Asus SK8N User Manual
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Asus SK8N User Manual

Asus SK8N User Manual

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  • Page 1 SK8N 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 SK8N specifications summary ............xi Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome! ................1-1 1.2 Package contents ............... 1-1 1.3 Special features ..............
  • Page 4 Using AFUDOS to update the BIOS ...... 4-1 4.1.3 Using AFUDOS to copy BIOS from PC ....4-3 4.1.4 Using ASUS EZ Flash to update the BIOS .... 4-4 4.1.5 Recovering the BIOS with CrashFree BIOS 2 ..4-5 4.2 BIOS Setup program ............4-7 4.2.1...
  • Page 5 5.2.1 Running the support CD ........5-1 5.2.2 Drivers menu ............5-2 5.2.3 Utilities menu ............5-3 5.2.4 ASUS Contact Information ........5-4 5.2.5 Other information ........... 5-5 5.3 Software information ............5-7 5.3.1 ASUS Update ............5-7 5.3.2 ASUS MyLogo2™ ..........5-8 5.3.3...

  • Page 6: Notices

    Notices Federal Communications Commission Statement This device complies with FCC Rules Part 15. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: • This device may not cause harmful interference, and • This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation.

  • 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 SK8N 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

    General Support: +1-502-995-0883 Notebook Support: +1-510-739-3777 x5110 Web Site: usa.asus.com Support Email: tsd@asus.com ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany and Austria) Address: Harkortstr. 25, 40880 Ratingen, BRD, Germany General Email: sales@asuscom.de (for marketing requests only) General Fax: +49-2102-9599-31 Technical Support Support Hotlines:...

  • Page 11: Sk8N Specifications Summary

    SK8N specifications summary Socket 940 for AMD Opteron processor Chipset NVIDIA nForce 3 Pro150 System Bus Scalable Hyper-Transport Bus Memory Dual-Channel memory architecture Supports PC2700/PC2100/PC1600 ECC DDR SDRAM Registered DIMMs 4 x 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets for up to 8GB memory...
  • Page 12 1 x RJ-45 Port 1 x IEEE 1394 BIOS features 4Mb Flash EEPROM AMI BIOS with enhanced ACPI, DMI, PnP, Green ASUS EZ Flash, ASUS MyLogo2, ASUS Q-Fan, CrashFree BIOS 2, SM BIOS 2.3 Industry standard PCI 2.3, USB 2.0 Manageability...

  • Page 13: Chapter 1: Product Introduction

    Chapter 1 This chapter describes the features of the SK8N 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 SK8N motherboard...

  • Page 15: Welcome

    Welcome! Thank you for buying the ASUS SK8N motherboard! ® The ASUS SK8N motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards! ® The SK8N incorporates the AMD Opteron™...

  • Page 16: Special Features

    2.12 GB/s. See page 2-18. 6-Channel Audio solution The SK8N uses an onboard audio CODEC that lets you enjoy high-quality 6-channel audio without having to buy advanced sound cards. See page 5-15.

  • Page 17: Asus Mylogo2

    See pages 4-30, 5-8. ASUS EZ Flash BIOS With the ASUS EZ Flash, you can easily update the system BIOS even before loading the operating system. No need to use a DOS-based utility or boot from a floppy disk. See page 4-4.
  • Page 18 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. See page 4-5.

  • Page 19: Value-Added Solutions

    ASUS update This utility allows you to update the motherboard BIOS through a user- friendly interface. Connect to the Internet then to the ASUS FTP site nearest you to obtain the latest BIOS version for your motherboard. ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide...

  • Page 20: Motherboard Overview

    1.4.1 Major components The following are the major components of the SK8N motherboard as pointed out in the picture on page 1-7. DDR DIMM sockets 16.
  • Page 21 ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide...

