Abit AX8 User Manual

AX8 Series

(AX8-3rd Eye/AX8/AX8-V)

AMD Athlon 64 (FX) System Board

Socket 939

User’s Manual

4200-0431-01

Rev. 1.00

The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on part of the vendor, who assumes no liability or responsibility for any errors that may appear in this manual.

No warranty or representation, either expressed or implied, is made with respect to the quality, accuracy or fitness for any particular part of this document. In no event shall the manufacturer be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages arising from any defect or error in this manual or product.

Product names appearing in this manual are for identification purpose only and trademarks and product names or brand names appearing in this document are the property of their respective owners.

This document contains materials protected under International Copyright Laws. All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced, transmitted or transcribed without the expressed written permission of the manufacturer and authors of this manual.

If you do not properly set the motherboard settings, causing the motherboard to malfunction or fail, we cannot guarantee any responsibility.

AX8 Series

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. Introduction .......................................................................... 1-1

1-1. Features & Specifications ........................................................................1-1

1-2. Layout Diagram .......................................................................................1-3

Chapter 2. Hardware Setup.................................................................... 2-1

2-1. Install The Motherboard...........................................................................2-1

2-2. Install CPU and Heatsink.........................................................................2-2

2-3. Install System Memory ............................................................................2-3

2-4. Connectors, Headers and Switches ..........................................................2-5

(1). ATX Power Input Connectors........................................................2-5

(2). FAN Power Connectors .................................................................2-6

(3). CMOS Memory Clearing Header ..................................................2-7

(4). Wake-up Header.............................................................................2-8

(5). Front Panel Switches & Indicators Headers ..................................2-9

(6). Additional USB Port Headers......................................................2-10

(7). Additional IEEE1394 Port Headers (AX8-3rd Eye/AX8)..............2-11

(8). Front Panel Audio Connection Header ........................................2-12

(9). Internal Audio Connectors ...........................................................2-13

(10). GURU Clock Connection Header................................................2-13

(11). PCI Express x16 Slot ...................................................................2-14

(12). PCI Express x1 Slots....................................................................2-14

(13). Floppy and IDE Disk Drive Connectors......................................2-15

(14). POST Code Display .....................................................................2-16

(15). Serial ATA Connectors .................................................................2-17

(16). Status Indicators ...........................................................................2-17

(17). Back Panel Connectors ................................................................2-18

Chapter 3. BIOS Setup............................................................................ 3-1

3-1. µGuru Utility............................................................................................3-2

3-2. Standard CMOS Features.........................................................................3-9

3-3. Advanced BIOS Features....................................................................... 3-12

3-4. Advanced Chipset Features....................................................................3-14

3-5. Integrated Peripherals ............................................................................3-16

3-6. Power Management Setup .....................................................................3-20

3-7. PnP/PCI Configurations.........................................................................3-23

3-8. Load Fail-Safe Defaults .........................................................................3-24

User’s Manual

3-9. Load Optimized Defaults .......................................................................3-24

3-10. Set Password .......................................................................................... 3-24

3-11. Save & Exit Setup..................................................................................3-24

3-12. Exit Without Saving...............................................................................3-24

Appendix A. Install VIA 4-in-1 Driver................................................................. A-1

Appendix B. Install Audio Driver......................................................................... B-1

Appendix C. Install LAN Driver........................................................................... C-1

Appendix D. Install VIA USB 2.0 Driver .............................................................D-1

Appendix E. Install VIA South Bridge SATA RAID Driver ...............................E-1

Appendix F. Install AMD Athlon 64 Processor Driver .......................................F-1

Appendix G. Install ABIT µGuru Utility ..............................................................G-1

Appendix H. POST Code Definition.....................................................................H-1

Appendix I. Troubleshooting (Need Assistance?)................................................ I-1

Appendix J. How to Get Technical Support .........................................................J-1

AX8 Series

Introduction 1-1

Chapter 1. Introduction

1-1. Features & Specifications

1. CPU

• Supports AMD Socket 939 Athlon 64/64FX Processor with 2GHz system bus using Hyper Transport

• Supports AMD K8 CPU Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology

2. Chipset

• VIA K8T890 + VT8237

3. CPU Integrated Dual Channel Memory Controller

• Four 184-pin DIMM slots (Un-buffered, Non-ECC DIMM)

