Asus A7V8X: Chapter 4

Chapter 4: Asus A7V8X

Chapter 4

This chapter tells how to change system

settings through the BIOS Setup menus.

Detailed descriptions of the BIOS

parameters are also provided.

BIOS setup

Chapter summary

4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS .............. 4-1

4.2 BIOS Setup program...................................... 4-7

4.3 Main Menu .................................................... 4-10

4.4 Advanced Menu ........................................... 4-17

4.5 Power Menu.................................................. 4-27

4.6 Boot Menu .................................................... 4-33

4.7 Exit Menu ...................................................... 4-35

ASUS A7V8X motherboard

4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS

It is recommended that you save a copy of the motherboard’s original

BIOS to a bootable floppy disk in case you need to reinstall the original

BIOS later.

4.1.1 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> + <F2> during the Power-On Self

Tests (POST).

Follow these steps to update the BIOS using ASUS EZ Flash.

1. Download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website (see ASUS

contact information on page x). Save the file to a floppy disk.

Write down the BIOS file name on a piece of paper. You need to type

the exact BIOS file name at the EZ Flash screen.

2. Reboot the computer.

3. To use EZ Flash, press <Alt> + <F2> during POST to display the

following screen.

ASUS EZ Flash V1.00

Copyright (C) 2002, ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.

[Onboard BIOS Information]

BIOS Version : ASUS A7V8X ACPI BIOS Revision 1001 Beta 003

BIOS Model : A7V8X

BIOS Built Date : 07/29/02

Please Enter File Name for NEW BIOS: _

*Note: EZ Flash will copy file from A:\, Press [ESC] to reboot

The BIOS information in the above screen is for reference only. What

you see on your screen may not be exactly the same as shown.

4. Insert the disk that contains the new BIOS file into the floppy drive. You

will receive the error message,

“WARNING! Device not ready.” if you

proceed to step 5 without the disk in the drive.

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5. At the prompt, Please Enter File Name for NEW BIOS: _, type in the

BIOS file name that you downloaded from the ASUS website, then

press <Enter>.

EZ Flash will automatically access drive A to look for the file name that

you typed. When found, the following message appears on screen.

[BIOS Information in File]

BIOS Version: A7V8X Boot Block

WARNING! Continue to update the BIOS (Y/N)? _

If you accidentally typed in a wrong BIOS file name, the error

message, WARNING! File not found. appears. Press <Enter> to

remove the message, then type in the correct file name. Press

<Enter>.

6. At the above prompt, type

Y to continue with the update process.

Pressing N exits the EZ Flash screen and reboots the system without

updating the BIOS.

The following prompts appear if you typed

Y.

Flash Memory: SST 49LF004

1. Update Main BIOS area (Y/N)? _

2. Update Boot Block area (Y/N)? _

7. Press

Y for both items to completely update the main BIOS area and

the boot block area.

DO NOT shutdown or reset the system while updating the BIOS boot

block area! Doing so may cause system boot failure.

8. When the update process is done, the message, Press a key to

reboot

appears. Press any key to reboot the system with the new

BIOS.

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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup

4.1.2 Using AFLASH to update the BIOS

Creating a bootable disk

AFLASH.EXE is a Flash Memory Writer utility that updates the BIOS by

uploading a new BIOS file to the programmable flash ROM on the

motherboard. This file works only in DOS mode. To determine the BIOS

version of your motherboard, check the last four numbers of the code

displayed on the upper left-hand corner of your screen during bootup.

Larger numbers represent a newer BIOS file.

1. Type FORMAT A:/S at the DOS prompt to create a bootable system

disk. DO NOT copy AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS to the disk.

2. Type COPY D:\AFLASH\AFLASH.EXE A:\ (assuming D is your

CD-ROM drive) to copy AFLASH.EXE to the boot disk you created.

AFLASH works only in DOS mode. It does not work in the DOS prompt

within Windows, and does not work with certain memory drivers that

may be loaded when you boot from the hard drive. It is recommended

that you reboot using a floppy disk.

3. Reboot the computer from the floppy disk.

BIOS setup must specify Floppy as the first item in the boot

sequence.

4. In DOS mode, type A:\AFLASH <Enter> to run AFLASH.

If the word unknown appears after Flash Memory:, the memory chip

is either not programmable or is not supported by the ACPI BIOS and

therefore, cannot be programmed by the Flash Memory Writer utility.

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5. Select 1. Save Current BIOS to File from the Main menu and press

<Enter>. The Save Current BIOS To File screen appears.

6. Type a filename and the path, for example, A:\XXX-XX.XXX, then

press <Enter>.

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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup

Updating the BIOS

Update the BIOS only if you have problems with the motherboard and

you are sure that the new BIOS revision will solve your problems.

Careless updating may result to more problems with the motherboard!

1. Download an updated ASUS BIOS file from the Internet (WWW or

FTP) (see ASUS CONTACT INFORMATION on page x for details) and

save to the boot floppy disk you created earlier.

