Motherboard P4S8X-MX
E1997 First Edition V1 April 2005 Copyright © 2005 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
Contents Notices ................................................................................................ vi Safety information ............................................................................. vii P4S8X-MX specifications summary ................................................... viii Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome! .............................................................................. 1-2 1.2 Package contents ....................................................
Contents Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 iv Managing and updating your BIOS ........................................ 2-2 2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk .............................. 2-2 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash utility .............................................. 2-3 2.1.3 AFUDOS utility ........................................................ 2-4 2.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility ................................ 2-6 2.1.5 ASUS Update utility ......................................
Contents 2.5 2.6 2.7 Power menu ........................................................................ 2-28 2.5.1 Suspend Mode ...................................................... 2-28 2.5.2 ACPI 2.0 Support .................................................. 2-28 2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support ................................................ 2-28 2.5.4 APM Configuration ................................................ 2-29 2.5.5 Hardware Monitor .................................................
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.
P4S8X-MX specifications summary CPU Socket 478 for Intel® Pentium® 4 / Celeron processors Supports Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology Chipset Northbridge: SiS 661GX Southbridge: SiS 964 Front Side Bus 800*/533 MHz Memory 2 x 184-pin DIMM sockets support up to 2 GB of unbufferred non-ECC 400**/333 MHz DDR SDRAM memory modules Expansion slots 1 x AGP 8X slot (1.
P4S8X-MX specifications summary BIOS features 4 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, Green, PnP, DMI2.0, SM BIOS 2.3, WfM2.0, ACPI 2.0 Rear panel 1 x Parallel port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port 4 x USB 2.0 ports 1 x VGA port 1 x Serial port (COM) 1 x PS/2 keyboard port 1 x PS/2 mouse port 6-channel audio ports Internal connectors 1 x Floppy disk drive connector 1 x Primary IDE connector 1 x Secondary IDE connector 2 x Serial ATA connectors 1 x CPU fan connector 1 x Chassis fan connector 2 x USB 2.
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This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports.
1.1 Welcome! T h a n k y o u f o r b u y i n g a n A S U S® P 4 S 8 X - M X m o t h e r b o a r d ! The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards! Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in your package with the list below. 1.2 Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items.
LPC and AC’97 interfaces, and complies with the Advanced Power Management (APM) 1.2 specification. The SiS964 interconnects with the Northbridge at up to 1GB/s using the SiS proprietary MuTIOL® bus interface. Real256E integrated graphics Embedded in the Northbridge is the SiS Real256E integrated graphics with a 256-bit 3D engine and 2D graphics accelerator with a maximum 64MB shared display memory.
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. USB 2.0 is backward compatible with USB 1.1. See pages 1-24 and 1-29 for details. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 This feature allows you to restore the original BIOS data from the support CD in case when the BIOS codes and data are corrupted. This protection eliminates the need to buy a replacement ROM chip.
1.4 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component. • Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, before handling components to avoid damaging them due to static electricity • Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
1.5 Motherboard overview 1.5.1 Motherboard layout 24.5cm (9.6in) PS/2KBMS T: Mouse B: Keyboard KBPWR Super I/O CPU_FAN1 COM1 SiS FLOPPY 4Mb BIOS PRI_IDE 661GX North Bridge USBPW34 USBPW12 24.5cm (9.
1.5.2 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis as indicated in the image below. 1.5.3 Screw holes Place eight (8) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis. P4S8X-MX Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) 1.6.1 Overview The motherboard comes with a surface mount 478-pin Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) socket designed for the Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor. Take note of the marked corner (with gold triangle) on the CPU. This mark should match a specific corner on the socket to ensure correct installation. Gold mark Your boxed Intel® Pentium® 4 processor package should come with installation instructions for the CPU, heatsink, and the retention mechanism.
2. Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sideways, then lift it up to a 90°-100° angle. 90°-100° angle Socket lever Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90°-100° angle; otherwise, the CPU does not fit in completely. 3. Position the CPU above the socket such that its marked corner matches the base of the socket lever. 4. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it fits in place. Gold mark The CPU fits only in one correct orientation.
