User Manual Motherboard A7N8X-VM
E1306 Checklist First Edition V1 May 2003 Copyright © 2003 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 ........................................................................................................ v Safety information ...................................................................................... vi About this manual ...................................................................................... vii ASUS contact information ......................................................................... viii A7N8X-VM specifications summary ........................
Contents Safeguards 2.5 2.6 2.7 Power Menu ................................................................................ 2-14 2.5.1 Power-up control ............................................................ 2-15 2.5.2 Hardware Monitor .......................................................... 2-16 Boot Menu ................................................................................... 2-17 2.6.1 Boot Settings Configuration ........................................... 2-17 2.6.2 Security ......
Notices Federal Communications Commission Statement This device complies with FCC Rules Part 15. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: • This device may not cause harmful interference, and • This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
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 manual 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.
ASUS contact information ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (Asia-Pacific) Address: General Tel: General Fax: General Email: 150 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 112 +886-2-2894-3447 +886-2-2894-3449 info@asus.com.tw Technical Support MB/Others (Tel): Notebook (Tel): Desktop/Server (Tel): Support Fax: Web Site: +886-2-2890-7121 (English) +886-2-2890-7122 (English) +886-2-2890-7123 (English) +886-2-2890-7698 www.asus.com.
A7N8X-VM specifications summary CPU Socket A Type 462 for AMD Athlon™ XP up to 3000+ processors Chipset NVIDIA® nForce2 IGP North bridge NVIDIA® nForce2 MCP South bridge Front Side Bus (FSB) 333/266 MHz Memory 2 x 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets support up to maximum 2 GB unbuffered PC3200/2700/2100/1600 non-ECC DDR SDRAM memory. (PC3200 is supported only when using an add-on VGA card.) Dual-channel memory architecture Expansion slots 3 x PCI 1 x AGP 8X (1.
A7N8X-VM specifications summary BIOS features 4Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, ACPI, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, Green, PnP, TCAV, SMBIOS 2.3 ASUS EZ Flash, ASUS MyLogo2 Industry standard PCI 2.2, USB 2.0 Manageability DMI 2.
Chapter 1 This chapter describes the features of the A7N8X-VM 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® A7N8X-VM motherboard! The ASUS A7N8X-VM motherboard is loaded with the most advanced technologies to deliver maximum performance for Socket A processors. This motherboard is packed with value-added features for guaranteed consumer satisfaction. The following sections provide important technical information about the motherboard for future upgrades or system reconfiguration.
1.3 Special features Dual Channel DDR memory support With the 128-bit Twinbank DDR memory architecture, the A7N8X-VM doubles the DDR400 bandwidth thus eliminating system bottlenecks. The A7N8X-VM is capable of performing at peak bandwidth of up to 6.4GB/s assuring you of fast, reliable computing solution. See details on page 1-11. PC3200 DDR is supported only when the motherboard is using an add-on VGA card. AGP 8X support AGP 8X (AGP 3.
1.4 Motherboard components Before you install the motherboard, learn about its major components and available features to facilitate the installation and future upgrades. Refer to the succeeding pages for the component descriptions.
1 Onboard LED. This onboard LED lights up if there is a standby power on the motherboard. This LED acts as a reminder to turn off the system power before plugging or unplugging devices. 2 ATX power connector. This standard 20-pin connector connects to an ATX 12V power supply. The power supply must have at least 1A on the +5V standby lead (+5VSB). 3 CPU Socket. Socket 462 (Socket A) Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) socket for AMD Athlon XP™ up to 3000+ processors. 4 NorthBridge Controller.
1-6 11 AGP Slot. The Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) slot only supports 1.5V AGP 8X/4X mode graphics cards for 3D graphical applications. The AGP slot also supports digital visual interface (DVI) cards for digital display on LCD monitors and projectors. 12 Audio CODEC. The Realtek ALC650 6-channel Audio CODEC is an AC’97 compliant audio CODEC designed for PC multimedia systems. 13 PCI slots. These 32-bit PCI 2.