  • Page 22: Core Specifications

    1.4.2 Core specifications DDR DIMM sockets. These four 184-pin DIMM sockets support up to 8GB system memory using registered ECC PC2700/2100/1600 DDR DIMMs. CPU socket. A 940-pin surface mount, Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) socket designed for the AMD Opteron™processor with an ®...
  • Page 23 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. IEEE1394 port. This 6-pin IEEE 1394 port provides high-speed connectivity for audio/video devices, storage peripherals, other PCs and/or portable devices. ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide...
  • Page 24 RJ-45 port. This port allows connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. Line In jack. This Line In (light blue) jack connects a tape player or other audio sources. In 6-channel mode, the function of this jack becomes Rear Speaker Out.

  • 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 ..........2-11 Expansion slots ........... 2-15 Jumpers ............2-19 Connectors ........... 2-21 ASUS SK8N 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 SK8N uses the ATX form factor that measures 12 inches x 9.6 inches. Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard.

  • Page 28: Motherboard Layout

    Motherboard layout 24.5cm (9.6in) PS/2KBMS T: Mouse B: Keyboard DDR DIMM_B2 (64 bit,184-pin module) COM1 DDR DIMM_B1 (64 bit,184-pin module) DDR DIMM_A2 (64 bit,184-pin module) DDR DIMM_A1 (64 bit,184-pin module) SK8N ATX12V Socket 940 USBPW1234 Bottom: Top: T:USB4 1394 B:USB3 USB2.0...

  • Page 29: Before You Proceed

    SK8N SB_PWR1 ® Standby Powered SK8N Onboard LED Power ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide...

  • Page 30: Central Processing Unit (Cpu)

    Central Processing Unit (CPU) 2.4.1 Overview The motherboard comes with a surface mount 940-pin Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) socket. The socket is designed for the new AMD Opteron™ Processor in the 940-pin lidded ceramic micro PGA package. The AMD Opteron™ processor is a 64-bit server and workstation processor based on the industry-standard x86 instruction set architecture that can run x86- based 32 and 64-bit applications.

  • Page 31: Installing The Cpu

    Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90°-100° angle, otherwise the CPU does not fit in completely. Incorrect installation of the CPU into the socket may bend the pins and severely damage the CPU! ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide...
  • Page 32 3. Position the CPU above the socket such that its marked corner matches the base of the socket lever. 4. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it fits in place. Chamfer The CPU fits only in one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU! 5.

  • Page 33: Installing The Heatsink And Fan

    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 SK8N motherboard user guide...
  • Page 34 2. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base. 3. Align the other end of the retention bracket (near the retention bracket lock) to the retention module base. A clicking sound denotes that the retention bracket is in place. Make sure that the fan and heatsink assembly perfectly fits the retention mechanism module base, otherwise you cannot snap the retention bracket in place.

  • Page 35: Connecting The Cpu Fan Cable

    CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN1. CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1) Don’t forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors may occur if you fail to plug this connector. ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide...

  • Page 36: Cpu Heatsink And Fan Qualified Vendor List

    2.4.5 CPU Heatsink and Fan Qualified Vendor List The following table lists the CPU heatsink and fan assembly that have been tested and qualified for use with this motherboard. Vendor Part Number Performance Thermaltake A1724 0.31C/W Foxconn NBT-K5011NE1DBVCB-001 0.30C/W Ajigo MF043-044 0.30C/W 2-10...

  • Page 37: System Memory

    DIMM_B1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_A1 ® SK8N 184-Pin DDR DIMM Sockets Notes on DDR technology The DDR SDRAM technology evolved from the mainstream PC66, PC100, PC133 memory known as Single Data Rate (SDR) SDRAM. DDR memory however, has the ability to perform two data operations in one clock cycle, thus providing twice the throughput of SDR memory.

  • Page 38: Memory Configurations

    2.5.2 Memory configurations You may install 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB and 2GB DDR DIMMs into the DIMM sockets using the memory configurations in this section. Important notes on memory configurations 1. Installing DDR DIMMs other than the recommended configurations may cause memory sizing error or system boot failure.
  • Page 39 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 qualified vendor DDR333 module list for this motherboard. Obtain DDR DIMMs only from ASUS qualified vendors for better system performance.

