Asus A8S-X User Manual
Asus A8S-X User Manual

Asus A8S-X User Manual

A8s-x user's manual for english edition
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  • Page 1 A8S-X 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

    Safety information ................. vii About this guide ................viii Conventions used in this guide ........... viii Typography ................viii A8S-X specifications summary ............ix Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome! ................1-2 1.2 Package contents ............... 1-2 1.3 Special features ..............1-3 1.3.1...
  • Page 4 Using AFUDOS to update the BIOS ...... 2-3 2.1.3 Using AFUDOS to copy BIOS from PC ....2-4 2.1.4 Using ASUS EZ Flash to update the BIOS .... 2-5 2.1.5 Recovering the BIOS with CrashFree BIOS 2 ..2-6 2.2 BIOS Setup program ............2-8 2.2.1...
  • Page 5 3.1 Install an operating system ..........3-2 3.2 Support CD information ............3-2 3.2.1 Running the support CD ........3-2 3.2.2 Drivers menu ............3-3 3.2.3 Utilities menu ............3-3 3.2.4 Make Disk .............. 3-5 3.2.5 Manual ..............3-5 3.2.6 ASUS Contact Information ........3-6...
  • Page 6: Notices

    1. ASUS Websites The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. The ASUS websites are listed in the ASUS Contact Information on the inside front cover. 2. Optional Documentation Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer.
  • 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. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.
  • Page 8: About This Guide

    About this guide Conventions used in this guide To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task. CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task.
  • Page 9: A8S-X Specifications Summary

    A8S-X specifications summary Socket 939 for AMD Athlon™ 64 X2/AMD Athlon™ FX/ AMD Athlon™ 64/AMD Sempron™ processors Supports AMD 64 architecture that enables simultaneous 32-bit and 64-bit architecture Chipset NorthBridge: SiS 756 SouthBridge: SiS 965L System Bus 2000/1600 MT/s Memory...
  • Page 10 Chassis intrusion connector GAME/MIDI connector Front panel audio connector 4Mb Flash ROM BIOS features AMI BIOS with enhanced ACPI, PnP, DMI, ASUS MyLogo™, SM BIOS 2.3 PCI 2.2, USB 2.0/1.1 Industry standard WfM 2.0, DMI, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, Chassis Manageability intrusion, SM BIOS 2.3...
  • Page 11: Chapter 1: Product Introduction

    Chapter 1 This chapter describes the features of the motherboard. It includes brief descriptions of the motherboard components, and illustrations of the layout, jumper settings, and connectors. Product introduction...
  • Page 12: Welcome

    A8S-X motherboard! The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards! The motherboard combines the powers of the AMD Athlon™ 64 X2, AMD Athlon™ 64 FX, AMD Athlon™ 64 or AMD Sempron™ processor and the SiS 756 chipset to set a new benchmark for an effective desktop platform solution.
  • Page 13: Special Features

    RAID cards. The onboard SIS 965L RAID controller provides two Serial ATA connectors for RAID 0, RAID 1 and JBOD functions. S/PDIF out The motherboard’s S/PDIF out function turns your computer into a high-end entertainment system with digital connectivity to powerful speaker systems. ASUS A8S-X...
  • Page 14: Unique Asus Features

    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. See page 2-6.
  • Page 15: Before You Proceed

    The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED. SB_PWR A8S-X ® Standby Powered A8S-X Onboard LED Power ASUS A8S-X...
  • Page 16: Motherboard Overview

    USB12 USBPW12 USBPW34 Bottom: Top: USB3 RJ-45 USB4 Top:Line In Center:Line Out Below:Mic In AAFP CHA_FAN AD1986A PCIEX16 PCIEX1_1 PCIEX1_2 A8S-X Intel 965L 82540EM PCI1 SATA2 SATA1 PCI2 4Mbit BIOS USB56 USB78 CR2032 3V Lithium Cell CMOS Power IT8712FA PCI3...
  • Page 17: Placement Direction

    Place six (6) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis. Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so may damage the motherboard. Place this side towards the rear of the chassis A8S-X ® ASUS A8S-X...
  • Page 18: Central Processing Unit (Cpu)

