A7N8X-XE User Guide Motherboard E2126 First Edition July 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"). Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing. ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT. SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT. Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identification or explanation and to the owners benefit, without intent to infringe. ii Contents Notices ...........................................................................................................v Safety Information..........................................................................................vi About This Guide .......................................................................................... vii A7N8X-XE Specifications Summary ............................................................ viii Chapter 1: 1.1 1.2 1.3 Product Introduction 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 1.10 Welcome! ....................................................................................... 1-2 Package Contents .......................................................................... 1-2 Special Features ............................................................................ 1-2 1.3.1 Product highlights ........................................................... 1-2 1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ............................................... 1-4 Before You Proceed ....................................................................... 1-5 Motherboard Overview ................................................................... 1-6 1.5.1 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 1-6 1.5.2 Placement direction ........................................................ 1-7 1.5.3 Screw holes .................................................................... 1-7 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ...................................................... 1-8 1.6.1 Overview ......................................................................... 1-8 1.6.2 Installing the CPU ........................................................... 1-8 System Memory ............................................................................. 1-9 1.7.1 Overview ......................................................................... 1-9 1.7.2 Memory configurations.................................................... 1-9 1.7.3 Installing a DIMM ...........................................................1-11 1.7.4 Removing a DIMM .........................................................1-11 Expansion Slots ........................................................................... 1-12 1.8.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 1-12 1.8.2 Configuring an expansion card ..................................... 1-12 1.8.3 AGP slot ........................................................................ 1-14 1.8.4 PCI slots........................................................................ 1-14 Jumpers ....................................................................................... 1-15 Connectors ................................................................................... 1-17 1.10.1 Rear panel connectors .................................................. 1-17 1.10.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 1-18 iii Contents Chapter 2: 2.1 BIOS Setup 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 3.1 3.2 Managing and Updating Your BIOS ............................................... 2-2 2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk....................................... 2-2 2.1.2 Using AFUDOS to copy the current BIOS....................... 2-3 2.1.3 Using AFUDOS to update the BIOS ............................... 2-3 2.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS utility ......................................... 2-5 2.1.5 Using ASUS EZ Flash to update the BIOS ..................... 2-6 2.1.6 ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 2-7 BIOS Setup Program ..................................................................... 2-9 2.2.1 BIOS menu bar ............................................................... 2-8 2.2.2 Navigation keys............................................................. 2-10 Main Menu ................................................................................... 2-12 Advanced Menu ........................................................................... 2-15 2.4.1 JumperFree Configuration ............................................ 2-15 2.4.2 USB ConfigurationMemory Configuration ..................... 2-16 2.4.3 CPU Configuration ........................................................ 2-17 2.4.4 Chipset .......................................................................... 2-17 2.4.5 Onboard Devices Configuration .................................... 2-21 2.4.6 PCIPnP ......................................................................... 2-22 Power Menu ................................................................................. 