1.5 Motherboard layout 24.5cm (9.64in) PS/2 T: Mouse B: Keyboard Socket 462 USBPW34 FLOPPY1 CPU_FAN1 Bottom: Top: USB1 RJ-45 USB2 Top:Line In Center:Line Out Below:Mic In U46 nVidia nForce2 IGP 2 3 4 5 CHA_FAN A7N8X-VM 24.5cm (9.
1.6 Motherboard installation The A7N8X-VM uses the Micro ATX form factor, measuring 24.5 cm (9.6 in.) x 24.5 cm (9.6 in.) - a standard fit for most large chassis. WARNING! Unplug the power cord before installing the motherboard. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage Motherboard components. 1.6.1 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, take care to orient the chassis correctly: The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis. Refer to the image below.
1.7 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. 1. Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component. 2. 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. 3. Avoid touching the ICs on components. 4.
1.8 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard provides a Socket A (462) for CPU installation. The A7N8X-VM supports Athlon™ XP processors with “QuantiSpeed” data processing, large data caches, 3D enhancements and 333/266MHz bus speeds. AMD Athlon™ XP processors offer gigahertz speeds to support all the latest computing platforms and applications CPU NOTCH TO INNER CORNER LOCK LEVER A7N8X-VM AMD™ CPU CPU NOTCH A7N8X-VM Socket 462 Each AMD CPU has a “marked” corner.
1.9 System memory The motherboard has two Double Data Rate (DDR) DIMM sockets that supports up to 2GB non-ECC PC3200/2700/2100/1600 DDR Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memorry (SDRAM) DIMMs. Each DIMM socket/module is twosided. DIMMs come in combinations of single or double-sided types ranging through 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB and 1 GB. The A7N8X-VM motherboard supports the dual-channel memory architecture when two DIMMs are installed on the sockets.
1.10 Expansion slots The A7N8X-VM motherboard has three (3) PCI and one (1) Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP). The following sub-sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support. 1.10.1 Configuring an expansion card Some expansion cards need an IRQ to operate. Generally, an IRQ must be exclusively assigned to one function at a time. In a standard design configuration, 16 IRQs are available but most are already in use. Normally, 6 IRQs are free for expansion cards.
1.10.3 AGP slot This motherboard has an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) slot that supports +1.5V AGP 8X cards. Note the notches on the card golden fingers to ensure that they fit the AGP slot on your motherboard. This AGP slot also supports Digital Video Output (DVO) interface cards (AGP-NV-DVI) for digital display on newgeneration LCD monitors and projectors.
1.11 Jumpers This section describes and illustrates the jumpers on the motherboard. 1. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW12, USBPW34, USBPW56) 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 sleep mode (no power to CPU, DRAM in slow refresh, power supply in reduced power mode).
2. Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC1) This jumper clears the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM of date, time and system setup parameters in CMOS. The RAM data in CMOS is powered by the onboard button cell battery. To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2. Remove the battery. 3. Move the jumper caps from [1-2] to [2-3] momentarily. Replace the jumper cap to the original position, [1-2]. 4. Re-install the battery. 5. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer. 6.
1.12 Connectors This section describes and illustrates the connectors on the motherboard. 1. IDE connectors (40-1 pin PRI_IDE, SEC_IDE) This connector supports the provided UltraDMA133/100 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 UltraDMA133/100 slave device (hard disk drive) and the black connector to the UltraDMA133/100 master device.
2. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY1) This connector supports the provided floppy drive ribbon cable. After connecting one end to the motherboard, connect the other end to the floppy drive. (Pin 5 is removed to prevent incorrect insertion when using ribbon cables with pin 5 plug.) FLOPPY1 NOTE: Orient the red markings on the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1 A7N8X-VM PIN 1 A7N8X-VM Floppy Disk Drive Connector 3.
