Asus P4S8X User Manual
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Asus P4S8X User Manual

Asus P4S8X User Manual

Asus computer hardware user manual
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  • Page 1 ® P4S8X User Manual...
  • Page 2 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.

  • Page 3: How This Guide Is Organized

    About this guide This user manual contains complete information for installing the ASUS P4S8X motherboard. How this guide is organized • Chapter 1: Product introduction. A summary of product features and special attributes of new technologies. • Chapter 2: Hardware information. A list of hardware setup procedures and descriptions of all jumpers and connectors on the motherboard.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    How this guide is organized ... iii Conventions used in this guide ... iii Safety information ... vi FCC/CDC statements ... vii ASUS contact information ... viii Chapter 1: Product introduction ... 1 Welcome! ... 1 1.1 Package contents ... 1 1.2 Core Specifications ...
  • Page 5 Chapter 5: Software support ... 81 5.1 Install an operating system ... 81 5.2 Support CD information ...81 5.3 P4S8X Motherboard Support CD ... 82 5.4 Using the Promise Chip for RAID 0 or 1 ... 84 5.5 Manual Installation of IDE/RAID Drivers ... 92 5.6 ASUS PC Probe ...94...

  • Page 6: Safety Information

    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.

  • Page 7: Fcc/Cdc Statements

    FCC/CDC statements 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.

  • Page 8: Asus Contact Information

    General Fax: General Email: Technical Support: MB/Others (Tel): Notebook (Tel): Desktop/Server (Tel): Support Fax: Support Email: Web Site: Newsgroup: ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America) Address: General Fax: General Email: Technical Support: Support Fax: General Support: Notebook Support: Web Site: Support Email:...

  • Page 9: Chapter 1: Product Introduction

    Chapter 1 Product introduction...
  • Page 10 ASUS P4S8X motherboard...

  • Page 11: Welcome

    Welcome! Thank you for buying the ASUS The ASUS P4S8X motherboard delivers a host of new features to ensure long-lasting, superlative performance. The ASUS the prime choice for home PCs and workstations. The P4S8X incorporates the Intel SiS 648 chipset to set a new benchmark for an effective desktop platform solution.

  • Page 12: Core Specifications

    Core Specifications The P4S8X motherboard is designed and assembled according to the highest standards. This ASUS motherboard represents the latest advances to supply users the finest componentry available today... Latest 533MHz P4 Processor Technology: Intel Pentium 4 Socket 478 Northwood/Willamette Processor. The Pentium 4 processor utilizes the advanced 0.18 micron processor core in FC-PGA2 package for a...

  • Page 13: Special Features

    ™ ASUS EZ Plug This patented ASUS technology uses the existing power supply instead of having to buy a new ATX 12V power supply: ASUS EZ Plug™ is a 4-pin +12V connector that provides additional power required by P4 CPUs.

  • Page 14: Motherboard Components

    Motherboard Components Before installing the P4S8X motherboard, take time to familiarize yourself with its configuration. Processor Support Socket 478 for Intel Chipsets Serial ATA Controller(Optional) ... 17 Audio Controller(Optional) ... 24 Multi-I/O Controller ... 27 4Mbit Programmable Flash EEPROM ... 28 Realtek 1394 PHY (Optional) ...

  • Page 15: Component Locations

    1.4.1 Component Locations ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide...

  • Page 16: Value-Added Solutions

    NOTICE: USB 2.0 functions are not supported under Win98 and WinME. Temperature, Fan and Voltage Monitoring: CPU temperature is monitored by the ASUS ASIC through the CPU’s internal thermal diode to prevent overheating and damage. All system fans are monitored for RPM and failure.

  • Page 17: Chapter 2: Hardware Information

    Chapter 2 Hardware information...
  • Page 18 ASUS P4S8X motherboard...

  • Page 19: Motherboard Installation

    Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard fits into it. The P4S8X uses the ATX form factor that measures 30.5 cm (12.0 in.) x 21.9 cm (8.6 in.), a standard fit for most chassis.

  • Page 20: Motherboard Layout

    The audio and LAN features are optional. These components are grayed out in the above motherboard layout. 21.9cm (8.6in) ATX Power Connector CPU_FAN PWR_FAN1 SiS648 HOST/ Memory Controller Accelerated Graphics Port PCI1 P4S8X PCI2 PCI3 PCI4 ® PCI5 PCI6 USBPWR_56 COM2 FLOPPY Chapter 2: Hardware information SiS963...

