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.
Welcome! ................1-1 Package contents ..............1-1 Special features ..............1-2 1.3.1 Product highlights ........... 1-2 1.3.2 ASUS Proactive features ........1-5 1.3.3 Innovative ASUS features ........1-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2: Hardware information Chapter 2: Hardware information...
Page 4
4.1.2 Updating the BIOS ..........4-2 4.1.3 Saving the current BIOS file ........4-4 4.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility ........ 4-5 4.1.5 ASUS EZ Flash utility ..........4-7 4.1.6 ASUS Update utility ..........4-8 BIOS setup program ............4-11 4.2.1...
Page 5
Contents Main menu ................4-15 4.3.1 System Time ............4-15 4.3.2 System Date ............4-15 4.3.3 Language .............. 4-15 4.3.4 Legacy Diskette A ..........4-15 4.3.5 Primary and Secondary IDE Master/Slave ..... 4-16 4.3.5 First, Second, Third, Fourth SATA Master .... 4-18 4.3.7 HDD SMART Monitoring ........
Page 6
Chapter 6: SLI™ technology support Chapter 6: SLI™ technology support Overview ................6-1 Dual graphics card setup ............6-2 6.2.1 Setting the ASUS EZ selector card ......6-2 6.2.2 Installing SLI-ready graphics cards ......6-4 6.2.3 Setting the SLI mode in BIOS ......... 6-8 6.2.4...
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 •...
Safety information Electrical safety Electrical safety Electrical safety Electrical safety 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.
About this guide This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the motherboard. How this guide is organized How this guide is organized How this guide is organized How this guide is organized How this guide is organized This manual contains the following parts: •...
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.
- 1 x PCI Express x1 card on second slot (black) ASUS EZ Selector ASUS EZ Plug™ ASUS SLI Warning LED ASUS PEG Link for dual PCI Express graphics cards ASUS Two-slot thermal design NVIDIA ® nForce™ 4 SLI chipset supports:...
Page 12
A I O v e r c l o c k i n g A I O v e r c l o c k i n g ASUS AI Overclocking (Intelligent CPU frequency tuner) ASUS PEG Link for single/dual graphics card Fixed PCI Express/PCI/SATA frequencies ASUS C.P.R.
Page 13
ASUS PC Probe ASUS Live Update utility ASUS Cool’n’Quiet! utility Anti-virus utility (OEM version) NVIDIA ®...
This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports. Product introduction...
Page 16
Chapter summary Welcome! ................1-1 Package contents ..............1-1 Special features ..............1-2 ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe...
A 8 N - S L I D e l u x e m o t h e r b o a r d ! 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.
Special features 1.3.1 1.3.1 Product highlights Product highlights 1.3.1 1.3.1 1.3.1 Product highlights Product highlights Product highlights Latest processor technology Latest processor technology Latest processor technology Latest processor technology Latest processor technology The AMD Athlon™ 64FX and Athlon™ 64 desktop processors are based on AMD’s 64-bit and 32-bit architecture, which represents the landmark introduction of the industry’s first x86-64 technology.
Page 19
HyperTransport™ Technology HyperTransport™ Technology HyperTransport™ Technology HyperTransport™ Technology HyperTransport™ Technology HyperTransport™ Technology is a high-speed, low latency, point-to-point link designed to increase the communication speed between integrated circuits in computers, networking and telecommunicatons equipment up to 48 times faster than other existing technologies. Dual Channel DDR memory support Dual Channel DDR memory support Dual Channel DDR memory support...
Page 20
S/PDIF digital sound ready S/PDIF digital sound ready S/PDIF digital sound ready S/PDIF digital sound ready S/PDIF digital sound ready The motherboard supports the S/PDIF Out function through the S/PDIF interfaces on the rear panel. The S/PDIF technology turns your computer into a high-end entertainment system with digital connectivity to powerful audio and speaker systems.
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 4-29 for details.
ASUS EZ Plug™ ASUS EZ Plug™ ASUS EZ Plug™ This patented ASUS technology is a 4-pin auxiliary +12V connector that is designed to maintain the voltage integrity of your system. This plug guarantees adequate supply of power to the motherboard and other installed peripherals.
