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Asus A8S-X User Manual

A8s-x english edition user's manual
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A8S-X SE

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  • Page 1 A8S-X SE...
  • 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: Table Of Contents

    Contents Notices ....................vi Safety information ................vii About this guide .................viii Typography ..................ix A8S-X SE specifications summary ............x Chapter 1: Product introduction Welcome! ................1-2 Package contents ..............1-2 Special features ..............1-3 1.3.1 Product highlights ........... 1-3 1.3.2...
  • Page 4 Using AFUDOS to update the BIOS ......2-3 2.1.3 Using AFUDOS to copy BIOS from PC ..... 2-4 2.1.4 Using ASUS EZ Flash to update the BIOS ....2-5 2.1.5 Recovering the BIOS with CrashFree BIOS 2 ... 2-6 BIOS Setup program ............. 2-8 2.2.1...
  • Page 5 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 Make Disk ..............3-5 3.2.5 Manual ..............3-5 3.2.6 ASUS Contact information ........3-6...

  • Page 6: Notices

    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.

  • Page 7: 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 8: About This Guide

    Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides 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.

  • Page 9: Typography

    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.

  • Page 10: A8S-X Se Specifications Summary

    A8S-X SE specifications summary Socket 939 for AMD Athlon™ 64 x2, Athlon™ 64 FX, Athlon™ 64 and AMD Sempron ® ® processors Support AMD 64 architecture that enables simutaneous Chipset 32-bit and 64-bit architecture Supports AMD Cool ʻnʼ Quiet!™ Technology...
  • Page 11 A8S-X SE specifications summary Internal I/O 2 x USB connector supports additional 4 USB ports connectors CPU/Chassis/Power FAN connectors Chassis Intrusion 24-pin ATX Power connector 4-pin ATX 12V Power connector CD/ AUX audio in GAME connector Front panel audio connector Manageability Wfm2.0, DMI, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, SM Bus,...

  • Page 13: Chapter 1: Product Introduction

    This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports. Product introduction...

  • Page 14: Welcome

    ® 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.

  • Page 15: Special Features

    The motherboard supports two interfaces compliant to the Serial ATA (SATA) specification, an evolutionary replacement of the Parallel ATA storage interface. The Serial ATA specification allows for thinner, more flexible cables with lower pin count, reduced voltage requirement, up to 150 MB/s data transfer rate. ASUS A8S-X SE...
  • Page 16 Serial ATA RAID solution The motherboard provides a high-performance Serial ATA RAID controller that enhance hard disk performance and data backup protection without the cost of additional RAID cards. The onboard SIS 965L RAID controller provides two Serial ATA connectors for RAID 0, RAID 1 and JBOD functions. S/PDIF out The motherboardʼs S/PDIF out function turns your computer into a high- end entertainment system with digital connectivity to powerful speaker...

  • Page 17: Unique Asus Features

    Unique ASUS features CrashFree BIOS 2 This feature allows you to restore the original BIOS data from the ASUS support CD in case when the BIOS codes and data are corrupted. This protection eliminates the need to buy a replacement ROM chip.

  • Page 18: Before You Proceed

    This is a reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard component. SB_PWR A8S-X SE ® Standby Powered A8S-X SE Onboard LED Power Chapter 1: Product introduction...

  • Page 19: Motherboard Overview

    Center:Line Out Below:Mic In AAFP CHA_FAN PCIEX16 AD1986A PCIEX1_1 Realtek RTL8201CL PCIEX1_2 A8S-X SE 965L PCI1 SATA2 SATA1 PCI2 4Mbit BIOS USB56 USB78 CR2032 3V Lithium Cell Super I/O PCI3 CMOS Power CLRTC USBPW78 USBPW56 FLOPPY GAME PANEL ASUS A8S-X SE...

  • Page 20: Placement Direction

    Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so may damage the motherboard. Place this side towards the rear of the chassis A8S-X SE ® Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard fits into it.

