Asus A8S-X User manual

Motherboard
A8S-X SE

ii
Copyright © 2006 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.
E2387
First Edition
January 2006

iii
Contents
Notices ................................................................................................ vi
Safety information ............................................................................. vii
About this guide .................................................................................viii
Typography ......................................................................................... ix
A8S-X SE specifications summary ........................................................ x
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome! .............................................................................. 1-2
1.2 Package contents ................................................................. 1-2
1.3 Special features .................................................................... 1-3
1.3.1 Product highlights ................................................... 1-3
1.3.2 Unique ASUS features ............................................. 1-5
1.4 Before you proceed .............................................................. 1-6
1.5 Motherboard overview .......................................................... 1-7
1.5.1 Motherboard layout ................................................ 1-7
1.5.2 Placement direction ................................................ 1-8
1.5.3 Screw holes ............................................................. 1-8
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) .............................................. 1-9
1.6.1 Overview ................................................................. 1-9
1.6.2 Installling the CPU ................................................... 1-9
1.6.3 Installing the heatsink and fan .............................. 1-11
1.7 System memory .................................................................. 1-13
1.7.1 DIMM sockets location .......................................... 1-13
1.7.2 Memory configurations ......................................... 1-13
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM ................................................... 1-16
1.8 Expansion slots ................................................................... 1-16
1.8.1 Standard interrupt assignments ........................... 1-17
1.8.2 IRQ assignments for this motherboard ................. 1-17
1.8.3 PCI slots ................................................................ 1-18
1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot .............................................. 1-18
1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot ............................................ 1-18
1.9 Jumpers .............................................................................. 1-19
1.10 Connectors ......................................................................... 1-21
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors .......................................... 1-21
1.10.2 Internal connectors ............................................... 1-22

iv
Contents
Chapter 2: BIOS setup
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ........................................ 2-2
2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk .............................. 2-2
2.1.2 Using AFUDOS to update the BIOS ......................... 2-3
2.1.3 Using AFUDOS to copy BIOS from PC ..................... 2-4
2.1.4 Using ASUS EZ Flash to update the BIOS ................ 2-5
2.1.5 Recovering the BIOS with CrashFree BIOS 2 ........... 2-6
2.2 BIOS Setup program ............................................................. 2-8
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen ................................................... 2-9
2.2.2 Menu bar ................................................................. 2-9
2.2.3 Navigation keys ....................................................... 2-9
2.2.4 Menu items ........................................................... 2-10
2.2.5 Sub-menu items .................................................... 2-10
2.2.6 Configuration fields ............................................... 2-10
2.2.7 Pop-up window ...................................................... 2-10
2.2.8 Scroll bar ............................................................... 2-10
2.3 Main menu ........................................................................... 2-11
2.3.1 System Time ......................................................... 2-11
2.3.2 System Date ......................................................... 2-11
2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A ............................................... 2-11
2.3.4 Language .............................................................. 2-11
2.3.5 Primary, Secondary,Third and
Fourth IDE Master/Slave ....................................... 2-12
2.3.6 Onboard PCI S-ATA Controller .............................. 2-13
2.3.7 System Information .............................................. 2-13
2.4 Advanced menu .................................................................. 2-14
2.4.1 JumperFree Configuration ..................................... 2-14
2.4.2 USB Configuration ................................................. 2-15
2.4.3 CPU Configuration ................................................. 2-16
2.4.4 Chipset .................................................................. 2-17
2.4.5 Onboard Devices Configuration ............................. 2-20
2.4.6 PCI PnP .................................................................. 2-21
2.4.7 AMD Cool ʻN Quiet Configuration .......................... 2-22

v
Contents
2.5 Power menu ........................................................................ 2-23
2.5.1 Suspend Mode ....................................................... 2-23
2.5.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume ................................. 2-23
2.5.3 ACPI 2.0 Support ................................................. 2-23
2.5.4 ACPI APIC Support ............................................... 2-23
2.5.5 APM Configuration ............................................... 2-24
2.5.6 Hardware Monitor ................................................ 2-25
2.6 Boot menu .......................................................................... 2-26
2.6.1 Boot Device Priority .............................................. 2-26
2.6.2 Boot Settings Configuration ................................. 2-27
2.6.3 Security ................................................................. 2-28
2.7 Exit menu ............................................................................ 2-30
Chapter 3: Software support
3.1 Installing an operating system .............................................. 3-2
3.2 Support CD information ........................................................ 3-2
3.2.1 Running the support CD .......................................... 3-2
3.2.2 Drivers menu ........................................................... 3-3
3.2.3 Utilities menu .......................................................... 3-3
3.2.4 Make Disk ................................................................ 3-5
3.2.5 Manual .................................................................... 3-5
3.2.6 ASUS Contact information ...................................... 3-6

vi
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
manufacturerʼs 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.
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 userʼs authority to operate
this equipment.

