Asus A7V8X User Manual
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Asus A7V8X User Manual

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  • Page 1 A7V8X User Guide...
  • 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

    How this guide is organized ..........viii Conventions used in this guide ..........ix Where to find more information ..........ix ASUS contact information ............... x A7V8X specifications summary ............xi Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome! ................1-1 1.2 Package contents ............... 1-1 1.3 Special features ..............
  • Page 4 3.3 Powering off the computer ..........3-4 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ........4-1 4.1.1 Using ASUS EZ Flash to update the BIOS .... 4-1 4.1.2 Using AFLASH to update the BIOS ....... 4-3 4.2 BIOS Setup program ............4-7 4.2.1...
  • Page 5 5.2.2 Main menu ............. 5-2 5.2.3 Drivers menu ............5-3 5.2.4 Software menu ............5-4 5.2.6 ASUS Contact Information ........5-5 5.2.7 Other information ........... 5-6 5.3 Software information ............5-8 5.3.1 ASUS Update ............5-8 5.3.2 ASUS MyLogo2™ ..........5-9 5.3.3...

  • Page 6: 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 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

    How this guide is organized This manual contains the following parts: • Chapter 1: Product introduction This chapter describes the features of the A7V8X motherboard. It includes brief descriptions of the special attributes of the motherboard and the new technology it supports.

  • Page 9: Conventions Used In This Guide

    1. ASUS Websites The ASUS websites worldwide provide updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. The ASUS websites are listed in the ASUS Contact Information on page x. 2. Optional Documentation Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer.

  • Page 10: Asus Contact Information

    Desktop/Server (Tel): +886-2-2890-7123 (English) Support Fax: +886-2-2890-7698 Support Email: tsd@asus.com.tw Web Site: www.asus.com.tw Newsgroup: cscnews.asus.com.tw ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America) Address: 6737 Mowry Avenue, Mowry Business Center, Building 2, Newark, CA 94560, USA General Fax: +1-510-608-4555 General Email: tmd1@asus.com Technical Support...

  • Page 11: A7V8X Specifications Summary

    Maximum 3 GB unbuffered PC2700/2100/1600 non-ECC SDRAM Memory.(Note: PC2700 maximum to 2 DIMM support only. PC3200 maximum to 1 DIMM support only.) Visit the ASUS website for the latest qualified DDR400/DDR333 module list Expansion slots 1 x AGP 8X 6 x PCI (one shared with optional ASUS proprietary wireless...
  • Page 12 1 x USB 2.0 connector supports additional 2 USB 2.0 ports 2 x Serial ATA port (on serial ATA model only) BIOS features 4Mb Flash ROM, Award BIOS, TCAV, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS2.3, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash, ASUS MyLogo2 Industry standard PCI 2.2, USB 2.0 Manageability WfM 2.0.

  • Page 13: Chapter 1: Product Introduction

    Chapter 1 This chapter describes the features of the ASUS A7V8X motherboard. It includes brief explanations of the special attributes of the motherboard and the new technology it supports. Product introduction...
  • Page 14 Chapter summary Welcome! ............1-1 Package contents .......... 1-1 Special features ..........1-2 Motherboard overview ........1-6 ASUS A7V8X motherboard...

  • Page 15: Welcome

    A processors. Based on the advanced VIA KT400 chipset with DDR 400 support, the ASUS A7V8X also features AGP 8X, serial ATA, USB 2.0 as well as optional 6-channel audio, Gigabit LAN and 1394. Unique ASUS features such as ASUS C.O.P., Q-Fan and MyLogo2 and more are included to...

  • Page 16: Special Features

    (Note: PC2700 maximum to 2 DIMM support only. PC3200 maximum to 1 DIMM support only.) Gigabit LAN (optional) The A7V8X with BroadCom Gigabit LAN, delivers transfer speeds up to ten times faster than conventional 10/100 Ethernet connections. Gigabit LAN is the networking standard for the future and is ideal for handling large amounts of data such as video, audio and voice.
  • Page 17 PC shuts down automatically. ASUS POST Reporter™ (optional) A7V8X offers a new exciting feature called the ASUS POST Reporter™ to provide friendly voice messages and alerts during the Power-On Self-Tests (POST). Through the system’s internal speaker, or an added external speaker, you will hear the messages informing you of the system boot status and causes of boot errors, if any.
  • Page 18 6-channel Audio (optional) The A7V8X uses an onboard Realtek CODEC that lets you enjoy high- quality 6-channel audio without having to buy advanced sound cards. InterVideo WinCinema (WinDVD/WinRip/WinCorder/ WinProducer) software (optional) Here’s an added bonus! The InterVideo WinCinema bundled with WinDVD, WinRip, WinCorder and WinProducer software for your multimedia needs.
  • Page 19 ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide...