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. After installation, make sure to plug the 4-pin ATX power cable to the motherboard. Notes on Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology • This motherboard supports Intel® Pentium® 4 CPUs with Hyper-Threading Technology. • Hyper-Threading Technology is supported under Windows® XP/2003 Server and Linux 2.4.x (kernel) and later versions only.
1.6.3 Installing the heatsink and fan The Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance. • When you buy a boxed Intel® Pentium® 4 processor, the package includes the heatsink, fan, and retention mechanism. • If you buy a CPU separately, make sure that you use only Intel®-certified heatsink and fan.
2. Position the fan with the retention mechanism on top of the heatsink. Align and snap the four hooks of the retention mechanism to the holes on each corner of the module base. Make sure that the fan and retention mechanism assembly perfectly fits the heatsink and module base; otherwise, you cannot snap the hooks into the holes. Retention lock Retention hole Retention hook snapped to the retention hole Keep the retention locks lifted upward while fitting the retention mechanism to the module base.
3. Push down the locks on the retention mechanism to secure the heatsink and fan to the module base. When secure, the retention locks should point to opposite directions. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN1. CPU_FAN1 GND +12V Rotation P4S8X-MX 4. P4S8X-MX CPU fan connector Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector.
1.7 System memory 1.7.1 Overview The motherboard comes with four 184-pin Double Data Rate (DDR) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. 1.7.2 DIMM2 P4S8X-MX 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets DIMM1 80 Pins 104 Pins P4S8X-MX The following figure illustrates the location of the sockets: Memory configurations You may install 128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB, and 1 GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR DIMMs into the DIMM sockets using the memory configurations in this section.
DDR400* Qualified Vendors List DIMM support Size Vendor Model 256 MB CORSAIR CMX256A-3200LL DDR400 256 MB CORSAIR VS256MB400 Value Select 512 MB CORSAIR VS512MB400 Value Select DS WINBOND SS W942508BH-5 2 – DS Heat-Sink Package 2 • • – 256 MB CORSAIR CMX256A-3200C2PT 512 MB CORSAIR CMX512-3200LL DDR400 1G Brand – Side(s) Component CL A B SS Heat-Sink Package 2 • SS VS32M8-5 2B0409 3 VS32M8-5 3 • • • • CORSAIR TWINX2048-3200C2 DDR400 1024MB DS Heat-Sink Pac
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM Make sure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. 2 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. DDR DIMM notch 1 1 Unlocked retaining clip A DDR DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction.
1.8 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. 1.8.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1.
Standard interrupt assignments IRQ Priority 0 1 2 4* 5* 6 7* 8 9* 10* 11* 12* 13 14* 15* 1 2 – 12 13 14 15 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Standard Function System Timer Keyboard Controller Programmable Interrupt Communications Port (COM1) IRQ holder for PCI steering Floppy Disk Controller Printer Port (LPT1) System CMOS/Real Time Clock IRQ holder for PCI steering Advance AC’97 CODEC Standard PCI Graphics Adapter (VGA) PS/2 Compatible Mouse Port Numeric Data Processor Primary IDE Channel Secondary IDE Channel * These
1.8.3 PCI slots The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. The figure shows a LAN card installed on a PCI slot. 1.8.4 AGP slot The Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) slot that supports AGP 8X/4X (+1.5V) cards. When you buy an AGP card, make sure that you ask for one with +1.5V specification. Note the notches on the card golden fingers to ensure that they fit the AGP slot on the motherboard.
1.9 1. Jumpers Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC) This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords. To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2. Remove the onboard battery. 3.
2. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW12, USBPW34, USBPW56, USBPW78) Set these jumpers to +5V to wake up the computer from S1 sleep mode (CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in low power mode) using the connected USB devices. Set to +5VSB to wake up from S3 and S4 sleep modes. The USBPW12 and USBPW34 jumpers are for the rear USB ports. The USBPW56 and USBPW78 jumper is for the internal USB connectors that you can connect to additional USB ports.