• Supports 2 DIMM Single Channel DDR 400/333/266 (Max. 2GB)

• Supports 4 DIMM Dual Channel DDR 400/333/266 (Max. 4GB)

4. PCI Express X16 Graphics

• PCI Express X16 graphics delivers up to 8GB/s bandwidth

5. SATA RAID

• Supports SATA RAID 0/1 (Connectors SATA1~SATA2)

6. Second SATA RAID (AX8-3rd Eye/AX8)

• Supports SATA RAID 0/1 (Connectors SATA3~SATA4)

• Supports SATA RAID 0/1/0+1 (Connectors SATA1~SATA4)

• Supports RAID 0/1/JBOD (Connector IDE3)

• Supports RAID JBOD (Connectors SATA1~SATA4 and IDE3)

7. Gigabit LAN

• Onboard Gigabit PCI Ethernet Controller

8. IEEE 1394

• Supports IEEE 1394 at 100/200/400 Mb/s transfer rate (AX8-3rd Eye/AX8)

9. Audio

• Onboard 5.1-channel Audio CODEC

• Optical S/PDIF Input/Output (AX8-3

10. ABIT Engineered

• ABIT µGuru™ Technology

• ABIT GuruClock

• ABIT CPU ThermalGuard™ Technology

™

Technology

™

Eye/AX8)

Technology (AX8-3rd Eye)

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1-2 Chapter 1

11. Internal I/O Connectors

• 1x PCI Express x16 slot

• 3x PCI Express x1 slots

• 2x PCI slots

• 1x Floppy port supports up to 2.88MB

• 2x Ultra DMA 33/66/100/133 connectors (AX8-V)

• 3x Ultra DMA 33/66/100/133 connectors (AX8-3

• 4x SATA 150 Connectors (AX8-3

Eye/AX8)

• 2x SATA 150 Connectors (AX8-V)

• 2x USB 2.0 headers

• 1x IEEE 1394 header (AX8-3

Eye/AX8)

• 1x FP-Audio header

• 1x CD-IN header

12. Back Panel I/O

• 1x PS/2 keyboard, 1x PS/2 mouse

• 1x Serial port connector, 1x Parallel port connector

• 1x S/PDIF In connector (AX8-3

• 1x S/PDIF Out connector (AX8-3

Eye/AX8)

• 1x AUDIO1 connector (Rear-Left / Rear-Right, Center/Subwoofer)

• 1x AUDIO2 connector (Mic-In, Line-In, Front-Left/Front-Right)

• 4x USB 2.0 Connectors

• 1x IEEE 1394 Connector (AX8-3

Eye/AX8)

• 1x RJ-45 LAN Connector

13. Miscellaneous

• ATX form factor: 305 x 245 mm

14. Order Information

Model Features

AX8-3rd Eye

4x SATA RAID 0/1/0+1 ports, 3x PATA ports, IEEE1394, S/PDIF, GuruClock

AX8 4x SATA RAID 0/1/0+1 ports, 3x PATA ports, IEEE1394, S/PDIF

AX8-V 2x SATA RAID 0/1 ports, 2x PATA ports

 Specifications and information contained herein are subject to change without notice.

AX8 Series

Introduction 1-3

1-2. Layout Diagram

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1-4 Chapter 1

AX8 Series

Hardware Setup 2-1

Chapter 2. Hardware Setup

Before the Installation: Turn off the power supply switch (fully turn off the +5V standby power), or disconnect the power cord before installing or unplugging any connectors or add-on cards. Failing to do so may cause the motherboard components or add-on cards to malfunction or damaged.

2-1. Install The Motherboard

Most computer chassis have a base with many mounting holes to allow motherboard to be securely attached on and at the same time, prevented from short circuits. There are two ways to attach the motherboard to the chassis base:

1. use with studs

2. or use with spacers

In principle, the best way to attach the board is to use with studs. Only if you are unable to do this should you attach the board with spacers. Line up the holes on the board with the mounting holes on the chassis. If the holes line up and there are screw holes, you can attach the board with studs. If the holes line up and there are only slots, you can only attach with spacers. Take the tip of the spacers and insert them into the slots. After doing this to all the slots, you can slide the board into position aligned with slots. After the board has been positioned, check to make sure everything is OK before putting the chassis back on.