  • Page 20: Motherboard Overview

    1.4.1 Major components The following are the major components of the A7V8X motherboard as pointed out in the picture on page 1-7. North Bridge controller 19.
  • Page 21 14 13 ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide...

  • Page 22: Core Specifications

    2700/2100/1600 DDR DIMMs.(Note: PC2700 maximum to 2 DIMM support only. PC3200 maximum to 1 DIMM support only.) Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) for the latest qualified DDR400 module list. ATX power connector. This 20-pin connector connects to an ATX +12V power supply. The power supply must have at least 1A on the +5V standby lead (+5VSB).
  • Page 23 10/ 100 Ethernet connections. Ideal for handling large amounts of data such as video, audio and voice. AGP slot. This Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) slot supports 1.5V AGP8X mode graphics cards for 3D graphical applications. ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide...
  • Page 24 PS/2 mouse port. This green 6-pin connector is for a PS/2 mouse. Parallel port. This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a scanner, or other devices. RJ-45 port. This port allows connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. (on LAN models only) Line In jack.

  • Page 25: Chapter 2: Hardware Information

    Chapter 2 This chapter describes the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes details on the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard. Hardware information...
  • Page 26 Chapter summary Motherboard installation ....... 2-1 Motherboard layout ........2-2 Before you proceed ........2-3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ..... 2-4 System memory ..........2-6 Expansion slots ..........2-11 Switches and jumpers ......... 2-14 Connectors ........... 2-18 ASUS A7V8X motherboard...

  • Page 27: Motherboard Installation

    Motherboard installation Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard fits into it. The A7V8X uses the ATX form factor that measures 12 inches x 9.6 inches (30.5 x 24.5 cm). Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard.

  • Page 28: Motherboard Layout

    AGP_WARN1 FP_AUDIO1 PCI1 GBLAN ROM_SIP1 SMB_CON1 Chip PCI2 VT8235 Chipset TRPWR1 Audio Codec PCI3 ASUS ASIC CR2032 3V Lithium Cell A7V8X ® with Hardware CMOS Power SPDIF1 Monitor MODEM1 CLRTC1 PCI4 SPEECH Controller SPEECH1 SEC_SATA1 PCI5 2Mbit 1394 Firmware Controller...

  • Page 29: Before You Proceed

    1.5V AGP slot, this LED lights up thus preventing the system to power up. This LED remains off if you plug in a 1.5V AGP card. AGP_WARN1 Incorrect Correct AGP Card AGP Card SB_PWR1 ® A7V8X Standby Powered A7V8X Onboard LED Power ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide...

  • Page 30: Central Processing Unit (Cpu)

    Central Processing Unit (CPU) 2.4.1 Overview The motherboard provides a Socket A (462) for CPU installation. AMD processors offer gigahertz speeds to support all the latest computing platforms and applications. The A7V8X supports Athlon XP/Athlon and Duron processors. CPU NOTCH...

  • Page 31: Installing The Cpu

    CPU, make sure that exposed CPU capacitors do not touch the heatsink, or damage may occur! Do not neglect to set the correct Bus Frequency and leave the CPU Multiple setting at default to avoid start-up problems. ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide...

  • Page 32: System Memory

    80 Pins A7V8X ® A7V8X 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 33: Memory Configurations

    DDR400 DIMMs listed above. Other DDR DIMMs manufactured by other vendors may not be suitable for this motherboard. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) for the latest qualified vendor DDR400 module list. ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide...

  • Page 34: Installing A Dimm

    2.5.3 Installing a DIMM Make sure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. Follow these steps to install a DIMM. 1.

