Asus A8V-X User manual

Motherboard
A8V-X

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 ownersʼ benefit, without intent to infringe.
E2210
First Edition
January 2006

iii
Contents
Notices ................................................................................................ vi
Safety information ............................................................................. vii
About this guide .................................................................................viii
How this guide is organized ....................................................viii
Where to find more information .............................................viii
Conventions used in this guide ................................................ ix
Typography ......................................................................................... ix
A8V-X 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 Innovative ASUS features ....................................... 1-5
1.4 Before you proceed .............................................................. 1-6
1.5 Motherboard overview .......................................................... 1-7
1.5.1 Placement direction ................................................ 1-7
1.5.2 Screw holes ............................................................. 1-7
1.5.3 Motherboard layout ................................................ 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 Overview ............................................................... 1-13
1.7.2 Memory Configurations ......................................... 1-13
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM ................................................... 1-16
1.7.4 Removing a DIMM .................................................. 1-16
1.8 Expansion slots ................................................................... 1-17
1.8.1 Installing an expansion card .................................. 1-17
1.8.2 Configuring an expansion card .............................. 1-17
1.8.3 Interrupt assignments ........................................... 1-18
1.8.4 PCI slots ................................................................ 1-19
1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot ............................................. 1-19

iv
Contents
1.8.6 PCI Express x1 slot ............................................... 1-19
1.9 Jumpers .............................................................................. 1-20
1.10 Connectors ......................................................................... 1-22
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors .......................................... 1-22
1.10.2 Internal connectors ............................................... 1-23
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 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 Configuration fields ............................................... 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 and Secondary IDE Master/Slave ............. 2-15
2.3.5 System Information .............................................. 2-16
2.4 Advanced menu .................................................................. 2-17
2.4.1 JumperFree Configuration ..................................... 2-17
2.4.2 USB Configuration ................................................. 2-18
2.4.3 CPU Configuration ................................................. 2-19

v
Contents
2.4.4 Chipset .................................................................. 2-19
2.4.5 Onboard Devices Configuration ............................. 2-25
2.4.6 PCI PnP .................................................................. 2-26
2.5 Power menu ........................................................................ 2-28
2.5.1 Suspend Mode .................................................... 2-28
2.5.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume ................................ 2-28
2.5.3 ACPI 2.0 Suppot ................................................... 2-28
2.5.4 ACPI APIC Suppot .................................................. 2-28
2.5.5 APM Configuration ................................................ 2-29
2.5.6 Hardware Monitor .................................................. 2-31
2.6 Boot menu .......................................................................... 2-32
2.6.1 Boot Device Priority .............................................. 2-32
2.6.2 Boot Settings Configuration ................................ 2-33
2.6.3 Security ................................................................. 2-34
2.7 Exit menu ............................................................................ 2-37
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 Manual ..................................................................... 3-5
3.2.5 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
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.
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.

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. 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 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/iA8V-X.ROM

x
A8V-X specifications summary
(continued on the next page)
CPU
Chipset
System Bus
Memory
Expansion slots
Storage
Audio
LAN
USB
Special features
Socket 939 for AMD Sempron™ /AMD Athlon™ 64/
AMD Athlon™ 64FX/AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 processor
Supports AMD 64 architecture that enables simultaneous
32-bit and 64-bit architecture
Supports AMD Cool ʻnʼ Quiet! Technology
Northbridge: VIA® K8T800 Pro
Southbridge: VIA® VT8251
2000/1600 MT/s
Dual-channel memory architecture
4 x 184-pin DIMM sockets support ECC/non-ECC
unbufferred 400/333/266 MHz DDR memory modules
Supports up to 4 GB system memory
1 x AGP 8X slot
2 x PCI Express x1 slots
3 x PCI slots
VIA® VT8251 Southbridge supports:
- 2 x Utral DMA 133/100/66/33 connectors for up
to four IDE devices
- 4 x Serial ATA (3Gb/s) with RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID
0+1, RAID 5 and JBOD
ADI AD1986A SoundMAX 6-channel CODEC
1 x Coaxial S/PDIF out port
Supports Audio Sensing and Enumeration Technology
Realtek RTL8201CL 10/100 LAN controller
Supports up to 8 USB 2.0 ports
ASUS C.P.R.
ASUS JumperFree
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2
ASUS MyLogo
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection): FSB tuning from
200MHz up to 300MHz at 1MHz increment
ASUS EZ Flash

