User Guide Motherboard K8N
E1868 Checklist Revised Edition V2 January 2005 Copyright © 2005 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
Contents Features Notices ........................................................................................... vi Safety information ......................................................................... vii About this guide ............................................................................ viii Conventions used in this guide ........................................... viii Typography ..........................................................................
Contents Safeguards Chapter 2: BIOS Information 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 iv Managing and updating your BIOS .................................... 2-2 2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk ............................. 2-2 2.1.2 Using AFUDOS to update the BIOS ...................... 2-3 2.1.3 Using AFUDOS to copy BIOS from PC ................. 2-4 2.1.4 Using ASUS EZ Flash to update the BIOS ............ 2-5 2.1.5 Recovering the BIOS with CrashFree BIOS 2 ....... 2-6 BIOS Setup program .....................
Contents 2.6 2.7 Boot menu ........................................................................ 2-28 2.6.1 Boot Device Priority ............................................. 2-28 2.6.2 Hard Disk Drives .................................................. 2-29 2.6.3 Boot Settings Configuration ................................. 2-29 2.6.4 Security ................................................................ 2-30 Exit menu .........................................................................
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. The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required to assure compliance with FCC regulations.
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.
About this guide Conventions used in this guide To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task. CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task. IMPORTANT: Information that you MUST follow to complete a task. NOTE: Tips and additional information to aid in completing a task.
K8N specifications summary CPU Socket 754 for AMD Athlon™ 64 and AMD Sempron™ CPUs Supports AMD 64 architecture that enables simultaneous 32-bit and 64-bit computing Supports AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology Chipset NVIDIA® nForce™ 3 250 System Bus 800 MHz Memory 3 x 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets for up to 3GB unbuffered ECC and non-ECC PC3200/PC2700/PC2100/PC1600 SDRAM memory Expansion slots 1 x AGP 8X/4X 5 x PCI Storage NVIDIA® nForce™ 3 250 supports: - 2 x Ultra ATA 133 connector - 2 x Serial ATA co
K8N specifications summary Internal I/O 2 x USB 2.0 connector for 4 additional USB ports CPU/Chassis/Power fan connectors 20-pin/4-pin ATX 12V power connectors Chassis intrusion connector CD/AUX connectors GAME/MIDI connector Front Panel connector BIOS features 4Mb Flash EEPROM AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, Multi-Language BIOS, SM BIOS 2.3, ASUS EZ Flash, ASUS MyLogo2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 Industry standard PCI 2.2, USB 2.0 Manageability WfM2.0, DMI 2.
Chapter 1 This chapter describes the features of the motherboard. It includes brief descriptions of the motherboard components, and illustrations of the layout, jumper settings, and connectors.
1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying the ASUS® K8N motherboard! The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards! The motherboard combines the powers of the AMD Athlon™ 64 or AMD Sempron™ processor with the NVIDIA® nForce3 250 chipset to set a new benchmark for an effective desktop platform solution.
1.3 Special features 1.3.1 Product Highlights Latest processor technology The motherboard supports the AMD Athlon™ 64 and AMD Sempron™ desktop processors. The AMD Athlon™ 64 is based on AMD’s 64-bit architecture, which represents the landmark introduction of the industry’s first x86-64 technology. This processor provides a dramatic leap forward in compatibility, performance, investment protection, and reduced total cost of ownership and development.
S/PDIF out The motherboard’s S/PDIF out function turns your computer into a high-end entertainment system with digital connectivity to powerful speaker systems. USB 2.0 technology The motherboard implements the new Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 specification, extending the connection speed from 12 Mbps on USB 1.1 to a fast 480 Mbps on USB 2.0 - supporting up to eight USB 2.0 ports. The higher bandwidth of USB 2.
1.4 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component. 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.
