Asus E2938 User Manual

MotherboardCommando

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

4-32Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.7 Boot menuThe Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press <Enter> to dis

ASUS Commando4-334.7.2 Boot Settings CongurationQuick Boot [Enabled]Enabling this item allows the BIOS to skip some power on self tests (POST) while

4-34Chapter 4: BIOS setupHit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]When set to Enabled, the system displays the message “Press DEL to run Setup” during POST.

ASUS Commando4-35To change the supervisor password, follow the same steps as in setting a user password.To clear the supervisor password, select the C

4-36Chapter 4: BIOS setupTo set a User Password:1. Select the Change User Password item and press <Enter>.2. On the password box that appears,

ASUS Commando4-374.8 Tools menuThe Tools menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item then press <Enter> to d

4-38Chapter 4: BIOS setup Select Screen Select Item Enter Go to Sub ScreenF1 General HelpF10 Save and ExitESC Exitv02.58 (C)Copyright 1985

ASUS Commando4-394.9 Exit menuPressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options from this menu or <F10> from

4-40Chapter 4: BIOS setup

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

xiCommando specications summaryCPU LGA775 socket for Intel® Core™2 Extreme / Core™2 Duo / Pentium® Extreme / Pentium® D / Pentium® 4 / Celeron®

ASUS CommandoChapter summary55.1 Installing an operating system ... 5-15.2 Support DVD information .

ASUS Commando 5-1If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the le 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 Commando 5-35.2.3 Utilities menuThe Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports. ASUS InstAll-Install

5-4 Chapter 5: Software support5.2.4 Make Disk menuThe Make Disk menu contains items to create the Intel ICH8 or JMicron® JMB36X RAID/AHCI driver dis

ASUS Commando 5-55.2.6 ASUS Contact informationClick the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can also nd this information on th

5-6 Chapter 5: Software support5.2.7 Other informationThe icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the motherboard

ASUS Commando 5-7FilelistDisplays the contents of the support DVD and a brief description of each in text format.Technical support formDisplays the AS

5-8 Chapter 5: Software support5.3 Software informationMost of the applications in the support DVD have wizards that will conveniently guide you thro

ASUS Commando 5-99. When the screen returns to the ASUS Update utility, ash the original BIOS to load the new boot logo.10. After ashing the BIOS,

xiiCommando specications summaryExclusive Overclocking featuresExtreme Tweaker Intelligent overclocking tools: - AI NOS™ (Non-delay Overclocking S

5-10 Chapter 5: Software support5.3.2 SoundMAX® High Denition Audio utilityThe ADI AD1988B High Denition Audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capab

ASUS Commando 5-11From the taskbar, double-click on the SoundMAX® icon to display the SoundMAX® Control Panel.Audio Setup WizardBy clicking the icon

5-12 Chapter 5: Software supportJack congurationThis screen helps you congure your computer’s audio ports, depending on the audio devices you have i

ASUS Commando 5-13Audio preferencesClick the icon to go to the Preferences page. This page allows you to change various audio settings.General optio

5-14 Chapter 5: Software supportMicrophone optionsClick the Microphone tab allows you to optimize your microphone input settings.Enhanced Microphone F

ASUS Commando 5-155.3.3 ASUS PC Probe IIPC Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects and alerts you of any pro

5-16 Chapter 5: Software supportButton FunctionOpens the Conguration windowOpens the Report windowOpens the Desktop Management Interface windowOpens

ASUS Commando 5-17Changing the monitor panels positionTo change the position of the monitor panels in the desktop, click the arrow down button of the

5-18 Chapter 5: Software supportMonitoring sensor alertThe monitor panel turns red when a component value exceeds or is lower than the threshold value

ASUS Commando 5-19PCI browserClick to display the PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) browser. This browser provides information on the PCI devi

xiiiCommando specications summaryAccessories UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable FDD cable SATA cables SATA power cables I/O shield User's manual USB2.0 p

5-20 Chapter 5: Software supportMemory usageThe Memory tab shows both used and available physical memory. The pie chart at the bottom of the window re

ASUS Commando 5-215.3.4 ASUS AI SuiteASUS AI Suite allows you to launch AI Gear, AI N.O.S., AI Booster, AI Nap, and Q-Fan utilities easily. Installin

5-22 Chapter 5: Software supportOther feature buttonsClick on right corner of the main window to open the monitor window. Click on right corner of