vii
Safety information
Electrical safety
• To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from
the electrical outlet before relocating the system.
• When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that
the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal
cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the
existing system before you add a device.
• Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard,
ensure that all power cables are unplugged.
• Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension
cord. These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.
• Make sure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your
area. If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you
are using, contact your local power company.
• 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 the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully
read all the manuals 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.
The symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product
(electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in municipal
waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.

viii
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and
configuring the motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This manual contains the following parts:
• Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the
new technology it supports. This chapter also lists the hardware
setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system
components. It includes description of the jumpers and connectors on
the motherboard.
• Chapter 2: BIOS setup
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS
Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also
provided.
• Chapter 3: Software support
This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes
with the motherboard package.
.
Where to find more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product
and software updates.
1. ASUS websites
The ASUS website provides 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.

ix
Conventions used in this guide
To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the
following symbols used throughout this manual.
Typography
DANGER/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.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a
task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a
task.
Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select
Italics Used to emphasize a word or a phrase
<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign means
that you must press the enclosed key
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or
Return key
<Key1>+<Key2>+<Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the
key names are linked with a plus sign (+)
Example: <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<D>
Command Means that you must type the command exactly as shown,
then supply the required item or value enclosed in
brackets
Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line:
afudos /i[filename]
afudos /iA8S-XSE.ROM

x
A8S-X SE specifications summary
(continued on the next page)
CPU
Chipset
System Bus
Memory
Expansion slots
Storage
Audio
USB
LAN
ASUS special
features
BIOS features
Back Panel I/O
Ports
Socket 939 for AMD Athlon™ 64 x2,
AMD® Athlon™ 64 FX, Athlon™ 64 and AMD® Sempron
processors
Support AMD 64 architecture that enables simutaneous
32-bit and 64-bit architecture
Supports AMD Cool ʻnʼ Quiet!™ Technology
Northbridge: SIS 756
Southbridge: SIS 965L
2000/1600 MT/s
Dual-channel memory architecture
4 x 184-pin DIMM sockets support ECC/non-ECC
un-buffered 400/333/266 MHz DDR memory modules
Supports up to 4 GB system memory
1 x PCI Express x16 slot for discrete graphics card
2 x PCI Express x1 slots
3 x PCI slots
South Bridge supports:
- 2 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33
- 2 x Serial ATA with RAID0, RAID1, and JBOD
ADI AD1986A SoundMax 6-channel Audio CODEC
Supports S/PDIF out interface
Supports up to 8 USB 2.0 ports
Realtek RLC8201 CL 10/100 Mbps LAN PHY
ASUS AL Overclocking
ASUS My logo
ASUS EZ Flash
ASUS Q-Fan
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2
ASUS C.P.R.
SFS from 200MHz up to 300 MHz at 1MHz increment
4 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI, WfM2.0,
SM BIOS 2.3
1 x Parallel port
1 x Serial port
1 x PS/2 keyboard port
1 x PS/2 mouse port
1 x 5.1-Channel Audio I/O port
1 x RJ45 port
1 x S/PDIF Out (Coaxial)
4 x USB 2.0 ports
CPU
Chipset
System Bus
Memory
Expansion slots
Storage
Audio
USB 2.0
LAN
ASUS special
features
BIOS features
Back Panel I/O
Ports

xi
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.
A8S-X SE specifications summary
2 x USB connector supports additional 4 USB ports
CPU/Chassis/Power FAN connectors
Chassis Intrusion
24-pin ATX Power connector
4-pin ATX 12V Power connector
CD/ AUX audio in
GAME connector
Front panel audio connector
Wfm2.0, DMI, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, SM Bus,
Chassis Intrusion
Drivers
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS LiveUpdate Utility
Anti-Virus software
ATX Form Factor: 12 in x 8.6 in (30.5cm x 21.8cm)
Internal I/O
connectors
Manageability
Support CD
contents
Form Factor

xii

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

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS® A8S-X SE motherboard!
The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies,
making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!
Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it,
check the items in your package with the list below.
1.2 Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
Motherboard ASUS A8S-X SE motherboard
Cables 1 x Ultra DMA cable
1 x SATA power cable
1 x SATA signal cable
1 x Floppy disk cable
Accessories I/O shield
Application CDs ASUS motherboard support CD
Documentation User guide

