Asus Terminator A7VT User manual

®
User Guide
Barebone System
Model A7VT
Terminator 1

2
Copyright © 2004 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be
reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any
language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for
backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.
(“ASUS”).
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.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES
OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE
LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
(INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE
OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN
ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR
ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.
SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED
FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME
WITHOUT NOTICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS.
ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR
INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS
AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered
trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identification or
explanation and to the owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.
E1708
Second Edition V2
July 2004

3
Table of contents
Notices ........................................................................................... 6
Safety information .......................................................................... 7
About this guide .............................................................................. 8
System package contents ............................................................ 10
Chapter 1: System Introduction
1.1 Welcome! ............................................................................ 12
1.2 Front panel .......................................................................... 12
1.3 Rear panel ........................................................................... 14
1.4 Internal components ............................................................ 16
Chapter 2: Basic Installation
2.1 Preparation .......................................................................... 18
2.2 Before you proceed ............................................................. 18
2.3 Removing the cover ............................................................ 19
2.4 Detaching the drive frame ................................................... 20
2.5 Installing a CPU ................................................................... 22
2.6 Installing the fan and heatsink assembly ............................. 24
2.7 Installing system memory .................................................... 26
2.7.1 Memory configurations .......................................... 26
2.7.2 DIMM installation ................................................... 27
2.8 Installing an expansion card ................................................ 28
2.8.1 Expansion slots ..................................................... 28
2.8.2 Expansion card installation ................................... 29
2.8.3 Configuring an expansion card ............................. 29
2.8.4 Standard interrupt assignments ............................ 30
2.8.5 IRQ assignments for this motherboard ................. 30
2.9 Installing a CD-ROM drive ................................................... 31
2.10 Installing a hard disk drive ................................................... 33
2.11 Re-connecting cables .......................................................... 35
2.11.1 LED cables ............................................................ 35
2.11.2 UAEX module ........................................................ 36
2.12 Replacing the cover ............................................................. 37
2.13 Connecting external devices ............................................... 39

4
Table of contents
2.14 Power supply specifications ................................................ 40
2.14.1 Input Characteristics ............................................. 40
2.14.3 Over-Voltage Protection (OVP) ............................. 40
2.14.2 Output Characteristics ........................................... 40
Chapter 3: Starting up
3.1 Installing an operating system ............................................. 42
3.2 Support CD information ....................................................... 42
3.2.1 Running the support CD ........................................ 42
3.2.2 Utilities menu ......................................................... 43
3.2.3 ASUS Contact information .................................... 44
3.2.4 Other information .................................................. 45
3.3 Software information ........................................................... 47
3.3.1 ASUS PC Probe .................................................... 47
3.3.2 ASUS Update ........................................................ 51
Chapter 4: Motherboard Info
4.1 Introduction .......................................................................... 54
4.2 Motherboard layout ............................................................. 54
4.3 Jumpers ............................................................................... 55
4.4 Connectors .......................................................................... 58
Chapter 5: BIOS Information
5.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ..................................... 66
5.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk ............................. 66
5.1.2 Updating the BIOS using the AwardBIOS
Flash Utility ............................................................ 67
5.1.3 Recovering the BIOS with CrashFree BIOS ......... 69
5.1.4 ASUS Update ........................................................ 70
5.2 BIOS Setup program ........................................................... 71
5.2.1 BIOS menu bar ..................................................... 72
5.2.2 Legend bar ............................................................ 72
5.3 Main Menu ........................................................................... 74
5.3.1 System Time ......................................................... 74
5.3.2 System Date .......................................................... 74
5.3.4 Legacy Diskette A .................................................. 74

5
Table of contents
5.3.5 Installed Memory ................................................... 74
5.3.6 Primary and Secondary Master/Slave ................... 75
5.4 Advanced Menu .................................................................. 76
5.4.1 CPU configuration ................................................. 77
5.4.2 Memory configuration ............................................ 78
5.4.3 Chipset configuration ............................................ 79
5.4.4 PCIPnP ................................................................. 81
5.4.5 Onboard device configuration .............................. 82
5.4.6 USB configuration ................................................ 84
5.5 Power Menu ........................................................................ 85
5.5.1 APM configuration ................................................. 86
5.5.2 Hardware monitor .................................................. 89
5.6 Boot Menu ........................................................................... 91
5.6.1 Boot Device Priority ............................................... 91
5.6.2 Removable drives ................................................. 92
5.6.3 Hard Disk Drives ................................................... 92
5.6.4 CD-ROM drives ..................................................... 93
5.6.5 Boot settings configuration .................................... 93
5.6.6 Security ................................................................. 95
5.7 Exit menu ............................................................................ 96

6
Notices
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference, and
• This device must accept any interference received including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to
try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise
emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference
Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
WARNING! The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to
the graphics card is required to assure compliance with FCC regulations.
Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this
equipment.