  • Page 40: Installing A Dimm

    1. Locate the DIMM sockets in the DIMM_B2 DIMM_B1 motherboard. DIMM_A2 DIMM_A1 ® SK8N 184-Pin DDR DIMM Sockets DDR DIMM NOTCH 2. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward. 3. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the socket.

  • Page 41: 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 SK8N motherboard user guide 2-15...

  • Page 42: 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 43: Pci Slots

    There are five 32-bit PCI slots on this motherboard. The slots support PCI cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. The following figure shows a LAN card installed on a PCI slot. ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide 2-17...

  • Page 44: Agp Slot

    SK8N Keyed for 1.5v ® SK8N Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) If installing the ATi 9500 or 9700 Pro Series VGA cards, use only the card version PN xxx-xxxxx-30 or later, for optimum performance and overclocking stability.

  • Page 45: Jumpers

    5. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer. 6. Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-enter data. SK8N CLRTC1 Normal Clear CMOS (Default) ® SK8N Clear RTC RAM ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide 2-19...
  • Page 46 Enable Disable (Default) ® SK8N Boot Block Write Protect 3. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW1234) Set these jumpers to +5V to wake up the computer from S1 sleep mode (CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in low power mode) using the connected USB devices. Set to +5VSB to wake up from S3 and S4 sleep modes (no power to CPU, DRAM in slow refresh, power supply in reduced power mode).

  • Page 47: Connectors

    (Pin 5 is removed to prevent incorrect insertion when using ribbon cables with pin 5 plug). SK8N FLOPPY1 PIN 1 NOTE: Orient the red markings on ® the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1. SK8N Floppy Disk Drive Connector ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide 2-21...
  • Page 48 NOTE: Orient the red markings (usually zigzag) on the IDE ribbon cable to PIN 1. ® PIN 1 SK8N IDE Connectors For UltraDMA133/100/66 IDE devices, use an 80-conductor IDE cable. The UltraDMA/66 cable included in the motherboard package also supports UltraDMA133 or UltraDMA100. 2-22...
  • Page 49 Parallel ATA interface. • Hot plug support for Serial ATA drive and connections are not available in this motherboard. • Install Windows ® XP™ Service Pack 1 when using Serial ATA. ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide 2-23...
  • Page 50 ® NOTE: Orient the red markings (usually zigzag) on the IDE ribbon cable to PIN 1. SK8N RAID Connector Important notes on the RAID feature: • By default, the drive that you connect to the PRI_RAID connector follow the ATA133/100/66/33 protocol as an independent drive, not as a disk array.
  • Page 51 This connector accomodates a second serial port using a serial port bracket. Connect the bracket cable to this connector then install the bracket into a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. SK8N COM2 PIN 1 ® SK8N Serial COM2 Bracket ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide 2-25...

  • Page 52: Atx Power Connectors

    The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate. ATXPWR ATX12V SK8N +12V DC GND +12.0VDC +5.0VDC +5VSB +5.0VDC PWR_OK -5.0VDC +12V DC GND +5.0VDC +5.0VDC PS_ON# +3.3VDC -12.0VDC ® +3.3VDC +3.3VDC SK8N ATX Power Connector 2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information...
  • Page 53 You must install the driver before you can use the USB 2.0 capability. SK8N USB56 ® SK8N USB 2.0 Header NEVER connect a 1394 cable to the USB_56 connector. Doing so will damage the motherboard! ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide 2-27...
  • Page 54 SK8N CD1(Black) AUX1(White) ® SK8N Internal Audio Connectors 10. IEEE 1394 connectors (10-1 pin IE1394_1(Orange)) These connectors are for IEEE 1394 modules. Attach the 10-1 pin cable plugs to these connectors. You may also connect a 1394- compliant internal hard disk to these connectors.
  • Page 55 SK8N FP_AUDIO ® SK8N Front Panel Audio Connector 12. Digital Audio connector (6-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) This connector is for the S/PDIF audio module to allow digital sound output. Connect one end of the S/PDIF audio cable to this connector and the other end to the S/PDIF module.
  • Page 56 Switch* ® Requires an ATX power supply. SK8N System Panel Connectors • System Power LED Lead (3-1 pin PLED) This 3-1 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 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: Starting Up For The First Time

