Aopen AX4SPEL User Manual

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AX4SP/AX4SP-N/AX4SPE-N/AX4SPE-L

DOC. NO.: AX4SPEL-OL-E0304A

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AX4SP/AX4SP-N/AX4SPE-N/AX4SPE-L...............................................................................................1

What’s in this manual ...................................................................................................................................................... 2

You Must Notice .............................................................................................................................................................. 8

Before You Start..............................................................................................................................................................9

Overview ....................................................................................................................................................................... 10

AX4SP / AX4SP-N / AX4SPE-N / AX4SPE-L Comparison Table.................................................................................... 11

Feature Highlight........................................................................................................................................................... 12

Quick Installation Procedure .........................................................................................................................................16

Motherboard Map .......................................................................................................................................................... 17

Block Diagram ............................................................................................................................................................... 18

Hardware Installation................................................................................................................19

About “Manufacturer Upgrade Optional” and “User Upgrade Optional”… ...................................................................... 20

EzColor ......................................................................................................................................................................... 21

JP14 Clear CMOS Data ................................................................................................................................................ 23

CPU Installation ............................................................................................................................................................ 24

CPU Over-current Protection......................................................................................................................................... 28

AOpen “Watch Dog ABS” ..............................................................................................................................................30

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CPU Core Voltage Auto Detectable ............................................................................................................................... 31

CPU and System Fan Connector (with H/W Monitoring) ............................................................................................... 33

JP28 Keyboard/Mouse Wake-up Enable/Disable Jumper .............................................................................................. 34

DIMM Sockets ............................................................................................................................................................... 35

Front Panel Connector .................................................................................................................................................. 38

ATX Power Connector...................................................................................................................................................39

AC Power Auto Recovery .............................................................................................................................................. 40

STBY LED ..................................................................................................................................................................... 41

IDE and Floppy Connector ............................................................................................................................................ 42

Serial ATA Supported (with RAID function, RAID 0 for AX4SPE-L only) ........................................................................ 44

IrDA Connector .............................................................................................................................................................52

S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) Connector......................................................................................................... 53

Super 5.1 Channel Audio Effect .................................................................................................................................... 54

AGP (Accelerated Graphic Port) 8X Expansion Slot......................................................................................................55

AGP Protection Technology and AGP LED....................................................................................................................56

Color Coded Back Panel ...............................................................................................................................................57

Support Gigabit or 10/100 Mbps LAN onboard (for AX4SP-N, AX4SPE-N and AX4SPE-L) ........................................... 58

Support Eight USB 2.0 Connectors ............................................................................................................................... 59

Game Port Bracket Supported ...................................................................................................................................... 60

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Chassis Intrusion Connector .........................................................................................................................................61

CD Audio Connector ..................................................................................................................................................... 62

AUX-IN Connector.........................................................................................................................................................63

Front Audio Connector .................................................................................................................................................. 64

AOConfig Utility ............................................................................................................................................................. 65

Resetable Fuse ............................................................................................................................................................. 67

3300µF Low ESR Capacitor .......................................................................................................................................... 68

Enlarged Aluminum Heatsink ........................................................................................................................................ 70

Vivid BIOS technology...................................................................................................................................................71

The noise is gone!! ---- SilentTek ..................................................................................................................................72

EzClock......................................................................................................................................................................... 75

Hyper Threading Technology......................................................................................................................................... 79

Driver and Utility .......................................................................................................................81

Auto-run Menu from Bonus CD Disc ............................................................................................................................. 81

Installing Intel® Chipset Software Installation Utility....................................................................................................... 82

Installing Onboard Sound Driver ...................................................................................................................................83

Installing Intel IAA Driver RAID Edition in Windows XP (For AX4SPE-L only)............................................................. 84

Installing Gigabit LAN Driver in Windows 2000/XP (for AX4SPE-L)............................................................................... 85

Installing BroadCom BCM4401 10/100 LAN Driver in Windows 2000/XP (for AX4SP-N and AX4SPE-N) ................... 96

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Installing USB 2.0 Driver in Windows 98SE/ME .......................................................................................................... 108

PHOENIX-AWARD BIOS............................................................................................................ 114

How To Use Phoenix-Award™ BIOS Setup Program................................................................................................... 115

How To Enter BIOS Setup ........................................................................................................................................... 116

BIOS Upgrade under Windows environment ............................................................................................................... 117

WinBIOS Utility ........................................................................................................................................................... 119

Glossary ..................................................................................................................................121

AC97 CODEC ............................................................................................................................................................. 121

ACPI (Advanced Configuration & Power Interface) ..................................................................................................... 121

ACR (Advanced Communication Riser)....................................................................................................................... 121

AGP (Accelerated Graphic Port).................................................................................................................................. 122

AMR (Audio/Modem Riser).......................................................................................................................................... 122

ATA (AT Attachment) ...................................................................................................................................................122

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) .............................................................................................................................. 123

Bluetooth..................................................................................................................................................................... 123

CNR (Communication and Networking Riser).............................................................................................................. 123

DDR (Double Data Rate) RAM .................................................................................................................................... 124

ECC (Error Checking and Correction) ......................................................................................................................... 124

EEPROM (Electronic Erasable Programmable ROM).................................................................................................. 124

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EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM)..................................................................................................................... 124

EV6 Bus ...................................................................................................................................................................... 125

FCC DoC (Declaration of Conformity) .........................................................................................................................125

FC-PGA (Flip Chip-Pin Grid Array) .............................................................................................................................. 125

FC-PGA2 (Flip Chip-Pin Grid Array) ............................................................................................................................ 125

Flash ROM .................................................................................................................................................................. 125

Hyper Threading ......................................................................................................................................................... 126

IEEE 1394...................................................................................................................................................................126

Parity Bit ..................................................................................................................................................................... 126

PCI (Peripheral Component Interface) Bus .................................................................................................................127

PDF Format................................................................................................................................................................. 127

PnP (Plug and Play) .................................................................................................................................................... 127

POST (Power-On Self Test) ........................................................................................................................................127

PSB (Processor System Bus) Clock ............................................................................................................................ 127

RDRAM (Rambus Dynamic Random Access Memory)................................................................................................ 128

RIMM (Rambus Inline Memory Module) ......................................................................................................................128

SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM) .................................................................................................................................... 128

SATA (Serial ATA) .......................................................................................................................................................128

SMBus (System Management Bus) ............................................................................................................................. 129

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SPD (Serial Presence Detect) ..................................................................................................................................... 129

USB 2.0 (Universal Serial Bus) ...................................................................................................................................129

VCM (Virtual Channel Memory)................................................................................................................................... 129

Wireless LAN – 802.11b .............................................................................................................................................. 130

ZIP file......................................................................................................................................................................... 130

Troubleshooting....................................................................................................................... 131

Technical Support ...................................................................................................................135

Product Registration ...............................................................................................................138

How to Contact Us .................................................................................................................. 139

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YYoouu MMuusstt NNoottiiccee

Adobe, the Adobe logo, Acrobat is trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.

AMD, the AMD logo, Athlon and Duron are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

Intel, the Intel logo, Intel Celeron, Pentium II, Pentium III, Pentium 4 are trademarks of Intel Corporation.

Microsoft, Windows, and Windows logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

All product and brand names used on this manual are used for identification purposes only and may be the registered trademarks of their respective owners.

All of the specifications and information contained in this manual are subject to change without notice. AOpen reserves the right to revise this publication and to make reasonable changes. AOpen assumes no responsibility for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this manual, including the products and software described in it.

This documentation is protected by copyright law. All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be used or reproduced in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system without prior written permission from AOpen Corporation. Copyright

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BBeeffoorree YYoouu SSttaarrtt

This Online Manual will introduce to the user how this product is installed. All useful information will be described in later

chapters. Please keep this manual carefully for future upgrades or system configuration changes. This Online Manual is saved

in PDF format

get free download from Adobe web site

Although this Online Manual is optimized for screen viewing, it is still capable for hardcopy printing, you can print it by A4 paper

size and set 2 pages per A4 sheet on your printer. To do so, choose File > Page Setup and follow the instruction of your printer

driver.

Thanks for the help of saving our earth.

, we recommend using Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 for online viewing, it is included in Bonus CD disc or you can

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OOvveerrvviieeww

Thank you for choosing AOpen AX4SP / AX4SP-N / AX4SPE-N / AX4SPE-L motherboard. The AX4SP / AX4SP-N / AX4SPE-N /

AX4SPE-L is Intel

AX4SP and AX4SP-N) or Intel

M/B, the AX4SP / AX4SP-N / AX4SPE-N / AX4SPE-L motherboard can support Intel

MHz Front Side Bus (FSB)

performance, it has one AGP slot and supports AGP 8X/4X mode and pipelined spilt-transaction long burst transfer up to

AGP

2112MB/sec. According to different customer’s requirements, the Intel Springdale-P/PE chipset memory interface supports

400/333/266 (Intel Springdale-P chipset only support DDR333/266) RAM devices with densities of 128, 256, 512Mb DDR

DDR

RAM modules and the maximum memory size can be up to 4 GB. The onboard IDE controller supports Ultra DMA

mode, Serial ATA

this board. For AX4SPE-L, it also supports RAID 0 function under

Windows XP when use Serial ATA hard disks. On the strength of

Broadcom Gigabit BCM5705 controller (for AX4SPE-L) or

Broadcom BCM4401 LAN controller (for AX4SP-N and AX4SPE-N)

on board, it provides 10/100M bps Ethernet for office and home

use. Besides, the AX4SP / AX4SP-N / AX4SPE-N / AX4SPE-L has

an AC97 CODEC

magic surround stereo sound to let people enjoy working with it.