2-23 2.5.1 APM Configuration ........................................................ 2-24 2.5.2 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 2-26 Boot Menu .................................................................................... 2-27 2.6.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 2-27 2.6.2 Boot Settings Configuration .......................................... 2-28 2.6.3 Security ......................................................................... 2-29 Exit Menu ..................................................................................... 2-31 Chapter 3: Software Support Installing An Operating System ...................................................... 3-2 Support CD Information ................................................................. 3-2 3.2.1 Running the support CD ................................................. 3-2 3.2.2 Drivers menu................................................................... 3-3 3.2.3 Utilities menu .................................................................. 3-3 3.2.4 Contacts menu ................................................................ 3-4 iv Notices Federal Communications Commission Statement This device complies with FCC Rules Part 15. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: · · This device may not cause harmful interference, and This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer s instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: · · · · Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the users authority to operate this equipment. Canadian Department of Communications Statement This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications. This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. v 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. Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all power cables are unplugged. Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit. Make sure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power company. If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified service technician or your retailer. · · · · Operation safety · · · · · · Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals that came with the package. Before using the product, make sure all cables are correctly connected and the power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately. To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry. Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area where it may become wet. Place the product on a stable surface. If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified service technician or your retailer. vi About This Guide How this guide is organized This manual contains the following parts: · Chapter 1: Product Introduction This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports. It also lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes description of the jumpers and connectors on the motherboard. Chapter 2: BIOS Information This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided. Chapter 3: Software Support This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with the motherboard package. · · Conventions used in this guide To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this guide. WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task. CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task. IMPORTANT: Information that you MUST follow to complete a task. NOTE: Tips and additional information to aid in completing a task. Where to find more information Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. 1. 2. ASUS websites The ASUS websites worldwide provide updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information. Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the standard package. vii A7N8X-XE Specifications Summary CPU Chipset Front Side Bus (FSB) Memory Socket A for AMD AthlonTM XP/SempronTM DuronTM processors NVIDIA® nForce 2 Ultra 400 NVIDIA® nForce 2 MCP-RAID 400/333/266 MHz 3 x 184-pin DDR DIMM Dockets for up to 3GB memory Support DDR 400/333/266, non-ECC, un-buffered memory Support Dual Channel Architecture 1 x AGP 8X 5 x PCI 2 x UltraDMA 133/100/66/33 2 x Serial ATA, RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0 + 1 support C-Media CMI9761A 6-channel CODEC S/PDIF out interface Realtek RTL8201BL 10/100Mbps LAN PHY Supports up to eight USB 2.0 ports ASUS C.P.R. ASUS C.O.P. (CPU Overheating Protection) ASUS MyLogo2 SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection) from 200MHz up to 400MHz at 1MHz increment 1 x Parallel port 1 x Serial (COM1) port 1 x PS/2 Keyboard port (purple) 1 x PS/2 Mouse port (green) 1 x Audio I/O port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port 1 x S/PDIF Out (Coaxial) port 4 x USB 2.0 ports 1 x Floppy disk drive connector 2 x IDE connectors 2 x Serial ATA connectors 2 x USB connectors supports additional 4 USB ports 20-pin ATX power connector CD/AUX audio in connectors CPU/Chassis FAN connectors Front panel audio connector 4 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.3, ASUS