ASUS A8N-VM User Manual

A8N-VM

Motherboard

E2295E2295

E2295

E2295E2295

Revised Edition V2Revised Edition V2

Revised Edition V2

Revised Edition V2Revised Edition V2 October 2005October 2005

October 2005

October 2005October 2005

Copyright © 2005 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.Copyright © 2005 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,

transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).

Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.

ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.

SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.

Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identification or explanation and to the owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.

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Contents

Notices ................................................................................................ vi

Safety information ............................................................................. vii

A8N-VM specifications summary ...................................................... viii

Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 Welcome! .............................................................................. 1-2

1.2 Package contents ................................................................. 1-2

1.3 Special features .................................................................... 1-2

1.3.1 Product highlights................................................... 1-2

1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ....................................... 1-4

1.4 Before you proceed .............................................................. 1-5

1.5 Motherboard overview .......................................................... 1-6

1.5.1 Motherboard layout ................................................ 1-6

1.5.2 Placement direction ................................................ 1-7

1.5.3 Screw holes ............................................................ 1-7

1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) .............................................. 1-8

1.7 System memory ................................................................. 1-10

1.7.1 Overview ................................................................. -10

1.7.2 Memory configurations ......................................... 1-10

1.7.3 Installing a DIMM ................................................... 1-12

1.7.4 Removing a DIMM ................................................. 1-12

1.8 Expansion slots ................................................................... 1-13

1.8.1 Installing an expansion card .................................. 1-13

1.8.2 Configuring an expansion card.............................. 1-13

1.8.3 PCI slots ................................................................ 1-15

1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot ...............................................1-15

1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot ............................................. 1-15

1.9 Jumpers .............................................................................. 1-16

1.10 Connectors ......................................................................... 1-19

1.10.1 Rear panel connectors .......................................... 1-19

1.10.2 Internal connectors............................................... 1-21

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Contents

Chapter 2: BIOS setupChapter 2: BIOS setup

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

Chapter 2: BIOS setupChapter 2: BIOS setup

2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ........................................ 2-2

2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk .............................. 2-2

2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash utility .............................................. 2-3

2.1.3 AFUDOS utility ........................................................ 2-4

2.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility ................................ 2-6

2.1.5 ASUS Update utility ................................................ 2-8

2.2 BIOS setup program ........................................................... 2-11

2.2.1 BIOS menu screen ................................................. 2-12

2.2.2 Menu bar ............................................................... 2-12

2.2.3 Navigation keys .................................................... 2-12

2.2.4 Menu items ........................................................... 2-13

2.2.5 Sub-menu items ................................................... 2-13

2.2.6 Configuration fields .............................................. 2-13

2.2.7 Pop-up window ..................................................... 2-13

2.2.8 Scroll bar .............................................................. 2-13

2.2.9 General help .......................................................... 2-13

2.3 Main menu .......................................................................... 2-14

2.3.1 System Time ......................................................... 2-14

2.3.2 System Date ......................................................... 2-14

2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A ................................................ 2-14

2.3.4 Primary and Secondary IDE Master/Slave;

First and Second SATA ......................................... 2-15

2.3.5 IDE Configuration .................................................. 2-16

2.3.6 System Information .............................................. 2-17

2.4 Advanced menu .................................................................. 2-18

2.4.1 AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Configuration ......................... 2-18

2.4.2 JumperFree Configuration .................................... 2-19

2.4.3 CPU Configuration ................................................. 2-20

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2.4.4 Chipset ................................................................. 2-20

2.4.5 Onboard Devices Configuration ............................ 2-27

2.4.6 PCI PnP ................................................................. 2-28

2.4.7 USB Configuration................................................. 2-29

Contents

2.5 Power menu ........................................................................ 2-30

2.5.1 Suspend Mode ...................................................... 2-30

2.5.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume ................................ 2-30