More than that, this motherboard supports USB 2.0

fancy speed of up to 480Mbps. Now, let’s enjoy all features from

AOpen AX4SP / AX4SP-N / AX4SPE-N / AX4SPE-L motherboard.

Socket 478 motherboard (M/B) based on the ATX form factor featuring the Intel® Springdale-P chipset(for

150 Mbps and there are 6 PCI slots provided on

chipset onboard, providing high performance and

Springdale-PE chipset(for AX4SPE-N and AX4SPE-L) . As high performance chipset built in the

clock(for AX4SP and AX4SP-N, they support 533/400 FSB clock and 800MHz Overclocking). In the

function with a

Socket 478 Pentium® 4 and 400/533/800

33/66/100

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Following we list functions of all models. “V” represents those functions that the model equips with and “X” represents

functions that models don’t have. Please always refer to this page to see the functions of your model.

Item AX4SP AX4SP-N AX4SPE-N AX4SPE-L

Chipset (NB, SB)

FSB

Memory

LAN

RAID 0

Intel Springdale-P,

Intel ICH5

533/400 MHz 533/400 MHz 800/533/400 MHz 800/533/400 MHz

DDR 333/266 DDR 333/266 DDR 400/333/266 DDR 400/333/266

X X X V

Intel Springdale-P,

Intel ICH5

Broadcom BCM4401

10/100Mbps

Intel Springdale-PE,

Intel ICH5

Broadcom BCM4401

10/100Mbps

Intel Springdale-PE,

Gigabit BCM5705

10/100/1000Mbps

Intel ICH5R

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FFeeaattuurree HHiigghhlliigghhtt

CPU

Supports Intel® Socket 478 Pentium® 4 1.6GHz~3.06 GHz+ designed for Socket 478 technology. AX4SPE-N and AX4SPE-L

support 400/533/800 MHz FSB; AX4SP and AX4SP-N only support 400/533 MHz FSB.

Chipset

Springdale-P/PE is a Memory Controller Hub (MCH) designed for use with the Pentium 4 processor with 512-KB L2 cache on

0.13 micron processor. The MCH provides CPU, DDR, AGP, Hub, and CSA Interfaces. The CPU interface supports Pentium 4

processor subset of the Extended Mode of the Scalable Bus Protocol. The MCH memory interface supports one up to two

channels of DDR, and the AGP interface supports 0.8V/1.5V signaling with 8X/4X data transfers and 8X/4X AGP Fast Writes.

The Springdale-P/PE platform supports the fifth generation I/O Controller Hub (ICH5 and ICH5R).

The ICH5 integrates an Ultra ATA 100 controller, two Serial ATA host controllers, one EHCI host controller and four UHCI host

controllers supporting eight external USB 2.0 ports, LPC interface controller; flash BIOS interface controller, PCI interface

controller, AC’97 digital controller, an ASF controller and a hub interface for communication with the Springdale-P/PE MCH. The

ICH5R offers the same feature as ICH5 and adds support for

RAID

0 functions.

Expansion Slots

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Including six 32-bit/33MHz PCI and one AGP 8X/4X slots. The PCI local bus throughput can be up to 132MB/s. Of six PCI slots

provided, five of them are master PCI slots with arbitration and decoding for all integrated functions and LPC bus, and PCI 6

supports slave mode PCI card only. AX4SP / AX4SP-N / AX4SPE-N / AX4SPE-L motherboard includes one AGP expansion slot

for a bus mastering AGP graphic card. The

sophistication and speed. The AGP video cards support data transfer rate up to 2112MB/s.

Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)

specification provides a new level of video display

Memory

With Springdale-P/PE chipset, this motherboard can support dual channel Double-Data-Rate (DDR) RAM. The dual channel

mode allows chipsets to get data in 128 bit and zero wait state bursting between the RAM, The data transfers at

266/333/400MHz(AX4SP and AX4SP-N only support DDR266/333MHz). The four slots of DDR RAM can be composed of an

arbitrary mixture of 128, 256, 512 MB or 1GB DDR RAM and maximum up to 4GB.

LAN Port (AX4SP-N, AX4SPE-N and AX4SPE-L only)

For AX4SPE-L, on the strength of Broadcom BCM5705 on board, which is a highly-integrated Platform LAN Connect device, it

provides 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet for office and home use. For AX4SP-N and AX4SPE-N, there is a Broadcom BCM4401

controller on board, and it can provide 10/100 Mbps Ethernet.

Ultra DMA 33/66/100 Bus Mater IDE

Comes with an on-board PCI Bus Master IDE controller with two connectors that support four IDE devices in two channels,

supports Ultra DMA 33/66/100, PIO Modes 3 and 4 and Bus Master IDE DMA Mode 5, and supports Enhanced IDE devices.

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Serial ATA

Integrated in ICH5/ICH5R that contains independent DMA operation on two ports. The SATA controllers are completely software

transparent with the IDE interface, while providing a lower pin count and higher performance. The ICH5/ICH5R SATA interface

supports data transfer rates up to 150MB/s. For AX4SPE-L, it integrates ICH5R on board and supports RAID 0 function under

Windows XP when using SATA HDD.

On-board AC’97 Sound

AX4SP / AX4SP-N / AX4SPE-N / AX4SPE-L use the AC97 CODEC sound chip. This on-board audio includes a complete audio

recording and playback system.

1MHz Stepping Frequency Adjustment

Provides “1MHz Stepping Frequency Adjustment” function in the BIOS. This magic function allows you adjust FSB frequency

from 100~400 by 1MHz stepping adjustment, and lets your system can get maximum performance.

Watch Dog ABS

Includes AOpen “Watch Dog ABS” functions that can auto-reset default settings in 4.8 seconds when you fail to system

overclocking.

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S/PDIF Connectors

S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) is a newest audio transfer format, which provides impressive quality through optical fiber

and allows you to enjoy digital audio instead of analog audio.

Eight USB 2.0 Ports

Provides six ports on the back panel and one USB 2.0 connector on the board, providing a total of eight USB 2.0 interface to

connect devices such as mouse, keyboard, modem, scanner, etc.

Power Management/Plug and Play

Supports the power management function that confirms to the power-saving standards of the U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency (EPA) Energy Star program. It also offers

making the system much user-friendlier.

Plug-and-Play

, which helps save users from configuration problems, thus

Hardware Monitoring Management

Supports CPU or system fans status, temperature and voltage monitoring and alert, through the on-board hardware monitor

module.

Enhanced ACPI

Fully implement the ACPI standard for Windows® 98SE/ME/2000/XP series compatibility, and supports Soft-Off, STR (Suspend

to RAM, S3), STD (Suspend to Disk, S4) features.

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QQuuiicckk IInnssttaallllaattiioonn PPrroocceedduurree

This page gives you a quick procedure on how to install your system. Follow each step accordingly.

1. Installing CPU and Fan

2. Installing System Memory (DIMM)

3. Connecting Front Panel Cable

4. Connecting IDE and Floppy Cable

5. Connecting ATX Power Cable

6. Connecting Back Panel Cable

7. Power-on and Load BIOS Setup Default

8. Setting CPU Frequency

Reboot

Installing Operating System (such as Windows XP)

10.

Installing Driver and Utility

11.

(

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XX4

Broadcom Gigabit LAN chip

Broadcom BCM4401 LAN chip

32-bit PCI Expansion Slot x6

(AX4SPE-L only)

(AX4SP-N and AX4SPE-N)

Game Port Connector

CD-IN Connector

Onboard AC’97 CODEC

AUX-IN Connector

Front Audio Connector

S/PDIF Connector

Case Open Connector

SYSFAN3 Connector

IrDA Connector

USB 2.0 Connector

JP14 CMOS Clear Jumper

2Mb Flash ROM BIOS

(AX4SPE-L with 3Mb Flash ROM)

(only AX4SPE-L support RAID 0)

STBY LED

AGP Protection LED

Serial ATA Port x2

Front Panel Connector

FDD Connector

Motherboard Map

Colored Back Panel

JP28 Keyboard/Mouse Wakeup Enable/Disable Jumper

Resetable Fuse

SYSFAN2 Connector

3300μF Low ESR Capacitors

4-pin 12V. ATX Power Connector

8x AGP Slot

478-pin CPU socket with Voltage and Frequency Auto-detection that supports Intel

1.6~3.06GHz+ CPU

Intel® Springdale-P/PE chipset

CPUFAN1 Connector 184-pin DIMMx4 supports Dual Channel mode DDR 400/333/266 Max. to 4GB (only AX4SPE-N and AX4SPE-L support DDR400) ATX Power Connector

ATA 33/66/100 IDE Connector x2

Pentium4

Northwood)

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BBlloocckk DDiiaaggrraamm

Socket 478

Inte l

Pentium 4

CPU

AGP 8x/4x Slo t

800/533/400MHz

LAN connect C omponent

(for AX4SP-N ,A X4SPE-N

Floppy Disk Drive x2

DDR 400/333/266 Dual Channel

RAM up to 4G

DIMM Socket x4

System Bus

Intel Springdale- P

(AX4SP and AX4SP-N)

Intel Springdale-PE

(AX4SPE-N and AXSPE-L)

GMCH

and AX4SPE-L)

USB 2.0

Connector x8

PCI Bus

Two Serial ATA Ports 150M B/s

ATA

33/66100

Broadcom BCM5702

(AX4SPE-L)

Broadcom BCM4401

(AX4SP-N, AX4SPE -N)

1stUSB Port

2ndUSB Port

3rdUSB Port

4thUSB Port

32-bit PCI Slot x6

Primary

Channel

Secondary

Intel ICH5

(for AX4SP, AX4SP-N

and AX4SPE-N)

ICH5R(for AX4SP E-L)

Channel

Low

Pin Count Super

I/O

AC97

CODEC

Firmware Hub

2Mbit Flash EEPROM

(for AX4SP,AX4SP-N and

AX4SPE-N) 3Mbit Fl ash

EEPROM (for AX4SPE-L)

Parallel Port

Serial Port x2

SATA 1

SATA 2

IDE D rive x4

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HHaarrddwwaarree IInnssttaallllaattiioonn

This chapter describes jumpers, connectors and hardware devices of this motherboard.

