Instruction/ maintenance manual of the product A8S-X SE Asus
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M o t h e r b o a r d A8S-X SE.
i i Copyright © 2006 ASUST eK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a .
iii Contents Notices ................................................................................................ vi Safety information ............................................................................. vii About this guide ............
i v Contents Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ........................................ 2-2 2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk .............................. 2-2 2.1.2 Using AFUDOS to update the BIOS .......................
v Contents 2.5 Power menu ........................................................................ 2-23 2.5.1 Suspend Mode ....................................................... 2-23 2.5.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume ................................. 2-23 2.
v i 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.
vii 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.
viii About this guide This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the motherboard. How this guide is organized This manual contains the following parts: • Chapter 1: Product introduction This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports.
i x Conventions used in this guide To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. Typography DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task.
x A8S-X SE specifications summary (continued on the next page) C P U Chipset System Bus Memory Expansion slots Storage Audio U S B LAN ASUS special features BIOS features Back Panel I/O Ports Socket .
x i *Specifications are subject to change without notice. A8S-X SE specifications summary 2 x USB connector supports additional 4 USB ports 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 Wfm2.
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This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports. 1 Product introduction.
1 - 2 Chapter 1: Product introduction If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer. 1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS ® A8S-X SE motherboard! The motherboard deliver.
ASUS A8S-X SE 1 - 3 1.3 Special features 1.3.1 Product Highlights AMD Dual-Core Architecture The motherboard supports AMD dual-core processors containing two physical CPU cores with discrete L2 cache structure for each core to meet demands for more powerful computing.
1 - 4 Chapter 1: Product introduction 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.
ASUS A8S-X SE 1 - 5 1.3.2 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.
1 - 6 Chapter 1: Product introduction A8S-XSE ® A8S-X SE Onboard LED SB_PWR ON Standby Power OFF Powered Off 1.4 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.
ASUS A8S-X SE 1 - 7 1.5 Motherboard overview 1.5.1 Motherboard layout P ANEL A8 S-X S E R CR2032 3V Lithium Cell CMOS Power CD AUX 4Mbit BIOS AAFP A TX12V CHASSIS CLRTC EA TXPWR USB56 SB_PWR CHA_F AN USBPW12 USBPW34 USBPW78 USBPW56 21.
1 - 8 Chapter 1: Product introduction A8S -X SE ® Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so may damage the motherboard. 1.5.2 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis as indicated in the image below.
ASUS A8S-X SE 1 - 9 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) 1.6.1 Overview The motherboard comes with a surface mount 939-pin Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) socket designed for the AMD Athlon™ 64 X2, AMD Athlon™ 64 FX, and AMD Sempron™ Processors.
1 - 1 0 Chapter 1: Product introduction 3. Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with a small triangle. 4. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it fits in place. 2. Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sideways, then lift it up to a 90°-100° angle.
ASUS A8S-X SE 1 - 1 1 1.6.3 Installing the heatsink and fan The AMD Athlon™ 64, AMD Athlon™ 64FX, AMD Athlon™ 64 X2, or AMD Sempron processors require a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.
1 - 1 2 Chapter 1: Product introduction 2. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base. 1 3 4 5 2 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.
ASUS A8S-X SE 1 - 1 3 1.7 System memory 1.7.1 DIMM sockets location The following figure illustrates the location of the DDR DIMM sockets. 1.7.2 Memory configurations You may install 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, and 1GB DDR DIMMs into the DIMM sockets using the memory configurations in this section.
1 - 1 4 Chapter 1: Product introduction 256MB KINGSTON KVR400X72C3A/256 N/A Mosel SS V58C2256804SAT5(ECC) V V 512MB KINGSTON KVR400X72C3A/512 N/A Mosel DS V58C2256804SAT5(ECC) V V V 512MB KINGSTON KHX.
ASUS A8S-X SE 1 - 1 5 Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) for the latest DDR 400 Qualified Vendors List. Side(s): SS - Single-Sided DS - Double-Sided DIMM Support: A - supports one module inserted into either the blue slots, in a Single- channel memory configuration.
1 - 1 6 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.7.3 Installing a DIMM Follow these steps to install a DIMM. 1. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward. 2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the socket.
ASUS A8S-X SE 1 - 1 7 1.8.1 Standard interrupt assignments IRQ Priority Standard Function 0 1 System Timer 1 2 Keyboard Controller 2 N/A Programmable Interrupt 3* 11 IRQ holder for PCI steering 4* 12 .
1 - 1 8 Chapter 1: Product introduction 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. The figure shows a network card installed on the PCI Express x1 slot.
ASUS A8S-X SE 1 - 1 9 1.9 Jumpers 1. Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC) This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data.
1 - 2 0 Chapter 1: Product introduction 2. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW12, USBPW34 , USBPW56, USBPW78) 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.