2.5.3 ACPI 2.0 Support .................................................. 2-30

2.5.4 ACPI APIC Support ................................................ 2-30

2.5.5 APM Configuration ................................................ 2-31

2.5.6 Hardware Monitor ................................................. 2-32

2.6 Boot menu .......................................................................... 2-34

2.6.1 Boot Device Priority .............................................. 2-34

2.6.2 Boot Settings Configuration ................................. 2-35

2.6.3 Security ................................................................ 2-36

2.7 Exit menu ........................................................................... 2-38

Chapter 3: Software supportChapter 3: Software support

Chapter 3: Software support

Chapter 3: Software supportChapter 3: Software support

3.1 Installing an operating system ............................................. 3-2

3.2 Support CD information ........................................................ 3-2

3.2.1 Running the support CD ......................................... 3-2

3.2.2 Drivers menu .......................................................... 3-3

3.2.3 Utilities menu .......................................................... 3-4

3.2.4 Make Disk menu ...................................................... 3-5

3.2.5 Manual menu ........................................................... 3-6

3.2.6 ASUS Contact information ...................................... 3-7

3.2.7 Other information ................................................... 3-7

Notices

Federal Communications Commission StatementFederal Communications Commission Statement

Federal Communications Commission Statement

Federal Communications Commission StatementFederal Communications Commission Statement

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

•

This device may not cause harmful interference, and

•

This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

•

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•

Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

•

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Canadian Department of Communications StatementCanadian Department of Communications Statement

Canadian Department of Communications Statement

Canadian Department of Communications StatementCanadian 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 CanadianThis class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian

This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian

This class B digital apparatus complies with CanadianThis class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.ICES-003.

ICES-003.

ICES-003.ICES-003.

vivi

Safety information

Electrical safetyElectrical safety

Electrical safety

Electrical safetyElectrical safety

•

To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating the system.

•

When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.

•

Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all power cables are unplugged.

•

Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.

•

Make sure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power company.

•

If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified service technician or your retailer.

Operation safetyOperation safety

Operation safety

Operation safetyOperation safety

•

Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals that came with the package.

•

Before using the product, make sure all cables are correctly connected and the power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.

•

To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.

•

Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area where it may become wet.

•

Place the product on a stable surface.

•

If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified service technician or your retailer.

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A8N-VM specifications summary

CPUCPU

CPU

CPUCPU

ChipsetChipset

Chipset

ChipsetChipset

Front Side BusFront Side Bus

Front Side Bus

Front Side BusFront Side Bus

MemoryMemory

Memory

MemoryMemory

Expansion slotsExpansion slots

Expansion slots

Expansion slotsExpansion slots

GraphicsGraphics

Graphics

GraphicsGraphics

StorageStorage

Storage

StorageStorage

Socket 939 for AMD Athlon™ 64FX/Athlon™ 64 X2/

Athlon™ 64 processors

Supports AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology

Northbridge: NVIDIA

GeForce™ 6100 GPU

Southbridge: NVIDIA® nForce™410 MCP

2000/1600 MT/s

Dual-channel memory architecture 4 x 184-pin DIMM sockets support up to 4 GB of

unbufferred ECC/non-ECC 400/333 MHz DDR memory modules

1 x PCI Express™ x16 slot 1 x PCI Express™ x1 slot 2 x PCI slots

Integrated in the NVIDIA

GeForce™ 6100 Graphics

Processing Unit (GPU)

NVIDIA

nForce™410 media and communications

processor (MCP) supports:

- 2 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33 interfaces for four (4) hard disk drives

- 2 x Serial ATA I/Serial ATA II 3 Gb/s hard disk drives support RAID 0 and RAID 1 configuration

NVIDIA® MediaShield storage management technology

High DefinitionHigh Definition

High Definition

High DefinitionHigh Definition AudioAudio

Audio

AudioAudio

LANLAN

LAN

LANLAN

USBUSB

USB

USBUSB

Special featuresSpecial features

Special features

Special featuresSpecial features

SoundMAX

ADI AD1986A 5.1-channel CODEC Supports Jack Sensing technology S/PDIF out interface

Integrated 10/100 Mb MAC with Realtek

ALC8201CL

external PHY

Supports up to 8 USB 2.0 ports

ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 ASUS EZ Flash ASUS MyLogo2™ Stepless Frequency Selection (SFS) allows FSB tuning

from 200 MHz to 240 MHz at 1 MHz increment

(continued on the next page)

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A8N-VM specifications summary

