Asus Motherboard A7N8X-VM User manual

Motherboard
A7N8X-VM
User Guide

ii
Checklist
Copyright © 2003ASUSTeK 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 ofASUSTeK 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 byASUS; or (2)
the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL“AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTYOFANY KIND, EITHER
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOTLIMITED TOTHE IMPLIED WARRANTIES
ORCONDITIONSOFMERCHANTABILITYORFITNESS FORAPARTICULARPURPOSE.
IN NO EVENT SHALLASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES ORAGENTS BE
LIABLEFORANYINDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIALDAMAGES
(INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE
OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESSANDTHE LIKE), EVEN IFASUS HAS BEEN
ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITYOF SUCH DAMAGESARISING FROMANY DEFECTOR
ERROR IN THIS MANUALOR PRODUCT.
SPECIFICATIONSANDINFORMATION CONTAINED INTHIS MANUALAREFURNISHED
FOR INFORMATIONALUSE ONLY,ANDARE SUBJECTTO CHANGEATANYTIME
WITHOUT NOTICE,AND SHOULD NOTBE CONSTRUEDASACOMMITMENTBYASUS.
ASUSASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITYFORANY ERRORS OR
INACCURACIESTHAT MAYAPPEAR IN THISMANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTSAND
SOFTWAREDESCRIBEDINIT.
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.

iii
Features
Contents
Notices ............................................................................................v
Safety information .......................................................................... vi
About this guide............................................................................. vii
Conventions used in this guide ..................................................... vii
A7N8X-VM specifications summary ............................................. viii
Chapter1:MotherboardInfo ...................................................... 1
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................2
1.2 Motherboardcomponents.............................................................3
1.3 Motherboardlayout......................................................................6
1.4 Beforeyouproceed .....................................................................7
1.5 CentralProcessingUnit(CPU) ....................................................7
1.76Systemmemory .........................................................................8
1.6.1InstallingaDIMM .............................................................8
1.7 Expansionslots ..........................................................................8
1.7.1 Configuringanexpansioncard .........................................8
1.7.2 StandardInterruptAssignments ........................................9
1.7.3 AGPslot .........................................................................9
1.8Jumpers .................................................................................... 10
1.9 Connectors ............................................................................... 12
Chapter2:BIOSInformation ....................................................... 1
2.1BIOSSetupprogram ....................................................................2
2.1.1BIOSmenubar ................................................................2
2.1.2Legendbar .......................................................................3
2.2MainMenu ...................................................................................4
2.2.1PrimaryandSecondaryIDEMaster/Slave.........................5
2.2.2SystemInformation ..........................................................7
2.3AdvancedMenu ...........................................................................8
2.3.1Chipset ............................................................................8
2.3.2OnboardDevicesConfigurations.......................................9
2.3.3PCIPnP ......................................................................... 11
2.4PowerMenu .............................................................................. 13
2.4.1HardwareMonitor ........................................................... 14

iv
Safeguards
Contents
2.4.2PowerUpControl ........................................................... 15
2.5BootMenu ................................................................................. 17
2.5.1BootSettingsConfiguration ............................................ 17
2.5.2Security......................................................................... 19
2.6ExitMenu ..................................................................................21

v
Notices
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This device complies with FCC Rules Part 15. 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 modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate
this equipment.

vi
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 adpater 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.

vii
About 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.
WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to
complete a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components
when trying to complete a task.
IMPORTANT: Information that you MUST follow to complete a
task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to aid in completing a task.

viii
A7N8X-VM specifications summary
CPU
Chipset
Front Side Bus (FSB)
Memory
Expansion slots
IDE
Audio (optional)
LAN (optional)
Special features
Back panel I/O Ports
Internal I/O
Connectors
BIOS features
Industry standard
Manageability
Form Factor
Socket A for AMD Athlon
TM
/ Athlon
TM
XP 3200+ or above
400MHzFSB Support
Northbridge:NVIDEA nFORCE2 IGP
Southbridge:NVIDEA nFORCE2 MCP
400/333/266MHz
2 x 184-pin DDR DIMM Sockets
Max. 2 GB unbuffered PC2700/2100 non-ECC DDR RAM
memory
3 x PCI
1 xAGP 8X (1.5V only)
2x UltraDMA 133/100/66/33
RealTekALC650 6-channel audio CODEC linked w/ South
Bridge
1Port
Realtek8201BLPHY
ASUSC.O.P.(CPU Overheating Protection)
SupportsS/PDIFin/out
1 x Parallel
1 x Serial
1 x PS/2 keyboard
1 x PS/2 mouse
1 x RJ-45 port
1 xAudio I/O
1 x VGA port
2 x USB 2.0
2 x USB 1.1 connectors support 4 additional USB2.0 ports
CPU/Chassisfanconnectors
20-pinATX power connector
PANELconnector
CD /AUX
S/PDIFin/outconnector
TVout connector
Frontpanelaudio connector (optional)
4Mb Flash ROM,ACPI 2.0,AMI BIOS, TCAV, PnP, DMI2.0,
DMI, Green, SMBIOS 2.3
PCI 2.2, USB 1.1/2.0
DMI 2.0, WOL, WOR, WO_USB, WO_KB/MS, SM Bus
Micro-ATX form factor: 9.6 in x 8.6 in (24.5 cm x 21.9 cm)
* Specifications are subject to change without notice.

