Motherboard Crosshair
E2711 Second Edition V2 July 2006 Copyright © 2006 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 Notices.......................................................................................................... vi Safety information...................................................................................... vii About this guide........................................................................................ viii Crosshair specifications summary............................................................. x Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome!.......................
Contents 2.6 Jumper......................................................................................... 2-23 2.7 Audio Card and EL I/O Installation............................................ 2-24 2.8 2.7.1 Audio Card Installation................................................... 2-24 2.7.2 EL I/O Installation........................................................... 2-24 Connectors.................................................................................. 2-25 2.8.
Contents 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 4.3.6 SATA 1/2/3/4/5/6 ........................................................... 4-17 4.3.7 HDD SMART Monitoring ............................................... 4-18 4.3.8 Installed Memory............................................................ 4-18 4.3.9 Usable Memory.............................................................. 4-18 Extreme Tweaker menu.............................................................. 4-19 4.4.1 LinkBoost.................
Contents Chapter 5: Installing an operating system.................................................... 5-1 5.2 Support DVD information............................................................. 5-1 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.2.1 Running the support DVD................................................ 5-1 5.2.2 Drivers menu.................................................................... 5-2 5.2.3 Utilities menu................................................................... 5-3 5.2.4 Make Disk 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. 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 guide This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the motherboard. How this guide is organized This guide contains the following parts: • Chapter 1: Product introduction This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports. • Chapter 2: Hardware information This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components.
Conventions used in this guide To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task. CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task. IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task. NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
Crosshair specifications summary CPU Support AMD® Socket AM2 Athlon 64 X2 / Athlon 64 FX / Athlon 64/ Sempron AMD Cool 'n' Quiet™ Technology AMD64 architecture enables simultaneous 32-bit and 64-bit computing AMD Live!™ Ready Chipset NVIDIA nForce® 590 SLI™ MCP NVIDIA LinkBoost™ Technology System bus 2000 / 1600 MT/s Memory Dual channel memory architecture 4 x DIMM, max.
Crosshair specifications summary Dual Gigabit LAN Dual Gigabit LAN controllers support NVIDIA DualNet® technology NVIDIA nForce® 590 SLI™ MCP built-in dual Gigabit MAC with external Marvell PHY * Support Teaming and fail-over functions * Support TCP/IP Acceleration IEEE 1394 TI 1394 controller supports 2 x 1394a ports USB max. 10 USB2.0/1.
Crosshair specifications summary Internal connectors 3 x USB 2.0 connectors supports additional 6 USB 2.
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This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports.
Chapter summary 1 1.1 Welcome!....................................................................................... 1-1 1.2 Package contents.......................................................................... 1-1 1.3 Special features.............................................................................
1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS® Crosshair motherboard! The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards! Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in your package with the list below. 1.2 Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items. Motherboard ASUS Crosshair motherboard I/O modules USB 2.
1.3 Special features 1.3.1 Product highlights Latest processor technology The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2 socket that supports AMD Athlon™ 64 X2/Athlon™ 64/Athlon™ FX/Sempron™ processor. With an integrated lowlatency high-bandwidth memory controller and a highly scalable HyperTransport™ technology-based system bus, the motherboard provides a powerful platform for your diverse computing needs, increased office productivity, and enhanced digital media experience. See page 2-6for details.
PCI Express™ interface The motherboard fully supports PCI Express, the latest I/O interconnect technology that speeds up the PCI bus. PCI Express features point‑to‑point serial interconnections between devices and allows higher clockspeeds by carrying data in packets. This high speed interface is software compatible with existing PCI specifications. See page 2-20 for details. Serial ATA I/II technology and SATA-On-The-Go The motherboard fully supports the Serial ATA II 3.
S/PDIF digital sound ready The motherboard supports the S/PDIF technology 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. See page 2-25 for details. USB 2.0 technology The motherboard implements the Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 specification, dramatically increasing the connection speed from the 12 Mbps bandwidth on USB 1.1 to a fast 480 Mbps on USB 2.0.
1.3.2 ASUS Unique features 8-Phase Power Design The ASUS 8-Phase Power Design prolongs CPU lifespan and keeps the system stable by preventing high power stress to the CPU and power supply module. The design ensures high efficiency operation to generate less heat compared with conventional power solutions, thus achieving cool system environment and making this motherboard ideal for overclocking.
AI NET 2 AI NET 2 is a BIOS-based diagnostic tool that detects and reports Ethernet cable faults and shorts. With this utility, you can easily monitor the condition of the Ethernet cable(s) connected to the Marvell® LAN (RJ-45) port. During the bootup process, AI NET 2 immediately diagnoses the LAN cable and reports shorts and faults up to 100 meters at 1 meter accuracy. See pages 4-23 and 5-11 for details.
Onboard Switches A power-on button, a resetbutton, and a clear CMOS button are onboard to provide overclockers and gamers the convenience of fine-tuning performance when working on a bare (open-case) system. Press the power-on button to wake up the system, the reset button to reboot, and the clear CMOS button to clear setup information when the system hangs due to overclocking. See page 2-34 for details.
C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) The C.P.R. feature of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to the BIOS default settings in case the system hangs due to overclocking. When the system hangs due to overclocking, C.P.R. eliminates the need to open the system chassis and clear the RTC data. Simply shut down and reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically restores the CPU default setting for each parameter.
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes description of the jumpers and connectors on the motherboard.
Chapter summary 2 2.1 Before you proceed...................................................................... 2-1 2.2 Motherboard overview.................................................................. 2-2 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU).................................................... 2-6 2.4 System memory.......................................................................... 2-12 2.5 Expansion slots........................................................................... 2-20 2.
2.1 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or to a metal object, such as the power supply case, before handling components to avoid damaging them due to static electricity. • Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
2.2 Motherboard overview Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard fits into it. 2.2.1 • 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. • Remove the film on the heatsink before installation. Placement direction When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in the correct orientation.
2.2.3 Motherboard layout 24.5cm (9.6in) WIFI_G_USB910 Socket 939 IE1394_1 SPDIF_OUT ESATA12 CPU_FAN LAN2_USB34 30.5cm (12.