2. Boot from the floppy disk.

3. At the A:\ prompt, type AFLASH and then press <Enter>.

4. At the Main Menu, type 2 then press <Enter>. The Update BIOS

Including Boot Block and ESCD screen appears.

5. Type the filename of your new BIOS and the path, for example,

A:\XXX-XX.XXX, then press <Enter>.

To cancel this operation, press <Enter>.

6. When prompted to confirm the BIOS update, press Y to start the

update.

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7. The utility starts to program the new BIOS information into the Flash

ROM. The boot block is updated automatically only when necessary.

This minimizes the possibility of boot problems in case of update

failures. When the programming is done, the message “Flashed

Successfully” appears.

8. Follow the onscreen instructions to continue.

If you encounter problems while updating the new BIOS, DO NOT turn

off the system because this may cause boot problems. Just repeat the

process, and if the problem persists, load the original BIOS file you

saved to the boot disk. If the Flash Memory Writer utility is not able to

successfully update a complete BIOS file, the system may not boot. If

this happens, call the ASUS service center for support.

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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup

4.2 BIOS Setup program

This motherboard supports a programmable Flash ROM that you can

update using the provided utility described in section 4.1 Managing and

updating your BIOS.

Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard,

reconfiguring your system, or prompted to Run Setup. This section

explains how to configure your system using this utility.

Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you may want to

change the configuration of your computer in the future. For example, you

may want to enable the security password feature or make changes to the

power management settings. This requires you to reconfigure your system

using the BIOS Setup program so that the computer can recognize these

changes and record them in the CMOS RAM of the Flash ROM.

The Flash ROM on the motherboard stores the Setup utility. When you

start up the computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run

this program. Press <Delete> during the Power-On Self Test (POST) to

enter the Setup utility, otherwise, POST continues with its test routines.

If you wish to enter Setup after POST, restart the system by pressing

<Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Delete>, or by pressing the reset button on the system

chassis. You can also restart by turning the system off and then back on.

Do this last option only if the first two failed.

The Setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. It is

a menu-driven program, which means you can scroll through the various

sub-menus and make your selections among the predetermined choices.

Because the BIOS software is constantly being updated, the following

BIOS setup screens and descriptions are for reference purposes only,

and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.

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4.2.1 BIOS menu bar

The top of the screen has a menu bar with the following selections:

MAIN Use this menu to make changes to the basic system

configuration.

ADVANCED Use this menu to enable and make changes to the

advanced features.

POWER Use this menu to configure and enable Power

Management features.

BOOT Use this menu to configure the default system device

used to locate and load the Operating System.

EXIT Use this menu to exit the current menu or to exit the

Setup program.

To access the menu bar items, press the right or left arrow key on the

keyboard until the desired item is highlighted.

4.2.2 Legend bar

At the bottom of the Setup screen is a legend bar. The keys in the legend

bar allow you to navigate through the various setup menus. The following

table lists the keys found in the legend bar with their corresponding

functions.

Navigation Key(s) Function Description

<F1> or <Alt + H> Displays the General Help screen from any-

where in the BIOS Setup

<Esc> Jumps to the Exit menu or returns to the main

menu from a sub-menu

Left or Right arrow Selects the menu item to the left or right

Up or Down arrow Moves the highlight up or down between fields

- (minus key) Scrolls backward through the values for the

highlighted field

+ (plus key) or spacebar Scrolls forward through the values for the high-

lighted field

<Enter> Brings up a selection menu for the highlighted

field

<Home> or <PgUp> Moves the cursor to the first field

<End> or <PgDn> Moves the cursor to the last field

<F5> Resets the current screen to its Setup Defaults

<F10> Saves changes and exits Setup

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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup

General help

In addition to the Item Specific Help window, the BIOS setup program also

provides a General Help screen. You may launch this screen from any

menu by simply pressing <F1> or the <Alt> + <H> combination. The

General Help screen lists the legend keys and their corresponding

functions.

Saving changes and exiting the Setup program

See 4.7 Exit Menu for detailed information on saving changes and exiting

the setup program.

Scroll bar

When a scroll bar appears to the right of a help window, it indicates that

there is more information to be displayed that will not fit in the window. Use

<PgUp> and <PgDn> or the up and down arrow keys to scroll through the

entire help document. Press <Home> to display the first page, press

<End> to go to the last page. To exit the help window, press <Enter> or

<Esc>.

Sub-menu

Note that a right pointer symbol (as shown on the

left) appears to the left of certain fields. This pointer

indicates that you can display a sub-menu from this

field. A sub-menu contains additional options for a

field parameter. To display a sub-menu, move the

highlight to the field and press <Enter>. The sub-

menu appears. Use the legend keys to enter values

and move from field to field within a sub-menu as

you would within a menu. Use the <Esc> key to

return to the main menu.

Take some time to familiarize yourself with the legend keys and their

corresponding functions. Practice navigating through the various menus

and sub-menus. If you accidentally make unwanted changes to any of the

fields, use the set default hot key <F5> to load the Setup default values.

