Asus Motherboard A8N-SLI SE User Manual Page 1

MotherboardA8N-SLI SE

xAbout this guideThis user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the motherboard.How this guide is organizedThis manu

4-42 Chapter 4: BIOS setupTypematic Rate (Chars/Sec) [6]Allows you to select the rate at which a character repeats when you hold a key. Configuration o

ASUS A8N SLI SE 4-434.6.5 SecurityF1:Help ↑↓ : Select Item -/+: Change Value F5: Setup Defaults ESC: Exit →←: Select Menu En

4-44 Chapter 4: BIOS setupA note about passwordsThe Supervisor password is required to enter the BIOS Setup program preventing unauthorized access. Th

ASUS A8N SLI SE 4-45Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Advanced Power Boot Exit Select MenuItem Specific HelpThis option save data

4-46 Chapter 4: BIOS setupLoad Setup Defaults This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup menus. When yo

5Software supportThis chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with the motherboard package.

ASUS A8N-SLI SEChapter summary5.1 Installing an operating system ... 5-15.2 Support CD information ...

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 5-1If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support CD to locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder

5-2 Chapter 5: Software support5.2.2 Drivers menuThe drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed devices. Install

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 5-35.2.3 Utilities menuThe Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports. NVIDIA Chipset nTu

xiConventions used in this guideTo make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual.T

5-4 Chapter 5: Software supportMicrosoft DirectXInstalls the Microsoft® DirectX 9.0c driver. The Microsoft DirectX® 9.0c is a multimedia technology t

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 5-55.2.4 Manuals menuThe Manuals menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to open the folder of the user man

5-6 Chapter 5: Software support5.2.5 ASUS Contact informationClick the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can also find this inf

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 5-7Browse this CDDisplays the support CD contents in graphical format.Technical support FormDisplays the ASUS Technical Support Reques

5-8 Chapter 5: Software supportFilelistDisplays the contents of the support CD and a brief description of each in text format.

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 5-95.3 Software informationMost of the applications in the support CD have wizards that will conveniently guide you through the insta

5-10 Chapter 5: Software support9. When the screen returns to the ASUS Update utility, flash the original BIOS to load the new boot logo.10. After fla

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 5-115.3.2 Audio configurationsThe Realtek® ALC850 AC ʻ97 audio CODEC provides 6-channel audio capability to deliver the ultimate aud

5-12 Chapter 5: Software supportS/PDIF optionThe Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) options allows you to change your S/PDIF output settings.To s

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 5-13Speaker ConfigurationThis option allows you to set your speaker configuration.To set the speaker configuration: 1. From the Realtek

xiiA8N-SLI SE specifications summary(continued on the next page)CPU Chipset System BusMemory Ex

5-14 Chapter 5: Software support5. When finished, the utility prompts the Realtek® EZ-connection dialog box showing your current audio connections. Th

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 5-156. If there are detected problems, make sure that your audio cables are connected to the proper audio jack and repeat connector s

5-16 Chapter 5: Software supportRear panel audio ports function variationThe functions of the Line Out (lime), Line In (blue), Mic (pink) ports on the

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 5-175.3.3 Using the NVIDIA® Firewall™The motherboard supports the NVIDIA® Firewall™ (NVFirewall™) application that protects your comp

5-18 Chapter 5: Software supportSetting security profilesThe NVFirewall™ application allows several security profiles to match your system security nee

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 5-19Turning the NVFirewall™ off Take caution when using this option, your computer becomes vulnerable to viruses, hackers or intruders

5-20 Chapter 5: Software support5.4 RAID configurationsThe motherboard comes with the NVIDIA® SLI Southbridge RAID controllers that allow you to config

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 5-215.4.1 Installing hard disksThe motherboard supports Ultra DMA /133/100/66 and Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal performanc

5-22 Chapter 5: Software support5.4.2 NVIDIA® RAID configurationsThe motherboard includes a high performance IDE RAID controller integrated in the NV

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 5-23Entering the NVIDIA® RAID utilityTo enter the NVIDIA® RAID utility:1. Boot up your computer. 2. During POST, press <F10>

xiiiA8N-SLI SE specifications summarySpecial features Internal connectors

5-24 Chapter 5: Software supportTIP: For server systems, we recommend using a lower array block size. For multimedia computer systems used mainly for

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 5-25Rebuilding a RAID arrayTo rebuild a RAID array:1. From the Array List menu, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID array

5-26 Chapter 5: Software support A new set of navigation keys is displayed on the bottom of the screen. 2. Press <R> to rebuild a RAID array.

