a DOS-based utility. The EZ Flash utility is built-in the BIOS chip so it is accessible by pressing <Alt>...

  • Page 55: Asus Update Utility

    2.1.6 2.1.6 ASUS Update utility ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows allows you to: • Save the current BIOS file • Download the latest BIOS file from the Internet •...
  • Page 56 Updating the BIOS through the Internet Updating the BIOS through the Internet To update the BIOS through the Internet: Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows S t a r t S t a r t S t a r t > P r o g r a m s...
  • Page 57 A S U S U p d a t e A S U S U p d a t e A S U S U p d a t e. The ASUS Update main window appears. A S U S U p d a t e...

  • Page 58: Bios Setup Program

    The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen. • Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for this motherboard and . 2 - 1 2 2 - 1 2...

  • Page 59: Bios Menu Screen

    • Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS information. A S U S A 8 N - E A S U S A 8 N - E...

  • Page 60: Legend Bar

    2.2.3 2.2.3 2.2.3 Legend bar Legend bar Legend bar 2.2.3 2.2.3 Legend bar 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.

  • Page 61: General Help

    A S U S A 8 N - E Boot Exit 15 : 30 : 36 Wed, Nov 5 2004 [English] [1.44M, 3.5 in.] [ST321122A] ... [ ] [ASUS CDS520/A] ... [ ] [None] ... [ ] [None] ... [ ] [None] ... [ ] [None] ...

  • Page 62: Main Menu

    2 - 1 6 2 - 1 6 Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot Exit : 30 : 36 Wed, Nov 5 2004 [English] [1.44M, 3.5 in.] [ST321122A] [ASUS CDS520/A] [None] [None] [None] [None] [None] [None] [Disabled] 256MB -/+: Change Value...

  • Page 63: Primary And Secondary Ide Master/Slave

    2.3.5 2.3.5 2.3.5 Primary and Secondary IDE Master/Slave Primary and Secondary IDE Master/Slave Primary and Secondary IDE Master/Slave 2.3.5 2.3.5 Primary and Secondary IDE Master/Slave Primary and Secondary IDE Master/Slave While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE devices.

  • Page 64: Access Mode [Auto]

    Access Mode [Auto] Access Mode [Auto] Access Mode [Auto] Access Mode [Auto] 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].

  • Page 65: First, Second, Third, Fourth Sata Master

    2.3.6 2.3.6 2.3.6 First, Second, Third, Fourth SATA Master First, Second, Third, Fourth SATA Master First, Second, Third, Fourth SATA Master 2.3.6 2.3.6 First, Second, Third, Fourth SATA Master First, Second, Third, Fourth SATA Master While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of Serial ATA devices.

  • Page 66: Hdd Smart Monitoring

    H e a d H e a d H e a d H e a d H e a d Shows the number of the hard disk read/write heads. This item is not configurable. Precomp Precomp Precomp Precomp Precomp Shows the number of precomp per track. This item is not configurable. Landing Zone Landing Zone Landing Zone...

  • Page 67: Advanced Menu

    Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Advanced Power...
  • Page 68 Max Memclock (MHz) [Auto] Sets the maximum operating memory clock. Configuration options: [Auto] [DDR200] [DDR266] [DDR333] [DDR400] [DDR400] [DDR433] [DDR466] [DDR500] [DDR533] [DDR550] [DDR600] 1T/2T Memory Timing [Auto] Sets the memory timing. Configuration options: [Auto] [1T] [2T] CAS# latency (Tcl) [Auto] Sets the CAS# latency.

  • Page 69: Pcipnp

    2.4.2 2.4.2 PCIPnP PCIPnP 2.4.2 2.4.2 2.4.2 PCIPnP PCIPnP PCIPnP Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced Frequency/Voltage control Plug & Play O/S Init Display First Resources Controlled By x IRQ Resources PCI/VGA Palette Snoop Plug & Play O/S [No] Plug & Play O/S [No] Plug &...