    The 128-bit-wide data paths of these processors can run applications faster than processors with only 32-bit or 64-bit wide data paths. A8S-X ® A8S-X CPU Socket 939 Incorrect installation of the CPU into the socket may bend the pins and severely damage the CPU! Chapter 1: Product introduction...
  • Page 19: Installing The Cpu

    CPU! 5. When the CPU is in place, push down the socket lever to secure the CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab to indicate that it is locked. 6. Install specifically designed heatsink and fan assembly. ASUS A8S-X...
  • Page 20: System Memory

    • Due to CPU limitation, install on Channel B slots for a single-channel memory configuration. • Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) for the latest DDR 400 Qualified Vendor List for this motherboard. 1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction...
  • Page 21: Installing A Dimm

    IRQ holder for PCI steering IRQ holder for PCI steering IRQ holder for PCI steering PS/2 Compatible Mouse Port Numeric Data Processor Primary IDE Channel Secondary IDE Channel These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices. ASUS A8S-X 1-11...
  • Page 22: Irq Assignments For This Motherboard

    1.8.2 IRQ assignments for this motherboard PCI slot 1 shared — — — — — — — PCI slot 2 — shared — — — — — — PCI slot 3 — — shared — — — — — PCIe x1 slot 1 shared —...
  • Page 23: Pci Express X1 Slot

    Express x1 slot. 1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x16 graphic cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. The following figure shows a graphics card installed on the PCI Express x16 slot. ASUS A8S-X 1-13...
  • Page 24: Jumpers

    A8S-X ® Normal Clear CMOS A8S-X Clear RTC RAM (Default) You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking. For system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature. Shut down and reboot the system so BIOS can automatically reset parameter settings to its previous values.
  • Page 25 USBPW78 USBPW56 A8S-X ® +5VSB A8S-X USB device wake up (Default) • The USB device wake-up feature requires a power supply that can provide 500mA on the +5VSB lead for each USB port. Otherwise, the system would not power up.
  • Page 26: Connectors

    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.
  • Page 27: Internal Connectors

    (Pin 5 is removed to prevent incorrect insertion when using ribbon cables with pin 5 plug). FLOPPY PIN 1 A8S-X ® NOTE: Orient the red markings on the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1. A8S-X Floppy disk drive connector ASUS A8S-X 1-17...
  • Page 28 +5 Volts +12 Volts Ground +3 Volts A8S-X ATX power connectors 4. Internal audio connectors (4-pin CD, AUX) These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card. Right Audio Channel...
  • Page 29 You may install the USB module in the chassis front panel. The module has two USB 2.0 ports for connecting next generation USB peripherals such as high resolution cameras, scanners, and printers. A8S-X ® USB56 USB78 A8S-X USB 2.0 connectors The USB/GAME module is purchased separately. ASUS A8S-X 1-19...
  • Page 30 A8S-X ® CHASSIS (Default) A8S-X Chassis intrusion connector 8. GAME/MIDI connector (16-1 pin GAME1) This connector supports a GAME/MIDI module. If a GAME/MIDI module is available, connect the GAME/MIDI cable to this connector. The GAME/MIDI port on the module connects a joystick or a game pad for playing games, and MIDI devices for playing or editing audio files.
  • Page 31 This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports legacy AC ‘97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector. AAFP A8S-X ® A8S-X Analog front panel connector ASUS A8S-X 1-21...
  • Page 32 RESET IDE_LED PWRSW Requires an ATX power supply. A8S-X System panel connector • System Power LED Lead (Green 3-pin PLED) This 3-pin connector connects to the system power LED. The LED lights up when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.
  • Page 33: Chapter 2: Bios Information

    Chapter 2 This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided. BIOS information ASUS A8S-X...
  • Page 34: Managing And Updating Your Bios

    2. ASUS EZ Flash - Updates the BIOS using a floppy disk during POST. 3. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 - Updates the BIOS using a bootable floppy disk or the motherboard support CD. Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.
  • Page 35: Using Afudos To Update The Bios

    2.1.2 Using AFUDOS to update the BIOS To update the BIOS using the AFUDOS.EXE utility: 1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for your motherboard. Save the BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk. Write the BIOS file name on a piece of paper. You need to type the exact BIOS file name at the prompt.
  • Page 36: Using Afudos To Copy Bios From Pc