Note: Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage your processor, disk drives, expansion boards, and other

components. Always observe the following precautions before you install a system component.

1. Do not remove a component from its protective packaging until you are ready to install it.

2. Wear a wrist ground strap and attach it to a metal part of the system unit before handling a component. If

a wrist strap is not available, maintain contact with the system unit throughout any procedure requiring

ESD protection.

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AAbboouutt ““MMaannuuffaaccttuurreerr UUppggrraaddee OOppttiioonnaall”” aanndd ““UUsseerr UUppggrraaddee OOppttiioonnaall””……

When you read this online manual and start to assemble your computer system, you may find some of functions are called “Manufacturer

Upgrade Optional”, and some are called “User Upgrade Optional”. Though all AOpen motherboards include many amazing and powerful

features, in some situations, these powerful features are not used to every user. Hence, we changed some key features as “Manufacturer

Upgrade Optional” for you to choose. Some optional functions that can be upgraded by users, we call them “User Upgrade Optional”. As for

those optional functions that can’t be upgraded by ourselves, we call them “Manufacturer Upgrade Optional”. If needed, you can contact our

local distributors or resellers for purchasing “User Upgrade Optional” components, and again you can visit AOpen official web site:

http://english.aopen.com.tw/

for more detail information.

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EEzzCCoolloorr

Breaking through traditional outlook of motherboard, AOpen now brings you a new fresh look of motherboard! – EzColor!

Fancy? You may think so, but actually it is a practical and useful feature for amateur or even power-users. Coming in specific color for

specific connector and module, components on motherboard are now born with their respective colors. Users may now easily recognize

what jumper or cable should match with specific jumper or cable by COLOR, without having the trouble of holding user guide in one hand

and connecting jumpers with the other hand.

And what makes this feature so great is that, even the easy-to-get-confused front panel connector is differentiated now with different light

colors!

Light Yellow: PCI Master

Dark Blue: Memory Module

Purple: Memory Module

Light Blue: AGP Slot

Brown: PCI Slave

Dark Red: Both

4-pin and 12-pin

ATX connector

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Red: Serial ATA connector

IDE LED

SPEAKER

Note: Colors setting varies on different motherboards, the color setting here applies only to AX4SP / AX4SP-N / AX4SPE-N / AX4SPE-L.

ACPI & Power LED

RESET

Blue: IDE 1 Connector

(

)

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JJPP1144 CClleeaarr CCMMOOSS DDaattaa

You can clear CMOS to restore system default setting. To clear the CMOS, follow the procedure below.

1. Turn off the system and unplug the AC power.

2. Remove ATX power cable from connector PWR2.

3. Locate JP14 and short pins 2-3 for a few seconds.

4. Return JP14 to its normal setting by shorting pins 1 & pin2.

5. Connect ATX power cable back to connector PWR2.

Pin 1

Normal default

Clear CMOS

Tip: When should I Clear CMOS?

1. Boot fails because of overclocking…

2. Forget password…

3. Troubleshooting…

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CCPPUU IInnssttaallllaattiioonn

This motherboard supports Intel® Pentium 4 Socket 478 series CPU. Be careful of CPU orientation when you plug it into CPU socket.

1. Pull up the CPU socket lever and

up to 90-degree angle.

Note: These pictures are for example only; it may not exactly be the same motherboard.

3. Press down the CPU socket lever and finish CPU installation.

2. Locate Pin 1 in the socket and look for a cut edge on the CPU upper

interface. Match Pin 1 and cut edge, then insert the CPU into the socket.

CPU socket

Lever

CPU pin 1 and

cut edge

CPU cut edge

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Note: This picture is for example only; it may not exactly be the same motherboard.

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CPU cut edge

Note: This socket supports

Micro-FC-PGA2 package CPU, which is

the latest CPU package developed by

Intel. Other forms of CPU package are

impossible to be fitted in.

Note: If you do not match the CPU

socket Pin 1 and CPU cut edge well, it

damage the CPU.

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CCPPUU FFaann IInnssttaallllaattiioonn

This motherboard comes with a retention module attached on the CPU socket when shipped, we strongly recommend you to install AOpen

special designed CPU Fan as shown below on the retention module for better heat dissipation. Please install the CPU Fan correctly as the

following pictures shown.

1. Gently put the CPU Fan down on the

retention module with clips aligning correctly to the four corners.

2. Pressing down the four clips with force one by one on the retention module.

Clip

AAXX44SSPP // AAXX44SSPP--NN // AAXX44SSPPEE--NN // AAXX44SSPPEE--LL OOnnlliinnee MMaannuuaall

CCPPUU JJuummppeerr--lleessss DDeessiiggnn

CPU VID signal and SMbus clock generator provide CPU voltage auto-detection and allows the user to set the CPU frequency through the

BIOS setup, therefore no jumpers or switches are used. The disadvantages of the Pentium based jumper-less designs are eliminated.

There will be no worry of wrong CPU voltage detection.

CPU VID signal

(Automatically generates CPU voltage)

Intel® Socket 478

Power Regulator

Pentium 4

CPU voltage

Clock Generator

CPU Freq. Ratio

BIOS

Controlled

Circuit

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CCPPUU OOvveerr--ccuurrrreenntt PPrrootteeccttiioonn

The Over Current Protection is a popular implementation on ATX 3.3V/5V/12V switching power supply. However, the new generation CPU

uses different voltage with a regulator to transfer 12V to CPU voltage (for example, 2.0V), and thus makes 5V over current protection

useless. This motherboard is with switching regulator onboard supporting CPU over-current protection; in conjunction with 3.3V/5V/12V

power supply provide the full line over-current protection.

ATX Switching Power Supply

Note: Although we have implemented protection circuit try to prevent any human operating mistake,

there is still certain risk that CPU, memory, HDD, add-on cards installed on this motherboard may be

damaged because of component failure, human operating error or unknown nature reason. AOpen

cannot guaranty the protection circuit will always work perfectly.

5V (Protected by power supply)

3.3V (Protected by power supply)

12V (Protected by power supply)

Onboard Power Regulator

(Over-Current Protection)

CPU Core Voltage

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BBaatttteerryy--lleessss aanndd LLoonngg LLiiffee DDeessiiggn

This Motherboard implements a Flash ROM

Setup configurations. The RTC (real time clock) can also keep running as long as the power cord is plugged. If you lose your CMOS data

by accident, you can just reload the CMOS configurations from Flash ROM and the system will recover as usual.

and a special circuit that provide you no batter power consumption of current CPU and CMOS

ATX Stand-by Power

Battery

Flash ROM

(Real Time Clock)

Auto Switch

RTC

00:00:00

CMOS

Auto switch to ATX standby

power as long as AC power line

is plugged. This smart design

increases battery life if you still

plug battery on motherboard.

Backup by EEPROM

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AAOOppeenn ““WWaattcchh DDoogg AABBSS””

CPU FSB frequency according to user’s settings stored in the BIOS. If system failed in BIOS POST, the “Watch Dog Timer” will

reset the system to reboot in five seconds. Then, BIOS will detect the CPU’s default frequency and POST again. With this

special feature, you can easily overclock your system to get a higher system performance without removing the system housing

and save the hassle from setting the jumper to clear CMOS data when system hangs.

AOpen

Watch Dog ABS

Enable/Disable Signal

AOpen provides a special and useful feature on this motherboard for overclockers.

When you power-on the system, the BIOS will check last system POST

succeeded, the BIOS will enable “Watch Dog ABS” function immediately, and set the

from BIOS

BIOS

Reset Signal

Clock Generator

Countdown about

5 seconds if fails

in POST

status. If it

CPU ID Signal

CPU

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CCPPUU CCoorree VVoollttaaggee AAuuttoo DDeetteeccttaabbllee

This motherboard supports CPU VID function. The CPU core voltage will be automatically detected and the range is from 1.1V ~

1.85V. It is not necessary to set CPU Core Voltage.

SSeettttiinngg CCPPUU FFrreeqquueennccyy

BIOS Setup > Frequency/Voltage Control > CPU Bus Frequency

This motherboard is CPU jumper-less design, you can set CPU frequency through the BIOS setup, and no jumpers or switches

are needed.