  • Page 70: Onboard Devices Configuration

    PCI/VGA Palette Snoop [Disabled] PCI/VGA Palette Snoop [Disabled] PCI/VGA Palette Snoop [Disabled] PCI/VGA Palette Snoop [Disabled] PCI/VGA Palette Snoop [Disabled] When set to [Enabled], the pallete snooping feature informs the PCI devices that an ISA graphics device is installed in the system so that the latter can function correctly.
  • Page 71 IDE DMA transfer access [Enabled] IDE DMA transfer access [Enabled] IDE DMA transfer access [Enabled] IDE DMA transfer access [Enabled] IDE DMA transfer access [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the IDE DMA transfer access. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Serial Port 1, 2 [Enabled] Serial Port 1, 2 [Enabled] Serial Port 1, 2 [Enabled]...
  • Page 72 IDE Primary, Secondary Master/Slave RAID [Disabled] IDE Primary, Secondary Master/Slave RAID [Disabled] IDE Primary, Secondary Master/Slave RAID [Disabled] IDE Primary, Secondary Master/Slave RAID [Disabled] IDE Primary, Secondary Master/Slave RAID [Disabled] Enables or disables the RAID function of the primary or secondary master or slave IDE.
  • Page 73 Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address. Configuration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3] Parallel Port Address [378/IRQ7] Parallel Port Address [378/IRQ7] Parallel Port Address [378/IRQ7] Parallel Port Address [378/IRQ7] Parallel Port Address [378/IRQ7]...

  • Page 74: Jumperfree Configuration

    Loads the optimal settings for the system. Loads the standard settings for the system. Loads overclocking profiles with optimal parameters for stability when overclocking. The ASUS AI Non-delay Overclocking System feature intelligently determines the system load and automatically boost the performance for the most demanding tasks.
  • Page 75 PCI Express Clock [100MHz] PCI Express Clock [100MHz] PCI Express Clock [100MHz] PCI Express Clock [100MHz] PCI Express Clock [100MHz] Allows you to set the PCI Express clock. Key-in a decimal value between 100-200 MHz. Configuration options: [100Mhz] [101Mhz~[145Mhz] DDR Voltage [Auto] DDR Voltage [Auto] DDR Voltage [Auto] DDR Voltage [Auto]...

  • Page 76: Lan Cable Status

    The following item is user-configurable only when the AI Overclocking item is set to [AI N.O.S.]. N.O.S. Option [Disable] N.O.S. Option [Disable] N.O.S. Option [Disable] N.O.S. Option [Disable] N.O.S. Option [Disable] Sets the Non-Delay Overclocking System mode. Configuration options: [Disable] [Overclock 3%] [Overclock 5%] [Overclock 8%] [Overclock 10%] 2.4.5 2.4.5...

  • Page 77: Instant Music

    Instant Music [Disabled] Instant Music [Disabled] Instant Music [Disabled] Instant Music [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Instant Music feature. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Enabling Instant Music automatically disables the PS/2 keyboard power up feature. Instant Music CD-ROM Drive [Primary Master]...

  • Page 78: Power Menu

    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. Main Advanced Power ACPI Suspend Type ACPI APIC support APM Configuration...

  • Page 79: Apm Configuration

    2.5.3 2.5.3 2.5.3 APM Configuration APM Configuration APM Configuration 2.5.3 2.5.3 APM Configuration APM Configuration Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Power APM Configuration Restore on AC Power Loss PWR Button < 4 secs Power On By PCI Devices Power On By External Modems Power-On by RTC Alarm x Date (of Month) x Resume Time (hh:mm:ss)
  • Page 80 Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled] Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled] Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled] Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled] 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 Time (hh:mm:ss) Alarm items become user-configurable with set values.

  • Page 81: Hardware Monitor

    The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the Chassis, CPU, and Chip fan speeds in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the motherboard, the field shows 0. These items are not user-configurable. A S U S A 8 N - E...

  • Page 82: Boot Menu

    CPU Target Temperature CPU Target Temperature CPU Target Temperature CPU Target Temperature CPU Target Temperature Allows you to set the temperature threshold before the CPU fan rotates at full speed. Configuration options: [51ºC] [54ºC] [57ºC] [60ºC] [63ºC] [66ºC] [69ºC] [72ºC] [75ºC] [78ºC] [81ºC] Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options.

  • Page 83: Removable Drives

    2.6.2 2.6.2 Removable Drives Removable Drives 2.6.2 2.6.2 2.6.2 Removable Drives Removable Drives Removable Drives Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Removable Drives 1. Floppy Disks 1. Floppy Disks 1. Floppy Disks 1. Floppy Disks 1. Floppy Disks 1. Floppy Disks Allows you to assign a removable drive attached to the system.

  • Page 84: Boot Settings Configuration

    2.6.5 2.6.5 2.6.5 2.6.5 2.6.5 Boot Settings Configuration Boot Settings Configuration Boot Settings Configuration Boot Settings Configuration Boot Settings Configuration Boot Settings Configuration Case Open Warning Quick Boot Boot Up Floppy Seek Bootup Num-Lock Typematic Rate Setting x Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec) x Typematic Delay (Msec) OS Select For DRAM >...