7
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 the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a
qualified service technician or your retailer.
Operation safety
• Before installing devices into the system, carefully read all the
documentation that came with the package.
• Before using the product, make sure all cables are correctly
connected and the power cables are not damaged. If you detect any
damage, contact your dealer immediately.
• To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away
from connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.
• Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the
product in any area where it may become wet. Place the product on a
stable surface.
• If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a
qualified service technician or your retailer.
Lithium-Ion Battery Warning
CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.
Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by
the manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries according to the
manufacturerís instructions.
VORSICHT: Explosionsgetahr bei unsachgemäßen Austausch der
Batterie. Ersatz nur durch denselben oder einem vom Hersteller
empfohlenem ähnljchen Typ. Entsorgung gebrauchter Batterien
nach Angaben des Herstellers.
LASER PRODUCT WARNING
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT

8
About this guide
Audience
This guide provides general information and installation instructions about
the ASUS Terminator 1 barebone system. This guide is intended for
experienced users and integrators with hardware knowledge of personal
computers.
How this guide is organized
This guide contains the following parts:
1. Chapter 1: System introduction
This chapter gives a general description of the ASUS Terminator 1.
The chapter lists the system features including introduction on the
front and rear panel, and internal components.
2. Chapter 2: Basic installation
This chapter provides step-by-step instructions on how to install
components in the system.
3. Chapter 3: Starting up
This chapter helps you power up the system and install drivers and
utilities from the support CD.
4. Chapter 4: Motherboard information
This chapter gives information about the motherboard that comes
with the system. This chapter includes the motherboard layout,
jumper settings, and connector locations.
5. Chapter 5: BIOS information
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS
Setup menus and describes the BIOS parameters.

9
Conventions used in this guide
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.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to aid in completing a task.
Where to find more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product
and software updates.
1. ASUS Websites
The ASUS websites worldwide provide updated information on ASUS
hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact
information.
2. Optional Documentation
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as
warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These
documents are not part of the standard package.

10
* CD-ROM/CD-RW/DVD-ROM/DVD-RW
If any of the items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer
immediately.
Check your ASUS Terminator 1 package for the following items:
1. ASUS Terminator 1 barebone system with:
• ASUS A7VT motherboard
• Floppy disk drive
• Optical drive (optional)*
2. Power cable and plug
3. Support CD
4. User guide
System package contents

11 ASUS Terminator 1 A7VT barebone system
This chapter gives a general description of
the ASUS Terminator 1 A7VT barebone
system. It includes introduction on the front
and rear panel features, and the internal
features.
System Introduction
Chapter 1

12 Chapter 1: System introduction
1.2 Front panel
The ASUS Terminator 1 barebone system is composed of the ASUS A7VT
motherboard, a power supply, and a floppy disk drive in the ASUS TriOptix
form factor chassis.
The CD-ROM drive is an optional item.
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for choosing the ASUS Terminator 1!
The ASUS Terminator 1 is an all-in-one barebone system with a versatile
home entertainment feature.
The system comes in a stylish mini-tower casing, and is powered by the
ASUS A7VT motherboard that supports AMD Athlon™ and AMD Duron™
processors.
1. Optical drive. This is an optional IDE optical drive.
2. Empty 5.25-inch drive bay. This covered slot is for a second optical drive
or other 5.25-inch storage devices.
3. Floppy drive door. This drive is for a 1.44MB, 3.5-inch floppy disk.
1
3
7
4
5
6
8910
2

ASUS Terminator 1 A7VT barebone system 13
4. Power button. Press this button to turn the system on.
5. Power LED. This LED lights up to indicate that the system is ON.
6. HDD LED. This LED lights up when data is being read from or written
to the hard disk drive
7. Front panel I/O door. Flip up this door to show the front panel
input/output ports.
8. USB 2.0 ports. These Universal Serial Bus 2.0 (USB 2.0) ports are
available for connecting USB 2.0 devices such as a mouse, printer,
scanner, camera, PDA, and others.
9. Headphone port. This port connects a headphone with a stereo
mini-plug.
10. Microphone port. This Mic (pink) port connects a microphone.

