Asus K8N4-E SE User manual

Motherboard
K8N4-E SE

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Copyright © 2005 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.Copyright © 2005 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright © 2005 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.Copyright © 2005 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright © 2005 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.
E2284E2284
E2284E2284
E2284
First Edition V1First Edition V1
First Edition V1First Edition V1
First Edition V1
November 2005November 2005
November 2005November 2005
November 2005

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Contents
Notices ................................................................................................ vi
Safety information ............................................................................. vii
About this guide ............................................................................... viii
Typography ......................................................................................... ix
K8N4-E SE specifications summary ..................................................... x
Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction
Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction
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 .............................................................. 1-7
1.5 Motherboard overview .......................................................... 1-8
1.5.1 Placement direction ................................................ 1-8
1.5.2 Screw holes ............................................................ 1-8
1.5.3 Motherboard layout ................................................ 1-9
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ....................................... 1-10
1.6.1 Overview ............................................................... 1-10
1.6.2 Installing the CPU.................................................. 1-10
1.6.3 Installing the heatsink and fan .............................. 1-12
1.7 System memory ................................................................. 1-15
1.7.1 Overview ............................................................... 1-15
1.7.2 Memory Configurations ......................................... 1-15
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 ................................................................ 1-18
1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot ............................................. 1-19
1.8.6 PCI Express x1 slot ............................................... 1-19

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Contents
1.9 Jumpers .............................................................................. 1-20
1.10 Connectors ......................................................................... 1-23
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors .......................................... 1-23
1.10.2 Internal connectors............................................... 1-24
Chapter 2: BIOS setupChapter 2: BIOS setup
Chapter 2: BIOS setupChapter 2: BIOS setup
Chapter 2: BIOS setup
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ........................................ 2-2
2.1.1 ASUS Update utility ................................................ 2-2
2.1.2 Creating a bootable floppy disk .............................. 2-5
2.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash utility .............................................. 2-6
2.1.4 Updating the BIOS .................................................. 2-7
2.1.5 Saving the current BIOS file .................................... 2-9
2.1.6 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility .............................. 2-10
2.2 BIOS setup program ........................................................... 2-12
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen ................................................. 2-13
2.2.2 Menu bar ............................................................... 2-13
2.2.3 Legend bar ........................................................... 2-14
2.2.4 Menu items ........................................................... 2-14
2.2.5 Sub-menu items ................................................... 2-14
2.2.6 Configuration fields .............................................. 2-14
2.2.7 Pop-up window ..................................................... 2-15
2.2.8 General help .......................................................... 2-15
2.3 Main menu .......................................................................... 2-16
2.3.1 System Time ......................................................... 2-16
2.3.2 System Date ......................................................... 2-16
2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A ................................................ 2-16
2.3.4 Primary and Secondary IDE Master/Slave ............. 2-17
2.3.5 First, Second, Third, Fourth SATA Master ............ 2-19
2.3.6 HDD SMART Monitoring ........................................ 2-20
2.3.7 Installed Memory .................................................. 2-20
2.3.8 Usable Memory ..................................................... 2-20

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Contents
2.4 Advanced menu .................................................................. 2-21
2.4.1 JumperFree Configuration .................................... 2-21
2.4.2 CPU Configuration ................................................. 2-23
2.4.3 PCIPnP ................................................................... 2-25
2.4.4 Onboard Devices Configuration ............................ 2-26
2.5 Power menu ........................................................................ 2-29
2.5.1 ACPI Suspend Type............................................... 2-30
2.5.2 ACPI APIC Support ................................................ 2-30
2.5.3 APM Configuration ................................................ 2-30
2.5.4 Hardware Monitor ................................................. 2-33
2.6 Boot menu .......................................................................... 2-34
2.6.1 Boot Device Priority .............................................. 2-34
2.6.2 Removable Drives ................................................. 2-35
2.6.3 Hard Disk Drives ................................................... 2-35
2.6.4 CDROM Drives ....................................................... 2-35
2.6.5 Boot Settings Configuration ................................. 2-36
2.6.6 Security ................................................................ 2-37
2.7 Exit menu ........................................................................... 2-39
Chapter 3: Software supportChapter 3: Software support
Chapter 3: Software supportChapter 3: Software support
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
3.2.5 Manual menu ........................................................... 3-6
3.2.6 ASUS Contact information ...................................... 3-6

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Notices
Federal Communications Commission StatementFederal Communications Commission Statement
Federal Communications Commission StatementFederal Communications Commission Statement
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 StatementCanadian Department of Communications Statement
Canadian Department of Communications StatementCanadian Department of Communications Statement
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 CanadianThis class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian
This class B digital apparatus complies with CanadianThis class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian
ICES-003.ICES-003.
ICES-003.ICES-003.
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 user’s authority to operate
this equipment.