3. Keyboard power (3-pin KBPWR) This jumper allows you to enable or disable the keyboard wake-up feature. Set this jumper to pins 2-3 (+5VSB) to wake up the computer when you press a key on the keyboard (the default is the Space Bar). This feature requires an ATX power supply that can supply at least 500 mA on the +5VSB lead, and a corresponding setting in the BIOS.
1.10 Connectors 1.10.1 Rear panel connectors 1 2 3 4 5 6 11 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 10 9 8 7 P S / 2 m o u s e p o r t ( g r e e n ) . This port is for a PS/2 mouse. P a r a l l e l p o r t . This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a scanner, or other devices. L A N ( R J - 4 5 ) p o r t . This port allows connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. L i n e I n p o r t ( l i g h t b l u e ) . This port connects a tape, CD, DVD player, or other audio sources.
7. U S B 2 . 0 p o r t s 3 a n d 4 . These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices. 8. U S B 2 . 0 p o r t s 1 a n d 2 . These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices. 9 . V i d e o G r a p h i c s A d a p t e r p o r t . This 15-pin port is for a VGA monitor or other VGA-compatible devices. 1 0 . S e r i a l c o n n e c t o r . This 9-pin COM1 port is for serial devices. 1 1 .
1.10.2 Internal connectors 1. 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. P4S8X-MX Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable connection when using an FDD cable with a covered Pin 5. FLOPPY NOTE: Orient the red markings on the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1.
2. IDE connectors (40-1 pin PRI_IDE, SEC_IDE) These connectors are for Ultra DMA 100/66 signal cables. The Ultra DMA 100/66 signal cable has three connectors: a blue connector for the primary IDE connector on the motherboard, a black connector for an Ultra DMA 100/66 IDE slave device (optical drive/hard disk drive), and a gray connector for an Ultra DMA 100/66 IDE master device (hard disk drive).
GND RSATA_RXN2 RSATA_RXP2 GND RSATA_TXN2 RSATA_TXP2 GND Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2) These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk drives. The current Serial ATA interface allows up to 150 MB/s data transfer rate, faster than the standard parallel ATA with 133 MB/s (Ultra DMA/133) P4S8X-MX 3.
4. CPU fan connector (3-pin CPU_FAN1) The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350mA~740mA (8.88W max.) or a total of 1A~2.22A (26.64W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, making sure that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector. CPU_FAN1 GND +12V Rotation P4S8X-MX Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components.
6. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78) P4S8X-MX USB 2.0 connectors USB78 1 USB+5V USB_P7USB_P7+ GND 1 USB+5V USB_P5USB_P5+ GND USB56 USB+5V USB_P8USB_P8+ GND NC USB+5V USB_P6USB_P6+ GND NC P4S8X-MX 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.
8. ATX power connectors (20-pin ATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) P4S8X-MX These connectors are for an ATX power supply. The plugs from the power supply are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit. ATX12V GND +12V DC ATXPWR GND +12V DC P4S8X-MX ATX power connectors +12.0VDC +5VSB PWR_OK COM +5.0VDC COM +5.0VDC COM +3.3VDC +3.3VDC +5.0VDC +5.0VDC -5.0VDC GND COM COM PS_ON# COM -12.0VDC +3.
1 0 . Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF) SPDIFOUT GND +5V P4S8X-MX An onboard S/PDIF Out connector is available for an optional S/PDIF audio module. Connect one end of the S/PDIF audio cable this connector and the other end to the S/PDIF module. SPDIF P4S8X-MX Digital Audio Connector The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.
1 3 . System panel connector (20-pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. SPEAKER +5V Ground Ground Speaker PLED- PLED+ P4S8X-MX PLED IDE_LED Reset Ground PWR Ground IDE_LED+ IDE_LED- PANEL RESET PWRSW * Requires an ATX power supply. P4S8X-MX System panel connector The sytem panel connector is color-coded for easy connection. Refer to the connector description below for details.
This chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup. 1. 2. ASUS floppy ASUS A F U D O S (Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a bootable disk.) E Z F l a s h (Updates the BIOS using a floppy disk during POST.) 3. A S U S C r a s h F r e e B I O S 2 (Updates the BIOS using a bootable floppy disk or the motherboard support CD when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted.) 4.
d. From the Open field, type D:\bootdisk\makeboot a: assuming that D: is your optical drive. e. Press , then follow screen instructions to continue. 2. Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS file to the bootable floppy disk. 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash utility The ASUS EZ Flash feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go through the long process of booting from a floppy disk and using a DOS-based utility.
2.1.3 AFUDOS utility The AFUDOS utility allows you to update the BIOS file in DOS environment using a bootable floppy disk with the updated BIOS file. This utility also allows you to copy the current BIOS file that you can use as backup when the BIOS fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. Copying the current BIOS To copy the current BIOS file using the AFUDOS utility: • Make sure that the floppy disk is not write-protected and has at least 600 KB free space to save the file.
Updating the BIOS file To update the BIOS file using the AFUDOS utility: 1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) and download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. Save the BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk. Write the BIOS filename on a piece of paper. You need to type the exact BIOS filename at the DOS prompt. 2. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support CD to the bootable floppy disk you created earlier. 3.
2.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can update a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support CD or the floppy disk that contains the updated BIOS file. • Prepare the motherboard support CD or the floppy disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility.
Recovering the BIOS from the support CD To recover the BIOS from the support CD: 1. Remove any floppy disk from the floppy disk drive, then turn on the system. 2. Insert the support CD to the optical drive. 3. The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the floppy disk for the original or updated BIOS file. Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery... Checking for floppy...
2.1.5 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. The ASUS Update utility allows you to: • Save the current BIOS file • Download the latest BIOS file from the Internet • Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS file • Update the BIOS directly from the Internet, and • View the BIOS version information. This utility is available in the support CD that comes with the motherboard package.
Updating the BIOS through the Internet To update the BIOS through the Internet: 1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate e. The ASUS Update main window appears. 2. Select U p d a t e B I O S f r o m t h e I n t e r n e t option from the drop-down menu, then click N e x tt. ASUS P4S8X-MX 3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network traffic, or click A u t o S e l e c tt. Click N e x tt.
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. 2.
2.2 BIOS setup program This motherboard supports a programmable firmware chip that you can update using the provided utility described in section “2.1 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.
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Menu bar Configuration fields General help System Time System Date Legacy Diskette A [10:55:25] [Mon 03/14/2005] [1.44M, 3.5 in] Use [ENTER], [TAB] or [SHIFT-TAB] to select a field. Primary IDE Master Primary IDE Slave Secondary IDE Master Secondary IDE Slave OnChip SATA Controller [ST320410A] [ASUS CD-S520/A] [Not Detected] [Not Detected] [RAID Mode] Use [+] or [-] to configure the System Time. System Information Sub-menu items 2.2.
2.2.4 Menu items The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu. For example, selecting M a i n shows the Main menu items. The other items (Advanced, Power, Boot, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items. 2.2.5 System Time System Date Legacy Diskette A [10:55:25] [Mon 03/15/2005] [1.44M, 3.
2.3 Main menu When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic system information. Refer to section “2.2.1 BIOS menu screen” for information on the menu screen items and how to navigate through them. System Time System Date Legacy Diskette A [10:55:25] [Mon 03/15/2005] [1.44M, 3.5 in] Use [ENTER], [TAB] or [SHIFT-TAB] to select a field.
2.3.4 Primary and Secondary 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. Primary IDE Master Device : Hard Disk Vendor : ST320410A Size : 20.
PIO Mode [Auto] Selects the PIO mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4] DMA Mode [Auto] Selects the DMA mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [SWDMA0] [SWDMA1] [SWDMA2] [MWDMA0] [MWDMA1] [MWDMA2] [UDMA0] [UDMA1] [UDMA2] [UDMA3] [UDMA4] [UDMA5] [UDMA6] SMART Monitoring [Auto] Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] 32Bit Data Transfer [Disabled] Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer.