Page 23
ASUS Instant Music This unique feature allows you to playback audio files even without booting the system to Windows™. Just press the ASUS Instant Music special function keys and enjoy the music! See pages 4-34. A S U S A 8 N - S L I D e l u x e...
Page 24
1 - 8 1 - 8 1 - 8 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 1 - 8 1 - 8...
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 information...
Page 26
Before you proceed .............. 2-1 Motherboard overview ............2-2 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ..........2-6 System memory ..............2-11 Expansion slots ..............2-14 Jumpers ................2-17 Connectors ................. 2-18 ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe...
The red warning LED lights up when you installed two graphics card but did not connect the ASUS EZ Plug™. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LEDs. SLI_WARN_LED...
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.
2.2.4 2.2.4 2.2.4 2.2.4 2.2.4 Layout Contents Layout Contents Layout Contents Layout Contents Layout Contents S l o t s S l o t s P a g e P a g e S l o t s S l o t s S l o t s P a g e P a g e...
Page 31
20. IEEE 1394a connector (10-1 pin IE1394_1) 2-27 21. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin FP_AUDIO) 2-28 22. ASUS EZ selector card connector (144-pin SLI_CON) 2-28 22. System panel connectors (20-1 pin PANEL) 2-29 - System Power LED (Green 3-pin PLED)
Central Processing Unit (CPU) 2.3.1 2.3.1 2.3.1 Overview Overview Overview 2.3.1 2.3.1 Overview Overview The motherboard comes with a surface mount 939-pin Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) socket designed for the AMD Athlon™ 64FX or AMD Athlon 64™ 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 33
Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sideways, then lift it up to a 90 -100 angle. S o c k e t L e v e r S o c k e t L e v e r S o c k e t L e v e r S o c k e t L e v e r S o c k e t L e v e r Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90 -100 angle, otherwise...
2.3.3 2.3.3 2.3.3 Installing the heatsink and fan Installing the heatsink and fan Installing the heatsink and fan 2.3.3 2.3.3 Installing the heatsink and fan Installing the heatsink and fan The AMD Athlon™ 64FX or AMD Athlon 64™ processor require a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.
Page 35
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 36
When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. CPU_FAN A8N-SLI DELUXE ® A8N-SLI DELUXE CPU fan connector Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector.
System memory 2.4.1 2.4.1 Overview Overview 2.4.1 2.4.1 2.4.1 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-SLI DELUXE ® A8N-SLI DELUXE 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets C h a n n e l C h a n n e l...
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. 2 - 1 2...
2.4.3 2.4.3 2.4.3 2.4.3 2.4.3 Installing a DIMM Installing a DIMM Installing a DIMM Installing a DIMM 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.
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.
2.5.3 2.5.3 Interrupt assignments Interrupt assignments 2.5.3 2.5.3 2.5.3 Interrupt assignments Interrupt assignments Interrupt assignments Standard interrupt assignments Standard interrupt assignments Standard interrupt assignments Standard interrupt assignments Standard interrupt assignments I R Q I R Q P r i o r i t y P r i o r i t y S t a n d a r d F u n c t i o n S t a n d a r d F u n c t i o n...
2.5.4 2.5.4 PCI slots PCI slots 2.5.4 2.5.4 2.5.4 PCI slots PCI slots PCI slots The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. The figure shows a LAN card installed on a PCI slot.
Jumpers 1 . 1 . C l e a r R T C R A M ( C L R T C ) C l e a r R T C R A M ( C L R T C ) C l e a r R T C R A M ( C L R T C ) C l e a r R T C R A M ( C L R T C ) C l e a r R T C R A M ( C L R T C )
Connectors 2.7.1 2.7.1 Rear panel connectors Rear panel connectors 2.7.1 2.7.1 2.7.1 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 45
9 . 9 . M i c r o p h o n e p o r t ( p i n k ) . M i c r o p h o n e p o r t ( p i n k ) . M i c r o p h o n e p o r t ( p i n k ) .