ATTENTION: To prevent shorting the PCB circuit, please REMOVE the metal studs or spacers if they are already fastened on the chassis base and are without mounting-holes on the motherboard to align with.

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2-2 Chapter 2

2-2. Install CPU and Heatsink

This motherboard provides a ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) Socket 939 to install AMD Socket 939 CPU. The CPU you bought should contain with a kit of heatsink, cooling fan, retention frame and blackplate. If that’s not the case, buy one specially designed for Socket 939.

Please refer to the figure shown here to install CPU and heatsink. (For reference only. Your Heatsink & Fan Assembly may not be exactly the same as this one.)

1. Locate the Socket 939 on this motherboard. Pull the CPU release lever sideways to unlatch and then raise it all the way up.

2. Drop the processor with its pin side down into the CPU socket. Do not use extra force to insert CPU; it only fits in one direction. Close the CPU release lever.

3. Align the Backplate Standoffs with the mounting holes on motherboard. Position the backplate onto motherboard.

4. Place the Retention Frame onto the motherboard and align it with the Backplate Standoffs.

5. Place heatsink on top of CPU, and make sure the heatsink fits properly on the retention frame.

6. Hook both sides of the Spring Clip onto the Mounting Tabs of Retention Frame. Tighten screws until the Spring Clip is fully installed.

7. Attach the fan connector of Heatsink & Fan Assembly with the CPU-FAN connector on the motherboard.

ATTENTION: Do not forget to set the correct bus frequency and multiple for your processor.

AX8 Series

Hardware Setup 2-3

2-3. Install System Memory

This motherboard provides four 184-pin DDR DIMM slots for Single/Dual Channel DDR 400/333/266 memory modules with memory expansion size up to 4GB.

Table 2-1. Valid Memory Configurations

Bank Memory Module Total Memory

Bank 0, 1 (DIMM1) 256MB, 512MB, 1GB 256MB ~ 1GB

Bank 2, 3 (DIMM2) 256MB, 512MB, 1GB 256MB ~ 1GB

Bank 4, 5 (DIMM3) 256MB, 512MB, 1GB 256MB ~ 1GB

Bank 6, 7 (DIMM4) 256MB, 512MB, 1GB 256MB ~ 1GB

Total System Memory 256MB ~ 4GB

Table 2-2. Unbuffered DIMM Support For AMD 939-pin Processor

Data Bus DIMM1 DIMM2 DIMM3 DIMM4

Single rank N/A Empty N/A DDR400

Double rank N/A Empty N/A DDR400

Empty N/A Single rank N/A DDR400

64-bits (Single

Channel)

128-bits

(Dual

Channel)

Empty N/A Double rank N/A DDR400

Single rank N/A Single rank N/A DDR400

Single rank N/A Double rank N/A DDR400

Double rank N/A Single rank N/A DDR400

Double rank N/A Double rank N/A DDR333

Single rank Single rank Empty Empty DDR400

Double rank Double rank Empty Empty DDR400

Empty Empty Single rank Single rank DDR400

Empty Empty Double rank Double rank DDR400

Single rank Single rank Single rank Single rank DDR400

Single rank Single rank Double rank Double rank DDR400

Double rank Double rank Single rank Single rank DDR400

Double rank Double rank Double rank Double rank DDR333

DRAM Speed

Maximum

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2-4 Chapter 2

To reach the performance of Dual Channel DDR, the following rules must be obeyed:

• When installing TWO DIMM modules: Install DIMM modules of the same type and size for slots [DIMM1]+[DIMM2] or slots [DIMM3]+[DIMM4].

• When installing FOUR DIMM modules: Install DIMM modules of the same type and size for slots [DIMM1]+[DIMM2], and slots [DIMM3]+[DIMM4].

NOTE: Usually there is no hardware or BIOS setup requires after adding or removing memory modules, but you will have to clear the CMOS memory first if any memory module related problem occurs.

Power off the computer and unplug the AC power cord before installing or removing memory modules.

1. Locate the DIMM slot on the board.

2. Hold two edges of the DIMM module carefully, keep away of touching its connectors.

3. Align the notch key on the module with the rib on the slot.

4. Firmly press the module into the slots until the ejector tabs at both sides of the slot automatically snaps into the mounting notch. Do not force the DIMM module in with extra force as the DIMM module only fit in one direction.