  • Page 21: Central Processing Unit (Cpu)

    Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. A8S-X SE ® A8S-X SE CPU Socket 939 Before installing the CPU, make sure that the socket box is facing towards you and the load lever is on your left. Incorrect installation of the CPU into the socket may bend the pins and...
  • Page 22 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. Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with a small...

  • Page 23: Installing The Heatsink And Fan

    Retention bracket lock Your boxed CPU heatsink and fan assembly should come with installation instructions for the CPU, heatsink, and the retention mechanism. If the instructions in this section do not match the CPU documentation, follow the latter. ASUS A8S-X SE 1-11...
  • Page 24 CPU_FAN. PWR_FAN CPU_FAN CHA_FAN A8S-X SE ® A8S-X SE Fan Connectors Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector. 1-12 Chapter 1: Product introduction...

  • Page 25: System Memory

    • Due to CPU limitation, install on Channel B slots for a single-channel memory configuration. • Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) for the latest DDR 400 Qualified Vendor List for this motherboard. ASUS A8S-X SE 1-13...
  • Page 26 DDR400 Qualified Vendors List DIMM support Size Vendor Model Brand Side(s) Component 256MB KINGSTON KVR400X72C3A/256 Mosel V58C2256804SAT5(ECC) V 512MB KINGSTON KVR400X72C3A/512 Mosel V58C2256804SAT5(ECC) V 512MB KINGSTON KHX3200A/512 256MB KINGSTON KVR400X64C3A/256 D3208DL3T-5A 256MB KINGSTON KVR400X64C3A/256 A2S56D30BTP511ALM09 V 512MB KINGSTON KVR400X64C3A/512 V58C2256804SAT5 512MB KINGSTON KVR400X64C3A/512...
  • Page 27 Dual-channel memory configuration. support for 4 modules inserted into the blue and black slots as two pairs of Dual-channel memory configuration. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) for the latest DDR 400 Qualified Vendors List. ASUS A8S-X SE...

  • Page 28: Installing A Dimm

    DDR DIMM 1.7.3 Installing a DIMM Follow these steps to install a DIMM. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM Unlocked matches the break on the socket. Firmly insert the DIMM into the socket until the retaining clips snap back in place and the DIMM is...

  • Page 29: Standard Interrupt Assignments

    When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Share IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise, conflicts will arise between the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable. ASUS A8S-X SE 1-17...

  • Page 30: Pci Slots

    1.8.3 PCI slots The PCI slots support PCI cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. 1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications.

  • Page 31: Jumpers

    A8S-X SE ® Normal Clear CMOS A8S-X SE Clear RTC RAM (Default) You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking. For system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature. Shut down and reboot the system so BIOS can automatically reset parameter settings to its previous values.
  • Page 32 USBPW56 A8S-X SE ® +5VSB A8S-X SE USB Device Wake Up (Default) • The USB device wake-up feature requires a power supply that can provide 500mA on the +5VSB lead for each USB port. Otherwise, the system would not power up.

  • Page 33: Connectors

    Microphone jack. This Mic (pink) jack connects a microphone. In 6-channel mode, the function of this jack becomes Center/Bass. The functions of the Line Out, Line In, and Microphone jacks change when you select the 6-channel audio configuration as shown in the following table. ASUS A8S-X SE 1-21...

