ASUS A7SVM User Manual

®

A7S-VM

SiS730S Ultra-AGP

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

• SiS is a registered trademark of Silicon Integrated Systems Corp.

• Windows and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

• Adobe and Acrobat are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.

• Trend and ChipAwayVirus are trademarks of Trend Micro Incorporated.
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 INFORMA TION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED
FOR INFORMA TIONAL USE ONL Y, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE A T 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 A7S-VM
Manual Revision: 1.03 E762
Release Date: April 2001

2

ASUS A7S-VM User’s Manual

ASUS CONTACT INFORMATION

ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (Asia-Pacific)

Marketing

Address: 150 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 112
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Technical Support

MB/Others (Tel): [phone] (English)
Notebook (Tel): [phone] (English)
Desktop/Server (Tel): [phone] (English)
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
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: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Technical Support

Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
WWW: www.asus.com
FTP: ftp.asus.com/Pub/ASUS

ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Europe)

Marketing

Address: Harkortstr. 25, 40880 Ratingen, BRD, Germany
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail] (for marketing requests only)

Technical Support

Hotline: MB/Others: [phone] Notebook: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Support (Email): www.asuscom.de/de/support (for online support)
WWW: www.asuscom.de
FTP: ftp.asuscom.de/pub/ASUSCOM

ASUS A7S-VM 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 ASUS A7S-VM Motherboard ...................................................... 8

2.1.1 Specifications ..................................................................... 8

2.1.2 Performance...................................................................... 10

2.1.3 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 Hardware Setup Procedure......................................................... 16

3.4 Motherboard Settings ................................................................. 16

3.5 System Memory ......................................................................... 19

3.5.1 General DIMM Notes....................................................... 19

3.5.2 Memory Installation ......................................................... 20

3.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) .................................................. 21

3.6.1 CPU Installation ............................................................... 22

3.7 Expansion Cards ........................................................................ 23

3.7.1 Installing an Expansion Card ........................................... 23

3.7.2 Assigning IRQs for Expansion Cards .............................. 24

3.8 Connectors ................................................................................ 25

3.8.1 External Connectors ......................................................... 25

3.8.2 Internal Connectors .......................................................... 28

3.9 Starting Up the First Time.......................................................... 39

4. BIOS SETUP..................................................................................... 41

4.1 Managing and Updating Your BIOS .......................................... 41

4.1.1 Upon First Use of the Computer System.......................... 41

4.1.2 Updating BIOS Procedures .............................................. 43

4.2 BIOS Setup Program.................................................................. 45

4.2.1 BIOS Menu Bar................................................................ 46

4.2.2 Legend Bar ....................................................................... 46

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ASUS A7S-VM User’s Manual

CONTENTS

4.3 Main Menu................................................................................. 48

4.3.1 Primary & Secondary Master/Slave ................................. 49

4.3.2 Keyboard Features............................................................ 52

4.4 Advanced Menu ......................................................................... 54

4.4.1 Chip Configuration........................................................... 56

4.4.2 I/O Device Configuration ................................................. 59

4.4.3 PCI Configuration ............................................................ 61

4.4.4 Shadow Configuration...................................................... 65

4.5 Power Menu ............................................................................... 66

4.5.1 Power Up Control............................................................. 68

4.5.2 Hardware Monitor ............................................................ 69

4.6 Boot Menu ................................................................................. 70

4.7 Exit Menu................................................................................... 72

5. SOFTWARE SETUP....................................................................... 75

5.1 Operating Systems ..................................................................... 75

5.1.1 Windows 98 First Time Installation ................................. 75

5.2 A7S-VM Motherboard Support CD........................................... 75

5.2.1 Installation Menus ............................................................ 75

6. SOFTWARE REFERENCE ........................................................... 77

6.1 ASUS PC Probe ......................................................................... 77

7. APPENDIX....................................................................................... 83

7.1 Glossary ..................................................................................... 83

INDEX ................................................................................................... 87

ASUS A7S-VM 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 approved

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.