CPU Ratio 8x, 9x, 10x,…22x, 23x, 24x

CPU FSB 100MHz~400MHz

Home

Tip: If your system hangs or fails to boot because of

overclocking, simply use <Home> key to restore the

default setting or you can wait the AOpen “Watch Dog

Timer” reset the system after five seconds and system

will auto-detect hardware again.

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SSPP--N

// AAXX44SSPPEE--NN // AAXX44SSPPEE--LL OOnnlliinnee MMaannuuaall

Core Frequency = CPU FSB Clock * CPU Ratio

PCI Clock = CPU FSB Clock / Clock Ratio

AGP Clock = PCI Clock x 2

Northwood CPU

Pentium 4 1.6G 1600MHz 100MHz 400MHz 16x

Pentium 4 1.6G 1600MHz 133MHz 533MHz 12x

Pentium 4 1.7G 1700MHz 133MHz 533MHz 13x

Pentium 4 1.8G 1800MHz 100MHz 400MHz 18x

Pentium 4 2.0G 2000MHz 100MHz 400MHz 20x

Pentium 4 2.2G 2200MHz 100MHz 400MHz 22x

Pentium 4 2.26G 2260MHz 133MHz 533MHz 17x

Pentium 4 2.4G 2400MHz 100MHz 400MHz 24x

Pentium 4 2.4G 2400MHz 133MHz 533MHz 18x

Pentium 4 2.53G 2530MHz 133MHz 533MHz 19x

Pentium 4 2.6G 2600MHz 200MHz 800MHz 13X

Pentium 4 2.66G 2660MHz 133MHz 533MHz 20x

Pentium 4 2.80G 2800MHz 133MHz 533MHz 21x

Pentium 4 2.80G 2800MHz 200MHz 800MHz 14x

Pentium 4 3.0G 3000MHz 200MHz 800MHz 15x

Pentium 4 3.06G 3060MHz 133MHz 533MHz 23x

CPU Core Frequency

FSB Clock System Bus Ratio

Note: Intel Springdale-P/PE chipset

only support Northwood processors,

and don’t support Willamette or

Celeron processors. Northwood

processor would detect the clock

ratio automatically, you may not be

able to adjust the clock ratio in BIOS

manually.

Warning: Intel® Springdale-P/PE

chipset supports maximum

400/533/800 MHz

(100/133/200MHz*4) system bus and

66MHz AGP clock; higher clock

setting may cause serious system

damage.

AAXX44SSPP // A

XX44SSPP--NN // AAXX44S

PPEE--NN // AAXX44SSPPEE--LL OOnnlliinnee MMaannuuaall

CCPPUU aanndd SSyysstteemm FFaann CCoonnnneeccttoorr ((wwiitthh HH//WW MMoonniittoorriinngg))

The fan Connectors are painted in white in EzColor. Please plug in the CPU fan cable to the 3-pin CPUFAN1 connector. If you

have chassis fan, you can also plug it on SYSFAN2 or SYSFAN3 connector.

SYSFAN3 Connector

SENSOR

+12V

GND

SYSFAN2 Connector

CPUFAN1 Fan Connector

Note: Some CPU fans do not have

sensor pin, so that cannot support

hardware monitoring function.

GND +12V SENSOR

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JJPP2288 KKeeyybbooaarrdd//MMoouussee WWaakkee--uupp EEnnaabbllee//DDiissaabbllee JJuummppeerr

This motherboard provides keyboard / mouse wake-up function. You can use JP28 to enable or disable this function, which

could resume your system from suspend mode with keyboard or mouse installed. The factory default setting is set to “Disable”

(1-2), and you may enable this function by setting the jumper to 2-3.

Disable

(Default)

JP28

KB/Mouse Wake-up

Enable

Pin 1

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DDIIMMMM SSoocckkeettss

This motherboard has four 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets that allow you to install 128-bit dual channel DDR400, DDR333 or

DDR266 memory up to 4GB (AX4SPE-N and AX4SPE-L support DDR400/333/266; AX4SP and AX4SP-N support DDR333/266).

The DIMM sockets are painted in blue and purple in this motherboard and please insert RAM into the slots in same color to get

performance of Dual channel. Only non-ECC DDR RAM is supported. Please install suitable modules; otherwise serious

damage may occur on memory sockets or you RAM modules. Newly implemented function, the Voltage of memory on this

motherboard is adjustable from 2.5V to 2.875V for over clocking purpose.

Warning: This motherboard supports DDR RAM. Please

do not install the SDRAM on the DDR RAM sockets;

otherwise it will cause serious damage on memory

sockets or SDRAM module.

DIMMA1 DIMMA2 DIMMB1 DIMMB2

Note: To run dual channel speed, you have to

use the same type memory modules installed on

two DIMM. If you install two different sized

modules, the system can only run single channel

mode and with the speed of that lower memory

module.

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NN // AAXX44SSPPEE--NN // AAXX44SSPPEE--LL OOnnlliinnee MMaannuuaall

HHooww ttoo IInnssttaallll MMeemmooryy MMoodduulleess

Please follow the procedure as shown below to finish memory installation.

1. Make sure the DIMM module’s pin face down and match the socket’s size as depicted below.

2. Insert the module straight down to the DIMM slot with both hands and press down firmly until the DIMM module is securely

in place.

3. Repeat step 2 to finish additional DIMM modules installation.

Ta b

Note: Please pay attention

to the blue slots. To run dual

channel speed, you should

insert the RAM in the slot of

DIMM A1 and DIMM B1 or

DIMM A2 and DIMM B2.

Please don't use the

different frequency DIMM

on dual channel.

52 pins40 pins

Note: The tabs of the DIMM

slot will close-up to hold the

DIMM in place when the

DIMM touches the slot’s

bottom.

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Maximum the performance of Dual Channel

To get the highest performance of Dual Channel, the DIMM must meet the following conditions.

Matched DIMM configuration in each channel

● Same Density (128MB, 256MB, 512MB, etc.) ● Same DRAM technology (128Mb, 256Mb, or 512Mb)

● Same DRAM bus width (x8 or x16) ● Either single-sided or dual-sided

Matched in both Channel A and Channel B memory channels

● Populate symmetrical memory slots (Slot 0 or Slot 1)

Note: Memory interface speed will be set to the lowest speed of memory populated.

Table below shows DIMMs with same Organization and Density, but are non-matching as bus width, technology and/or external

banks are different. Mixing these DIMMs will put platform into single channel mode.

Non-Matched

128MB DIMMs

Non-Matched

256MB DIMMs

Same Organization Same Density Different Bus Width Different TechnologySame # of DRAM Banks

Organization Density

16Mx64 128MB 16Mx8 *8 pcs 128MB 1

16Mx64 128MB 16Mx16 *4 pcs 256MB 1

32Mx64 256MB 16Mx8 *16 pcs 128MB 2

32Mx64 256MB 32Mx8 *8 pcs 256MB 1

Composition Technology

External

Same Bus Width Different TechnologySame Density Same Organization Different # of DRAM Banks

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FFrroonntt PPaanneell CCoonnnneeccttoorr

Pin1

IDE LED

SPEAKER

The pins of Front Panel Connector are painted in different colors with their

respective functions. Please attach the power LED, speaker, power and reset

switch connectors to the corresponding pins matched in same colors. If you

enable “Suspend Mode” item in BIOS Setup, the ACPI & Power LED will keep

flashing while the system is in suspend mode.

Locate the power switch cable from your ATX housing. It is 2-pin female

connector from the housing front panel. Plug this connector to the soft-power

switch connector marked SPWR.

Suspend Type ACPI LED

Power on Suspend (S1) or Suspend to RAM (S3) Blinking between green and red.

Suspend to Disk (S4) The LED will be turned off

Power Switch

ACPI & Power LED

RESET

IDE LED IDE LED

SPEAKER

NC NC

+5V

+5V +5V

GND

SPWR GND ACPILEDGND ACPILED+ NC NC GND RESET GND

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AATTXX PPoowweerr CCoonnnneeccttoorr

This motherboard comes with a 20-pin and 4-pin ATX power connector in Dark Red. Make sure you plug in the right direction

with the same color cables. We strongly recommend you to connect the 4-pin 12V ATX connector before connecting the 20-pin

ATX power connector and use standard power supply specially designed for Pentium 4 system.

4-Pin 12V ATX Power Connector

20-Pin Power Connector

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AC PPoowweerr AAuuttoo RReeccoovveerryy

A traditional ATX system should remain at power off stage when AC power resumes from power failure. This design is

inconvenient for a network server or workstation, without an UPS, that needs to keep power-on. This motherboard implements

an AC Power Auto Recovery function to solve this problem.

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SSTTBBYY LLEEDD

STBY LED is AOpen’s considerate designs that aim at providing you friendly system information. The STBY LED will light up

when power is provided to the motherboard. This is a convenient indication for you to check the system power status in many

circumstances such as power on/off, stand-by mode and RAM power status during Suspend to RAM mode.

System

Power LED

Warning: Do not install or remove the

DIMM module or others devices when

the STBY LED lights on.

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IIDDEE aanndd FFllooppppyy CCoonnnneeccttoorr

Connect 34-pin floppy cable and 40-pin IDE cable to floppy connector FDD and IDE connector. The IDE 1 connector is painted

in blue; the IDE 2 and FDD connector are painted in Black. It is easily to identify and be careful of the pin1 orientation. Wrong

orientation may cause system damage.

