ASUS A7A266 User Manual
®
A7A266
DDR SDRAM
266MHz FSB AGP Pro/4X
Socket A Motherboard
USER’S MANUAL
USER'S NOTICE
No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form
or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the
express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED T O THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A P ARTICULAR
PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR
AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS,
LOSS OF USE OR DA TA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF ASUS
HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY
DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the
serial number of the product is defaced or missing.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks
or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identification or explanation
and to the owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.
• AMD, Athlon™ are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
• VIA is a trademark of VIA Technologies, Inc.
• Windows and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
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• Trend and ChipAwayVirus are trademarks of Trend Micro, Inc.
• Other company and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective
companies with which they are associated.
The product name and revision number are both printed on the product itself. Manual revisions
are released for each product design represented by the digit before and after the period of the
manual revision number . Manual updates are represented by the third digit in the manual revision
number.
For previous or updated manuals, BIOS, drivers, or product release information, contact ASUS at
http://www .asus.com.tw or through any of the means indicated on the following page.
SPECIFICA TIONS AND INFORMATION CONT AINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED
FOR INFORMA TIONAL USE ONL Y, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS
ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Copyright © 2001 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
Product Name: ASUS A7A266
Manual Revision: 1.04 E828
Release Date: August 2001
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ASUS A7A266 User’s Manual
ASUS CONTACT INFORMATION
ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (Asia-Pacific)
Marketing
Address: 150 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 112
Telephone: +886-2-2894-3447
Fax: +886-2-2894-3449
Email: info@asus.com.tw
Technical Support
MB/Others (Tel): +886-2-2890-7121 (English)
Notebook (Tel): +886-2-2890-7122 (English)
Desktop/Server (Tel):+886-2-2890-7123 (English)
Fax: +886-2-2893-7775
Email: tsd@asus.com.tw
WWW: www.asus.com.tw
FTP: ftp.asus.com.tw/pub/ASUS
ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)
Marketing
Address: 6737 Mowry Avenue, Mowry Business Center, Building 2
Newark, CA 94560, USA
Fax: +1-510-608-4555
Email: tmd1@asus.com
Technical Support
Fax: +1-510-608-4555
Email: tsd@asus.com
WWW: www.asus.com
FTP: ftp.asus.com/Pub/ASUS
ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Europe)
Marketing
Address: Harkortstr. 25, 40880 Ratingen, BRD, Germany
Fax: +49-2102-442066
Email: sales@asuscom.de (for marketing requests only)
Technical Support
Hotline: MB/Others: +49-2102-9599-0 Notebook: +49-2102-9599-10
Fax: +49-2102-9599-11
Support (Email): www.asuscom.de/de/support (for online support)
WWW: www.asuscom.de
FTP: ftp.asuscom.de/pub/ASUSCOM
ASUS A7A266 User’s Manual 3
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION 7
1.1 How This Manual Is Organized ................................................... 7
1.2 Item Checklist .............................................................................. 7
2. FEATURES 8
2.1 The ASUS A7A266...................................................................... 8
2.1.1 Specifications ..................................................................... 8
2.1.2 Optional Components......................................................... 9
2.1.3 Special Features................................................................ 10
2.1.4 Performance Features ....................................................... 10
2.1.5 Intelligence ....................................................................... 11
2.2 Motherboard Components.......................................................... 12
2.2.1 Component Locations....................................................... 13
3. HARDWARE SETUP 14
3.1 Motherboard Layout .................................................................. 14
3.2 Layout Contents ......................................................................... 15
3.3 Getting Started ........................................................................... 17
3.4 Motherboard Settings ................................................................. 18
3.5 System Memory ......................................................................... 24
3.5.1 DDR DIMM Support........................................................ 24
3.5.2 SDR DIMM Support ........................................................ 25
3.5.3 General DIMM Notes....................................................... 25
3.5.4 Memory Installation ......................................................... 26
3.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) .................................................. 27
3.7 Expansion Cards ........................................................................ 28
3.7.1 Expansion Card Installation Procedure ............................ 28
3.7.2 Assigning IRQs for Expansion Cards .............................. 29
3.7.3 Accelerated Graphics Port Pro (AGP Pro) ....................... 30
3.7.4 Audio Modem Riser (AMR) Slot ..................................... 31
3.8 Connectors ................................................................................. 33
3.9 Starting Up the First Time.......................................................... 45
4. BIOS SETUP 47
4.1 Managing and Updating Your BIOS .......................................... 47
4.1.1 Upon First Use of the Computer System.......................... 47
4.1.2 Updating BIOS Procedures .............................................. 48
4.2 BIOS Setup Program.................................................................. 51
4.2.1 BIOS Menu Bar................................................................ 52
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ASUS A7A266 User’s Manual
CONTENTS
4.2.2 Legend Bar ....................................................................... 52
4.3 Main Menu ................................................................................. 54
4.3.1 Primary & Secondary Master/Slave ................................. 55
4.3.2 Keyboard Features............................................................ 58
4.4 Advanced Menu ......................................................................... 60
4.4.1 Chip Configuration........................................................... 63
4.4.2 I/O Device Configuration ................................................. 65
4.4.3 PCI Configuration ............................................................ 67
4.5 Power Menu ............................................................................... 69
4.5.1 Power Up Control............................................................. 71
4.5.2 Hardware Monitor ............................................................ 73
4.6 Boot Menu ................................................................................. 74
4.7 Exit Menu................................................................................... 76
5. SOFTWARE SETUP 79
5.1 Install Operating System............................................................ 79
5.2 Start Windows............................................................................ 79
5.3 A7A266 Series Motherboard Support CD................................... 80
6. SOFTWARE REFERENCE 81
6.1 ASUS PC Probe ......................................................................... 81
6.2 CyberLink PowerPlayer SE ....................................................... 86
6.3 CyberLink V ideoLive Mail ........................................................ 87
6.4 ASUS Live Update..................................................................... 89
6.5 Multi-Channel Audio Feature Setup .......................................... 90
7. APPENDIX 93
7.1 Glossary ..................................................................................... 93
INDEX 97
ASUS A7A266 User’s Manual 5
FCC & DOC COMPLIANCE
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This device complies with FCC Rules Part 15. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference, and
• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer's instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
WARNING! Any changes or modifications to this product not expressly ap-
proved by the manufacturer could void any assurances of safety or performance
and could result in violation of Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Reprinted from the Code of Federal Regulations #47, part 15.193, 1993. Washington DC: Office of the
Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration, U.S. Government Printing Office.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions
from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian
Department of Communications.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
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ASUS A7A266 User’s Manual
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 How This Manual Is Organized
This manual is divided into the following sections:
