Asus MA3850 User manual

Splendid HD
Graphics card
User manual

ii
E3697
First Edition V1
June 2008
Copyright © 2008 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.

iii
Contents
Contents ...................................................................................................... iii
Notices......................................................................................................... iv
Safety information ....................................................................................... v
About this guide ......................................................................................... vi
1. Introduction ..................................................................................... 1
1.1 Package contents .............................................................. 1
1.2 Recommended system requirements ................................ 1
2. About hardware............................................................................... 2
3. Installing the hardware................................................................... 3
3.1 Preparing your computer ................................................... 3
3.2 Installing the Splendid HD graphics card ........................... 4
4. Installing the software .................................................................... 8
5. Splendid HD .................................................................................... 9
5.1 Launching Splendid HD ..................................................... 9
5.2 Using Splendid HD........................................................... 10
6. ASUS GamerOSD .......................................................................... 15
6.1 Enabling ASUS GamerOSD............................................. 15
6.2 Setting ASUS GamerOSD ............................................... 16
6.3 Using ASUS GamerOSD ................................................. 18
6.4 Broadcasting games with ASUS GamerOSD .................. 22
7. ASUS SmartDoctor ....................................................................... 26
7.1 Functions ......................................................................... 26
7.2 Launching ASUS SmartDoctor......................................... 26
7.3 Voltage status .................................................................. 27
7.4 Temperature status .......................................................... 27
7.5 Fan speed status ............................................................. 28
7.6 Engine and memory clock settings .................................. 28
7.7 Advanced setup features ................................................. 29
8. ASUS VideoSecurity Online......................................................... 34
8.1 System requirements ....................................................... 34
8.2 What’s New...................................................................... 34
8.3 Launching ASUS VideoSecurity....................................... 35
8.4 Setup................................................................................ 37
8.5 Video Source.................................................................... 52
8.6 Set detect region.............................................................. 53
8.7 History ............................................................................. 55
8.8 Limitations........................................................................ 56

iv
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.
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.

v
This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical,
electronic equipment, and mercury-containing button cell battery) should not
be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic
products.
Safety information
Electrical safety
• 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.
• 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 devices on your motherboard, 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.

vi
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: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.
NOTE: Tips and information to aid in completing a task.
About this guide
Conventions
To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following
symbols used throughout this manual.
Where to nd more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and
software updates.
1. ASUS Websites
The ASUS websites worldwide provide updated information on ASUS
hardware and software products. The ASUS websites are listed in the ASUS
Contact Information on the inside front cover of this installation guide.
2. Optional Documentation
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty
flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not
part of the standard package.
Macrovision Corporation Product Notice
This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected
by method claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights
owned by Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners. Use of this copyright
protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation, and
is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise
authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is
prohibited.

ASUS Splendid HD graphics card 1
1. Introduction
1.1 Package contents
• ASUS Splendid HD graphics card
• ASUS Splendid HD graphics card support CD
• DVI-to-HDMI adapter x1
• USB cable x1
• S/PDIF cable x1 (only for some models)
• Quick installation guide
1.2 Recommended system requirements
• PCI Express expansion slot
• One available 6-pin ATX power cable from the PC power supply unit (optional)
• Microsoft®Windows®32-/64-bit Vista or Microsoft®Windows®32-bit XP
• 512 MB DRAM system memory
• Optical Drive (CD/DVD) for software installation

ASUS Splendid HD graphics card
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2. About hardware
Splendid HD graphics card layout
13
1
3
2
4
6
No Item Description
1DVI-D Out port
(Splendid HD support)
This port connects to a monitor with DVI/HDMI output
support.
2HDTV-out & TV-out
port
This port connects to a video device with HDTV or
TV input support such as TVs, DVD players, game
consoles, etc.
3DVI-I Out port This port connects to a monitor with DVI-I output
support.
4 USB Input header Connects to the USB connector on your motherboard
using a USB cable.
5S/PDIF In connector
(only for some models)
Connects to the S/PDIF Out connector on your
motherboard using the bundled SPDIF cable.
6 ATX power connector This connector is for an ATX power supply plug.
5

ASUS Splendid HD graphics card 3
3. Installing the hardware
3.1 Preparing your computer
1. Power off your computer and disconnect the power cord.
2. Open the computer chassis.
3. Remove the metal cover of an available PCI Express expansion slot.

ASUS Splendid HD graphics card
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3.2 Installing the Splendid HD graphics card
Securing the Splendid HD card:
1. Carefully insert the Splendid HD graphics card into the PCI Express slot.
Ensure that the card sits properly in place.
2. Secure the card with a screw or a metal bracket.
Connecting cables:
1. Connect one end of the bundled USB cable to the USB port of the card and
connect the other end to a USB connector on your motherboard.
2. Connect one end of the bundled S/PDIF cable to the S/PDIF In connector
of the card and connect the other end to a S/PDIF Out connector on your
motherboard. (only for some models)
3. Connect a 6-pin ATX power cable to the ATX power connector on the card.
The Splendid HD graphics card requires additional power to work. Ensure that
you connect the ATX power connector to the card to provide ample power.
ATX power cable USB connector on
your motherboard
USB cable
S/PDIF cable
S/PDIF connector on
your motherboard

ASUS Splendid HD graphics card 5
3.2.1 Connecting to your monitor with an HDMI port
1. Connect the bundled DVI-to-HDMI adapter to the DVI-D out port of the
Splendid HD graphics card.
2. Using an HDMI cable, connect the DVI-to-HDMI adapter to your monitor with
an HDMI port.
3. After hardware installation is complete, select the audio source from the
Windows®desktop by clicking Start > Control Panel > Sounds, Speech,
and Audio Devices > Sounds and Audio Devices Properties.
4. Click the Audio tab, then click the Sound
playback dropdown list to select the ATI HD
Audio rear output.
5. Restart your computer.
ATI HD Audio rear output