Pin 1

FDD Connector

Primary

Slave (2nd)

Pin 1

Secondary

Slave (4th)

ATA 33/66/100 IDE Connector

Primary

Master (1st)

IDE 1 (Primary)

IDE 2 (Secondary)

Secondary

Master (3rd)

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IDE1 is also known as the primary channel, IDE2 is known as the secondary channel. Each channel supports two IDE devices

that make a total of four devices. In order to work together, the two devices on each channel must be set differently to Master

and Slave mode. Either one can be the hard disk or the CDROM. The setting as master or slave mode depends on the jumper

on your IDE device, so please refer to your hard disk and CDROM manual accordingly.

Warning: The specification of the IDE cable is a maximum

of 46cm (18 inches); make sure your cable does not exceed

this length.

Tip:

1. For better signal quality, it is recommended to set the far end

side device to master mode and follow the suggested sequence

to install your new device. Please refer to above diagram

2. To achieve the best performance of Ultra DMA 66/100 hard

disks, a special 80-wires IDE cable for Ultra DMA 66/100 is

required.

AAXX44SSPP // AAXX44SSPP--NN // AAXX44SSPPEE--NN // AAXX44SSPPEE--LL OOnnlliinnee MMaan

uuaall

SSeerriiaall AATTAA SSuuppppoorrtteedd ((wwiitthh RRAAIIDD ffuunnccttiioonn,, RRAAIIDD 00 ffoorr AAXX44SSPPEE--LL oonnllyy))

The traditional parallel ATA specification has defined the standard storage interface for PCs with its original speed of just 3

Mbytes/second since the protocol was introduced in the 1980s. And the latest generation of the interface, Ultra ATA-133, has

been developed further with a burst data transfer rate of 133 Mbytes/second. However, while ATA has enjoyed an illustrious

track record, the specification is now showing its age and imposes some serious design issues on today’s developers, including

a 5-volt signaling requirement, high pin count, and serious cabling headaches.

The Serial ATA specification is designed to overcome these design limitations while enabling the storage interface to scale with

the growing media rate demands of PC platforms. Serial ATA is to replace parallel ATA with the compatibility with existing

operating systems and drivers, adding performance headroom for years to come. It reduces voltage and pins count

requirements and can be implemented with thin and easy to route cables.

Port 0

Port 1

Serial ATA Ports

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CCoonnnneeccttiinngg SSeerriiaall AATTAA DDiisskk

You will find the RED serial ATA connectors in motherboard easily. To connect a Serial ATA disk, you have to have a 7-pin serial

ATA cable which is red too. Connect two ends of the serial ATA cable to the serial ATA header on the motherboard and the disk.

Like every other traditional disk, you also have to connect a power cable. Please be noted that it is a jumper free implement;

you don’t need to set jumpers to define a master or slave disk. When serial ATA hard disks are installed on serial ATA ports, the

one connected on Port 0(SATA 1) will be set as the first boot device automatically. Please be noted that it doesn’t support

Hot-Plug in function.

Item Parallel ATA Serial ATA

Bandwidth 100/133 MB/Sec 150/300/600 MB/Sec

Vol ts 5V 250mV

Pins 40 7

Length Limitation 18 inch (45.72cm) 1 meter (100cm)

Cable Wide Thin

Ventilation Bad Good

Peer-to-Peer No Yes

Comparison between Parallel ATA and Serial ATA

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AAddjjuussttiinngg YYoouurr HHaarrdd DDiisskk

Except its original 2 sets of parallel IDE, this motherboard does come with the support for the latest Serial ATA hard disk. If you

are unable to find your newly installed Serial ATA hard disks on your operating system after you have had installed them on, the

problem mainly lies in the BIOS setting. You may simply adjust BIOS settings to have them work properly.

After having properly installed your hard disks, you may directly get into the BIOS setting screen for adjustment. You may simply

press “Integrated Peripherals Æ On-Chip IDE Device Æ On-Chip Serial ATA” to choose your preferable mode. If you have no

intention of changing its setting, the default would be Auto.

AAXX44SSPP // AAXX44SSPP--NN // AAXX44SSPPEE--NN // AAXX44SSPPEE--LL OOnnlliinnee MMaannuuaall

If you intend to change the default setting, simply press Enter for a list of selection:

1. Disabled: You may choose this item if you’re sure that only traditional IDE

hard disks had been installed on your system. Disabling this item may also

cancel the detection to Serial ATA hard disk during POST, which theoretically,

could speed up your boot-up timing for a little bit; however, please remember

to re-adjust the settings here if you intend to use Serial ATA hard disk later.

2. Auto: This is the default setting upon receipt of the motherboard. Basically, if

your system functions properly, it’s not necessary to change it. The system

will automatically recognize the first hard disk on IDE1 as the first boot

device.

Note: Please be informed that when you are using Windows98/ME with six hard disks fully installed, Auto mode is not able

to function properly, it’s just because Windows98/Me is not able to energize Enhanced Mode to detect all hard disks.

3. Combined Mode: If you have had installed traditional IDE hard disks and Serial ATA hard disks at the same time, then you

may choose this Combined Mode. Under this mode, you may randomly choose either IDE hard disks or Serial ATA had disk

as your first boot device. But please be aware that Serial ATA will exist with IDE in a mapping way, which also means it will

occupy one of the IDE Channel and left you with one IDE Channel only.

4. Enhanced Mode: If you are using the latest operating system (say, Windows XP, Windows.NET Server), it is highly

recommended to select Enhanced Mode. The system would be able to detect all six devices (traditional IDE x4, Serial ATA

x 2) completely and functions perfectly under this mode. But please be noted that it is defaulted with using traditional IDE

as the first boot device.

Note: From our practical lab tests, we found no obvious problem or mistakes happened under Windows2000 operating

system, but, however, it is not within the regulation recommended by Intel.

5. SATA Only: You may select this SATA only mode if you have had installed Serial ATA hard disks only. It also allows you to

select booting sequence from Port0 (SerialATA1) or Port1 (SerialATA2).

AAXX44SSPP // AAXX44SSPP--NN // AAXX44SSPPEE--NN // AAXX44SSPPEE--LL OOnnlliinnee MMaannuuaall

WWhhaatt’’ss RRAAIIDD 00 ((SSttrriippiinngg // SSppaann))??

RAID level 0, which is the fastest drive array you can have, is a performance-oriented disk mapping method. The data in this

array gets written across a stripe or different disks for a faster transfer. This technique has striping but no redundancy of data. It

offers the best performance but no fault-tolerance. Reads and writes sector of data interleaved between multiple drives. When

any disk member fails, it affects the entire array. Performance is better than a single drive since the workload is balanced

between the array members. This array type is for high performance systems. Identical drives are recommended for

performance as well as data storage efficiency. The disk array data capacity is equal to the number of members times the

smallest member capacity. For example, one 40GB and one 60GB drives will form an 80GB (40GBx2) disk array.

Block 1

Block 2

Block 3

Block 4

Block 5

Block 6

Block 7

Block 8

Logical Drive

Striping

Block 1

Block 3

Block 5

Block 7

Block 2

Block 4

Block 6

Block 8

Physical Disks

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AArroouussee RRAAIIDD ffuunnccttiioonn iinn BBIIOOSS

After having properly installed your Serial ATA hard disks, you may directly get into the BIOS setting screen for adjustment. You

may simply press “Integrated Peripherals Æ OnChip IDE Device Æ On-Chip Serial ATA” to choose Enhanced mode. In order to

utilize Serial ATA function, please select RAID in SATA Mode. Finally, do save the changes and exit BIOS setup screen.

AAXX44SSPP // AAXX44SSPP--NN // AAXX44SSPPEE--NN // AAXX44SSPPEE--LL OOnnlliinnee MMaannuuaall

RRAAIIDD CCoonnffiigguurraattiioonn UUttiilliittyy

In order to make sure your system can recognize and operate Serial ATA RAID device smoothly, we have to enter RAID

Configuration Utility to do some configuration. After finishing the BIOS setup and reboot, you will see [Press CTRL + I to enter

configuration Utility] about half way through the boot up. Please press these two buttons simultaneously. When you enter you

will be presented with a screen as shown below:

1. Create RAID Volume:

This section allows users to choose the strip

size and disk volume of RAID.

2. Delete RAID Volume:

This section allows users to delete the volume

of RAID. Please be noted that deleting a

volume will destroy volume data and cause

any member disks to become available as

non-RAID disks.

3. Reset Disks to Non-RAID:

Users can remove any internal RAID

structures from all RAID disks, including disks

with working volume. Select “Yes” will cause

all data on any disk to be lost.

AAXX44SSPP // AAXX44SSPP--NN // AAXX44SSPPEE--NN // AAXX44SSPPEE--LL OOnnlliinnee MMaannuuaall

IInnssttaalllliinngg IIAAAA DDrriivveerr ((IInntteell AApppplliiccaattiioonn AAcccceelleerraattoorr RRAAIIDD EEddiittiioonn))

You can install Intel IAA RAID Edition Driver to increase the performance of software applications and reduce PC boot times.

The IAA RAID Edition is designed to provide functionality for the Intel (R) ICH5R SATA RAID Controller. This product is available

for use on Pentium (R) 4 processor-based systems with an ICH5R I/O Controller Hub and running Microsoft Windows XP.

Software installation is flexible and fully automated for Windows XP. You can find it in the AOpen Bonus Pack.