1.5 Motherboard overview 1.5.1 Motherboard layout 24.5cm (9.6in) PS/2KBMS T: Mouse B: Keyboard CPU_FAN ATX12V Top: Rear Surround L/R Middle: Side surround L/R Bottom: Center/Subwoofer SATA1 SATA2 10/100 LAN PHY CD AUX ATX Power Connector PRI_IDE PWR_FAN Top:Line In Center:Line Out Below:Mic In FP_AUDIO 30.5cm (12.0in) USBPW12 USBPW34 USB2.
1.5.2 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis as indicated in the image below. 1.5.3 Screw holes Place nine (9) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis. Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so may damage the motherboard.
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) 1.6.1 Overview The motherboard comes with a surface mount 754-pin Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) socket designed for the AMD Athlon™ 64 and AMD Sempron™ processors. 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.
1.6.2 Installing the CPU Follow these steps to install a CPU. 1. Locate the 754-pin ZIF socket on the motherboard. 2. Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sideways, then lift it up to a 90°-100° angle. Socket Lever Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90°-100° angle, otherwise the CPU does not fit in completely. 3. Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with a small triangle. 4.
1.7 System memory 1.7.1 DIMM sockets location DIMM3 DIMM2 80 Pins 104 Pins DIMM1 The following figure illustrates the location of the DDR DIMM sockets. ® K8N K8N 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets Make sure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. 1.7.
Table 1 Number of DIMMs 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Memory configurations DIMM Slot DIMM2 DIMM3 Max Speed Single Side Double Side Single Side Double Side Single Side Double Side Single Side Single Side Double Side Double Side Single Side Single Side Double Side Double Side Single Side Single Side Double Side Double Side Single Side Double Side Single Side Double Side Single Side Single Side Double Side Single Side Double Side Double Side Single Side Double Side Single Side Doubl
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM DDR DIMM Follow these steps to install a DIMM. 1. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward. 2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the socket. 3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the socket until the retaining clips snap back in place and the DIMM is properly seated. Unlocked A DDR DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction. DO NOT force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM. 1.
1.8.2 IRQ assignments for this motherboard PCI slot 1 PCI slot 2 PCI slot 3 PCI slot 4 PCI slot 5 Serial ATA AGP slot INT A shared — — — shared — — INT B — shared — — — — — INT C — — shared — — shared — INT D — — — used — — — INT E — — — — — — used When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Share IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise, conflicts will arise between the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable. 1.8.
1.8.4 AGP slot The Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) slot supports AGP 8X/4X (+1.5V) cards. When you buy an AGP card, make sure that you ask for one with +1.5V specification. Note the notches on the card golden fingers to ensure that they fit the AGP slot on the motherboard. Install only +1.5V AGP cards. ® Keyed for 1.
1.9 Jumpers 1. Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC) This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The RAM data in CMOS, that include system setup information such as system passwords, is powered by the onboard button cell battery. To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3.
2. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW12, USBPW34, USBPW56, USBPW78) Set these jumpers to +5V to wake up the computer from S1 sleep mode (CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in low power mode) using the connected USB devices. Set to +5VSB to wake up from S3 and S4 sleep modes (no power to CPU, DRAM in slow refresh, power supply in reduced power mode).
1.10 Connectors This section describes and illustrates the motherboard rear panel and internal connectors. 1.10.1 Rear panel connectors 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 14 15 13 11 12 9 10 1. PS/2 mouse port. This green 6-pin connector is for a PS/2 mouse. 2. Parallel port. This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a scanner, or other devices. 3. RJ-45 port. This port allows 10/100 connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub.
9. Center/Subwoofer port. This Center/Subwoofer (yellow orange) port connects to the center/subwoofer speakers on a 6-channel or 8-channel audio configuration.
1.10.2 Internal connectors 1. IDE connectors (40-1 pin PRI_IDE, SEC_IDE) This connector supports the provided UltraATA133 IDE hard disk ribbon cable. Connect the cable’s blue connector to the primary (recommended) or secondary IDE connector, then connect the gray connector to the UltraATA133 slave device (hard disk drive) and the black connector to the UltraATA133 master device. Follow the hard disk drive documentation when setting the device in master or slave mode.