  • Page 35: Removing 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. Remove the DIMM from the socket. ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide...
  • Page 36 2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information...

  • Page 37: Expansion Slots

    1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See Chapter 4 for information on BIOS setup. 2. Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page. 3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card. ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide 2-11...

  • Page 38: Standard Interrupt Assignments

    Standard Interrupt Assignments Priority Standard Function System Timer Keyboard Controller Programmable Interrupt Communications Port (COM2) Communications Port (COM1) Sound Card (sometimes LPT2) Floppy Disk Controller Printer Port (LPT1) System CMOS/Real Time Clock ACPI Mode when used IRQ Holder for PCI Steering IRQ Holder for PCI Steering PS/2 Compatible Mouse Port Numeric Data Processor...

  • Page 39: Pci Slots

    LED is lighted, you cannot turn on the system power even if you press the power button, thus preventing permanent damage to the motherboard. Install only 1.5V AGP cards on this motherboard! A7V8X ® Keyed for 1.5v A7V8X Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide 2-13...

  • Page 40: Switches And Jumpers

    Setting to a very high core voltage may cause permanent damage to the CPU. It is recommended that you keep the default setting (Disable). OVER_VOLT1 OVERVOLT OVERVOLT ENABLE DISABLE (Default) ® A7V8X A7V8X CPU Over Voltage Setting 2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware information...
  • Page 41 2. The total current consumed must NOT exceed the power supply capability (+5VSB) whether under normal condition or in sleep mode. USBPWR_12 USBPWR_34 +5VSB (Default) USBPWR_56 ® A7V8X +5VSB A7V8X USB Device Wake Up (Default) ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide 2-15...
  • Page 42 ® A7V8X Clear CMOS Normal (Default) A7V8X Clear RTC RAM ROMSIP1 Setting (3-pin ROM_SIP1) This jumper allows you to select the best timing for the CPU to enhance system performance. Default setting is Hardware ROMSIP (Pins 1-2) for system reliability.
  • Page 43 ASUS wireless card. Since USB signals are used by some reserved pins of PCI slot and to ensure the compatibility of the other PCI cards, it should be kept at default setting except when ASUS wireless card is used. WPCI_USB1 A7V8X ®...

  • Page 44: Connectors

    (Pin 5 is removed to prevent incorrect insertion when using ribbon cables with pin 5 plug). FLOPPY1 PIN 1 A7V8X ® NOTE: Orient the red markings on the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1. A7V8X Floppy Disk Drive Connector 2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware information...
  • Page 45 (usually zigzag) on the IDE ribbon cable to PIN 1. A7V8X ® A7V8X IDE Connectors PIN 1 For UltraDMA/133/100/66 IDE devices, use an 80-conductor IDE cable. The UltraDMA/66 cable included in the motherboard package also supports UltraDMA/133/100. ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide 2-19...
  • Page 46 PIN 1. ® A7V8X PIN 1 A7V8X PRI_RAID Connectors Important notes on the RAID feature: 1. By default, the drives that you connect to the PRI_RAID connectors follow the ATA133/100/66/33 protocol as independent drives, not as a disk array.
  • Page 47 C bus, a multi-device bus that allows multiple chips to connect to the same bus and enable each one to act as a master by initiating data transfer. SMB_CON1 ® A7V8X A7V8X SMBus Connector ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide 2-21...
  • Page 48 +5.0VDC +5VSB +5.0VDC +12.0VDC A7V8X ATX Power Connectors 8. Smart Card Reader connector (14-1 pin SMARTCON1) This connector accommodates an optional Smart Card Reader that allows you to conveniently make transactions such as financial, health care, telephony, or traveling services through a Smart Card user interface software.
  • Page 49 10. Power supply thermal connector (2-pin TRPWR1) If your power supply has a thermal monitoring feature, connect its thermal sensor cable to this connector. ® A7V8X TRPWR1 Power Supply Thermal Sensor A7V8X Thermal Sensor Connector ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide 2-23...
  • Page 50 If your package came with a USB 2.0/GAME module, connect the USB cable to this header. The module has two USB 2.0 ports that support the next generation USB peripherals such as high resolution cameras, scanners, and printers. USB_56 A7V8X ® (Blue) A7V8X USB 2.0 Header 2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information...
  • Page 51 It also allows the sharing of mono_in (such as a phone) and a mono_out (such as a speaker) between the audio and a voice modem card. AUX1(White) CD1(Black) MODEM1 Modem-In Ground Ground A7V8X ® Modem-Out A7V8X Internal Audio Connectors ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide 2-25...
  • Page 52 This connector allows you to connect an optional ASUS iPanel, an easy-to-access drive bay with front I/O ports and status LEDs. If you are not using an ASUS iPanel, you can connect an optional wireless transmitting and receiving infrared module to the SIR connector.
  • Page 53 Make sure to remove the caps from the Line out_R, BLINE_OUT_R, Line out_L and BLINE_OUT_L jumpers if you installed the Intel front panel audio cable. FP_AUDIO1 MIC2 AGND MICPWR +5VA Line out_R BLINE_OUT_R Line out_L BLINE_OUT_L ® A7V8X A7V8X Front Panel Audio Connector ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide 2-27...
  • Page 54 Use the ten pins as shown in Back View and connect a ribbon cable from the module to the motherboard SIR connector according to the pin definitions. Standard Infrared (SIR) Front View Back View ® A7V8X IRTX (NC) IRRX A7V8X Infrared Module Connector 2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware information...