1. INTRODUCTION Manual information and checklist
2. FEATURES Production information and specifications
3. HARDWARE SETUP Instructions on setting up the motherboard.
4. BIOS SETUP Instructions on setting up the BIOS
5. SOFTWARE SETUP Instructions on setting up the included software
6. SOFTWARE REFERENCE Reference material for the included software
7. APPENDIX Optional items and general reference
1.2 Item Checklist
Check that your package is complete. If you discover damaged or missing items,
contact your retailer.
Manual / Checklist
1. INTRODUCTION
Package Contents
(1) ASUS Motherboard
(1) 40-pin 80-conductor ribbon
cable for internal UltraDMA/
100 / UltraDMA/66 (also
compatible with UltraDMA/33
IDE drives/devices)
(1) Ribbon cable for internal
UltraDMA/33 IDE drives
(1) Ribbon cable for one 5.25” and
two 3.5” floppy disk drives
(1) ASUS 2-port USB Connector Set
(1) Bag of spare jumper caps
(1) ASUS Support CD with drivers
and utilities
(1) This Motherboard User’s
Manual
Optional Items
ASUS CIDB chassis intrusion detection module
ASUS IrDA-compliant infrared
module
ASUS MR-I Modem Riser Card
ASUS A7A266 User’s Manual 7
2.1 The ASUS A7A266
The ASUS A7A266 motherboard is carefully designed for the value-conscious PC
user who wants advanced features processed by the fastest processors.
2.1.1 Specifications
• AMD® Athlon™/ Duron™ Processor Support: Supports AMD’s new socket-
2. FEATURES
Specifications
• North Bridge System Chipset: ALi M1647™ chipset with AGP/PCI/Memory
• South Bridge System PCIset: ALi M1535D+™ PCIset with PCI Super-I/O In-
2. FEATURES
A Palomino™ / Thunderbird™ processor cores.
controller supports a 133/100MHz Front Side Bus (FSB), supports DDR SDRAM
DIMM, complies with AGP 2.0 specifications for 4X, 2X and 1X AGP modes
and PCI 2.2. bus interface. It is optimized to deliver enhanced AMD Athlon™
processor system performance.
tegrated Peripheral Controller (PSIPC) with support for UltraDMA/100, which
allows burst mode data transfer rates of up to 100MB/sec; AC97 audio; USB
controller with root hub and four function ports.
• PC2100 / PC1600 DDR and PC133 SDR SDRAM Support: Equipped with
two Double Data Rate Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR DIMM) sockets to
support up to 2GB of DDR SDRAM and three SDR DIMM sockets to support
up to 3GB of SDR SDRAM. DDR SDRAM is the newest memory standard with
the highest bandwidth and lowest latency currently available and dramatically
improves the memory system’s ability to service, among others, high multimedia
requirements. (Caution: Do not use DDR & SDRAM modules simultaneously.)
• Stepless Frequency Selection: Allows CPU external (FSB) frequency settings
to be set in 1MHz-increments or reduction.
• JumperFree™ Mode: Allows processor settings and easy overclocking of fre-
quency and Vcore voltage all through BIOS setup when JumperFree™ mode is
enabled. Easy-to-use DIP switches instead of jumpers are included to allow
manual adjustment of the processor’s external frequency.
• AGP Pro Slot: Supports AGP/AGP Pro cards for high performance, component
level interconnection targeted at 3D graphical applications supporting 133MHz
4X mode.
• UltraDMA/100 Support: Comes with an onboard PCI Bus Master IDE con-
troller with two connectors that support four IDE devices on two channels. Supports UltraDMA/100, UltraDMA/66, UltraDMA/33, PIO Modes 3 & 4 and Bus
Master IDE DMA Mode 2, and Enhanced IDE devices, such as DVD-ROM,
CD-ROM, CD-R/RW, LS-120, and Tape Backup drives.
• Wake-On-LAN Connector: Supports Wake-On-LAN activity through an
optional PCI Fast Ethernet card.
• Wake-On-Ring Connector: Supports Wake-On-Ring activity through a PCI
modem card that supports a Wake-On-Ring connector.
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ASUS A7A266 User’s Manual
2. FEATURES
• USB: Supports up to six USB ports, two on the back panel and four midboard,
for more peripheral connectivity options.