2.2.5 2- Layout contents Slots 1. 2. 3. 4. DDR2 DIMM slots PCI slots PCI Express x 4 slot PCI Express x16 slots Page 2-12 2-22 2-22 2-22 Jumper 1. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) Page 2-23 Rear panel connectors 1. PS/2 mouse port (green) 2. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port 3. Onboard LED switch 4. IEEE 1394a port 5. External SATA ports 6. LAN 2 (RJ-45) port. 7. LAN 1 (RJ-45) port Page 2-25 2-25 2-25 2-25 2-25 2-26 2-26 8. 9. 10. 2-27 2-27 2-27 USB 2.
Internal connectors 1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) 2. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) 3. NVIDIA® NF590-SLI Southbridge Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1 [blue], SATA2 [blue], SATA3 [blue], SATA4 [blue], SATA5 [blue], SATA6 [blue]) 4. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78) 5. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2) 6.
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2 socket designed for the AMD Athlon™ 64 X2/Athlon™ 64/Athlon™ FX/Sempron™ processor. The AM2 socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the AMD Opteron™ processor. Make sure you use a CPU is designed for the AM2 socket. The CPU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and damaging the CPU! 2.3.
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. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it fits in place. Gold triangle Small triangle 5. When the CPU is in place, push down the socket lever to secure the CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab to indicate that it is locked. 6. Install a CPU heatsink and fan following the instructions that came with the heatsink package.
2.3.2 Installing the heatsink and fan The AMD Athlon™ 64FX/Athlon™ 64/Athlon™ 64 X2/Sempron™ processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance. Make sure that you use only AMD-certified heatsink and fan assembly. To install the CPU heatsink and fan: 1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, making sure that the heatsink fits properly on the retention module base.
2. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base. 3. 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 module base, otherwise you cannot snap the retention bracket in place. 4.
5. 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 GND +12V Rotation RPM adjustment CPU_FAN CROSSHAIR CROSSHAIR CPU fan connector Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector.
2.3.3 Installing the optional fan Install the optional fan only if you are using a passive cooler or a water cooler. Installing the optional fan with an active CPU cooler will interfere with the airflow and destabilize the system. 1. Position the fan above the pipe and heatsink assembly. 2. Fit the grooved edge to the heatsink. 3. Carefully push down the fan until it snugly fits the heatsink, then connect the fan cables. 4. The above photo shows the fans installed on the motherboard.
2.4 System memory 2.4.1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. A DDR2 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR DIMM but has a 240-pin footprint compared to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. DDR2 DIMMs are notched differently to prevent installation on a DDR DIMM socket.
Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-800 MHz capability Qualified Vendors List (QVL) Standard table for user manual DIMM Support CL Chip Brand SS/ DS A* B* C* KVR800D2N5/512 V V V DS KVR800D2N5/1G V N/A SS M378T3253FZ3-CE7 N/A N/A SS M391T3253FZ3-CE7 V V EDD339XX N/A N/A SS M378T6553CZ3-CE7 Infineon HYB18T256800AF25 N/A N/A DS HYS64T64520HU-2.
DDR2-800 MHz capability Qualified Vendors List (QVL) Standard table for user manual Size Vendor Chip No. CL Chip Brand SS/ DS DIMM Support Part No. 1024MB Crucial Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A DS BL12864AA804.
DDR2-667 MHz capability Qualified Vendors List (QVL) Standard table for user manual Size Vendor Chip No. CL Brand SS/ DS DIMM support Part No.
DDR2-667 MHz capability Qualified Vendors List (QVL) Standard table for user manual DIMM Support Size Vendo Chip No. CL Chip Brand SS/ DS Part No. A* B* C* 1024MB crucial Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A DS BL12864AA664.16FA V V V 512MB crucial Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A DS BL6464AL664.16FB V V V 1024MB crucial Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A DS BL12864AL664.16FA V 512MB crucial Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A DS BL6464AA663.
DDR2-533 MHz capability Qualified Vendors List (QVL) Standard table for user manual DIMM Support Size Vendor Chip No. CL Chip Brand SS/ DS Part No.
DDR2-533 MHz capability Qualified Vendors List (QVL) Standard table for user manual DIMM Support CL Chip Brand SS/ DS Part No. E5108AE-5C-E N/A N/A SS KINGMAX E5108AE-5C-E N/A N/A KINGMAX KKEA88E4AAK-37 N/A N/A 1024MB KINGMAX 5MB22D9DCN N/A 512MB Transcend K4T51083QB-GCD5 1024MB Transcend 256MB Size Vendor 512MB KINGMAX 1024MB 512MB Chip No.
2.4.3 Installing a DIMM Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. 2 To install a DIMM: 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.
2.5 Expansion slots In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub‑sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support. Make sure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 2.5.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1.
2.5.
2.5.4 PCI slots The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. Refer to the figure below for the location of the slots. 2.5.5 PCI Express x4 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x4 network cards, SCSI cards and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. Refer to the figure below for the location of the slot. 2.5.
2.6 Jumper Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC) This jumper allows you to enable the CLRTC switch. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard clr CMOS switch helps you easily to clear the system setup information such as system passwords. See page 2-35 for details. 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 to enable the CLRTC function. 3.
2-24 2.7 Audio Card and EL I/O Installation 2.7.1 Audio Card Installation 1. Take out the Audio card from the package. 2. Locate the slot on the motherboard. 3. Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card sits on the slot completely. 4. The above photo shows the audio card installed on the motherboard. 2.7.2 EL I/O Installation 1. Take out the EL I/O from the package. 2. Locate the connector on the motherboard. 3.
2.8 Connectors 2.8.1 Rear panel connectors 6 7 8 9 1 2 3 4 5 10 11 17 15 16 14 13 12 1. PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse. 2. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device via an optical S/PDIF cable. 3. LCD Poster. This poster displays actual boot error messages. 4. LAN 1 (RJ-45) port. Supported by NV Gigabit LAN controller, this port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub.
6. Line In port (light blue). This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player, or other audio sources. 7. Line Out port (lime). This port connects a headphone or a speaker. In 4-channel, 6-channel, and 8-channel configuration, the function of this port becomes Front Speaker Out. 8. Microphone port (pink). This port connects a microphone. 9. Center/Subwoofer port (orange). This port connects the center/subwoofer speakers. 10. Rear Speaker Out port (black).
• Before creating a RAID set using Serial ATA hard disks, make sure that you have connected the Serial ATA signal cable and installed Serial ATA hard disk drives; otherwise, you cannot enter the Silicon Image RAID utility and SATA BIOS setup during POST. • The external SATA ports support external Serial ATA 1.5 and 3 Gb/s devices. Longer cables support higher power requirements to deliver signal up to two meters away, and enables improved hot-swap function.