    Chapter summary Starting up for the first time ......3-1 Powering off the computer ......3-2 ASUS SK8N motherboard...

  • Page 59: Starting Up For The First Time

    30 seconds from the time you turned on the power, the system may have failed a power-on test. Check the jumper settings and connections or call your retailer for assistance. 7. At power on, hold down <Delete> to enter BIOS Setup. Follow the instructions in Chapter 4. ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide...

  • Page 60: Powering Off The Computer

    Powering off the computer Using the OS shut down function If you use Windows 2000/XP, click the Start button, click Shut Down, then the OK button to shut down the computer. The power supply should turn off after Windows shuts down. Using the dual function power switch While the system is ON, pressing the power switch for less than 4 seconds puts the system to sleep mode or to soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS...

  • Page 61: Chapter 4: Bios Setup

    Chapter 4 This chapter gives information about the ASUS SK8N Basic Input/Output System (BIOS).This chapter includes updating the BIOS using the AFUDOS.EXE utility that is bundled with the support CD. BIOS setup...
  • Page 62 Chapter summary Managing and updating your BIOS ....4-1 BIOS Setup program ........4-7 Main Menu ............ 4-10 Advanced Menu ........... 4-13 Power Menu ..........4-25 Boot Menu ............ 4-29 Exit Menu ............4-34 ASUS SK8N motherboard...

  • Page 63: Managing And Updating Your Bios

    4.1.2 Using AFUDOS to update the BIOS Update the BIOS using the AFUDOS.EXE utility in DOS environment. 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.
  • Page 64 4. At the DOS prompt, type the command line: afudos /i<filename> where “filename” means the latest (or original) BIOS file that you copied to the bootable floppy disk. The screen displays the status of the update process. The BIOS information on the screen is for reference only. What you see on your screen may not be exactly the same as shown.

  • Page 65: Using Afudos To Copy Bios From Pc

    AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.10 Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved. Reading flash ..done A:\> When the BIOS copy process is complete, the utility returns to the DOS prompt. ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide...

  • Page 66: Using Asus Ez Flash To Update The Bios

    4.1.4 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>...

  • Page 67: Recovering The Bios With Crashfree Bios 2

    BIOS. See section “4.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk.” • Make sure that the BIOS filename is “SK8N.ROM”. To recover the BIOS from a floppy disk: 1. Boot the system.
  • Page 68 4. 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. Chapter 4: BIOS Setup...

  • Page 69: 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. ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide...

  • Page 70: Bios Menu Screen

    Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in] select a field. Use [+] or [-] to Primary IDE Master :[ST320413A] configure system time. Primary IDE Slave :[ASUS CD-S340] Secondary IDE Master :[Not Detected] Secondary IDE Slave :[Not Detected] System Information Select Screen Select Item...

  • Page 71: Menu Items

    Down arrow keys or PageUp/ PageDown keys to display the other items on the screen. 4.2.9 General help At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected item. ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide...

  • Page 72: Main Menu

    Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in] select a field. Use [+] or [-] to Primary IDE Master :[ST320413A] configure system time. Primary IDE Slave :[ASUS CD-S340] Secondary IDE Master :[Not Detected] Secondary IDE Slave :[Not Detected] System Information Select Screen Select Item...

  • Page 73: Primary And Secondary Ide Master/Slave

    When set to Disabled, the data transfer from and to the device occurs one sector at a time. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide 4-11...