2.7.2 2.7.2 2.7.2 2.7.2 2.7.2 Internal connectors Internal connectors Internal connectors Internal connectors Internal connectors 1 . 1 . F l o p p y d i s k d r i v e c o n n e c t o r ( 3 4 - 1 p i n F L O P P Y ) F l o p p y d i s k d r i v e c o n n e c t o r ( 3 4 - 1 p i n F L O P P Y ) F l o p p y d i s k d r i v e c o n n e c t o r ( 3 4 - 1 p i n F L O P P Y ) F l o p p y d i s k d r i v e c o n n e c t o r ( 3 4 - 1 p i n F L O P P Y )
Page 47
3 . 3 . S e r i a l A T A c o n n e c t o r s S e r i a l A T A c o n n e c t o r s S e r i a l A T A c o n n e c t o r s S e r i a l A T A c o n n e c t o r s S e r i a l A T A c o n n e c t o r s...
Page 48
4 . 4 . S e r i a l A T A R A I D c o n n e c t o r s ( 7 - p i n S A T A _ R A I D 1 , S e r i a l A T A R A I D c o n n e c t o r s ( 7 - p i n S A T A _ R A I D 1 , S e r i a l A T A R A I D c o n n e c t o r s ( 7 - p i n S A T A _ R A I D 1 , S e r i a l A T A R A I D c o n n e c t o r s ( 7 - p i n S A T A _ R A I D 1 ,...
Page 49
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 50
6 . 6 . S e r i a l p o r t c o n n e c t o r ( 1 0 - 1 p i n C O M 1 ) S e r i a l p o r t c o n n e c t o r ( 1 0 - 1 p i n C O M 1 ) S e r i a l p o r t c o n n e c t o r ( 1 0 - 1 p i n C O M 1 ) S e r i a l p o r t c o n n e c t o r ( 1 0 - 1 p i n C O M 1 ) S e r i a l p o r t c o n n e c t o r ( 1 0 - 1 p i n C O M 1 )
Page 51
8 . 8 . A T X p o w e r c o n n e c t o r s ( 2 4 - p i n E A T X P W R 1 , A T X p o w e r c o n n e c t o r s ( 2 4 - p i n E A T X P W R 1 , A T X p o w e r c o n n e c t o r s ( 2 4 - p i n E A T X P W R 1 , A T X p o w e r c o n n e c t o r s ( 2 4 - p i n E A T X P W R 1 , A T X p o w e r c o n n e c t o r s ( 2 4 - p i n E A T X P W R 1 ,...
Page 52
9 . 9 . I n t e r n a l a u d i o c o n n e c t o r s ( 4 - p i n C D , A U X ) I n t e r n a l a u d i o c o n n e c t o r s ( 4 - p i n C D , A U X ) I n t e r n a l a u d i o c o n n e c t o r s ( 4 - p i n C D , A U X ) I n t e r n a l a u d i o c o n n e c t o r s ( 4 - p i n C D , A U X )
Page 53
1 1 . 1 1 . C h a s s i s i n t r u s i o n c o n n e c t o r ( 4 - 1 p i n C H A S S I S ) 1 1 .
Page 54
A S U S E Z s e l e c t o r c a r d c o n n e c t o r ( 1 4 4 - p i n S L I _ C O N ) This connector is for the ASUS proprietary ASUS EZ selector card that allows you to set the SLI mode to either Single Video card or Dual Video cards.
1 5 . 1 5 . 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 ) 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 ) 1 5 .
Page 56
2 - 3 0 2 - 3 0 2 - 3 0 C h a p t e r 2 : H a r d w a r e i n f o r m a t i o n C h a p t e r 2 : H a r d w a r e i n f o r m a t i o n C h a p t e r 2 : H a r d w a r e i n f o r m a t i o n 2 - 3 0...
This chapter describes the power up sequence, the vocal POST messages, and ways of shutting down the system. Powering up...
Page 58
Chapter summary Starting up for the first time ..........3-1 Powering off the computer ..........3-2 ASUS POST Reporter™ ............3-3 ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe...
Starting up for the first time 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. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector.
Powering off the computer 3.2.1 3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function Using the OS shut down function 3.2.1 3.2.1 3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function Using the OS shut down function Using the OS shut down function If you are using Windows ®...
ASUS POST Reporter™ This motherboard includes the Winbond speech controller to support a special feature called the ASUS POST Reporter™. This feature lets you hear vocal messages during POST that alerts you of system events and boot status. In case of a boot failure, you will hear the specific cause of the problem.