While moving around through the Setup program, note that explanations

appear in the Item Specific Help window located to the right of each menu.

This window displays the help text for the currently highlighted field.

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4.3 Main Menu

When you enter the Setup program, the following screen appears.

System Time [XX:XX:XX]

Sets the system to the time that you specify (usually the current time). The

format is hour, minute, second. Valid values for hour, minute and second

are Hour: (00 to 23), Minute: (00 to 59), Second: (00 to 59). Use the <Tab>

or <Shift> + <Tab> keys to move between the hour, minute, and second

fields.

System Date [XX/XX/XXXX]

Sets the system to the date that you specify (usually the current date). The

format is month, day, year. Valid values for month, day, and year are

Month: (1 to 12), Day: (1 to 31), Year: (up to 2099). Use the <Tab> or

<Shift> + <Tab> keys to move between the month, day, and year fields.

Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.];

Legacy Diskette B [1.44M, 3.5 in.]

Sets the type of floppy drive installed. Configuration options: [None] [360K,

5.25 in.] [1.2M , 5.25 in.] [720K , 3.5 in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.] [2.88M, 3.5 in.]

Floppy 3 Mode Support [Disabled]

This is required to support older Japanese floppy drives. The Floppy 3

Mode feature allows reading and writing of 1.2MB (as opposed to 1.44MB)

on a 3.5-inch diskette. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup

Language [English US]

This field allows you to choose the BIOS language version from the

available options.

Supervisor Password [Disabled] / User Password [Disabled]

These fields allow you to set passwords. To set a password, highlight the

appropriate field and press <Enter>. Type in a password then press

<Enter>. You can type up to eight alphanumeric characters. Symbols and

other characters are ignored. To confirm the password, type the password

again and press <Enter>. The password is now set to [Enabled]. This

password allows full access to the BIOS Setup menus. To clear the

password, highlight this field and press <Enter>. The same dialog box as

above appears. Press <Enter>. The password is set to [Disabled].

A note about passwords

The BIOS Setup program allows you to specify passwords in the Main

menu. The passwords control access to the BIOS during system

startup. Passwords are not case sensitive, meaning, passwords typed

in either uppercase or lowercase letters are accepted. The BIOS Setup

program allows you to specify two different passwords: a Supervisor

password and a User password. If you did not set a Supervisor

password, anyone can access the BIOS Setup program. If you did, the

Supervisor password is required to enter the BIOS Setup program and

to gain full access to the configuration fields.

Forgot the password?

If you forget your password, you can clear it by erasing the CMOS

Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM. The RAM data containing the password

information is powered by the onboard button cell battery. See section

2.7Switches and jumpers for information on how to erase the R TC

RAM.

Halt On [All Errors]

This field specifies the types of errors that will cause the system to halt.

Configuration options: [All Errors] [No Error] [All but Keyboard] [All but

Disk] [All but Disk/Keyboard]

Installed Memory [XXX MB]

This field automatically displays the amount of conventional memory

detected by the system during the boot process.

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4.3.1 Primary and Secondary Master/Slave

Type [Auto]

Select [Auto] to automatically detect an IDE hard disk drive. If automatic

detection is successful, Setup automatically fills in the correct values for

the remaining fields on this sub-menu. If automatic detection fails, this may

be because the hard disk drive is too old or too new. If the hard disk was

already formatted on an older system, Setup may detect incorrect

parameters. In these cases, select [User Type HDD] to manually enter the

IDE hard disk drive parameters. Refer to the next section for details.

Before attempting to configure a hard disk drive, make sure you have

the correct configuration information supplied by the drive

manufacturer. Incorrect settings may cause the system to fail to

recognize the installed hard disk.

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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup

[User Type HDD]

Manually enter the number of cylinders, heads and sectors per track for

the drive. Refer to the drive documentation or on the drive label for this

information.

After entering the IDE hard disk drive information into BIOS, use a disk

utility, such as FDISK, to partition and format new IDE hard disk drives.

This is necessary so that you can write or read data from the hard disk.

Make sure to set the partition of the Primary IDE hard disk drives to

active.

If no drive is installed or if you are removing a drive and not replacing it,

select [None].

Other options for the Type field are:

[CD-ROM] - for IDE CD-ROM drives

[LS-120] - for LS-120 compatible floppy disk drives

[ZIP] - for ZIP-compatible disk drives

[MO] - for IDE magneto optical disk drives

[Other ATAPI Device] - for IDE devices not listed here

After making your selections on this sub-menu, press the <Esc> key to

return to the Main menu. When the Main menu appears, the hard disk

drive field displays the size for the hard disk drive that you configured.

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Translation Method [LBA]

Select the hard disk drive type in this field. When Logical Block Addressing

(LBA) is enabled, the 28-bit addressing of the hard drive is used without

regard for cylinders, heads, or sectors. Note that LBA Mode is necessary

for drives with more than 504MB storage capacity. Configuration options:

[LBA] [LARGE] [Normal] [Match Partition Table] [Manual]

Cylinders

This field configures the number of cylinders. Refer to the drive

documentation to determine the correct value. To make changes to this

field, set the Type field to [User Type HDD] and the Translation Method

field to [Manual].