ASUS Commando 5-235.3.5 ASUS AI N.O.S.This ASUS Non-delay Overclocking System feature intelligently determines the system load and automatically boos

5-24 Chapter 5: Software support5.3.6 ASUS AI GearASUS AI Gear provides four system performance options that allows you to select the best performan

ASUS Commando 5-255.3.7 ASUS AI NapThis feature allows you to minimize the power consumption of your computer whenever you are away. Enable this feat

5-26 Chapter 5: Software support5.3.8 ASUS AI BoosterThe ASUS AI Booster application allows you to overclock the CPU speed in WIndows® environment wi

ASUS Commando 5-275.3.9 ASUS Q-FanThis ASUS Q-Fan Control feature allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU Q-Fan or the Chassis

5-28 Chapter 5: Software supportIf you want to boot the system from a hard disk drive included in a created RAID set, copy rst the RAID driver from t

ASUS Commando 5-295.4.2 Intel® RAID congurationsThis motherboard supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10 (0+1) and Intel® Matrix Storage congurati

xiv

5-30 Chapter 5: Software supportIntel® Matrix Storage Manager Option ROM UtilityThe Intel® Matrix Storage Manager Option ROM utility allows you to cre

ASUS Commando 5-31Creating a RAID 0 set (striped)To create a RAID 0 set:1. From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID Volume, then press <E

5-32 Chapter 5: Software support6. Use the up/down arrow key to select the stripe size for the RAID 0 array, then press <Enter>. The available

ASUS Commando 5-33Creating a RAID 1 set (mirrored)To create a RAID 1 set:1. From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID Volume, then press <

5-34 Chapter 5: Software supportCreating a RAID 10 set (RAID 0+1)To create a RAID 10 set:1. From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID Volume,

ASUS Commando 5-35Creating a RAID 5 set (parity)To create a RAID 5 set:1. From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID Volume, then press <En

5-36 Chapter 5: Software support4. The Disks item is highlighted, press <Enter> to select the hard disk drives to congure as RAID. The followi

ASUS Commando 5-375.5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®To create a RAID driver disk in Windows®:1. Start Windows®.2. Place the motherboard

5-38 Chapter 5: Software supportTo install the RAID driver:1. During the OS installation, the system prompts you to press the F6 key to install third

ACPU featuresThe Appendix describes the CPU features and technologies that the motherboard supports.

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

ASUS CommandoChapter summaryAA.1 Intel® EM64T ...A-1A.2 Enhanced Inte

ASUS CommandoA-1A.1 Intel® EM64T• The motherboard is fully compatible with Intel® Pentium® 4 LGA775 processors running on 32-bit operating systems.•

A-2Appendix: CPU featuresA.2.2 Using the EISTTo use the EIST feature:1. Turn on the computer, then enter the BIOS Setup.2. Go to the Advanced Menu,

ASUS CommandoA-3A.3 Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology• The motherboard supports Intel® Pentium® 4 LGA775 processors with Hyper-Threading Technology

A-4Appendix: CPU features

ASUS CommandoChapter summary11.1 Welcome! ... 1-11.2 Package cont

ASUS Commando 1-11.1 Welcome!Thank you for buying an ASUS® Commando motherboard!The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologi

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction1.3 Special features1.3.1 Product highlightsRepublic of Gamers The Republic of Gamers consists only the best of

ASUS Commando 1-3Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s technology The motherboard fully supports the Serial ATA II 3.0 Gb/s technology through the Serial ATA interfaces

iiE2938First Edition V1 November 2006Copyright © 2006 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.No part of this manual, including the products and sof

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction1.3.2 Unique features 8-phase cap-less Power design The 8-phase EL Capless Power Design demonstrates two hardcore

ASUS Commando 1-5ASUS Q-Connector The ASUS Q-Connector allows you to connect or disconnect chassis front panel cables in one easy step. This unique ad

1-6 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionSupreme FX features This feature can enhance speech-centric applications like Skype, online game, video conference

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

ASUS CommandoChapter summary22.1 Before you proceed ... 2-12.2 Motherboard overvie

ASUS Commando 2-12.1 Before you proceedTake note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard set

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information®COMMANDO2.2 Motherboard overviewBefore you install the motherboard, study the conguration of your chassis to ens

ASUS Commando 2-32.2.3 Motherboard layoutPANEL®CHASSIS24.5cm (9.6in)CPU_FANDDR2 DIMM_B1 (64 bit,240-pin module)DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64 bit,240-pin module)DD

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information2.2.4 Layout contentsSlots Page1. DDR2 DIMM slots 2-142. PCI slots 2-223. PCI Express x16 slots 2-22Jumper Page

ASUS Commando 2-5Internal connectors Page1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) 2-272. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) 2-273. ICh8R Seri

iiiContentsNotices ... viiSafety information ...