BIOS featuresBIOS features

BIOS features

BIOS featuresBIOS features

Rear panelRear panel

Rear panel

Rear panelRear panel

InternalInternal

Internal

InternalInternal connectorsconnectors

connectors

connectorsconnectors

4 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI, WfM2.0, ACPI 2.0a,

SM BIOS 2.3

1 x Parallel port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port 4 x USB 2.0 ports 1 x VGA 1 x PS/2 keyboard port 1 x PS/2 mouse port 6-channel audio ports

1 x Front panel audio connector 1 x CD in audio connector 1 x Chassis intrusion connector 1 x Serial port connector 1 x CPU fan connector 1 x Chassis fan connector 1 x Floppy disk drive connector 1 x Primary IDE connector 1 x Secondary IDE connector 1 x S/PDIF Out connector 2 x Serial ATA connectors 2 x USB 2.0 connectors for four additional USB 2.0 ports 24-pin ATX power connector 4-pin x ATX 12V power connector System panel connector

PowerPower

Power

PowerPower RequirementRequirement

Requirement

RequirementRequirement

Form FactorForm Factor

Form Factor

Form FactorForm Factor

ManageabilityManageability

Manageability

ManageabilityManageability

Support CDSupport CD

Support CD

Support CDSupport CD contentscontents

contents

contentscontents

ATX power supply (with 24-pin and 4-pin 12 V plugs) ATX 12 V 2.0 compliant

uATX: 9.6 in. x 9.6 in. (24.5cm x 24.5cm)

WfM2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME

Device drivers ASUS PC Probe II AMD Cool ‘n’Quiet™ utility ASUS Live Update utility Anti-virus software (OEM version)

*Specifications are subject to change without notice.

ixix

This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports.

introduction

Product

1.1 Welcome!

®®

Thank you for buying an ASUSThank you for buying an ASUS

Thank you for buying an ASUS

Thank you for buying an ASUSThank you for buying an ASUS

The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!

Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in your package with the list below.

®®

A8N-VM motherboard! A8N-VM motherboard!

A8N-VM motherboard!

A8N-VM motherboard! A8N-VM motherboard!

1.2 Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

MotherboardMotherboard

Motherboard ASUS A8N-VM motherboard

MotherboardMotherboard

CablesCables

Cables 1 x Serial ATA signal cable

CablesCables

1 x Serial ATA power cable 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable 1 x Floppy disk drive cable

AccessoryAccessory

Accessory I/O shield

AccessoryAccessory

Application CDApplication CD

Application CD ASUS motherboard support CD

Application CDApplication CD

DocumentationDocumentation

Documentation User guide

DocumentationDocumentation

If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.

1.3 Special features

1.3.11.3.1

1.3.1

1.3.11.3.1

Latest processor technology Latest processor technology

Latest processor technology

Latest processor technology Latest processor technology

The motherboard comes with a 939-pin surface mount, Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) socket that supports AMD 64 X2 processors. With an integrated low-latency high-bandwidth memory controller and a highly-scalable HyperTransport™ technology-based system bus, the motherboard provides a powerful platform for your diverse computing needs, increased office productivity, and enhanced digital media experience. See page 1-8.

Product highlightsProduct highlights

Product highlights

Product highlightsProduct highlights

Athlon™ 64/Athlon™ 64 FX/Athlon™

1-21-2

1-2

1-21-2

Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

®®

NVIDIANVIDIA

NVIDIA

NVIDIANVIDIA and NVIDIAand NVIDIA

and NVIDIA

and NVIDIAand NVIDIA

®®

GeForce™ 6100 GPU GeForce™ 6100 GPU

GeForce™ 6100 GPU

GeForce™ 6100 GPU GeForce™ 6100 GPU

®®

nForce™ 410 MCP chipsets nForce™ 410 MCP chipsets

nForce™ 410 MCP chipsets

nForce™ 410 MCP chipsets nForce™ 410 MCP chipsets

The NVIDIA® GeForce™ 6100 graphics processing unit (GPU) Northbridge supports Microsoft® DirectX 9.0 Shader Model 3.0, and PCI Express interface.

The NVIDIA

nForce™ 410 media and communications processor (MCP) Southbridge delivers NVIDIA® 10/100 Mbps LAN and NVIDIA® MediaShield storage management technology allowing easy RAID configuration (RAID 0, RAID 1) for Serial ATA II.