Head

This field configures the number of read/write heads. Refer to the drive

documentation to determine the correct value. To make changes to this

field, set the Type field to [User Type HDD] and the Translation Method

field to [Manual].

Sector

This field configures the number of sectors per track. Refer to the drive

documentation to determine the correct value. To make changes to this

field, set the Type field to [User Type HDD] and the Translation Method

field to [Manual].

CHS Capacity

This field shows the drives maximum CHS capacity as calculated by the

BIOS based on the drive information you entered.

Maximum LBA Capacity

This field shows the drives maximum LBA capacity as calculated by the

BIOS based on the drive information you entered.

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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup

Multi-Sector Transfers [Maximum]

This option automatically sets the number of sectors per block to the

highest number that the drive supports. Note that when this field is

automatically configured, the set value may not always be the fastest

value for the drive. You may also manually configure this field. Refer to the

documentation that came with the hard drive to determine the optimum

value and set it manually. To make changes to this field, set the Type field

to [User Type HDD]. Configuration options: [Disabled] [2 Sectors] [4

Sectors] [8 Sectors] [16 Sectors] [32 Sectors] [Maximum]

SMART Monitoring [Disabled]

This field allows you to enable or disable the S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring,

Analysis and Reporting Technology) system that utilizes internal hard disk

drive monitoring technology. This parameter is normally disabled because

the resources used in the SMART monitoring feature may decrease

system performance. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

PIO Mode [4]

This option lets you set a PIO (Programmed Input/Output) mode for the

IDE device. Modes 0 through 4 provide successive increase in

performance. Configuration options: [0] [1] [2] [3] [4]

Ultra DMA Mode [Disabled]

Ultra DMA capability allows improved transfer speeds and data integrity for

compatible IDE devices. Set to [Disabled] to suppress Ultra DMA

capability. To make changes to this field, set the Type field to [User Type

HDD]. Configuration options: [0] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [Disabled]

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4.3.2 Keyboard Features

Boot Up NumLock Status [On]

This field enables users to activate the Number Lock function upon system

boot. Configuration options: [Off] [On]

Keyboard Auto-Repeat Rate [6/Sec]

This controls the speed at which the system registers repeated keystrokes.

Options range from 6 to 30 characters per second. Configuration options:

[6/Sec] [8/Sec] [10/Sec] [12/Sec] [15/Sec] [20/Sec] [24/Sec] [30/Sec]

Keyboard Auto-Repeat Delay [1/4 Sec]

This field sets the time interval for displaying the first and second

characters. Configuration options: [1/4 Sec] [1/2 Sec] [3/4 Sec] [1 Sec]

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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup

4.4 Advanced Menu

CPU Speed [Manual]

When the motherboard is set to JumperFree mode, this field allows you

to select the internal frequency of the CPU. Select [Manual] if you want to

make changes to the two subsequent fields. Note that selecting a

frequency higher than the CPU manufacturer recommends may cause the

system to hang or crash.

System memory can only operate at a frequency higher than or equal

to the CPU front side bus frequency. Refer to Table 1.4.2 FSB/DDR

Support Table on page 1-8 for more information.

CPU Frequency Multiple (when CPU Speed is set to [Manual])

This field sets the frequency multiple between the CPUs internal

frequency (CPU speed) and external frequency. Set this field in

conjunction with CPU Frequency (MHz) to match the speed of the CPU.

The item CPU Frequency Multiple is accessible only if you have an

unlocked processor. If your processor frequency multiple is locked, you

cannot change the setting of this item.

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CPU External Frequency (MHz) (when CPU Speed is set to [Manual])

This feature tells the clock generator what frequency to send to the system

bus and PCI bus. The bus frequency (external frequency) multiplied by the

bus multiple equals the CPU speed.

Memory Frequency (Mhz) [Auto]

This field allows you to select a higher memory frequency for better

system performance. The options that appear in the popup menu vary

according to the CPU Frequency (MHz). Configuration options: [Auto]

[200] [266] [333] [400]

CPU VCore Setting [Auto]

The [Manual] setting allows you to manually select the core voltage

supplied to the CPU (see next item). This item can only be changed in

JumperFree mode, otherwise, it is recommended that you keep the default

setting [Auto] to allow the system to automatically determine the

appropriate CPU core voltage.

CPU VCore [1.750V]

When the CPU VCore Setting parameter above is set to [Manual], the

CPU VCore item allows you to select a specific CPU core voltage. This

field is not accessible when the CPU VCore Setting is set to [Auto].