2.8.2 1. Internal connectors Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) This connector is for the provided floppy disk drive (FDD) signal cable. Insert one end of the cable to this connector, then connect the other end to the signal connector at the back of the floppy disk drive. Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable connection when using a FDD cable with a covered Pin 5. FLOPPY CROSSHAIR NOTE: Orient the red markings on the floppy ribbon cable to PIN1.
PRI_IDE NOTE: Orient the red markings (usually zigzag) on the IDE ribbon cable to PIN1. PIN1 CROSSHAIR CROSSHAIR IDE connector 3. NVIDIA® NF590-SLI Southbridge Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1 [blue], SATA2 [blue], SATA3 [blue], SATA4 [blue], SATA5 [blue], SATA6 [blue]) These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s hard disk and optical disk drives. The Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s is backward compatible with Serial ATA 1.5 Gb/s specification.
4. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, USB910) USB+5V USB_P10USB_P10+ GND NC These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB/GAME module cable to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed. CROSSHAIR USB 2.
6. CPU, chassis, and optional fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_REAR_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FRONT_FAN, 3‑pin OPT_FAN1, 3-pin OPT_FAN2, 3-pin OPT_FAN3, 3-pin OPT_FAN4, 3-pin OPT_FAN5) The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350 mA ~ 1000 mA (24 W max.) or a total of 1 A ~ 3.48 A (41.76 W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, making sure that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector.
8. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V) These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.
14. System panel connector (20-pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. Ground Ground Speaker Ground +5V Reset SPEAKER PLED- PLED+ PLED CROSSHAIR Ground PWR IDE_LED+ IDE_LED- PANEL IDE_LED RESET PWRSW * Requires an ATX power supply CROSSHAIR System panel connector The sytem panel connector is color-coded for easy connection. Refer to the connector descriptions on the next page for details.
Q-Connector (System panel) ASUS Q-Connector allows you to easily to connect the chassis front panel cables to the motherboard. Perform these steps to install ASUS Q-Connector. Step1. Connect the front panel cables to their respective connectors on the ASUS QConnector. Refer to the labels on the Q-Connector for proper connection and pin definition. Step2. Carefully connect the ASUS Q-Connector to the System panel connector.
15. Thermal sensor cable connectors (W1/2/3, 2-pin) These connectors are for temperature monitoring. Connect the thermal sensor cables to these connectors and place the other ends to the devices, which you want to monitor temperature. The optional fan1~3 can work with the temperature sensors for a better cooling effect. CROSSHAIR WJ1 Temperature2 Ground WJ2 Temperature2 Ground WJ3 Temperature3 Ground CROSSHAIR Thermal sensor cable connectors 2.8.
2. Power-on switch Press the clear power-on switch to wake/power up the system. CROSSHAIR CROSSHAIR Power on switch 3. Reset switch Press the reset switch to reboot the system.
This chapter describes the power up sequence and ways of shutting down the system.
Chapter summary 3 3.1 Starting up for the first time......................................................... 3-1 3.2 Powering off the computer...........................................................
3.1 Starting up for the first time 1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover. 2. Be sure that all switches are off. 3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis. 4. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector. 5. Turn on the devices in the following order: 6. a. Monitor b. External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain) c.
3.2 Powering off the computer 3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function If you are using Windows® 2000: 1. Click the Start button then click Shut Down. 2. Make sure that the Shut Down option button is selected, then click the OK button to shut down the computer. 3. The power supply should turn off after Windows® shuts down. If you are using Windows® XP: 1. Click the Start button then select Turn Off Computer. 2. Click the Turn Off button to shut down the computer. 3.
This chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
Chapter summary 4 4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS............................................. 4-1 4.2 BIOS setup program................................................................... 4-10 4.3 Main menu................................................................................... 4-14 4.4 Extreme Tweaker menu.............................................................. 4-19 4.5 Advanced menu.......................................................................... 4-28 4.
4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup. 1. ASUS Update (Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.) 2. ASUS EZ Flash 2 (Updates the BIOS in DOS using a floppy disk or a USB flash disk.) 3. Award BIOS Flash Utility (Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a bootable floppy disk.) 4.
Quit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility. Updating the BIOS through the Internet To update the BIOS through the Internet: 4- 1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update main window appears. 2. Select Update BIOS from the Internet option from the drop‑down menu, then click Next. 3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network traffic, or click Auto Select.
4. From the FTP site, select the BIOS version that you wish to download. Click Next. 5. Follow the screen instructions to complete the update process. The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself through the Internet. Always update the utility to avail all its features. Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file To update the BIOS through a BIOS file: 1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate.
4.1.2 1. Creating a bootable floppy disk Do either one of the following to create a bootable floppy disk. DOS environment a. Insert a 1.44MB floppy disk into the drive. b. At the DOS prompt, type format A:/S then press . Windows® XP environment a. Insert a 1.44 MB floppy disk to the floppy disk drive. b. Click Start from the Windows® desktop, then select My Computer. c. Select the 3 1/2 Floppy Drive icon. d. Click File from the menu, then select Format. A Format 3 1/2 Floppy Disk window appears.
4.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go through the long process of booting from a floppy disk and using a DOS‑based utility. The EZ Flash utility is built-in the BIOS chip so it is accessible by pressing + during the Power-On Self Tests (POST). To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2: 1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. 2.
4.1.4 Updating the BIOS The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) can be updated using the AwardBIOS Flash Utility. Follow these instructions to update the BIOS using this utility. 1. Download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS web site. Unzip the file and save it to a floppy disk. Save only the updated BIOS file in the floppy disk to avoid loading the wrong BIOS file. 2. Copy the AwardBIOS Flash Utility (awdflash.exe) from the Software folder of the support DVD to the floppy disk with the latest BIOS file.
7. Press when the utility prompts you to save the current BIOS file. The following screen appears. 8. The utility verifies the BIOS file in the floppy disk and starts flashing the BIOS file. AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.14 (C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved For C51MCP55-CROSSHAIR-00 Flash Type - Unknown Flash File Name to Program: DATE:04/10/2006 0113.