• One T ouch Management: Supports an optional ASUS iPanel, an easy to access
box with system information LED display, front I/O ports, and space reserved
for a hard disk drive. With an ASUS iPanel, you can monitor your computer
system’s vital components.
• PC Health Monitoring: Provides an easy way to examine and manage system
status information, such as CPU and systerm voltages, temperatures, and fan
status through the onboard hardware ASUS ASIC and the bundled ASUS PC
Probe.
• SMBus: Features the System Management Bus interface, which is used to physi-
cally transport commands and information between SMBus devices.
• PCI/AMR Expansion Slots: Provides five 32-bit PCI (Rev. 2.2) expansion
slots, which can support Bus Master PCI cards, such as SCSI or LAN cards (PCI
supports up to 133MB/s maximum throughput), and one Audio Modem Riser
(AMR) slot (shared), which supports a very affordable audio and/or modem
riser card.
• Super Multi-I/O: Provides two high-speed UART compatible serial ports and
one parallel port with EPP and ECP capabilities.
• Enhanced ACPI & Anti-Boot Virus Protection: Programmable BIOS (Flash
EEPROM), offering enhanced ACPI for Windows 982000/Millenium
compatibility , built-in firmware-based virus protection, and autodetection of most
devices for virtually automatic setup.
• Concurrent PCI: Concurrent PCI allows multiple PCI transfers from PCI mas-
ter busses to the memory and processor.
• Smart BIOS: 2Mb firmware provides Vcore and CPU/SDRAM frequency ad-
justments, boot block write protection, and HD/SCSI/MO/ZIP/CD/Floppy boot
selection.
• Integrated Infrared (IrDA) Support: Integrated IR supports an optional re-
mote control package for wireless interfacing with external peripherals, personal gadgets, or an optional remote controller.
Specifications
2. FEATURES
• Desktop Management Interface (DMI): Supports DMI through BIOS, which
allows hardware to communicate within a standard protocol creating a higher
level of compatibility. (Requires DMI-enabled components.)
• Color -coded Connectors: To enhance user accessibility to system components
and to meet PC 99 compliancy , major connectors in this motherboard are color coded.
2.1.2 Optional Components
• Onboard Audio: C-Media Audio Chip CMI8738 supporting the latest PCI 6
channel and HRTF 3D Audio sound circuitry.
ASUS A7A266 User’s Manual 9
2.1.3 Special Features
• ACPI Ready: Advanced Configuration Power Interface (ACPI) provides more
2. FEATURES
Performance
• Easy Installation: Incorporates BIOS that supports autodetection of hard disk
• New Compliancy: Both the BIOS and hardware levels of this motherboard meet
2. FEATURES
Energy Saving Features for operating systems that support OS Direct Power
Management (OSPM) functionality . W ith these features implemented in the OS,
PCs can be ready around the clock, yet satisfy all the energy saving standards.
To fully utilize the benefits of ACPI, an ACPI-supported OS, such as Windows
98/2000/Millenium must be used.
drives, PS/2 mouse, and Plug and Play devices to make the setup of hard disk
drives, expansion cards, and other devices virtually automatic.
the stringent requirements for PC 99 certification. The new PC 99 requirements
for systems and components are based on the following high-level goals: Support for Plug and Play compatibility and power management for configuring
and managing all system components, and 32-bit device drivers and installation
procedures for W indows95/98/NT. Color-coded connectors and descriptive icons
make identification easy as required by PC 99.
2.1.4 Performance Features
• High-Speed Data Transfer Interface: IDE transfers using UltraDMA/33 Bus
Master IDE can handle rates up to 33MB/s. This motherboard with its chipset
and support for UltraDMA/100 increases the data transfer rate to 100MB/s.
UltraDMA/100 is backward compatible with DMA/66, DMA/33, and DMA and
with existing DMA devices and systems so there is no need to upgrade current
EIDE/IDE drives and host systems. (UltraDMA100/66 require a 40-pin 80-conductor cable to be enabled.)
• DDR SDRAM Optimized Performance: This motherboard supports a new gen-
eration memory, Double Data Rate (DDR) Dynamic Random Access Memory
(SDRAM), which is compatible to the industry standard SDRAM. This new memory
technology increases performance by executing two actions per clock cycle,
resulting in data transfer rates of up to 2.1 GB/s for 133MHz DDR SDRAM and
1.6GB/s for 100MHz DDR SDRAM.
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ASUS A7A266 User’s Manual
2. FEATURES
2.1.5 Intelligence
• Dual Function Power Button: Pushing the power button for less than 4 sec-
onds when the system is in the working state places the system into one of two
states: sleep mode or soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS or OS setting (see
PWR Button < 4 Secs in 4.5 Power Menu). When the power button is pressed
for more than 4 seconds, the system enters the soft-off mode regardless of the
BIOS setting.
• Fan Status Monitoring and Alarm: To prevent system overheat and system
damage, the CPU, power supply, and system fans can be monitored for RPM
and failure. All fans are set for its normal RPM range and alarm thresholds.
• Message LED (requires ACPI OS support): Turbo LEDs now act as informa-
tion providers. Through the way a particular LED illuminates, the user can determine if there are messages waiting in the mailbox. A simple glimpse provides
useful information to the user.
• Remote Ring On (requires modem): This allows a computer to be turned on
remotely through an internal or external modem. With this benefit on-hand, users
can access vital information from their computers from anywhere in the world!