    When the BIOS update process is complete, the utility returns to the DOS prompt. A:\>afudos /iA8S-X.ROM AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.10 Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved. Reading file ..done Erasing flash ..done Writing flash ..
  • Page 37: Using Asus Ez Flash To Update The Bios

    When the copy process is complete, the utility returns to the DOS prompt. 2.1.4 Using ASUS EZ Flash to update the BIOS The ASUS EZ Flash feature allows you to easily update the BIOS without having to go through the long process of booting from a diskette and using a DOS-based utility.
  • Page 38: Recovering The Bios With Crashfree Bios 2

    3. Insert a floppy disk that contains the original or the latest BIOS file for this motherboard. If all the necessary files are found in the floppy disk, the BIOS update process continues. Make sure that the BIOS file in the floppy disk is renamed as “A8S-X.ROM”. Chapter 2: BIOS Setup...
  • Page 39: To Recover The Bios From The Support Cd

    2. When the BIOS update process is complete, reboot the system. The recovered BIOS may not be the latest BIOS version for this motherboard. Visit ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file. ASUS A8S-X...
  • Page 40: Bios Setup Program

    The BIOS setup screens shown in this chapter are for reference purposes only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest product and BIOS information. Chapter 2: BIOS Setup...
  • Page 41: Bios Menu Screen

    Language [English] Use [+] or [-] to configure system time. Primary IDE Master : [ST320413A] Primary IDE Slave : [ASUS CD-S520/A] Secondary IDE Master : [Not Detected] Secondary IDE Slave : [Not Detected] Third IDE Master : [Not Detected] Fourth IDE Master...
  • Page 42: Menu Items

    Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in] select a field. Primary IDE Master :[ST320413A] Use [+] or [-] to Primary IDE Slave :[ASUS CD-S340] configure system time. example, selecting Main shows the Main Secondary IDE Master :[Not Detected] Secondary IDE Slave :[Not Detected]...
  • Page 43: Main Menu

    Language [English] Use [+] or [-] to configure system time. Primary IDE Master : [ST320413A] Primary IDE Slave : [ASUS CD-S520/A] Secondary IDE Master : [Not Detected] Secondary IDE Slave : [Not Detected] Third IDE Master : [Not Detected] Fourth IDE Master...
  • Page 44 2.3.5 Primary, Secondary, Third and Fourth IDE Master/Primary and Secondary IDE Slave While entering Setup, BIOS auto-detects the presence of IDE devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each IDE device. Select a device item then press <Enter> to display the IDE device information. Primary IDE Master Select the type Device...
  • Page 45: Onboard Pci S-Ata Controller

    Processor Type : AMD Athlon9tm) 64 Processor 3200+ Speed : 2007MHz Count System Memory Size : 992MB AMI BIOS Displays the auto-detected BIOS information. Processor Displays the auto-detected processor information. System Memory Displays the auto-detected system memory. ASUS A8S-X 2-13...
  • Page 46: Advanced Menu

    Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values may cause the system to malfunction. JumperFree Configuration USB Configuration CPU Configuration Chipset...
  • Page 47: Usb Configuration

    Allows you to enable or disable the onboard SiS USB 1.1 port. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] OnBoard SiS USB2.0 DEVICE [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the onboard SiS USB 2.0 port. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS A8S-X 2-15...
  • Page 48: Cpu Configuration

    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 [Auto] 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.
  • Page 49: Chipset

    :8 CLK Row Precharge time (Trp) :3 CLK RAS/RAS Delay (Trrd) :2 CLK Row Cycle (Trc) :11 CLK Row Refresh Cycle (Trfc) :24 CLK Read Write Delay (Trwt) :4 CLK Read Preamble :5.5 ns Asynchronous Latency :7 ns ASUS A8S-X 2-17...
  • Page 50: Memory Configuration