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3.2.2 Connecting to your monitor with a DVI port
1. Using a DVI cable, connect the DVI-D out port of the Splendid HD graphics
card to your monitor with a DVI port.
3.2.3 Connecting to two monitors
If you use two monitors, always connect the primary monitor to the DVI-D out
port of the Splendid HD graphics card. Otherwise, the Splendid utility will not
work.
To connect one monitor with an HDMI port,
the other with a DVI port
1. Follow step 1 and 2 in section 3.2.1 to
connect the Splendid HD graphics card
to your primary monitor.
2. Using a DVI cable, connect one end to
the DVI-I out port of the Splendid HD
graphics card, and the other end to the
secondary monitor.
Primary
monitor
Secondary
monitor

ASUS Splendid HD graphics card 7
To connect two monitors with DVI ports
1. Follow step 1 and 2 in section 3.2.2 to
connect the Splendid HD graphics card
to your primary monitor.
2. Using a DVI cable, connect one end to
the DVI-I out port of the Splendid HD
graphics card, and the other end to the
secondary monitor.
Secondary
monitor
Primary
monitor
Some LCD TVs with HDMI inputs do not support PC video resolutions and may
lose audio signals as well, excepting on such video resolutions as 480p, 720p,
and 1080i/p. Hence, it is suggested that you set your LCD TV to one of these
TV resolutions.

ASUS Splendid HD graphics card
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4. Installing the software
Installing the Splendid HD graphics card driver
1. After you have installed the Splendid HD graphics card, turn on your
computer. Windows®automatically detects the Splendid HD graphics card
and searches for device drivers. When prompted for the drivers, click Cancel.
2. Insert the support CD into the optical drive. If Autorun is enabled in your
system, the setup starts automatically. If not, locate the setup.exe file in the
support CD, then double-click the setup.exe file to start the installation.
3. Follow the screen instructions to finish the installation.
4. The following screen is displayed after the installation is completed.

ASUS Splendid HD graphics card 9
5. Splendid HD
Splendid HD is a utility that upgrades the visual performance for your LCD monitor
or LCD TV with the advanced HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia interface) output.
5.1 Launching Splendid HD
If the Splendid HD utility is correctly installed, you will find the blue-colored
Splendid HD icon on the taskbar.
Double-click the icon to launch the utility and
display the Splendid HD main screen.
The Splendid HD icon turns red if the Splendid HD graphics card is not
detected.
To solve this problem, do the following:
1. Ensure that the USB cable is plugged to the 8-pin USB connector on the
motherboard.
2. Restart the utility.
Click if your
display is an
LCD TV
Click if your
display is an
LCD monitor
Utility switch

ASUS Splendid HD graphics card
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5.2 Using Splendid HD
Main menu
The Splendid HD main menu allows you to view the status of the utility
configurations. Click the LCD monitor / LCD TV icon depending on which display
you use.
Three major modes
Full window
Demo button
ON/OFF buttons
Click All Mode On/Off to enable or disable this utility. The utility is enabled when
the utility switch is set to All Mode Off, and the full window is displayed.
The Splendid HD utility provides three modes that allow you to change the
configurations according to different viewing conditions, such as viewing photos,
watching movies, and playing games.
Click ON / OFF to enable or disable the mode you like.
You can also set hotkeys for each mode, which enables you to switch modes
quickly.

ASUS Splendid HD graphics card 11
Photo Mode
To enable the Photo Mode, click the corresponding ON/OFF button. The button
displays OFF when Photo Mode is on. Select desired settings from the two default
color-enhanced settings: Nature and Vivid.
If you want to see the comparison between the original screen and the
color-enhanced screen, set the Demo button to Demo Off. When the demo starts,
a vertical green line divides the screen. The left side of the green line is the original
screen and the right side the color-enhanced screen. Click Demo again to stop
scanning.
ON/OFF button
Photo Mode list
To set a hotkey:
1. Click to display the following:
2. Click on the Hotkey textbox then press desired keys. Ctrl and Alt keys are
the default keys.
3. Click Set to apply settings.

ASUS Splendid HD graphics card
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To add customized settings, select CustomizeA / Customize B then click the
pencil icon .
From the customize settings screen, adjust the brightness, saturation, hue,
contrast, and sharpness according to your desired settings. Click Save then done.
You can customize two more settings based on your needs.

ASUS Splendid HD graphics card 13
Video Mode
To enable the Video Mode, click the corresponding ON/OFF button. The button
displays OFF when Video Mode is on. Select desired settings from the two default
color-enhanced settings: Action Movie and Theater Mode.
You can customize two more settings based on your configuration. Follow the
instructions in the Photo Mode section on how to create customized settings.
Video Mode list
ON/OFF button

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Game Mode
Your system must have the following two items installed before using Game
Mode:
1. ASUS graphics card
2. ASUS GamerOSD utility.
To enable the Game Mode, click the corresponding ON/OFF button. The button
displays OFF when Game Mode is on. Select desired settings from the two default
color-enhanced settings: FPS Games (First Personal Shooting Game) and RPG
(Role-Playing Game) /RTS Games (Real-Time Strategy Game).
You can customize two more settings based on your needs. Follow the instructions
in the Photo Mode section on how to create customized settings.
Game Mode list
ON/OFF button