Intelligence
2. FEATURES
• System Resources Alert: Today’s operating systems such as Windows 98/
Millenium and Windows NT/2000, require much more memory and hard drive
space to present enormous user interfaces and run large applications. The system resource monitor will warn the user before the system resources are used up
to prevent possible application crashes. Suggestions will give the user information on managing their limited resources more efficiently.
• Temperature Monitoring and Alert: CPU temperature is monitored by the
ASUS ASIC to prevent system overheat and system damage.
• Voltage Monitoring and Alert: System voltage levels are monitored to ensure
stable voltage to critical motherboard components. Voltage specifications are
more critical for future processors, so monitoring is necessary to ensure proper
system configuration and management.
• Chassis Intrusion Detection: Supports chassis-intrusion monitoring through
the ASUS ASIC. A chassis intrusion event is kept in memory on battery power
for more protection.
ASUS A7A266 User’s Manual 11
2. FEATURES
2.2 Motherboard Components
See opposite page for locations.
Processor Support Socket A (462) for AMD Athlon/Duron CPUs ......................... 2
Motherboard Parts
2. FEATURES
Main Memory Maximum 2GB support
Expansion Slots 5 PCI Slots .............................................................................. 19
Location
(NOTE: A CPU thermal sensor is integrated on the motherboard,
located near the center of the CPU heat source, just below the
CPU socket)
DIP Switches ............................................................................ 8
Chipsets ALi M1647 system controller ................................................... 1
ALi M1535D+ PCIset ............................................................ 15
2Mbit Programmable Flash EEPROM ................................... 12
3 SDR DIMM Sockets (maximum 3GB) ................................. 4
2 DDR DIMM Sockets (maximum 2GB) ................................ 3
PC2100 / PC1600 DDR and PC133 SDR memory support
1 Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) Pro Slot ......................... 20
1 Audio Modem Riser (AMR) Slot ........................ (Shared) 17
System I/O 1 Floppy Disk Drive Connector ............................................. 13
2 IDE Connectors (UltraDMA/100 Support) ........................... 7
1 Parallel Port Connector ............................................. (Top) 24
1 Serial COM1 Port Connector .............................. (Bottom) 25
1 Serial COM2 Port Connector .............................. (Bottom) 23
USB Connectors (Port 0 & Port 1) ........................................ 26
USB Header (Port 2,3 & Port 4,5).......................................... 14
1 PS/2 Mouse Connector .............................................. (Top) 27
1 PS/2 Keyboard Connector ................................... (Bottom) 27
1 ASUS IrDA/iPanel Connector................................. (Right) 9
1 ASUS IR Connector .................................................. (Left) 9
1 ASUS iPanel Audio Connector............................................ 21
Audio PCI Audio Chipset (optional)................................................. 18
1 Game/MIDI Connector (on audio model only) ......... (Top) 22
1 Line Out Connector (on audio model only) ........ (Bottom) 22
1 Line In Connector (on audio model only) ........... (Bottom) 22
1 Microphone Connector (on audio model only) ... (Bottom) 22
Network Features Wake-On-LAN Connector...................................................... 16
Wake-On-Ring Connector ...................................................... 11
Hardware Monitoring ASUS ASIC ............................................................................ 10
3 Fan Power and Speed Monitoring Connectors
Power ATX Power Supply Connector ................................................. 5
Special Feature Onboard LED ........................................................................... 6
Form Factor ATX
12
ASUS A7A266 User’s Manual
2. FEATURES
2.2.1 Component Locations
27
26
25
24
23
22
21
1 4 5
2
3
6
7
2. FEATURES
Motherboard Parts
20
19
18
17
12
11
13141516
9
10 9
8
ASUS A7A266 User’s Manual 13
3. HARDWARE SETUP
3.1 Motherboard Layout
24.5cm (9.64in)
PS/2
T: Mouse
B: Keyboard
CPU_FAN
USB1
USB2
COM1
PARALLEL PORT
COM2
Motherboard Layout
3. H/W SETUP
Line
Out
Line
In
Mic
In
GAME_AUDIO
MIC2
BCS1
BCS2
AUX
AUDIO_PANEL
CD1
MODEM
C-Media
CMI-8738
Socket 462
ALi
PWR_FAN
Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP Pro)
M1647
Chipset
PCI 1
PCI 2
PCI 3
01
01
JTPWR
DDR DIMM1 (64/72 bit, 184-pin module)
0 1
A7A266
DDR DIMM2 (64/72 bit, 184-pin module)
2 3
DIMM Socket 1 (64/72-bit, 168-pin module)
DIMM Socket 2 (64/72-bit, 168-pin module)
DIMM Socket 3 (64/72-bit, 168-pin module)
0
2
4
1
3
5
FLOPPY
ALi
M1535D+
Chipset
WOR
LED
ATX Power Connector
Flash EEPROM
(Programable BIOS)
CMOS Power
CLRTC
Secondary IDE
CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell
JEN
VID
Primary IDE
30.5cm (12.0in)
ASIC
Monitor
ASUS
with Hardware
AFPANEL
PANEL
DSW
DIP Switches
WOL_CON
Audio Modem Riser
(AMR)
PCI 4
PCI 5
USB2
USB1
IR
CHASIS
SMB
CHA_FAN
IDELED
Grayed components are available only on certain models at the time of purchase.