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Safety information
Electrical safetyElectrical safety
Electrical safetyElectrical safety
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 safetyOperation safety
Operation safetyOperation safety
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.

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About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and
configuring the motherboard.
How this guide is organizedHow this guide is organized
How this guide is organizedHow this guide is organized
How this guide is organized
This manual contains the following parts:
••
••
•Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction
Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction
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 setupChapter 2: BIOS setup
Chapter 2: BIOS setupChapter 2: BIOS setup
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 supportChapter 3: Software support
Chapter 3: Software supportChapter 3: Software support
Chapter 3: Software support
This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes
with the motherboard package.
Where to find more informationWhere to find more information
Where to find more informationWhere to find more information
Where to find more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product
and software updates.
1.1.
1.1.
1. ASUS websitesASUS websites
ASUS websitesASUS websites
ASUS websites
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware
and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.
2.2.
2.2.
2. Optional documentationOptional documentation
Optional documentationOptional documentation
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.

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Conventions used in this guideConventions used in this guide
Conventions used in this guideConventions used in this guide
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:DANGER/WARNING:
DANGER/WARNING:DANGER/WARNING:
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself
when trying to complete a task.
CAUTION:CAUTION:
CAUTION:CAUTION:
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components
when trying to complete a task.
NOTE:NOTE:
NOTE:NOTE:
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a
task.
IMPORTANT:IMPORTANT:
IMPORTANT:IMPORTANT:
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a
task.
Bold textBold text
Bold textBold text
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:
awdflash K8N4-ESE.BIN

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K8N4-E SE specifications summary
CPUCPU
CPUCPU
CPU
ChipsetChipset
ChipsetChipset
Chipset
System busSystem bus
System busSystem bus
System bus
MemoryMemory
MemoryMemory
Memory
Expansion slotsExpansion slots
Expansion slotsExpansion slots
Expansion slots
StorageStorage
StorageStorage
Storage
AI AudioAI Audio
AI AudioAI Audio
AI Audio
USBUSB
USBUSB
USB
LANLAN
LANLAN
LAN
BIOS featuresBIOS features
BIOS featuresBIOS features
BIOS features
Special featuresSpecial features
Special featuresSpecial features
Special features
(continued on the next page)
Socket 754 for AMD Athlon™ 64/AMD Sempron™
processors
AMD64 architecture enables simultaneous 32- and
64-bit computing
Supports AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology
NVIDIA
®
nForce™4-4X
1600 MT per second
3 x 184-pin DIMM sockets support unbufferred non-ECC
400/333/266 MHz DDR memory modules
Supports up to 3 GB system memory
1 x PCI Express™ x16 slot for discrete graphics card
3 x PCI Express™ x1 slots
3 x PCI slots
NVIDIA
®
nForce™4-4X chipset supports:
- 4 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33 hard disks
- 4 x Serial ATA hard disks with RAID 0, RAID 1,
RAID 0+1, and JBOD configurations
Realtek
®
ALC850 6-channel CODEC
Audio Sensing and Enumeration Technology support
3 x Universal Audio Jacks (UAJ
®
)
1 x Coaxial S/PDIF out port
Supports up to 10 USB 2.0 ports
NVIDIA Gb MAC with external PHY
4 Mb Flash ROM, Phoenix-AWARD BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0,
SM BIOS 2.3, WfM2.0
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2
ASUS EZ Flash
ASUS Q-Fan
ASUS MyLogo2
NVIDIA
®
Firewall™

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K8N4-E SE specifications summary
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.
ASUS AI Overclocking (intelligent CPU frequency tuner)
ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
Stepless Frequency Selection (SFS) allows FSB
tuning from 200 MHz up to 300 MHz at 1 MHz
increment
1 x Floppy disk drive connector
1 x Primary IDE connector
1 x Secondary IDE connector
4 x Serial ATA connectors
1 x CPU fan connector
1 x Chipset fan connector
1 x Chassis fan connector
3 x USB 2.0 connectors for six additional USB 2.0 ports
1 x 24-pin EATX power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12 V power connector
1 x CD audio connector
1 x AUX connector
1 x Game/MIDI port connector
1 x Chassis intrusion connector
1 x Front panel audio connector
1 x System panel connector
1 x PS/2 mouse port
1 x Parallel port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
4 x USB 2.0 ports
1 x Serial (COM1) port
1 x Coaxial S/PDIF Out port
1 x PS/2 keyboard port
6-Channel audio ports
Drivers
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS Live Update
ASUS Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ utility
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
ATX form factor: 12 in x 8.6 in (30.5 cm x 21.9 cm)
OverclockingOverclocking
OverclockingOverclocking
Overclocking
featuresfeatures
featuresfeatures
features
InternalInternal
InternalInternal
Internal
connectorsconnectors
connectorsconnectors
connectors
Rear panelRear panel
Rear panelRear panel
Rear panel
Support CDSupport CD
Support CDSupport CD
Support CD
contentscontents
contentscontents
contents
Form factorForm factor
Form factorForm factor
Form factor