AGP Voltage [Auto]

This item controls the AGP operating voltage. This item can only be

changed at JmpreFree mode, otherwise keep [Auto]. Configuration

options: [1.8V] [1.7V] [1.6V] [1.5V] [Auto]

DRAM Voltage [Auto]

This item controls the DRAM operating voltage. This item can only be

changed at JmpreFree mode, otherwise keep [Auto]. Configuration

options: [Auto] [2.85V] [2.75V] [2.65V] [2.55V]

System Performance [Optimal]

This field allows you to adjust the DRAM SPD timing. Set to [TURBO] is

fastest, just make sure the DRAM has the ability to support it.

Configuration options: [Optimal] [Turbo]

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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup

CPU Level 1 Cache, CPU Level 2 Cache [Enabled]

These fields allow you to choose from the default [Enabled] or choose

[Disabled] to turn on or off the CPU Level 1 and Level 2 built-in cache.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

PS/2 Mouse Function Control [Auto]

The default setting [Auto] allows the system to detect a PS/2 mouse at

startup. If a mouse is detected, the BIOS assigns IRQ12 to the PS/2

mouse. Otherwise, IRQ12 can be used for expansion cards. When you set

this field to [Enabled], BIOS reserves IRQ12, whether or not a PS/2 mouse

is detected at startup. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Auto]

USB Legacy Support [Auto]

This motherboard supports Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices. The

default of [Auto] allows the system to detect a USB device at startup. If

detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If not detected, the

USB controller legacy mode is disabled.

When you set this field to [Disabled], the USB controller legacy mode is

disabled whether or not you are using a USB device. Configuration

options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]

OS/2 Onboard Memory > 64M [Disabled]

When using OS/2 operating systems with installed DRAM of greater than

64MB, you need to set this option to [Enabled]. Otherwise, leave to the

default setting [Disabled]. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

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4.4.1 Chip Configuration

SDRAM Configuration [By SPD]

This parameter allows you to set the optimal timings for items 25,

depending on the memory modules that you are using. The default setting

is [By SPD], which configures items 25 by reading the contents in the

SPD (Serial Presence Detect) device. The EEPROM on the memory

module stores critical information about the module, such as memory type,

size, speed, voltage interface, and module banks.

Configuration options: [User Defined] [By SPD]

The SDRAM parameters (items 2~5) become configurable only when

you set the SDRAM Configuration to [User Defined].

SDRAM CAS Latency (value depends on SDRAM SPD)

This item controls the latency between the SDRAM read command and

the time the data actually becomes available. Configuration options: [1.5T]

[2T] [2.5T]

SDRAM RAS to CAS Delay (value depends on SDRAM SPD)

This item controls the latency between the DDR SDRAM active command

and the read/write command. Configuration options: [2T] [3T].

SDRAM RAS Precharge Delay (value depends on SDRAM SPD)

This item controls the idle clocks after issuing a precharge command to

the DDR SDRAM. Configuration options: [2T] [3T]

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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup

SDRAM Active Precharge Delay (value depends on SDRAM SPD)

This item controls the number of DDR SDRAM clocks used for DDR

SDRAM parameters. Configuration options: [5T] [6T] [7T] [8T]

SDRAM 1T Command Control

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]

SDRAM Bank Interleave

Configuration options: [Disabled] [2 Bank] [4 Bank] [Auto]

Graphics Aperture Size [64MB]

This feature allows you to select the size of mapped memory for AGP

graphic data. Configuration options: [4MB] [8MB] [16MB] [32MB] [64MB]

[128MB] [256MB] [512MB] [1024MB]

The [1024MB] and [512MB] configuration options are available only

when you use AGP 8X graphics card.

AGP Capability [8X Mode]

This motherboard supports the AGP 8X interface that enables enhanced

graphics performance with high bandwidth speeds up to 2.12GB/s.

AGP8X is backward-compatible. When set to [1X Mode], the AGP

interface only provides a peak data throughput of 266MB/s even if you are

using an AGP 8X card.

Configuration options: [Auto] [1X Mode] [2X Mode] [4X Mode] [8X Mode]

AGP Drive Strength [Auto]

Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual]

AGP Drive N Control [E]

Configuration options: [0][1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][A][B][C][D][E][F]

AGP Drive P Control [F]

Configuration options: [0][1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][A][B][C][D][E][F]

AGP performance control [Disabled]

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

AGP Fast Write control [Disabled]

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

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Video Memory Cache Mode [UC]

USWC (uncacheable, speculative write combining) is a new cache

technology for the video memory of the processor. It can greatly improve

the display speed by caching the display data. You must set this to UC

(uncacheable) if your display card does not support this feature, otherwise

the system may not boot. Configuration options: [UC] [USWC]

Memory Hole At 15M-16M [Disabled]

This field allows you to reserve an address space for ISA expansion cards.