  • Page 21: Layout Contents

    40 System Warning Speaker Lead (4 pin) 27) SMI p. 40 System Management Interrupt Lead (2 pin) 28) PWRSW p. 40 ATX Power Switch / Soft-Off Switch Lead (2 pin) 29) RESET p. 40 Reset Switch Lead (2-pin) ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide...

  • Page 22: Before You Proceed

    PC is in suspend or soft-off mode. The RED onboard warning LED lights up only if the wrong type of AGP card is connected to the board: (See AGP 8X, p. 23) P4S8X ® P4S8X Onboard LED AGP_WARN Incorrect Correct AGP Card...

  • Page 23: Central Processing Unit (Cpu)

    This mark indicates the processor Pin 1 that should match a specific corner of the CPU socket. Incorrect installation of the CPU into the socket may bend the pins and severely damage the CPU! ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide ® ® Gold Mark...

  • Page 24: Installing The Cpu

    2.4.2 Installing the CPU Follow these steps to install a CPU. 1. Locate the 478-pin ZIF socket on the motherboard. 2. Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sideways, then lift it up to a 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.
  • Page 25 5. When the CPU is in place, press it firmly on the socket while you push down the socket lever to secure the CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab to indicate that it is locked. ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide Gold Mark...

  • Page 26: Installing The Heatsink And Fan

    2.4.3 Installing the heatsink and fan The Intel Pentium 4 478/Northwood Processor requires a specially ® ® designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance. When you buy a boxed Intel Pentium 4 478/Northwood Processor, the package includes the heatsink, fan, and retention mechanism.
  • Page 27 Retention Lock Keep the retention locks lifted upward while fitting the retention mechanism to the module base. ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide Retention Hole Retention Hook Snapped to the Retention Hole...

  • Page 28: Connecting The Cpu Fan Cable

    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. 2.4.4 Connecting the CPU fan cable When the fan, heatsink, and the retention mechanism are in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPUFAN.

  • Page 29: System Memory

    DIMMs. P4S8X ® P4S8X 184-Pin DDR DIMM Sockets 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. The DDR SDRAM technology evolved from the mainstream PC66, PC100, PC133 memory known as Single Data Rate (SDR) SDRAM.

  • Page 30: Memory Configurations

    MT16VDDT3264AG-335B1 Use only the tested and qualified DDR333 DIMMs listed above. Other DDR DIMMs manufactured by other vendors may not be suitable for this motherboard. Visit the ASUS website for the latest qualified DDR module list. 184-pin DDR DIMM 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB...

  • Page 31: Installing A Dimm

    2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the socket. 3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the socket until the retaining clips snap back in place and the DIMM is properly seated. ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide Unlocked Retaining Clip Locked Retaining Clip...

  • Page 32: Removing A Dimm

    2.5.4 Removing a DIMM Follow these steps to remove a DIMM. 1. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to unlock the DIMM. Support the DIMM lightly with your fingers when pressing the retaining clips. The DIMM might get damaged when it flips out with extra force. 2.

  • Page 33: Expansion Slots

    4. Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is completely seated on the slot. 5. Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier. 6. Replace the system cover. ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide...

  • Page 34: Configuring An Expansion Card

    2.6.2 Configuring an expansion card After physically installing the expansion card, configure the card by adjusting the software settings. 1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See Chapter 4 for information on BIOS setup. 2.

  • Page 35: Pci Slots

    3.3V card is inserted, the red LED warning light lights up and the board will not power up; use only 1.5V AGP cards! To avoid damaging your AGP graphics card, your computer’s power supply should be unplugged before inserting your graphics card into the slot. ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide...

  • Page 36: Jumpers

    The total current consumed must NOT exceed the power supply capability (+5VSB) whether under normal condition or in sleep mode. Also note that ONLY USB +5VSB can support S3 resume function. P4S8X ® P4S8X USB Device Wake Up USBPWR_34 USBPWR_12 +5VSB (Default) USBPWR_56...
  • Page 37 Out jack and the audio cable. P4S8X ® P4S8X Internal Line Out Selector 3. Keyboard Wake Up (3 pin KBPWR) This allows you to disable or enable the keyboard power up function. Set this jumper to Enable if you wish to use your keyboard (by pressing <Spacebar>) to power up your computer.
  • Page 38 Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer. Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-enter data. P4S8X ® P4S8X Clear RTC RAM CLRTC Normal Clear CMOS (Default) Chapter 2: Hardware information...