14
ASUS A7A266 User’s Manual
3. HARDWARE SETUP
3.2 Layout Contents
Motherboard Settings
1) JEN p. 19 JumperFree Mode (JumperFree/Jumper Mode)
2) VID p. 20 Voltage Regulator Output Setting (Enable/Disable)
3) DSW Switch 5 p. 20 DDR / SDR Memory Selection (Off/On)
4) DSW Switches 1–4 p. 21 CPU External Frequency Setting
5) DSW Switches 5-10 p. 22 Manual CPU Ratio Setting
6) BCS1, BCS2 p. 23 Bass Center Setting
Expansion Slots/Sockets
1) System Memory p. 24 System Memory Support
2) DDR1/DDR2 p. 24 DDR DIMM Memory Module Support
3) DIMM1/2/3 p. 25 SDR DIMM Memory Module Support
4) Socket 462 (Socket A) p. 27 CPU Support
5) PCI1/2/3/4/5 p. 28 32-bit PCI Bus Expansion Slots
6) AGP PRO p. 30 Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) Pro
7) AMR p. 31 Audio Modem Riser (AMR) Slot
Connectors
1) PS2KBMS p. 33 PS/2 Mouse Porv #onnector (6 pin female)
2) PS2KBMS p. 33 PS/2 Keyboard Port Connector (6 pin female)
3) USB p. 34 Universal Serial Bus Connectors 0 & 1 (T wo 4-pin female)
4) COM1/COM2 p. 34 Serial Port Connector (9-pin male)
5) PRINTER p. 34 Parallel Port Connector (25-pin female)
6) GAME_AUDIO p. 35 Game/MIDI Connector (15-pin female) (optional)
7) GAME_AUDIO p. 35 Audio Port Connectors (Three 1/8”) (optional)
8) FLOPPY p. 35 Floppy Disk Drive Connector (34 pin)
9) PRIMAR Y IDE p. 36 IDE Connectors (Two 40-1 pin)
SECONDARY IDE
10) IDELED p. 37 IDE Activity LED (2 pin)
11) CHASSIS p. 37 Chassis Intrusion Lead (4-1 pin)
Layout Contents
3. H/W SETUP
12) WOL_CON p. 38 Wake-On-LAN Connector (3 pin)
13) WOR p. 38 Wake-On-Ring Connector (2 pin)
14) CHA_FAN p. 39 Chassis, Power Supply, CPU Fan Connectors (3 pin)
PWR_FAN
CPU_FAN
15) USB1/USB2 p. 40 USB Headers (Two 10-1 pin)
continued...
ASUS A7A266 User’s Manual 15
16) SMB p. 40 SMBus Connector (5-1 pin)
17) IrDA/AFPANEL p. 41 ASUS IrDA/iPanel Connector (24-1 pin)
18) AAPANEL p. 41 ASUS iPanel Audio Connector (12-1 pin)
19) CD1, AUX, MODEM p. 42 Internal Audio Connector (4 pin)
20) MIC2 p. 42 Internal Microphone Connector (3 pin)
21)
PLED (
22) KEYLOCK (PANEL) p. 43 Keyboard Lock Switch Lead (2 pin)
23) SPEAKER (PANEL) p. 43 System Warning Speaker Connector (4 pin)
24) MLED (PANEL) p. 43 System Message LED (2 pin)
25) SMI (PANEL) p. 43 System Management Interrupt Lead (2 pin)
26) PWRBTN (PANEL) p. 43 ATX / Soft-Off Switch Lead (2 pin)
27) RESET (PANEL) p. 43 Reset Switch Lead (2 pin)
28) ATXPWR p. 44 ATX Power Supply Connector (20 pin)
3. H/W SETUP
Layout Contents
29) JTPWR p. 44 Thermal Sensor Connector (2 pin)
3. HARDWARE SETUP
PANEL
)
p. 43 System Power LED Lead (3 pin)
16
ASUS A7A266 User’s Manual
3. HARDWARE SETUP
3.3 Getting Started
Before using your computer, you must complete the following steps:
1. Check Motherboard Settings
2. Install Memory Modules
3. Install the Central Processing Unit (CPU)
4. Install Expansion Cards
5. Connect Ribbon Cables, Panel Wires, and Power Supply
6. Setup the BIOS Software
Getting Started
3. H/W SETUP
ASUS A7A266 User’s Manual 17
3.4 Motherboard Settings
This section explains in detail how to change your motherboard’s function settings
through the use of switches and/or jumpers.
W ARNING! Computer motherboards and expansion cards contain very delicate
Integrated Circuit (IC) chips. To protect them against damage from static electricity, you should follow some precautions whenever you work on your computer.
1. Unplug your computer when working on the inside.
2. Use a grounded wrist strap before handling computer components. If you do
not have one, touch both of your hands to a safely grounded object or to a
metal object, such as the power supply case.
3. Hold components by the edges and try not to touch the IC chips, leads or
connectors, or other components.
Motherboard Settings
3. H/W SETUP
4. Place components on a grounded antistatic pad or on the bag that came with
the component whenever the components are separated from the system.
5. Ensure that the ATX power supply is switched off before you plug in or
remove the ATX power connector on the motherboard.
3. HARDWARE SETUP
WARNING! Make sure that you unplug your power supply when adding or re-
moving system components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to your
motherboard, peripherals, and/or components. The onboard LED when lit acts as
a reminder that the system is in suspend or soft-off mode and not powered OFF.
0 10 1
ON
Standby
Power
A7A266
A7A266 Onboard LED
OFF
Powered
Off
18
ASUS A7A266 User’s Manual
3. HARDWARE SETUP
Motherboard Features Settings (DIP Switches - DSW)
The motherboard’s onboard functions are adjusted through the DIP switches. The
white block represents the switch’s position. The example below shows all the
switches in the OFF position.