ASUS A8S-X SE 1 - 2 1 1.10 Connectors This section describes and illustrates the motherboard rear panel and internal connectors. 1.10.1 Rear panel connectors 1. PS/2 mouse port. This green 6-pin connector is for a PS/2 mouse. 2. Parallel port. This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a scanner, or other devices.
1 - 2 2 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.10.2 Internal connectors 1. IDE connectors (40-1 pin PRI_IDE, SEC_IDE) Thi s co nne cto r s uppo rts th e pr ovi ded Ul traATA133 IDE hard disk ribbon cable.
ASUS A8S-X SE 1 - 2 3 2. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) This connector supports the provided floppy drive ribbon cable. After connecting one end to the motherboard, connect the other end to the floppy drive. (Pin 5 is removed to prevent incorrect insertion when using ribbon cables with pin 5 plug).
1 - 2 4 Chapter 1: Product introduction A8S-XSE ® A8S-X SE A TX Power Connectors EA TXPWR A TX12V +12V DC GND +12V DC GND +3 V olts +3 V olts Ground +5 V olts +5 V olts Ground Ground Power OK +5V Sta.
ASUS A8S-X SE 1 - 2 5 5. CPU and chassis fan connectors (3-pin CPU_FAN, CHA_ FAN, PWR_FAN) The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350mA~740mA (8.88W max.
1 - 2 6 Chapter 1: Product introduction 8. 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.
ASUS A8S-X SE 1 - 2 7 9. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2) These next generation connectors support the thin Serial ATA cables for primary internal storage devices. The current Serial ATA interface allows up to 150 MB/s data transfer rate, faster than the standard parallel ATA with 133MB/s (Ultra ATA/133).
1 - 2 8 Chapter 1: Product introduction The System Panel connector is color-coded for easy and foolproof connection. Take note of the specific connector colors as described. 12. System panel connector (10-1 pin PANEL) This connector accommodates several system front panel functions.
This chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided. 2 BIOS setup.
2 - 2 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup. 1 . A S U S A F U D O S - Updates the BIOS using a bootable floppy disk in DOS mode.
ASUS A8S-X SE 2 - 3 The BIOS information on the screen is for reference only. What you see on your screen may not be exactly the same as shown. DO NOT shutdown or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so may cause system boot failure! 2.1.2 Using AFUDOS to update the BIOS To update the BIOS using the AFUDOS.
2 - 4 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup Main filename Extension name A:>afudos /oMYBIOS03.rom AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.10 Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved. Reading flash ..... 0x0008CC00 (9%) The BIOS information on the screen is for reference only.
ASUS A8S-X SE 2 - 5 3. The utility will copy the current system BIOS by default to the fl oppy disk. Make sure that the floppy disk has at least 600KB of free disk space and is not write-protected. A:>afudos /oMYBIOS03.ROM AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.
2 - 6 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup Make sure that the BIOS file in the floppy disk is renamed as “A8S-XSE.ROM”. 2.1.5 Recovering the BIOS with CrashFree BIOS 2 The CrashFree BIOS 2 auto recovery tool a.
ASUS A8S-X SE 2 - 7 To recover the BIOS from the support CD: 1. Boot the system. 2. When a corrupted BIOS is detected, the following screen message appears. 3. Place the support CD in the CD-ROM. The support CD contains the a working BIOS for this motherboard.
2 - 8 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup 2.2 BIOS Setup program This motherboard supports a programmable LPC chip that you can update using the provided utility described in section “2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS.” Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconfiguring your system, or prompted to “Run Setup”.
ASUS A8S-X SE 2 - 9 System Time [11:51:19] System Date [Fri 12/16/2005] Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in] Language [English] Primary IDE Master : [ST340014A] Primary IDE Slave : [Not Detected] Seconda.
2 - 1 0 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup 2.2.4 Menu items The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items. The other items (Advanced, Power, Boot, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items.
ASUS A8S-X SE 2 - 1 1 2.3 Main menu When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears giving you an overview of the basic system information. 2.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xxxx] Allows you to set the system time. 2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx] Allows you to set the system date.
2 - 1 2 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup 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.
ASUS A8S-X SE 2 - 1 3 AMI BIOS Displays the auto-detected BIOS information. Processor Displays the auto-detected processor information. System Memory Displays the auto-detected system memory . PIO Mode [Auto] Selects the PIO mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4] DMA Mode [Auto] Selects the DMA mode.
2 - 1 4 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup 2.4 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 .
ASUS A8S-X SE 2 - 1 5 PCI Express Frequency [Auto] Allows you to set the PCI Express frequency. Configuration options: [Auto] [90] [91] ~ [104] PCI Clock Synchronization Mode [To PCI Express] Sets the PCI Express clock synchronization mode. Configuration options: [To PCI Express] [33.
2 - 1 6 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup The Module Version and USB Devices Enabled items show the auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the item shows None. Legacy USB Support [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the legacy USB support. When set to Auto, the system disables the legacy USB support if there are no USB devices connected.