xi
1 x Parallel port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
4 x USB 2.0 ports
1 x Coaxial S/PDIF out port
1 x Serial (COM) port
1 x PS/2 keyboard port
1 x PS/2 mouse port
6-channel audio ports
4 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0,
SM BIOS 2.3
1 x Floppy disk drive connector
2 x IDE connectors
4 x Serial ATA connectors
1 x CPU fan connector
1 x Chassis fan connector
1 x Coaxial S/PDIF port
1 x 20-pin ATX power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12 V power connector
2 x USB 2.0 connectors for four additional USB 2.0 ports
1 x GAME/MIDI connector
1 x Chassis intrusion connector
1 x Front panel high-definition audio connector
Internal audio (CD/AUX) connectors
System panel connector
ATX power supply (with 20-pin and 4-pin 12 V plugs)
ATX 12 V 2.0 compliant
ATX form factor: 12 in x 8.3 in (30.5 cm x 21.0 cm)
Device drivers
ASUS PC Probe
ASUS Live Update Utility
Antivirus software (OEM version)
Wfm2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE, RPL
A8V-X specifications summary
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Rear panel
BIOS features
Internal
connectors
Power
Requirement
Form Factor
Support CD
contents
Manageability

xii

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-X 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.
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
1.2 Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
Motherboard ASUS A8V-X motherboard
Cables 1 x Serial ATA signal cable
1 x Serial ATA power cable
1 x Ultra DMA/133 cable
1 x Floppy disk drive cable
Accessories I/O shield
Application CDs ASUS motherboard support CD
Documentation User guide

ASUS A8V-X 1-3
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
Latest processor and 64-bit
computing technology
The AMD Athlon™ 64FX, Athlon™ 64, Athlon™ 64 X2, and AMD Sempron™
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. See page 1-9 for details.
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.
AMD 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.
Dual Channel DDR memory support
Employing the Double Data Rate (DDR) memory technology,
the motherboard supports up to 4GB 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 1-13.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction
Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology
The motherboard supports the Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology through
the Serial ATA interfaces. The Serial ATA II 3Gb/s specification provides
twice the bandwidth of the current Serial ATA products with a host of
new features, including Native Command Queuing (NCQ), and Power
Management (PM) Implementation Algorithm. The Serial ATA allows
for thinner, more flexible cables with lower pin count, reduced voltage
requirement. See pages 1-25 for details.
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. See page 1-19 for details.
ADI SoundMAX High-Definition audio
The onboard 6-channel AD1986A High Definition audio CODEC enables
high-quality audio which automatically detects and identifies what type of
peripherals are plugged into the audio I/O jacks. It also notifies the user of
inappropriate connection. See pages 1-26 and 1-27 for details.
S/PDIF digital sound ready
The motherboard supports the S/PDIF Out function through the S/PDIF
interfaces on the rear panel. The S/PDIF technology turns your computer
into a high-end entertainment system with digital connectivity to powerful
audio and speaker systems. See page 1-23 for details.
USB 2.0 technology
The motherboard implements the Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0
specification, 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 1-21, 1-23 and 1-27 for
details.
AGP 8X support
The AGP 8X (AGP 3.0) VGA interface specification enables enhanced
graphics performance with high bandwidth speeds up to 2.12 GB/s.

ASUS A8V-X 1-5
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 details on page 2-6.
ASUS MyLogo™
This new feature present in the motherboard allows you to personalize and
add style to your system with customizable boot logos.
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 the BIOS automatically restores the CPU previous
setting for each parameter.
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. See page 2-3 for details.
Temperature, fan, and voltage monitoring
The CPU temperature is monitored by the ASIC (integrated in the ITE
Super I/O) to prevent overheating and damage. The system fan rotations
per minute (RPM) is monitored for timely failure detection. The ASIC
monitors the voltage levels to ensure stable supply of current for critical
components. See section “2.5.4 Hardware Monitor” on page 2-31.

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction
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 LEDs
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.
A8V-X
®
A8V-X Onboard LED
SB_PWR
ON
Standby
Power
OFF
Powered
Off

ASUS A8V-X 1-7
A8V-X
®
1.5 Motherboard overview
Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis
to ensure that the motherboard fits 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.
Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
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.
Place this side towards
the rear of the chassis

1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.5.3 Motherboard layout
PANEL
A8V-X
®
CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
AUX CD
4Mbit
BIOS
AAFP
ATX12V
CLRTC
ATXPWR
USB56
SB_PWR
CHA_FAN
USBPW1234
USBPW5678
21.1cm (8.3in)
30.5cm (12in)
SATA1
FLOPPY
USB78
SATA3
PARALLEL PORT
COM1
SPDIF_O
PS/2KBMS
T: Mouse
B: Keyboard
Below:Mic In
Center:Line Out
Top:Line In
F_USB12
RJ-45
Top:
USB3
USB4
Bottom:
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
AGP
PCI1
PCI2
PCI3
ITE
IT8712F-A
AD1986A
Socket 939
CPU_FAN
VIA
VT8251
PRI_IDE
RTL8201CL
SATA2
SATA4
SPDIF_OUT
SEC_IDE
VIA
K8T800 PRO
KBPWR
CHASISS