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA775 socket designed for the Intel®

ASUS Commando 2-73. Lift the load lever in the direction of the arrow to a 135º angle.2. Press the load lever with your thumb (A), then move it to t

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware information5. Position the CPU over the socket, making sure that the gold triangle is on the bottom-left corner of the socket

ASUS Commando 2-92.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fanThe Intel® LGA775 processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensu

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information3. Connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN.2. Push down two fasteners at a

ASUS Commando 2-11To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan:1. Disconnect the CPU fan cable from the connector on the motherboard.2. Rotate each fasten

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware information5. Rotate each fastener clockwise to ensure correct orientation when reinstalling.Narrow end of the grooveRefer t

ASUS Commando 2-132.3.4 Installing the optional fan1. Position the fan above the pipe and heatsink assembly. 2. Fit the grooved edge to the heats

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware information2.4 System memory2.4.1 OverviewThe motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modu

ASUS Commando 2-152.4.2 Memory congurationsYou may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.• You

ivContents2.7 Audio Card Installation ... 2-242.8 Connectors ...

2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware informationCommando Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-800 MHz capabilitySize Vendor Chip No.SS/DSPart No.DIMM su

ASUS Commando 2-17Commando Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-667 MHz capabilitySize Vendor Chip No.SS/DSPart No.DIMM supportA* B* C*256MB

2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware informationCommando Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-533 MHz capabilitySize Vendor Chip No.SS/DSPart No.DIMM su

ASUS Commando 2-192.4.3 Installing a DIMMUnplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so can cau

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware information2.5 Expansion slotsIn the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections describe th

ASUS Commando 2-212.5.3 Interrupt assignmentsIRQ assignments for this motherboardA B C D E F G HPCI slot 1 – – – – – shared – –PCI slot 2 – – – – – –

2-22 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 Commando 2-23®COMMANDOCOMMANDO Clear RTC RAMCLRTC_ENNormal(Default)Clear RTC12232.6 Jumper1. Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC_EN)This jumper allows you to

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information2.7 Audio Card Installation1. Take out the Audio card from the package.2. Locate the slot on the motherboard.3.

ASUS Commando 2-251 152 3 4 5121367891011142.8 Connectors2.8.1 Rear panel connectors1. PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse.2.

v4.3.7 System Information ... 4-154.4 Extreme Tweaker menu ...

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information6. Line In port (light blue). This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player, or other audio sources. 7. Line Out p

ASUS Commando 2-272.8.2 Internal connectors1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)This connector is for the provided oppy disk drive (FDD)

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware information®COMMANDOCOMMANDO IDE connectorNOTE: Orient the red markings(usually zigzag) on the IDEribbon cable to PIN 1.PRI_I

ASUS Commando 2-29Connect the right-angle side of SATA signal cable to the SATA device, or connect the right-angle side of the SATA cable to the onboa

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware information5. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)This connector is for a IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IEEE 1394a m

ASUS Commando 2-317. CPU, chassis, power, and optional fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN1, 3-pin CHA_FAN2, 3-pin CHA_FAN3, 3-pin PWR_FAN,

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware information9. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 2 x 4-pin EATX12V)These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The

ASUS Commando 2-33• For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit (PSU) that complies with ATX 12V Specication 2.0 (or

2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware informationNormal LoadingCPU Intel® Conroe 1066MHz 2.93GHz 2.93GHzDDR2 667 1GB*2VGA NVIDIA® 8800*1SATA-HD 4IDE-HD 1CD-ROM DVD

ASUS Commando 2-35• System power LED (2-pin PLED)This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connect

vi5.2.5 Manuals menu ... 5-55.2.6 ASUS Contact information ...

