Asus Motherboard P5NT WS User manual

Motherboard
P5NT WS

ii
E2945
First Edition V1
January 2007
Copyright © 2007 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.

iii
Contents
Notices........................................................................................................ vii
Safety information .................................................................................... viii
About this guide ......................................................................................... ix
P5NT WS specications summary............................................................ xi
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Package contents......................................................................... 1-1
1.3 Special features............................................................................ 1-2
1.3.1 Product highlights ........................................................... 1-2
1.3.2 ASUS AI Lifestyle features ............................................. 1-4
1.3.3 ASUS special features .................................................... 1-5
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Motherboard overview................................................................. 2-2
2.2.1 Placement direction ........................................................ 2-2
2.2.2 Screw holes .................................................................... 2-2
2.2.3 ASUS Stack Cool 2......................................................... 2-3
2.2.4 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 2-4
2.2.5 Layout contents............................................................... 2-5
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-7
2.3.1 Installing the CPU ........................................................... 2-8
2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan.............................. 2-10
2.3.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan ......................... 2-12
2.4 System memory ........................................................................... -14
2.4.1 Overview ....................................................................... 2-14
2.4.2 Memory congurations.................................................. 2-15
2.4.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 2-16
2.4.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 2-16
2.5 Expansion slots.......................................................................... 2-17
2.5.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 2-17
2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 2-17
2.5.3 Interrupt assignments ................................................... 2-18
2.5.4 PCI slot ......................................................................... 2-19

iv
Contents
2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slots..................................................... 2-19
2.5.6 PCI-X slot...................................................................... 2-19
2.5.7 PCI Express x16 slots................................................... 2-19
2.6 Jumpers ...................................................................................... 2-20
2.7 Connectors ................................................................................. 2-22
2.7.1 Rear panel connectors.................................................. 2-22
2.7.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 2-24
Chapter 3: Powering up
3.1 Starting up for the rst time........................................................ 3-1
3.2 Turning off the computer............................................................. 3-2
3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function.................................... 3-2
3.2.2 Using the dual function power switch.............................. 3-2
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 4-1
4.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 4-1
4.1.2 Creating a bootable oppy disk....................................... 4-4
4.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility................................................... 4-5
4.1.4 Updating the BIOS .......................................................... 4-6
4.1.5 Saving the current BIOS le............................................ 4-8
4.1.6 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility ...................................... 4-9
4.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................. 4-10
4.2.1 BIOS menu screen.........................................................4-11
4.2.2 Menu bar........................................................................4-11
4.2.3 Legend bar.................................................................... 4-12
4.2.4 Menu items ................................................................... 4-12
4.2.5 Sub-menu items............................................................ 4-12
4.2.6 Conguration elds ....................................................... 4-12
4.2.7 Pop-up window ............................................................. 4-13
4.2.8 General help ................................................................. 4-13
4.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 4-14
4.3.1 System Time ................................................................. 4-14
4.3.2 System Date ................................................................. 4-14
4.3.3 Language ...................................................................... 4-14

v
Contents
4.3.4 Legacy Diskette A ......................................................... 4-14
4.3.5 Primary IDE Master/Slave............................................. 4-15
4.3.6 SATA1/2/3/4/5/6..............................................................................4-17
4.3.7 HDD SMART Monitoring ............................................... 4-18
4.3.8 Installed Memory........................................................... 4-18
4.3.9 Usable Memory............................................................. 4-18
4.4 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 4-19
4.4.1 JumperFree Conguration ............................................ 4-19
4.4.2 AI NET2 ........................................................................ 4-23
4.4.3 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 4-23
4.4.4 Chipset.......................................................................... 4-24
4.4.5 PCIPnP ......................................................................... 4-27
4.4.6 Onboard Device Conguration...................................... 4-28
4.5 Power menu................................................................................ 4-31
4.5.1 ACPI Suspend Type ..................................................... 4-31
4.5.2 ACPI APIC Support....................................................... 4-31
4.5.3 APM Conguration........................................................ 4-32
4.5.4 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 4-34
4.6 Boot menu .................................................................................. 4-36
4.6.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 4-36
4.6.2 Removable Drives......................................................... 4-37
4.6.3 Hard Disk Drives ........................................................... 4-37
4.6.4 Boot Settings Conguration ......................................... 4-38
4.6.5 Security ......................................................................... 4-39
4.7 Tools menu ................................................................................. 4-41
4.7.1 ASUS Music Alarm........................................................ 4-41
4.7.2 ASUS O.C. Prole......................................................... 4-42
4.7.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2.......................................................... 4-44
4.8 Exit menu.................................................................................... 4-45
Chapter 5: Software support