Dual-channel DDR memory support Dual-channel DDR memory support

Dual-channel DDR memory support

Dual-channel DDR memory support Dual-channel DDR memory support

Employing the Double Data Rate (DDR) memory technology, the motherboard supports up to4 GB of system memory using DDR400/333 DIMMs. The ultra-fast 400 MHz memory bus delivers the required bandwidth for the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. See page 1-10 for details.

PCI Express™ interface PCI Express™ interface

PCI Express™ interface

PCI Express™ interface PCI Express™ interface

The motherboard fully supports PCI Express, the latest I/O interconnect technology that speeds up the PCI bus. PCI Express features point-to-point serial interconnections between devices and allows higher clockspeeds by carrying data in packets. This high speed interface is software compatible with existing PCI specifications. See page 1-15 for details.

Serial ATA II technology Serial ATA II technology

Serial ATA II technology

Serial ATA II technology Serial ATA II technology

The motherboard supports the Serial ATA 3 Gb/s technology through the Serial ATA interfaces and the NVIDIA® nForce™410 MCP Southbridge. The Serial ATA II 3 Gb/s specification provides twice the bandwidth of the current Serial ATA products with a host of new features, including Native Command Queueing (NCQ), and Power Management (PM) Implementation Algorithm. Serial ATA allows for thinner, more flexible cables with lower pin count, reduced voltage requirement. See page 1-23 for details.

The Hot Swap function is supported only in RAID mode.

ASUS A8N-VMASUS A8N-VM

ASUS A8N-VM

ASUS A8N-VMASUS A8N-VM

1-31-3

1-3

1-31-3

S/PDIF digital sound ready S/PDIF digital sound ready

S/PDIF digital sound ready

S/PDIF digital sound ready S/PDIF digital sound ready

The motherboard supports the S/PDIF Out function through the S/PDIF interfaces on the rear panel and at midboard. The S/PDIF technology turns your computer into a high-end entertainment system with digital connectivity to powerful audio and speaker systems. See page 1-24 for details.

USB 2.0 technology USB 2.0 technology

USB 2.0 technology

USB 2.0 technology USB 2.0 technology

The motherboard implements the Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 specification, dramatically increasing the connection speed from the 12 Mbps bandwidth on USB 1.1 to a fast 480 Mbps on USB 2.0. USB 2.0 is backward compatible with USB 1.1. See pages 1-20 and 1-25 for details.

1.3.21.3.2

1.3.2

1.3.21.3.2

ASUS EZ Flash BIOS ASUS EZ Flash BIOS

ASUS EZ Flash BIOS

ASUS EZ Flash BIOS ASUS EZ Flash BIOS

With the ASUS EZ Flash, you can easily update the system BIOS even before loading the operating system. No need to use a DOS-based utility or boot from a floppy disk. See page 2-3 for details.

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2

This feature allows you to restore the original BIOS data from the support CD in case when the BIOS codes and data are corrupted. This protection eliminates the need to buy a replacement ROM chip. See page 2-6 for details.

ASUS MyLogo2™ ASUS MyLogo2™

ASUS MyLogo2™

ASUS MyLogo2™ ASUS MyLogo2™

This feature allows you to personalize and add style to your system with customizable boot logos. See page 2-35 for details.

Innovative ASUS featuresInnovative ASUS features

Innovative ASUS features

Innovative ASUS featuresInnovative ASUS features

C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)

C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)

C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)

The C.P.R. feature of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to the BIOS default settings in case the system hangs due to overclocking. When the system hangs due to overclocking, C.P.R. eliminates the need to open the system chassis and clear the RTC data. Simply shut down and reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically restores the CPU default setting for each parameter.

1-41-4

1-4

1-41-4

Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

1.4 Before you proceed

Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings.

• Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.

• Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, before handling components to avoid damaging them due to static electricity

• Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.

• Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the bag that came with the component.

Before you install or remove any component, ensureBefore you install or remove any component, ensure

•

Before you install or remove any component, ensure

Before you install or remove any component, ensureBefore you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is switched off or thethat the ATX power supply is switched off or the

that the ATX power supply is switched off or the

that the ATX power supply is switched off or thethat the ATX power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. power cord is detached from the power supply.

power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure

power cord is detached from the power supply. power cord is detached from the power supply. to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or components.