4.1.5 Saving the current BIOS file You can use the AwardBIOS Flash Utility to save the current BIOS file. You can load the current BIOS file when the BIOS file gets corrupted during the flashing process. Make sure that the floppy disk has enough disk space to save the file. To save the current BIOS file using the AwardBIOS Flash Utility: 1. Follow steps 1 to 6 of the previous section. 2. Press when the utility prompts you to save the current BIOS file. The following screen appears.
4.1.6 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can update a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or the floppy disk that contains the updated BIOS file. Prepare the motherboard support DVD or the floppy disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility.
4.2 BIOS setup program This motherboard supports a programmable Low-Pin Count (LPC) chip that you can update using the provided utility described in section “4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS.” Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconfiguring your system, or prompted to“Run Setup.” This section explains how to configure your system using this utility. Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you can change the configuration of your computer in the future.
4.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Main Menu bar Extreme Tweaker Configuration fields Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit System Time System Date Language 15 : 30 : 36 Thu, Apr 6 2006 [English] Legacy Diskette A: [1.44M, 3.5 in.
4.2.3 Legend bar At the bottom of the Setup screen is a legend bar. The keys in the legend bar allow you to navigate through the various setup menus. The following table lists the keys found in the legend bar with their corresponding functions.
4.2.7 Pop-up window Select a menu item then press to display a pop-up window with the configuration options for that item. Main Extreme Tweaker Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced Power Boot Tools System Time System Date Language 15 : 30 : 36 Thu, Apr 6 2006 [English] Legacy Diskette A: [1.44M, 3.5 in.] A: Primary IDE Master Legacy Diskette [ST321122A] Primary IDE Slave [ASUS CDS520/A] Disabled ..... [ ] ������������ SATA1������� [None] 720K , 3.5 in.[None] .....
4.3 Main menu When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic system information. Refer to section “4.2.1 BIOS menu screen” for information on the menu screen items and how to navigate through them. Main Extreme Tweaker Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit System Time System Date Language 15 : 30 : 36 Thu, Apr 6 2006 [English] Legacy Diskette A: [1.44M, 3.5 in.
4.3.5 Primary IDE Master/Slave While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each IDE device. Select a device item then press to display the IDE device information.
Access Mode [Auto] The default [Auto] allows automatic detection of an IDE hard disk drive. Select [CHS] for this item if you set the IDE Primary Master/Slave to [Manual]. Configuration options: [CHS] [LBA] [Large] [Auto] Before attempting to configure a hard disk drive, make sure you have the correct configuration information supplied by the drive manufacturer. Incorrect settings may cause the system to fail to recognize the installed hard disk. Capacity Displays the auto-detected hard disk capacity.
4.3.6 SATA1/2/3/4/5/6 While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of Serial ATA devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each SATA device. Select a device item then press to display the SATA device information.
Head Shows the number of the hard disk read/write heads. This item is not configurable. Landing Zone Shows the number of landing zone per track. This item is not configurable. Sector Shows the number of sectors per track. This item is not configurable. After entering the IDE hard disk drive information into BIOS, use a disk utility, such as FDISK, to partition and format new IDE hard disk drives. This is necessary so that you can write or read data from the hard disk.
4.4 Extreme Tweaker menu The Extreme menu items allow you to configure overclocking-related items. Take caution when changing the settings of the Extreme menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. Main x x x x x x x Extreme Tweaker Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit LinkBoost AI Tuning Overclock Options N.O.S Mode N.O.S Sensitivity N.O.
The following item becomes user-configurable when you set AI Tuning to [AI N.O.S.] N.O.S. Mode [Auto] Allows you to set the Non-delay Overclocking System mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual] The following items become user-configurable when you set N.O.S. Mode to [Manual]. N.O.S. Sensitivity [Normal] Allows you to set the Non-delay Overclocking System sensitivity. Configuration options: [Normal] [Sensitive] [Less-Sensitive] N.O.S.
Setting a very high CPU frequency may cause the system to become unstable. If this happens, revert to the default setting. CPU Multiplier [Auto] Allows you to set the operating CPU multiplier. the configuration options may vary depending on the type of CPU installed. Configuration options:[Auto] [5x] [6x]~[25x] Memory Clock Frequency [Auto] Sets the memory clock frequency.
Over Voltage This sub-menu allows you to adjust the voltage-related items. Select an item, then press to edit.
SB Core Voltage [Auto] Allows you to set the SB Core voltage. Configuration options: [Auto] [1.500V] [1.525V] [1.550V]~[1.875V] SB PLL Voltage [Auto] Allows you to set the SB PLL voltage. Configuration options: [Auto] [1.50V] [1.55V]~[1.85V] DDR2 Termination Voltage [Auto] Allows you to set the DDR2 termination voltage.
Tcl [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [3] [4] [5] [6] Trcd [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [3] [4] [5] [6] Trp [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [3] [4] [5] [6] Tras [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [5] [6] [7]~[18] Width of DRAM Interface [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [64-bit] 1T/2T Memory Timing [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1T] [2T] DRAM ECC Enable [Disabled] Enables or disables the DRAM ECC function.
Advanced Memory Settings Extreme Tweaker Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced Memory Settings CPU On-die Termination [Auto] Trc [Auto] Twr [Auto] Trrd [Auto] Trwt [Auto] Twtr [Auto] Trtp [Auto] Twrrd [Auto] Twrwr [Auto] Trdrd [Auto] Tref [Auto] Trfc [Auto] DRAM Termination [Auto] Max Async Latency ������ [Auto] R/W Queue Bypass [Auto] Dynamic Idle Cycle Counter [Auto] Idle Cycle Limit [Auto] DCQ Bypass Maximum [Auto] DRAM Burst Length [Auto] DRAM Bank Interleaving [Enabled] F1:Help ESC: Exit ↑↓
R/W Queue Bypass [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [2x] [4x] [8x] [16x] Dynamic Idle Cycle Counter [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] Idle Cycle Limit [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [0 cycles] [4 cycles] [8 cycles] [16 cycles] [32 cycles] [64 cycles] [128 cycles] [256 cycles] DCQ Bypass Maximum [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [0x] [1x] [2x]~[15x] DRAM Burst Length [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [64-byte] [32-byte] DRAM Bank Interleaving [Enabled] Configuration opti
Write Data Timing Control [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [No delay] [1/96 MEMCLK delay] [2/96 MEMCLK delay] [3/96 MEMCLK]...