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 5-27Deleting a RAID arrayTo delete a RAID array:1. From the Array List menu, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID array the

5-28 Chapter 5: Software supportClearing a disk dataTo clear disk data:1. From the Array List menu, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID ar

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 5-295.5 Creating a RAID driver diskA floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows® 2000/XP operating system on

5-30 Chapter 5: Software support5.6 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ TechnologyThe motherboard supports the AMD Cool ʻnʼ Quiet!™ Technology that dynamically and auto

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 5-315.6.2 Launching the Cool ʻnʼ Quiet!™ softwareThe motherboard support CD includes the Cool ʻnʼ Quiet!™ software that enables you t

5-32 Chapter 5: Software support5.7 Using the NVIDIA® nTune™ utilityThe motherboard supports the NVIDIA® nTune™ utility that allows easy and safe sys

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 5-335.7.2 Clock controlThe Clock control menu allows dynamic modifications for system bus speeds and memory controller timing. The sys

xivA8N-SLI SE specifications summaryPower Requirement Form FactorSupport CD contents ATX power supply (with 24-pin and 4-pin 12 V plugs) ATX 12 V 2.

5-34 Chapter 5: Software support5.7.4 InformationThe information page displays related information about the processor, memory, motherboard, nForce™

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 5-355.8 Using the ASUS AI Selector utilityThe motherboard support CD comes with the ASUS AI Selector that allows you to set the video

5-36 Chapter 5: Software supportClick Yes to implement settings and restart your system or No to return to the AI Selector menu.The utility prompts yo

6This chapter tells how to install SLI-ready PCI Express graphics cards. NVIDIA® SLI™ technology support

ASUS A8N-SLI SEChapter summary6.1 Overview ... 6-16.2 Dual graphics card

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 6-16.1 OverviewThe motherboard supports the NVIDIA® SLI™ (Scalable Link Interface) technology that allows you to install two identica

6-2 Chapter 6: NVIDIA® SLI™ technology support6.2.1 Installing SLI-ready graphics cardsGo ldf ing ersInstall only identical SLI-ready graphics cards

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 6-34. Insert the second graphics card into the black slot labeled PCIEX16_2. Make sure that the card is properly seated on the slot.

6-4 Chapter 6: NVIDIA® SLI™ technology support5. Align and insert the SLI flexible cable connectors to the goldfingers on each graphics card. Make sur

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 6-5Make sure that your PCI Express graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA SLI technology. Download the latest driver from the NVIDI

1Product introductionThis chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports.

6-6 Chapter 6: NVIDIA® SLI™ technology supportNV IDI A S ett ing s i conTo enable the multi-GPU feature:1. Click the NVIDIA Settings icon on your Win

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 6-77. Click the slider to display the following screen, then select the SLI multi-GPU item.Sl ide r5. From the Display Properties d

6-8 Chapter 6: NVIDIA® SLI™ technology support8. Click the Enable SLI multi-GPU check box.9. Click OK when done. 6.2.5 Setting the ASUS AI Selector

ASUS A8N-SLI SEChapter summary1.1 Welcome! ... 1-11.2 Package contents ..

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 1-11.1 Welcome!T h a n k y o u f o r b u y i n g a n A S U S® A 8 N - S L I S E m o t h e r b o a r d !The motherboard

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction1.3 Special features1.3.1 Product highlightsLatest processor technology The AMD Athlon™ 64FX, Athlon™ 64 and

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 1-3HyperTransport™ Technology HyperTransport™ Technology is a high-speed, low latency, point-to-point link designed to increase the co

iiCopyright © 2005 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be repro

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction1.3.2 ASUS Proactive features AI NOS™ (Non-Delay Overclocking System) ASUS Non-delay Overclocking System™ (NOS) i

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 1-51.3.3 Innovative ASUS featuresASUS AI Selector The AI Selector allows you to set the video card mode of your system. This utility

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction

2Hardware informationThis chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes descript

ASUS A8N-SLI SEChapter summary2.1 Before you proceed ... 2-12.2 Motherboard overview ...

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 2-1Onboard LEDThe motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in s

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information2.2 Motherboard overviewBefore you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to ensure that

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 2-32.2.3 Motherboard layoutBottom:Mic InCenter:Line OutTop:Line InPANELA8N-SLI SERCR2032 3VLithium CellCMOS PowerAUXFP_AUDIOGAMECHASS

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information2.2.4 Layout ContentsSlots Page1. DDR DIMM slots 2-112. PCI slots 2-163. PCI Express x16 slot

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 2-5Internal connectors Page1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) 2-212. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE, 40-1

iiiContentsNotices ...viiiSafety information ...