ASUS A8S-X SE 2 - 1 7 2.4.4 Chipset The Chipset menu items allow you to change the advanced chipset settings. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.
2 - 1 8 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup Memory Configuration Memclock Mode [Auto] MCT Timing Mode [Auto] Hardware Memory Hole [Disabled] Memory Configuration 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.
ASUS A8S-X SE 2 - 1 9 HyperTransport Configuration HT Width [Auto] HT Speed [1000 MHz] TRFC [Auto] Sets the TRFC. Configuration options: [Auto] [9T] [10T] [11T] [12T] [13T] [14T] .
2 - 2 0 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup 2.4.5 Onboard Devices Configuration Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address. Configuration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4] [2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3] Serial Port Mode [Normal] Allows you to select the Serial Port mode.
ASUS A8S-X SE 2 - 2 1 OnBoard MIDI Port [Disabled] Disables or sets the onboard MIDI port. Configuration options: [Disabled] [300] [330] OnBoard SiS190 LAN Device [Enabled] A llows you to enable or disable the onboard LAN controller.
2 - 2 2 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup 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.
ASUS A8S-X SE 2 - 2 3 2.5.1 Suspend Mode [S1 & S3 (STR)] Allows you to select the ACPI state to be used for system suspend. Configuration options: [S1 (POS) Only] [S1 and S3 (STR)] [S3 Only] 2.5.2 Repost Video On S3 Resume [No] Determines whether to invoke the VGA BIOS post on S3/STR resume.
2 - 2 4 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup 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] 2.
ASUS A8S-X SE 2 - 2 5 2.5.6 Hardware Monitor Hardware Monitor CPU Temperature [40.5ºC/102.5ºF] MB Temperature [33ªC/91ºF] CPU Fan Speed [3260RPM] Chassis Fan Speed [N/A] Power Fan Speed [N/A] VCORE Voltage [ 1.504V] 3.3V Voltage [ 3.360V] 5V Voltage [ 5.
2 - 2 6 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup 2.6 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu. 2.6.1 Boot Device Priority 1st ~ xxth Boot Device [1st Floppy Drive] These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices.
ASUS A8S-X SE 2 - 2 7 2.6.2 Boot Settings Configuration Quick Boot [Enabled] Enabling this item allows the BIOS to skip some Power On Self Tests (POST) while booting to decrease the time needed to boot the system. When set to [Disabled], BIOS performs all the POST items.
2 - 2 8 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to change other security settings. If you forget your BIOS password, you can clear it by erasing the CMOS Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM. See section “1.
ASUS A8S-X SE 2 - 2 9 User Access Level (Full Access] Allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items. Configuration options: [No Access] [View Only] [Limited] [Full Access] No Access prevents user access to the Setup utility. View Only allows access but does not allow change to any field.
2 - 3 0 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup 2.7 Exit menu The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. Exit Options Exit & Save Changes Exit & Discard Changes Discard Changes Load Setup Defaults Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu.
ASUS A8S-X SE 2 - 3 1 Exit & Discard Changes 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.
2 - 3 2 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup.
This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with the motherboard package. 3 Software support.
3 - 2 Chapter 3: Software support 3.1 Install an operating system This motherboard supports Windows ® 2000/XP operating system (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware.
ASUS A8S-X SE 3 - 3 3.2.2 Drivers menu The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices. AMD Cool ʻnʼ Quiet Driver Installs the AMD Cool ʻnʼ Quiet! technology drivers.
3 - 4 Chapter 3: Software support ASUS PC Probe II This smart utility monitors the fan speed, CPU temperature, and system voltages, and alerts you on any detected problems. This utility helps you keep your computer at a healthy operating condition. ASUS Update This program allows you to download the latest version of the BIOS from the ASUS website.
ASUS A8S-X SE 3 - 5 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.
3 - 6 Chapter 3: Software support 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.
An important point after buying a device Asus A8S-X SE (or even before the purchase) is to read its user manual. We should do this for several simple reasons:
If you have not bought Asus A8S-X SE yet, this is a good time to familiarize yourself with the basic data on the product. First of all view first pages of the manual, you can find above. You should find there the most important technical data Asus A8S-X SE - thus you can check whether the hardware meets your expectations. When delving into next pages of the user manual, Asus A8S-X SE you will learn all the available features of the product, as well as information on its operation. The information that you get Asus A8S-X SE will certainly help you make a decision on the purchase.
If you already are a holder of Asus A8S-X SE, but have not read the manual yet, you should do it for the reasons described above. You will learn then if you properly used the available features, and whether you have not made any mistakes, which can shorten the lifetime Asus A8S-X SE.
However, one of the most important roles played by the user manual is to help in solving problems with Asus A8S-X SE. Almost always you will find there Troubleshooting, which are the most frequently occurring failures and malfunctions of the device Asus A8S-X SE along with tips on how to solve them. Even if you fail to solve the problem, the manual will show you a further procedure – contact to the customer service center or the nearest service center