4.4.4 SLI-Ready Memory [Disabled] Allows you to select the SPD profile for SLI-Ready memory modules. The configuration options may vary depending on the type of module you installed. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Optimal] [High Performance] [High Frequency] The following item becomes user-configurable when SLI-Ready Memory is set to Enabled. 4.4.5 SLI-Ready Memory CPUOC [CPUOC 0%] 4.4.6 AMD Live! [Disabled] 4.4.7 AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Function [Disabled] 4.4.
4.5 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for system devices. Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. Main Extreme Tweaker Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Select Menu AI NET2 PEG Link Mode PCIPnP Onboard Device Configuration F1:Help ESC: Exit 4.5.1 ↑↓ : Select Item →←: Select Menu Item Specific Help Press [Enter] to set.
4.5.2 PEG Link Mode Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced Select Menu PEG Link Mode PEG Link Mode [Auto] Item Specific Help Enhance performance on PCIE serial graphic card. PEG Link Mode [Auto] Allows you to enhance the performance of your PCI Express graphics card. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Normal] [Fast] [Faster] Setting to [Fast] or [Faster] may cause your system to be unstable. If this happens, revert to the default setting [Auto]. 4.5.
The item IRQ Resources becomes user-configurable when you set Resources Controlled By to [Manual].
IDE Function Setup This sub-menu contains IDE function-related items. Select an item then press to edit. Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced IDE Function Setup OnChip IDE Channel0 IDE DMA transfer access IDE Prefetch Mode Select Menu [Enabled] [Enabled] [Enabled] Item Specific Help OnChip IDE Channel0 [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the onchip IDE channel 0 controller .
SATA1/2/3/4/5/6 [Disabled] Enables or disables the RAID function of the first to sixth SATA master drive. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] USB Configuration The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an item then press to display the configuration options. Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced USB Configuration USB Controller USB2.
HD Audio [Auto] Allows you to disable or set the High-Definition audio function. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] Front Panel Support Type [AC97] Allows you to set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC`97 or high-definition audio depending on the audio standard that the front panel audio module supports. Configuration options: [AC97] [HD Audio] Silicon SATAII Controller [SATA Mode] Allows you to disable or set the function of the extended SATA II controller.
4.6 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 to display the configuration options. Main Extreme Tweaker Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit ACPI Suspend Type ACPI APIC support APM Configuration Hardware Monitor [S1&S3] [Enabled] F1:Help ESC: Exit -/+: Change Value Enter: Select SubMenu 4.6.
4.6.
Alarm Time (hh:mm) [ X: X: X] To set the time of alarm: 1. Highlight this item and press to display a pop-up menu for the hour field. 2. Key-in a value (Min=0, Max=23), then press . 3. Press to move to the minutes field then press . 4. Key-in a minute value (Min=0, Max=59), then press . Power Up By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled] When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to use the PS/2 mouse to turn on the system.
Voltage Monitor Power Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Select Menu Voltage Monitor +12V Voltage +5V Voltage +3.3V Voltage [12.03V] [ 4.99V] [ 3.26V] DDR2 Voltage DDR2 Termination Voltage CPU Core Voltage CPU-NB HT Voltage [ [ [ [ 1.87V] 0.92V] 1.44V] 1.26V] NB 2.5V Voltage NB Core Voltage SB Core Voltage SB PLL Voltage Sil3132 ESATA Voltage Marvell LAN PHY Voltage [ [ [ [ [ [ 2.75V] 1.21V] 1.58V] 1.58V] 1.82V] 1.
Fan Speed Monitor Power Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Fan Speed Monitor CPU FAN Speed CHA Rear FAN Speed CHA Front FAN Speed OPT1 FAN Speed OPT2 FAN Speed OPT3 FAN Speed OPT4 FAN Speed OPT5 FAN Speed 2960 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Select Menu RPM RPM RPM RPM RPM RPM RPM RPM Item Specific Help CPU FAN / CHA Rear FAN Speed OPT1/2/3/4/5 FAN Speed The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU, Chassis, and OPT1/2/3/4/5 fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM).
CHA Rear/Front Fan Q-Fan Sense [CPU Temperature] Allows the Q-Fan to sense CPU/MB temperature and to adjust the fan speed. When the previous items are set to Q-FAN Mode, these items become userconfigurable. Configuration options: [CPU Temperature] [MB Temperature] OPT Fan1/2/3 Target Temperature [40ºC/104ºF] Allows the Q-Fan to sense the temperature of fans connected to OPT Fan1/2/3 and to adjust the fan speed. When the OPT Fan1/2/3 Control items are set to Q-FAN Mode, these items become user-configurable.
4.7 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press to display the sub-menu. Main Extreme Tweaker Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Select Menu Boot Device Priority Removable Drives Hard Disk Drives Boot Settings Configuration Security F1:Help ESC: Exit 4.7.
4.7.2 Removable Drives Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot Removable Drives 1. Floppy Disks Select Menu Item Specific Help 1. Floppy Disks Allows you to assign a removable drive attached to the system. 4.7.3 Hard Disk Drives Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot Hard Disk Drives 1. SATA 1: XXXXXXXXX Select Menu Item Specific Help 1. SATA 1: XXXXXXXXX Allows you to assign hard disk drives attached to the system.
4.7.
Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec) [6] Allows you to select the rate at which a character repeats when you hold a key. Configuration options: [6] [8] [10] [12] [15] [20] [24] [30] Typematic Delay (Msec) [250] Allows you to set the delay before keystrokes begin to repeat. Configuration options: [250] [500] [750] [1000] OS Select for DRAM > 64MB [Non-OS2] Set this item to OS2 only when you are running on an OS/2 operating system with an installed RAM of greater than 64 MB.
3. When prompted, confirm the password by typing the exact characters again, then press . The password field setting is changed to Set. To clear the password: 1. Select the password field and press twice. The following message appears: PASSWORD DISABLED !!! Press any key to continue... 2. Press any key to continue. The password field setting is changed to Clear. A note about passwords The Supervisor password is required to enter the BIOS Setup program preventing unauthorized access.
4.8 Tools menu The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select an item then press to display the sub-menu. Main Extreme Tweaker Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit ASUS Music Alarm ASUS O.C. Profile ASUS EZ Flash 2 F1:Help ESC: Exit 4.8.
Alarm Time (hh:mm) 0 : 0 Allows you to set the alarm time. Press to select the field, then use <+> or <-> to change the value. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Audio CD Drive [Primary IDE Master] Allows you to select the connection configuration of the optical storage device from which the alarm music will play from. Configuration options: [Primary IDE Master] [Primary IDE Slave] Detect CD [Enter] Press to search the CD track number.