5. To remove the DIMM modules, push the two ejector tabs on the slot outward simultaneously, and then pull out the DIMM module.

ATTENTION: Static electricity can damage the electronic components of the computer or optional boards. Before starting these procedures, ensure that you are discharged of static electricity by touching a grounded metal object briefly.

AX8 Series

Hardware Setup 2-5

2-4. Connectors, Headers and Switches

Here we will show you all of the connectors, headers and switches, and how to connect them. Please read the entire section for necessary information before attempting to finish all the hardware installation inside the computer chassis. A complete enlarged layout diagram is shown in Chapter 1 for all the position of connectors and headers on the board that you may refer to.

WARNING: Always power off the computer and unplug the AC power cord before adding or removing any peripheral or component. Failing to so may cause severe damage to your motherboard and/or peripherals. Plug in the AC power cord only after you have carefully checked everything.

ATX Power Input Connectors

(1).

This motherboard provides two power connectors to connect to an ATX12V power supply.

NOTE: It is recommended to connect to a power supply with 350W, 20A +5VDC capacity at least for heavily loaded system, and a 2A +5VSB capacity at least for supporting wake-up features.

The auxiliary 12V power connector [POWER1] source for devices added on PCI Express slots. It is highly recommended to attach 12V power from the power supplier for the best system stability.

rovides an additional power

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2-6 Chapter 2

(2). FAN Power Connectors

These connectors each provide power to the cooling fans installed in your system.

• CPUFAN1: CPU Fan Power Connector

• NBFAN1: Chipset Fan Power Connector

• SYSFAN1: System Fan Power Connector

• AUXFAN1: Auxiliary Fan Power Connector

WARNING: These fan connectors are not jumpers. DO NOT place jumper caps on these connectors.

AX8 Series

Hardware Setup 2-7

(3). CMOS Memory Clearing Header

This header uses a jumper cap to clear the CMOS memory.

• Pin 1-2 shorted (default): Normal operation.

• Pin 2-3 shorted: Clear CMOS memory.

WARNING: Turn the power off first (including the +5V standby power) before clearing the CMOS memory. Failing to do so may cause your system to work abnormally or malfunction.

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2-8 Chapter 2

(4). Wake-up Header

These headers use a jumper cap to enable/disable the wake-up function.

• PS2-PWR1:

Pin 2-3 shorted (default): Enable wake-up function support at Keyboard/Mouse port. Pin 1-2 shorted: Disable wake-up function support at Keyboard/Mouse port.

• USB-PWR1:

Pin 2-3 shorted (default): Enable wake-up function support at USB1 port. Pin 1-2 shorted: Disable wake-up function support at USB1 port.

• USB-PWR2:

Pin 2-3 shorted (default): Enable wake-up function support at USB2 port. Pin 1-2 shorted: Disable wake-up function support at USB2 port.

AX8 Series

Hardware Setup 2-9

(5). Front Panel Switches & Indicators Headers

This header is used for connecting switches and LED indicators on the chassis front panel.

Watch the power LED pin position and orientation. The mark “+” align to the pin in the figure below stands for positive polarity for the LED connection. Please pay attention to connect these headers. A wrong orientation will only cause the LED not lighting, but a wrong connection of the switches could cause system malfunction.

• HLED (Pin 1, 3):

Connects to the HDD LED cable of chassis front panel.

• RST (Pin 5, 7):

Connects to the Reset Switch cable of chassis front panel.

• SPKR (Pin 13, 15, 17, 19):

Connects to the System Speaker cable of chassis.

• SLED (Pin 2, 4):

Connects to the Suspend LED cable (if there is one) of chassis front panel.

• PWR (Pin 6, 8):

Connects to the Power Switch cable of chassis front panel.

• PLED (Pin 16, 18, 20):

Connects to the Power LED cable of chassis front panel.

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2-10 Chapter 2

(6). Additional USB Port Headers

These headers each provide 2 additional USB 2.0 ports connection through an USB cable designed for USB 2.0 specifications.