  • Page 55: System Panel Connector

    Pressing the power switch while in the ON mode for more than 4 seconds turns the system OFF. • Reset Switch Lead (2-pin RESET) This 2-pin connector connects to the case-mounted reset switch for rebooting the system without turning off the system power. ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide 2-29...
  • Page 56 2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware information...

  • Page 57: Chapter 3: Powering Up

    Chapter 3 This chapter describes the power up sequence and gives information on the BIOS beep codes. Powering up...
  • Page 58 Chapter summary Starting up for the first time ......3-1 Vocal POST Messages ........3-2 Powering off the computer ......3-4 ASUS A7V8X...

  • Page 59: Starting Up For The First Time

    System running at a lower frequency You will not hear the BIOS beeps when the ASUS POST Reporter™ is enabled. You will hear the vocal POST messages instead. 7. At power on, hold down <Delete> to enter BIOS Setup. Follow the instructions in Chapter 4.

  • Page 60: 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 61 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 A7V8X motherboard user guide...

  • Page 62: 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 63: Chapter 4: Bios Setup

    Chapter 4 This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided. BIOS setup...
  • Page 64 Chapter summary Managing and updating your BIOS ....4-1 BIOS Setup program ........4-7 Main Menu ............ 4-10 Advanced Menu ........... 4-17 Power Menu ..........4-27 Boot Menu ............ 4-33 Exit Menu ............4-35 ASUS A7V8X motherboard...

  • Page 65: 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 66 5. At the prompt, , type in the “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.

  • Page 67: Using Aflash To Update The Bios

    4. In DOS mode, type A:\AFLASH <Enter> to run AFLASH. If the word “unknown” appears after Flash Memory:, the memory chip is either not programmable or is not supported by the ACPI BIOS and therefore, cannot be programmed by the Flash Memory Writer utility. ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide...
  • Page 68 5. Select 1. Save Current BIOS to File from the Main menu and press <Enter>. The Save Current BIOS To File screen appears. 6. Type a filename and the path, for example, A:\XXX-XX.XXX, then press <Enter>. Chapter 4: BIOS Setup...
  • Page 69 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 (WWW or FTP) (see ASUS CONTACT INFORMATION on page x for details) and save to the boot floppy disk you created earlier.
  • Page 70 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. Chapter 4: BIOS Setup...

  • Page 71: Bios Setup Program

    Because the BIOS software is constantly being updated, the following BIOS setup screens and descriptions are for reference purposes only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen. ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide...

  • Page 72: Bios Menu Bar

    4.2.1 BIOS menu bar The top of the screen has a menu bar with the following selections: MAIN Use this menu to make changes to the basic system configuration. ADVANCED Use this menu to enable and make changes to the advanced features.

  • Page 73: General Help

    While moving around through the Setup program, note that explanations appear in the Item Specific Help window located to the right of each menu. This window displays the help text for the currently highlighted field. ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide...