  • Page 39: Connectors

    This connection is for a standard keyboard using an PS/2 plug (mini DIN). This connector does not allow standard AT size (large DIN) keyboard plugs. You may use a DIN to mini DIN adapter on standard AT keyboards. PS/2 Keyboard (6-pin Female) ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide...
  • Page 40 3. Universal Serial Bus Ports 1 and 2 (Black, Two x 4-pin USB) Four USB ports are available for connecting USB devices. USB 0 USB 1 4. Parallel Port (Burgundy 25-pin PRINTER) You can enable the parallel port and choose the IRQ through Onboard Parallel Port (see 4.4.2 I/O Device Configuration).
  • Page 41 NOTE! The functions of the audio connectors Line Out, Line In, and Mic change when the 6-channel audio feature is enabled. Refer to Chapter 5. SOFTWARE SETUP. ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide Serial Ports (9-pin Male) COM2 PIN 1...
  • Page 42 LED to light up. P4S8X ® P4S8X IDE Activity LED Some pins are used for connectors or power sources. These are clearly distinguished from jumpers in the Motherboard Layout. Placing jumper caps over these connector pins will cause damage to your motherboard.
  • Page 43 Pin 1 is usually on the side closest to the power connector on hard drives and CD-ROM drives, but may be on the opposite side on floppy disk drives. ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide PIN 1 NOTE: Orient the red markings (usually zigzag) on the IDE ribbon cable to PIN 1.
  • Page 44 (Pin 5 is removed to prevent incorrect insertion when using ribbon cables with pin 5 plug). P4S8X ® P4S8X Floppy Disk Drive Connector 12. CPU and Chassis Fan Connectors (3 x 3-pin CHA_FAN,CPA_FAN, PWR_FAN) The two fan connectors support cooling fans of 350mA (4.2 Watts) or a total of 1A (12W) at +12V.
  • Page 45 If you are using a standard ATX power supply that does not have the added ATX +12V plug, then simply connect one of the 4-pin device power plugs into the ASUS EZ Plug™ connector labeled AUX12V. Make sure that your ATX 12V power supply can provide at least 8A on the +12V lead and at least 1A on the +5-volt standby lead (+5VSB).
  • Page 46 P4S8X ® P4S8X USB 2.0 Header 15. Internal audio connectors (4-pin CD, AUX, MODEM) (optional) These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card. The MODEM connector allows the onboard audio to interface with a voice modem card with a similar connector.
  • Page 47 Use the five pins as shown in Back View and connect a ribbon cable from the module to the motherboard SIR connector according to the pin definitions. P4S8X ® P4S8X Infrared Module Connector ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide SPDIF SPDIF_IN SPDIF_OUT IR_CON Front View...
  • Page 48 LDCM. When not using the chassis intrusion lead, place a jumper cap over the pins to close the circuit. Removing the jumper cap will prevent the system from booting up. CHASSIS P4S8X Chassis Signal +5VSB_MB ® P4S8X Chassis Alarm Lead Chapter 2: Hardware information...
  • Page 49 PRI_ATA133 connector along with one HDD to each serial ATA connector in a RAID 0 array. (See pages 31 and 82 for more information about RAID setups.) P4S8X ® P4S8X SATA Connectors ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide SMBDATA Ground SMBCLK FLOATING SEC_SATA...
  • Page 50 Configuration” for details. P4S8X ® P4S8X Smartcard 23. Game Connector (16-1 pin GAME) This connector supports an external game port. An example of a PCI game port is illustrated. P4S8X ® P4S8X Game Connector SMARTCON GAME Chapter 2: Hardware information...
  • Page 51 FP_LO_SWL jumpers if you installed the Intel front panel audio cable. Refer to page 25 for the location of the audio jumpers. P4S8X ® P4S8X Audio Panel Connector ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide ® front panel audio cable that supplies FP_AUDIO LineOut_RL...
  • Page 52 The following diagram illustrates items 25-29: P4S8X ® P4S8X System Panel Connectors 25. System Power LED Lead (3-1 pin PLED) This connector supplies the system power LED. The LED lights up when the system power is on, and the LED blinks when the system is in sleep or soft-off mode.

  • Page 53: Chapter 3: Powering Up

    Chapter 3 Powering up...
  • Page 54 ASUS P4S8X motherboard...

  • Page 55: Starting Up For The First Time

    High frequency beeps when system is working You will not hear the BIOS beeps when the ASUS POST Reporter is enabled. You will hear the vocal POST messages instead. 8. At power on, hold down <Delete> to enter BIOS Setup. Follow the instructions in Chapter 4.

