Asus P4S8X User manual

Motherboard
®
P4S8X
User Manual

ii
Checklist
Copyright © 2002 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
Nopartofthismanual,includingtheproductsandsoftwaredescribedinit,maybereproduced,
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 byASUS; or (2)
the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.
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.
Theproductname and revision number are both printed on the product itself. Manual revisions
are released for each product design represented by the digit before and after the period of
the manual revision number. Manual updates are represented by the third digit in the manual
revision number.
For previous or updated manuals, BIOS, drivers, or product release information, contact
ASUS at: http://www.asus.com or through any of the means indicated on the following page.
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 SHALLASUS, 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.
P4S8X
E1120
Sepetember 2002

iii
Features
About this guide
This user manual contains complete information for installing the ASUS
P4S8X motherboard.
How this guide is organized
• Chapter 1: Product introduction. A summary of product features and
special attributes of new technologies.
• Chapter 2: Hardware information. A list of hardware setup procedures
and descriptions of all jumpers and connectors on the motherboard.
•Chapter 3: Powering up. Describes the power up sequence with
information on BIOS beep codes.
• Chapter 4: BIOS setup. How to change system settings using onboard
BIOSfirmware.DetaileddescriptionsoftheBIOSparameters aresupplied.
• Chapter 5: Software support. A summary of contents on the
motherboard support CD ROM.
• Appendix and Glossary. Optionalcomponents andtechnicaldefinitions.
• Index
Conventions used in this guide
Tomake surethatyou performset-uptasksproperly,takenoteof thefollowing
symbols used throughout this manual.
WARNING! Information to prevent injury to yourself.
CAUTION! Information to prevent damage to the components.
IMPORTANT! Information that you MUSTfollowtocompleteatask.
NOTE! Tips and helpful information.

iv
Safeguards
Contents
About this guide .............................................................................. iii
How this guide is organized.................................................... iii
Conventions used in this guide............................................... iii
Safety information ........................................................................... vi
FCC/CDC statements .................................................................... vii
ASUS contact information ............................................................. viii
Chapter 1: Product introduction ............................................. 1
Welcome! ........................................................................................ 1
1.1 Package contents .................................................................. 1
1.2 Core Specifications ................................................................ 2
1.3 Special Features .................................................................... 3
1.4 Motherboard Components...................................................... 4
1.4.1 Component Locations................................................ 5
1.5 Value-added Solutions ........................................................... 6
Chapter 2: Hardware information ............................................ 7
2.1 Motherboard installation ......................................................... 7
2.2 Motherboard layout ................................................................ 8
2.3 Before you proceed...............................................................10
2.4 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ..............................................11
2.5 System memory ....................................................................17
2.6 Expansion slots.....................................................................21
2.7 Jumpers ................................................................................24
2.8 Connectors ...........................................................................27
Chapter 3: Powering up ......................................................... 41
3.1 Starting up for the first time................................................... 41
3.2 Vocal POST Messages .........................................................42
3.3 Powering off the computer.................................................... 44
Chapter 4: BIOS setup ........................................................... 45
4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS....................................... 45
4.2 BIOS Setup program.............................................................50
4.3 Main menu ............................................................................53
4.3.1 Primary & Secondary Master/Slave ......................... 54

v
Contents
4.3.2 Keyboard Features .................................................. 58
4.4 Advanced Menu ....................................................................60
4.4.1 Chip Configuration ................................................... 63
4.4.2 I/O Device Configuration.......................................... 66
4.4.3 PCI Configuration .................................................... 68
4.5 Power Menu..........................................................................71
4.5.1 Power Up Control .................................................... 73
4.5.2 Hardware Monitor .................................................... 75
4.6 Boot Menu ............................................................................76
4.7 Exit Menu..............................................................................78
Chapter 5: Software support ................................................. 81
5.1 Install an operating system................................................... 81
5.2 Support CD information.........................................................81
5.3 P4S8X Motherboard Support CD ......................................... 82
5.4 Using the Promise Chip for RAID 0 or 1 ............................... 84
5.5 Manual Installation of IDE/RAID Drivers ............................... 92
5.6 ASUS PC Probe....................................................................94
5.7 ASUS Live Update ................................................................99
5.8 ASUS MyLogo™.................................................................100
5.9 3Deep Color Tuner..............................................................102
5.10 Winbond Voice Editor..........................................................104
5.11 Winbond Smart Manager ....................................................108
5.12 Multi-Channel Audio Feature Setup .....................................112
Glossary ................................................................................ 115
Index ...................................................................................... 119