Page 62
S p e e c h S p e e c h You can enable or disable the ASUS POST Reporter™ in the S p e e c h S p e e c h S p e e c h...
The Winbond Voice Editor software allows you to customize the vocal POST messages. You can install this application from the support CD. To avoid conflicts, do not run the Winbond Voice Editor while running the ASUS PC Probe application. Launching the Voice Editor Launching the Voice Editor...
Page 64
Y e s Y e s Y e s Y e s to confirm. The next time you boot your computer, the ASUS Post Reporter announces the messages in the selected language. 3 - 6 3 - 6 3 - 6...
Page 65
Customizing your POST messages Customizing your POST messages Customizing your POST messages Customizing your POST messages Customizing your POST messages The Voice Editor application allows you to record your own POST messages if your language is not supported or if you wish to to replace the pre-installed wave files.
Page 66
Select a POST event on the Voice Editor main window, then click the E d i t E d i t E d i t button. The E d i t E d i t E v e n t S o u n d E d i t o r E v e n t S o u n d E d i t o r E v e n t S o u n d E d i t o r window E v e n t S o u n d E d i t o r...
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...
Page 68
Main menu ................4-15 Advanced menu ..............4-20 Power menu ................ 4-35 Boot menu ................4-40 Exit menu ................4-46 ASUS A8N SLI Deluxe ASUS A8N SLI Deluxe ASUS A8N SLI Deluxe ASUS A8N SLI Deluxe ASUS A8N SLI Deluxe...
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. 4.1.1 4.1.1...
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 - S L I . B I N A 8 N - S L I . B I N A 8 N - S L I .
Page 71
Type the BIOS file name AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.01 F i l e N a m e t o F i l e N a m e t o in the F i l e N a m e t o...
Make sure that the floppy disk has enough disk space to save the file. To save the current BIOS file using the AwardBIOS Flash Utility: Follow steps 1 to 6 of AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.01 the previous section. (C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved...
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 74
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. 4 - 6...
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>...
ASUS Update utility 4.1.6 4.1.6 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 ® environment. The ASUS Update utility allows you to: • Save the current BIOS file •...
Page 77
Updating the BIOS through the Internet 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 ® desktop by clicking S t a r t...
Page 78
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. U p d a t e B I O S f r o m a...
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. 4 - 1 2 4 - 1 2...
4.2.3 4.2.3 4.2.3 Legend bar Legend bar Legend bar 4.2.3 4.2.3 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.
Item Specific Help Legacy Diskette A: [1.44M, 3.5 in.] Change the day, month, year and century. Primary IDE Master [ST321122A] Primary IDE Slave [ASUS CDS520/A] Secondary IDE Master [None] Secondary IDE Slave [None] First SATA Master [None] Second SATA Slave...
4.3.5 4.3.5 4.3.5 Primary and Secondary IDE Master/Slave Primary and Secondary IDE Master/Slave Primary and Secondary IDE Master/Slave 4.3.5 4.3.5 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 85
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].
4.3.5 4.3.5 4.3.5 First, Second, Third, Fourth SATA Master First, Second, Third, Fourth SATA Master First, Second, Third, Fourth SATA Master 4.3.5 4.3.5 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.
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...
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 89
DRAM Configuration DRAM Configuration DRAM Configuration DRAM Configuration DRAM Configuration The items in this sub-menu show the DRAM-related information auto-detected by the BIOS. Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced DRAM Configuration Select Menu Max Memclock (MHz) [Auto] Item Specific Help 1T/2T Memory Timing [Auto] CAS# latency (Tcl)
Page 90
Row precharge Time (Trp) [Auto] Sets the Row precharge time. Precharge to Active or Auto-Refresh of the same bank. Configuration options: [Auto] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] Master ECC Enable [Disabled] Enables or disables the master ECC function. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Hyper Transport Frequency [Auto] Hyper Transport Frequency [Auto] Hyper Transport Frequency [Auto]...
IRQ Resources IRQ Resources IRQ Resources IRQ Resources IRQ Resources This sub-menu is activated only when the R e s o u r c e s C o n t r o l l e d B y R e s o u r c e s C o n t r o l l e d B y R e s o u r c e s C o n t r o l l e d B y R e s o u r c e s C o n t r o l l e d B y R e s o u r c e s C o n t r o l l e d B y...