Setting the address space to a particular setting makes that memory

space unavailable to other system components. Expansion cards can only

access memory up to 16MB. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Delayed Transaction [Disabled]

When set to [Enabled], this feature frees the PCI bus when the CPU is

accessing 8-bit ISA cards. This process normally consumes about 50-60

PCI clocks without PCI delayed transaction. Set this field to [Disabled]

when using ISA cards that are not PCI 2.1 compliant. Configuration

options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Onboard PCI IDE [Both]

This field allows you to enable either the primary IDE channel or

secondary IDE channel, or both. You can also set both channels to

[Disabled]. Configuration options: [Both] [Primary] [Secondary] [Disabled]

DRAM Burst Length

Configuration options: [4] [Auto]

S2K Bus Driving Strength

Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual]

S2K Strobe P Control

Configuration options: [0][1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][A][B][C][D][E][F]

S2K Strobe N Control

Configuration options: [0][1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][A][B][C][D][E][F]

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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup

4.4.2 I/O Device Configuration

Onboard FDC Swap A & B

These fields set option to switch drive letter assignments. Configuration

Options: [No Swap] [Swap AB]

Floppy Disk Access Control [R/W]

When set to [Read Only], this parameter protects files from being copied to

floppy disks by allowing reads from, but not writes to, the floppy disk drive.

The default setting [R/W] allows both reads and writes. Configuration

options: [R/W] [Read Only]

Onboard Serial Port 1 [3F8H/IRQ4]

Onboard Serial Port 2 [2F8H/IRQ3]

These fields allow you to set the addresses for the onboard serial

connectors. Serial Port 1 and Serial Port 2 must have different addresses.

Configuration options: [3F8H/IRQ4] [2F8H/IRQ3] [3E8H/IRQ4] [2E8H/

IRQ10] [Disabled]

UART2 Use As [COM Port]

This field allows you to select the device on which to assign UART2.

Configuration options: [COM Port] [IR] [Smart Card Reader]

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Onboard Parallel Port [378H/IRQ7]

This field allows you to set the address of the onboard parallel port

connector. If you disable this field, the Parallel Port Mode and ECP DMA

Select configurations are not available. Configuration options: [Disabled]

[378H/IRQ7] [278H/IRQ5]

Parallel Port Mode [ECP+EPP]

This field allows you to set the operation mode of the parallel port.

[Normal] allows normal-speed operation but in one direction only; [EPP]

allows bidirectional parallel port operation; [ECP] allows the parallel port to

operate in bidirectional DMA mode; [ECP+EPP] allows normal speed

operation in a two-way mode. Configuration options: [Normal] [EPP] [ECP]

[ECP+EPP]

ECP DMA Select [3]

This field allows you to configure the parallel port DMA channel for the

selected ECP mode. This selection is available only if you select [ECP] or

[ECP+EPP] in Parallel Port Mode above. Configuration options: [1] [3]

Onboard AC97 Audio Controller [Auto]

These fields allow you to enable or disable the onboard AC97 audio

controller.Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled]

Onboard Game Port [200H-207H]

These fields allow you to set the addresses for the onboard game

connectors. Game ports must have different addresses.

Configuration options: [200H/207H] [208H-20FH] [Disabled]

Onboard MIDI I/O [Disabled]

These fields allow you to set the addresses for the onboard MIDI

connectors. MIDI ports must have different addresses.

Configuration options: [330H-331H] [300H-301H] [Disabled]

Speech POST Reporter [Enabled]

This field enables or disables the ASUS POST Reporter feature. See

section 1.3 Special Features and 3.2 Vocal POST messages for more

information. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The buzzer warning sound is disabled if you enable the POST reporter.

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4.4.3 PCI Configuration

Slot 1/5, Slot 2, Slot 3, Slot 4, Slot 6 IRQ [Auto]

These fields automatically assign the IRQ for each PCI slot. The default

setting for each field is [Auto], which utilizes auto-routing to determine IRQ

assignments. Configuration options: [Auto] [NA] [3] [4] [5] [7] [9] [10] [11]

[12] [14] [15]

PCI/VGA Palette Snoop [Disabled]

Some non-standard VGA cards, like graphics accelerators or MPEG video

cards, may not show colors properly. Setting this field to [Enabled] corrects

this problem. If you are using standard VGA cards, leave this field to the

default setting [Disabled]. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

PCI Latency Timer [32]

Leave this field to the default setting [32] for best performance and

stability.

USB Function [Enabled]

This field allows you to select the USB port that you wish to activate.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Primary VGA BIOS [PCI VGA Card]

This field allows you to select the primary graphics card. Configuration

options: [PCI VGA Card] [AGP VGA Card]

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Onboard LAN Boot ROM

This field allows you to enable or disable the onboard LAN Boot ROM.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Onboard ATA device First [No]

This field allows you to select the onboard ATA first.

Configuration options: [No] [Yes]

4.4.3.1 PCI IRQ Resource Exclusion

IRQ XX Reserved [No/ICU]

These fields indicate whether or not the displayed IRQ for each field is

being used by a legacy (non-PnP) ISA card. The setting [No/ICU] for an

IRQ field indicates that you are using the ISA Configuration Utility (ICU),

and that this particular IRQ is NOT required by a legacy ISA card. Set the

IRQ field to [Yes] if you install a legacy ISA card that requires a unique IRQ

and you are NOT using ICU. Configuration options: [No/ICU] [Yes]

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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup

4.5 Power Menu

The Power menu allows you to reduce power consumption. This feature

turns off the video display and shuts down the hard disk after a period of

inactivity.