AMI BIOS Displays the auto-detected BIOS information. Processor Displays the auto-detected CPU specification. System Memory Displays the auto-detected system memory. 2.4 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction.
2.4.1 JumperFree Configuration Configure System Frequency AI Overclock Tuner CPU Frequency AGP/PCI Frequency Spread Spectrum DRAM Frequency Select the target CPU frequency, and the relevant parameters will be auto-adjusted. Frequencies higher than CPU manufacturer recommends are not guaranteed to be stable. If the system becomes unstable, return to the default.
AGP/PCI Frequency [Auto] Allows you to set the AGP/PCI operating frequency. Configuration options: [Auto][ 66.6/33.3] [75.0/37.5] [85.7/42.8] Spread Spectrum [Enabled] Enables or disables the clock generator spread spectrum. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] DRAM Frequency [Auto] Allows you to set the DDR operating frequency.
2.4.2 CPU Configuration The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. Configure Advanced CPU settings Manufacturer: Brand String: Frequency : FSB Speed : Cache L1 Cache L2 Cache L3 Intel Genuine Intel (R) CPU 2.40 GHz 2400 MHz 533 MHz : 16 KB : 1024 KB : 0 KB Sets the ratio between CPU Core Clock and the FSB Frequency. NOTE: If an invalid ratio is set in CMOS then actual and setpoint values may differ.
2.4.3 Chipset The Chipset menu items allow you to change the advanced chipset settings. Select an item then press Enter to display the sub-menu.
DRAM RAS# Precharge [Auto] Controls the idle clocks after issuing a precharge command to the DDR SDRAM. Configuration options: [Auto] [3T] [2T] [4T] [5T] Graphics Win Size [64MB] Allows you to select the size of mapped memory for AGP graphic data. Configuration options: [32MB] [64MB] [128MB] AGP Fast Write Control [Disabled] Enables or disables the AGP Fast Write Control feature. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Share Memory Size [32MB] Sets the share memory size.
2.4.4 Onboard Devices Configuration Configure Onboard Device Serial Port1 Address Parallel Port Address Parallel Port Mode ECP Mode DMA Channel Parallel Port IRQ Onboard Game/MIDI Port [3F8/IRQ4] [378] [ECP] [DMA3] [IRQ7] [Disabled] Allows BIOS to select Serial Port1 Base addresses. Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address.
2.4.5 PCI PnP The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices. The menu includes setting IRQ and DMA channel resources for either PCI/PnP or legacy ISA devices, and setting the memory size block for legacy ISA devices. Take caution when changing the settings of the PCI PnP menu items. Incorrect field values may cause the system to malfunction. Advanced PCI/PnP Settings WARNING: Setting wrong values in below sections may cause system to malfunction.
2.4.6 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. OnBoard SiS USB1.1 Device OnBoard SiS USB2.0 Device [Enabled] [Enabled] USB Configuration Module Version - 2.23.2-10.4 USB Devices Enabled: None Legacy USB Support USB 2.0 Controller Mode [Auto] [HiSpeed] OnBoard SiS USB 1.1 Device [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the onboard SiS USB 1.1 device.
2.5 Power menu The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an item then press to display the configuration options. Suspend Mode ACPI 2.0 Support ACPI APIC Support [Auto] [No] [Enabled] Select the ACPI state used for System Suspend. APM Configuration Hardware Monitor 2.5.1 Suspend Mode [Auto] Allows you to select the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) state to be used for system suspend.
2.5.4 APM Configuration APM Configuration Power Button Mode [On/Off] Restore on AC Power Loss Power On By PS2 Keyboard Power On By PS2 Mouse Power On By Internal MAC LAN Power On By PCI Devices Power On By External Modems Power On By RTC Alarm [Always OFF] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] to select whether or not to restart the system after AC power loss.
Power On By PCI Devices [Disabled] When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to turn on the system through a PCI LAN or modem card. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Power On By External Modem [Disabled] This allows either settings of [Enabled] or [Disabled] for powering up the computer when the external modem receives a call while the computer is in Soft-off mode.
2.5.5 Hardware Monitor Hardware Monitor CPU Temperature CPU Temperature MB Temperature [65.5ºC/148ºF] [36ºC/96.5ºF] CPU Fan Speed Chassis Fan Speed [3260RPM] [N/A] VCORE Voltage 3.3V Voltage 5V Voltage 12V Voltage [ 1.504V] [ 3.360V] [ 5.160V] [11.328V] CPU Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the motherboard and CPU temperatures. Select [Ignored] if you do not wish to display the detected temperatures.
2.6 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press to display the sub-menu. Boot Settings Boot Device Priority Boot Settings Configuration Security 2.6.1 Boot Device Priority Boot Device Priority 1st Boot Device 2nd Boot Device 3rd Boot Device [1st FLOPPY DRIVE] [PM-ST330620A] [PS-ASUS CD-S360] Specifies the boot sequence from the available devices.
2.6.2 Removable Drives This item appears only when there are removable drives (like a USB flash disk) plugged in the system. Removable Drives 1st Boot Device 2nd Boot Device 3rd Boot Device [1st FLOPPY DRIVE] [ASUS USB Flash Disk] [ASUS USB Flash Disk] Specifies the boot sequence from the available devices. 1st ~ xxth Boot Device [1st Floppy Drive] These items specify the removable boot device priority sequence from the available removable boot devices.
Add On ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS] Sets the display mode for option ROM. Configuration options: [Force BIOS] [Keep Current] Bootup Num-Lock [On] Allows you to select the power-on state for the NumLock. Configuration options: [Off] [On] PS/2 Mouse Support [Auto] Allows you to enable or disable support for PS/2 mouse. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto] Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled] When set to Enabled, the system waits for the F1 key to be pressed when error occurs.
2.6.4 Security The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item then press to display the configuration options. Security Settings Supervisor Password User Password : Not Installed : Not Installed to change password. again to disabled password. Change Supervisor Password Change Supervisor Password Select this item to set or change the supervisor password.
After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to change other security settings. Security Settings Supervisor Password User Password : Not Installed : Not Installed Change Supervisor Password User Access Level Change User Password Clear User Password Password Check [Full Access] [Setup] User Access Level (Full Access] This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items.
The message “Password Installed” appears after you set your password successfully. To change the user password, follow the same steps as in setting a user password. Clear User Password Select this item to clear the user password. Password Check [Setup] When set to [Setup], BIOS checks for user password when accessing the Setup utility. When set to [Always], BIOS checks for user password both when accessing Setup and booting the system. Configuration options: [Setup] [Always] 2.
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. An onboard backup battery sustains the CMOS RAM so it stays on even when the PC is turned off. When you select this option, a confirmation window appears. Select Y e s to save changes and exit.
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® 2000/2003 Server/XP operating systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware. 3.2 • 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.
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. SiS AGP Driver Installs SiS AGP display driver. SiS Onboard Graphics Driver Installs SiS graphics driver for the onboard graphics controller. Make sure you uninstall the SiS onboard graphics driver before installing a PCI VGA card. Realtek ALC655 Audio Driver Installs the Realtek® ALC655 audio driver and application.
SiS PCI Fast Ethernet Adapter Driver Installs the driver for the onboard SiS PCI LAN controller. USB 2.0 Driver Installs the USB 2.0 driver. The screen display and drivers option may not be the same for different operating system versions. 3.2.3 Utilities menu The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports. ASUS PC Probe This smart utility monitors the fan speed, CPU temperature, and system voltages, and alerts you of any detected problems.
Microsoft DirectX 9.0c The Microsoft® DirectX® 9.0c is a multimedia technology that enhances computer graphics and sounds. DirectX® improves the multimedia features of your computer so you can enjoy watching TV and movies, capturing videos, or playing games in your computer. Anti-virus utility The anti-virus utility scans, identifies, and removes computer viruses. View the online help for detailed information. ADOBE Acrobat Reader The Adobe® Acrobat® Reader V5.
3.2.4 ASUS Contact information Click the C o n t a c t tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can also find this information on the inside front cover of this user guide. 3.2.5 Other information The icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the motherboard and the contents of the support CD. Click an icon to display the specified information. Motherboard Info Displays the general specifications of the motherboard.
Browse this CD Displays the support CD 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 CD and a brief description of each in text format.
3.3 RAID configurations The SIS 964 southbridge comes with a RAID controller that allows you to configure Serial ATA hard disk drives as RAID sets. The motherboard supports the following RAID configurations. R A I D 0 (Data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and write data in parallel, interleaved stacks. Two hard disks perform the same work as a single drive but at a sustained data transfer rate, double that of a single disk alone, thus improving data access and storage.
3.3.2 SIS RAID configurations The motherboard includes a high performance Serial ATA RAID controller integrated in the SIS 964 Southbridge chipset. It supports RAID 0 and RAID 1 with two independent Serial ATA channels. Entering the SIS RAID BIOS utility 1. Boot your computer. 2. During POST, press + to enter the SIS RAID configuration utility. The following menu options appear. 3. Press < R > to display the RAID setup menu. Create an Array 1.
Creating JBOD 1. From the RAID Setup, press < 1 > then < E n t e r > to select JBOD (Spanning) 2. Select < 1 > to auto-create a RAID array or press < 2 > to manually configure array then press < E n t e r > >. 3. If you selected 1 proceed to step 5. Use the u p / d o w n arrow keys to move the selection bar, then press < E n t e r > to select a disk drive. 4.
5. The current RAID set is displayed on the upper side of the screen. 6. Press < Q > to exit the RAID setup. Press < Y > then < E n t e r > to save changes. 7. 8. After the setup is complete, you can partition and format your hard disk as a single hard drive.
Creating RAID 0 for performance 1. From the RAID Setup, press < 2 > then < E n t e r > to select RAID 0 (Striping). 2. Select < 1 > to auto-create a RAID array or press < 2 > to manually configure array then press < E n t e r > >. 3. If you selected 1 proceed to step 7. 4. If you selected 2 , select the array block size by pressing the corresponding number beside the available block sizes then press >.
5. Use the u p / d o w n arrow keys to move the selection bar, then press < E n t e r > to select a disk drive. 6. After selecting the drives, press < Q > to return to previous menu. 7. Press < N > then < E n t e r > to create a Stripe only configuration. Press < Y > if you wish to split the data on the source disk to other disks. 8. If you selected Y, the following screen appears. 9. When finished, press < Q > to return to previous menu.
10. The current RAID setup is displayed on the upper side of the screen. Press < Q > to exit the RAID setup menu. 11. Press < Y > then < E n t e r > to save changes. 12. When finished, you can partition and format the array as a single hard drive.
Creating RAID 1 for capacity 1. From the RAID Setup, press < 3 > then < E n t e r > to select RAID 1 (Mirroring). 2. Select < 1 > to auto-create a RAID array or press < 2 > to manually configure array then press < E n t e r > >. 3. If you selected 1 proceed to step 5. Use the u p / d o w n arrow keys to move the selection bar, then press < E n t e r > to select a disk drive. 4.
5. Press < N > then < E n t e r > to create a mirrored set. Press < Y > if you wish to duplicate the source disk (DISK 1) data to the RAID disks. 6. If you selected Y, the following screen appears. 7. When finished, press < Q > to return to previous menu. The current RAID set is displayed on the upper side of the screen.
8. Press < Q > to exit the RAID setup. 9. Press < Y > then < E n t e r > to save changes. 10. After the setup is complete, you can partition and format the array as a single hard drive.
3.4 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. Use the support CD that came with the motherboard package to create a RAID driver disk. To use the support CD: 1. Boot your computer and insert the support CD into the optical drive. 2. Make sure that the optical drive is the primary boot device. If not, set the optical drive as the primary boot device in the BIOS. 3.