  • Page 56: Vocal Post Messages

    Vocal POST Messages This motherboard includes the Winbond speech controller to support a special feature called the ASUS POST Reporter™. This feature gives you vocal POST messages and alerts to inform you of system events and boot status. In case of a boot failure, you will hear the specific cause of the problem.
  • Page 57 System completed Power-On Self Test • No action required Computer now booting from operating • No action required system You may disable the ASUS POST Reporter in the BIOS setup. See section “4.4.2 I/O Device Configuration”. ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide Action •...

  • Page 58: Powering Off The Computer

    Powering off the computer You must first exit the operating system and shut down the system before switching off the power. For ATX power supplies, you can press the ATX power switch after exiting or shutting down the operating system. If you use Windows 95/98/2000/XP, click the Start button, click Shut Down, then click the OK button to shut down the computer.

  • Page 59: Chapter 4: Bios Setup

    Chapter 4 BIOS setup...
  • Page 60 ASUS P4S8X motherboard...

  • Page 61: Managing And Updating Your Bios

    BIOS later. 4.1.1 Using ASUS EZ Flash to update the BIOS The ASUS EZ Flash feature allows you to easily update the BIOS without having to go through the long process of booting from a diskette and using a DOS-based utility. The EZ Flash is built-in the BIOS firmware so it is accessible by simply pressing <Alt>...
  • Page 62 5. At the prompt, “Please Enter File Name for NEW BIOS: _” BIOS file name that you downloaded from the ASUS website, then press <Enter>. EZ Flash will automatically access drive A to look for the file name that you typed. When found, the following message appears on screen.

  • Page 63: Using Aflash From A Floppy Disk

    6. Select 1. Save Current BIOS to File from the Main menu and press <Enter>. The Save Current BIOS To File screen appears. 7. Type a filename and the path, for example, A:\XXX-XX.XXX, then press <Enter>. ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide...

  • Page 64: Updating Bios Procedures

    BIOS revision will solve your problems. Careless updating may result to more problems with the motherboard! 1. Download an updated ASUS BIOS file from the Internet (see the ASUS website: www.asus.com) and save to the boot floppy disk you created earlier.
  • Page 65 If the Flash Memory Writer utility is not able to successfully update a complete BIOS file, the system may not boot. If this happens, call the ASUS service center for support. ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide...

  • Page 66: Bios Setup Program

    BIOS Setup program This motherboard supports a programmable EEPROM 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.

  • Page 67: Main Menu

    <Enter> <Home> or <PgUp> <End> or <PgDn> <F5> <F10> ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide Function Description Displays the General Help screen from any- where in the BIOS Setup Jumps to the Exit menu or returns to the main menu from a sub-menu...

  • Page 68: General Help

    General help In addition to the Item Specific Help window, the BIOS setup program also provides a General Help screen. You may launch this screen from any menu by simply pressing <F1> or the <Alt> + <H> combination. The General Help screen lists the legend keys and their corresponding functions.

  • Page 69: Main Menu

    Floppy 3 Mode Support [Disabled] This is required to support older Japanese floppy drives. The Floppy 3 Mode feature allows reading and writing of 1.2MB (as opposed to 1.44MB) on a 3.5-inch diskette. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide...

  • Page 70: Primary & Secondary Master/Slave

    4.3.1 Primary & Secondary Master/Slave Type [Auto] Select [Auto] to automatically detect an IDE hard disk drive. If automatic detection is successful, Setup automatically fills in the correct values for the remaining fields on this sub-menu. If automatic detection fails, this may be because the hard disk drive is too old or too new.
  • Page 71 After making your selections on this sub-menu, press the <Esc> key to return to the Main menu. When the Main menu appears, the hard disk drive field displays the size for the hard disk drive that you configured. ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide...
  • Page 72 Translation Method [LBA] Select the hard disk drive type in this field. When Logical Block Addressing (LBA) is enabled, the 28-bit addressing of the hard drive is used without regard for cylinders, heads, or sectors. Note that LBA Mode is necessary for drives with more than 504MB storage capacity.
  • Page 73 IDE devices. Set to [Disabled] to suppress Ultra DMA capability. To make changes to this field, set the Type field to [User Type HDD]. Configuration options: [0] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [Disabled] ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide...