Page 93
IDE Function Setup IDE Function Setup IDE Function Setup IDE Function Setup 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 Onboard Device Configuration Select Menu OnChip IDE Channel0 [Enabled] Item Specific Help...
Page 94
SATA2 DMA transfer [Enabled] SATA2 DMA transfer [Enabled] SATA2 DMA transfer [Enabled] SATA2 DMA transfer [Enabled] SATA2 DMA transfer [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the SATA2 DMA transfer access. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] IDE Prefetch Mode [Enabled] IDE Prefetch Mode [Enabled] IDE Prefetch Mode [Enabled] IDE Prefetch Mode [Enabled] IDE Prefetch Mode [Enabled]...
Page 95
USB Configuration USB Configuration USB Configuration USB Configuration 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 [Enabled]...
Page 96
OnBoard LAN2 Boot ROM [Disabled] OnBoard LAN2 Boot ROM [Disabled] OnBoard LAN2 Boot ROM [Disabled] OnBoard LAN2 Boot ROM [Disabled] OnBoard LAN2 Boot ROM [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the onboard LAN 2 boot ROM. This item is user-configurable only when the PCI Giga LAN item is Enabled.
A I N . O . S . A I N . O . S . A I N . O . S . The ASUS AI Non-delay Overclocking System feature intelligently determines the system load and automatically boost the performance for the most demanding tasks.
Page 98
The following items are user-configurable only when the Overclock Profile item is set to [Manual]. CPU Frequency [XXX] (value is auto-detected) CPU Frequency [XXX] (value is auto-detected) CPU Frequency [XXX] (value is auto-detected) CPU Frequency [XXX] (value is auto-detected) CPU Frequency [XXX] (value is auto-detected) Indicates the frequency sent by the clock generator to the system bus and PCI bus.
The following item is user-configurable only when the AI Overclocking item is set to [AI Overclock]. Overclock Options [Disable] Overclock Options [Disable] Overclock Options [Disable] Overclock Options [Disable] Overclock Options [Disable] Allows you to set the oveclocking options. Configuration options: [Disable] [Overclock 3%] [Overclock 5%] [Overclock 8%] [Overclock 10%] The following item is user-configurable only when the AI Overclocking item is set to [AI N.O.S.].
4.4.6 4.4.6 PEG Link Mode PEG Link Mode 4.4.6 4.4.6 4.4.6 PEG Link Mode PEG Link Mode PEG Link Mode Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced JumperFree Configuration Select Menu PEG Link Mode [Auto] Item Specific Help PEG Root Control [Auto] PEG Buffer Length [Auto]...
Speech IC Reporter [Enabled] Speech IC Reporter [Enabled] Speech IC Reporter [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Speech POST Reporter™ feature. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The following items appear only when Speech POST Reporter is set to Enabled.
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]...
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...
4.5.3 4.5.3 4.5.3 APM Configuration APM Configuration APM Configuration 4.5.3 4.5.3 APM Configuration APM Configuration Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Power APM Configuration Select Menu Restore on AC Power Loss [Disabled] Item Specific Help PWR Button < 4 secs [Instant Off] Power On By PCI Devices [Disabled] Press [ENTER] to...
Page 105
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.
4.5.4 4.5.4 4.5.4 Hardware Monitor Hardware Monitor Hardware Monitor 4.5.4 4.5.4 Hardware Monitor 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.
Page 107
Q-Fan1 Stop Temperature Q-Fan1 Stop Temperature Q-Fan1 Stop Temperature Q-Fan1 Stop Temperature Q-Fan1 Stop Temperature Allows you to set the temperature threshold before the CPU fan stops. Configuration options: [16ºC] [18ºC] [20ºC] [22ºC] Q-Fan1 Start Temperature Q-Fan1 Start Temperature Q-Fan1 Start Temperature Q-Fan1 Start Temperature Q-Fan1 Start Temperature Allows you to set the temperature that when detected starts the CPU fan.
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 Exit Boot Device Priority Select Menu Removable Drives Hard Disk Drives Item Specific Help CDROM Drives...