6

ASUS A7S-VM 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/
100/66 or UltraDMA/33 IDE
drives

(1) Ribbon cable for two 3.5”

floppy disk drives

(1) ASUS Support CD with drivers

and utilities
(1) Bag of spare jumper caps
(1) ASUS 2-port USB Connector

Set
(1) I/O Plate (on LAN models only)

(1) User’s Manual

Optional Items

ASUS Modem MR
ASUS IrDA-compliant infrared

module

ASUS A7S-VM User’s Manual 7

2.1 ASUS A7S-VM Motherboard

Powered by AMD Athlon / AMD Duron processors, the ASUS A7S-VM motherboard
bundles advanced technology to deliver outstanding performance. The motherboard
is designed with select features and interfaces to offer value and flexibility.

2.1.1 Specifications

• Processor: Supports Socket A-based AMD Athlon™/AMD Duron™ processors

2. FEATURES

Specifications

• North/South Bridge System Chipset: Features the SiS730S single chip that

• PC133 SDRAM / HSDRAM Support: Equipped with two Dual Inline Memory

2. FEATURES

running at 533MHz up to 1.2GHz with Front Side Bus (FSB) frequency of
100MHz.

complements the powers of the Socket A-based processor. The chipset integrates
the Ultra-AGP technology and 128-bit 2D/3D graphic engine to deliver AGP 4X
performance and up to 1GB/s memory bandwidth.

Module (DIMM) sockets to support up to 1GB of memory using unbuffered
PC133/100-compliant SDRAMs.

• JumperFree™ Mode: Allows processor settings and easy overclocking of

frequency and Vcore voltage through BIOS setup when the JumperFree™ mode
is enabled.

• UltraDMA/100 Support: Comes with an onboard PCI Bus Master IDE controller

with two connectors that support four IDE devices on two channels. Supports
UltraDMA/100, UltraDMA/66, UltraDMA/33, PIO Modes 3 & 4, Bus Master
IDE DMA Mode 2, and Enhanced IDE devices, such as DVD-ROM, CD-ROM,
CD-R/RW, LS-120, and Tape Backup drives.

• LAN Support (optional): Features the RealTek RTL8100 Fast-Ethernet LAN

controller that fully supports 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX.

• Super Multi-I/O: Builts-in the iTE IT8705F chipset to support two high-speed

UAR T compatible serial ports and one parallel port with EPP and ECP capabilities.
UART2 can also be directed from COM2 to an external infrared module for
wireless connections.

• IrDA: Supports an optional infrared port module for wireless interface.

• Wake-On-LAN: Supports Wake-On-LAN activity through a WOL connector

or an optional ASUS PCI-L101 10/100 Fast Ethernet PCI card.

• Wake-On-Ring: Supports Wake-On-Ring activity through a PCI modem card

that supports a WOR connector.

• PC Health Monitoring: Provides an easy way to test and manage system status

information, such as CPU and system voltages, temperatures, and fan status
through the onboard hardware ASUS ASIC and the bundled ASUS PC Probe.

8

ASUS A7S-VM User’s Manual

2. FEATURES

• SMBus: Features the System Management Bus interface used to physically

transport commands and information between SMBus devices.

• PCI Expansion Slots: Provides four 32-bit PCI (Rev. 2.2) expansion slots that

support Bus Master PCI cards, such as SCSI or LAN cards, with 133MB/s
maximum throughput.

• Smart BIOS: 2Mb firmware provides Vcore and CPU/SDRAM frequency

adjustments, boot block write protection, and HD/SCSI/MO/ZIP/CD/Floppy boot
selection.

• Enhanced ACPI and Anti-Boot Virus Pr otection: Programmable BIOS (Flash

EEPROM) that offers enhanced ACPI for Windows 98 compatibility, built-in
firmware-based virus protection, and autodetection of most devices for a virtual
automatic setup.

• Desktop Management Interface (DMI): Supports DMI through BIOS that

allows hardware to communicate within a standard protocol and create a higher
level of compatibility. (Requires DMI-enabled components.)

Specifications

2. FEATURES

• Onboard Audio (optional): Audio models come with the AC ‘97-compliant

interfaces that support integrated audio and modem features that comprise digital
audio engine with 3D-hardware accelerator, on-chip sample rate converter, and
a professional wavetable.

• Connectivity Interface: Supports an optional ASUS iPanel, an easy-to-access

box with system diagnostic display area, system status LEDs, USB ports, and
hot keys. The AFP ANEL connector on the motherboard accommodates the ASUS
iPanel.