  • Page 74: Main Menu

    Main Menu When you enter the Setup program, the following screen appears. System Time [XX:XX:XX] Sets the system to the time that you specify (usually the current time). The format is hour, minute, second. Valid values for hour, minute and second are Hour: (00 to 23), Minute: (00 to 59), Second: (00 to 59).
  • 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 A7V8X motherboard user guide 4-11...

  • Page 76: Primary And Secondary Master/Slave

    4.3.1 Primary and 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 77 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 A7V8X motherboard user guide 4-13...
  • Page 78 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 79 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] [Disabled] ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide 4-15...

  • Page 80: 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 [6/Sec] This controls the speed at which the system registers repeated keystrokes. Options range from 6 to 30 characters per second.

  • Page 81: Advanced Menu

    (when CPU Speed is set to [Manual]) This feature tells the clock generator what frequency to send to the system bus and PCI bus. The bus frequency (external frequency) multiplied by the bus multiple equals the CPU speed. ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide 4-17...
  • Page 82 Memory Frequency (Mhz) [Auto] This field allows you to select a higher memory frequency for better system performance. The options that appear in the popup menu vary according to the CPU Frequency (MHz). Configuration options: [Auto] [200] [266] [333] [400] CPU VCore Setting [Auto] The [Manual] setting allows you to manually select the core voltage supplied to the CPU (see next item).
  • Page 83 OS/2 Onboard Memory > 64M [Disabled] When using OS/2 operating systems with installed DRAM of greater than 64MB, you need to set this option to [Enabled]. Otherwise, leave to the default setting [Disabled]. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide 4-19...

  • Page 84: Chip Configuration

    4.4.1 Chip Configuration SDRAM Configuration [By SPD] This parameter allows you to set the optimal timings for items 2–5, depending on the memory modules that you are using. The default setting is [By SPD], which configures items 2–5 by reading the contents in the SPD (Serial Presence Detect) device.
  • Page 85 Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual] AGP Drive N Control [E] Configuration options: [0][1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][A][B][C][D][E][F] AGP Drive P Control [F] Configuration options: [0][1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][A][B][C][D][E][F] AGP performance control [Disabled] Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] AGP Fast Write control [Disabled] Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide 4-21...
  • Page 86 Video Memory Cache Mode [UC] USWC (uncacheable, speculative write combining) is a new cache technology for the video memory of the processor. It can greatly improve the display speed by caching the display data. You must set this to UC (uncacheable) if your display card does not support this feature, otherwise the system may not boot.

  • Page 87: I/O Device Configuration

    Configuration options: [3F8H/IRQ4] [2F8H/IRQ3] [3E8H/IRQ4] [2E8H/ IRQ10] [Disabled] UART2 Use As [COM Port] This field allows you to select the device on which to assign UART2. Configuration options: [COM Port] [IR] [Smart Card Reader] ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide 4-23...
  • Page 88 MIDI ports must have different addresses. Configuration options: [330H-331H] [300H-301H] [Disabled] Speech POST Reporter [Enabled] This field enables or disables the ASUS POST Reporter™ feature. See section “1.3 Special Features” and “3.2 Vocal POST messages” for more information. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The buzzer warning sound is disabled if you enable the POST reporter.

  • Page 89: Pci Configuration

    This field allows you to select the USB port that you wish to activate. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Primary VGA BIOS [PCI VGA Card] This field allows you to select the primary graphics card. Configuration options: [PCI VGA Card] [AGP VGA Card] ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide 4-25...

  • Page 90: Pci Irq Resource Exclusion

    Onboard LAN Boot ROM This field allows you to enable or disable the onboard LAN Boot ROM. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Onboard ATA device First [No] This field allows you to select the onboard ATA first. Configuration options: [No] [Yes] 4.4.3.1 PCI IRQ Resource Exclusion IRQ XX Reserved [No/ICU] These fields indicate whether or not the displayed IRQ for each field is...

  • Page 91: Power Menu

    Configuration options: [User Defined] [Disabled] [Min Saving] [Max Saving] 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] ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide 4-27...
  • Page 92 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. [Blank Screen] only blanks the screen. Use this for monitors without power management or “green”...