1-1 ASUS A7N8X-VM Motherboard
This chapter gives information about the ASUS
A7N8X-VM motherboard that came with the
system.This chapter includes the motherboard
layout, jumper settings, and connector locations.
Motherboard Info
Chapter 1

1-2
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying the ASUS
®
A7N8X-VM motherboard!
The ASUS A7N8X-VM motherboard is loaded with the most advanced technologies
to deliver the maximum performance for socket A processors. This motherboard is
loaded with value-added features for guaranteed consumer satisfaction. For future
upgradesor system reconfiguration,this chapter providestechnical information about
the motherboard.

ASUS A7N8X-VM Motherboard 1-3
1.2 Motherboard components
23 61 5
13
912
4
14
8 710
15
16
25
19
20
21
22
18
17
24 23

1-4 Chapter 1: Motherboard Information
12
ATX power connector. This standard 20-pin connector connects to an ATX
12V power supply. The power supply must have at least 1A on the +5V
standby lead (+5VSB).
CPU Sockets. Socket 462 (Socket A) Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) socket for
the AMD Athlon™/Athlon XP™ 3000+ processors or higher.
NorthBridge Controller. The NVIDIA
®
nForce2™ IGP North Bridge
controller chipset. The controller supports a 64/128bit DDR memory
controller and up to 2 GB of 333/266/200MHz DDR memory.
DDR DIMM Sockets. Equipped with two Double Data Rate Dual Inline
Memory Module (DDR DIMM) sockets to support up to 2GB of DDR DRAM,
the newest memory standard with the highest bandwidth and lowest latency
currently available. This memory technology supplies data transfer rates
up to 5.4GB/s for 333MHz DDR SDRAM.
IDE Connectors. These dual-channel bus master IDE connectors support
up to four Ultra DMA133/100/66, PIO Modes 3 & 4 IDE devices. Both the
primary(blue) and secondary(black) connectors are slotted to prevent
incorrect insertion of the IDE ribbon cable.
Floppy Disk connector. This connector connects the provided ribbon
cable for the floppy disk drive. One side of the connector is slotted to
prevent incorrect insertion of the floppy disk cable.
Flash ROM. This 4Mb firmware contains the programmable BIOS
program.
Super I/O chipset. ITE IT8712F-A offers support for a variety of I/O
functions. Provides two high-speed UART compatible serial ports and one
parallel port with EPP and ECP capabilities. UART2 can also be directed
from COM2 to the Infrared Module for wireless connections. The Super I/O
controller supports a floppy disk drive, PS/2 keyboard, and PS/2 mouse.
South bridge controller. Features the brand new NVIDIA
®
MCP integrated
peripheral South Bridge controller operates at 800MB/sec to communicate
with the North Bridge for maximum bandwith required for PCI, USB and
support for Fast Ethernet devices. The controller supports standard
UltraDMA133/100/66/33 and separate data paths for each IDE channel are
built-in for up to two IDE devices. The controller supports six USB ports,
one LAN port and is PCI rev2.2 compliant.
AGP Slot. This Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) slot only supports 1.5V
AGP 8X mode graphics cards for 3D graphical applications.
CNR slot. (not available)
.
Audio CODEC. The Realtek 6-channel CODEC is an AC’97 compliant
audio CODEC designed for PC multimedia systems.
10
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