0101
ON
11 5
2 34
1-10: Frequency Multiples
DSW
A7A266
6
7
8 9
10
A7A266 DIP Switch
OFF ON
1) JumperFree™ Mode (JEN)
This jumper allows you to enable or disable the JumperFree™ mode. The
JumperFree™ mode allows processor settings to be made through the BIOS
setup (see 4.4 Advanced Menu). The default setting is for JumperFree mode: all
DSWs come set to the OFF position and the JEN jumpers are set to [2-3].
Setting JEN
JumperFree [2-3] (default)
Jumper Mode [1-2]
12
0101
Jumper Mode
JEN
2
3
Jumper Free (Default)
DSW
ON
11 5
2 34
3. H/W SETUP
Motherboard Settings
A7A266
A7A266 Jumper Mode Setting
ASUS A7A266 User’s Manual 19
6
7
8 9
10
OFF (Default)
3. HARDWARE SETUP
2) Voltage Regulator Output Setting (VID)
This jumper allows you to manually adjust the CPU core voltage. It is better to
use the CPU Default for the CPU core voltage. CPU Default means the Vcore
is generated according to the CPU VID configuration. Disabling the Voltage
regulator output allows higher voltage settings to be made; however care must
be exercised not to damage the CPU.
0101
Motherboard Settings
3. H/W SETUP
A7A266 VID Selection
3) DDR / SDR Memory Selection (DSW Switch 5)
DSW switch 5 is OFF, for auto-detecting all settings using DDR RAM or
SDRAM memory.
DSW switch 5 is ON, for all settings using SDRAM memory.
A7A266
12345 678910
ON
VID
DSW
Disable
23
12345 678910
ON
Enable
(Default)
12
0101
20
A7A266
A7A266 DDR/SDR DIMM Selection
ASUS A7A266 User’s Manual
OFF
Auto-Detect
(Default)
ON
SDRAM
3. HARDWARE SETUP
4) CPU External Frequency Setting (DSW Switches 1–4)
This option tells the clock generator which frequency to send to the CPU,
SDRAM, and chipset. This allows the selection of the CPU’s External frequency.
(The CPU External Frequency multiplied by the Frequency Multiple equals the
CPU’s Internal frequency (the advertised CPU speed).
IMPORTANT:
1. To use this feature, JEN must be set to Jumper Mode, [1-2].
(See 1, JumperFree™ Mode (JEN) in 3, HARDWARE SETUP.)
2. In JumperFree mode, all dip switches (DSW-1–DSW-4) must be set to OFF .
3. When JumperFree mode is enabled, use BIOS setup in place of these switches.
(Set Operating Frequency Setting to User Define under 4.4 Advanced Menu
in BIOS Setup so you can set the CPU Frequency.)
1234
5
6
7
8 9
10
100MHz
133MHz
1234
5
6
7
8 9
10
101MHz
101MHz
ON
ON
1234
5
6
7
8 9
10
120MHz
120MHz
1234
5
6
7
8 9
10
126MHz
126MHz
ON
ON
1234
5
6
7
8 9
10
133MHz
133MHz
ON
0101
A7A266
A7A266 CPU External
Frequency Selection
DSW
CPU
SDRAM
CPU
SDRAM
→
→
→
→
ON
1234
5
6
7
8 9
10
100MHz
100MHz
ON
1234
5
6
7
8 9
10
90MHz
90MHz
WARNING! Frequencies other than recommended CPU bus frequencies are not
guaranteed to be stable. Overclocking your processor is not advised. It may result
in a slower speed and premature wearing of the processor.
3. H/W SETUP
Motherboard Settings
ASUS A7A266 User’s Manual 21
3. HARDWARE SETUP
5) Manual CPU Ratio Settings (DSW Switches 5-10)
Set DSW switches (5-10) to use the clock multiplier to coordinate the ratio of
bus speeds with CPU settings. Set the DSW switches according to the internal
speed of your processor and the bus frequency (133/100MHz).
IMPORTANT:
1. To use this feature, JEN must be set to Jumper Mode, [1-2].
(See 1, JumperFree™ Mode (JEN) in 3, HARDWARE SETUP.)
2. Ensure the DSW settings are correct:
DSW switch 10 is OFF to disable the manual CPU ratio settings.
DSW switch 10 is ON, for all manual CPU ratio settings.