ASUS A7S-VM User’s Manual 9

2. FEATURES

2.1.2 Performance

• ACPI Ready: Advanced Configuration Power Interface (ACPI) provides more

Energy Saving Features for operating systems that support OS Direct Power
Management (OSPM) functionality. With these features employed in the OS,
PCs can be ready around the clock but comply with energy saving standards. To
fully utilize the ACPI benefits, use an ACPI-supported OS such as Windows
98/2000/Millenium.

2. FEATURES

Performance

• PC’99 Compliant: Both the BIOS and hardware levels of ASUS smart series

motherboards are PC’99 compliant. The new PC’99 requirements for systems
and components are based on the following high-level goals: Support for Plug­n-Play compatibility and power management for configuring and managing all
system components, and 32-bit device drivers and installation procedures for
Windows 98/ME and W indows NT/2000. Color-coded connectors and descriptive
icons make identification easy as required by PC’99.

• High-Speed Data Transfer Interface: Support for UltraDMA/100 through the

onboard IDE bus master controller triples the UltraDMA/33 burst transfer rate.
UltraDMA/100 is backward compatible with DMA/66, DMA/33, and other
existing DMA devices to save the need to upgrade current EIDE/IDE drives.
(UltraDMA/100/66 requires a 40-pin 80-conductor cable).

• Concurrent PCI: Concurrent PCI allows multiple PCI transfers from PCI master

busses to the memory and processor.

10

ASUS A7S-VM User’s Manual

2. FEATURES

2.1.3 Intelligence

• Auto Fan Off: The system fans powers off automatically even in sleep mode.

This function reduces both energy consumption and system noise, and is an
important feature in implementing silent PC systems.

• Dual Function Power Button: Pushing the power button for less than 4 seconds

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 you press the power button 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 and system fans can be monitored for RPM and failure. All
fans are set for its normal RPM range and alarm thresholds.

• Power LED (requir es ACPI OS support): The power LED indicates the system

status.

• Remote Ring-On (requires modem): This feature allows you to turn off the

computer remotely through an internal or external modem. With this benefit on­hand, users can access vital information from their computers anywhere.

Intelligence

2. FEATURES

• System Resources Alert: Today’s operating systems such as Windows 98/ME

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 warns the user before the system resources are used up to prevent possible
application crashes. Suggestions provide the user some information on managing
their limited resources more efficiently.

• Temperature Monitoring and Alert: CPU temperature is monitored by the

ASUS ASIC through the thermal sensor of Socket A 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 A7S-VM User’s Manual 11

2. FEATURES

2.2 Motherboard Components

See opposite page for locations.

Processor Support Socket 462 for AMD Athlon/AMD Duron Processors ............. 3

Chipsets SiS730S System Controller....................................................... 2

iTE IT8705F Super I/O Controller ........................................... 8

2Mbit Programmable Flash EEPROM ................................... 10

Location

M/B Components

2. FEATURES

Expansion Slots 4 PCI Slots .............................................................................. 18

Hardware Monitoring ASUS ASIC ............................................................................ 15

Main Memory 2 DIMM Sockets for up to 1GB Memory Support .................. 4

PC133 SDRAM support

System I/O Floppy Disk Drive Connector .................................................. 6

IDE Connectors (UltraDMA/100 Support) .............................. 5

ASUS iPanel Connectors.................................................... 9, 16

Parallel Port .................................................................. (Top) 21

Serial Port 1 (COM1) ..................................... (Bottom Left) 21

Serial Port 2 (COM2) ............................................................. 14

Video Port .................................................... (Bottom Right) 21

USB Connectors (Port 0 & Port 1) ........................ (Bottom) 22

USB Connectors (Port 2 & Port 3) ........................................ 11

USB Connectors (Port 4 & Port 5) ......................................... 13

PS/2 Mouse Connector ................................................. (Top) 23

PS/2 Keyboard Connector ...................................... (Bottom) 23

3 Fan Power Connectors

Network Features (on LAN models only)

RealTek RTL8100 Fast Ethernet Controller ........................... 19

LAN Connector (RJ-45) ............................................... (Top) 22

Audio Features (on audio models only)

AC ’97 v2.1 Audio Codec ...................................................... 17

Game/MIDI Port........................................................... (Top) 20