Power Management [User Defined]

This field allows you to activate or deactivate the automatic power saving

features. When set to [Disabled], the power management features do not

function regardless of the other settings on this menu. The [User Defined]

option allows you to set the period of inactivity before the system enters

suspend mode. Refer to Suspend Mode item.

When set to [Max Saving], system power is conserved to its greatest

amount. This setting automatically puts the system into suspend mode

after a brief period of system inactivity. [Min Saving] allows the least power

saving as the system enters suspend mode only after a long period of

inactivity. Configuration options: [User Defined] [Disabled] [Min Saving]

[Max Saving]

Video Off Option [Suspend -> Off ]

This field determines when to activate the video off feature for monitor

power management. Configuration options: [Always On] [Suspend -> Off]

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Video Off Method [DPMS OFF]

This field defines the video off features. The Display Power Management

System (DPMS) feature allows the BIOS to control the video display card if

it supports the DPMS feature. [Blank Screen] only blanks the screen. Use

this for monitors without power management or green features.

Even if installed, your screen saver does not display when you select

[Blank Screen] for the above field.

[V/H SYNC+Blank] blanks the screen and turns off vertical and horizontal

scanning. Configuration options: [Blank Screen] [V/H SYNC+Blank]

[DPMS Standby] [DPMS Suspend] [DPMS OFF] [DPMS Reduce ON]

HDD Power Down [Disabled]

Shuts down any IDE hard disk drives in the system after a period of

inactivity as set in this user-configurable field. This feature does not affect

SCSI hard drives. Configuration options: [Disabled] [1 Min] [2 Min] [3

Min]...[15 Min]

ACPI Suspend To RAM [Disabled]

This field allows you to enable or disable the ACPI Suspend-to-RAM

feature. To support this feature, the +5VSB of the power supply should

have the capacity to provide more than 720mA current. Configuration

options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Suspend Mode [Disabled]

Sets the time period before the system goes into suspend mode.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [1~2 Min] [2~3 Min] [4~5 min] [8~9 Min]

[20 Min] [30 Min]

PWR Button < 4 Secs [Soft Off]

When set to [Soft off], the ATX switch can be used as a normal system

power-off button when pressed for less than 4 seconds. [Suspend] allows

the button to have a dual function where pressing less than 4 seconds

puts the system in sleep mode. Regardless of the setting, holding the ATX

switch for more than 4 seconds powers off the system. Configuration

options: [Soft off] [Suspend]

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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup

4.5.1 Power Up Control

AC PWR Loss Restart [Disabled]

This allows you to set whether or not to reboot the system after power

interruptions. [Disabled] leaves your system off while [Enabled] reboots the

system. [Previous State] sets the system back to the state it was before

the power interruption. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

[Previous State]

Wake/Power Up On Ext. Modem [Disabled]

This allows either settings of [Enabled] or [Disabled] for powering up the

computer when the external modem receives a call while the computer is

in Soft-off mode. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The computer cannot receive or transmit data until the computer and

applications are fully running. Thus, connection cannot be made on the

first try. Turning an external modem off and then back on while the

computer is off causes an initialization string that turns the system

power on.

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Wake/Power Up By PS/2 Keyboard [Space Bar]

This parameter allows you to use specific keys on the keyboard to turn on

the system. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at

least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Space Bar]

[Ctrl-Esc] [Power Key]

Wake/Power Up 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 feature requires an ATX power supply that

provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled]

[Enabled]

Power Up On PCI Card [Disabled]

When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to turn on the system

through a PCI LAN or modem card. This feature requires an ATX power

supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Automatic Power Up [Disabled]

This allows an unattended or automatic system power up. You may

configure your system to power up at a certain time of the day by selecting

[Everyday] or at a certain time and day by selecting [By Date].

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Everyday] [By Date]

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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup

4.5.2 Hardware Monitor

MB Temperature [xxxC/xxxF]

CPU Temperature [xxxC/xxxF]

POWER Temperature [N/A]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the

motherboard and CPU temperatures.

If your power supply comes with a two-pin thermal sensor cable, connect

this cable to the TRPWR connector on the motherboard to allow BIOS to

auto-detect the power supply temperature (see page 2-29 for the location

of the TRPWR connector). The POWER temperature item shows N/A if

you do not have the appropriate power supply. Select [Ignore] to disable

the power temperature auto-detect function.

CPU Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [N/A]

Chassis Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [N/A]

Power Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [N/A]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the

CPU, chassis, and power fan speeds in rotations per minute (RPM). If any

of the fans is not connected to the motherboard, the specific field shows

N/A.

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VCORE Voltage, +3.3V Voltage, +5V Voltage, +12V Voltage

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output

through the onboard voltage regulators.