vi
Contents
5.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 5-1
5.2 Support DVD information ............................................................ 5-1
5.2.1 Running the Support DVD .............................................. 5-1
5.2.2 Drivers menu................................................................... 5-2
5.2.3 Utilities menu .................................................................. 5-3
5.2.4 Make Disk menu ............................................................. 5-5
5.2.5 Manuals menu ................................................................ 5-6
5.2.6 ASUS Contact information .............................................. 5-6
5.2.7 Other information ............................................................ 5-7
5.3 Software information ................................................................... 5-9
5.3.1 ASUS MyLogo2™........................................................... 5-9
5.3.2 Audio congurations ......................................................5-11
5.3.3 ASUS PC Probe II......................................................... 5-16
5.3.4 ASUS Music Alarm........................................................ 5-22
5.3.5 ASUS AI Suite............................................................... 5-25
5.3.6 ASUS AI Gear ............................................................... 5-27
5.3.7 ASUS AI Nap ................................................................ 5-28
5.3.8 ASUS AI N.O.S. ............................................................ 5-29
5.3.9 ASUS Q-Fan ................................................................. 5-30
5.3.10 ASUS AI Booster........................................................... 5-31
5.4 RAID congurations .................................................................. 5-32
5.4.1 RAID denitions ............................................................ 5-32
5.4.2 NVIDIA® RAID congurations........................................ 5-33
5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk....................................................... 5-40
Chapter 6: NVIDIA®dual graphics technology support
6.1 Overview ....................................................................................... 6-1
6.2 Dual graphics card setup ............................................................ 6-2
6.2.1 Installing dual graphics cards.......................................... 6-2
6.2.2 Installing the device drivers............................................. 6-5
6.2.3 Enabling the multi-GPU feature in Windows®................. 6-5

vii
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.

viii
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 x it by yourself. Contact a
qualied 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 qualied
service technician or your retailer.
This 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.

ix
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring
the motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This guide contains the following parts:
• Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new
technology it supports.
• Chapter 2: Hardware information
This chapter 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 3: Powering up
This chapter describes the power up sequence and ways of shutting down
the system.
• Chapter 4: BIOS setup
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup
menus. Descriptions of the BIOS items are also provided.
• Chapter 5: Software support
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the
motherboard package.
• Chapter 6: NVIDIA®dual graphics technology support
This chapter tells how to install PCI Express graphics cards.
Where to nd 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.

x
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
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:
format A:/S
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.