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information2.3.2 Installing the CPUTo install a CPU:1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.2.3 Central Processing Unit

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 2-73. Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with a small trian

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware information2.3.3 Installing the heatsink and fanThe AMD Athlon™ 64FX, AMD Athlon™ 64X2 or AMD Athlon 64™ processor require a

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 2-92. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base.3. Align the other end of the retention bracket (near the

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information3. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 2-112.4 System memory2.4.1 OverviewThe motherboard comes with four 184-pin Double Data Rate (DDR) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM)

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware informationDDR400 Qualified Vendors List

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 2-13Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) for the latest DDR 400 Qualified Vendors List.Side(s): SS - Single-Sided DS - Double-Sided

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware information2.4.4 Removing a DIMMFollow these steps to remove a DIMM.1. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 2-152.5 Expansion slotsIn the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections describe the slots and the

ivContents2.5.2 Configuring an expansion card ... 2-152.5.3 Interrupt assignments ...

2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware information2.5.4 PCI slotsThe PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply w

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 2-172.5.5 Two PCI Express x16 slotsThis motherboard supports one PCI Express x16 graphics card or two SLI-ready PCI Express x16 graph

2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware information2.6 JumpersClear RTC RAM (CLRTC)This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can c

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 2-192.7 Connectors2.7.1 Rear panel connectors1. PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse.2. Parallel port. This 25-p

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware information10. PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.Audio 2, 4, or 6-channel configurationLight Blu

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 2-212. IDE connectors (40-1 pin PRI_IDE, SEC_IDE)These connectors are for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cables. The Ultra DMA 133/100/6

2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware information3. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA4)Supported by the NVIDIA® nForce4™ chipset,

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 2-234. CPU, Chassis, Chipset and Power fan connectors (3-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA2_FAN, 3-pin CHIP_FAN, 3-pin PWR_FAN, 3-pin CHA1_F

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information5. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)This connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 2-257. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR1, 4-pin ATX12V1, 4-pin EZ_PLUG)These connectors are for an ATX power supply plugs. The po

vContents4.3.1 System Time ... 4-154.3.2 System Date ...

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information8. Internal audio connectors (4-pin CD, AUX)These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 2-2710. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detection sensor or switch. Co

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware information12. System panel connector (20-pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.The sytem pa

3Powering upThis chapter describes the power up sequence and the ways of shutting down the system.

ASUS A8N-SLI SEChapter summary3.1 Starting up for the first time ... 3-13.2 Powering off the computer ..

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 3-13.1 Starting up for the first time1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover. 2. Be sure that all switche

3-2 Chapter 3: Powering up3.2 Powering off the computer3.2.1 Using the OS shut down functionIf you are using Windows® 2000:1. Click the Start butt

4BIOS setupThis chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also

ASUS A8N SLI SEChapter summary4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ... 4-14.2 BIOS setup program ...

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 4-14.1 Managing and updating your BIOSThe following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output Syste

vi5.2 Support CD information ... 5-15.2.1 Running the support CD ...

4-2 Chapter 4: BIOS setupb. Insert the Windows® 2000 CD to the optical drive.c. Click Start, then select Run.d. From the Open field, type D:\bootdi

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 4-36. Type the BIOS file name in the File Name to Program field, then press <Enter>.7. Press <N> when the utility prompts

4-4 Chapter 4: BIOS setup3. Type a filename for the current BIOS file in the Save current BIOS as field, then press <Enter>.4. The utility saves

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 4-54.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utilityThe ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when

4-6 Chapter 4: BIOS setupThe recovered BIOS may not be the latest BIOS version for this motherboard. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 4-74.1.5 ASUS EZ Flash utilityThe ASUS EZ Flash feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go through the long process o

4-8 Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.1.6 ASUS Update utilityThe ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Wi

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 4-9Updating the BIOS through the InternetTo update the BIOS through the Internet:1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows®

4-10 Chapter 4: BIOS setup4. From the FTP site, select the BIOS version that you wish to download. Click Next.5. Follow the screen instructions to c

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 4-114.2 BIOS setup programThis motherboard supports a programmable Low-Pin Count (LPC) chip that you can update using the provided ut

vii6.2.2 Installing the device drivers ... 6-56.2.3 Installing the ASUS AI Selector utility ... 6