Q-Fan Control [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. When

this field is set to [Enabled], the Fan Speed Ratio and Speed Up/Down

Response Time

items appear to allow selection of the appropriate fan

speeds and the corresponding response time. Configuration options:

[Disabled] [Enabled]

Fan Speed Ratio [10/15]

This item allows you to select the appropriate fan speed ratio for the

system. The default [10/15] is the minimum fan speed ratio. Select a

higher ratio if you installed additional devices and the system requires

more ventilation. This item appears only when the Q-Fan Control item is

set to [Enabled]. Configuration options: [10/15] [11/15] [12/15] [13/15]

[14/15] [Full Speed]

Speed Up/Down Response Time [16 Sec/32Sec]

This item indicates the time period before the fan speeds adjust to the

value set in the Fan Speed Ratio field. This item appears only when the

Q-Fan Control item is set to [Enabled]. Configuration options:

[16 Sec/32 Sec] [32 Sec/64 Sec] [48 Sec/96 Sec] [64 Sec/128 Sec]

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.

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4.6 Boot Menu

Boot Sequence

The Boot menu allows you to select among the four possible types of boot

devices listed using the up and down arrow keys. By using the <+> or

<Space> key, you can promote devices and by using the <-> key, you can

demote devices. Promotion or demotion of devices alters the priority which

the system uses to search for a boot device on system power up.

Configuration fields include Removable Devices, IDE Hard Drive, ATAPI

CD-ROM, and Other Boot Device.

Removable Device [Legacy Floppy]

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Legacy Floppy] [LS-120] [ZIP]

[ATAPIMO]

IDE Hard Drive

This field allows you to select which IDE hard disk drive to use in the boot

sequence. Pressing [Enter] will show the product IDs of all connected IDE

hard disk drives.

ATAPI CD-ROM

This field allows you to select which ATAPI CD-ROM drive to use in the

boot sequence. Pressing [Enter] will show the product IDs of all your

connected ATAPI CD-ROM drives.

Other Boot Device Select [INT18 Device (Network)]

Configuration options: [Disabled] [SCSI Boot Device] [INT18 Device

(Network)]

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Plug & Play O/S [No]

This field allows you to use a Plug-and-Play (PnP) operating system to

configure the PCI bus slots instead of using the BIOS. When [Yes] is

selected, interrupts may be reassigned by the OS. If you installed a non-

PnP OS or if you want to prevent reassigning of interrupt settings, keep

the default setting [No]. Configuration options: [No] [Yes]

Reset Configuration Data [No]

The Extended System Configuration Data (ESCD) contain information

about non-PnP devices. It also holds the complete record of how the

system was configured the last time it was booted. Select [Yes] if you want

to clear these data during the Power-On-Self-Test (POST).

Configuration options: [No] [Yes]

Boot Virus Detection [Enabled]

This field allows you to set boot virus detection, ensuring a virus-free boot

sector. The system halts and displays a warning message when it detects

a virus. If this occurs, you can either allow the operation to continue or use

a virus-free bootable floppy disk to restart and investigate your system.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Quick Power On Self Test [Enabled]

This field speeds up the Power-On-Self Test (POST) routine by skipping

retesting a second, third, and fourth time. Configuration options: [Disabled]

[Enabled]

Boot Up Floppy Seek [Enabled]

When enabled, the BIOS will seek the floppy disk drive to determine

whether the drive has 40 or 80 tracks. Configuration options: [Disabled]

[Enabled]

Full Screen Logo [Enabled]

This 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 MyLogo2 feature.

Interrupt Mode [APIC]

The Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC) setting allows

you to distribute interrupt routings other than the 16 IRQs. The

Programmable Interrupt Controller (PIC) setting allows you to use the 16

IRQs only. Configuration options: [PIC] [APIC]

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4.7 Exit Menu

When you have made all of your selections from the various menus in the

Setup program, save your changes and exit Setup. Select Exit from the

menu bar to display the following menu.

Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the

options from this menu or <F10> from the legend bar to exit.

Exit Saving Changes

Once you are finished making your selections, choose this option from the

Exit menu to ensure the values you selected are saved to the CMOS RAM.

The CMOS RAM is sustained by an onboard backup battery and stays on

even when the PC is turned off. When you select this option, a

confirmation window appears. Select [Yes] to save changes and exit.

If you attempt to exit the Setup program without saving your changes,

the program prompts you with a message asking if you want to save

your changes before exiting. Pressing <Enter> saves the changes

while exiting.

Exit Discarding 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.

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Load Setup Defaults

This option allows you to load the default values for each of the

parameters on the 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.

Discard Changes

This option allows you to discard the selections you made and restore the

previously saved values. After selecting this option, a confirmation

appears. Select [Yes] to discard any changes and load the previously

saved values.

Save Changes

This option saves your selections without exiting the Setup program. You

can then return to other menus and make further changes. After you select

this option, a confirmation window appears. Select [Yes] to save any

changes to the non-volatile RAM.

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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup

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