Motherboard Settings
3. H/W SETUP
A7A266 CPU Ratio Setting
Set DSW switches 6 through 9 as follows according to the desired multiplier:
Multiplier 6 7 8 9
12.5x and up [OFF] [OFF] [ON] [ON]
12.0x [ON] [OFF] [ON] [ON]
11.5x [OFF] [ON] [ON] [ON]
11.0x [ON] [ON] [ON] [ON]
10.5x [OFF] [OFF] [OFF] [OFF]
10.0x [ON] [OFF] [OFF] [OFF]
9.5x [OFF] [ON] [OFF] [OFF]
9.0x [ON] [ON] [OFF] [OFF]
8.5x [OFF] [OFF] [ON] [OFF]
8.0x [ON] [OFF] [ON] [OFF]
7.5x [OFF] [ON] [ON] [OFF]
7.0x [ON] [ON] [ON] [OFF]
6.5x [OFF] [OFF] [OFF] [ON]
6.0x [ON] [OFF] [OFF] [ON]
5.5x [OFF] [ON] [OFF] [ON]
5.0x [ON] [ON] [OFF] [ON]
A7A266
12345 678910
ON
DSW
ON
12345 678910
ON
CPU Ratio
Disable
0101
OFF
CPU Ratio
Enable
22
ASUS A7A266 User’s Manual
3. HARDWARE SETUP
0101
A7A266
A7A266 CPU External
Clock (BUS) Frequency
Selection
DSW
ON
12345 678910
5.0x 5.5x 6.0x 6.5x
ON
12345 678910
8.0x 8.5x
ON
12345 678910
11.0x 11.5x 12.0x >=12.5x
ON
12345 678910
ON
12345 678910
ON
12345 678910
ON
12345 678910
ON
12345 678910ON12345 678910ON12345 678910ON12345 678910
9.0x 9.5x 10.0x 10.5x
12345 678910
12345 678910
ON
ON
12345 678910
ON
ON
12345 678910
ON
12345 678910
7.0x 7.5x
ON
12345 678910
ON
12345 678910
ON
12345 678910
6) Bass Center Setting (BCS1, BCS2)
(NOTE: Only available on PCB 1.10 & later versions)
Use these jumpers in conjunction with the C-Media PCI Audio Driver to adjust
output for 6 speaker audio. No audio standard exists for the three pick-up
surfaces on male audio jacks, therefore it may be necessary to switch jumpers
from the default position, type 1, to type 2, in order to reroute signals among the
internal leads to the female Line-In, Line-Out, Mic sockets. Make sure a test is
made using the C-Media Audio Driver software setup available on the Support
CD. These jumpers effectively swap the audio channels for bass and center.
NOTE: the default setting is compatible with Creative 6-Channel audio speaker
system.
0101
BCS1
BCS2
23
12
A7A266
type 1 Bass
(BASS/CENTER)
(Default)
type 2 Bass
(CENTER/BASS)
3. H/W SETUP
Motherboard Settings
A7A266 Jumper Mode Setting
ASUS A7A266 User’s Manual 23
3.5 System Memory
This motherboard features two Double Data Rate (DDR) Dual Inline Memory Module sockets and three Single Data Rate (SDR) Dual Inline Memory Module sockets.
3.5.1 DDR DIMM Support
The two DDR DIMM sockets support 2.5Volt (power level) unbuffered/registered
Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (DDR SDRAM)
of 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, and 1GB to form a memory size between 64MB
to 2GB. One side (with memory chips) of the DIMM takes up one row on the
motherboard.
DDR DIMMs support non-ECC modules that are available in both registered
(typically used in servers) and unbuffered (typically used in PCs) versions.
NOTE: The DDR memory bus runs at the same frequency as the CPU front side bus.
3. H/W SETUP
System Memory
Install memory in any combination as follows:
3. HARDWARE SETUP
DIMM Location 184-pin DDR DIMM Total Memory
Socket 1 (Rows 0&1) 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB x1
Socket 2 (Rows 2&3) 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB x1
Total System Memory (Max 2GB) =
24
ASUS A7A266 User’s Manual
3. HARDWARE SETUP
3.5.2 SDR DIMM Support
The three SDR DIMM sockets support 3.3Volt (power level) unbuffered/registered
Single Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDR SDRAM)
of 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, and 1GB to form a memory size between 64MB
to 3GB. One side (with memory chips) of the DIMM takes up one row on the
motherboard.
SDR DIMMs supports non-ECC (used in desktops/laptops) and are available in
both registered (typically used in servers) and unbuffered (typically used in PCs)
versions.
Install memory in any combination as follows:
DIMM Location 168-pin SDR DIMM Total Memory
Socket 1 (Rows 0&1) 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB x1
Socket 2 (Rows 2&3) 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB x1
Socket 3 (Rows 4&5) 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB x1
Total System Memory (Max 3GB) =
3.5.3 General DIMM Notes
• DIMMs that have more than 18 chips are not supported on this motherboard.
• ASUS motherboards support SPD (Serial Presence Detect) DIMMs. This is the
memory of choice for best performance vs. stability.
• BIOS shows SDRAM memory on bootup screen.
IMPORTANT! DO NOT mix DDR and SDR SDRAMs. Mixing DDR and SDR
SDRAMs may damage the DDR modules!
WARNING! Be sure that the DIMMs you use can handle the specified SDRAM
MHz or else bootup will not be possible.
System Memory
3. H/W SETUP
ASUS A7A266 User’s Manual 25
3.5.4 Memory Installation
WARNING! Unplug your power supply when adding or removing memory
modules or other system components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage
to both your motherboard and expansion cards (see 3.3 Hardware Setup
Procedure for more information).
Insert the module(s) as shown. Each type of module will only fit in the orientations
shown below:
The 184-pin DIMM must be a 2.5V unbuf fered DDR SDRAM. Each DDR DIMM
has a single notch slightly to the right of center:
3. H/W SETUP
System Memory
3. HARDWARE SETUP
0101
104 Pins
A7A266
80 Pins
A7A266 184-Pin DDR DIMM Sockets
The 168-pin DIMM must be a 3.3V unbuffered SDR SDRAM. Look for two notches
on each SDR DIMM:
0101
88 Pins
A7A266
A7A266 168-Pin SDR DIMM Sockets
60 Pins
20 Pins
Lock
168-Pin DIMM Notch Key Definitions (3.3V)
DRAM Key Position
RFU
26
Unbuffered
Buffered
ASUS A7A266 User’s Manual
Voltage Key Position
5.0V
Reserved
3.3V
3. HARDWARE SETUP
3.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The motherboard provides a Socket 462 or Socket A for CPU installation. A fan and
heatsink should be attached to the CPU to prevent overheating. Purchase and install
a fan and heatsink before turning on the system.