  • Page 74: Keyboard Features

    4.3.2 Keyboard Features Boot Up NumLock Status [On] This field enables users to activate the Number Lock function upon system boot. Configuration options: [Off] [On] Keyboard Auto-Repeat Rate [12/Sec] This controls the speed at which the system registers repeated keystrokes. Options range from 6 to 30 characters per second.
  • Page 75 Configuration options: [All Errors] [No Error] [All but Keyboard] [All but Disk] [All but Disk/Keyboard] Installed Memory [XXX MB] This field automatically displays the amount of conventional memory detected by the system during the boot process. ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide...

  • Page 76: Advanced Menu

    Advanced Menu CPU Speed [Manual] This field displays the internal frequency of the CPU. CPU Frequency Multiple (when CPU Speed is set to [Manual]) This field displays the frequency multiple between the CPU’s internal frequency (CPU speed) and external frequency. CPU External Frequency (MHz) (when CPU Speed is set to [Manual]) The setting displayed in this field depends on the CPU Frequency Multiple.
  • Page 77 Otherwise, IRQ12 can be used for expansion cards. When you set this field to [Enabled], BIOS reserves IRQ12, whether or not a PS/2 mouse is detected at startup. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Auto] ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide Voltage Range 1.750V, 1.775V, 1.800V, 1.825V, 1.850V, 1.875V, 1.900V, 1.925V, 1.950V...
  • Page 78 USB Legacy Support [Auto] This motherboard supports Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices. The default of [Auto] permits the system to detect a USB device at startup. If detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If not detected, the USB controller legacy mode is disabled. When you set this field to [Disabled], the USB controller legacy mode is disabled whether or not you are using a USB device.

  • Page 79: Chip Configuration

    SDRAM RAS Precharge Time [3T] This item controls the idle clocks after issuing a precharge command to the SDRAM. SDRAM RAS Active Time [6T] This item controls the number of SDRAM clocks used for SDRAM parameters. ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide...
  • Page 80 Chipset Clock Mode [Synchronous] When set to [Synchronous], AGP/PCI frequency is coordinated with the CPU frequency. When set to [Asynchronous], AGP/PCI frequency is not adjusted according to the CPU frequency. When set to [Performance] the AGP/PCI frequency is set to a higher value. Configuration options: [Synchronous] [Asynchronous] [Performance] SDRAM Command Lead-off Time [Auto] When set to [2T], memory read/write commands are issued 1 clock cycle...
  • Page 81 IDE channel, or both. You can also set both channels to [Disabled]. Configuration options: [Both] [Primary] [Secondary] [Disabled]. IDE Bus Master Support [Enable] This field enables or disables the IDE Bus Master Capability under the DOS environment. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide...

  • Page 82: I/O Device Configuration

    4.4.2 I/O Device Configuration Floppy Disk Access Control [R/W] When set to [Read Only], this parameter protects files from being copied to floppy disks by allowing reads from, but not writes to, the floppy disk drive. The default setting [R/W] allows both reads and writes. Configuration options: [R/W] [Read Only] Onboard Serial Port 1 [3F8H/IRQ4] Onboard Serial Port 2 [2F8H/IRQ3]...
  • Page 83 This field sets the I/O address for MIDI. Configuration options: [330H-331H] [300H-301H] [Disabled] Speech POST Reporter [Enabled] ™ This field enables or disables the ASUS POST Reporter feature. More information is available in section 3.2, Vocal POST Messages. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled].

  • Page 84: Pci Configuration

    4.4.3 PCI Configuration Slot 1/4, 2/6, 3, 5 IRQ [Auto] These fields automatically assign the IRQ for each PCI slot. The default setting for each field is [Auto], which utilizes auto-routing to determine IRQ assignments. Configuration options: [Auto] [NA] [3] [4] [5] [7] [9] [10] [11] [12] [14] [15] PCI/VGA Palette Snoop [Disabled] Some non-standard VGA cards, like graphics accelerators or MPEG video...
  • Page 85 LAN controller is enabled; if no LAN device is detected, the controller is disabled. If there are conflicts with the onboard PCILAN controller, set the appropriate field to [Disabled]. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide...

  • Page 86: Pci Irq Resource Exclusion

    Onboard 1394 Controller [Enabled] The onboard 1394 controller is disabled by default. To enable connection of 1394 devices, select [Auto] Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Onboard AC97 Audio Controller [Auto] [Auto] allows the BIOS to detect whether you are using any modem/audio device.