  • Page 34: Internal Connectors

    Pin 20 on each IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole on the UltraATA cable connector. This prevents incorrect orientation when you connect the cables. • The hole near the blue connector on the UltraATA cable is intentional. A8S-X SE ® A8S-X SE IDE Connectors 1-22 Chapter 1: Product introduction...
  • Page 35 ® NOTE: Orient the red markings on the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1. A8S-X SE Floppy Disk Drive Connector Internal audio connectors (4-pin CD, AUX) These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card.
  • Page 36 +5 Volts Ground Ground Ground +5 Volts Ground Ground -5 Volts Power OK A8S-X SE +5 Volts +5V Standby ® +5 Volts +12 Volts +5 Volts +12 Volts Ground +3 Volts A8S-X SE ATX Power Connectors 1-24 Chapter 1: Product introduction...
  • Page 37 The module has two USB 2.0 ports for connecting next generation USB peripherals such as high resolution cameras, scanners, and printers. A8S-X SE ® USB56 USB78 A8S-X SE USB 2.0 Connectors The USB/GAME module is purchased separately. ASUS A8S-X SE 1-25...
  • Page 38 A8S-X SE ® CHASSIS (Default) A8S-X SE Chassis Intrusion Connector GAME/MIDI connector (16-1 pin GAME) This connector supports a GAME/MIDI module. If a GAME/MIDI module is available, connect the GAME/MIDI cable to this connector. The GAME/MIDI port on the module connects a joystick or a game pad for playing games, and MIDI devices for playing or editing audio files.
  • Page 39 This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports legacy AC ʻ97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector. AAFP A8S-X SE ® A8S-X SE Analog Front Panel Connector ASUS A8S-X SE 1-27...
  • Page 40 RESET IDE_LED PWRSW Requires an ATX power supply. A8S-X SE System Panel Connector • System Power LED Lead (Green 3-pin PLED) This 3-pin connector connects to the system power LED. The LED lights up when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.

  • Page 41: Chapter 2: Bios Setup

    This chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided. BIOS setup...

  • Page 42: Managing And Updating Your Bios

    The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup. 1. ASUS AFUDOS - Updates the BIOS using a bootable floppy disk in DOS mode. 2. ASUS EZ Flash - Updates the BIOS using a floppy disk during POST.

  • Page 43: Using Afudos To Update The Bios

    2.1.2 Using AFUDOS to update the BIOS To update the BIOS using the AFUDOS.EXE utility: 1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for your motherboard. Save the BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk. Write the BIOS file name on a piece of paper. You need to type the exact BIOS file name at the prompt.

  • Page 44: Using Afudos To Copy Bios From Pc

    When the BIOS update process is complete, the utility returns to the DOS prompt. A:\>afudos /iA8S-XSE.ROM AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.10 Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved. Reading file ..done Erasing flash ..done Writing flash ..

  • Page 45: Using Asus Ez Flash To Update The Bios

    2.1.4 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 + F2>...

  • Page 46: Recovering The Bios With Crashfree Bios 2

    DO NOT shutdown or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so may cause system boot failure! User recovery requested. Starting BIOS recovery... Checking for floppy... Floppy found! Reading file “A8S-XSE.ROM”. Completed. Start flashing... Flashed successfully. Rebooting. 2.1.5 Recovering the BIOS with CrashFree BIOS 2 The CrashFree BIOS 2 auto recovery tool allows you to restore BIOS from the motherboard support CD, or from a floppy disk that contains the BIOS file, in case the current BIOS on the motherboard fails or gets corrupted.

  • Page 47: To Recover The Bios From The Support Cd

    2. When the BIOS update process is complete, reboot the system. The recovered BIOS may not be the latest BIOS version for this motherboard. Visit ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file. ASUS A8S-X SE...

  • Page 48: Bios Setup Program

    The BIOS setup screens shown in this chapter are for reference purposes only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest product and BIOS information. Chapter 2: BIOS Setup...

  • Page 49: Bios Menu Screen

    At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that particular menu. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings. Some of the navigation keys differ from one screen to another. ASUS A8S-X SE 2- 9...

  • Page 50: Menu Items

    [1.44M, 3.5 in] select a field. Primary IDE Master :[ST320413A] Use [+] or [-] to For example, selecting Main shows the Primary IDE Slave :[ASUS CD-S340] configure system time. Secondary IDE Master :[Not Detected] Secondary IDE Slave :[Not Detected] Third IDE Master :[Not Detected] Main menu items.