Line Out Connector ................................................ (Bottom) 20

Line In Connector................................................... (Bottom) 20

Microphone Connector ........................................... (Bottom) 20

Special Features Wake-On-LAN Connector...................................................... 12

Wake-On-Ring Connector ........................................................ 7

Power ATX Power Connector ............................................................. 1

Form Factor Micro A TX

12

ASUS A7S-VM User’s Manual

2. FEATURES

2.2.1 Component Locations

23
22

21

20
19

18

1 2 345

6

2. FEATURES

M/B Components

17

16

14

8

121315

11

10

9

7

ASUS A7S-VM User’s Manual 13

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.1 Motherboard Layout

24.5cm (9.6in)

PS/2

T: Mouse
B: Keyboard

USB

T: USB1
B: USB2

COM1

Motherboard Layout

3. H/W SETUP

VGA

Line
Out

Line

Mic

GAME_AUDIO

KB_UP USB_UP

Top:

RJ-45

PARALLEL PORT

CD

Audio

Codec

MODEM

TV-LCD

In

In

ATX Power Connector

Realtek

Fast

Enternet

PCI Slot 1

PCI Slot 2

VIDEO

PCI Slot 3

AUX

PCI Slot 4

AAPANEL

A7S-VM

Socket A

SiS730S

Chipset

CHASSIS

USBP2

ASUS
ASIC

COM2

01

WOL_CON

CIR

USBP1

IR

CPU_FAN

CLR_CMOS

PRIMARY IDE

(64/72-bit, 168-pin module)

2

DIMM Socket

DIMM Socket 1 (64/72-bit, 168-pin module)

23

11

Flash EEPROM

PANEL

CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

SECONDARY IDE

PWR_FAN

CHASIS_FAN

PWR_TMP

Super

I/O

WOR

(Programable BIOS)

SMB

AFPANEL

FLOPPY

24.5cm (9.6in)

14

NOTE: The Audio Codec, external and internal audio connectors, RealTek

R TL8100 chipset, and RJ-45 LAN connector are optional components. These
items are grayed out in the above motherboard layout.

ASUS A7S-VM User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.2 Layout Contents

Motherboard Settings

1) USB_UP p. 17 USB Wake Up Jumper

2) KB_UP p. 17 Keyboard Wake-up Jumper

3) CLR_CMOS p. 18 Clear RTC RAM

Expansion Slots/Sockets

1) DIMM 1/2 p. 19 System Memory Support

2) Socket A p. 21 CPU Support

3) PCI 1/2/3/4 p. 23 32-bit PCI Bus Expansion Slots

External Connectors

1) PS2KBMS p. 25 PS/2 Mouse Port (6-pin female)

2) PS2KBMS p. 25 PS/2 Keyboard Port (6-pin female)

3) RJ-45 p. 25 Fast Ethernet LAN Port (RJ-45)

4) USB p. 26 Universal Serial Bus Ports 1 & 2 ( tw o 4-pin female)

5) PRINTER p. 26 Parallel Port (25-pin female)

6) COM1 p. 26 Serial Ports (9-pin /10-1 pin male)

7) VGA p. 27 Video Port (15-pin female)

8) GAME_AUDIO (Top) p. 27 Game/MIDI Port (15-pin femal)

9) GAME_AUDIO (Bottom) p. 27 Audio Ports (1/8” jacks)

Internal Connectors

1) IDELED p. 28 IDE Activity LED (2-pin)

2) FLOPPY p. 28 Floppy Disk Drive Connector (34-pin)

3) PRIMARY ID E p. 29 IDE Connectors (two 40-1 pin)
SECONDARY IDE

4) WOL_CON p. 30 Wake-On-LAN Connector (3-pin)

5) WOR p. 30 Wake-On-Ring Connector (2-pin)

6) CP U/PWR/CHA_FAN p. 31 CPU, Power , and Chassis Fan Connectors (3-pin)

7) CHASSIS p. 32 Chassis Intrusion Lead (4-1 pin)

8) SMB p. 32 SMBus Connector (5-1 pin)

9) IR p. 33 Standard Infrared Module Connector (5-pin)

10) CIR p. 33 Consumer Infrared Module Connector (5-pin)

11) AFPANEL p. 34 ASUS iPanel Connector (12-1 pin)