3. ATX power connectors (20-pin ATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) These connectors connect to an ATX 12V power supply. The plugs from the power supply are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit. In addition to the 20-pin ATX power connector, this motherboard requires that you connect the 4-pin ATX +12V power plug to provide sufficient power to the CPU.
5. CPU and chassis fan connectors (3-pin CPU_FAN, CHA_FAN) The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350mA~740mA (8.88W max.) or a total of 1A~2.22A (26.64W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, making sure that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector. Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Lack of sufficient air flow within the system may damage the motherboard components.
7. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin FP_AUDIO) This is an interface for the front panel cable that allows convenient connection and control of audio devices. BLINE_OUT_L AGND +5VA BLINE_OUT_R Be default, the pins labeled LINE OUT_R/BLINE_OUT_R and the pins LINE OUT_L/BLINE_OUT_L are shorted with jumper caps. Remove the caps only when you are connecting the front panel audio cable. MIC2 MICPWR Line out_R NC Line out_L FP_AUDIO ® K8N K8N Front panel audio connector 8.
9. GAME/MIDI connector (16-1 pin GAME) +5V J2B1 J2CX MIDI_OUT J2CY J2B2 MIDI_IN This connector supports a GAME/MIDI module. If a GAME/MIDI module is available, connect the GAME/MIDI cable to this connector. The GAME/MIDI port on the module connects a joystick or a game pad for playing games, and MIDI devices for playing or editing audio files. ® K8N GAME +5V J1B1 J1CX GND GND J1CY J1B2 +5V K8N Game connector The GAME/MIDI module is purchased separately. 10.
12. System panel connector (10-1 pin PANEL) This connector accommodates several system front panel functions. ® K8N K8N System panel connector • IDE_LED Reset Ground +5V Ground Ground Speaker Speaker Connector PWR Ground PLED- IDE_LED+ IDE_LED- PLED+ Power LED Reset SW ATX Power Switch* * Requires an ATX power supply. System Power LED Lead (Green 3-pin PLED) This 3-pin connector connects to the system power LED.
Chapter 2 This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup. 1. ASUS AFUDOS - Updates the BIOS using a bootable floppy disk in DOS mode. 2. ASUS EZ Flash - Updates the BIOS using a floppy disk during POST. 3. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 - Updates the BIOS using a bootable floppy disk or the motherboard support CD. Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.
c. Click Start, then select Run. d. From the Open box, type D:\bootdisk\makeboot a: then press , assuming that D: is your CD-ROM drive. e. Follow succeeding screen instructions. 2. Copy the original (or the latest) motherboard BIOS to the bootable floppy disk. 2.1.2 Using AFUDOS to update the BIOS To update the BIOS using the AFUDOS.EXE utility: 1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for your motherboard. Save the BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk.
When the BIOS update process is complete, the utility returns to the DOS prompt. A:\>afudos /iK8N.ROM AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.10 Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved. Reading file ..... Erasing flash .... Writing flash .... Verifying flash .. done done 0x0008CC00 (9%) done A:\> 5. Reboot the system from the hard disk. 2.1.3 Using AFUDOS to copy BIOS from PC You can use the AFUDOS.
3. The utility will copy the current system BIOS by default to the floppy disk. Make sure that the floppy disk has at least 600KB of free disk space and is not writeprotected. A:\>afudos /oMYBIOS03.ROM AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.10 Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved. Reading flash ..... done A:\> When the copy process is complete, the utility returns to the DOS prompt. 2.1.
DO NOT shutdown or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so may cause system boot failure! User recovery requested. Starting BIOS recovery... Checking for floppy... Floppy found! Reading file “K8N.ROM”. Completed. Start flashing... Flashed successfully. Rebooting. 2.1.
Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery... Checking for floppy... Floppy found! Reading file “K8N.ROM”. Completed. Start flashing... DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so may cause system boot failure! 2. When the BIOS update process is complete, reboot the system. To recover the BIOS from the support CD: 1. Boot the system. 2. When a corrupted BIOS is detected, the following screen message appears. Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery... Checking for floppy...