4.6.4 4.6.4 4.6.4 4.6.4 4.6.4 CDROM Drives CDROM Drives CDROM Drives CDROM Drives CDROM Drives Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot CDROM Drives Select Menu 1. 1st Slave: XXXXXXXXX Item Specific Help Use < > or < > to select a device, then press <+>...
Page 111
• Make sure that the above item is set to [Enabled] if you want to use the ASUS MyLogo2™ feature. • See section “5.4.1 ASUS MyLogo2™” for details. Halt On [All Errors] Halt On [All Errors] Halt On [All Errors]...
4.6.6 4.6.6 4.6.6 4.6.6 4.6.6 Security Security Security Security Security Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot Boot Settings Configuration Select Menu Supervisor Password Clear Item Specific Help User Password Clear Password Check [Setup] Supervisor password controls full access, <Enter> to change password.
Page 113
A n o t e a b o u t p a s s w o r d s A n o t e a b o u t p a s s w o r d s A n o t e a b o u t p a s s w o r d s A n o t e a b o u t p a s s w o r d s A n o t e a b o u t p a s s w o r d s The Supervisor password is required to enter the BIOS Setup program...
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 Exit Select Menu Exit &...
Page 115
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 Y e s Y e s press <F5>, a confirmation window appears.
Page 116
4 - 4 8 4 - 4 8 C h a p t e r 4 : B I O S s e t u p C h a p t e r 4 : B I O S s e t u p 4 - 4 8 4 - 4 8 4 - 4 8...
This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with the motherboard package. Software support...
Page 118
Support CD information ............5-1 Software information ............5-9 RAID configurations ............5-21 Creating a RAID driver disk ..........5-40 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology ..........5-41 ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe...
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. 5.2.1 5.2.1 5.2.1...
5.2.2 5.2.2 5.2.2 Drivers menu Drivers menu Drivers menu 5.2.2 5.2.2 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...
ASUS Update ASUS Update ASUS Update Allows you to download the latest version of the BIOS from the ASUS website. Before using the ASUS Update, make sure that you have an Internet connection so you can connect to the ASUS website.
Page 122
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. Microsoft DirectX Microsoft DirectX Microsoft DirectX Microsoft DirectX...
5.2.4 5.2.4 5.2.4 5.2.4 5.2.4 Manuals menu Manuals menu Manuals menu Manuals menu 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). ®...
C o n t a c t 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 also find this information on the inside front cover of this user guide.
Page 125
Technical support Form Technical support Form Displays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to fill out when requesting technical support. A S U S A 8 N - S L I D e l u x e...
Page 126
Filelist Filelist Filelist Filelist Filelist Displays the contents of the support CD and a brief description of each in text format. 5 - 8 5 - 8 5 - 8 C h a p t e r 5 : S o f t w a r e s u p p o r t C h a p t e r 5 : S o f t w a r e s u p p o r t C h a p t e r 5 : S o f t w a r e s u p p o r t 5 - 8...
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 128
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.
5.4.3 5.4.3 5.4.3 5.4.3 5.4.3 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.
5.4.4 5.4.4 Audio configurations Audio configurations 5.4.4 5.4.4 5.4.4 Audio configurations Audio configurations Audio configurations The Realtek ® ALC850 AC ‘97 audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the ultimate audio experience on your PC. The software provides Jack-Sensing function (Line-In, Line-Out, Mic-In), S/PDIF out support and interrupt capability.
Page 131
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 S o u n d E f f e c t S o u n d E f f e c t S o u n d E f f e c t S o u n d E f f e c t button.
Page 132
Speaker Configuration Speaker Configuration Speaker Configuration Speaker Configuration Speaker Configuration This option allows you to set your speaker configuration. To set the speaker configuration: S p e a k e r S p e a k e r From the Realtek Audio Control Panel, click the S p e a k e r S p e a k e r S p e a k e r C o n f i g u r a t i o n...
Page 133
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 C o n n e c t o r S e n s i n g C o n n e c t o r S e n s i n g...
Page 134
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 135
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 G e n e r a l G e n e r a l G e n e r a l...