Load from Profile 1/2 Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Press to load the file. Load from File Allows you to load the previous BIOS file saved in the hard disk/floppy disk/USB flash disk with the FAT32/16/12 format. Follow the instructions below to load the BIOS file. 1. Insert the storage devices that contains the “xxx.CMO” file. 2. Turn on the system. 3. Enter BIOS setup program. Go to the “Tools” menu to select “Load from File.
5. 6. Key in the file name. Then press . A pop-up message will inform you when the saving process finishes. ASUSTek O.C. Profile Utility B313 Current CMOS BOARD: CROSSHAIR VER: 0115 DATE: 05/04/2006 Update CMOS BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown PATH: A:\ A: CMOS backup is done! Press any key to Exit. Note [Enter] Select [S] Save [Tab] Switch [Up/Down/Home/End] Move [ESC]: Exit The BIOS file will be saved as “xxx.CMO“. 4.8.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2.
4.9 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. Main Extreme Tweaker Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Exit & Save Changes Exit & Discard Changes Load Setup Default Discard Changes F1:Help ESC: Exit ↑↓ : Select Item →←: Select Menu Select Menu Item Specific Help This option save data to CMOS and exiting the setup menu.
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.
Chapter summary 5 5.1 Installing an operating system.................................................... 5-1 5.2 Support DVD information............................................................. 5-1 5.3 Software information.................................................................... 5-9 5.4 RAID configurations................................................................... 5-24 5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk........................................................
5.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows® 2000/2003 Server/XP/64-bit XP operating systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware. 5.2 • Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Use the setup procedures presented in this chapter for reference only. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed information.
5.2.2 Drivers menu The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices. ASUS InstAll-Drivers Installation Wizard Installs all of the drivers through the Installation Wizard. AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Driver Installs the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ technology driver. Nvidia Chipset Driver Program Installs the NVIDIA® Chipset drivers for the NVIDIA® nForce™ 590 SLI chipset.
5.2.3 Utilities menu The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports. ASUS InstAll-Drivers Installation Wizard Installs all of the drivers through the Installation Wizard. 3DMark06 Software Installs the 3DMark06 software. Adobe Reader V7.0 Installs the Adobe® Acrobat® Reader that allows you to open, view, and print documents in Portable Document Format (PDF).
Microsoft DirectX 9.0c Installs the Microsoft® DirectX 9.0c driver. The Microsoft DirectX® 9.0c is a multimedia technology that enhances computer graphics and sound. DirectX® improves the multimedia features of you computer so you can enjoy watching TV and movies, capturing videos, or playing games in your computer. Visit the Microsoft website (www.microsoft.com) for updates. Anti-Virus Utility The anti-virus application scans, identifies, and removes computer viruses.
5.2.4 Make Disk menu The Make Disk menu contains items to create the RAID driver disk. Make NV SATA/RAID 32bit 2K Driver Make NV SATA/RAID 32bit XP Driver Make NV SATA/RAID 32bit 2K3 Driver Allows you to create an NVIDIA® Serial ATA RAID driver disk for a 32-bit 2K/XP/ 2K3 system. Make NV SATA/RAID 64bit XP Driver Make NV SATA/RAID 64bit 2K3 Drive Allows you to create an NVIDIA® Serial ATA RAID driver disk for a 64-bit XP/2K3 system.
5.2.5 Manuals menu The Manuals menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to open the folder of the user manual. Most user manual files are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the Adobe® Acrobat® Reader from the Utilities menu before opening a user manual file. 5.2.6 ASUS Contact information Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can also find this information on the inside front cover of this user guide.
5.2.7 Other information The icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the motherboard and the contents of the support DVD. Click an icon to display the specified information. Motherboard Info Displays the general specifications of the motherboard. Browse this DVD Displays the support DVD contents in graphical format.
Technical support Form Displays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to fill out when requesting technical support. Filelist Displays the contents of the support DVD and a brief description of each in text format.
5.3 Software information Most of the applications in the support DVD have wizards that will conveniently guide you through the installation. View the online help or readme file that came with the software application for more information. 5.3.1 ASUS MyLogo3™ The ASUS MyLogo3™ utility lets you customize the boot logo. The boot logo is the image that appears on screen during the Power‑On Self-Tests (POST).
7. When the logo images appear on the right window pane, select an image to enlarge by clicking on it. 8. Adjust the boot image to your desired size by selecting a value on the Ratio box. 9. When the screen returns to the ASUS Update utility, flash the original BIOS to load the new boot logo. 10. After flashing the BIOS, restart the computer to display the new boot logo during POST.
5.3.2 SoundMAX® High Definition Audio utility The ADI AD1988B High Definition Audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability through the SoundMAX® audio utility with AudioESP™ software to deliver the ultimate audio experience on your PC. The software implements high quality audio synthesis/rendering, 3D sound positioning, and advanced voice-input technologies.
From the taskbar, double-click on the SoundMAX® icon to display the SoundMAX® Control Panel. Audio Setup Wizard By clicking the icon from the SoundMAX® control panel, you can easily configure your audio settings. Simply follow succeeding screen instructions and begin enjoying High Definition Audio.
Jack configuration Adjust speaker volume This screen helps you configure your computer’s audio ports, depending on the audio devices you have installed. This screen helps you adjust speaker volume. Click the Test button to hear the changes you have made. Adjust microphone volume This screen helps you adjust microphone volume. You will be asked to read prewritten text to allow the AudioWizard to adjust the volume as you speak.
Audio preferences Click the icon to go to the Preferences page. This page allows you to change various audio settings. General options Click the General tab to choose your playback and recording devices, enable/ disable the AudioESP™ feature, and enable/disable digital output. DTS. This feature is consists of two elements: DTS interactive and DTS NEO:PC. DTS interactive re-encodes your stereo or multi-channel sound into a DTS audio signal and send it out from your PC to any DTS enabled system.
Microphone options Click the Listening Environment tab allows you to optimize your microphone input settings. Enhanced Microphone Features Voice recording Enables Noise Filter function. Detects repetitive and stationary noises like computer fans, air conditioners, and other background noises then eliminates it in the incoming sudio stream while recording. You can enable it for a better recording quality.