  • Page 74: System Information

    PIO Mode [Auto] Selects the PIO mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4] DMA Mode [Auto] Selects the DMA mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [SWDMA0] [SWDMA1] [SWDMA2] [MWDMA0] [MWDMA1] [MWDMA2] [UDMA0] [UDMA1] [UDMA2] [UDMA3] [UDMA4] [UDMA5] SMART Monitoring [Auto] Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology.

  • Page 75: Advanced Menu

    FSB Speed is not supported. If the system fails due to overclocking, unplug the power cable; wait for 10 seconds then plug again to power source and restart system. ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide 4-13...

  • Page 76: Chipset

    CPU Voltage [ 1.55V] This item allows you to select a specific CPU Voltage. Take caution in setting CPU Voltage, a very high voltage may severely damage the CPU! Configuration options: [1.55V] [1.65V] [1.75V] 4.4.2 Chipset The Chipset menu items allow you to change the advanced chipset settings.
  • Page 77 [100 Mhz] [133 Mhz] [150 Mhz] [166 MHz] [200 Mhz] Bank Interleaving [ Auto] This item sets whether to allow memory accesses to be spread out over BANKS on the same node or across nodes, decreasing access contention. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide 4-15...
  • Page 78 CAS Latency (CL) [Auto] This item sets the CAS Latency. Configuration options: [Auto] [2.0] [3.0] [2.5] TRCD [Auto] This item sets the TRCD. Configuration options: [Auto] [2 CLK] [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] TRAS [Auto] This item sets the TRAS. Configuration options: [Auto] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK] [8 CLK] [9 CLK] [10 CLK] [11 CLK] [12 CLK] [13 CLK] [14 CLK] [15 CLK] TRP [Auto]...

  • Page 79: South Bridge Configuration

    MAC Interface [Enabled] This item enables or disables the internal 802.3 MAC interface. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Onboard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled] This item enables or disables the onboard LAN Boot ROM. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide 4-17...

  • Page 80: Usb Configuration

    4.4.2.2.1 USB Configuration The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an item then press Enter to display the configuration options. USB Configuration Enables USB host controllers. Module Version : 2.22.4-5.3 USB Devices Enabled : None USB Function [8 USB Ports] Legacy USB Support...

  • Page 81: Usb Mass Storage Device Configuration

    HDD formatted drive to boot as FDD (for example, ZIP drive). The Device and Emulation Type items appear only when there are installed USB devices. IOAPIC [Enabled] This item enables or disables the IO APIC. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide 4-19...

  • Page 82: Agp Configuration

    4.4.2.3 AGP Configuration The Chipset menu item allow you to change the AGP settings. Select an item then press Enter to display the sub-menu. AGP Chipset Configuration AGP Overclock in MHz [66] Aperture Size [ 128 MB] AGP 1.5V Voltage 1.5V] AGP FW Enable [Disabled]...
  • Page 83 This item enables or disables the CRC Flood that enable the generation of syncronized packets on CRC Error. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] LDT to MCP2 Frequency [600 MHz] This item enables or disables the LCT to MCP2 frequency. Configuration options: [200 MHz] [400 Mhz] [600 Mhz] ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide 4-21...

  • Page 84: Onboard Devices Configuration

    4.4.3 Onboard Devices Configuration Onboard Floppy Controller [Enabled] Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Serial Port2 Address [2F8/IRQ3] Parallel Port Address [378] IEEE 1394 Controller [Enabled] OnBoard Promise Controller [Enabled] Operating Mode [IDE] Select Screen Select Item Change Option General Help Save and Exit Exit OnBoard Floppy Controller [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the floppy disk controller.

  • Page 85: Pci Pnp

    When set to [No], BIOS configures all the devices in the system. When set to [Yes] and if you installed a Plug & Play operating system, the operating system configures the Plug & Play devices not required for boot. Configuration options: [No] [Yes] ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide 4-23...
  • Page 86 PCI Latency Timer [64] Allows you to select the value in units of PCI clocks for the PCI device latency timer register. Configuration options: [32] [64] [96] [128] [160] [192] [224] [248] Allocate IRQ to PCI VGA [Yes] When set to [Yes], BIOS assigns an IRQ to PCI VGA card if the card requests for an IRQ.