AAXX44SSPP // AAXX44SSPP--NN // AAXX44SSPPEE--NN // AAXX44SSPPEE--LL OOnnlliinnee MMaannuuaall

IIrrDDAA CCoonnnneeccttoorr

The IrDA connector can be configured to support wireless infrared module, with this module and application software such as

Laplink or Windows 98 Direct Cable Connection, the user can transfer files to or from laptops, notebooks, PDA devices and

printers. This connector supports HPSIR (115.2Kbps, 2 meters) and ASK-IR (56Kbps).

Install the infrared module onto the IrDA connector and enable the infrared function from BIOS Setup, UART Mode, make sure

to have the correct orientation when you plug in the IrDA connector.

Pin 1

IR_RX IR_TX

GND

KEY

IrDA Connector

+5V

AAXX44SSPP // AAXX44SSPP--NN // AAXX44SSPPEE--NN // AAXX44SSPPEE--LL

OOn

lliinnee MMaannuuaall

SS//PPDDIIFF ((SSoonnyy//PPhhiilliippss DDiiggiittaall IInntteerrffaaccee)) CCoonnnneeccttoorr

S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) is a newest audio transfer file format, which provides impressive audio quality through

optical fiber and allows you to enjoy digital audio instead of analog audio. Normally there are two S/PDIF outputs as shown, one

for RCA connector, the most common one used for consumer audio products, and the other for optical connector with better

audio quality. Through a specific audio cable, you can connect the S/PDIF connector to other end of the S/PDIF audio module,

which bears S/PDIF digital output. However, you must have a S/PDIF supported speaker/amplifier/decoder with S/PDIF digital

input to connect to the S/PDIF digital output to make the most out of this function.

(RCA)

F OUT

S/PDI

S/PDIF IN

S/PDIF OUT

S/PDIF IN

(Optical)

S/PDIF Module

(User Upgrade Optional)

S/PDIF

Cable

Pin 1

S/PDIF Connector

+5V NC SPDIFOUT GND SPDIFIN

AAXX44SSPP // AAXX44SSPP--NN // AAXX44SSPPEE--NN

// AAXX44SSPPEE-

LL OOnnlliinnee MMaannuuaall

SSuuppeerr 55..11 CChhaannnneell AAuuddiioo EEffffeecctt

This motherboard comes with an ALC650 CODEC, which supports high quality of 5.1 Channel audio effects, bringing you a

brand new audio experience. On the strength of the innovative design of ALC650, you're able to use standard line-jacks for

surround audio output without connecting any external module. To apply this function, you have to install the audio driver in the

Bonus Pack CD as well as an audio application supporting 5.1 Channel. Picture bellow represents the standard location of all

speakers in 5.1Channel sound track. Please connect the plug of your front speakers to the green “Speaker out” port, rear

speakers’ plug to the blue “Line in” port and both of the center and subwoofer speakers to the red “MIC in” port.

AAXX44SSPP // AAXX44SSPP--NN // AAXX44SSPPEE--NN // AAXX44SSPPEE--LL

Onlinnee MMaannuuaall

Onli

AAGGPP ((AAcccceelleerraatteedd GGrraapphhiicc PPoorrtt)) 88XX EExxppaannssiioonn SSlloott

AX4SP / AX4SP-N / AX4SPE-N / AX4SPE-L provide an AGP 8x slot, a light blue slot in motherboard. The AGP 8X is a bus

interface targeted for high-performance 3D graphic. AGP uses both rising and falling edge of the 66MHz clock, for 4X AGP, the

data transfer rate is 66MHz x 4bytes x 4 = 1056MB/s. AGP is now moving to AGP 8x mode, which is 66MHz x 4bytes x 8

=2.1GB/s. You can adjust AGP voltage in BIOS within a rage from 1.5V to 1.7V and frequency between variations from 64MHz

to 100MHz.

Warning: It is strongly

recommended not to

adjust voltage/clock of

AGP/PCI when

connecting any SATA

service. It is because

when the voltage/clock

for AGP/PCI is

adjusted, the clock for

SATA couldn’t keep

100MHz, and the

system will be unstable.

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AAGGPP PPrrootteeccttiioonn TTeecchhnnoollooggyy aanndd AAGGPP LLEEDD

With the outstanding R&D ability of AOpen and its specially developed circuit, this model implements a blend new technology to

protect your motherboard from being damaged by over-voltaging of AGP card. When AGP Protection Technology is implemented,

this motherboard will automatically detect the voltage of AGP card and prevent your chipsets from being burnt out. Please note

that if you install an AGP card with 3.3V, which is not supported, the AGP LED on the motherboard will light up to warn you the

possible damage of the exceeding voltage. You may contact your AGP card vendor for further support.

Warning: It is strongly recommended not

to install a 3.3V AGP card, which is not

supported. When you do so, the AGP LED

on the motherboard will light up to warn you

the possible damage.

AGP LED

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The onboard I/O devices are PS/2 Keyboard, PS/2 Mouse, COM1 and COM2, RJ45 LAN, Printer, USB2.0 and AC97 sound. The

view angle of drawing shown here is from the back panel of the housing.

PS/2 Keyboard: For standard keyboard, which use a PS/2 plug. PS/2 Mouse: For PC-Mouse, which use a PS/2 plug. USB Port: Available for connecting USB devices. Parallel Port: To connect with SPP/ECP/EPP printer. COM Port: To connect with pointing devices, modem or others serial devices. Speaker Out: To External Speaker, Earphone or Amplifier. Line-In: Comes from the signal sources, such as CD/Tape player. MIC-In: From Microphone.

PS/2 Mouse

Connector

PS/2 Keyboard

Connector

USB 2.0

Port

SPP/EPP/ECP

Parallel Port

COM 1 Port COM 2 Port

(for AX4SP-N, AX4SPE-N

RJ45 LAN Jack

and AX4SPE-L)

USB 2.0

Port

Line-In

Speaker Out

MIC-In

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On the strength of Broadcom Gigabit BCM5705 LAN controller (for AX4SPE-L) or Broadcom BCM4401 LAN controller (for

AX4SP-N and AX4SPE-N) on board, this motherboard provides 10/100M bps Ethernet for office and home use. For AX4SP,

there is no LAN module integrated on board. The Ethernet RJ45 connector is located on top of USB connectors. The right

hand side LED indicates link mode, it lights in orange whenever linking to network. The left hand side LED indicates the

transfer mode and it lights in green when data is transferring in 100Mbps (never lights while in 10Mbps), but lights in orange

when transferring in Gigabit’s mode. To enable or disable this function, you may simply adjust it through BIOS.

Transferring (Left)

Green 100Mbps

Orange Gigabit

Linking (Right)

Orange

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Compared to traditional USB 1.0/1.1 with the speed of 12Mbps, USB 2.0 has a fancy speed up to 480Mbps, which is 40 times

faster than the traditional one. Except for the speed increase, USB 2.0 supports old USB 1.0/1.1 software and peripherals,

offering impressive and even better compatibility to customers. On this motherboard, all eight USB connectors support USB 2.0

function. To connect those two headers, you have to use proper USB cables and connect them to any USB models.

+5V +5V

SBD6-

SBD6+

GND

KEY

USB 2.0 Connector

Pin 1

USB 2.0 Connector

SBD7SBD7+ GND NC

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This motherboard comes with a game port (Joystick-Midi) for you to connect any midi devices or joysticks. To use this function

you have to have a joystick module and connect it with a game port cable to this port on the motherboard.

Note: This picture is for example only; it may not exactly look the same with the motherboard you purchased.

Joystick Module

(User Upgrade Optional)

Pin1

Game Port Connector

+5V JAB1 JACX

GND

GND JACY JAB2

+5V

+5V JBB1 JBCX MIDI_TXD JBCY JBB2 MIDI_RXD KEY

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CChhaassssiiss IInnttrruussiioonn CCoonnnneeccttoorr

The “CASE OPEN” header provides chassis intrusion-monitoring function. To make this function works, you have to enable it in

the system BIOS, connect this header to a sensor somewhere on the chassis. So, whenever the sensor is triggered by lights or

the opening of the chassis, the system will send out beep sound to inform you. Please be informed that this useful function only

applies to advanced chassis, you may purchase an extra sensor, attach it on your chassis, and make a good use of this

function.

Pin 1

Sensor GND

Chassis Intrusion

Connector

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CCDD AAuuddiioo CCoonnnneeccttoorr

This connector is used to connect CD Audio cable from CDROM or DVD drive to onboard sound.

GND

CD-IN Connector

Note: Though some of the latest versions of Windows

support “Digital Audio” through IDE bus. However, in

order to use Open Jukebox player, which is driven

under BIOS, it is a MUST to insert audio cable to

CD-IN connector on the motherboard.

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AAUUXX--IINN CCoonnnneeccttoorr

This connector is used to connect MPEG Audio cable from MPEG card to onboard sound.

GND

AUX-IN Connector

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FFrroonntt AAuuddiioo CCoonnnneeccttoorr

If the housing has been designed with an audio port on the front panel, you’ll be able to connect onboard audio to front panel

through this connector. By the way, please remove 5-6 and 9-10 jumper caps from the Front Audio Connector before

connecting the cable. Please do not remove these 5-6 and 9-10 yellow jumper caps if there’s no audio port on the front

panel.