xi
P5NT WS specications summary
CPU LGA775 socket for Intel®Core™2 Extreme / Core™2
Duo / Pentium®Extreme / Pentium®D / Pentium®4 /
Celeron®D Processors
Intel®Quad-core CPU Ready
Compatible with Intel®06/05B/05A processors
Note: Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for the Intel®CPU support
list.
Chipset NVIDIA® Dual PCI-E x16 Graphics Chipset
Front Side Bus 1333 / 1066 / 800 / 533 MHz
Memory Dual-channel memory architecture
- 4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support non-ECC
unbuffered DDR2 800/667/533 MHz memory modules
- Supports up to 8 GB system memory
Note: Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for the latest Qualied
Vendors List (QVL).
Expansion slots 3 x PCI Express™ x16 slots at x8, x8, x16, or x16, x1,x16
speed
2 x PCI Express™ x1 slots
1 x PCI-X slot
1 x PCI 2.2 slot
Storage/RAID Southbridge supports:
- 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33
- 6 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s
- NVIDIA®MediaShield™ RAID supports RAID 0, 1,
0+1, 5 and JBOD conguration across Serial ATA
drives
LAN NVIDIA® built-in dual Gigabit MAC with external Marvell
88E1116 PHY
- Supports NVIDIA® DualNet® Technology
(continued on the next page)

xii
P5NT WS specications summary
High Denition Audio Realtek ALC888 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC
- Supports Jack-Sensing, Multi-streaming and
Jack-Retasking
Coaxial, Optical S/PDIF out
IEEE 1394 VIA6308S controller supports:
- 2 x IEEE 1394a connectors
USB Supports up to 10 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 at mid-board, 4
on the rear panel)
ASUS Exclusive
Overclocking features
Intelligent overclocking tools:
- AI NOS™ (Non-delay Overclocking System)
- AI Overclocking (intelligent CPU frequency tuner)
- AI Booster
- O.C. Prole
Overclocking protection:
- ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
ASUS Unique features ASUS EZ DIY:
- Q-Connector
- ASUS Crashfree BIOS2
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS MyLogo 2
Q-Fan 2
Rear panel 1 x PS/2 Keyboard port (purple)
1 x PS/2 Mouse (green)
1 x parallel port
1 x Optical S/PDIF Output port
1 x Coaxial S/PDIF Output port
2 x LAN (RJ45) port
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 x Antenna jack (only for WiFi edition)
1 x WiFi-AP Solo LED indicator (only for WiFi edition)
8-Channel audio ports
(continued on the next page)

xiii
P5NT WS specications summary
Internal connectors 1 x Floppy disk drive connector
1 x IDE connector for 2 devices
6 x Serial ATA connectors
3 x USB 2.0 connectors support six additional USB 2.0
ports
1 x Serial port (COM) connector
1 x Chassis intrusion connector
1 x EZ Plug connector
1 x 24-pin ATX power connector
1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 x CD audio in connector
2 x IEEE 1394a connectors
6 x Fan connectors: 1 x CPU / 1 x Power / 4 x Chassis
System panel connector
BIOS features 8 Mb AWARD BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS
2.3, Multi-Language BIOS
Manageability WOL by PME, WOR by PME, Chasis Intrusion, PXE
Accessories 1 x SLI bridge
1 x ASUS Q-connector Kit (USB, 1394, system panel;
Retail version only)
1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable
1 x Floppy disk drive cable
6 x SATA cables
3 x SATA power cables for six devices
1 x USB2.0 module
1 x IEEE1394a module
User’s manual
Support DVD contents Drivers
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS Update
ASUS AI Booster
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
NVIDIA®MediaShield™ RAID
Form factor ATX form factor: 12 in x 9.6 in (30.5 cm x 24.5 cm)
*Specications are subject to change without notice.

xiv

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

ASUS P5NT WS
Chapter summary 1
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Package contents......................................................................... 1-1
1.3 Special features............................................................................ 1-2

ASUS P5NT WS 1-1
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS®P5NT WS 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 P5NT WS motherboard
I/O modules 1 x 2-port IEEE 1394a module
1 x 2-port USB 2.0 module
Cables 3 x Serial ATA power cables
6 x Serial ATA signal cables
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable
1 x Floppy disk drive cable
Accessories I/O shield
1 x 3-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector Kit
(USB, IEEE 1394, system panel; Retail version only)
1 x ASUS SLI Bridge
Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD
Documentation User guide