  • Page 85: Security

    • Make sure that the above item is set to [Enabled] if you want to use the ASUS MyLogo2™ feature. • See section “3.3.1 ASUS MyLogo2™” for details. Halt On [All Errors] Halt On [All Errors] Halt On [All Errors]...

  • Page 86: Password Check

    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: Select the password field and press <Enter> twice. The following message appears: PASSWORD DISABLED !!! Press any key to continue...

  • Page 87: Exit Menu

    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 Exit & Save Changes Exit &...

  • Page 88: Load Setup Defaults

    Load Setup Defaults Load Setup Defaults Load Setup Defaults Load Setup Defaults Load Setup Defaults This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a confirmation window appears.

  • Page 89: Chapter 3: Software Support

    This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with the motherboard package. A S U S A 8 N - E A S U S A 8 N - E A S U S A 8 N - E...

  • Page 90: Installing An Operating System

    The support CD that came with the motherboard package contains the drivers, software applications, and utilities that you can install to avail all motherboard features. The contents of the support CD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the ASUS website(www.asus.com) for updates. 3.2.1 3.2.1 3.2.1...

  • Page 91: Drivers Menu

    3.2.2 3.2.2 3.2.2 Drivers menu Drivers menu Drivers menu 3.2.2 3.2.2 Drivers menu Drivers menu The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices. Nvidia Chipset Driver Program Nvidia Chipset Driver Program Nvidia Chipset Driver Program Nvidia Chipset Driver Program...

  • Page 92: Utilities Menu

    ASUS website. ASUS AI Booster ASUS AI Booster ASUS AI Booster ASUS AI Booster ASUS AI Booster The ASUS AI Booster application allows you to overclock the CPU speed in a Windows ® environment. 3 - 4 3 - 4...

  • Page 93: Microsoft Directx

    ASUS Screen Saver ASUS Screen Saver ASUS Screen Saver ASUS Screen Saver Bring life to your computer screen by installing the ASUS screen saver. ASUS AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Software ASUS AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Software ASUS AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Software ASUS AMD Cool ‘n’...

  • Page 94: Manuals Menu

    Install the Adobe before opening a user manual file. • Some user manuals listed in this menu may not be applicable for this motherboard model. NVIDIA Firewall Administrator’s Guide NVIDIA Firewall Administrator’s Guide NVIDIA Firewall Administrator’s Guide NVIDIA Firewall Administrator’s Guide NVIDIA Firewall Administrator’s Guide...

  • Page 95: Asus Contact Information

    ASUS Contact information Click the C o n t a c t C o n t a c t tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can C o n t a c t C o n t a c t C o n t a c t also find this information on the inside front cover of this user guide.

  • Page 96: Browse This Cd

    Technical support Form Technical support Form Technical support Form Technical support Form Technical support Form Displays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to fill out when requesting technical support. 3 - 8 3 - 8 3 - 8...

  • Page 97: Software Information

    ASUS MyLogo2™ ASUS MyLogo2™ 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 A S U S U p d a t e A S U S U p d a t e utility from the support CD.
  • Page 98 R a t i o box. R a t i o 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.

  • Page 99: Ai Net 2

    3.3.3 3.3.3 3.3.3 3.3.3 3.3.3 AI NET 2 AI NET 2 AI NET 2 AI NET 2 AI NET 2 The Marvell ® Virtual Cable Tester™ (VCT) is a cable diagnostic utility that reports LAN cable faults and shorts using the Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) technology.

  • Page 100: Audio Configurations

    D r i v e r a n d A p p l i c a t i o n D r i v e r a n d A p p l i c a t i o n motherboard package. If the Realtek audio software is correctly installed, you will find the SoundEffect icon on the taskbar.
  • Page 101 To set the sound effect options: From the Realtek Audio Control Panel, click the S o u n d E f f e c t button. Click the shortcut buttons to change the acoustic environment, adjust the equalizer, or set the karaoke to your desired settings. The audio settings take effect immediately after you click on the buttons.

  • Page 102: Speaker Configuration

    Speaker Configuration Speaker Configuration Speaker Configuration Speaker Configuration Speaker Configuration This option allows you to set your speaker configuration. To set the speaker configuration: From the Realtek Audio Control Panel, click the S p e a k e r C o n f i g u r a t i o n C o n f i g u r a t i o n C o n f i g u r a t i o n button.