AUD_MIC

AUD_MIC_BIAS

AUD_FPOUT_R

AUD_FROUT_L

Pin 1

1 2

AUD_GND

AUD_VCC

AUD_RET_R

KEY

AUD_RET_L

9 10

Note: Please remove the jumper cap from the Front Panel Audio Connector

before you connect the cable. Do not remove this yellow jumper cap if

housing without an audio port on the front panel.

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and IDE devices. The powerful utility also displays the version of BIOS and firmware for your convenience of maintenance.

Moreover, AOconfig allows users to save information in *.BMP or *.TXT format which users may collect the system information

in detail and send them to AOpen directly for technical support or further diagnosis of system problem.

AOpen always dedicated to provide users a much friendlier computer environment.

We now bring you a comprehensive system detective utility. AOconfig is a Windows

based utility with user-friendly interface that allows users to obtain information of the

operation system and hardware such as motherboard, CPU, memory, PCI devices

1. The system page shows the detail information of the motherboard, the operating system, the processor, and BIOS version.

2. The PCI device page shows the configurations of all PCI devices installed on your motherboard.

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3. This page presents the IDE devices information, such as the serial number, the manufacturer, the firmware version, and capacity.

4. From this page, users may obtain the technical support information of AOpen.

Moreover, detailed information

could be saved in .bmp or .txt

format.

NOTE: AOconfig can be used in Windows 98SE/ME, NT4.0/2000, or Windows XP. Please be informed that

AOconfig can only be operated in a system equipped with an AOpen motherboard. Meanwhile, all applications

must be closed before starting AOconfig.

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RReesseettaabbllee FFuussee

Traditional motherboard has fuse for Keyboard and USB port to prevent over-current or shortage. These fuses are soldered

onboard that when it is broken (function as protecting the motherboard), user still cannot replace it and the motherboard is still

malfunctioning.

With expensive Resetable Fuse, the motherboard can be resumed back to normal function after the fuse had done its protection

job.

Resetable Fuse

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3333000

The quality of low ESR capacitor (Low Equivalent Series Resistance) during high frequency operation is very important for the

stability of CPU power. The idea of where to put these capacitors is another know-how that requires experience and detail

calculation.

Not only that, AX4SP / AX4SP-N / AX4SPE-N / AX4SPE-L implements 3300μF capacitors, which is much larger than normal capacitor (1500 and 2200μf) and it provides better stability for CPU power.

FF LLooww EESSRR CCaappaacciittoorr

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The power circuit of the CPU core voltage must be checked to ensure system stability for high speed CPUs (such as the

Pentium III, or when overclocking). A typical CPU core voltage is 2.0V, so a good design should control voltage between 1.860V

and 2.140V. That is, the transient must be below 280mV. Below is a timing diagram captured by a Digital Storage Scope, it

shows the voltage transient is only 143mv even when maximum 60 current is applied.

Note: This diagram for example only, it may not exactly be the same motherboard.

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EEnnllaarrggeedd AAlluummiinnuumm HHeeaattssiinnkk

Cool down CPU and Chipset are important for system reliability. Enlarged aluminum heat sink provides better heat consumption

especially when you are trying to over-clock the CPU.

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AAXX44SSPPEE--LL OOnnlliinnee MMaannuuaall

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Unlike earlier graphic POST screen which could occupy the whole screen and mask text information during POST, AOpen

VividBIOS deals with graphics and texts separately, and makes them running simultaneously during POST. With this innovative

design, VividBios now brings you a beautiful and sleek 256 colors screen without missing any important information shown on

POST screen.

In addition, the limited space of BIOS ROM is another big issue. When all of the traditional BIOS can only show

space-consuming and uncompressed Bitmap, AOpen has considerately tuned the BIOS to next generation, to recognize the

smaller-sized GIF format and even dynamic-showing GIF animation.

Vivid BIOS shares the same fundamental technology with Open JukeBox CD Player, you may use the same EzSkin utility to

change your Vivid BIOS screen or to download your favorite Open JukeBox skin. If you see this little logo your model name on the BIOS download page, http://english.aopen.com.tw/tech/download/skin

motherboard supports this innovative feature!

Have you been fed up with the conservative and immutable POST screen? Let’s rule out

the tradition idea that POST screen are stiff and frigid, and let AOpen show you the newly

developed VividBIOS to experience the lively vivid colorful POST screen!

shown beside

, it is assured that your

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AXX44SSPPEE--LL

OOnnlliinnee MMaannuuaall

TThhee nnooiissee iiss ggoonnee!!!! -------- SSiilleennttTTeekk

As the clock of CPU keeps rocketing higher and higher, it inevitably brings higher heat and

system temperature in a relative way. The way we deal with this heat problem, however, is to

spare no effort to add one fan after another to protect our pampered system, expecting these

fans could cool down our machine as much as they could.

But at the same time, we believe that same users are affected terribly by the irritating noises of these fans while working with

their PC. As a matter of fact, we do not have to get our

fans running at such a high speed in most cases; on the

contrary, we discovered that having your fans running at

appropriate time and speed not only reduces the noise,

but also consumes the least power the system needs, so

as to prevent over-wasting of energy resource.

Today, AOpen Motherboard is honored to bring you a

new overall solution, SilentTek, to make your system

quiet. To collocate with hardware circuit, BIOS and the

utility under Windows, SilentTek combined

“Hardware-Status Monitoring”, “Overheat Warning” and

“Fan Speed Control” with user-friendly interfaces to

provide you a perfect balance among noises, system

performance and stability.

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The first image you have here is the Voltage Status page. You can find current status of all voltages and set your expected margins of warning level.

You may check your system voltage from the indicating bar here.

In “Temp/Fan/Case” page, you may get aware of the current temperature of CPU and the heat inside chassis. Also, you can check if fans are running properly.

Of course, you may set your defaulted lowest margin for your fans and SilentTek would also pop up a message box to alarm you when the fan is rotating slower than this specified speed.

You may set the highest margin of your CPU and system temperature as default, and SilentTek would pop up a message box to alert you with alarm when the temperature goes beyond the specified margin.

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The following page is surely the most important part of this utility. You may control the rotation speed of specific fans that you have got

the options inside in this page.

1. Smart FAN Control: This is the default setting of

SilentTek and can be used for any branded computer

housing. With a special algorithm developed by AOpen,

the fan speed is automatically adjusted by the factors of

CPU and ambient temperature. Ease-of-use and trouble

free at your service.

2. Fixed FAN Control: Under this setting, a desired fan

speed is set fixed when operating.

3. Multiple Level Control: This is the most versatile

setting that allows you to set fan speed in relation to

temperature. You may find that this setting fits you best.

4. AOpen Recommend Setting: This setting is designed

specifically for AOpen housing. A series of lab tests were

conducted under the real world scenario to determine

optimum fan speed to reduce noise level within CPU

working condition and temperature. Most of the time, the

CD-ROM Rotation Speed Control: by enabling the CD-ROM

Rotation Speed Control, you can adjust the rotation speed of your

CD-ROM. When you set the speed to high level, the CD-ROM will

work at its fastest speed and it will run at basic required speed

while you set the value to low speed.

fan would remain still when CPU is not fully utilized.

Note: Due to hundreds different brands of fan on the

market, inaccuracy may happen in some cases when you

had your rotation speed adjusted. It is still under the

criterion and please rest assured that it won’t cause any

problem to your system.

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EEzzCClloocckk

Have you ever thought how great it would be if you can adjust the frequency setting on your motherboard under Windows environment

and be a real master of your system? Everybody knows that the ratio and frequency setting are key factors to influence the system

performance, however, it’s absolutely not an easy task for an amateur to adjust the setting value. On most traditional motherboards, you

have to get into BIOS screen for the frequency and

reboot the system again and again. But from now on,

you don’t surfer the boring stuffs anymore.

With brand-new and user-friendly EzClock that

AOpen specially designs for his users, you can adjust

those important values as you please and think of

suitable. This tailor-made EzClock allows you to set

the voltage and frequency of CPU, VGA, PCI and

memory under Windows environment as well as in

BIOS setting page; even better, those settings will be

displayed real-time. Having this handy EzClock, you

can monitor the system when you’re fine-tuning the

performance of your system. It provides you detailed

and necessary information. Now let’s take a look how

it works on utility, BIOS and POST.

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How You Adjust the Settings in EzClock Utility

In EzClock utility, you can adjust CPU Front Side Bus (FSB), the voltage and frequency of VGA, AGP, PCI and DRAM. Besides, the

CPU related information such as CPU voltage, temperature and CPUFAN rotation speed will also be displayed on this utility.

CPU Color Bars:

The color bar will light on and show different colors as values change. On default values, it will show green.

On the right part of the panel is the section that you adjust the settings of

VGA, AGP, PCI and memory. To adjust the voltage and clock frequency of

those installments, you can press “-“ or “+” on corresponding items. The

color parts represent the situation of values. The higher value you set, the

light on the color bar goes to right and turns red. After finishing those value

settings, you can press “Apply” button on the upper right hand corner to

save changes to CMOS.

VGA, AGP, PCI and DRAM Voltage / Clock Area:

Pressing “_” and “+” buttons, you can adjust the voltage and clock frequency values of onboard VGA, AGP, PCI and DRAM.

On the left circle area shows Ratio, FSB and frequency information

about CPU. When the values are set to factory default, the light on

the top and bottom of the circle will show green and it will vary as you

change these CPU settings.

CPU Ratio, FSB and frequency displaying area: You can adjust CPU FSB here by entering preferred value.