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
Green ASUS
This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction
on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision
of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard
consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.
Intel®Core™2 / Quad-core Processor Ready
This motherboard supports the latest Intel®Core™2 processor in the LGA775
package. With the new Intel®Core™ microarchitecture technology and 1066 /
800 MHz FSB, the Intel® Core™2 is one of the most powerful and energy efcient
CPUs in the world. This motherboard also supports the latest Intel®Quad-core
processor, which is excellent for multi-tasking, multi-media and enthusiastic
gamers with 1066 / 800 MHz FSB. See page 2-7 for details.
NVIDIA®nForce® Dual PCI Express™ x16 Graphics chipset
The NVIDIA®Dual PCI Express™ x16 chipset allows two graphics processing
units (GPUs) in a single system. It’s designed for enthusiast, extreme overclocking
capability, ultimate gaming performance. It’s denitely one of the fastest platform in
the world. See Chapter 6 for details. The NVIDIA®PCI Express™ x16 chipset also
supports six (6) Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s devices, dual PCI Express™ x16 slots at full
x16, x16 mode, and up to 10 USB 2.0 ports.
DDR2 memory support
The motherboard supports DDR2 memory that features data transfer rates
of 800/667/533 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest
3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel DDR2
architecture doubles the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system
performance, eliminating bottlenecks with peak bandwidths of up to 12.8 GB/s.
See page 2-14 for details.

ASUS P5NT WS 1-3
Serial ATA II technology
The motherboard fully supports the Serial ATA II 3.0 Gb/s technology through
the Serial ATA interfaces and the NVIDIA®chipset. The Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s
specication provides twice the bandwidth of the current Serial ATA products with
a host of new features, including Native Command Queueing (NCQ), and Power
Management (PM) Implementation Algorithm. Serial ATA allows for thinner, more
exible cables with lower pin count and reduced voltage required. See page 2-26
for details.
The NVIDIA®MediaShield™ RAID controller integrated in the NVIDIA®chipset
allows RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD congurations for six SATA
3.0 Gb/s connectors. See pages 2-26 and 5-32 for details.
IEEE 1394a support
The IEEE 1394a interface provides high speed digital interface for audio/video
appliances such as digital television, digital video camcorders, storage peripherals
& other PC portable devices. See page 2-28 for details.
S/PDIF digital sound ready
This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio
systems via coaxial and optical S/PDIF-out (SONY/PHILIPS Digital Interface) jacks.
It allows to transfer digital audio without converting to analog format and keeps the
best signal quality. See pages 2-22 and 2-23 for details.
Dual Gigabit LAN solution
The motherboard comes with dual Gigabit LAN controllers to provide the total
solution for your networking needs. These network controllers provide faster data
bandwidth for your wired or wireless Internet, LAN, and le sharing requirements.
See page 2-22 for details.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1.3.2 ASUS AI Lifestyle features
ASUS has devoted special efforts to address the thermal issues across the
motherboard, and most notably the areas that reside the CPU, power, Northbridge
and Southbridge.
Advanced thermal design
Stack Cool 2
Stack Cool 2 is a fan-less and zero-noise cooling solution offered exclusively
by ASUS. It effectively transfers heat generated by the critical components
to the other side of the specially designed PCB (printed circuit board) for
effective heat dissipation. See page 2-3 for details.
8 Phase Power Design
ASUS 8-Phase Power Design keeps CPU and power module away from
suffering risk of high power stress, which makes CPU lifetime much longer
and system more stable. Furthermore, It provides high efciency operation
to generate less heat than conventional power solutions and consequently
achieve cool system environment. With this strong power pump, this
motherboard is made for overclocking.
Fanless Design: Heat-pipe Thermal solution
Cooling fans, though a popular thermal solution, also come with noise and
malfunction likelyhood. ASUS Motherboard's fansless concept is specically
created to provide a cool environment without all the baggage.
The heat pipe, heat sinks and strategic board layout were tailor made to
dissipate heat in the most efcient manner.