ASUS A7N8X-VM Motherboard 1-5
PCI slots. These 32-bit PCI 2.2 expansion slots support bus master PCI
cards like SCSI or LAN cards with 133MB/s maximum output.
LAN chip. The Realtek 8201BL PHY Fast Ethernet controller allows
connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub.
Onboard LED. This onboard LED lights up if there is a standby power on
the motherboard. This LED acts as a reminder to turn off the system power
before plugging or unplugging devices.
PS/2 mouse port. This green 6-pin connector is for a PS/2 mouse.
Parallel port. This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a scanner, or
other devices.
RJ-45 port. Using the NVIDIA
®
LAN 10/100 Mbps fast ethernet controller,
this port allows connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a
network hub.
Line In jack. This Line In (light blue) jack connects a tape player or other
audio sources.
Line Out jack. This Line Out (lime) jack connects a headphone or a
speaker.
Microphone jack. This Mic (pink) jack connects a microphone.
USB 2.0 ports. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus 2.0 (USB 2.0) ports
are available for connecting USB devices such as a mouse and PDA.
VGA port. This 15-pin VGA port connects to a VGA monitor.
Serial port. This port connects to your serial mouse and other serial
devices.
PS/2 keyboard port. This purple 6-pin connector is for a PS/2 keyboard.
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
13

1-6 Chapter 1: Motherboard Information
1.3 Motherboard layout
24.5cm (9.64in)
IDE1
FLOPPY1
A7N8X-VM
Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP8X1)
nVidia
Gfore4MX
CRUSH18G
Chipset
ATX Power Connector
Super
I/O
4Mb
BIOS
PCI 1
PS/2
T: Mouse
B: Keyboard
Realtek
RTL8201
TV_OUT
CHA_FAN1
Audio
Codec
Below:Mic In
Center:Line Out
Top:Line In
DDR DIMM2 (64/72 bit, 184-pin module)
2 3
DDR DIMM3 (64/72 bit, 184-pin module)
4 5
PCI 2
PCI 3
Socket 462
24.5cm (9.64in)
CPU_FAN1
COM1
PARALLEL PORT
VGA
RJ-45
Top:
USB1
USB2
Bottom:
IDE2
CLRTC1
BUZZ1
USBPWR56
USB56
CD1 AUX1
SPDIF1
USB34
FPAUDIO1
CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
COM2
PANEL1
CHASSIS1
GAME1
IR_CON1
nForce2
MCP-T/MCP
Chipset
USBPWR34
PWR_LED1
USBPWR12

ASUS A7N8X-VM Motherboard 1-7
1.4 Before you proceed
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components
or change any motherboard settings.
1. Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any
component.
2. 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.
3. Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
4. Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded
antistatic pad or in the bag that came with the component.
5. 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.
1.5 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The motherboard provides a Socket A (462) for CPU installation. AMD processors
offer gigahertz speeds to support all the latest computing platforms and applications.
TheA7N8X-VMsupportsAthlon
™
XPprocessors with“QuantiSpeed”dataprocessing,
largedatacaches,3Denhancementsand400/333/266Mhzbusspeeds.
EachAMD CPU has a “marked” corner. This corner is usually indicated with a notch,
and/or a golden square or triangle. Refer to this indicator while orienting the CPU.
A7N8X-VM
A7N8X-VM Socket 462
AMD™ CPU CPU NOTCH
LOCK
CPU NOTCH
TO INNER
CORNER
LEVER

1-8 Chapter 1: Motherboard Information
1.7 Expansion slots
TheA7N8X-VMmotherboardhasfive(4)expansionslots.Thefollowingsub-sectionsdescribe
theslotsandtheexpansioncardsthattheysupport.
1.7.1 Configuring an expansion card
1.6 System memory
The motherboard has two Double Data Rate (DDR) DIMM sockets that supports
up to 2GB non-ECC PC2700/2100 DDR DIMMs.
A DDR DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction.
DO NOT force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM.
SomeexpansioncardsneedanIRQtooperate. Generally,an IRQmustbe exclusively
assignedtoonefunctionatatime.Inastandarddesignconfiguration,24 IRQsareavailablebut
mostarealreadyinuse.
1.6.1 Installing a DIMM
1. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward.
2. Align a DIMM on the socket. Make sure the notches on the DIMM exactly match
the notches in the socket.
3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the socket until the retaining clips lock into place.
A7N8X-VM
A7N8X-VM 184-Pin DDR
DIMM Sockets
80 Pins
104 Pin
s