  • Page 87: Power Menu

    Windows with the APM feature. In Windows 98 or later, APM is automatically installed as indicated by a battery and power cord icon labeled “Power Management” in the Control Panel. Select the item “Advanced” in the Power Management Properties dialog box. ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide...
  • Page 88 Video Off Option [Suspend -> Off ] This field determines when to activate the video off feature for monitor power management. Configuration options: [Always On] [Suspend -> Off] Video Off Method [DPMS OFF] This field defines the video off features. The Display Power Management System (DPMS) feature allows the BIOS to control the video display card if it supports the DPMS feature.

  • Page 89: Power Up Control

    When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to turn on the system through a PCI modem. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide...
  • Page 90 Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled] This parameter allows you to use specific keys on the keyboard to turn on the system. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Space Bar] [Ctrl-Esc] [Power Key] Automatic Power Up [Disabled] This allows an unattended or automatic system power up.

  • Page 91: Hardware Monitor

    N/A. VCORE Voltage, +3.3V Voltage, +5V Voltage, +12V Voltage The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard voltage regulators and show the values on these fields. ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide...

  • Page 92: Boot Menu

    Boot Menu Boot Sequence The Boot menu allows you to select among the four possible types of boot devices listed using the up and down arrow keys. By using the <+> or <Space> key, you can promote devices and by using the <-> key, you can demote devices.
  • Page 93 16 IRQ channels. The standard setting of PIC limits the number of IRQs to the standard IRQ0 to IRQ15. Windows 2000 and XP support APIC settings. Select between new APIC or PIC. Configuration options: [APIC] [PIC] ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide feature.

  • Page 94: Exit Menu

    Exit Menu When you have made all of your selections from the various menus in the Setup program, save your changes and exit Setup. Select Exit from the menu bar to display the following menu. Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options from this menu or <F10>...

  • Page 95: Discard Changes

    This option saves your selections without exiting the Setup program. You can then return to other menus and make further changes. After you select this option, a confirmation window appears. Select [Yes] to save any changes to the non-volatile RAM. ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide...
  • Page 96 Chapter 4: BIOS Setup...

  • Page 97: Chapter 5: Software Support

    Chapter 5 Software support...
  • Page 98 ASUS P4S8X motherboard...

  • Page 99: Install An Operating System

    NOTE! The contents of the support CD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the ASUS website for updates. 5.2.1 Running the support CD To begin using the support CD, simply insert the CD into your CD-ROM drive.

  • Page 100: P4S8X Motherboard Support Cd

    P4S8X Motherboard Support CD NOTE: The support CD contents are subject to change without notice. To begin using your support CD disc, just insert it into your CD-ROM drive and the support CD installation menu should appear. If the menu does not appear, double-click or run D:\ASSETUP.EXE (assuming that...
  • Page 101 ASUS PC Probe Vx.xx: Installs a smart utility to monitor your computer’s fan, temperature, and voltages. • Install ASUS Update Vx.xx: Instals a program that can help you update BIOS or download a BIOS image file. • Microsoft DirectX Driver: Installs basic drivers to enable compatibility with audio and other special functions.

  • Page 102: Using The Promise Chip For Raid 0 Or 1

    Promise PRI_SATA, SEC_SATA serial connectors and the PRI_ATA133 IDE port, available on the P4S8X. Should one hard disk suffer mechanical trouble, all system data will be preserved on the other drive.
  • Page 103 4. Exit saving changes and boot-up the PC. IMPORTANT! The Promise PDC20376 controller only supports one master HDD connected to the PRI_ATA133 parallel IDE channel. Do not set any HDD connected to PRI_ATA133 to slave mode. ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide...
  • Page 104 5.4.2 Enter FastTrak376 1. Boot-up your computer once more. If this is the first time you have booted with two hard disks correctly installed, then FastTrak376 the IDE drives and displays this screen: Press <Ctrl-F> keys to display the FastBuild ™...

  • Page 105: Creating A Raid 0 Array

    OS from a CD; alternatively, with a bootable OS CD, you may install the new OS automatically. As you install the OS, the system always treats the RAID 0 array of hard disks as if they are a single drive unit. ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide...

  • Page 106: Creating A Raid 1 Array

    5.4.4 Creating a RAID 1 Array 1. In the FastBuild™ Utility Main Menu, select Auto Setup [1]. 2. Go to the field Optimize Array for: and select Security. The Mode field displays Mirror. 3. After making the selection, use <Ctrl-Y> to save it. FastBuild™ offers a choice between two options.
  • Page 107 Offline, indicates that one hard disks in a striped array has failed, cannot be detected, or has become disconnected. In this case, adjust or replace the hard disk if necessary and rebuild data from a back-up source. ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide Ups: Always use two separate...