  • Page 51: Main Menu

    Configuration options: [Disabled] [360K, 5.25 in.] [1.2M , 5.25 in.] [720K , 3.5 in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.] [2.88M, 3.5 in.] 2.3.4 Language [English] Allows you to select the BIOS language version. Configuration options: [Chinese(BIG5)] [Japanese] [Français] [German] [English] ASUS A8S-X SE 2-11...

  • Page 52: Primary, Secondary,Third And Fourth Ide Master/Slave

    2.3.5 Primary, Secondary, Third and Fourth IDE Master/Slave While entering Setup, BIOS auto-detects the presence of IDE devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each IDE device. Select a device item then press <Enter> to display the IDE device information. Primary IDE Master Select the type Device...

  • Page 53: Onboard Pci S-Ata Controller

    Type : AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3200+ Speed : 2011MHz Count System Memory Size : 256MB AMI BIOS Displays the auto-detected BIOS information. Processor Displays the auto-detected processor information. System Memory Displays the auto-detected system memory. ASUS A8S-X SE 2-13...

  • Page 54: Advanced Menu

    Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values may cause the system to malfunction. JumperFree Configuration USB Configuration CPU Configuration Chipset...

  • Page 55: Usb Configuration

    USB Devices Enabled: None Legacy USB Support [Enabled] USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed] BIOS EHCI Hand-Off [Enabled] OnBoard SiS USB1.1 DEVICE [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the onboard SiS USB 1.1 port. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS A8S-X SE 2-15...

  • Page 56: Cpu Configuration

    OnBoard SiS USB2.0 DEVICE [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the onboard SiS USB 2.0 port. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The Module Version and USB Devices Enabled items show the auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the item shows None.

  • Page 57: Chipset

    Row Precharge time (Trp) :3 CLK RAS/RAS Delay (Trrd) :2 CLK Row Cycle (Trc) :9 CLK Row Refresh Cycle (Trfc) :10 CLK Read Write Delay (Trwt) :2 CLK Read Preamble :7.0 ns Asynchronous Latency :7 ns ASUS A8S-X SE 2-17...

  • Page 58: Memory Configuration

    Memory Configuration Memory Configuration Memclock Mode [Auto] MCT Timing Mode [Auto] Hardware Memory Hole [Disabled] Memclock Mode [ Auto] Allows you to set the memory clock mode. Set by the code using [Auto] or select [Limit] to set using one of the standard values. Configuration options: [Auto][Limit] The following items appear only when the Memclock Mode is set to [Limit].
  • Page 59 HT Width [ Auto] Allows selection of HyperTransport upstream data width. Configuration options: [8 BIT] [16 BIT] [Auto] HT Speed [800 MHz] Sets the HyperTransport frequency from CPU to the NorthBridge. Configuration options: [800 Mhz] [1000 Mhz] ASUS A8S-X SE 2-19...

  • Page 60: Onboard Devices Configuration

    2.4.5 Onboard Devices Configuration Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Serial Port1 Mode [Normal] Parallel Port Address [378] Parallel Port Mode [Normal] Parallel Port IRQ [IRQ7] Onboard Game Port [Disabled] Onboard MIDI Port [Disabled] Onboard SiS190 LAN Device [Enabled] Onboard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled] Onboard AC97 Audio DEVICE [Enabled]...

  • Page 61: Pci Pnp

    [PCI Device] IRQ5 assigned to [PCI Device] IRQ7 assigned to [PCI Device] IRQ9 assigned to [PCI Device] IRQ10 assigned to [PCI Device] IRQ11 assigned to [PCI Device] IRQ14 assigned to [PCI Device] IRQ15 assigned to [PCI Device] ASUS A8S-X SE 2-21...

  • Page 62: Amd Cool ʻN Quiet Configuration

    AMD Cool ʻN Quiet Configuration AMD Cool ‘N Quiet Configuration Enabled/Disabled Cool N’Quiet Cool N’Quiet [Enabled] Cool ʻN Quiet [Disabled] Enables or disables the ASUS AMD Cool ʻnʼ Quiet! technology feature. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] 2-22 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup...