2.2 BIOS Setup program This motherboard supports a programmable firmware 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 may want to change the configuration of your computer in the future.
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Menu bar System Time System Date Legacy Diskette A Language Primary IDE Master Primary IDE Slave Secondary IDE Master Secondary IDE Slave Configuration fields [11:51:19] [Thu 08/05/2003] [1.44M, 3.5 in] [English] : [ST320413A] : [ASUS CD-S340] : [Not Detected] : [Not Detected] General help Use [ENTER], [TAB] or [SHIFT-TAB] to select a field. Use [+] or [-] to configure system time. System Information Sub-menu items Navigation keys 2.2.
2.2.4 Menu items The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items. The other items (Advanced, Power, Boot, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items. System Time System Date Legacy Diskette A Language [11:51:19] [Thu 08/05/2003] [1.44M, 3.5 in] [English] Primary IDE Master Primary IDE Slave Secondary IDE Master Secondary IDE Slave Use [ENTER], [TAB] or [SHIFT-TAB] to select a field.
2.3 Main menu When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic system information. Refer to section “2.2.1 BIOS menu screen” for information on the menu screen items and how to navigate through them. System Time System Date Legacy Diskette A Language Primary IDE Master Primary IDE Slave Secondary IDE Master Secondary IDE Slave Third IDE Master Third IDE Slave Fourth IDE Master Fourth IDE Slave [11:51:19] [Thu 08/05/2003] [1.44M, 3.
2.3.5 Primary and Secondary IDE Master/Slave While entering Setup, BIOS auto-detects the presence of IDE devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each IDE device. Select a device item then press to display the IDE device information. Primary IDE Master Device : Hard Disk Vendor : Maxtor 6Y080L0 Size : 81.
PIO Mode [Auto] Selects the PIO mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4] DMA Mode [Auto] Selects the DMA mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [SWDMA0] [SWDMA1] [SWDMA2] [MWDMA0] [MWDMA1] [MWDMA2] [UDMA0] [UDMA1] [UDMA2] [UDMA3] [UDMA4] [UDMA5] [UDMA6] SMART Monitoring [Auto] Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] 32Bit Data Transfer [Disabled] Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer.
2.4 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values may cause the system to malfunction. Configure CPU. Instant Music Configuration JumperFree Configuration CPU Configuration Chipset Onboard Devices Configuration PCI PnP 2.4.
2.4.2 JumperFree Configuration Configure System Frequency/Voltage AI Overclock Tuner AGP Overclock in MHz DDR RAM Voltage AGP Voltage [Standard] [ 66] [Auto] [1.5V] AI Overclock Tuner [Standard] Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU internal frequency. Select either one of the preset overclocking options and the relevant parameters will appear.
CPU Voltage [x.xxxx V] Allows you to set the CPU voltage. The default value and configuration options depend on the CPU installed. This item appears only when the Cool N’ Quiet feature is Enabled. DDR RAM Voltage [Auto] Allows you to automatically detect or select from a list the DDR operating voltage. Configuration options: [Auto] [2.5V] [2.6V] [2.7V] AGP Voltage [1.5V] Adjusts the AGP voltage setting. Configuration options: [1.5V] [1.6V] [1.7V] 2.4.
GART Error Reporting [Disabled] Enables or disables the GART Error Reporting feature. This option should always be disabled for normal operation. Device driver developers may enable it for testing purpose. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] HT Ratio [4] Sets the Hyper-Transport (HT) ratio. Configuration options: [1] [2] [3] [4] 2.4.4 Chipset The items in this menu show the chipset-related information auto-detected by BIOS. Memory CLK : 200 MHz CAS Latency : 2.
DRAM RAS PRECHANGE Time [Auto] Sets the DRAM RAS PRECHANGE Time. Configuration options: [Auto] [2 CLK] [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] DRAM ACTIVE TIME [Auto] Sets the DRAM ACTIVE TIME. Configuration options: [Auto] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK] [8 CLK] [9 CLK] [10 CLK] [11 CLK] [12 CLK] [13 CLK] [14 CLK] [15 CLK] 1T/2T Timing [Auto] Sets the DRAM command timing. When set to Auto, the DRAM timing is set to 2T if the CPU installed can support 2T timing.