4. USB header (10-1 pin USB56) USB+5V USB_P6USB_P6+ GND NC If the USB 2.0 port connectors on the back panel are inadequate, a USB header is available for two additional USB port connectors. Connect a 2-port USB connector set to a USB header and mount the USB bracket to an open slot in the chassis. A7N8X-VM 1 A7N8X-VM USB 2.0 Header USB+5V USB_P5USB_P5+ GND USB56 The USB connector module is not included in this motherboard package. 5.
6. CPU and Chassis Fan Connectors (3-pin CPU_FAN1, CHA_FAN) The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350mA~740mA (8.88W max). 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. Rotation +12V GND CPU_FAN1 A7N8X-VM CHA_FAN GND +12V Rotation A7N8X-VM 12-Volt Cooling Fan Power Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors.
8. Front panel audio connectors (10-1 pin FPAUDIO) BLINE_OUT_L AGND +5VA BLINE_OUT_R This is an interface for front panel audio cable that allows convenient connection and control of audio devices. A7N8X-VM MIC2 MICPWR Line out_R NC Line out_L FP_AUDIO A7N8X-VM Front Panel Audio Connector 9. Internal audio connectors (4 pin CD1, AUX1) These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, MPEG card or modem.
10. TV out connector (6-1 pin U46) This 6-1 pin connector connects to the front panel daughter card with the audio TV-out port. This connector allows dual display (TV+VGA or TV+DVI) with the ASUS AV/S and AGP-NV-DVI cards. U46 1 A7N8X-VM A7N8X-VM TV Out Connector ASUS AV/S The AV/S module is not included in this motherboard package. 11.
12. Serial Port 2 connector (10-1 pin COM2) This connector accommodates a second serial port using an optional serial port bracket. Connect the bracket cable to this connector then install the bracket into a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. COM2 PIN 1 A7N8X-VM A7N8X-VM Serial COM2 Connector The serial port bracket is not included in this motherboard package.
13. System panel connector (20-pin PANEL1) This connector accommodates several system front panel functions. PLEDKeylock Ground IDE LED SMI Lead A7N8X-VM System Panel Connectors • Reset Ground A7N8X-VM ExtSMI# Ground PWR Ground +5V IDELED PLED+ Power LED Speaker Connector +5V Ground Ground Speaker Keyboard Lock Reset SW ATX Power Switch* * Requires an ATX power supply. System Power LED Lead (3-1 pin PLED) This 3-1 pin connector connects to the system power LED.
1-24 Chapter 1: Product Information
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 original BIOS file for this motherboard is in the support CD. • Copy the original BIOS to a bootable floppy disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. 2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk 1. Do either one of the following to create a bootable floppy disk. DOS environment Insert a 1.44 MB floppy disk into the drive. At the DOS prompt, type: format a: /s , then press the key Windows environment a.
2.1.2 Using AFUDOS to update the BIOS Update the BIOS only if you are sure that the new BIOS revision will solve your problems. Careless updating may result to more problems with the motherboard! 1. Download an updated ASUS BIOS file from the Internet (see ASUS CONTACT INFORMATION on page ix for details) and save to the boot floppy disk you created earlier. Write down the BIOS file name to a piece of paper. You need to type the exact BIOS file name at the prompt. 2. Copy the AFUDOS.
2.1.3 Using ASUS EZ Flash to update the BIOS The ASUS EZ Flash feature allows you to easily update the BIOS without having to go through the long process of booting from a diskette and using a DOS-based utility. The EZ Flash is built-in the BIOS firmware so it is accessible by simply pressing + during the Power-On Self Tests (POST). To update the BIOS using ASUS EZ Flash: 1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for your motherboard.
2.2 BIOS Setup program 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. For example, you may want to enable the security password feature or make changes to the power management settings.
2.2.2 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.
Sub-menu Note that a right pointer symbol (as shown on the left) appears to the left of certain fields. This pointer indicates that you can display a sub-menu from this field. A sub-menu contains additional options for a field parameter. To display a sub-menu, move the highlight to the field and press . The submenu appears. Use the legend keys to enter values and move from field to field within a sub-menu as you would within a menu. Use the key to return to the main menu.