  • Page 63: Power Menu

    Configuration options: [No] [Yes] 2.5.4 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled] Enables or disables the ACPI support in the ASIC. When set to Enabled, the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS A8S-X SE 2-23...

  • Page 64: Apm Configuration

    2.5.5 APM Configuration Power Button Mode [On/Off] Restore on AC Power Loss [Always OFF] Power On By PS2 Keyboard [Disabled] Power On By PS2 MOUSE [Disabled] Power On By PCI Devices [Disabled] Power On By External Modem [Disabled] Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled] Power Button Mode [On/Off] Allows the system to go into On/Off mode or suspend mode when the...

  • Page 65: Hardware Monitor

    (RPM). If any of the fans is not connected to the motherboard, the specific field shows 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. ASUS A8S-X SE 2-25...

  • Page 66: Boot Menu

    Smart Q-Fan Function [Disabled] Enables or disables the ASUS Q-Fan function. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Q-FAN Mode [Standard] Sets the Q-Fan mode. This item appears only when the Smart Q-Fan Function item is Enabled. Configuration options: [Quiet] [Standard] [Cool] Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options.

  • Page 67: Boot Settings Configuration

    When set to Enabled, the system waits for F1 key to be pressed when error occurs. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Hit ʻDELʼ Message Display [Enabled] When set to Enabled, the system displays the message “Press DEL to run Setup” during POST. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS A8S-X SE 2-27...

  • Page 68: Security

    Interrupt 19 Capture [Disabled] When set to [Enabled], this function allows the option ROMs to trap Interrupt 19. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.6.3 Security The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options. <Enter>...

  • Page 69: Change User Password

    Confirm the password when prompted. The message “Password Installed” appears after you have successfully set your password. The User Password item now shows Installed. To change the user password, follow the same steps as in setting a user password. ASUS A8S-X SE 2-29...

  • Page 70: Exit Menu

    Clear User Password Select this item if you wish to clear the user password. Password Check [Setup] When set to [Setup], BIOS checks for user password when accessing the Setup utility. When set to [Always], BIOS checks for user password both when accessing Setup and booting the system.

  • Page 71: Discard Changes

    Setup menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a confirmation window appears. Select Ok to load default values. Select Exit & Save Changes or make other changes before saving the values to the non-volatile RAM. ASUS A8S-X SE 2-31...
  • Page 72 2-32 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup...

  • Page 73: Chapter 3: Software Support

    This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with the motherboard package. Software support...

  • Page 74: Installing An Operating System

    The support CD that came with the motherboard contains useful software and several utility drivers that enhance the motherboard features. The contents of the support CD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the ASUS website for updates. 3.2.1 Running the support CD To begin using the support CD, simply insert the CD into your CD-ROM drive.

  • Page 75: Drivers Menu

    Installs the USB 2.0 driver to upgrade your USB 1.1 ports to USB 2.0. For Windows XP users, make sure to install Windows XP SP 1 to support USB ® 2.0. 3.2.3 Utilities menu The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports. ASUS A8S-X SE...

  • Page 76: Asus Update

    ASUS Update This program allows you to download the latest version of the BIOS from the ASUS website. Before using the ASUS Update, make sure that you have an Internet connection so you can connect to the ASUS website. Installing ASUS Update also installs ASUS Mylogo™.

  • Page 77: Make Disk

    3.2.4 Make Disk Make SIS RAID Controller Driver Disk Creates the SIS RAID controller driver disk. 3.2.5 Manual SIS965/SIS965L SATA RAID Userʼs Manual Allows you to open the SIS965/SIS965L Serial ATA RAID userʼs manual. ASUS A8S-X SE...

  • Page 78: Asus Contact Information

    3.2.6 ASUS Contact Information Clicking the ASUS Contact Information tab displays as stated. You may also find this information on the inside front cover of this user guide. Chapter 3: Software support...

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