12) AAPANEL p. 34 Audio Panel Connector (12-1 pin)

13) USBP1/USBP2 p. 35 USB Headers (two 10-1 pin)

14) CD/VIDEO/AUX/MODEM p. 35 Internal Audio Connectors (4-1 pin)

15) TV-LCD p. 36 LCD Headers (two 20-pin)

16) COM2 p. 36 Serial Port 2 Connector (10-1 pin)

17) ATXPWR p. 37 ATX Power Supply Connector (20-pin)

18) PWR_TMP p. 37 Power Supply Thermal Sensor Conn. (2-pin)

19)

PWR.LED (

20) SPEAKER (PANEL) p. 38 System Warning Speaker Lead (4-pin)

21) MSG.LED (PANEL) p. 38 System Message LED Lead (2-pin)

22) SMI (PANEL) p. 38 System Management Interrupt Lead (2-pin)

23) PWR.SW (PANEL) p. 38 ATX / Soft-Off Switch Lead (2-pin)

24) RESET (PANEL) p. 38 Reset Switch Lead (2-pin)

PANEL

)

p. 38 System Power LED Lead (3-pin)

3. H/W SETUP

Layout Contents

ASUS A7S-VM User’s Manual 15

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.3 Hardware Setup Procedure

Complete the following steps before using your computer:

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 cables

6. Configure the BIOS parameter settings

3.4 Motherboard Settings

This section tells you how to change motherboard function settings through the
switches and/or jumpers.

Motherboard Settings

3. H/W SETUP

WARNING! Computer motherboards and expansion cards contain very delicate

Integrated Circuit (IC) chips. To avoid damaging them due to static electricity,
follow these precautions whenever you work on your computer .

1. Unplug the computer when working on the internal components.

2. Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or to a metal

3. Hold components by the edges and try not to touch the IC chips on them.

4. Whenever you uninstall any component, place the components on a grounded

5. Before you install or r emove any component, ensure that the A TX power

object, such as the power supply case, before handling computer components.

antistatic pad or in the bag that came with the components.

supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power
supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard,

peripherals, and/or components.

16

ASUS A7S-VM User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

1) USB Device Wake-up Jumper (3-pin USB_UP)

This jumper allows you to enable or disable the USB device wake up feature.
Set this jumper to ENABLE if you wish to use the USB devices to wake up the
computer . This feature requires an ATX power supply that can supply at least 2A
on the +5VSB lead. The default setting is DISABLE.

NOTES:

1. Before setting either of this jumper to ENABLE, make sure that you have the

appropriate power supply, otherwise the computer will not power up.

2. The total current consumed must NOT exceed the power supply capability

(+5VSB) whether under normal working conditions or in sleep mode.

USB_UP

3

2
1

Disable

(Default)

2

Enable

A7S-VM

A7S-VM USB Wake Up

2) Keyboard Wake-up Jumper (3-pin KB_UP)

This jumper allows you to enable or disable the keyboard wake up feature. Set
this jumper to ENABLE if you wish to use the keyboard to wake up the computer
when you press the <Spacebar>. This feature requires an ATX power supply that
can supply at least 2A on the +5VSB lead. The default setting is DISABLE.

KB_UP

3

2
1

Disable

(Default)

2

Enable

3. H/W SETUP

Motherboard Settings

A7S-VM

A7S-VM Keyboard Wake Up

ASUS A7S-VM User’s Manual 17

3) Clear RTC RAM (CLR_CMOS)

These solder points allow you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in
CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup
parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The RAM data in CMOS,
that include system setup information such as system passwords, is powered by
the onboard button cell battery.

To erase the RTC RAM:

1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.

2. Remove the battery.

3. Short the solder points.

4. Re-install the battery.

5. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.

6. Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to

Motherboard Settings

re-enter data.

3. H/W SETUP

3. HARDWARE SETUP

A7S-VM

A7S-VM Clear RTC RAM

CLR_CMOS

Short solder points
to Clear CMOS

18

ASUS A7S-VM User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.5 System Memory

This motherboard uses only Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMMs). Two DIMM
sockets are available for 3.3Volt (power level) unbuffered Synchronous Dynamic
Random Access Memory (SDRAM) of 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, or 512MB densities for
a system memory configuration of 32MB up to 1GB. One side (with memory chips)
of the DIMM takes up one row on the motherboard.