  • Page 87: Power Menu

    Enabled, the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 4.5.5 BIOS -> AML ACPI Table [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the inclusion of the BIOS ->AML exchange pointer to (X)RSDT pointer list. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide 4-25...

  • Page 88: Apm Configuration

    4.5.6 APM Configuration Enabled or disable APM. PME Resume [Disabled] RI Resume [Disabled] Onboard LAN Resume [Disabled] RTC Resume [Disabled] Resume On PS2 Keyboard [Disabled] Restore on AC Power Loss [Power On] Select Screen Select Item Change Option General Help Save and Exit Exit PME Resume [Disabled]...

  • Page 89: Hardware Monitor

    If any of the monitored items is out of range, the following error message appears: “Hardware Monitor found an error. Enter Power setup menu for details”. You will then be prompted to “Press F1 to continue or DEL to enter SETUP”. ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide 4-27...
  • Page 90 CPU Q-FAN Function [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. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The above item appears only when the CPU Q-FAN Function item is set to Enabled.

  • Page 91: Boot Menu

    These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices. The number of device items that appear on the screen depends on the the number of devices installed in the system. Configuration options: [xxxxx Drive] [Disabled] ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide 4-29...

  • Page 92: Boot Settings Configuration

    Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Make sure that the above item is set to [Enabled] if you wish to use the ASUS MyLogo2™ feature. Add On ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS] Sets the display mode for option ROM. Configuration options: [Force...
  • Page 93 When set to Enabled, the system displays the message “Press DEL to run Setup” during POST. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Interrupt 19 Capture [Disabled] When set to [Enabled], this function allows the option ROMs to trap Interrupt 19. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide 4-31...

  • Page 94: Security

    4.6.3 Security The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item then press Enter to display the configuration options. Security Settings <Enter> to change password. Supervisor Password Not Installed <Enter> again to User Password Not Installed disable password.

  • Page 95: Change User Password

    Enter. Your password should have at least six characters. 3. Confirm the password when prompted. The message “Password Installed” appears after you have successfully set your password. The User Password item now shows Installed. ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide 4-33...

  • Page 96: Exit Menu

    To change the user password, follow the same steps as in setting a user password. 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.

  • Page 97: Discard Changes

    Setup menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a confirmation window appears. Select [Yes] to load default values. Select Exit Saving Changes or make other changes before saving the values to the non-volatile RAM. ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide 4-35...
  • Page 98 4-36 Chapter 4: BIOS Setup...

  • Page 99: Chapter 5: Software Support

    Chapter 5 This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with the motherboard package. Software support...
  • Page 100 Chapter summary Install an operating system ......5-1 Support CD information ........ 5-1 Software information ........5-7 RAID configurations ........5-17 Using Makedisk.exe ........5-24 ASUS SK8N motherboard...

  • Page 101: 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 102: Drivers Menu

    5.2.2 Drivers menu The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices. Nvidia Chipset Driver Program ® This item installs the Nvidia Chipset drivers for the Nvidia nForce 3 Pro 150 chipset.

  • Page 103: Utilities Menu

    Install 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. PC-CILLIN 2002 This item installs the PC-cillin 2002 anti-virus program.

  • Page 104: Asus Contact Information

    Screen display and utilities option may not be the same for other operating system versions. 5.2.4 ASUS Contact Information Clicking the ASUS Contact Information tab displays as stated. You may also find this information on page x of this user guide. Chapter 5: Software support...