5.3.3 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. 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. Go to Extreme -> AMD Cool ‘n’Quiet function and set it to [Enabled]. See section “4.4 Extreme Menu.” 3.
• Make sure to install the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ driver and application before using this feature. • The AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ technology feature works only with the AMD heatsink and fan assembly with monitor chip • If you purchased a separate heatsink and fan package, use the ASUS Q-Fan technology feature to automatically adjust the CPU fan speed according to your system loading.
5.3.4 ASUS PC Probe II PC Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects and alerts you of any problem with these components. PC Probe II senses fan rotations, CPU temperature, and system voltages, among others. Because PC Probe II is software-based, you can start monitoring your computer the moment you turn it on. With this utility, you are assured that your computer is always at a healthy operating condition.
Button Function Opens the Configuration window Opens the Report window Opens the Desktop Management Interface window Opens the Peripheral Component Interconnect window Opens the Windows Management Instrumentation window Opens the hard disk drive, memory, CPU usage window Shows/Hides the Preference section Minimizes the application Closes the application Sensor alert When a system sensor detects a problem, the main window right handle turns red, as the illustrations below show.
Hardware monitor panels The hardware monitor panels display the current value of a system sensor such as fan rotation, CPU temperature, and voltages. The hardware monitor panels come in two display modes: hexagonal (large) and rectangular (small). When you check the Enable Monitoring Panel option from the Preference section, the monitor panels appear on your computer’s desktop.
Monitoring sensor alert The monitor panel turns red when a component value exceeds or is lower than the threshold value. Refer to the illustrations below. Small display Large display WMI browser Click to display the WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation) browser. This browser displays various Windows® management information. Click an item from the left panel to display on the right panel. Click the plus sign (+) before WMI Information to display the available information.
PCI browser Click to display the PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) browser. This browser provides information on the PCI devices installed on your system. Click the plus sign (+) before the PCI Information item to display available information. Usage The Usage browser displays real-time information on the CPU, hard disk drive space, and memory usage. Click to display the Usage browser. CPU usage The CPU tab displays realtime CPU usage in line graph representation.
Memory usage The Memory tab shows both used and available physical memory. The pie chart at the bottom of the window represents the used (blue) and the available Configuring PC Probe II Click to view and adjust the sensor threshold values. The Config window has two tabs: Sensor/Threshold and Preference. The Sensor/ Threshold tab enables you to activate the sensors or to adjust the sensor threshold values. The Preference tab allows you to customize sensor alerts, or change the temperature scale.
5.4 RAID configurations The motherboard comes with the Silicon Image Sil3132 and the NVIDIA® nForce™ 590- SLI Southbridge RAID controllers that allow you to configure Serial ATA hard disk drives as RAID sets. The motherboard supports the following RAID configurations. RAID 0 (Data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and write data in parallel, interleaved stacks.
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 DVD to a floppy disk before you install an operating system to a selected hard disk drive. Refer to section “5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk” for details. 5.4.1 NVIDIA® RAID configurations The motherboard includes a high performance SATA RAID controller integrated in the NVIDIA® nForce™ 590-SLI southbridge chipset.
Entering the NVIDIA® RAID utility To enter the NVIDIA® RAID utility: 1. Boot up your computer. 2. During POST, press to display the main menu of the utility. The RAID BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference only, and may not exactly match the items on your screen. NVIDIA RAID Utility Oct 5 2004 - Define a New Array RAID Mode: Striping Striping Block: Free Disks Loc Disk Model Name Array Disks Loc Disk Model Name 1.0.M 1.1.M 2.0.M 2.1.
2. Press select the Striping Block then press . The following submenu appears: 8K ↑ 16K 32K 64K 128K Optim↓ If you selected Striping or Stripe Mirroring, use the up or down arrow keys to select the stripe size for your RAID 0 array then press .The available values range from 8 KB to 128 KB. The default selection is 128 KB. The strip value should be chosen based on the planned drive usage.
NVIDIA RAID Utility Oct 5 2004 - Array List Boot Id Status Vendor Array Model Name No 4 Healthy NVIDIA MIRROR [Ctrl-X]Exit [↑↓]Select [B]Set Boot XXX.XXG [N]New Array [ENTER]Detail A new set of navigation keys is displayed on the bottom of the screen. 6. Press to save settings and exit. Rebuilding a RAID array To rebuild a RAID array: 1. From the Array List menu, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID array then press . The RAID Array details appear.
A new set of navigation keys is displayed on the bottom of the screen. 2. Press 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 Channel M/S Index Disk Model Name Capacity 2 1 1 0 Master Master 0 1 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX.XXGB XXX.XXGB [↑↓] Select [F6] Back 3.
Deleting a RAID array To delete a RAID array: 1. From the Array List menu, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID array then press . The RAID Array details appear. Array 1 : NVIDIA MIRROR XXX.XXG - Array Detail RAID Mode: Mirroring Striping Width: 1 Striping Block: 64K Adapt Channel M/S Index Disk Model Name Capacity 2 1 1 0 Master Master 0 1 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX.XXGB XXX.
Clearing a disk data To clear disk data: 1. From the Array List menu, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID array then press . The RAID Array details appear. Array 1 : NVIDIA MIRROR XXX.XXG - Array Detail RAID Mode: Mirroring Striping Width: 1 Striping Block: 64K Adapt Channel M/S Index Disk Model Name Capacity 2 1 1 0 Master Master 0 1 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX.XXGB XXX.
5.4.2 Silicon Image RAID configurations The Silicon Image RAID controller supports RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations. Use the Silicon Image RAID utility to configure a disk array. Installing External Serial ATA (E-SATA) hard disks To install the External SATA hard disks for a RAID configuration: 1. Connect one end of the E-SATA signal cables to the rear panel port. 2. Connect the other end of the E-SATA signal cables to the external SATA disk drives.
Entering the Silicon Image BIOS RAID Configuration Utility To enter the Silicon Image BIOS RAID configuration utility: 1. Boot up your computer. 2. During POST, press or . The RAID BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference only, and may not exactly match the items on your screen. RAID Configuration Utility - Silicon Image Inc.
Creating a RAID 0 set (Striped) To create a RAID set: 1. 2. 3. From the Silicon Image configuration utility main menu, select Create RAID set then press to display an option menu. Select RAID 0 then press to display the following. MAIN MENU Create RAID set Delete RAID set Rebuild Raid1 set Resolve Conflicts Low Level Format Logical Drive Info RAID0 RAID1 SPARE DRIVE CONCATENATION MAIN MENU Auto configuration Manual configuration Select your desired method of configuration.