System Date [XX/XX/XXXX] Sets the system to the date that you specify (usually the current date). The format is month, day, year. Valid values for month, day, and year are Month: (1 to 12), Day: (1 to 31), Year: (up to 2099). Use the or + keys to move between the month, day, and year fields. Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.] Sets the type of floppy drive installed. Configuration options: [Disabled] [360K, 5.25 in.] [1.2M , 5.25 in.] [720K , 3.5 in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.] [2.88M, 3.5 in.
PIO Mode [Auto] This option lets you set a PIO (Programmed Input/Output) mode for the IDE device. Modes 0 through 4 provide successive increase in performance. Configuration options: [0] [1] [2] [3] [4] Ultra DMA Mode [Auto] This field enables you to select the DMA mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [SWDMA0] [SWDMA1] [SWDMA2] [MWDMA0] [MWDMA1] [MWDMA2] [UDMA0] [UDMA1] [UDMA2] [UDMA3] [UDMA4] SMART Monitoring [Auto] This field allows you to enable or disable the S.M.A.R.T.
2.4 Advanced Menu 2.4.1 Chipset Video Frame Buffer Size [ 32 MB] This field sets the size of the video frame buffer. The settings on this field is valid only for motherboard models with onboard VGA controller. Configuration options: [Auto] [8MB] [16MB] [32MB] [64MB] [128MB] Graphics Aperture Size [ 64MB] This feature allows you to select the size of mapped memory for AGP graphic data.
MDA Access Control [PCI] This field selects the MDA Access cycles direction. Configuration options: [AGP] [PCI] Primary Video [PCI] This will switch the PCI Bus scanning order while searching for a video card. This allows the user to select the type of Primary VGA in case of multiple video controllers. Configuration options: [PCI] [AGP/Onboard] Onboard TV-out format [PAL] This field sets the onboard TV-out format. Configuration options: [PAL] [NTSC] 2.4.
Parallel Port Mode [Disabled] This field allows the BIOS to select the Parallel Port Mode. Configuration options: [Normal] [EPP] [ECP] [EPP+ECP] ECP Mode DMA Channel [DMA3] This field allows the BIOS to select the Parallel Port ECP DMA. Configuration options: [DMA0] [DMA1] [DMA3] Parallel Port IRQ [IRQ7] This field allows the BIOS to select the Parallel Port IRQ. Configuration options: [IRQ5l] [IRQ7] Onboard Game Port [Disabled] Allows you to select the Game Port address or to disable the port.
2.4.3 PCIPnP Plug and Play O/S [No] This field configures the Plug and Play O/S feature. If set to [No] the BIOS configures all the devices attached to the system. If set to [Yes], the operating system configures Plug and Play (PnP) devices not required for boot if the system has a Plug and Play operating system feature. Configuration options: [No] [Yes] PCI Latency Timer [64] Leave this field to the default setting [32] for best performance and stability.
PCI IDE BusMaster [Disabled] This field allows the BIOS, when [Enabled], to use PCI busmastering for reading and writing to IDE drives. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Offboard PCI/ISA IDE Card [Auto] This field allows the setting of the proper slot of installed PCI IDE cards. Some PCI IDE cards require this to be set to the PCI slot number that is holding the card.
2.5.1 Power Up Control 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] Resume on Keyboard [Disabled] This parameter allows you to use the keyboard keys to turn on the system.
Onboard LAN Resume [Disabled] This parameter enables or disables the onboard LAN to generate a wake event. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] RTC Resume [Disabled] This parameter enables or disables RTC to generate a wake event. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.5.
2.6 Boot Menu 1st, 2nd, 3rd Boot Device This field specifies the boot sequence from the available devices. Additional plug-in boot devices installed appear in sequence after the list of current boot devices . Configuration fields include FLOPPY DRIVE, IDE Hard Drive, ATAPI CD-ROM, and Other Boot Device. 2.6.1 Boot Settings Configuration Quick Boot [Enabled] This field allows BIOS to skip certain tests while booting. This will decrease the time needed to boot the system.