  • Page 93: Power Up Control

    Thus, connection cannot be made on the first try. Turning an external modem off and then back on while the computer is off causes an initialization string that turns the system power on. ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide 4-29...
  • Page 94 Wake/Power Up By PS/2 Keyboard [Space Bar] 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] Wake/Power Up By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled] When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to use the PS/2 mouse...

  • Page 95: Hardware Monitor

    The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU, chassis, and power fan speeds in rotations per minute (RPM). If any of the fans is not connected to the motherboard, the specific field shows N/A. ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide 4-31...
  • Page 96 The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard voltage regulators. Q-Fan Control [Disabled] This item allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Q-Fan feature that smartly adjusts the fan speeds for more efficient system operation. When this field is set to [Enabled], the...

  • Page 97: Boot Menu

    This field allows you to select which ATAPI CD-ROM drive to use in the boot sequence. Pressing [Enter] will show the product IDs of all your connected ATAPI CD-ROM drives. Other Boot Device Select [INT18 Device (Network)] Configuration options: [Disabled] [SCSI Boot Device] [INT18 Device (Network)] ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide 4-33...
  • Page 98 This allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Make sure that the above item is set to [Enabled] if you wish to use the ASUS MyLogo2™ feature. Interrupt Mode [APIC] The Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC) setting allows you to distribute interrupt routings other than the 16 IRQs.

  • Page 99: Exit Menu

    Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you made to the Setup program. If you made changes to fields other than system date, system time, and password, the BIOS asks for a confirmation before exiting. ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide 4-35...

  • Page 100: Discard Changes

    Load Setup Defaults This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a confirmation window appears. Select [Yes] to load default values.

  • Page 101: Chapter 5: Software Support

    Chapter 5 This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with the motherboard package. Software support...
  • Page 102 Chapter summary Install an operating system ......5-1 Support CD information ........ 5-1 Software information ........5-9 ASUS A7V8X motherboard...

  • Page 103: Install An Operating System

    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 104: Main Menu

    If the welcome screen did not appear automatically, locate and double- click on the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder in the support CD to display the menus. 5.2.2 Main menu From the welcome screen, the program takes you directly to the main menu.

  • Page 105: Drivers Menu

    Avance AC’97 Audio Driver Applicaton This item installs the Avance AC’97 compliant audio controller and application. USB 2.0 Driver This item installs the USB 2.0 driver to upgrade your USB 1.1 ports to USB 2.0. ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide...

  • Page 106: Software Menu

    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. Microsoft Direct X 8.0 Driver This item installs the Microsoft V8.0 driver.

  • Page 107: Asus Contact Information

    Winbond Voice Editor This program is for recording and customizing wave files for the ASUS POST Reporter™. Use this program if you wish to change the default vocal POST messages. See section “3.2 Vocal POST messages” for a list of the default messages.

  • Page 108: Other Information

    CD. This section shows the pop-up windows that appear when you click the icons. Motherboard Info The window displays the general specifications of the A7V8X motherboard. Browse this CD The window displays the support CD contents in graphical format.
  • Page 109 Technical Support Form The window displays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to fill up when requesting technical support. Filelist The window displays the contents of the support CD and a brief description of each in text format.

  • Page 110: Software Information

    This section provides details on the software applications that the motherboard supports. 5.3.1 ASUS Update The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to update the motherboard BIOS and drivers. This utility requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

  • Page 111: Asus Mylogo2

    5.3.2 ASUS MyLogo2™ The ASUS MyLogo2™ is automatically installed when you install the ASUS Update utility from the software menu. See section “5.2.3 Software menu”. Before using ASUS MyLogo2 feature, use the AFLASH utility to make a copy of your original BIOS file, or obtain the latest BIOS version from the ASUS website.
  • Page 112 MyLogo2 directly from the 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. 5-10 Chapter 5: Software support...