4-12 Chapter 4: BIOS setupF1:Help ↑↓ : Select Item -/+: Change Value F5: Setup Defaults ESC: Exit →←: Select Menu Enter: Sele

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 4-134.2.4 Menu itemsThe highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows

4-14 Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.2.7 Pop-up windowSelect a menu item then press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the configuration options for

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 4-15F1:Help ↑↓ : Select Item -/+: Change Value F5: Setup Defaults ESC: Exit →←: Select Menu Enter: Select Sub

4-16 Chapter 4: BIOS setupBefore attempting to configure a hard disk drive, make sure you have the correct configuration information supplied by the dri

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 4-17CapacityDisplays the auto-detected hard disk capacity. This item is not configurable. CylinderShows the number of the hard disk cyl

4-18 Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.3.5 First, Second, Third, Fourth SATA MasterWhile entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of Serial A

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 4-19HeadShows the number of the hard disk read/write heads. This item is not configurable. PrecompShows the number of precomp per track

4-20 Chapter 4: BIOS setupPhoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Advanced Power Boot Exit Select MenuItem Specific HelpPress Enter to

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 4-21DRAM ConfigurationThe items in this sub-menu show the DRAM-related information auto-detected by the BIOS.F1:Help ↑↓ : Selec

viiiNoticesFederal Communications Commission StatementThis device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two co

4-22 Chapter 4: BIOS setupRow precharge Time (Trp)Shows the Row precharge time. This item is not configurable.Row Cycle Time (Trc)Shows the row cycle t

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 4-23F1:Help ↑↓ : Select Item -/+: Change Value F5: Setup Defaults ESC: Exit →←: Select Menu Enter: Select Sub

4-24 Chapter 4: BIOS setupIRQ ResourcesThis sub-menu is activated only when the Resources Controlled By item is set to Manual.F1:Help ↑↓ : Sel

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 4-25F1:Help ↑↓ : Select Item -/+: Change Value F5: Setup Defaults ESC: Exit →←: Select Menu Enter: Select Sub

4-26 Chapter 4: BIOS setupSATA2 DMA transfer [Enabled]Allows you to enable or disable the SATA2 DMA transfer access. Configuration options: [Disabled]

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 4-27F1:Help ↑↓ : Select Item -/+: Change Value F5: Setup Defaults ESC: Exit →←: Select Menu Enter: Select Sub

4-28 Chapter 4: BIOS setupSerial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address. Configuration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IR

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 4-294.4.4 SLI ConfigurationEZ-Plug Warning [Enabled]Allows you to enable or disable the EZ-Plug warning feature. Configuration optio

4-30 Chapter 4: BIOS setupThe following items are user-configurable only when the Overclock Profile item is set to [Manual].CPU Frequency [XXX] (value i

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 4-31Selecting a very high CPU frequency may cause the system to become unstable! If this happens, revert to the default setting.PCI Ex

ixSafety informationElectrical safety• To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating the

4-32 Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.4.6 PEG Link ModeF1:Help ↑↓ : Select Item -/+: Change Value F5: Setup Defaults ESC: Exit →←: Sele

ASUS A8N-SLI SE 4-33PEG Root Control [Auto]Allows you to enable or disable the PCI Express graphics root control. Configuration options: [Auto] [Enable

4-34 Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.5 Power menuThe Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI

ASUS A8N SLI SE 4-354.5.3 APM ConfigurationF1:Help ↑↓ : Select Item -/+: Change Value F5: Setup Defaults ESC: Exit →←: Select

4-36 Chapter 4: BIOS setupPower On By RTC Alarm [Disabled]Allows you to enable or disable RTC to generate a wake event. When this item is set to Enabl

ASUS A8N SLI SE 4-374.5.4 Hardware MonitorThe items in this sub-menu displays the hardware monitor values automatically detected by the BIOS. It also

4-38 Chapter 4: BIOS setupCPU Target TemperatureAllows you to set the temperature threshold before the CPU fan stops. Configuration options: [51ºC] [5

ASUS A8N SLI SE 4-394.6 Boot menuThe Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press <Enter> to display

4-40 Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.6.2 Removable Drives1. Floppy DisksAllows you to assign a removable drive attached to the system.F1:Help ↑↓ : Sel

ASUS A8N SLI SE 4-414.6.4 Boot Settings Configuration F1:Help ↑↓ : Select Item -/+: Change Value F5: Setup Defaults ESC: Exit