Onboard Device The items in this sub-menu allows you to change the settings of the onboard devices. MAC Interface Onboard LAN Boot ROM Internal SATA IDE Interface RAID Option ROM [Enabled] [Disabled] [Enabled] [Disabled] MAC Interface [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the internal 802.3 MAC interface. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the onboard LAN Boot ROM.
Secondary Slave as RAID [Disabled] Enables or disables the use of the Secondary IDE Slave as RAID. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Third Master as RAID [Disabled] Enables or disables the use of the Third IDE Master as RAID. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Fourth Master as RAID [Disabled] Enables or disables the use of the Fourth IDE Master as RAID. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] USB Configuration The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features.
2.4.5 Onboard Devices Configuration Configure ITE8712 Super IO Chipset Serial Port1 Address Parallel Port Address Parallel Port Mode EPP Version ECP Mode DMA Channel Parallel Port IRQ OnBoard Game Port Onboard MIDI Port MIDI IRQ Select [3F8/IRQ4] [378] [EPP+ECP] [1.9] [DMA3] [IRQ7] [Enabled] [300] [IRQ5] Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address.
Onboard MIDI Port [300] Disables or sets the onboard MIDI port. Configuration options: [Disabled] [300] [330] MIDI IRQ Select [IRQ5] Sets the MIDI port IRQs. Configuration options: [IRQ5] [IRQ7] [IRQ10] [IRQ11] 2.4.6 PCI PnP The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices. The menu includes setting IRQ and DMA channel resources for either PCI/PnP or legacy ISA devices, and setting the memory size block for legacy ISA devices.
PCI Latency Timer [64] Allows you to select the value in units of PCI clocks for the PCI device latency timer register. Configuration options: [32] [64] [96] [128] [160] [192] [224] [248] Allocate IRQ to PCI VGA [Yes] When set to [Yes], BIOS assigns an IRQ to PCI VGA card if the card requests for an IRQ. When set to [No], BIOS does not assign an IRQ to the PCI VGA card even if requested.
2.5 Power menu The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Power Management (APM) feature. Select an item then press to display the configuration options. ACPI Suspend Mode Repost Video on S3 Resume ACPI 2.0 Support ACPI APIC Support Select the ACPI state used for System Suspend. [S1 (POS) & S3 (STR] [No] [No] [Enabled] APM Configuration Hardware Monitor 2.5.1 ACPI Suspend Mode [S3 only] Allows you to select the ACPI state to be used for system suspend.
2.5.5 APM Configuration PME Resume RI Resume Onboard LAN Resume RTC Resume Resume On PS/2 Keyboard Restore On PS/2 Mouse Restore on AC Power Loss [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Power Off] PME Resume [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the PME# to generate a wake event. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.
Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off] When set to Power Off, the system goes into off state after an AC power loss. When set to Power On, the system goes on after an AC power loss. When set to Last State, the system goes into either off or on state whatever was the system state before the AC power loss. Configuration options: [Power Off] [Power On] [Last State] 2.5.
Smart Q-FAN Function [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the Smart Q-Fan feature that monitors the CPU temperature and smartly adjusts the fan speed according to the temperature. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The following items appear only when the Smart Q-Fan Function item is set Enabled. CPU Fan Start Voltage [5.0V] Allows you to set the fan auto mode start voltage. Configuration options: [4.0V] [4.5V] [5.0V] [5.5V] [6.
2.6 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press to display the sub-menu. Specifies the Boot Device Priority sequence. Boot Settings Boot Device Priority Boot Settings Configuration Security 2.6.1 Boot Device Priority Specifies the boot sequence from the available devices.
2.6.2 Hard Disk Drives Specifies the boot sequence from the available devices. Hard Disk Drives 1st Drive 2nd Drive [PM-ST330620A] [NVIDIA MIRROR 111.] 1st ~ xxth Drive [XXXXXXXX] These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices. The number of device items that appear on the screen depends on the the number of devices installed in the system. Configuration options: [xxxxx Drive] [Disabled] 2.6.