    Memory Configuration Memory Configuration Memclock Mode [Auto] MCT Timing Mode [Auto] Software Memory Hole [Disabled] Memclock Mode [ Auto] Allows you to set the memory clock mode. Set by the code using [Auto] or select [Manual] to set using one of the standard values. Configuration options: [Auto] [Limit] MCT Timing Mode [ Auto] Allows you to set the MCT timing mode.
  • Page 51 Allows selection of HyperTransport upstream data width. Configuration options: [8 BIT] [16 BIT] [Auto] HT Speed [800 MHz] Sets the HyperTransport frequency from CPU to the NorthBridge. Configuration options: [200 MHz] [400 Mhz] [800 Mhz] [1000 Mhz] ASUS A8S-X 2-19...
  • Page 52: Onboard Devices Configuration

    2.4.5 Onboard Devices Configuration Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Serial Port1 Mode [Normal] Parallel Port Address [378] Onboard Game Port [Disabled] Onboard MIDI Port [Disabled] Onboard LAN [Enabled] Onboard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled] Onboard AC97 Audio DEVICE [Enabled] Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address.
  • Page 53: 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 A8S-X 2-21...
  • Page 54: Amd Cool 'N Quiet Configuration

    2.4.7 AMD Cool ‘N Quiet Configuration AMD Cool ‘N Quiet Configuration Enabled/Disabled Cool N’Quiet Cool N’Quiet [Enabled] Cool ‘N Quiet [Enabled] Enables or disables the ASUS AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet! technology feature. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] 2-22 Chapter 2: BIOS Setup...
  • Page 55: Power Menu

    Configuration options: [No] [Yes] 2.5.4 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled] Enables or disables the ACPI support in the ASIC. When set to Enabled, the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS A8S-X 2-23...
  • Page 56: Apm Configuration

    2.5.5 APM Configuration Power Button Mode [On/Off] Restore on AC Power Loss [Always OFF] Power On By PS2 Keyboard [Disabled] Power On By PS2 MOUSE [Disabled] Power On By PCI Devices [Disabled] Power On By External Modem [Disabled] Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled] Power Button Mode [On/Off] Allows the system to go into On/Off mode or suspend mode when the power...
  • Page 57: Hardware Monitor

    The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard voltage regulators. Q-Fan Function [Disabled] Enables or disables the ASUS Q-Fan function. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Q-FAN Mode [Standard] Sets the Q-Fan mode. This item appears only when the Smart Q-Fan Function item is Enabled.
  • Page 58: Boot Menu

    2nd Boot Device [PM-ST320413A] 3rd Boot Device [SM-ASUS CD-S360] 1st ~ xxth Boot Device [1st Floppy Drive] 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.
  • Page 59: Boot Settings Configuration

    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 MyLogo™ feature. Add On ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS] Sets the display mode for option ROM.
  • Page 60: Security

    Interrupt 19 Capture [Disabled] When set to [Enabled], this function allows the option ROMs to trap Interrupt 19. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.6.3 Security The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options. <Enter>...
  • Page 61: Change User Password

    Password Check [Setup] When set to [Setup], BIOS checks for user password when accessing the Setup utility. When set to [Always], BIOS checks for user password both when accessing Setup and booting the system. Configuration options: [Setup] [Always] ASUS A8S-X 2-29...
  • Page 62: Exit Menu

    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 system setup after saving the changes. Exit & Save Changes F10 key can be used Exit &...
  • Page 63: Software Support

    Chapter 3 This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with the motherboard package. Software support...
  • Page 64: Chapter 3: Software Support

    The contents of the support CD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the ASUS website for updates. 3.2.1 Running the support CD To begin using the support CD, simply insert the CD into your CD-ROM drive. The CD automatically displays the Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer.
  • Page 65: Drivers Menu

    The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices. ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Drivers Executes the ASUS installation wizard for drivers. AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Driver Installs the AMD Cool ‘n’...
  • Page 66 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. Installing ASUS Update also installs ASUS Mylogo™.
  • Page 67: Make Disk

    3.2.4 Make Disk Make SIS RAID Controller Driver Disk Creates the SIS RAID controller driver disk. 3.2.5 Manual SIS965/SIS965L SATA RAID User’s Manual Allows you to open the SIS965/SIS965L Serial ATA RAID user’s manual. ASUS A8S-X...
  • Page 68: Asus Contact Information

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

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