Full Screen Logo [Enabled] When [Enabled], MyLogo is displayed instead of the POST messages. Setting to [Disabled] displays the normal POST messages. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Make sure that the above item is set to [Enabled] if you wish to use the ASUS MyLogo2 feature. See MyLogo2 details on page 3-8. AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS] This field sets the display mode for option ROM.
2.6.2 Security Change Supervisor Password / User Password These fields allow you to set passwords. To set a password, highlight the appropriate field and press . A pop-up window will appear; Type in a password then press . You can type up to eight alphanumeric characters. Symbols and other characters are ignored. To confirm the password, type the password again and press . The password is now set. This password allows full access to the BIOS Setup menus.
2.7 Exit Menu When you have made all of your selections from the various menus in the Setup program, save your changes and exit Setup. Select Exit from the menu bar to display the following menu. Pressing does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options from this menu or from the legend bar to exit. Exit & Save Changes Once you are finished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit menu to ensure the values you selected are saved to the CMOS RAM.
Chapter 3 This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with the motherboard package.
3.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows® 98SE/ME/NT/2000/XP as well as Linux Red Hat, SuSE, TurboLinux and Caldera operating systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates so you can maximize the features of your hardware. Because motherboard settings and hardware options vary, 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 The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices. Screen display and driver options may not be the same for other operating system versions. 3.2.3 Utilities menu The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports.
Temperature Monitor Shows the PC temperature (for supported processors only). Temperature Warning threshold adjustment (Move the slider up to increase the threshold level or down to decrease the threshold level) Fan Monitor Shows the PC fan rotation. Fan Warning threshold adjustment (Move the slider up to increase the threshold level or down to decrease the threshold level) Voltage Monitor Shows the PC voltages.
History Lets you record the monitoring activity of a certain component of your PC for future reference. Fan Control Lets you enable/disable Smart Fan Control. Smart Fan Control adjusts the fan speed automatically based on the current CPU temperature and predefined threshold. Hard Drives Shows the used and free space of the PC’s hard disk drives and the file allocation table or file system used. Information Memory Shows the PC memory load, memory usage, and paging file usage.
Device Summary Shows a summary of devices present in your PC. DMI Explorer Shows information pertinent to the PC, such as CPU type, CPU speed, and internal/external frequencies, and memory size. Utility Lets you run programs outside of the ASUS Probe modules. To run a program, click Execute Program. NOTE: This feature is currently unavailable. ASUS PC Probe Task Bar Icon Right clicking the PC Probe icon brings up a menu to open or exit ASUS PC Probe and pause or resume all system monitoring.
ASUS Update The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to update the motherboard BIOS and drivers. This utility requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Follow these steps to use the ASUS Update. 1. Launch the utility from your Windows Start menu: Programs/AsusUpdate Vx.xx.xx/ AsusUpdate The ASUS Update initial screen appears. 2. Select your desired update method, then click Next. 3.
If you selected the option to update the BIOS from a file, a window pops up prompting you to locate the file. Select the file, click Save, then follow the screen instructions to complete the update process. ASUS MyLogo2™ The ASUS MyLogo2™ is automatically installed when you install the ASUS Update utility from the software menu. See page 3-7 for installation of ASUS Update.
5. When you click on an image, it displays larger on the MyLogo2 screen. MyLogo2 may not support too complex images. If you encounter any problems on complex images, try using a simpler image. You may also use a photo editing software to shink the complex image, lay it over a one-color 640x480 pixel background, and save the image with the background. When you use the image, it will appear smaller and centered on the screen. 6.
PC-CILLIN 2002 This item installs the PC-cillin 2002 anti-virus program. View the PC-cillin online help for detailed information. Adobe Acrobat Reader This item installs the Adobe Acrobat Reader. The Acrobat Reader software is for viewing files saved in Portable Document Format (PDF). ASUS Screen Saver This item installs the ASUS screen saver. E-Color 3Deep This item installs the 3Deep software. 3Deep is the first application that gives online gamers the competitive edge in multi-player skirmishes.