Bootup Num-Lock [On] Allows you to select the power-on state for the NumLock. Configuration options: [Off] [On] PS/2 Mouse Support [Auto] Allows you to enable or disable support for PS/2 mouse. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto] Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled] When set to Enabled, the system waits for F1 key to be pressed when error occurs.
To set a Supervisor Password: 1. Select the Change Supervisor Password item and press . 2. From the password box, type a password combination of at least six (6) letters and/or numbers, then press . 3. Confirm the password when prompted. The message “Password Installed” appears after you have successfully set your password. The Supervisor Password item now shows Installed. To change the supervisor password, follow the same steps as in setting a user password.
Change User Password Select this item to set or change the user password. The User Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you have set a password, this item shows Installed. To set a User Password: 1. Select the Change User Password item and press . 2. On the password box that appears, type a password combination of at least six (6) letters and/or numbers, then press . 3. Confirm the password when prompted.
2.7 Exit menu The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. Exit Options Exit & Save Changes Exit & Discard Changes Discard Changes Exit system setup after saving the changes. F10 key can be used for this operation. Load Setup Defaults Pressing does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options from this menu or from the legend bar to exit.
2-34 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup
Chapter 3 This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with the motherboard package.
3.1 Install an operating system This motherboard supports Windows® 2000/XP/2003 Server operating system (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware. Motherboard settings and hardware options vary, so use the setup procedures presented in this chapter for general reference only. Refer to your OS documentation for more information. 3.
3.2.2 Drivers menu Microsoft DirectX 9.0 Driver Installs the Microsoft® DirectX™ 9.0 driver. Nvidia Chipset Driver Program Installs the NVIDIA® Chipset drivers for the NVIDIA® nForce™ 3 250Gb chipset. Make sure to install the Microsoft® DirectX™ 9.0 driver before installing the NVIDIA® Chipset drivers. Make Chipset IDE Driver Disk Creates the NVIDIA® driver disk for Serial ATA and RAID features. ALC850 Driver Installs the Realtek® ALC850 audio controller and application. USB 2.
3.2.3 Utilities menu The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports. ASUS’ AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Software Installs the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet! Technology software. ASUS PC Probe This smart utility monitors the fan speed, CPU temperature, and system voltages, and alerts you on any detected problems. This utility helps you keep your computer at a healthy operating condition.
3.2.4 Manual menu The Manual menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to open the 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. • Some user manuals listed in this menu may not be applicable for this motherboard model.
3.2.5 ASUS Contact Information Clicking the ASUS Contact Information tab displays as stated. You may also find this information on the inside front cover of this user guide.
3.3 ASUS Instant Music Lite The motherboard is equipped with a BIOS-based audio playback feature called Instant Music Lite. This feature is supported by the onboard audio AC’97 Codec, and requires an optical drive (CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or CD-RW). • • • Instant Music Lite only supports CDs in audio format. Instant Music Lite does not work if you installed and enabled an add-on sound card. Instant Music Lite only supports PS/2 keyboard. To enable ASUS Instant Music Lite: 1.
To use ASUS Instant Music Lite: 1. Ensure that the power cord is plugged to a grounded power source, so that the system has a standby power. 2. Use either one of the two sets of special function keys on your keyboard to play audio CDs. These keys only function as indicated if you enabled the Instant Music item in the BIOS. Instant Music function keys (Set 1) CD ON/OFF PLAY/PAUSE Esc F1 STOP/EJECT PREVIOUS NEXT F3 F4 F2 VOL. DOWN VOL.
3.4 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. 3.4.1 Enabling Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology To enable Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ technology: 1. Turn on the system and enter BIOS by pressing the key during the Power On Self-Tests (POST). 2.
3.4.2 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” for details. To launch the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ program: 1. If you are using Windows® 2000, click the Start button. Select Programs > ASUS > Cool & Quiet > Cool & Quiet. 2.