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ASUS K8N4-E SEASUS K8N4-E SE
ASUS K8N4-E SEASUS K8N4-E SE
ASUS K8N4-E SE 1-11-1
1-11-1
1-1
1
Product
introduction
This chapter describes the motherboard
features and the new technologies
it supports.

1-21-2
1-21-2
1-2 Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction
Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUSThank you for buying an ASUS
Thank you for buying an ASUSThank you for buying an ASUS
Thank you for buying an ASUS
®®
®®
®
K8N4-E SE motherboard!K8N4-E SE motherboard!
K8N4-E SE motherboard!K8N4-E SE motherboard!
K8N4-E 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.
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.
MotherboardMotherboard
MotherboardMotherboard
Motherboard ASUS K8N4-E SE motherboard
CablesCables
CablesCables
Cables 1 x Serial ATA signal cable
1 x Serial ATA power cable
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable
1 x Floppy disk drive cable
AccessoryAccessory
AccessoryAccessory
Accessory I/O shield
Application CDApplication CD
Application CDApplication CD
Application CD ASUS motherboard support CD
DocumentationDocumentation
DocumentationDocumentation
Documentation User guide

ASUS K8N4-E SEASUS K8N4-E SE
ASUS K8N4-E SEASUS K8N4-E SE
ASUS K8N4-E SE 1-31-3
1-31-3
1-3
1.3 Special features
1.3.11.3.1
1.3.11.3.1
1.3.1 Product highlightsProduct highlights
Product highlightsProduct highlights
Product highlights
Latest processor technologyLatest processor technology
Latest processor technologyLatest processor technology
Latest processor technology
The motherboard comes with a 754-pin surface mount, Zero Insertion
Force (ZIF) socket that supports AMD
Athlon™ 64/AMD Sempron™
processors. With an integrated low-latency high-bandwidth memory
controller and a highly-scalable HyperTransport™ technology-based system
bus, the motherboard provides a powerful platform for your diverse
computing needs, increased office productivity, and enhanced digital media
experience. See page 1-10.
NVIDIANVIDIA
NVIDIANVIDIA
NVIDIA
®®
®®
®
nForce™4-4X chipsetnForce™4-4X chipset
nForce™4-4X chipsetnForce™4-4X chipset
nForce™4-4X chipset
The NVIDIA
®
nForce™4-4X chipset supports the vital interfaces of the
motherboard in a single chip architecture for 64-bit platforms. The NVIDIA
®
nForce™4-4X chipset features PCI Express™ support for the latest graphics
and expansion cards, increased security with NVIDIA
®
Firewall™, and
advanced storage solutions with NVIDIA
®
RAID technology for faster and
more reliable computing.
Built-in NVFirewall™Built-in NVFirewall™
Built-in NVFirewall™Built-in NVFirewall™
Built-in NVFirewall™
The NVIDIA
®
Firewall™ (NVFirewall™) is an easy-to-use high-performance
desktop firewall application that protects your system from intruders.
Integrated into the NVIDIA
®
nForce4
®
-4X chipset with the NVIDIA
®
Gigabit
Ethernet, it provides advanced anti-computer-hacking technologies, remote
management capabilities, and a user-friendly setup wizard that improves
overall system security.
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ TechnologyAMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ TechnologyAMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology
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. See page 2-24 for
details.