14 Chapter 1: System introduction
1.3 Rear panel
The system rear panel includes the power socket and several I/O ports
that allow convenient connection of devices.
115V/230V
Voltage Selector
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 11 12
1. GAME/MIDI port. This port connects a joystick or game pad for
playing games, and MIDI devices for audio editing.
2. Serial port. This port connects a mouse, modem, or other devices
that conform with serial specification.
3. PS/2 mouse port. This green 6-pin connector is for a PS/2 mouse.
4. PS/2 keyboard port. This purple 6-pin connector is for a PS/2 keyboard.
5. VGA port. This port connects a VGA monitor.
6. Line Out port. This Line Out (lime) port connects a headphone or a
speaker. In 4/6-channel mode, the function of this port becomes Front
Speaker Out.
7. Line In port. This Line In (light blue) port connects a tape player or
other audio sources. In 6-channel mode, the function of this port
becomes Low Frequency Enhanced Output/Center.
13

ASUS Terminator 1 A7VT barebone system 15
8. Microphone port. This Microphone (pink) port connects a
microphone. In 4/6-channel mode, the function of this port becomes
Surround Speaker.
Setting the switch to 115V in a 230V environment will seriously damage
the system!
Voltage Selector
The switching power supply that came with the system has a voltage
selector switch below the power socket. Use this switch to select the
appropriate voltage according to the voltage supply in your area.
If the voltage supply in your area is 100-127V, set the switch to 115V.
If the voltage supply in your area is 200-240V, set the switch to 230V.
Audio ports function variation
Port Headphone/2-Channel 4-Channel 6-Channel
Light Blue Line In Line In LFE Output*/Center
Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out
Pink Mic In Surround Surround
* LFE Output: Low Frequency Enhanced Output
Windows
®
98 SE only supports 4.1-channel speaker setting.
The functions of the Line Out (lime), Line In (blue), and Mic (pink) ports
on the rear panel change when you select the 4-channel or 6-channel
audio configuration as shown in the following table.
9. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows connection to a Local Area
Network (LAN) through a network hub.
10. USB 2.0 ports. These Universal Serial Bus 2.0 (USB 2.0) ports are
available for connecting USB 2.0 devices such as a mouse, printer,
scanner, camera, PDA, and others.
11. Parallel port. This 25-pin port connects a printer, scanner, or other
devices.
12. Power socket. This socket connects the power cable and plug.
13. Voltage selector. This switch allows you to select the appropriate
voltage supply in your area.

16 Chapter 1: System introduction
1.4 Internal components
The figure below shows the internal view of the system when you remove
the cover and flip out the drive frame. The standard components already
installed in the system and the locations of the available drive bays are
pointed out.
The system may come with either a PFC (Power Factor Correction) or
non-PFC power supply.
4. 3.5” HDD drive bay
5. 3.5” floppy drive
6. PFC/Non-PFC power supply
7. USB/audio board
1. Game/MIDI/COM1 extension
module
2. Motherboard
3. Two 5.25” drive bays
(Optional CD-ROM)
1
2
3
7
6
4
5

17 ASUS Terminator 1 A7VT barebone system
This chapter gives step-by-step instructions
on how to install components into the
barebone system.
Basic Installation
Chapter 2

18 Chapter 2: Basic Installation
2.1 Preparation
Before you proceed, make sure that you have all the components that you
plan to install in the system.
Basic components to install
1. Central processing unit (CPU)
2. DDR Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM)
3. Expansion card(s)
4. Hard disk drive
5. Second optical drive
Tool
Phillips (cross) screw driver
2.2 Before you proceed
Take note of the following precautions before you install components into
the system.
The motherboard comes with an onboard standby power LED. This LED
lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode or in soft-off
mode, and not powered OFF. Unplug the power cable from the power
outlet and make sure that the standby power LED is OFF before installing
any system component.
• Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or
a metal object, such as the power supply case, before handling
components to avoid damaging them due to static electricity.
• Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
• Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded
antistatic pad or in the bag that came with the component.

ASUS Terminator 1 A7VT barebone system 19
2.3 Removing the cover
The chassis cover is secured by a screw located on the rear panel.
Follow these steps to remove the
chassis cover.
1. Turn the screw
counterclockwise to release
the cover. Set the screw
aside.
2. Place your hands on both
corners of the front panel, just
beside the CD-ROM frame.
Push on the CD-ROM area
with your thumbs until the
cover tilts forward.
3. While supporting the front
panel with one hand, place
your other hand on the top
rear edge of the cover and
carefully lift the cover from the
chassis.
Screw
TIP
Another way to release the cover is
to place your hands underneath the
front panel edge, then push the inner
chassis with your thumbs while
pulling the panel with your other
fingers.

20 Chapter 2: Basic Installation
2.4 Detaching the drive frame
You must release the power socket module from the rear panel before
detaching the drive frame to avoid breaking the power cable.
Follow these steps to detach the
drive frame.
1. Place the chassis on a flat
surface and turn it on its side.
2. The power socket and voltage
selector switch are attached to
a metal module secured to
the rear panel by a screw.
Remove the screw to release
the power socket module.
Power socket
module screw
Power socket module