  • Page 113: Asus Pc Probe

    Programs ASUS Utility Probe Vx.xx The PC Probe icon appears on the taskbar system tray indicating that ASUS PC Probe is running. Clicking the icon allows you to see the status of your PC. ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide 5-11...
  • Page 114 Using ASUS PC Probe Monitoring Monitor Summary Shows a summary of the items being monitored. Temperature Monitor Shows the PC temperature (for supported processors only). Temperature Warning threshold adjustment (Move the slider up to increase the threshold level or down to decrease...
  • Page 115 CPU temperature and predefined threshold. Hard Drives Shows the used and free space of the PC’s hard disk drives and the file allocation table or file system used. ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide 5-13...
  • Page 116 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 NOTE: This feature is currently unavailable. 5-14...
  • Page 117 ASUS PC Probe Task Bar Icon Right clicking the PC Probe icon brings 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 PC,...

  • Page 118: E-Color 3Deep

    5.3.4 E-Color 3Deep The 3Deep color tuner is designed to match your CRT or LCD color monitor and maximize the color quality of all graphical applications. You may also tune your internet applications to match “true” internet source colors with the color displayed on the monitor. 3Deep Control Panel Using the Windows Start button,...
  • Page 119 2. Follow the instructions to manually adjust the level of the brightness monitor. 3. Select the faintest of the three colors: , and blue green 4. Select the color squares that most closely blend and match with the background. ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide 5-17...
  • Page 120 5. The next step repeats the color matching process to achieve full color quality. 6. When a message appears indicating that the tuning process is complete, click Finish 7. Click on the button to Set Up Now connect to the Internet. Follow the screen instructions to set up True Internet Color.

  • Page 121: Winbond Voice Editor

    Playing the default wave files To play the default wave files, simply click on a POST event on the left side of the screen, then click the Play button. The default language setting is English. ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide 5-19...
  • Page 122 Changing the default language 1. Click on the Load button. a window showing the available languages appears. 2. Select your desired language then click Open. The event messages for the language you selected appear on the Voice Editor screen. For some languages, not all events have a corresponding message due to file size constraints.
  • Page 123 5. From the Voice Editor screen, click on the Add button to display the Add Wave File window. 6. Copy the wave files that you recorded to the database. Close the window when done. ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide 5-21...
  • Page 124 7. Click a POST event on the Voice Editor screen, then on the Edit button. The Event Sound Editor window appears. 8. Locate and select your wave file for the event then click on the arrow opposite Voice1. The file you selected appears on the space next to it.

  • Page 125: Multi-Channel Audio Feature

    Advanced the Mixer to display the Speaker, Volume, Sound Effects, and Options menus. Make sure that the BCS1/BCS2 jumpers are set correctly before using the 6-channel audio feature. See page 2-22 for the settings. ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide 5-23...
  • Page 126 Running the C-Media Audio Demo Program The C-Media audio demo program allows you to test and fine tune your speaker system. To launch the the multi-channel audio demo program, click on from your desktop, then Start select PCI Audio Applications/ Multi-Channel Audio Demo From the demo program interface, click on Help to display the...

  • Page 127: Index

    Index This part contains an alphabetical list of the topics found in this document.
  • Page 128 ASUS A7V8X motherboard...
  • Page 129 ASUS Multi-Language BIOS 1-3 Connectors ASUS MyLogo2™ 1-3, 5-9 ASUS iPanel 2-26 ASUS PC Probe 5-11 ATX power 1-6, 2-22 ASUS POST Reporter 1-3, 3-2, 5-21 chassis alarm 2-21 ASUS Q-Fan 1-3, 4-32 fan 2-23 ASUS Update 5-8 floppy disk 1-6, 2-29...
  • Page 130 keyboard power 2-14 Line Out selector 2-16 Expansion card Speaker selector 2-16 installation 2-11 USB device wake-up 2-15 configuration 2-11 VCORE over-voltage 2-14 Expansion slots 1-9, 2-11 AGP 1-9, 2-13 PCI 1-9, 2-13 Keyboard Auto-Repeat Delay 4-16 Auto-Repeat Rate 4-16 Flash ROM 1-9 Boot-up NumLock Status 2-17 Floppy 3 Mode 4-10...
  • Page 131 Super I/O controller 1-9 Support CD 5-1 ASUS Update 5-9 Drivers menu 5-3 E-Color 3Deep 5-16 Main menu 5-2 motherboard information 5-6 multi-channel audio 5-23 Software menu 5-4 Technical Support Form 5-7 Welcome screen 5-1 ASUS A7V8X motherboard user guide...
  • Page 132 Index...

Table of Contents