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1-41-4
1-4 Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction
Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction
Chapter 1: Product introduction
PCI Express™ interfacePCI Express™ interface
PCI Express™ interfacePCI Express™ interface
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.
S/PDIF digital sound readyS/PDIF digital sound ready
S/PDIF digital sound readyS/PDIF digital sound ready
S/PDIF digital sound ready
The motherboard supports the S/PDIF Out function through the S/PDIF
interfaces on the rear panel and at midboard. The S/PDIF technology turns
your computer into a high-end entertainment system with digital
connectivity to powerful audio and speaker systems. See page 1-24 for
details.
Serial ATA technologySerial ATA technology
Serial ATA technologySerial ATA technology
Serial ATA technology
The motherboard supports the Serial ATA technology through the Serial ATA
interfaces and the NVIDIA
®
nForce™4-4X chipset. The Serial ATA
specification allows for thinner, more flexible cables with lower pin count,
reduced voltage requirement, and up to 150 MB/s data transfer rate. See
page 1-26 for details.
Gigabit LANGigabit LAN
Gigabit LANGigabit LAN
Gigabit LAN
The motherboard comes with a Gigabit LAN controller built into the
NVIDIA
®
nForce™4-4X chipset to meet your growing networking needs.
The controller uses the PCI Express segment to provide faster data
bandwidth for your Internet, LAN, and file sharing requirements. See page
1-23 for details.
USB 2.0 technologyUSB 2.0 technology
USB 2.0 technologyUSB 2.0 technology
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 1-24 and 1-28 for details.

ASUS K8N4-E SEASUS K8N4-E SE
ASUS K8N4-E SEASUS K8N4-E SE
ASUS K8N4-E SE 1-51-5
1-51-5
1-5
1.3.21.3.2
1.3.21.3.2
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS featuresInnovative ASUS features
Innovative ASUS featuresInnovative ASUS features
Innovative ASUS features
AI Audio technologyAI Audio technology
AI Audio technologyAI Audio technology
AI Audio technology
The motherboard supports 6-channel audio through the onboard ALC850
CODEC with 16-bit DAC, a stereo 16-bit ADC, and an AC97 2.3 compatible
multi-channel audio designed for PC multimedia systems. It also provides
Jack-Sensing function, S/PDIF out support, interrupt capability and includes
the Realtek
®
proprietary UAJ
®
(Universal Audio Jack) technology. See pages
1-23 and 1-24 for details.
The Realtek ALC850 audio CODEC comes with a software application that
features jack detection to monitor the plugging status of each jack,
impedance sensing to determine audio device classes, and pre-defined
equalization for various audio devices. See page 1-24 for details.
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2
ASUS 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 2-10 for
details.
ASUS Q-Fan technologyASUS Q-Fan technology
ASUS Q-Fan technologyASUS Q-Fan technology
ASUS Q-Fan technology
The ASUS Q-Fan technology smartly adjusts the CPU fan speed according
to the system loading to ensure quiet, cool, and efficient operation. See
page 2-33 for details.
ASUS EZ Flash BIOSASUS EZ Flash BIOS
ASUS EZ Flash BIOSASUS EZ Flash BIOS
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 2-6 for details.
ASUS MyLogo2™ASUS MyLogo2™
ASUS MyLogo2™ASUS MyLogo2™
ASUS MyLogo2™
This new feature present in the motherboard allows you to personalize and
add style to your system with customizable boot logos. See page 2-37 for
details.

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1-6 Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction
Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction
Chapter 1: Product introduction

ASUS K8N4-E SEASUS K8N4-E SE
ASUS K8N4-E SEASUS K8N4-E SE
ASUS K8N4-E SE 1-71-7
1-71-7
1-7
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 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, ensureBefore you install or remove any component, ensure
Before you install or remove any component, ensureBefore you install or remove any component, ensure
Before you install or remove any component, ensure
that the ATX power supply is switched off or thethat the ATX power supply is switched off or the
that the ATX power supply is switched off or thethat the ATX power supply is switched off or the
that the ATX power supply is switched off or the
power cord is detached from the power supply.power cord is detached from the power supply.
power cord is detached from the power supply.power cord is detached from the power supply.
power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure
to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals,
and/or components.
Onboard LEDOnboard LED
Onboard LEDOnboard LED
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.
K8N4-E SE
®
K8N4-E SE Onboard LED
SB_PWR
ON
Standby
Power
OFF
Powered
Off

1-81-8
1-81-8
1-8 Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction
Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction
Chapter 1: Product introduction
K8N4-E SE
®
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.
1.5.11.5.1
1.5.11.5.1
1.5.1 Placement directionPlacement direction
Placement directionPlacement direction
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.
1.5.21.5.2
1.5.21.5.2
1.5.2 Screw holesScrew holes
Screw holesScrew holes
Screw holes
Place six (6) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the
motherboard to the chassis.
Place this side towardsPlace this side towards
Place this side towardsPlace this side towards
Place this side towards
the rear of the chassisthe rear of the chassis
the rear of the chassisthe rear of the chassis
the rear of the chassis