ASUS A7N8X-VM Motherboard 1-9
1.7.2 Standard Interrupt Assignments
IRQ Standard Function
0 SystemTimer
1 Keyboard Controller
2 Programmable Interrupt Controller
3* USB Universal Host Controller
4* Communications Port (COM1)
5* OnboardAudio
6 Standard Floppy Disk Controller
7* Printer Port (LPT1)
8 System CMOS/Real Time Clock
9* Onboard LAN
10* USB Universal Host Controller
11* Onboard VGA
12* PS/2 Compatible Mouse Port
13 Numeric Data Processor
14* UltraATAController
15* Secondary UltraATAController
*These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices.
IRQ assignments for this motherboard
ABCD
PCI slot 1 used — — —
PCI slot 2 — — — used
PCI slot 3 — — used —
1.7.3 AGP slot
This motherboard has an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) slot that supports +1.5V
AGP 8X cards. Note the notches on the card golden fingers to ensure that they fit
the AGP slot on your motherboard.
Normally, 6 IRQs are free for expansion cards. Sometimes IRQs are “shared” by
more than one function; in this case, IRQ assignments are swapped automatically or
adjusted through the BIOS firmware.
A7N8X-VM
A7N8X-VM Accelerated
Graphics Port (AGP8X)
AGP Card without Retention Notch

1-10 Chapter 1: Motherboard Information
1.8 Jumpers
This section describes and illustrates the jumpers on the motherboard.
1. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPWR12,USBPWR34,USBPWR56)
Set these jumpers to +5V to wake up the computer from S1 sleep mode
(CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in low power mode) using
the connected USB devices. Set to +5VSB to wake up from S3 sleep mode
(no power to CPU, DRAM in slow refresh, power supply in reduced power
mode). Both jumpers are set to pins 1-2 (+5V) by default because not all
computers have the appropriate power supply to support this feature.
The USBPWR12 and USBPWR34 jumpers are for the rear USB port.
USBPWR56 is for the internal USB header that you can connect to the front
USB ports.
Thisfeaturerequiresapowersupplythatcanprovideatleast2Aonthe+5VSB
leadwhenthesejumpersaresetto+5VSB.Otherwise,thesystemdoesnot
powerup.
ThetotalcurrentconsumedmustNOTexceedthepowersupplycapability
(+5VSB)whetherundernormalconditionorinsleepmode.
A7N8X-VM
A7N8X-VM USB Device Wake Up
USBPWR12
USBPWR34
2
3
21
+5V (Default) +5VSB
USBPWR56
2
3
21
+5V (Default) +5VSB
2
3
21
+5V (Default) +5VSB

ASUS A7N8X-VM Motherboard 1-11
2. Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC1)
This jumper clears the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM of date, time and system
setup parameters in CMOS. The RAM data in CMOS is powered by the
onboard button cell battery.
To erase the RTC RAM:
1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.
2. Remove the battery.
3. Move the jumper caps from [1-2] to [2-3] momentarily. Replace the
jumper cap to the original position, [1-2].
4. Re-install the battery.
5. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.
6. Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup
to re-enter data.
A7N8X-VM
A7N8X-VM Clear RTC RAM
CLRTC1
Normal Clear CMOS
(Default)
23
12

1-12 Chapter 1: Motherboard Information
1.9 Connectors
This section describes and illustrates the connectors on the motherboard.
1. IDE connectors (40-1 pin IDE1, IDE2)
This connector supports the provided UltraDMA/133/100/66 IDE hard disk
ribbon cable. Connect the cable’s blue connector to the primary
(recommended) or secondary IDE connector, then connect the gray
connector to the UltraDMA/133/100/66 slave device (hard disk drive) and the
black connector to the UltraDMA/133/100/66 master device. It is
recommended that you connect non-UltraDMA/133/100/66 devices to the
secondary IDE connector. If you install two hard disks, you must configure
the second drive as a slave device by setting its jumper accordingly. Refer to
the hard disk documentation for the jumper settings. BIOS supports specific
device bootup. If you have more than two UltraDMA/133/100/66 devices,
purchase another UltraDMA/133/100/66 cable. You may configure two hard
disks to be both master devices with two ribbon cables – one for the primary
IDE connector and another for the secondary IDE connector.
Pin20oneachIDEconnectorisremovedtomatchthecoveredholeonthe
UltraDMAcableconnector.Thispreventsincorrectorientationwhenyouconnect
thecables.
For UltraDMA/133/100/66 IDE devices, use an 80-conductor IDE
cable.
A7N8X-VM
A7N8X-VM IDE Connectors
NOTE: Orient the red marking
s
(usually zigzag) on the IDE
ribbon cable to PIN 1.
IDE2
PIN 1
IDE1