5.4.5 5.4.5 5.4.5 5.4.5 5.4.5 Using the NVIDIA Using the NVIDIA Using the NVIDIA Using the NVIDIA Using the NVIDIA ® ® ® ® ® Firewall™ Firewall™ Firewall™ Firewall™ Firewall™ The motherboard supports the NVIDIA ® Firewall™ (NVFirewall™) application that protects your computer from intruders. The NVFirewall™ is classified as a personal firewall or desktop firewall that works at the device level to protect your system from malicious computer code by controlling the connections to and from your computer and alerting you for attempted...
Page 137
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 L o w - allows safe incoming connections and deny those that are L o w L o w...
Page 138
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™...
RAID configurations ® The motherboard comes with the Silicon Image Sil3114 and the NVIDIA SLI Southbridge RAID controllers 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 R A I D 0 (Data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and...
If you want to boot the system from a hard disk drive included in a RAID set, copy first the RAID driver from the support CD to a floppy disk before you install an operating system to a selected hard disk drive. Refer to section “5.6 Creating a RAID driver disk”...
5.5.2 5.5.2 5.5.2 5.5.2 5.5.2 NVIDIA NVIDIA NVIDIA NVIDIA NVIDIA ® ® ® ® ® RAID configurations RAID configurations RAID configurations RAID configurations RAID configurations The motherboard includes a high performance IDE RAID controller integrated in the NVIDIA ® SLI southbridge chipset. It supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 1+0, and JBOD with four independent Serial ATA channels.
Page 142
Entering the NVIDIA Entering the NVIDIA ® ® ® ® ® RAID utility RAID utility Entering the NVIDIA Entering the NVIDIA Entering the NVIDIA RAID utility RAID utility RAID utility To enter the NVIDIA ® RAID utility: Boot up your computer. During POST, press <F10>...
Page 143
Press <TAB> select the Striping Block then press <Enter>. The following submenu appears: 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.
Page 144
NVIDIA RAID Utility Oct 5 2004 - Array List - Boot Status Vendor Array Model Name Healthy NVIDIA MIRROR XXX.XXG [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.
Page 145
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 XXX.XXG - Select Disk Inside Array - RAID Mode: Mirroring Striping Width: 1 Striping Block: 64K Adapt...
Page 146
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 147
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 XXX.XXG - Array Detail -...
Creating a RAID 0 set (Striped) Creating a RAID 0 set (Striped) Creating a RAID 0 set (Striped) Creating a RAID 0 set (Striped) Creating a RAID 0 set (Striped) To create a RAID set: From the Silicon Image MAIN MENU configuration utility Create RAID set main menu, select...
Page 151
T I P : T I P : T I P : T I P : T I P : For server systems, use of a lower array block size is recommended. For multimedia computer systems used mainly for audio and video editing, a higher array block size is recommended for optimum performance.
Page 152
Select your desired method of configuration. A u t o c o n f i g u r a t i o n A u t o c o n f i g u r a t i o n A u t o c o n f i g u r a t i o n A u t o c o n f i g u r a t i o n A u t o c o n f i g u r a t i o n...
Page 153
e. If you selected MAIN MENU C r e a t e w i t h d a t a C r e a t e w i t h d a t a C r e a t e w i t h d a t a C r e a t e w i t h d a t a C r e a t e w i t h d a t a Auto configuration...
Page 154
Select your desired method of configuration. A u t o c o n f i g u r a t i o n A u t o c o n f i g u r a t i o n A u t o c o n f i g u r a t i o n A u t o c o n f i g u r a t i o n A u t o c o n f i g u r a t i o n...
Page 155
Creating a RAID 10 set (Mirrored+Striped) Creating a RAID 10 set (Mirrored+Striped) Creating a RAID 10 set (Mirrored+Striped) Creating a RAID 10 set (Mirrored+Striped) Creating a RAID 10 set (Mirrored+Striped) To create a RAID 10 set: From the Silicon Image MAIN MENU configuration utility Create RAID set...
Page 156
T I P : T I P : T I P : T I P : T I P : For server systems, use of a lower array block size is recommended. For multimedia computer systems used mainly for audio and video editing, a higher array block size is recommended for optimum performance.