  • Page 105: Other Information

    CD. Click an icon to display the specified information. Motherboard Info The window displays the general specifications of the SK8N motherboard. Browse this CD The window displays the support CD contents in graphical format.
  • Page 106 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 107: 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 108: 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 Utilities menu”. Before using ASUS MyLogo2™ feature, use the AFUDOS utility to make a copy of your original BIOS file, or obtain the latest BIOS version from the ASUS website.
  • Page 109 Your system boots with the new boot logo. Instead of starting from ASUS Update, you may also launch ASUS 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.

  • Page 110: Asus Pc Probe

    , and then click 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. 5-10 Chapter 5: Software support...
  • Page 111 Fan Monitor Shows the PC 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 voltages. ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide 5-11...
  • Page 112 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 113 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. ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide...
  • Page 114 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 115: Multi-Channel Audio Feature

    4. Click on the Equalizer tab to display panel to individually control frequency bands and adjust sound output. You may also display the Equalizer panel by clicking on the Equalizer command button on the Sound Effect tab. ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide 5-15...
  • Page 116 5. Click on the Speaker Configuration tab to customize your speaker system. Make sure to select the correct speaker channel mode based on your actual speaker setup. 6. Click on the Speaker Test tab for the Multi-channel audio test. When you use the 6-channel function and your speaker Center/Subwoofer channel is incorrect, select Swap Center/...

  • Page 117: Raid Configurations

    5-25 for details. • Refer to the FastTrak 378 Quick Start Guide and SATA Quick Start Guide found in “/Manual” of the support CD for detailed information on RAID configurations under different operating systems. ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide 5-17...

  • Page 118: Install The Hard Disks

    5.4.1 Install the hard disks The PDC20378 chipset supports Ultra ATA/133/100/66 hard disk drives. For optimal performance, install identical drives of the same model and capacity when creating a disk array. • If you are creating a RAID 0 (striping) array for perfomance, use two new drives.

  • Page 119: Enter The Mbfastbuild™ Utility

    Delete Array ..[ 4 ] [ 4 ] Rebuild Array..[ 5 ] [ 5 ] [ Keys Available ] Press 1..5 to select Option [ESC] Exit ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide 5-19...

  • Page 120: Creating A Raid 0 Array (Performance)

    5.4.3 Creating a RAID 0 array (Performance) 1. In the FastBuild™ utility main menu, press “1” to select Auto Setup. The following screen appears. FastBuild (tm) Utility 2.00 (c) 2002-2005 Promise Technology, Inc. [ Auto Setup Options Menu ] Optimize Array for: Performance [ Array Setup Configuration ] Mode ........

  • Page 121: Creating A Raid 1 Array (Security)

    Security array has been created. Array has been created. <Press any key to reboot> 6. Press any key to reboot the system. During the boot process, the MBFastTrak376 BIOS checks and displays the disk array information. ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide 5-21...
  • Page 122 7. Use the FDISK utility and follow the format procedure for installing a new hard drive. After you have formatted the arrayed drives, install an operating system (OS). 8. Install the RAID driver from the support CD that came with the motherboard package.

  • Page 123: Other Fastbuild Utility Commands

    4. Power off the system and replace the hard disk with an identical model. 5. Reboot and enter the FastBuild™ Main Menu again. 6. Select <5> for Rebuild Array. The malfunctioning array is highlighted. Press Enter to select. ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide 5-23...
  • Page 124 FastBuild (tm) Utility 2.00 (c) 2002-2005 Promise Technology, Inc. [ Rebuild Array Menu ] Array No RAID Mode Total Drv Capacity Status Array Mirror/Stripe 7999 Critical Array ----- ----- ----- ----- Array ----- ----- ----- ----- Array ----- ----- ----- ----- [ Keys Available ] [ ] Up...

  • Page 125: Using Makedisk.exe

    ATA/SATA RAID function before installing your operating system. 4. During the OS installation, press the “F6” key and insert the created driver floppy disk to upload RAID driver. Write-protect the floppy disk to avoid computer virus infection. ASUS SK8N motherboard user guide 5-25...
  • Page 126 5-26 Chapter 5: Software support...

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