Control buttons:

“_” button allows you to minimize the utility and “X” button to close the utility. Pressing “Apply” button you can save the changes to CMOS.

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On the bottom rectangular panel represents CPU fan speed, CPU voltage and CPU temperature. The three color bars on the right hand

side will light on according to operation temperature. Please refer to the picture shown above.

CPU Color Bars:

The color bars will light on

according to CPU operation

erature.

tem

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CPU Fan, Voltage and Temperature:

representing CPU fan speed, CPU

voltage and CPU temperature in

Celsius and Fahrenheit degrees.

How You Adjust the Settings in BIOS

Apart from EzClock utility, the voltage and frequency values of CPU, PCI and memory can also be adjusted on BIOS page. By pressing

“+”, “-“, “PgUp” or “PgDn” keys, you can

adjust the frequency values of CPU Bus,

PCI Bus and DRAM.

Also, the same keys help you adjust the

voltage of CPU and DDR settings. Some

values may change while you adjust the

settings. You can press “F10” to save the

changes you’ve made.

Function Keys Description

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How Your Boot Screen Looks Like

After you finish setting BIOS, these setting values

will be displayed on the boot screen like the

shown picture here.

Every time you boot your system, both default and

current settings will pop up on the screen. Your

personal settings that had been adjusted earlier

will be highlighted; thus, you can have clear idea

how your system functions and monitor your

system more easily.

Current values

of your system

Default settings of

this motherboard

The highlighted setting

value you manually

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HHyyppeerr TThhrreeaaddiinngg TTeecchhnnoollooggyy

What is Hyper-Threading?

Hyper-Threading technology is an innovative design from Intel that enables multi-threaded software applications to process

threads in parallel within each processor resulting in increased utilization of processor execution resources. As a result, an

average improvement of ~40% in CPU resource utilization yields higher processing throughput.

How Hyper-Threading Works

A form of simultaneous multi-threading technology (SMT), Hyper-Threading technology allows multiple threads of software

applications to be run simultaneously on

one processor by duplicating the

architectural state on each processor

while the same processor execution

resources is shared. The figure below

represents how a Hyper-Threading based

processor differentiates a traditional

multiprocessor. The left-hand

configuration shows a traditional

multiprocessor system with two physical

processors. Each processor has its own

independent execution resources and

architectural state. The right-hand

configuration represents an Intel

Hyper-Threading technology based

processor. You can see that the architectural state for each processor is duplicated, while the execution resources is shared.

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For multiprocessor-capable software applications, the Hyper-Threading based processor is considered two separate logical

processors on which the software

applications can run without

modification. Also, each logical

processor responds to interrupts

independently. The first logical

processor can track one software

thread, while the second logical

processor tracks another software

thread simultaneously. Because the

two threads share the same

execution resources, the second

thread can use resources that would

be otherwise idle if only one thread

was executing. This results in an

increased utilization of the execution

resources within each physical

processor.

The figure below represents how

Hyper-Threading saves time when it works. With two logical processors available on every single physical processor,

multi-threaded applications can now take advantage of thread-level parallelism on each physical processor for additional

performance. As software applications continue to be optimized to take greater advantage of processor parallelism,

Hyper-Threading technology provides an additional boost for newer capabilities and the growing needs of today’s users.

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DDrriivveerr aanndd UUttiilliittyy

There are motherboard drivers and utilities included in AOpen Bonus CD disc. You don’t need to install all of them in order to

boot your system. But after you finish the hardware installation, you have to install your operation system first (such as Windows

XP) before you can install any drivers or utilities. Please refer to your operation system’s installation guide.

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You can use the auto-run menu of Bonus CD disc. Choose the utility and driver and select model name.

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IInnssttaalllliinngg IInntteel

The Intel® Chipset Software Installation Utility should be installed onto the target system and the Windows * INF files outline the

operating system how the chipset components will be configured. It is recommended that the Intel

utility be installed onto the target system prior to the installation of other drivers.

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Chipset Software Installation

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IInnssttaalllliinngg OOnnbbooaarrdd SSoouunndd DDrriivveerr

This motherboard comes with AC97 CODEC. This audio driver supports Windows 98SE and upper Windows OS; you can find

the audio driver from the Bonus Pack CD auto-run menu.

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IInnssttaalllliinngg IInntteell IIAAAA DDrriivveerr RRAAIIDD EEddiittiioonn iinn WWiinnddoowwss XXPP ((FFoorr AAXX44SSPPEE--LL oonnllyy))

You can install Intel IAA RAID Edition Driver to increase the performance of software applications and reduce PC boot times.

The IAA RAID Edition is designed to provide functionality for the Intel ICH5R SATA RAID Controller. This product is available for

use on Pentium (R) 4 processor-based systems with an ICH5R I/O Controller Hub and running Microsoft Windows XP. Software

installation is flexible and fully automated for Windows XP. You can find it in the AOpen Bonus Pack.

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IInnssttaalllliinngg GGiiggaabbiitt LLAANN DDrriivveerr iinn WWiinnddoowwss 22000000//XXPP ((ffoorr AAXX44SSPPEE--LL))

For Win2000/XP operating system, please kindly follow this InstallShield Wizard for steps.

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BroadCom Ethernet Driver Install Guide under Win98SE/ME

1. Open the Device Manager and check if there is a "PCI Ethernet Controller" in "Other devices"

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2. Insert the supplied "Bonus CD”

3. Click "PCI Ethernet Controller " → " Driver " → "Update Driver" and Select "Install the software automatically

Recommended) " And then Click "Next".

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4. When prompted, insert the media to be searched into your CD-ROM drive, type the path to the driver, and select OK. Example: e:\Driver\Lan\BCM5705 Where "e:\Driver\Lan\BCM5705" is the designation of the driver on your system.

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5. In the Driver Files Search Results window, verify that the correct path to the driver software is shown, and then click Next.

6. Then OS will request to insert the Bonus CD into CD-ROM Drive

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7. Type the path of the BroadCom Ethernet driver and select " OK " Example: e:\Driver\Lan\BCM5705 Where "e:\Driver\Lan\BCM5705" is the designation of the " b57w2k.sys " on your Bonus CD.

8. BroadCom Ethernet driver installation finish.

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BroadCom Ethernet Driver Install Guide under Windows NT4.0

1. Verify that the Windows NT system is upgraded with Service Pack 4 or later.

2. Start your Windows NT system and log in. You must have System Administrator privileges to install the driver software.

3. Open the Control Panel.

4. In the Control Panel, double-click the Network icon.

5. When the Network window opens, select the Adapters tab.

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6. Click "Add" to install a new adapter. All previously installed drivers are listed under Network Adapters.

7. When the Select Network Adapter window opens, click "Have Disk"....

8. When prompted, insert the driver installation media, or choose a location to install the driver from. Type the path to the

driver, and click "OK".

For example, to install the adapter driver software for Windows NT, type D:\Driver\Lan\BCM5705 in the Insert Disk location box

(where "d:\Driver\Lan\BCM5705" is the designation of the LAN driver on Bonus CD).

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9. With "Gigabit Ethernet Controller" highlighted in the Select OEM Option window, click "OK".

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The adapter files are installed, and then the Network window is displayed showing the newly installed adapter.

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10. Click "Close", then the Microsoft TCP/IP Properties window appears.

11. Configure the TCP/IP protocol and click "OK".

12. When prompted to restart your computer, click "Yes".

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IInnssttaalllliinngg BBrrooaaddCCoomm BBCCMM44440011 1100//110000 LLAANN DDrriivveerr iinn WWiinnddoowwss 22000000//XXPP ((ffoorr AAXX44SSPP--NN aanndd AAXX44SSPPEE--NN))

For Win2000/XP operating system, please kindly follow this InstallShield Wizard for steps.

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BroadCom Ethernet Driver Install Guide under Win98SE/ME

1. Open the Device Manager and check if there is a "PCI Ethernet Controller" in "Other devices"

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2. Insert the supplied "Bonus CD”

3. Click "PCI Ethernet Controller " → " Driver " → "Update Driver" and Select "Install the software automatically

(Recommended) " And then Click "Next".

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4. When prompted, insert the media to be searched into your CD-ROM drive, type the path to the driver, and select OK. Example: e:\Driver\Lan\BCM4401 Where "e:\Driver\Lan\BCM4401" is the designation of the driver on your system.

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5. In the Driver Files Search Results window, verify that the correct path to the driver software is shown, and then click Next.

6. Then OS will request to insert the Bonus CD into CD-ROM Drive

100

Aopen AX4SPEL User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

AX4SP/AX4SP-N/AX4SPE-N/AX4SPE-L

Chipset

Expansion Slots

Memory

LAN Port (AX4SP-N, AX4SPE-N and AX4SPE-L only)

Ultra DMA 33/66/100 Bus Mater IDE

Serial ATA

On-board AC’97 Sound

1MHz Stepping Frequency Adjustment

Watch Dog ABS

S/PDIF Connectors

Eight USB 2.0 Ports

Power Management/Plug and Play

Hardware Monitoring Management

Enhanced ACPI

Maximum the performance of Dual Channel

How You Adjust the Settings in BIOS

BroadCom Ethernet Driver Install Guide under Win98SE/ME

BroadCom Ethernet Driver Install Guide under Windows NT4.0

BroadCom Ethernet Driver Install Guide under Win98SE/ME