EZ Flash, ASUS CrashFree BIOS PCI 2.2, USB 2.0/1.1 WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME (continued next page) Expansion Slots Storage Audio LAN USB ASUS Special features Rear panel I/O ports Internal I/O connectors BIOS features Industry standard Manageability viii A7N8X-XE Specifications Summary Support CD Drivers ASUS PC Probe Anti-Virus Software ASUS LiveUpdate Users Manual UltraDMA cable FDD cable I/O shield SATA cable ATX, 12" x 7.8" (30.5cm x 19.8cm) Accessary Form factor * Specifications are subject to change without notice. ix x This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports. Product Introduction 1 1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS® A7N8X-XE 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 Cables Package contents ASUS A7N8X-XE motherboard Serial ATA signal cable and Serial ATA power cable Ultra DMA cable Floppy Disk Drive cable I/O shield ASUS motherboard support CD User guide Check your motherboard package for the following items. Motherboard Accessories Application CDs Documentation If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer. 1.3 1.3.1 Special features Product highlights 400 MHz FSB Athlon XP CPU Support The motherboard supports 400MHz front side bus frequency for AMDs Athlon XP and Sempron processors allowing increased office productivity and enhanced digital media experience. See page 1-8. Dual-Channel DDR 400 The 128-bit TwinBank DDR Memory architecture doubles the DDR 400 (PC3200) bandwidth. System bottlenecks are eliminated with balanced architecture and peak bandwidths up to 6.4 GB/s. See page 1-9 for details. 1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction Serial ATA technology Serial ATA is the next generation ATA specification that provides scalable performance for today and tomorrow. With up to 150MB/s data transfer rate, Serial ATA is faster than current Parallel ATA, while providing 100% software compatibility. A7N8X-XE supports RAID 0, RAID 1 and RAID 0 + 1. See page 1-19 for details. Integrated 10/100 LAN controller A 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet controller is embedded in this motherboard to give you a fast and reliable connection to a local area network (LAN) and the Internet. See page 1-20 Coaxial S/PDIF out This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio systems via an coaxial S/PDIF-out (SONY-PHILIPS Digital Interface) jack. it allows to transfer digital audio without converting to analog format and keeps the best signal quality. See page 1-17 for details. USB 2.0 technology USB 2.0 is the latest connectivity standard for next generation components and peripherals. Backwards compatible with current USB 1.1 peripherals, USB 2.0 delivers transfer speeds up to 40 times faster at 480 MB/s, for easy connectivity and ultra-fast data transfer rate. See pages1-17 & 1-20 for details. AGP8X AGP8X (AGP 3.0) is the mainstream VGA interface specification that enables enhanced graphices performance with high bandwidth up to 2.13 GB/s. See page 1-14 for details. ASUS A7N8X-XE Motherboard 1-3 1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features CrashFree BIOS CrashFree BIOS allows users to restore BIOS data from a floppy diskette even when BIOS code and data are corrupted during upgrade or invaded by virus. Unlike other competing vendors products, ASUS motherboards now enable users to enjoy this protection feature without the need to pay for an extra ROM. See page 2-5 for details. ASUS EZ Flash BIOS With ASUS EZ Flash, you can update BIOS before entering operating system. No more DOS-based flash utility and bootable diskette required. See page 2-6 for details. ASUS C.O.P. (CPU Overheating Protection) The ASUS C.O.P. (CPU Overheating Protection) is a hardware protection circuit that automatically shuts down the system power before temperatures go high enough to permanently damage the CPU. See page 2-26 for details. C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) When the system hangs due to overclocking failure, there is no need to open the case to clear CMOS data. Just simply restrart the system, the BIOS would show the previous setting and then users can amend the CPU setting again. ASUS MyLogo 2 You can convert your favorite photo into a 256-color boot logo for a more colorful and vivid image on your screen. 1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.4 Before you proceed · · 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. Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the bag that came with the component. Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or components. Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. · · · ASUS A7N8X-XE Motherboard 1-5 1.5 1.5.1 Motherboard overview Motherboard layout 19.9cm (7.8in) PS/2KBMS PS2USBPW T: Mouse B: Keyboard Socket 462 CPU_FAN SPDIF_O PARALLEL PORT DDR DIMMA2 (64 bit,184-pin module) COM1 USB34 nVidia nForce 2 Ultra 400 FSB_SEL0 FSB_SEL1 LAN_USB12 Top:Line In Center:Line Out Bottom:Mic In DDR DIMMA1 (64 bit,184-pin module) DDR DIMMB1 (64 bit,184-pin module) CD ATXPWR CLRTC CR2032 3V Lithium Cell CMOS Power AUX AGP PCI1 REALTEK RTL8201BL SATA2 Super I/O PCI2 A7N8X-XE PCI3 MCP-RAID SATA1 4Mb BIOS IDE1 PCI4 USB56 IDE2 CM19761A PCI5 FP_AUDIO JR1JL1 USB78 CHA_FAN FLOPPY PANEL 1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 30.5cm (12.0in) 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 seven screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis. Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard. Place this side towards-the rear of the chassis A7N8X-XE ASUS A7N8X-XE Motherboard 1-7 1.6 1.6.1 Central Processing Unit (CPU) Overview The motherboard has a Socket A for installation. The AMD AthlonTM/SempronTM /DuronTM CPU has a "marked" corner. This corner is usually indicated with a notch, and/or a golden square or triangle. Refer to this indicator when orienting the CPU. A fan and heatsink should be installed on top of the CPU to prevent overheating. Do not use processors with core speeds of less than 1GHz. CPU NOTCH TO INNER CORNER LOCK LEVER ® A7N8X-XE AMDTM CPU A7N8X-XE CPU Socket 462 CPU NOTCH 1.6.2 1. Installing the CPU Golden corner Follow these steps to install a CPU: Locate the CPU socket. Open the socket by pulling the lever gently sideways away from the socket, then lift the lever upwards to a 90 to 100-degree angle. Insert the CPU with the correct orientation. The notched or golden corner of the CPU must be oriented toward the inner corner of the socket base nearest to the lever hinge. The CPU should drop easily into place. Do not force the CPU into the socket to avoid bending the pins. If the CPU does not fit, check its alignment and look for bent pins. 2. 1-8 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.7 1.7.1 System memory Overview The motherboard has three Double Data Rate (DDR) DIMM sockets that support up to 3 GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR400/333/266 DDR SDRAM DIMMs. Each DIMM socket is double-sided. DIMMA1 DIMMA2 DIMMB1 ® A7N8X-XE A7N8X-XE 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets 1.7.2 Memory configurations You may install single or double-sided 64 MB, 128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB, and 1 GB DDR DIMMs to the sockets. Table 1 Recommended memory configurations Mode Single-channel (2) (3) Dual-channel* (1) (2) (3) DIMM_A1 (1) Populated -- -- Populated -- Populated Sockets DIMM_A2 -- Populated -- -- Populated Populated DIMM_B1 -- -- Populated Populated Populated Populated 1. DIMMs with more than 8 devices on each side of the module are not supported. 2. Make sure the memory frequency and bus frequency setting in the BIOS are the same or set to [Auto] ensure system stability. 3. A DDR DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction. DO NOT force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM. 4. For optimum compatibility, it is recommended that you obtain memory modules from qualified vendors. See the next page for a list of qualified DDR400 DIMM vendors. 5. Visit ASUS website (www.asus.com) for latest DDR400 Qualified Vendor List. ASUS A7N8X-XE Motherboard 1-9 DDR400 Qualified Vendors List Size 256MB 256MB 256MB 512MB 512MB 512MB 512MB 256MB 256MB 512MB 256MB 512MB 256MB 512MB 256MB 512MB 256MB 256MB 512MB 256MB 512MB 512MB 512MB 512MB 256MB 256MB 512MB 256MB 512MB 256MB 512MB Vendor Kingston Kingston Kingston Kingston Kingston Kingston Kingston Kingston Infineon Infineon Infineon Infineon HY HY HY HY Corsair Corsair Corsair Corsair Corsair Corsair Corsair Micron Micron Micron Micron Model KVR333X64C25/256 KVR333X64C25/256 KVR333X64C25/256 KVR333X64C25/512 KVR333X64C25/512 KVR400X64C3A/512 KVR400X64C3A/512 KVR400X64C3A/256 HYS64D32300GU-5-C HYS64D64320GU-5-C HYS64D32300GU-5-C HYS64D64320GU-6-C DDR400-256 DDR400-512 DDR333-256 DDR333-512 VS256MB400 XMS3202v3.1 VS512MB400 VS256MB333 XMS2702v3.1 XMS2702v1.2 VS512MB333 MT16VDDT6464AG-335GB MT8VDDT3264AG-335GB MT8VDDT3264AG-40BGB MT16VDDT6464AG-40BCB CL Brand N/A Kingston N/A Hynix N/A Hynix N/A Kingston N/A Hynix N/A Hynix N/A Kingston N/A Hynix Infineon Infineon N/A Infineon N/A Infineon N/A Hynix N/A Hynix N/A Hynix N/A Hynix Infineon N/A Samsung Mosel Winbond N/A Micron Micron Micron Micron Samsung Samsung Samsung Samsung SS/DS Component SS SS DS DS DS DS DS SS SS DS SS DS SS DS SS DS SS SS DS DS DS SS SS DS SS DS SS DS D3208DH1T-6 HY5DU56822BT-J HY5DU56822BT-D43 D3208DH1T-6 HY5DU56822BT-J HY5DU56822BT-D43 D3208DH1T-5 HY5DU56822BT-D43 DIMM socket support (Optional) A* B* C* Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass HYB25D256800CE-5C Pass HYB25D256800CE-5C Pass HYB25D256800CE-5C Pass HYB25D256800CE-6C Pass HY5DU56822BT-D43 HY5DU56822BT-D43 HY5DU56822BT-J HY5DU56822BT-J VS32M8-5 2B0409 VS32M8-5 2B0402 K4H5608380-TCB3 V58C2256804SAT6 W942508CH-6 VS32M8-6 2B0412 MT46V32M8TG-6TG MT46V32M8TG-6TG MT46V32M8TG-5BG MT46V32M8TG-5BC K4H560838F-TCCC K4H560838F-TCCC K4H560838F-TCB3 K4H560838F-TCB3 Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass Pass N/A Value select SS N/A Value select DS HYB25D256807BT-5B Pass N/A Value select DS Samsung M368L3223FTN-CCC Samsung M368L6423FTN-CCC Samsung M368L3223FTN-CB3 Samsung M368L6423FTN-CB3 1-10 Chapter 1: Product Introduction