2-36 Chapter 2: Hardware informationASUS Q-Connector (system panel)You can use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect chassis front panel cables i

ASUS Commando 2-372.8.3 Onboard switchesOnboard switches allow you to ne-tune performance when working on a bare or open-case system. This is ideal

2-38 Chapter 2: Hardware information3. Reset switchPress the reset switch to reboot the system.®COMMANDOCOMMANDO Reset switch

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

ASUS CommandoChapter summary33.1 Starting up for the rst time ... 3-13.2 Turning off the compu

ASUS Commando3-13.1 Starting up for the rst time1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover. 2. Be sure that all switches a

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

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

Chapter summary4ASUS Commando4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ... 4-14.2 BIOS setup program ...

ASUS Commando 4-14.1 Managing and updating your BIOSThe following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output System

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

4-2 Chapter 4: BIOS setupQuit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility.3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoi

ASUS Commando 4-3Updating the BIOS through a BIOS leTo update the BIOS through a BIOS le:1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® deskto

4-4 Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.1.2 Creating a bootable oppy disk1. Do either one of the following to create a bootable oppy disk.DOS environmenta. In

ASUS Commando 4-5To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS le for the motherboard.2.

4-6 Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.1.4 AFUDOS utilityThe AFUDOS utility allows you to update the BIOS le in DOS environment using a bootable oppy disk with

ASUS Commando 4-72. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support DVD to the bootable oppy disk you created earlier.3. Boot the

4-8 Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utilityThe ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS l

ASUS Commando 4-94.2 BIOS setup programThis motherboard supports a programmable Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) chip that you can update using the

4-10Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.2.2 Menu barThe menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:Main For changing the basic system congura

ASUS Commando4-114.2.4 Menu itemsThe highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows th

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

4-12Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.3 Main menuWhen you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic system

ASUS Commando4-134.3.5 Primary/Secondary/Third/Fourth IDE Master/SlaveWhile entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE device

4-14Chapter 4: BIOS setupDMA Mode [Auto]Selects the DMA mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [SWDMA0] [SWDMA1] [SWDMA2] [MWDMA0] [MWDMA1] [MWDMA2] [UDMA

ASUS Commando4-154.3.7 System InformationThis menu gives you an overview of the general system specications. The BIOS automatically detects the item

4-16Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.4 Extreme Tweaker menuThe Extreme Tweakermenu items allow you to congure overclocking-related items.Take caution when cha

ASUS Commando4-17FSB/CPU External Frequency SynchronizationAvailable DRAM frequency options in various FSB settings* Provided for overclocking purpose

4-18Chapter 4: BIOS setupRefer to the CPU documentation before setting the CPU Vcore voltage. Setting a high Vcore voltage may damage the CPU!FSB Ter

ASUS Commando4-19SB Chipset Voltage [Auto]Allows you to select the SB chipset voltage. Conguration options: [Auto] [1.050V] [1.075V] [1.100V] [1.125V

4-20Chapter 4: BIOS setupDRAM TRRD [10]Controls the latency between the DDR SDRAM active command and the read/write command. To congure this item, hi

ASUS Commando4-214.5 Advanced menuThe Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices.Take caution when cha

ixAbout this guideThis user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the motherboard.How this guide is organizedThis gui

4-22Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.5.2 USB CongurationThe items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an item then press <En

ASUS Commando4-23 Select Screen Select Item+- Change OptionF1 General HelpF10 Save and ExitESC Exitv02.58 (C)Copyright 1985-2006, America

4-24Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.5.4 ChipsetThe Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings. Select an item then press <Enter> to

ASUS Commando4-254.5.5 OnBoard Devices CongurationHD Audio Controller [Enabled]Allows you to enable or disable the High Denition Audio Controller.

4-26Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.5.6 PCI PnPThe PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices. The menu includes setting

ASUS Commando4-274.6 Power menuThe Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an item then pre

4-28Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.6.5 APM CongurationRestore On AC Power Loss [Power Off]When set to Power Off, the system goes into off state after an AC

ASUS Commando4-29Power On By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to use the PS/2 mouse to turn on the system. This f

4-30Chapter 4: BIOS setupThe onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the optional fan speed and the voltage output. If the fan is not connected

ASUS Commando4-31OPT_Fan1/2/3 Q-Fan Control [DUTY CYCLE]Allows you to select the optional fan control mode. When this item is set tooptional fan contr