  • Page 103: Ai Audio Feature

    AI Audio feature AI Audio feature AI Audio feature AI Audio feature AI Audio feature The AI Audio feature works through the connector sensing option that allows you to check if your audio devices are connected properly. To start the connector sensing: From the Realtek Audio Control Panel, click the C o n n e c t o r S e n s i n g button.
  • Page 104 If there are detected problems, make sure that your audio cables are connected to the proper audio jack and repeat connector sensing. Click the X X X X X button to exit EZ-connection dialog box. Click the Exit (X X X X X ) button on the upper-right hand corner of the window to exit audio control panel.

  • Page 105: General Settings

    General settings General settings General settings General settings General settings This option shows the audio settings and allows you to change the language setting or toggle the SoundEffect icon display on the Windows taskbar. To display the general settings: From the Realtek Audio Control Panel, click the G e n e r a l Click the option button to enable or disable the icon display on the Windows taskbar.

  • Page 106: Using The Nvidia Firewall

    Launching the NVFirewall™ summary Launching the NVFirewall™ summary After you install the NVFirewall™ application from the motherboard support CD, it is automatically activated with a M e d i u m default setting. The setup summary of NVFirewall™ is displayed in the summary menu.
  • Page 107 Setting security profiles Setting security profiles Setting security profiles Setting security profiles Setting security profiles The NVFirewall™ application allows several security profiles to match your system security needs. The following describes the NVFirewall™ security profiles: • L o w L o w - allows safe incoming connections and deny those that are L o w L o w L o w...
  • Page 108 Turning the NVFirewall™ off Turning the NVFirewall™ off Turning the NVFirewall™ off Turning the NVFirewall™ off Turning the NVFirewall™ off Take caution when using this option, your computer becomes vulnerable to viruses, hackers or intruders after you turn off the firewall. To turn off the NVFirewall: From the NVIDIA Firewall summary menu, click the...

  • Page 109: Raid Configurations

    RAID configurations The motherboard comes with the NVIDIA RAID controller that allow you to configure IDE and Serial ATA hard disk drives as RAID sets. The motherboard supports the following RAID configurations. R A I D 0 R A I D 0 (Data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and...

  • Page 110: Installing Hard Disks

    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 CD for detailed information on RAID configurations. See section “3.2.4 Manuals menu”.

  • Page 111: Setting The Bios Raid Items

    RAID configurations RAID configurations RAID configurations RAID configurations RAID configurations The motherboard includes a high performance IDE RAID controller integrated in the NVIDIA ® RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 1+0, and JBOD with four independent Serial ATA channels. Setting the BIOS RAID items...

  • Page 112: Entering The Nvidia Raid Utility

    Entering the NVIDIA Entering the NVIDIA Entering the NVIDIA Entering the NVIDIA Entering the NVIDIA To enter the NVIDIA ® 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.
  • Page 113 Press <TAB> select the Striping Block then press <Enter>. The following submenu appears: 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.

  • Page 114: Rebuilding A Raid Array

    Boot [Ctrl-X]Exit A new set of navigation keys is displayed on the bottom of the screen. Press <Ctrl+X> to save settings and exit. Rebuilding a RAID array Rebuilding a RAID array Rebuilding a RAID array Rebuilding a RAID array Rebuilding a RAID array To rebuild a RAID array: From the Array List menu, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID array then press <Enter>.
  • Page 115 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. Array 1 : NVIDIA MIRROR RAID Mode: Mirroring Striping Width: 1 Adapt Channel Master Master Use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID array to rebuild, then press <F7>.

  • Page 116: Deleting A Raid Array

    Deleting a RAID array Deleting a RAID array Deleting a RAID array Deleting a RAID array Deleting a RAID array To delete a RAID array: From the Array List menu, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID array then press <Enter>.
  • Page 117 Clearing a disk data Clearing a disk data Clearing a disk data Clearing a disk data Clearing a disk data To clear disk data: 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 RAID Mode: Mirroring Striping Width: 1...

  • Page 118: Creating A Raid Driver Disk

    2000/XP operating system on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set. To create a RAID driver disk: Place the motherboard support CD into the CD-ROM drive. D r i v e r s D r i v e r s...

  • Page 119: Cool 'N' Quiet!™ Technology

    Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology The motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology that dynamically and automatically change the CPU speed, voltage, and amount of power depending on the task the CPU performs. 3.6.1 3.6.1 3.6.1 3.6.1 3.6.1 Enabling Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology Enabling Cool ‘n’...

  • Page 120: Launching The Cool 'N' Quiet!™ Software

    The motherboard support CD includes the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software that enables you to view your system’s real-time CPU Frequency and voltage. Make sure to install the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software from the motherboard support CD. Refer to section “3.2.3 Utilities menu”, for details.

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