Page 157
o n l i n e c o p y o n l i n e c o p y The o n l i n e c o p y o n l i n e c o p y o n l i n e c o p y option automatically copies the data to the target drives on the background while writing to the source drives.
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: Place the motherboard support CD into the CD-ROM drive. D r i v e r s D r i v e r s When the D r i v e r s...
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. 5.7.1 5.7.1 5.7.1 5.7.1 5.7.1 Enabling Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology Enabling Cool ‘n’...
5.7.2 5.7.2 5.7.2 5.7.2 5.7.2 Launching the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software Launching the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software Launching the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software Launching the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software 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.
Chapter summary Overview ................6-1 Dual graphics cards setup ............ 6-2 ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe...
NVIDIA ® certified. • Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) for a list of qualified SLI-ready graphics cards for this motherboard. • Make sure that your graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA SLI technology. Download the latest driver from the NVIDIA website (www.nvidia.com).
Setting the ASUS EZ selector card Your motherboard package comes with a pre-installed ASUS EZ selector card. By default, the card is set for a single graphics card. To use two graphics cards on this motherboard, you must first set the selector card...
Page 165
When released, pull the selector card out of the slot. Invert the selector card and insert the edge labeled D u a l D u a l D u a l D u a l D u a l V i d e o C a r d s V i d e o C a r d s V i d e o C a r d s V i d e o C a r d s...
6.2.2 6.2.2 6.2.2 6.2.2 6.2.2 Installing SLI-ready graphics cards Installing SLI-ready graphics cards Installing SLI-ready graphics cards Installing SLI-ready graphics cards Installing SLI-ready graphics cards Install only identical SLI-ready graphics cards that are NVIDIA ® certified. Different types of graphics cards will not work together properly. To install the graphics cards: Prepare two graphics cards.
Page 167
P C I E X 1 6 _ 1 P C I E X 1 6 _ 1 Insert one graphics card into the blue slot labeled P C I E X 1 6 _ 1 P C I E X 1 6 _ 1 P C I E X 1 6 _ 1.
Page 168
Align and insert the SLI connector to the goldfingers on each graphics card. Make sure that the connector is firmly in place. S L I c o n n e c t o r S L I c o n n e c t o r S L I c o n n e c t o r S L I c o n n e c t o r S L I c o n n e c t o r...
Page 169
Remove any of the two bracket covers between the graphics cards. B r a c k e t s l o t B r a c k e t s l o t B r a c k e t s l o t B r a c k e t s l o t B r a c k e t s l o t Align and insert the retention...
6.2.3 6.2.3 6.2.3 6.2.3 6.2.3 Setting the SLI mode in BIOS Setting the SLI mode in BIOS Setting the SLI mode in BIOS Setting the SLI mode in BIOS Setting the SLI mode in BIOS By default, the SLI mode item in the BIOS is set to [Auto]. This allows the BIOS to automatically detect the SLI selector card setting on the motherboard.
Page 171
From the nView Desktop Manager D e s k t o p D e s k t o p window, select the D e s k t o p D e s k t o p D e s k t o p M a n a g e m e n t M a n a g e m e n t M a n a g e m e n t tab.
Page 172
Click the slider to display the following screen, then select the S L I S L I S L I S L I S L I m u l t i - G P U m u l t i - G P U m u l t i - G P U m u l t i - G P U m u l t i - G P U item.
This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with the motherboard package. Appendix...
Page 174
Chapter summary Using the SATA extension module ........A-1 ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe...
Using the SATA extension module Your motherboard package comes with a 2-port Serial ATA extension module that allows you to externally connect two Serial ATA hard drives. A.1.1 A.1.1 A.1.1 Installing the 2-port SATA extension module Installing the 2-port SATA extension module Installing the 2-port SATA extension module A.1.1 A.1.1...
A.1.1 A.1.1 A.1.1 Installing SATA hard drives Installing SATA hard drives Installing SATA hard drives A.1.1 A.1.1 Installing SATA hard drives Installing SATA hard drives To install Serial ATA hard drives: A. Prepare the following items: - 2 x SATA hard disk drives - 2 x SATA signal cables - 1 x SATA power cable with dual plugs B.Connect one end of the first SATA signal cable to the SATA...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the A8N-SLI DLX and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers