Motherboard P5N-D
E3894 Second Edition V2 May 2008 Copyright © 2008 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 Contents....................................................................................................... iii Notices......................................................................................................... vii Safety information..................................................................................... viii About this guide.......................................................................................... ix P5N-D specifications summary......................
Contents 2.5.5 2.6 2.7 2.5.6 Connectors.................................................................................. 2-25 2.7.1 Rear panel connectors................................................... 2-25 2.7.3 Installing the optional fan............................................... 2-36 Chapter 3: 3.2 3.2.1 Using the dual function power switch............................... 3-2 BIOS setup 4.1.1 ASUS Update utility......................................................... 4-1 4.1.
4.3.5 SATA1/2/3/4.....................................................................................4-17 4.3.8 Installed Memory [xxx MB]............................................. 4-18 4.3.7 4.4 Primary IDE Master/Slave.............................................. 4-15 4.3.6 4.3.9 HDD SMART Monitoring [Disabled]............................... 4-18 Usable Memory [XXX MB]............................................. 4-18 Advanced menu.............................................................
5.2.3 Utilities menu................................................................... 5-3 5.2.5 Manual menu................................................................... 5-6 5.2.4 5.2.6 5.3 5.2.7 ASUS MyLogo2™............................................................ 5-9 5.3.3 ASUS PC Probe II.......................................................... 5-15 5.3.5 5.3.6 5.3.7 5.3.8 5.3.9 Audio configurations.......................................................5-11 ASUS AI Suite............
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.
P5N-D specifications summary CPU LGA775 socket for Intel® Core™2 Quad / Core™2 Extreme / Core™2 Duo / Pentium® Extreme / Pentium® D / Pentium® 4 Processors Compatible with Intel® 05B/05A/06 processors Intel® next generation 45nm Multi-Core CPU Note: Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for the Intel® CPU support list. Chipset NVIDIA® nForce 750i SLI Front Side Bus 1333 / 1066 / 800 MHz Memory 4 x DIMM, max.
P5N-D����������������������� specifications summary ASUS AI Lifestyle Unique features ASUS Power Saving Solution: - ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit) - ASUS AI Gear 3 (ASUS EPU utility) - ASUS AI NAP ASUS AI Lifestyle Features: - ASUS AI Direct Link ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution: - ASUS Fanless Design: Heatsink solution - ASUS Q-Fan 2 - ASUS Optional Fan for Water-cooling or PassiveCooling only ASUS EZ DIY: - ASUS Q-Shield - ASUS Q-Connector - ASUS O.C.
P5N-D����������������������� specifications summary Rear panel 1 x PS/2 Keyboard port (purple) 1 x PS/2 Mouse port (green) 1 x Optical S/PDIF Output port 1 x Coaxial S/PDIF Output port 1 x Parallel port 1 x COM port 1 x LAN (RJ45) port 4 x USB 2.0/1.
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This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports.
1 Chapter summary 1.1 Welcome!....................................................................................... 1-1 1.3 Special features............................................................................. 1-2 1.2 Package contents..........................................................................
1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS® P5N-D 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 P5N-D ����������� motherboard I/O modules 1 x 2-port USB 2.
1.3 Special features 1.3.1 Product highlights Intel® Core™2 Quad / Core™2 Duo / Core™2 Extreme CPU support This motherboard supports the latest Intel® Quad-core/Core™2 processor in the LGA775 package and Intel’s 45nm multi-core processors. With the new Intel® Core™ microarchitecture technology and 1333/1066/800 MHz FSB, the Intel® Core™2 is one of the most powerful and energy efficient CPUs in the world.
Serial ATA 3 Gb/s technology This motherboard supports the next-generation hard drives based on the Serial ATA (SATA) 3 Gb/s storage specification, delivering enhanced scalability and doubling the bus bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and saves. See page 2-28 for details. The NVIDIA® MediaShield™ RAID controller integrated in the NVIDIA® nForce® 750i SLI™ chipset allows RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD configurations for four SATA 3 Gb/s connectors. See page 2-28 for details.
1.3.2 ASUS AI Lifestyle unique features ASUS Power Saving Solution ASUS Power Saving solution intelligently and automatically provides balanced computing power and energy consumption. ASUS EPU The ASUS EPU utilizes innovative technology to digitally monitor and tune the CPU power supply with improved VR responses in heavy or light loadings. Working together with AI Gear 3, this can help you attain the best possible power efficiency and energy savings to help save the environment.
ASUS Q-Fan2 technology intelligently adjusts both CPU fan and chassis fan speeds according to system loading to ensure quiet, cool and efficient operation. See page 5-25 for details. ASUS EZ DIY ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you easy ways to install computer components, update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings.
ASUS EZ Flash 2 EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply press the predefined hotkey to launch the utility and update the BIOS without entering the OS. Update your BIOS easily without preparing a bootable diskette or using an OS-based flash utility. See pages 4-5 and 4-42 for details. ASUS MyLogo2™ This feature allows you to personalize and add style to your system with customizable boot logos. See page 5-9 for details.
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.
2 Chapter summary 2.1 Before you proceed...................................................................... 2-1 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU).................................................... 2-6 2.2 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 Motherboard overview.................................................................. 2-2 System memory.......................................................................... 2-13 Expansion slots...........................................................................
2.1 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.
2.2 Motherboard overview Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard fits into it. Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 2.2.1 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) PS/2KBMS T: Mouse B: Keyboard CPU_FAN KBPWR ATX12V EPU SPDIF_O1 CHA_FAN1 PWR_FAN PCIEX1_1 Atheros PRI_IDE CR2032 3V Lithium Cell CMOS Power NVIDIA® nForce® 750i SLI™ PCI2 SPDIF_OUT AAFP FLOPPY IE1394_2 CHA_FAN2 BIOS USBPW5-8 USB56 SATA4 PCI1 CD SATA1 VIA VT6308P PCIEX16_2 SATA3 PCIEX1_2 SATA2 Super I/O PCIEX16_1 ALC883 30.5cm (12.
2.2.4 Slots Layout contents 1. DDR2 DIMM slots 3. PCI Express x 1 slots 2. 4. Page 2-13 PCI slot 2-21 2-21 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots 2-21 Jumpers Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 2-23 2. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW1-4, USBPW5-8) 2-24 3. Keyboard power (3-pin KBPWR) 2-24 Rear panel connectors Page 2. 2-25 1. PS/2 mouse port (green) 3. IEEE 1394a port 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 2-4 Page 1.
Internal connectors Page 2. 2-27 1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) 3. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1-4) 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA775 socket designed for the Intel® Core™2 Quad / Core™2 Extreme / Core™2 Duo / Pentium® Extreme / Pentium® D/ Pentium® 4 processors. • Make sure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU. • If installing a dual-core CPU, connect the chassis fan cable to the CHA_FAN1 connector to ensure system stability. • Due to the chipset limitation, we recommend you use FSB 800MHz CPU or above.
2.3.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU: ® Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. P5N-D 1. P5N-D CPU Socket 775 Before installing the CPU, make sure that the socket box is facing towards you and the load lever is on your left. 2. Press the load lever with your thumb (A), then move it to the left (B) until it is released from the retention tab. Retention tab Load lever A PnP cap B This side of the socket box should face you.
4. Lift the load plate with your thumb and forefinger to a 100º angle (A), then push the PnP cap from the load plate window to remove (B). B A Load plate Alignment key 5. Position the CPU over the socket, making sure that the gold triangle is on the bottom‑left corner of the socket then fit the socket alignment key into the CPU notch. CPU notch Gold triangle mark The CPU fits in only one correct orientation.
2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan The Intel LGA775 processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum ���������������������������������� thermal �������������������������� condition and performance. ® • When you buy a boxed Intel® processor, the package includes the CPU fan and heatsink assembly. If you buy a CPU separately, make sure that you use only Intel®‑certified multi‑directional heatsink and fan.
2. Push down two fasteners at a time in a diagonal sequence to secure the heatsink and fan assembly in place. B A A 3. A B B A B Connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. CPU FAN PWM CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWR GND ® P5N-D CPU_FAN P5N-D 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 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan: 1. 2. 3. 4. Disconnect the CPU fan cable from the connector on the motherboard. Rotate each fastener counterclockwise. Pull up two fasteners at a time in a diagonal sequence to disengage the heatsink and fan assembly from the motherboard. A B B A B A A B Carefully remove the heatsink and fan assembly from the motherboard.
5. Rotate each fastener clockwise to ensure correct orientation when reinstalling. Narrow end of the groove The narrow end of the groove should point outward after resetting. (The photo shows the groove shaded for emphasis.) Refer to the documentation in the boxed or stand-alone CPU fan package for detailed information on CPU fan installation.
2.4 System memory 2.4.1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. DIMM_B1 DIMM_B2 DIMM_A1 DIMM_A2 ® P5N-D 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.
• You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation. • Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum compatibility, it is recommended that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor.
P5N-D Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-800MHz capability Size Vendor 512MB KINGSTON 1024MB SS/DS Part No.
P5N-D Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-667MHz capability 2-16 Size Vendor 512MB KINGSTON 256MB Chip No. SS/DS Part No.
P5N-D Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-533MHz capability Size Vendor 512MB KINGSTON 1024MB Chip No. SS/DS Part No. DIMM support A* B* C* HYB18T512800AF37 SS KVR533D2N4/512 • • • KINGSTON D6408TPAGGL3U DS KVR533D2N4/1G • • • 2048MB KINGSTON E1108AB-6E-E DS KVR533D2N4/2G • • • 512MB Qimonda HYB18T512800BF37 SS HYS64T64000HU-3.7-B • • 1024MB Qimonda HYB18T512800BF37 DS HYS64T128020HU-3.
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. 2. 3. 3 Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the socket.
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. 3. 4. 5. 6.
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 x1 slots This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. Refer to the figure below for the location of the slots. 2.5.6 PCI Express 2.
2-22 • We recommend that you install a VGA card on the primary (blue) PCI Express slots, and install any other PCI Express device on the PCI Express slot (black). • Connect a rear chassis fan to the chassis (CHA_FAN1 or CHA_FAN2) connector when using two graphics cards for better thermal environment. See page 2-31 for details. • In single card mode, use either the blue or black slot for PCI Express x16 graphics cards to get better performance.
2.6 1. Jumpers Clear RTC RAM (3-pin 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 USBPW1-4, USBPW5-8) 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 USBPW1-4 jumpers are for the rear USB ports. The USBPW5-8 jumpers are for the internal USB connectors that you can connect to additional USB ports. ® P5N-D USBPW1-4 2 1 +5V (Default) 3 2 +5VSB USBPW5-8 1 2 P5N-D USB device wake up 3.
2.7 Connectors 2.7.1 Rear panel connectors 1 16 1. 2. 3. 4. 2 15 14 13 3 4 12 11 56 78 10 9 PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse. Parallel port. This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a scanner, or other devices. IEEE 1394a port. This 6-pin IEEE 1394a port provides high-speed connectivity for audio/video devices, storage peripherals, PCs, or portable devices. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub.
9. Microphone port (pink). This port connects a microphone. 10. Side Speaker Out port (gray). This port connects the side speakers in an 8-channel audio configuration. Refer to the audio configuration table below for the function of the audio ports in 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration. Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration Port Light Blue Lime Pink Orange Black Gray 11.
2.7.2 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. ® P5N-D Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable connection when using a FDD cable with a covered Pin 5. FLOPPY PIN 1 NOTE: Orient the red markings on the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1.
• Pin 20 on the IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole on the Ultra DMA cable connector. This prevents incorrect insertion when you connect the IDE cable. • Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 IDE devices. If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select,” make sure all other device jumpers have the same setting. 3. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1-4) These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk drives.
Right-angle side Connect the right-angle side of SATA signal cable to the SATA device, or connect the right‑angle side of the SATA cable to the onboard SATA port to avoid mechanical conflict with huge graphics cards. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78) PIN1 USB+5V USB_P5USB_P5+ GND P5N-D USB 2.0 connectors USB+5V USB_P8USB_P8+ GND NC USB78 USB+5V USB_P6USB_P6+ GND NC USB56 PIN1 USB+5V USB_P7USB_P7+ GND ® These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports.
IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2) ® This connector is for a IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IEEE 1394a module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. P5N-D 5. TPA1+ GND TPB1+ +12V IE1394_2 TPA1GND TPB1+12V GND P5N-D IEEE 1394a connector PIN 1 Never connect a USB cable to the IEEE 1394a connector.
7. CPU, chassis, power, and optional fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN1-2, 3-pin PWR_FAN) The fan connectors support cooling fans of 1A~2.2A (26.4 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.
• • • • • • For a fully configured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit (PSU) that complies with ATX 12V Specification 2.0 (or later version) and provides a minimum power of 550 W. Do not forget to connect the 4-pin ATX12V power plug; otherwise, the system will not boot. If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your system, refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator at http://support.asus.com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.
9. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.
11. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. +5V Ground Ground Speaker PLED- SPEAKER Reset Ground PWR Ground PANEL IDE_LED+ IDE_LED- ® P5N-D PLED+ PLED RESET IDE_LED PWRSW * Requires an ATX power supply.
12. ASUS Q-Connector (system panel) You can use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect chassis front panel cables in a few steps. Refer to the instructions below to install the ASUS QConnector. 1. Connect the front panel cables to the ASUS Q-Connector. Refer to the labels on the Q-Connector to know the detailed pin definitions, then match them to the respective front panel cable labels. 2.
2.7.3 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. Fit the fan to the grooved edge of the heatsink. 3. Connect the fan cable to the CHA_FAN connector. • • • 2-36 2. 4. Carefully push down the fan until it snugly fits the heatsink. The photo shows the fan installed on the motherboard.
This chapter describes the power up sequence, the vocal POST messages, and ways of shutting down the system.
3 Chapter summary 3.1 3.2 Starting up for the first time......................................................... 3-1 Turning off the computer..............................................................
3.1 Starting up for the first time 1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover. 3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis. 2. 4. 5. Be sure that all switches are off. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector. Turn on the devices in the following order: a. Monitor c. System power b. 6. 7.
3.2 Turning off the computer 3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function If you are using Windows® XP: 1. Click the Start button then select Turn Off Computer. 3. The power supply should turn off after Windows® shuts down. 2. Click the Turn Off button to shut down the computer. If you are using Windows® Vista: 1. 2. Click the Start button then select ShutDown. The power supply should turn off after Windows® shuts down. 3.2.
This chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
4 Chapter summary 4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS............................................. 4-1 4.2 BIOS setup program................................................................... 4-10 4.4 Advanced menu.......................................................................... 4-19 4.3 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 Main menu................................................................................... 4-14 Power menu...............................................................................
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.) 3. Award BIOS Flash Utility (Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a bootable floppy disk.) ASUS EZ Flash 2 (Updates the BIOS in DOS using a floppy disk or a USB flash disk.) 2.
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: 4-2 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. 5. From the FTP site, select the BIOS version that you wish to download. Click Next. 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. 3. 4. 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.
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 2 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. 2. 3. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard.
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. 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. 3. 4. 5. 4-6 Copy the AwardBIOS Flash Utility (awdflash.
6. Type the BIOS file name in the File Name to Program field, then press . AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.17 (C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved For C55-MCP51-P5N-D-00 Flash Type - DATE:10/31/2007 File Name to Program: P5N-D.bin Message: Do You Want To Save Bios (Y/N) 7. 8. Press when the utility prompts you to save the current BIOS file. The following screen appears.
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, CD ROM or a USB flash disk has enough disk space to save the file. To save the current BIOS file using the AwardBIOS Flash Utility: 1. 2. Follow steps 1 to 6 of the previous section. Press when the utility prompts you to save the current BIOS file.
4.1.6 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.
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 Advanced Power Configuration fields Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot Tools Exit System Time System Date Language 15 : 30 : 36 Sat, Oct 26 2007 [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 Advanced System Time System Date Language Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Power Boot Tools Exit 15 : 30 : 36 Thu, Apr 6 2006 [English] Legacy Diskette A: [1.44M, 3.5 in.] Legacy Diskette A: Primary IDE Master [ST321122A] Primary IDE SlaveDisabled [ASUS CDS520/A] ..... [ ] SATA1 720K , [None] 3.5 in. ..... [ ] SATA2 1.44M, [None] 3.5 in. .....
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 Advanced Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Power Boot Tools Exit System Time System Date Language 15 : 30 : 36 Sat, Oct 26 2007 [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 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 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 Advanced Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Power Boot Tools Exit Select Menu JumperFree Configuration AI NET2 CPU Configuration Chipset PCIPnP Onboard Device Configuration USB Configuration F1:Help ESC: Exit 4.4.
The following item becomes user-configurable when you set AI Tuning to [AI Overclock]. Overclock Options [Disabled] Allows you to set the overclocking options. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Overclock 5%] [Overclock 10%] [Overclock 15%] [Overclock 20%] The following items become user-configurable when you set AI Tuning to [Manual]. System Clocks This sub-menu allows you to adjust the system frequency-related items. Select an item, then press to edit.
HT Voltage [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1.20V] [1.22V] [1.24V]...[1.94V] [1.96V] NB Chipset Voltage [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1.20V] [1.22V] [1.24V]...[1.74V] [1.76V] SB Chipset Voltage [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1.50V] [1.52V] [1.54V]...[1.84V] [1.86V] FSB & Memory Config This sub-menu allows you to adjust the system frequency-related items. Select an item, then press to edit.
MEM (DDR), MHz [800] Allows you to set the Memory frequency. Adjust the value using <+> / <-> or the numeric keypad and press . Configuration options: [400 MHz]~[2600 MHz] Actual MEM (DDR), MHz 800.0 The Actual MEM (DDR) reflects the actual memory frequency that will take effect on a reboot. 4.4.
4.4.3 CPU Configuration Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced CPU Configuration CPU Type Genuine Intel(R) CPU CPU Speed 2.80GHz Cache RAM 1024K x2 CPU Internal Thermal Control [Disabled] Limited CPUID MaxVal [Disabled] Execute Disable Bit [Enabled] Virtualization Technology [Enabled] CPU Multiplier [8x] Enhanced Intel Speedstep(tm) Tech.
4.4.
tWTR [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]...[15] tREF [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] tRD [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]...[15] tRFC [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]...[127] Async Latency [Auto] Select [Auto] to auto detect the smallest latency to use for the asynchronize logic on memory read. Configuration options: [Auto] [1.00nS] [1.25nS] [1.50nS] [1.75nS] [2.00nS] [2.25nS] [2.
4.4.5 PCIPnP Advanced Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility PCIPnP Plug & Play O/S Primary Display Adapter Select Menu [No] [PCI] Item Specific Help Select Yes if you are using a Plug and Play capable operating system. Select No if you need the BIOS to configure non-boot devices. Plug & Play O/S [No] When set to [No], the BIOS configures all the devices in the system.
4.4.
SATA Port 3, 4 [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the onchip SATA1/SATA2 port. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] SATA2 DMA transfer access [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the SATA2 DMA transfer access. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] IDE Prefetch Mode [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the IDE PIO read prefetch mode. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] NVRAID Configuration This sub-menu allows you to change Serial ATA settings.
Onboard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the onboard LAN boot ROM. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Onboard 1394 [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the onboard 1394 device support. Configuration options: �������������������� [Disabled] [Enabled] Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address.
4.5 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 Advanced Power Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot Tools Exit ACPI Suspend Type ACPI APIC support APM Configuration Hardware Monitor F1:Help ESC: Exit 4.5.
4.5.
Date (of Month) Alarm [XX] To set the date of alarm, highlight this item and press to display the Date (of Month) Alarm pop-up menu. Key-in a value within the specified range then press . Value ‘0’ means everyday. Configuration options: [Min=0] [Max=31] Alarm Time (hh:mm) [ XX: XX: XX] To set the time of alarm, highlight ����������������������������������������������������������� this item and press to display the Alarm Time pop-up menu.
4.5.4 Hardware Monitor The items in this sub-menu displays the hardware monitor values automatically detected by the BIOS. It also allows you to change CPU Q-Fan feature-related parameters. Select an item then press to display the configuration options. Power Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Hardware Monitor x x CPU Q-Fan Control CPU Q-Fan Profile Chassis Q-Fan Control Chassis Q-Fan Profile Vcore Voltage 3.
Vcore Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard voltage regulators. Select [Ignored] if you do not want to detect this item. CPU Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] M/B 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.
4.6 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press to display the sub-menu. Main Advanced Power Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot Tools Exit Boot Device Priority Removable Drives Hard Disk Drives CDROM Drives Boot Settings Configuration Security F1:Help ESC: Exit 4.6.
4.6.3 Hard Disk Drives Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot Hard Disk Drives 1. SATA X: XXXXXXXXX Select Menu Item Specific Help 1. SATA X: XXXXXXXXX Allows you to assign hard disk drives attached to the system. 4.6.4 CDROM Drives Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot CDROM Drives 1. 1st Slave: XXXXXXXXX Select Menu Item Specific Help 1. 1st Slave: XXXXXXXXX Allows you to assign optical drives attached to the system.
4.6.
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. Configuration options: [Non-OS2] [OS2] Full Screen LOGO [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature.
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. The User password is required to boot the system preventing unauthorized use.
4.7 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 Advanced Power Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot Tools Exit ASUS O.C. Profile ASUS EZ Flash 2 F1:Help ESC: Exit 4.7.1 Select Menu Item Specific Help ↑↓ : Select Item -/+: Change Value →←: Select Menu Enter: Select Sub-menu F5: Setup Defaults F10: Save and Exit ASUS O.C.
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. 3. Enter BIOS setup program. Go to the “Tools” menu to select ASUS O.C. Profile > Load from File. Press then the setup screen will appear. 2. 4. 5. Turn on the system. Press to switch between drives before the correct “xxx.
ASUSTek O.C. Profile Utility B324 Current CMOS BOARD: P5N-D VER: 0107 DATE: 10/31/2007 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“. 4.7.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press , a confirmation message appears.
4.8 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 Advanced Power Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot Tools Exit Exit & Save Changes Exit & Discard Changes Load Setup Default Discard Changes F1:Help ESC: Exit ↑↓ : Select Item -/+: Change Value →←: Select Menu Enter: Select SubMenu Select Menu Item Specific Help This option save data to CMOS and exiting the setup menu.
4-44 Chapter 4: BIOS setup
This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with the motherboard package.
5 Chapter summary 5.1 Installing an operating system.................................................... 5-1 5.2 Support CD information............................................................... 5-1 5.4 RAID configurations................................................................... 5-29 5.3 5.5 Software information.................................................................... 5-9 Creating a RAID driver disk........................................................
5.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows® XP/Vista 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 - Installation Wizard for Drivers Launches the ASUS InstAll driver installation wizard. Nvidia Chipset Driver Program Installs the NVIDIA® Chipset drivers for the NVIDIA® nForce™ 750i SLI chipset. Realtek® Audio Driver Installs the Realtek® ALC883 audio driver and application.
5.2.3 Utilities menu The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports. ASUS InstAll-Installation Wizard for Utilities Installs all of the utilities through the Installation Wizard. ASUS PC Probe II This smart utility monitors the fan speed, CPU temperature, and system voltages, and alerts you of any detected problems. This utility helps you keep your computer in healthy operating condition. ASUS AI Suite Installs the ASUS AI Suite.
You can also install the following utilities from the ASUS Superb Software Library CD. Anti-Virus Utility The anti-virus application detects and protects your computer from viruses that destroys data. You can also download the utility by clicking the Security tab. Anti-Virus Utility Download Allows you to choose the language version and download the anti-virus application from the website. Corel Snapfire Plus SE Installs the Corel Snapfire Plus SE software.
Adobe Acrobat 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 9.0 driver. The Microsoft DirectX® 9.0 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.
5.2.5 Manual menu The Manual 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 ASUS Superb Software Library CD 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 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.
5.3 Software information 5.3.1 ASUS MyLogo2™ Most of the applications in the support CD 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. The ASUS MyLogo2™ utility lets you customize the boot logo. The boot logo is the image that appears on screen during the Power‑On Self-Test (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 Audio configurations The Realtek® ALC883 audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the ultimate audio experience on your computer. The software provides Jack-Sensing function, S/PDIF Out support, and interrupt capability. The ALC883also includes the Realtek® proprietary UAJ® (Universal Audio Jack) technology for all audio ports, eliminating cable connection errors and giving users plug and play convenience.
Information Click the information button ( ) to display information about the audio driver version, DirectX version, audio controller, audio codec, and language setting. Minimize Click the minimize button ( Exit Click the exit button ( ) to minimize the window. ) to exit the Realtek HD Audio Manager. Configuration options Click any of the tabs in this area to configure your audio settings.
Mixer The Mixer option allows you to configure audio output (playback) volume and audio input (record) volume. To set the mixer options: 1. 2. From the Realtek HD Audio Manager, click the Mixer tab. Turn the volume buttons to adjust the Playback and/or Record volume. The Mixer option activates voice input from all channels by default. Make sure to set all channels to mute ( ) if you do not want voice input. 3. 4.
Microphone The Microphone option allows you configure your input/output settings and to check if your audio devices are connected properly. To set the Microphone options: 1. 2. 3. 4. From the Realtek HD Audio Manager, click the Microphone tab. Click the Noise Suppression option button to reduce the static background noise when recording. Click the Acoustic Echo Cancellation option button to reduce the echo from the front speakers when recording. Click to effect the Microphone settings and exit.
5.3.3 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 i Button o n Functioin 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 physical memory. 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.
5.3.4 ASUS AI Suite ASUS AI Suite allows you to launch AI Gear 3, AI N.O.S., AI Booster, AI Nap, and Q-Fan 2 utilities easily. Install the ASUS EPU + AI Gear 3 Driver before the ASUS AI Suite utility. Otherwise, the ASUS AI Suite will not function properly. Installing AI Suite To install AI Suite on your computer: 1. 2. 3. Place the support CD to the optical drive. The Drivers installation tab appears if your computer has an enabled Autorun feature. Click the Utilities tab, then click AI Suite.
Other feature buttons Click on right corner of the main window to open the monitor window. Displays the CPU/ system temperature, CPU/memory/PCIE voltage, and CPU/ chassis fan speed Displays the FSB/CPU frequency Click on right corner of the expanded window to switch the temperature from degrees Centigrade to degrees Fahrenheit.
5.3.5 ASUS EPU Utility -- AI Gear 3 ASUS AI Gear 3 is a utility designed to configure and support all ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit) features. This easy-to-use utility provides four system performance profiles that adjusts the processor frequency and vCore voltage for different computing needs.
5.3.6 ASUS AI Nap This feature allows you to minimize the power consumption of your computer whenever you are away. Enable this feature for minimum power consumption and a more quiet system operation. After installing AI Suite from the bundled support CD, you can launch the utility by double-clicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows OS taskbar and click the AI Nap button on the AI Suite main window. Click Yes on the confirmation screen.
5.3.7 ASUS Q-Fan 2 This ASUS Q-Fan 2 Control feature allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU Q-Fan 2 or the Chassis Q-Fan 2 for more efficient system operation. After enabling the Q-Fan 2 function, the fans can be set to automatically adjust depending on the temperature, to decrease fan speed, or to achieve the maximum fan speed.
5.3.8 ASUS AI Booster The ASUS AI Booster application allows you to overclock the CPU speed in WIndows® environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS. After installing AI Suite from the bundled support CD, you can launch the utility by double-clicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows® OS taskbar and click the AI Booster button on the AI Suite main window.
5.3.9 ASUS AI Direct Link ASUS AI Direct Link allows you to form a computer-to-computer network via a network cable to share files with high transfer rate. You must first connect two computers (at least one of them is ASUS product) using a network cable, and then install the utility to both computers to avail the AI Direct Link feature. • • Turn off your firewall software other than Windows Firewall before launching AI Direct Link. The transfer rate is limited if you use a 10/100 LAN card.
4. Right click on the AI Direct Link icon and select Incoming folder > Open incoming folder. The AIDirectLinkIncoming folder opens. Put the files you want to share into this folder. The authorized user has full access to this folder. The default path of the AIDirectLinkIncoming folder is C:\Program Files\ASUS\AI Direct Link. To change its location, ������������������������������������������������ disable the incoming folder �������������������� first.
5.4 RAID configurations The motherboard comes with one RAID controllers that allow you to configure Serial ATA hard disk drives as RAID sets. • The NVIDIA® nForce™ 750i SLI Southbridge includes a high performance SATA RAID controller that supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5 and JBOD for four independent Serial ATA channels. 5.4.1 RAID definitions 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, first copy the RAID driver from the Support CD to a floppy disk before you install an operating system to a selected hard disk drive. Refer to section “5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk” for details. 5.4.2 NVIDIA® RAID configurations The motherboard includes a high performance SATA RAID controller integrated in the NVIDIA® nForce™ 750i SLI southbridge chipset.
Make sure to re-enter your NVRAID settings after the CMOS is cleared; otherwise, the system will not recognize your RAID setup. • • For detailed descriptions on the NVIDIA® RAID configuration, refer to the “NVIDIA® RAID User Guide” found in your motherboard Support CD. When using Windows® XP operating system, make sure to install the Windows® XP Service Pack 2 or later versions�. Entering the NVIDIA® RAID utility To enter the NVIDIA® RAID utility: 1. 2. Boot up your computer.
Creating a RAID Volume To create a RAID volume: 1. From the NVIDIA® RAID utility Define a New Array menu, select RAID Mode then press . The following submenu appears. Use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID mode then press . 2. Press select the Striping Block then press .
NVIDIA RAID Utility Oct 5 2004 - Array List Boot Id Status Vendor Array Model Name No 4 Healthy NVIDIA MIRROR [Ctrl-X]Exit 6. [↑↓]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. 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.
2. A new set of navigation keys is displayed on the bottom of the screen. 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 Adapt Channel M/S Index Disk Model Name Capacity 2 1 1 0 Master Master 0 1 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX.XXGB XXX.XXGB [R] Rebuild 2.
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 Adapt Channel M/S Index Disk Model Name Capacity 2 1 1 0 Master Master 0 1 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX.XXGB XXX.XXGB [R] Rebuild 2.
5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk A floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows® XP/Vista 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 CD into the CD-ROM drive. 3. From the Make Disk menu, select the RAID driver disk you want to create or browse the contents of the support CD to locate the driver disk utility. 2. Select Make Disk tab. Refer to section “5.2.4 Make Disk menu” for details. 4.
5-38 Chapter 5: Software support
This chapter tells how to install SLI‑ready PCI Express graphics cards.
Chapter summary 6.1 6.2 Overview........................................................................................ 6-1 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. 6-2 Remove the metal bracket covers opposite the two PCI Express x16 slots.
3. Insert one graphics card into one of the blue slots (PCIEX16_1). Make sure that the card is properly seated on the slot. 4. Insert the second graphics card into the other slot (PCIEX16_2). 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 8. 9. 6-6 Click the Enable SLI multi-GPU check box. Click OK when done.
The Appendix describes the CPU features and technologies that the motherboard supports.
A Chapter summary A.1 Intel EM64T...................................................................................A-1 A.3 Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology............................................A-3 A.2 ® Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology (EIST).........................
A.1 Intel® EM64T • The motherboard is fully compatible with Intel® LGA775 processors running on 32-bit operating systems. • The motherboard comes with a BIOS file that supports EM64T. You can download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website (www.asus.com/ support/download/) if you need to update the BIOS file. See Chapter 4 for details. • Visit www.intel.com for more information on the EM64T feature. • Visit www.microsoft.com for more information on Windows® 64-bit OS.
A.2.2 Using the EIST To use the EIST feature: 1. Turn on the computer, then enter the BIOS Setup. 3. Set the Intel(R) SpeedStep (TM) Tech. item to [Automatic], then press . See page 4-22 for details. 2. 4. 5. 6. Go to the Advanced Menu, highlight CPU Configuration, then press . Press to save your changes and exit the BIOS setup. After the computer restarts, right click on a blank space on the desktop, then select Properties from the pop-up menu.
A.3 Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology • The motherboard supports Intel® Pentium® 4 LGA775 processors with Hyper-Threading Technology. • Hyper-Threading Technology is supported under Windows® Vista/XP and Linux 2.4.x (kernel) and later versions only. Under Linux, use the HyperThreading compiler to compile the code. If you are using any other operating systems, disable the Hyper-Threading Technology item in the BIOS to ensure system stability and performance.
A-4 Appendix: CPU features