Install memory in any combination as follows:

DIMM Location 168-pin DIMM Total Memory

Socket 1 (Rows 0&1) SDRAM 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512MB x1
Socket 2 (Rows 2&3) SDRAM 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512MB x1

Total System Memory (Max. 1GB) =

3.5.1 General DIMM Notes

• DIMMs that have more than 18 chips are not supported on this motherboard.

• For the system CPU bus to operate 100MHz/133MHz, use only PC100-/PC133-

compliant DIMMs.

• ASUS motherboards support Serial Presence Detect (SPD) DIMMs. This is the
memory of choice for best performance vs. stability.

• SDRAM chips are generally thinner with higher pin density than EDO (Extended
Data Output) chips.

• BIOS shows SDRAM memory on bootup screen.

• Single-sided DIMMs come in 16, 32, 64,128, 256MB; double-sided come in 32, 64,

128, 256, 512MB.

W ARNING! Make sure that the DIMM you use can handle the specified SDRAM

speeds, otherwise the computer will not boot.

3. H/W SETUP

System Memory

ASUS A7S-VM User’s Manual 19

3.5.2 Memory Installation

WARNING! Make sure that you unplug the power supply when adding or

removing memory modules or other system components. Failure to do so may
cause severe damage to both the motherboard and expansion cards (see 3.3
Hardware Setup Procedure for more information).

Insert the module(s) into the DIMM sockets as shown. Because the number of pins
are different on either side of the breaks, the module only fits in one direction. SDRAM
DIMMs have different pin contacts on each side and have a higher pin density than
DRAM SIMMs.

System Memory

3. H/W SETUP

3. HARDWARE SETUP

20 Pins

60 Pins

88 Pins

A7S-VM

A7S-VM 168-Pin DIMM Sockets

Lock

The DIMMs must be 3.3Volt unbuffered SDRAMs. To determine the DIMM type,
check the notches on the DIMMs (see the figure below).

The notches on the DIMM shifts between left, center, or right to identify the type
and also to prevent the wrong type from being inserted into the DIMM slot on the
motherboard. You must tell your retailer the correct DIMM type before purchasing.
This motherboard supports four clock signals per DIMM.

20 ASUS A7S-VM User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a ZIF Socket for the supported CPUs listed in section

2.1.1 Specifications. The following illustration shows the CPU socket location on

the motherboard and the correct CPU orientation.

BLANK

LEVER

LOCK

AMD™ Athlon

A7S-VM

A7S-VM Socket A

NOTCH

Note in the illustration that CPUs have marks (usually a notch or a gold mark on one
corner) to help you identify the proper orientation and enable you to correctly install
a CPU. It is important that you match the marked corner of the CPU with the
corresponding corner on the socket so as not to damage the CPU pins.

The CPU picture above is for reference only. Usually, when you buy a CPU, the
heatsink and fan are already attached to the CPU. If a heatsink and fan did not come
with the package, make sure you obtain one before installing the CPU.

WARNING! You must install the proper heatsink and fan to the CPU. Failure to

do so will cause the CPU to overheat and may damage both the CPU and the
motherboard. Install an auxillary fan, if necessary.

CPU

3. H/W SETUP

CAUTION! Be careful not to scrape the motherboard when mounting/unmounting

a clamp-style processor fan to avoid damaging the motherboard.

Proceed to the next section for the steps on how to properly install a CPU.

ASUS A7S-VM User’s Manual 21

3.6.1 CPU Installation

Follow these steps to install a CPU.

1. Locate the ZIF socket on the motherboard.

2. Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sideways then lifting it up to a 90°-100°

3. Position the CPU above the socket such that its notched or marked corner matches

4. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it fits in place.

CAUTION! The CPU fits only in one orientation. Do not force the CPU into the

socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU. If the CPU does not

CPU Installation

3. H/W SETUP

fit completely, check its orientation or check for bent pins.

3. HARDWARE SETUP

angle.

the socket corner near the end of the lever, while making sure that the CPU is
parallel to the socket.

5. When the CPU is in place, press it firmly on the socket while you push down the
socket lever to secure the CPU. The lever clicks on the socket indicating that it
is locked.