ASUS A8S-X SE 1-3
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product Highlights
AMD Dual-Core Architecture
The motherboard supports AMD dual-core processors containing two physical
CPU cores with discrete L2 cache structure for each core to meet demands for
more powerful computing.
Latest processor technology
The AMD Athlon™ 64FX and Athlon™ 64 desktop processors are based
on AMDʼs 64-bit and 32-bit architecture, which represents the landmark
introduction of the industryʼs first x86-64 technology. These processors
provide a dramatic leap forward in compatibility, performance, investment
protection, and reduced total cost of ownership and development.
HyperTransport™ Technology
HyperTransport™ Technology is a high-speed, low latency, point-to-point link
designed to increase the communication speed between integrated circuits
in computers, networking and telecommunicatons equipment up to 48 times
faster than other existing technologies.
Cool ʻnʼ Quiet!™ Technology
The motherboard supports the AMD® Cool ʻnʼ Quiet!™ Technology that
dynamically and automatically changes the CPU speed, voltage and amount of
power depending on the task the CPU performs.
Serial ATA solution
The motherboard supports two interfaces compliant to the Serial ATA
(SATA) specification, an evolutionary replacement of the Parallel ATA storage
interface. The Serial ATA specification allows for thinner, more flexible cables
with lower pin count, reduced voltage requirement, up to 150 MB/s data
transfer rate.
.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction
Serial ATA RAID solution
The motherboard provides a high-performance Serial ATA RAID controller
that enhance hard disk performance and data backup protection without
the cost of additional RAID cards. The onboard SIS 965L RAID controller
provides two Serial ATA connectors for RAID 0, RAID 1 and JBOD functions.
S/PDIF out
The motherboardʼs S/PDIF out function turns your computer into a high-
end entertainment system with digital connectivity to powerful speaker
systems.
PCI Express™ interface
The motherboard fully supports PCI Express, the latest I/O interconnect
technology that speeds up the PCI bus. PCI Express features point-to-point
serial interconnections between devices and allows higher clockspeeds by
carrying data in packets. This high speed interface is software compatible
with existing PCI specifications.
USB 2.0 technology
The motherboard implements the Universal Serial Bus 2.0 (USB 2.0)
specification, extending the connection speed from 12 Mbps on USB 1.1 to
a fast 480Mbps on USB 2.0.
6-Channel Audio solution
The motherboard uses an onboard audio CODEC that lets you enjoy high-
quality 6-channel audio without having to buy advanced sound cards.

ASUS A8S-X SE 1-5
1.3.2 Unique ASUS features
CrashFree BIOS 2
This feature allows you to restore the original BIOS data from the ASUS
support CD in case when the BIOS codes and data are corrupted. This
protection eliminates the need to buy a replacement ROM chip.
C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
The C.P.R. feature of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to
the BIOS default settings in case the system hangs due to overclocking.
When the system hangs due to overclocking, C.P.R. eliminates the need
to open the system chassis and clear the RTC data. Simply shut down
and reboot the system, and BIOS automatically restores the CPU previous
setting for each parameter.
ASUS MyLogo™
This new feature present in the motherboard allows you to personalize and
add style to your system with customizable boot logos.
ASUS EZ Flash BIOS
With the ASUS EZ Flash, you can easily update the system BIOS even
before loading the operating system. No need to use a DOS-based utility or
boot from a floppy disk.
ASUS Multi-language BIOS
The multi-language BIOS allows you to select the language of your choice
from the available options. The localized BIOS menus allow easier and faster
configuration. The available languages include English, German, French,
Japanese and Traditional Chinese.

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction
A8S-XSE
®
A8S-X SE Onboard LED
SB_PWR
ON
Standby
Power
OFF
Powered
Off
1.4 Before you proceed
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard
components or change any motherboard settings.
• Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any
component.
• Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or
to 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.
• Before you install or remove any component, ensure
that the ATX power supply is switched off or the power
cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so
may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or
components.
Onboard LED
The motherboard comes with a green standby power LED that lights
up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off
mode. This is a reminder that you should shut down the system
and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any
motherboard component.

ASUS A8S-X SE 1-7
1.5 Motherboard overview
1.5.1 Motherboard layout
PANEL
A8S-X SE
R
CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
CD
AUX
4Mbit
BIOS
AAFP
ATX12V
CHASSIS
CLRTC
EATXPWR
USB56
SB_PWR
CHA_FAN
USBPW12
USBPW34
USBPW78
USBPW56
21.8cm (8.6in)
30.5cm (12in)
SATA1
FLOPPY
USB78
SATA2
PWR_FAN
PARALLEL PORT
COM1
SPDIF_O
PS/2KBMS
T: Mouse
B: Keyboard
Below:Mic In
Center:Line Out
Top:Line In
USB12
RJ-45
Top:
USB3
USB4
Bottom:
SEC_IDE
GAME
DDR DIMM_A1 (64 bit,184-pin module)
DDR DIMM_A2 (64 bit,184-pin module)
DDR DIMM_B1 (64 bit,184-pin module)
DDR DIMM_B2 (64 bit,184-pin module)
PCIEX1_1
PCIEX1_2
PCIEX16
PCI1
PCI2
PCI3
Super I/O
AD1986A
Socket 939
CPU_FAN
SiS
965L
SiS
756
PRI_IDE
Realtek
RTL8201CL

1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction
A8S-X SE
®
Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so may damage the motherboard.
1.5.2 Placement direction
When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the
chassis in the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the
rear part of the chassis as indicated in the image below.
1.5.3 Screw holes
Place six (6) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the
motherboard to the chassis.
Place this side towards
the rear of the chassis
Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the
motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage
motherboard components.
Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis
to ensure that the motherboard fits into it.