Asus A8V-VM - SE Motherboard - Micro ATX User manual

Motherboard
A8V-VM 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, modied or
altered, unless such repair, modication 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 identication or
explanation and to the owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.
E2928
First Edition
November 2006

iii
Table of contents
Notices ................................................................................................ vi
Safety information ..............................................................................vii
A8V-VM SE specications 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 Innovative ASUS features ...................................... 1-4
1.4 Before you proceed .............................................................. 1-5
1.5 Motherboard overview .......................................................... 1-6
1.5.1 Motherboard layout ................................................ 1-6
1.5.2 Placement direction ................................................ 1-6
1.5.3 Screw holes............................................................. 1-7
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) .............................................. 1-8
1.6.1 Overview ................................................................. 1-8
1.6.2 Installing the CPU .................................................... 1-8
1.6.3 Installing the heatsink and fan .............................. 1-10
1.7 System memory.................................................................. 1-12
1.7.1 Overview ............................................................... 1-12
1.7.2 Memory congurations ......................................... 1-12
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM ................................................... 1-15
1.7.4 Removing a DIMM.................................................. 1-15
1.8 Expansion slots ................................................................... 1-16
1.8.1 Installing an expansion card .................................. 1-16
1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card .............................. 1-16
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
Table of contents
Chapter 2: BIOS setup
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ........................................ 2-2
2.1.1 Creating a bootable oppy disk .............................. 2-2
2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash utility............................................... 2-3
2.1.3 AFUDOS utility ........................................................ 2-4
2.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility ................................ 2-6
2.1.5 ASUS Update utility ................................................ 2-8
2.2 BIOS setup program............................................................ 2-11
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen ................................................. 2-12
2.2.2 Menu bar ............................................................... 2-12
2.2.3 Navigation keys..................................................... 2-12
2.2.4 Menu items ........................................................... 2-13
2.2.5 Sub-menu items.................................................... 2-13
2.2.6 Conguration elds ............................................... 2-13
2.2.7 Pop-up window...................................................... 2-13
2.2.8 Scroll bar............................................................... 2-13
2.2.9 General help .......................................................... 2-13
2.3 Main menu........................................................................... 2-14
2.3.1 System Time ......................................................... 2-14
2.3.2 System Date ......................................................... 2-14
2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A ............................................... 2-14
2.3.4 Primary, Secondary, Third, Fourth IDE Master/Slave .... 2-15
2.3.5 IDE Conguration .................................................. 2-16
2.3.6 System Information............................................... 2-17
2.4 Advanced menu .................................................................. 2-18
2.4.1 CPU Conguration ................................................. 2-18
2.4.2 Chipset ................................................................. 2-19
2.4.3 Onboard Devices Conguration............................. 2-26
2.4.4 PCI PnP.................................................................. 2-27
2.5 Power menu ........................................................................ 2-28
2.5.1 ACPI 2.0 Support ................................................. 2-28
2.5.2 ACPI APIC Support ................................................ 2-28

v
2.5.3 APM Conguration ................................................ 2-29
2.5.4 Hardware Monitor.................................................. 2-31
2.6 Boot menu .......................................................................... 2-32
2.6.1 Boot Device Priority .............................................. 2-32
2.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration ................................. 2-33
2.6.3 Security................................................................. 2-34
2.7 Exit menu............................................................................ 2-36
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 .......................................................... 3-4
3.2.4 Make disk menu ...................................................... 3-5
3.2.4 Manual..................................................................... 3-6
3.2.5 ASUS Contact information ...................................... 3-6
Table of contents

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
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.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics
card is required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes
or modications to this unit not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s 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
conguring 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. It 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 yers, 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> + <Del>
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:
awdash A8VVMSE.ROM

x
A8V-VM SE specications summary
(Continued on the next page)
CPU
Chipset
System Bus
Memory
VGA
Expansion slots
Storage
Audio
USB
LAN
ASUS special
features
BIOS features
Back Panel I/O
Ports
Socket 939 for AMD®Athlon™ 64/Sempron™/Opteron™
processors
Supports AMD 64 architecture that enables simultaneous
32-bit and 64-bit computing
Supports AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology
Northbridge: VIA® K8M890
Southbridge: VIA® VT8237A
1GH/z
Dual-channel memory architecture
2 x 184-pin DIMM sockets support unbuffered ECC/
non-ECC DDR 400/333/266 MHz memory modules
Supports up to 2 GB system memory
Integrated Gfx in North bridge
1 x PCI Express x16 slot
1 x PCI Express x1 slot
2 x PCI slots
VIA® VT8237A South Bridge supports:
- 2 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33
- 2 x Serial ATA devices with RAID 0, RAID 1, andRAID 0, RAID 1, and
JBOD congurations
Realtek® ALC660 6-channel CODEC
Supports up to 8 USB 2.0 ports
Realtek®RTL8201CL 10/100M LAN PHY
ASUS MyLogo
ASUS EZ Flash
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2
4 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, 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 RJ45 port
4 x USB 2.0 ports
1 x 6-Channel Audio I/O port
1 x VGA port

xi
1 x 24-pin ATX power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
2 x USB connectors for four additional USB 2.0 ports
1 x Front panel audio connector
CPU/Chassis fan connectors
1 x CD audio-in connector
1 x System panel connector
Wfm2.0, DMI2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE
Device drivers
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS LiveUpdate Utility
Anti-Virus software
mATX Form Factor: 9.6 in x 7.8 in (24.4 cm x 19.4 cm)
A8V-VM SE specications summary
Internal I/O
connectors
Manageability
Support CD
contents
Form Factor
*Specications are subject to change without notice.