6. Attach the heatsink and fan to the CPU, if they were not pre-installed by the
vendor . Refer to the installation instructions that came with the heatsink and fan.

NOTES:

1. Do not forget to set the correct Bus Frequency and Multiple (frequency

multiple setting is available only on unlocked processors) for the processor
to avoid start-up problems.

2. Socket A processors requires a socket-mounted thermal resistor.

22 ASUS A7S-VM User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.7 Expansion Cards

In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The motherboard has five
PCI expansion slots to support these cards. Follow the steps in the next section
when installing expansion cards.

WARNING! Unplug the system power cord when adding or removing expansion

cards or other system components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to
both the motherboard and expansion cards.

3.7.1 Installing an Expansion Card

1. Read the documentation that comes with the expansion card and make any
necessary hardware settings for the card before installing it.

2. Remove the system unit cover and the bracket plate on the slot you intend to use.
Keep the screw for later use.

3. Align the card connectors with the slot and press firmly until the card fits in
place.

4. Secure the card to the slot with the screw you removed earlier.

5. Replace the system cover.

6. Change the necessary BIOS settings, if any.
(see section 4.4.3 PCI Configuration to change the settings.)

7. Install the necessary software drivers for the expansion card.

3. H/W SETUP

Expansion Cards

ASUS A7S-VM User’s Manual 23

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 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

Expansion Cards

3. H/W SETUP

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. HARDWARE SETUP

*These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices.

Interrupt Request Table for this Motherboard

INT-A INT-B INT-C INT-D

PCI slot 1 shared —— —
PCI slot 2 — shared ——
PCI slot 3 ——shared —
PCI slot 4 ———shared
Onboard audio controller — shared ——
Onboard USB controller ———shared

24 ASUS A7S-VM User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.8 Connectors

3.8.1 External Connectors

1) PS/2 Mouse Connector (Green 6-pin PS2KBMS)

The system automatically directs IRQ12 to the PS/2 mouse if one is detected. If
no mouse is detected, IRQ12 become available to expansion cards. See PS/2
Mouse Function Control in 4.4 Advanced Menu.

PS/2 Mouse (6-pin female)

2) PS/2 Keyboard Connector (Purple 6-pin PS2KBMS)
This connection is for a standard keyboard using an PS/2 plug (mini DIN). This
connector does not allow standard A T size (large DIN) keyboard plugs. You
may use a DIN to mini DIN adapter on standard AT keyboards.

Connectors

3. H/W SETUP

PS/2 Keyboard (6-pin female)

3) Fast Ethernet LAN Connector (R-J45)

The RJ-45 connector allows connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through
a network hub.

RJ-45

ASUS A7S-VM User’s Manual 25

3. H/W SETUP

Connectors

3. HARDWARE SETUP

4) Universal Serial BUS Ports 1 & 2 (Black two 4-pin USB)

Two USB ports are available for connecting USB devices.

Universal Serial Bus (USB)

5) Parallel Port Connector (Burgundy 25-pin PRINTER)
You can enable the parallel port and choose the IRQ through Onboard Parallel
Port (see 4.4.2 I/O Device Configuration).
NOTE: Serial printers must be connected to the serial port.

Parallel (Printer) Port (25-pin female)

6) Serial Port Connector (Teal/Turquoise 9-pin COM1)

One serial port is available for pointing devices or other serial devices. T o enable
the port, see Onboard Serial Port 1 in 4.4.2 I/O Device Configuration.

COM 1

Serial Port (9-pin male)

26 ASUS A7S-VM User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

7) VGA Connector (Blue 15-pin VGA)

This connector is for a VGA monitor and other VGA-compatible devices.

VGA Monitor (15-pin female)

8) Game/MIDI Connector (Gold 15-pin GAME_AUDIO) (optional)

This connector supports a joystick or a game pad for playing games, and MIDI
devices for playing or editing audio files.

Game/MIDI (15-pin female)

9) Audio Connectors (Three 1/8” AUDIO) (optional)

The Line Out (lime) connects a headphone or speakers. The Line In (light blue)
connects a tape players or other audio sources. The Mic (pink) connects a
microphone.

MicLine InLine Out

1/8" Stereo Audio Connectors

Connectors

3. H/W SETUP

ASUS A7S-VM User’s Manual 27