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. Disconnect all power cables from the existing system before
you add a device.
•Beforeconnectingorremovingsignalcablesfromthemotherboard,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 voltage available in your
area.
•If the power supply is broken, contact a qualified service technician or your
retailer.
Operational safety
•Before installing the motherboard and adding new devices, carefully read
all the manuals that came with the package.
•Before use ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power cables
arenotdamaged.Ifyoudetectanydamage,contactthedealerimmediately.
•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.
•Mount the motherboard inside a standard PC enclosure.
•If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified
service technician or the dealer.

vii
FCC/CDC statements
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.
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.
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.

viii
ASUS contact information
ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (Asia-Pacific)
Address: 150 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 112
General Tel: [phone]
General Fax: [phone]
General Email: [email protected]
Technical Support:
MB/Others (Tel): [phone] (English)
Notebook (Tel): [phone] (English)
Desktop/Server (Tel): [phone] (English)
Support Fax: [phone]
Support Email: [email protected]
Web Site: www.asus.com.tw
Newsgroup: cscnews.asus.com.tw
ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)
Address: 6737 Mowry Avenue, Mowry Business Center,
Building 2, Newark, CA 94560, USA
General Fax: [phone]
General Email: [email protected]
Technical Support:
Support Fax: [phone]
General Support: [phone]
Notebook Support: +1-877-918-ASUS (2787)
Web Site: www.asus.com
Support Email: [email protected]
ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Europe)
Address: Harkortstr. 25, 40880 Ratingen, BRD, Germany
General Fax: [phone]
General Email: [email protected] (for marketing requests only)
Technical Support:
Support Hotline: MB/Others: [phone]
Notebook (Tel): [phone]
Support Fax: [phone]
Support (Email): www.asuscom.de/de/support (for online support)
Web Site: www.asuscom.de

Chapter 1
Product introduction

ASUS P4S8X motherboard

ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide 1
Welcome!
Thank you for buying the ASUS
®
P4S8X motherboard!
The ASUS
P4S8X motherboard delivers a host of new features to ensure
long-lasting, superlative performance. The ASUS
®
P4S8X motherboard is
the prime choice for home PCs and workstations.
The P4S8X incorporates the Intel
®
Pentium
®
4 Processor coupled with the
SiS 648 chipset to set a new benchmark for an effective desktop platform
solution.
~ CPU Thermal Protection
~ Up to 3GB of system memory of PC 2700 / 2100 / 1600 DDR
~ High-resolution graphics via an AGP 8X slot
~ Digital Audio Interface for 3D sound (Optional)
~ Realtek
™
LAN Controller onboard (Optional)
~ SerialATAconnectiononboard for easy system upgrade(Optional)
~ Four USB ports plus a headers for two more
Before installing the motherboard, check the items in your package:
1.1 Package contents
Check your P4S8X package for the following items.
ASUS P4S8X motherboard (ATX 30.5 cm x 21.9 cm)
ASUS P4S8X support CD
ASUS 2-port USB 2.0 / Game port module (Optional)
80 pin conductor ribbon cable for UltraDMA/33/66/100/133 IDE drives
9 pin COM2 cable
Ribbon cable for a 3.5-inch floppy drive
Bag of extra jumper caps
User Guide
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.

2 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.2 Core Specifications
TheP4S8X motherboardisdesigned andassembledaccording tothehighest
standards. ThisASUS motherboard represents thelatestadvancesto supply
users the finest componentry available today...
Latest 533MHz P4 Processor Technology: Intel Pentium 4 Socket 478
Northwood/Willamette Processor. The Pentium 4 processor utilizes the
advanced 0.18 micron processor core in FC-PGA2 package for a
2.53+GHzfrequency,whiletheNorthwoodprocessorusesthe0.13micron
processor core with 512KB L2 cache for up to a speedy 2.53+ GHz
frequencyanda400/533MHzFSB. TheP4offers optimizedperformance
for audio, video, and Internet applications.
North Bridge Chipset: the SiS
®
648 supports AGP 8X/4X/2X mode,
533/400MHz Front Side Bus, and the fastest 333 MHz memory bus.
SouthBridge Chipset: theSiS
®
963 integratedperipheralcontrollersupports
UltraDMA133/100/66/33 for burst mode data transfer rates up to 133MB/
sec, and USB controller with three root hubs for six USB ports.
PC 2700 (333MHz) / 2100 (266MHz) / 1600 (200MHz) DDR Support:
Equipped with three Double Data Rate Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR
DIMM)sockets to support up to 3GB of DDR DRAM, the newest memory
standardwiththehighestbandwidth andlowestlatencycurrentlyavailable.
This new memory technology increases performance by executing two
actions per clock cycle, supplying data transfer rates up to 2.7 GB/s for
166MHz DDR SDRAM and 2.1GB/s for 133MHz DDR SDRAM.
UltraDMA133 Support: Comes with an onboard PCI Bus Master IDE
controller with two connectors that support four IDE devices on two
channels. Supports UltraDMA133/100/66/33, PIO Modes 3 & 4, Bus
Master IDE DMA Mode 2, and Enhanced IDE devices, such as DVD-
ROM, CD-ROM, CD-R/RW, LS-120, and Tape Backup drives.
Multi-I/O Chipset:The W83697SF chip offerscomplete 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 switch
from COM2 to the Infrared Module for wireless connections. The Super
I/O controller supports a floppy disk drive.
Smart BIOS: 4Mb firmware enables boot block write protection, and HD/
SCSI/MO/ZIP/CD/Floppy boot selection.
Expansion: One AGP 8XSlot, four USB ports, one COM port, one COM
header,six PCI slots,SPDIFdigitalaudio,front audio panel,1394header,
smart card header.
Connections: Parallel, PS/2 mouse, PS/2 keyboard, 4 USB, 1394
port(Optional), RJ45 (optional), Microphone/ Line-In / Line-Out
jacks(Optional), Standard ATX, AUX and 12V power.

ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide 3
1.3 Special Features
ASUS EZ Plug
™
(See page 33.)
This patented ASUS technology uses the existing power supply
instead of having to buy a new ATX 12V power supply:ASUS EZ
Plug™is a 4-pin +12V connector that provides additional power
required by P4 CPUs.
ASUS EZ Flash BIOS (See page 45.)
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.
ASUS POST Reporter
™
(See page 67 and 108.)
P4S8X offers theASUS POST Reporter™to provide friendly voice
messages and alerts during the Power-On Self-Test (POST). Through
the system’s internal speaker, or an added external speaker, messages
inform you of system boot status and causes of boot errors. Bundled
Winbond
™
Voice Editor software helps customize voice messages, and
offers multi-language support.
ASUS MyLogo
™
(See page 100.)
This new feature present in the P4S8X motherboard helps you to
personalize and add style to your system with customizable boot logos.
ASUS Q-Fan feature (See page 75.)
The ASUS Q-Fan technology smartly adjusts the fan speeds according
to the system loading to ensure quiet, cool, and efficient operation.
ASUS Multi-language BIOS (See page 59.)
The multi-language BIOS offers the language of your choice from
several options. Localized BIOS menus are easy to configure. Visit the
ASUS website for the supported languages.

4 Chapter 1: Product introduction
Location
Processor Support Socket 478 for Intel®P4™Processors.............................. 4
Chipsets SiS®648 North Bridge ..................................................... 5
SiS®963 South Bridge ................................................... 10
Serial ATA Controller(Optional) ...................................... 17
Audio Controller(Optional) ............................................. 24
Multi-I/O Controller......................................................... 27
4Mbit Programmable Flash EEPROM ........................... 28
Realtek 1394 PHY (Optional) ....................................... 31
Main Memory 3 DDR SDRAM DIMM Sockets (3GB) ............................. 7
Expansion Slots 6 PCI Slots ..................................................................... 23
Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) 8X Slot ....................... 9
System I/O 2 IDE Connectors (UltraDMA133 Support)...................... 8
Promise ATA133 IDE Connector(Optional) .................... 12
System Panel Connector ............................................... 14
USB Headers (USB_56) ................................................ 15
Serial ATA Headers(Optional) ........................................ 16
Floppy Disk Drive Connector ......................................... 18
Serial (COM2) Header ................................................... 19
Game Port ..................................................................... 20
Smart Card Connector................................................... 21
Infrared Connector......................................................... 22
Modem Connector ......................................................... 25
IEEE 1394 Header(Optional) ......................................... 32
PS/2 Mouse Connector..................................... (green) 33
Parallel Port ................................................................... 34
USB Connectors (Port 1/2) ............................................ 39
IEEE 1394 Connector .................................................... 40
Serial Port (COM1) ........................................................ 41
USB Connectors (Port 3/4) ............................................ 42
PS/2 Keyboard Connector ............................... (purple) 43
Hardware Monitoring System Voltage Monitor (integrated in ASUS ASIC).......11
Special Feature Onboard AGP Warning LED (Red) .................................. 3
Onboard Power-on LED (Green) ................................... 13
Network Feature Realtek 100/10 Mbps LAN PHYs (Optional).................. 29
RJ45 Connector (Optional) ............................................ 35
Audio Features (on audio models only)
Front Panel Audio Header ............................................. 30
Audio Connectors .......................................................... 26
Line In Connector ....................................... (light blue) 36
Line Out Connector..............................................(lime) 37
Microphone Connector ........................................(pink) 38
Power ATX 12V Power Supply Connector .................................. 1
AUX12V EZ-Plug Power Supply Connector .................... 2
ATX Power Supply Connector ......................................... 6
Form Factor ATX
1.4 Motherboard Components
Before installing the P4S8X motherboard, take time to familiarize yourself
with its configuration.

ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide 5
1.4.1 Component Locations
46 7
21
1
1516
8
1418
26
23
32
11
13
12
24
27
28
2 5
19
10
1720
31
3
29 9
22
25
30
33 34
43 42 41 39
36
37
38
35
40

6 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.5 Value-added Solutions
Software Audio (Optional) : On audio models, a 963 digital audio CODEC,
CMI-9739A supports 6-Ch output, with an SPDIF Input/Output module
forcoaxialandfiberinterfaces. Experiencesurround-soundandenhanced
3D audio.
Smart Card Reader Support
(Optional) : A special connector for the Smart
Card Reader comes onboard to support the cutting-edge technology for
increasedsecurityinauthenticatingonlinetransactions,editingIC-based
information.
USB2.0: The latest connection standard for next generation components
and peripherals. Compatible with 1.1 USB, the new 2.0 USB protocol
delivers transfer speeds up to 40 times faster at 480Mb/s.
NOTICE: USB2.0 functions are not supported under Win98and WinME.
Temperature, Fan and Voltage Monitoring: CPU temperature is monitored
by the ASUS ASIC through the CPU’s internal thermal diode to prevent
overheating and damage. All system fans are monitored for RPM and
failure. System voltage levels are monitored to ensure stable voltage to
critical motherboard components.
Auto Fan Off: Thesystemfanspowersoff automatically even insleepmode.
ACPI Ready: AdvancedConfigurationPower Interface(ACPI)providesmore
Energy Saving Features for operating systems that support OS Direct
Power Management (OSPM).
Onboard LAN (Optional): The motherboard incorporates the RTL8201BL
PHY chip to support 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet networking.
Concurrent PCI: Concurrent PCI allows multiple PCI transfers from PCI
master busses to the memory and processor.
DualFunction PowerButton: Pushthepowerbutton forlessthan4seconds
when the system is operating places the system into sleep or soft-off
modes, depending on the BIOS or OS setting. If the power button is
pressed for more than 4 seconds, the system enters soft-off mode.

Chapter 2
Hardware information

ASUS P4S8X motherboard

ASUS P4S8X motherboard user guide 7
2.1 Motherboard installation
Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis
to ensure that the motherboard fits into it. The P4S8X uses theATX form
factor that measures 30.5 cm (12.0 in.) x 21.9 cm (8.6 in.), a standard fit
for most chassis.
Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so may damage the
motherboard.
2.1.1 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. Refer to the image below.
2.1.2 Screw holes
Place seven (7) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the
motherboard to the chassis.
Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the
motherboard. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and
damage motherboard components.
Placethissidetowards
therearofthechassis

8 Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.2 Motherboard layout
The audio and LAN features are optional. These components are
grayed out in the above motherboard layout.
21.9cm (8.6in)
30.5cm (12.0in)
PWR_FAN1
PRI_IDE
P4S8X
®
CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
IDE_LED
Accelerated Graphics Port
AGP
PANEL
SMARTCON
SMART
I/O
4MB
ISA
Socket 478
KBPWR
DDR DIMM1 (64/72 bit, 184-pin module)
0 1
DDR DIMM3 (64/72 bit, 184-pin module)
4 5
DDR DIMM2 (64/72 bit, 184-pin module)
2 3
CPU_FAN
PCI1
ATX Power Connector
USBPWR_34
AGP_WARN
USBPWR_56
GAME
SPEECH
CLRTC
EZ_PLUG
ATX12V
FLOPPY
ASUS
ASIC
with
Hardware
Monitor
SiS648
HOST/
Memory
Controller
SiS963
MuTLOL
Media
I/O
IR_CON
PCI2
PCI3
PCI4
PCI5
PCI6
PS/2KBMS
T: Mouse
B: Keyboard
USB2.0
T: USB1
B: USB2
Top:
RJ-45
USB2.0
T: USB3
B: USB4
Below:Mic In
Center:Line Out
Top:Line In
CD AUX
MODEM
SB_PWR
SEC_IDE
USBPWR_12
COM1
PARALLEL PORT
1394
CHA_FAN
BUZZER
USB_56
PRI_SATA
COM2
IEEE1394_2
C-Media
6CH
Codec
SMB
CHASSIS
PRI_ATA133
FP_AUDIO FP_LO_SWL
FP_LO_SWR
REALTEK
REALTEK
SPDIF SEC_SATA
PROMISE
PDC20376
Controller