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

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS®A8V-VM 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 A8V-VM SE motherboard
Cables 1 x oppy disk drive cable
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable
1 x SATA cable kit (SATA/power)
Accessories I/O shield
Application CD ASUS motherboard support CD
Documentation User Guide
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
®

1-3ASUS A8V-VM SE
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 and 64-bit
computing technology
The AMD Athlon™ 64, AMD Opteron™, and AMD Sempron™ desktopOpteron™, and AMD Sempron™ desktop, and AMD Sempron™ desktopSempron™ desktopdesktop
processors are based on AMD’s 64-bit and 32-bit architecture, which
represents the landmark introduction of the industry’s rst x86-64 technology.
These processors provide a dramatic leap forward in compatibility,
performance, investment protection, and reduced total cost of ownership
and development. See page 1-8 for details.See page 1-8 for details.
Dual-channel DDR400 memory support
Employing the Double Date Rate (DDR) memory technology,
the motherboard supports up to 2GB of system memory using
DDR400/333/266 DIMMs. The ultra-fast 400MHz memory bus delivers the
required bandwidth for the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet
applications. See page 1-12 for details.
Serial ATA technology
The motherboard supports the Serial ATA technology through the Serial ATA
interfaces. The SATA specication allows for thinner, more exible cables
with lower pin count, reduced voltage requirement, and up to 150 MB/s data
transfer rate. See page 1-24 for details.
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology
The motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology that
dynamically and automatically changes the CPU speed, voltage and amount
of power depending on the task the CPU performs.
USB 2.0 technology
The motherboard implements the Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0
specication, dramatically increasing the connection speed from the
12 Mbps bandwidth on USB 1.1 to a fast 480 Mbps on USB 2.0. USB 2.0
is backward compatible with USB 1.1. See pages 1-20, 1-22, and 2-26 for
details.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction
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 specications. See page 1-18 for details.
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features
CrashFree BIOS 2
This feature allows you to restore the original BIOS data from the support
CD in case when the BIOS codes and data are corrupted. This protection
eliminates the need to buy a replacement ROM chip. See page 2-6 for details.
ASUS MyLogo™
This new feature present in the motherboard allows you to personalize and
add style to your system with customizable boot logos. See page 2-33 for
details.
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 oppy disk. See page 2-3 for details.

1-5ASUS A8V-VM SE
Onboard LED
The motherboard comes with a green 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.
• Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any
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.
• 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.
1.4 Before you proceed
Take note of the following precautions before you install components into
the system.
A8V-VM SE Onboard LED
SB_PWR
ON
Standby
Power
OFF
Powere
d
Off
R
A8V-VM SE

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction
R
A8V-VM SE
1.5 Motherboard overview
Before you install the motherboard, study the conguration of your chassis
to ensure that the motherboard ts into it.
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.
1.5.1 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.
1.5.2 Screw holes
Place six (6) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the
motherboard to the chassis.
Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
Place this side towards
the rear of the chassis

1-7ASUS A8V-VM SE
1.5.3 Motherboard layout
Socket 939
USB12
RJ-45
Top:
USB3
USB4
Bottom:
Below:Mic In
Center:Line Out
Top:Line In
CD
SEC_IDE
PCIEX1_1
PCIEX16
PCI1
PCI2
PRI_IDE
FLOPPY
AAFP
DDR DIMM_A1 (64 bit,184-pin module)
DDR DIMM_B1 (64 bit,184-pin module)
PS/2KBM
T: Mouse
B: Keyboard
CHA_FAN
PS2_USB_PWR
ATX12V
CPU_FAN
EATXPWR
VIA
K8M890
VIA
VT8237A
4M
BIOS
SPEAKER
F_PANEL SATA1 SATA2
RTL8201CL
ALC660
COM2
VGA
PARALLEL PORT
19.4cm(7.8in)
24.5cm (9.6in)
CLRTC
SB_PWR
R
A8V-VM SE
Super I/O
CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
USB56_WFG
USB56 USB78

1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.6.2 Installing the CPU
To install a CPU:
1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.
Before installing the CPU, make sure that the socket box is facing
towards you and the load lever is on your left.
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
1.6.1 Overview
The motherboard comes with a surface mount 939-pin Zero Insertion Force
(ZIF) socket designed for the AMD Athlon™ 64, AMD Sempron™, or AMDAMD
Opteron™ processors.
The 128-bit-wide data paths of these processors can run applications
faster than processors with only 32-bit or 64-bit wide data paths.
Take note of the marked corner
(with gold triangle) on the CPU. This
mark should match a specic corner
on the socket to ensure correct
installation.
Gold triangle
A8V-VM SE CPU Socket 939
R
A8V-VM SE