  • Page 108: Other Fastbuild Utility Commands

    5.4.5 Other FastBuild Utility Commands Command options 3-6 on the FastBuild™ Utility Main Menu are not required for setting up an array, but they are useful for reconfiguring an array: View Array (3): View the drive assignments of hard disks in an array. Delete Array (4): Deletes an array to reconfigure the system.
  • Page 109 A progress gauge displays the copy progress for the duration of the task. 9. After the rebuild is complete, the user is prompted to reboot the system. Controller Configuration (6): Default for Controller Configuration is: [enabled]. ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide...

  • Page 110: Manual Installation Of Ide/Raid Drivers

    5.5 Manual Installation of IDE/RAID Drivers The P4S8X support CD contains several IDE and RAID 0 or 1 drivers in the Promise folder, including Windows, NetWare and Nt4. Below follow two popular OS installations. The others are available on the support CD.
  • Page 111 3. Click Promise folder. 4. Select the Promise chip used on your motherboard and click on it. 5. For example, we want to use RAID 0 function on P4S8X motherboard under Windows XP. The Promise RAID chip on P4S8X is PDC20376.

  • Page 112: Asus Pc Probe

    ASUS Utility, and then click Probe Vx.xx. The PC Probe icon will appear on the taskbar’s system tray indicating that ASUS PC Probe is running. Clicking the icon will allow you to see the status of your PC. Chapter 5: Software support...

  • Page 113: Using Asus Pc Probe

    Fan Monitor Shows the PC’s fan rotation. Fan Warning threshold adjustment (Move the slider up to increase the threshold level or down to decrease the threshold level) Voltage Monitor Shows the PC’s voltages. ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide...
  • Page 114 Settings Lets you set threshold levels and polling intervals or refresh times of the PC’s temperature, fan rotation, and voltages. CPU Cooling System Setup Lets you select when to enable software CPU cooling. When When CPU Overheated is selected, the CPU cooling system is enabled whenever the CPU temperature reaches the threshold value.
  • Page 115 Shows information pertinent to the PC, such as CPU type, CPU speed, and internal/external frequencies, and memory size. Utility Lets you run programs outside of the ASUS Probe modules. To run a program, click Execute Program. ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide...

  • Page 116: Asus Pc Probe Task Bar Icon

    5.6.3 ASUS PC Probe Task Bar Icon Right-clicking the PC Probe icon will bring up a menu to open or exit ASUS PC Probe and pause or resume all system monitoring. When the ASUS PC Probe senses a problem with your...

  • Page 117: Asus Live Update

    ASUS Live Update ASUS LiveUpdate is a utility that allows you to update your motherboard’s BIOS and drivers. The use of this utility requires that you are properly connected to the Internet through an Internet Service Provider (ISP). 1. Start ASUS Update. Launch the utility from your Windows Start menu:Programs/AsusUpdate.

  • Page 118: Asus Mylogo

    ASUS MyLogo The ASUS MyLogo™ is automatically installed when you install the ASUS Update utility from the software menu. See section “5.3.1 Installation menu”. Before using ASUS MyLogo copy of your original BIOS file, or obtain the latest BIOS version from the ASUS website.
  • Page 119 Windows Start menu to change your BIOS boot logo. After you have modified the BIOS file with the new logo, use the ASUS Update utility to upload the new BIOS into the EEPROM. ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide...

  • Page 120: 3Deep Color Tuner

    3Deep Color Tuner The 3-Deep color tuner is designed to match your CRT or LCD color monitor to maximize the color quality of all graphical applications. Users may also tune their internet applications to match “true” internet source colors with the color displayed on the monitor. Simply run the setup program from the start menu and follow the instructions on the various setup/test screens.
  • Page 121 Using the Windows Start button, activate the 3Deep Control Panel program from the 3Deep Applications group on the Main Program menu. The control panel offers access to the Color Wizard tuning program, a Game Gamma setting and a Tweak slider for brightness adjustment. ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide...

  • Page 122: Winbond Voice Editor

    POST messages. Install the software from the software menu in the support CD. See section “5.2.3 Software menu”. To avoid conflicts, do not run the Winbond Voice Editor while running the ASUS PC Probe. Follow these steps to use the Winbond Voice Editor. Launching the program...
  • Page 123 3. Click on the Write button to update the EEPROM. 4. Click Yes on the confirmation window that appears. The next time you boot your computer, the POST messages are announced in the language that you selected . ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide...
  • Page 124 Customizing your POST messages If your language is not in the selection or if you wish to record your own POST messages to replace the pre-installed wave files, you may easily do Follow these steps to customize your POST messages. 1.
  • Page 125 • Try to modify your messages to make them shorter • Save the wave files at a lower quality • Skip lesser used events like FDD Detection, IDE HDD Detection, etc. ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide...