010 1
A7A266
A7A266 Socket A
NOTCH
AMD™ CPU
LOCK
LEVER
1. Locate the Socket 462 and open it by pulling the lever gently sideways away from
the socket. Then lift the lever upwards. The
socket lever must be fully opened (90 to 100
degrees).
2. Insert the CPU with the correct orientation. The
notched corner of the CPU must be oriented
toward the inner corner of the socket base
nearest to the lever hinge.
CAUTION! The CPU fits in one orientation
and should drop easily into place. Do not force
the CPU into the socket to avoid bending the
pins. If the CPU does not fit, check its
alignment and look for bent pins.
CPU
3. H/W SETUP
3. Once completely inserted, press the CPU firmly
and close the socket lever until it snaps into its locked position.
4. Place the CPU fan and heatsink on the CPU. The heatsink should entirely cover
the CPU. Carefully attach the heatsink locking brace to the plastic clips on the
socket base. With the added weight of the CPU fan and heatsink locking brace,
no extra force is required to keep the CPU in place.
CAUTION! Take care not to scrape the motherboard surface when mounting a
clamp-style processor fan, or else damage may occur . When mounting a heatsink
onto your CPU, make sure that exposed CPU capacitors do not touch the
heatsink, or else damage may occur! Refer to heatsink/CPU documentation.
NOTE! Do not forget to set the correct Bus Frequency and Multiple (available
only on unlocked processors) to avoid start-up problems.
ASUS A7A266 User’s Manual 27
3.7 Expansion Cards
WARNING! Unplug your power supply when adding or removing expansion
cards or other system components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to
both your motherboard and expansion cards.
3.7.1 Expansion Card Installation Procedure
1. Read the documentation for your expansion card and make any necessary hardware or software settings for your expansion card, such as jumpers.
2. Remove your computer system’s cover and the bracket plate on the slot you
intend to use. Keep the bracket for possible future use.
3. Carefully align the card’s connectors and press firmly.
4. Secure the card on the slot with the screw you removed above.
Expansion Cards
3. H/W SETUP
5. Replace the computer system’s cover.
6. Set up the BIOS if necessary
(such as IRQ xx Used By ISA: Yes in 4.4.3 PCI Configuration)
7. Install the necessary software drivers for your expansion card.
3. HARDWARE SETUP
28 ASUS A7A266 User’s Manual
3. HARDWARE SETUP
3.7.2 Assigning IRQs for Expansion Cards
Some expansion cards need an IRQ to operate. Generally, an IRQ must be exclusively assigned to one use. In a standard design, there are 16 IRQs available but
most of them are already in use, leaving 6 IRQs free for expansion cards. If your
motherboard has PCI audio onboard, an additional IRQ will be used. If your motherboard also has MIDI enabled, another IRQ will be used, leaving 4 IRQs free.
IMPORTANT: If using PCI cards on shared slots, make sure that the drivers support “Share IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Conflicts will
arise between the two PCI groups that will make the system unstable or cards inoperable.
The following table lists the default IRQ assignments for standard PC devices. Use
this table when configuring your system and for resolving IRQ conflicts.
Standard Interrupt Assignments
IRQ Priority Standard Function
0 1 System Timer
1 2 Keyboard Controller
2 N/A Programmable Interrupt
3* 11 Communications Port (COM2)
4* 12 Communications Port (COM1)
5* 13 Sound Card (sometimes LPT2)
6 14 Floppy Disk Controller
7* 15 Printer Port (LPT1)
8 3 System CMOS/Real Time Clock
9* 4 ACPI Mode when used
10* 5 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering
11* 6 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering
12* 7 PS/2 Compatible Mouse Port
13 8 Numeric Data Processor
14* 9 Primary IDE Channel
15* 10 Secondary IDE Channel
3. H/W SETUP
Expansion Cards
*These IRQs are usually available for PCI devices.
Interrupt Request Table for this Motherboard
INT-A INT-B INT-C INT-D INT-E INT-F
PCI slot 1 shared —————
PCI slot 2 — shared —— ——
PCI slot 3 ——shared ———
PCI slot 4 —— —shared ——
PCI slot 5 —— — ——shared
AGP Pro slot shared shared ————
Onboard PCI audio ———— —shared
Onboard USB controller —— ——used —
ASUS A7A266 User’s Manual 29
Expansion Cards
3. HARDWARE SETUP
3.7.3 Accelerated Graphics Port Pro (AGP Pro)
This motherboard provides an Accelerated Graphics Port Pro (AGP Pro) slot to support AGP/AGP Pro graphics cards, such as an ASUS AGP-V6800DDR/64M.
CAUTION! T o avoid damaging your AGP/AGP Pro graphics card, your computer’s
power supply should be unplugged before inserting your graphics card into the slot.
3. H/W SETUP
Expansion Cards
A7A266 Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP PRO)
CAUTION! The AGP Pro slot is shipped with a safety tab on the 20-pin bay for
use with AGP cards without a retention notch. DO NOT remove
this tab if you will be using such cards; removing may cause these
cards to shift, which may cause damage to your card, slot, and
motherboard. Remove ONLY when you will be using an AGP
Pro card. Use a rigid tip, such as a pen tip, to dislodge and remove the tab from the bay.
A7A266
0101
AGP Card without Retention Notch
20-pin bay
Rib (inside slot) Rib
TOP VIEW
28-pin bay
Removing the tab
30 ASUS A7A266 User’s Manual
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