TIP: For server systems, we recommend using a lower array block size. For multimedia computer systems used mainly for audio and video editing, we recommend a higher array block size for optimum performance. c. The selection bar moves to the Physical Drive menu Using the up or down arrowkeys, select a drive then press to set the first drive of the RAID set. PHYSICAL DRIVE 0 1 2 3 XXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXMB XXXXXXMB XXXXXXMB XXXXXXMB d.
3. Select your desired method of configuration. Auto configuration a. Select Auto Configuration then press . b. The utility prompts a message to input the RAID size, use the up or down arrow keys to set the RAID size then press . c. Press to confirm or to return to the Main Menu. • Auto-configuration creates a RAID 1 set without a backup copy of the current source disk data.
e. If you selected Create with data copy, the following pop-up menu appears. MAIN MENU Auto configuration Manual configuration online copy offline copy The online copy option automatically copies the data to the target drives on the background while writing to the source drives. The offline copy option allows you to copy the contents of the source drive to the target drives now. f. Use the up or down arrow keys to select desired copy method, then press . g.
Creating a CONCATENATION set To create a CONCATENATION set: 1. 5-38 From the Silicon Image configuration utility main menu, select Create RAID set then press . MAIN MENU Create RAID set Delete RAID set Rebuild Raid1 set Resolve Conflicts Low Level Format Logical Drive Info 2. From the sub-menu Select CONCATENATION then press . 3. The selection bar moves to the Physical Drive menu. Using the up or down arrow keys, select a drive then press to set a drive for the RAID set.
5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk A floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows® 2000/XP operating system on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set. To create a RAID driver disk: 1. Place the motherboard support DVD into the DVD-ROM drive. 2. Select Make Disk tab. 3. From the Make Disk menu, select the RAID driver disk you want to create or browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the driver disk utility. Refer to section “5.2.4 Make Disk menu” for details.
5-40 Chapter 5: Software support
This chapter tells how to install SLI‑ready PCI Express graphics cards.
Chapter summary 6.1 Overview........................................................................................ 6-1 6.2 Dual graphics cards setup...........................................................
6.1 Overview The motherboard supports the NVIDIA® SLI™ (Scalable Link Interface) technology that allows you to install two identical PCI Express™ x16 graphics cards. Follow the installation procedures in this section. Requirements • You should have two identical SLI-ready graphics cards that are NVIDIA® certified. • Make sure that your graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA SLI technology. Download the latest driver from the NVIDIA website (www.nvidia.com).
6.2 Dual graphics card setup 6.2.1 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: 1. Prepare two graphics cards. Each graphics card should have goldfingers for the SLI connector. Goldfingers 2. 6- Remove the metal bracket covers opposite the two PCI Express x16 slots.
3. Insert one graphics card into either the blue or black slot. Make sure that the card is properly seated on the slot. 4. Insert the second graphics card into the other slot. Make sure that the card is properly seated on the slot. If required, connect an auxiliary power source to the PCI Express graphics cards.
5. Align and insert the SLI connector to the goldfingers on each graphics card. Make sure that the connector is firmly in place. SLI connector 6. When installing two VGA cards using a 20-pin ATX PSU with sufficient+12v capability, we recommend that you connect the auxillary power source from the power supply to the graphics card. Refer to the PSU documentation for dual VGA power requirements. 7. Connect a VGA cable or a DVI-I cable to the graphics card/s.
6.2.2 Installing the device drivers Refer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to install the device drivers. Make sure that your PCI Express graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA SLI technology. Download the latest driver from the NVIDIA website (www.nvidia. com). 6.2.3 Enabling the multi-GPU feature in Windows® After installing your graphics cards and the device drivers, enable the Multi‑Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) feature in the NVIDIA nView properties.
5. From the Display Properties dialog box, select the Settings tab then click Advanced. 6. Select the NVIDIA GeForce tab. 7. Click the slider to display the following screen, then select the SLI multi‑GPU item. Slider 6- 8. Click the Enable SLI multi-GPU check box. 9. Click OK when done.
The appendix explains the debug code on the LCD poster.
Chapter summary A.1 A Debug Code...................................................................................
A.1 Debug Code Table Code CPU INIT DET CPU CHIPINIT DET DRAM DC FCODE EFSHADOW DC XCODE INIT IO CLR SCRN INIT8042 ENABLEKB DIS MS R/W FSEG DET FLASH TESTCMOS PRG CHIP INIT CLK CHECKCPU INTRINIT REC MPS Reserved Reserved SET FDD INITINT9 ASUS Crosshair Description CPU Initiation Test CMOS R/W functionality. Early chipset initialization: -Disable shadow RAM -Disable L2 cache (socket 7 or below) -Program basic chipset registers Detect memory -Auto-detection of DRAM size, type and ECC.
CPUSPEED TESTVRAM RESET KB 8254TEST 8259MSK1 8259MSK2 8259TEST Reserved COUNTMEM MP INIT USB INIT TEST MEM SHOW MP PNP LOGO Reserved SHOW EZF ONBD IO EN SETUP MSINSTAL CHK ACPI EN CACHE SET CHIP AUTO CFG INIT FDC CUTIRQ12 DET IDE COM/LPT DET FPU A- 1. Program CPU internal MTRR (P6 & PII) for 0-640K memory address. 2. Initialize the APIC for Pentium class CPU. 3. Program early chipset according to CMOS setup. Example: onboard IDE controller. 4. Measure CPU speed. 5. Invoke video BIOS. 1.
CPU CHG CPR FAIL FAN FAIL UCODEERR FLOPYERR KB ERROR HD ERR CMOS ERR MS ERROR 80P ERR BOOT CHG SMARTERR HM ERROR AINETERR CASEOPEN PASSWORD MEM2CMOS INIT PNP USB FINAL READ HDD BOOTMENU NUM LOCK UPDT DMI INT 19H ASUS Crosshair CPU change CPR error Fan error UCODE error Floppy error Keyboard error HDD error CMOS error Mouse error 80 port error Boot device change HDD smart function error Hard monitor error AI NET error Case open Clear EPA or customization logo. 1. Call chipset power management hook. 2.
A- Appendix: Debug Code Table