  • Page 126: Winbond Smart Manager

    “boot up” or “always on” system security. 5.11.1 Setting Up Smart Manager Connect the smart card reader to the P4S8X; (refer to page 41 in Hardware Setup for the connector location.) Boot up the PC and enter BIOS (press <del>) to change the configuration to accept smart card...
  • Page 127 NOTE: Do not install system components or Winbond applications unless you install a smart card reader, (see page 8). Smart card system software components support various types of smart card applications; all system components are compatible with 2000 and WinXP. ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide...
  • Page 128 5.11.2 Using Smart Manager 1. To launch Windbond Smart Manager for the first time, click Start, then All Programs. 2. Select the Smart Manager program group and click Smart Manager Logon. After you click Smart Manager Logon, an icon is created for the software on the bottom right hand corner of the screen.The Smart Manager icon resembles a key.
  • Page 129 PC or decode encrypted files. Test each new smart card to ensure that it is completely compatible with the card reader; the Read2-In- 01 Smart Card Reader is designed only to read cards with the standard PC/SC mini-chip configuration. ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide...

  • Page 130: Multi-Channel Audio Feature Setup

    5.12 Multi-Channel Audio Feature Setup The C-Media PCI Audio Driver and Applications are located on the Support CD. Installing the programs enables the multi-channel audio feature. Note: You must use 4 or 6 channel speakers for this setup. 5.12.1 The C-Media Audio Mixer 1.
  • Page 131 Light Blue Line In Pink Mic In Note: See Motherboard Settings for the Bass/Center Jumper settings to fine tune the output signals. ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide 4-Speaker 6-Speaker Line Out/ Line Out/ Front Spkr Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out...
  • Page 132 Chapter 5: Software reference...

  • Page 133: Glossary

    Glossary...
  • Page 134 ASUS P4S8X motherboard...
  • Page 135 When the manual instructs you to “boot” your system (or computer), it means to turn ON your computer. “Reboot” means to restart your computer. When using Windows 95 or later, selecting “Restart” from “Start | Shut Down...” will reboot your computer. ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide Bandwidth Data Transfer Rate...
  • Page 136 Bus Master IDE PIO (Programmable I/O) IDE requires that the CPU be involved in IDE access and waiting for mechanical events. Bus master IDE transfers data to/from the memory without interrupting the CPU. Bus master IDE driver and bus master IDE hard disk drives are required to support bus master IDE mode.
  • Page 137 I/O devices. PS/2 Port PS/2 ports are based on IBM Micro Channel Architecture. This type of architecture transfers data through a 16-bit or 32-bit bus. A PS/2 mouse and/or keyboard may be used on ATX motherboards. ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide...
  • Page 138 RDRAM (Rambus DRAM) Developed by Rambus, Inc., this type of memory can deliver up to 1.6GB of data per second. RDRAM is the first interface standard that can be directly implemented on high performance VLSI components such as, CMOS DRAMs, memory controllers, and graphics/video ICs.

  • Page 139: Index

    Index...
  • Page 140 ASUS P4S8X motherboard...
  • Page 141 Updating 43 BIOS Beep Codes 41 Boot Device Selection 75 Boot Up NumLock Status 56 Boot Virus Detection 75 ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide C-Media Audio Setup 109 Central Processing Unit (CPU) 11 installation 12 Speed 58 Chip Configuration 61...
  • Page 142 IRQ assigments 22 Expansion slots 21 Floppy 3 Mode 51 Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) CHS Capacity 54 Cylinders 54 Heads 54 LBA Capacity 54 Primary/Secondary Master 52 Primary/Secondary Slave 52 Sectors 54 Types 52 Hardware Monitor 73 Heatsink installation 14 Interrupt Assignments 22 IRQ assignments 22 Jumpers...
  • Page 143 Ports 28 USB Legacy Support 61 Using 3Deep Color Tuner 99 ASUS Update 96 LiveUpdate 99 ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide Multi-Channel Audio Feature 109 PC Probe 91 Windbond Smart Manager 105 USWC 62 Winbond Smart Manager 105 Windbond Smart Manager...
  • Page 144 Index...

Table of Contents