Pin Pin Assignment Pin Pin Assignment

1 VCC 2 VCC

3 - Data 0 4 - Data 1

5 + Data 0 6 + Data 1

7 Ground 8 Ground

10 NC

AX8 Series

Hardware Setup 2-11

Additional IEEE1394 Port Headers (AX8-3rd Eye/AX8) (7).

This header provides one additional IEEE1394 port connection through an extension cable and bracket.

Pin Pin Assignment Pin Pin Assignment

1 TPA0 + 2 TPA0 -

3 GND 4 GND

5 TPB0 + 6 TPB0 -

7 +12V 8 +12V

9 NC 10 GND

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2-12 Chapter 2

(8). Front Panel Audio Connection Header

This header provides the connection to audio connector at front panel.

• To use the audio connector at front panel, remove all the jumpers on this header, and then connect to front panel by the extension cable provided with the chassis.

• To use the audio connector at rear panel, disconnect the extension cable, attach the jumpers back at pin 5-6, and pin 9-10 (default setting).

Pin Pin Assignment Pin Pin Assignment

1 Audio Mic. 2 Ground

3 Audio Mic. Bias 4 VCC

Speaker Out Right

Channel

7 X 8 NC

Speaker Out Left

Channel

Speaker Out Right

Channel Return

Speaker Out Left

Channel Return

AX8 Series

Hardware Setup 2-13

(9). Internal Audio Connectors

These connectors connect to the audio output of internal CD-ROM drive or add-on card.

GURU Clock Connection Header

(10).

This header is reserved for connecting ABIT’s exclusive GURU Clock.

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2-14 Chapter 2

(11). PCI Express x16 Slot

This slot is used to attach the next generation of graphics architecture.

PCI Express x1 Slots

(12).

These slots are used to attach the next generation of I/O architecture.

AX8 Series

Hardware Setup 2-15

(13). Floppy and IDE Disk Drive Connectors

The FDC1 connector connects up to two floppy drives with a 34-wire, 2-connector floppy cable. Connect the single end at the longer length of ribbon cable to the FDC1 on the board, the two connectors on the other end to the floppy disk drives connector. Generally you need only one floppy disk drive in your system.

NOTE: The red line on the ribbon cable must be aligned with pin-1 on both the FDC1 port and the floppy connector.

Each of the IDE port connects up to two IDE drives at Ultra ATA/100 mode by one 40-pin, 80-conductor, and 3-connector Ultra ATA/66 ribbon cables.

Connect the single end (blue connector) at the longer length of ribbon cable to the IDE port of this board, the other two ends (gray and black connector) at the shorter length of the ribbon cable to the connectors of your hard drives.

NOTE: Make sure to configure the “Master” and “Slave” relation before connecting two drives by one single ribbon cable. The red line on the ribbon cable must be aligned with pin-1 on both the IDE port and the hard-drive connector.

For models “AX8-3

Eye” and “AX8”, a third IDE port is supported

via [IDE3] connector, making “RAID 0”, “RAID 1”, “RAID 0+1”, and “JBOD” services possible via the combination of connectors [SATA3], [SATA4], and [IDE3] besides their regular SATA and PATA connection.

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2-16 Chapter 2

(14). POST Code Display

This is an LED device to display the “POST” Code, the acronym of Power On Self Test. The computer will execute the POST action whenever you power on the computer. The POST process is controlled by the BIOS. It is used to detect the status of the computer’s main components and peripherals. Each POST Code corresponds to different checkpoints that are also defined by the BIOS in advance. For example, “memory presence test” is an important checkpoint and its POST Code is “C1”. When the BIOS execute any POST item, it will write the corresponding POST Code into the address 80h. If the POST passes, the BIOS will process the next POST item and write the next POST Code into the address 80h. If the POST fails, we can check the POST Code in address 80h to find out where the problem lies.

This LED device also displays the “POST” Code of AC2003, an “uGuru” chipset developed exclusively by ABIT computer.

NOTE: The decimal point lights up when executing the AC2003 POST action.

See Appendix for both AWARD and AC2003 POST Code definition.

AX8 Series

+ 56 hidden pages

Abit AX8 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Introduction 1-1

Hardware Setup 2-1

Table 2-1. Valid Memory Configurations

Table 2-2. Unbuffered DIMM Support For AMD 939-pin Processor