Onboard LEDOnboard LED

Onboard LED

Onboard LEDOnboard LED

The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED.

A8N-VM

Standby

Power

SB_PWR

OFF

Powered

Off

A8N-VM Onboard LED

ASUS A8N-VMASUS A8N-VM

ASUS A8N-VM

ASUS A8N-VMASUS A8N-VM

1-51-5

1-5

1-51-5

1.5 Motherboard overview

1.5.11.5.1

1.5.1

1.5.11.5.1

PS/2KBMS

T: Mouse B: Keyboard

VGA

USB12

LAN_USB12

Top:Line In Center:Line Out Bottom:Mic In

ADI

1986A

Motherboard layoutMotherboard layout

Motherboard layout

Motherboard layoutMotherboard layout

24.5cm (9.6in)

KBPWR

PARALLEL PORT

USBPW34

USBPW12

CHA_FAN

ATX12V

nVIDIA

GeForce“6100

PCIEX16_1

PCI1

RTL8201CL

PCI2

PCIEX1_1

AAFP

SPDIF_OUT

SB_PWR

USBPW78 USBPW56

Socket 939

A8N-VM

nVIDIA

nForce“410

USB78USB56

CPU_FAN

I/O

Super

FLOPPY

EATXPWR

DDR DIMM_B2 (64 bit,184-pin module)

DDR DIMM_A2 (64 bit,184-pin module)

DDR DIMM_A1 (64 bit,184-pin module)

DDR DIMM_B1 (64 bit,184-pin module)

4Mb

BIOS

PANEL

PRI_IDE

CHASSIS

CLRTC

SEC_IDE

COM1

SATA2

CR2032 3V Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

24.5cm (9.6in)

1-61-6

1-6

1-61-6

Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

1.5.21.5.2

1.5.2

1.5.21.5.2

Placement directionPlacement direction

Placement direction

Placement directionPlacement direction

When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis as indicated in the image below.

1.5.31.5.3

1.5.3

1.5.31.5.3

Screw holesScrew holes

Screw holes

Screw holesScrew holes

Place eight (8) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis.

Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.

A8N-VM

Place this side towardsPlace this side towards

Place this side towards

Place this side towardsPlace this side towards the rear of the chassisthe rear of the chassis

the rear of the chassis

the rear of the chassisthe rear of the chassis

ASUS A8N-VMASUS A8N-VM

ASUS A8N-VM

ASUS A8N-VMASUS A8N-VM

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1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a surface mount 939-pin Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) socket designed for the AMD Athlon™ 64FX/AMD Athlon™ 64 / Athlon™ 64 X2 processor.

The 128-bit-wide data paths of these processors can run applications faster than processors with only 32-bit or 64-bit wide data paths.

Take note of the marked corner (with gold triangle) on the CPU. This mark should match a specific corner on the socket to ensure correct installation.

Gold triangle

Installing the CPUInstalling the CPU

Installing the CPU

Installing the CPUInstalling the CPU

Follow these steps to install a CPU.

1. Locate the 939-pin ZIF socket on the motherboard.

A8N-VM

A8N-VM CPU Socket 939

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

Socket LeverSocket Lever

Socket Lever

Socket LeverSocket Lever

1-81-8

1-8

1-81-8

Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90°-100° angle, otherwise the CPU does not fit in completely.

Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

3. Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with a small triangle.

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

Small triangleSmall triangle

Small triangle

Small triangleSmall triangle

The CPU fits only in one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU!

5. When the CPU is in place, push down the socket lever to secure the CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab to indicate that it is locked.

Gold triangleGold triangle

Gold triangle

Gold triangleGold triangle

6. Install a CPU heatsink and fan following the instructions that came with the heatsink package.

7. Connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU_FAN connector on the motherboard.

CPU_FAN

GND

Rotation

+12V

A8N-VM

A8N-VM CPU fan connector

Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector.

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ASUS A8N-VM

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1-9

1-91-9

1.7 System memory

1.7.11.7.1

1.7.1

1.7.11.7.1

OverviewOverview

Overview

OverviewOverview

The motherboard comes with four 184-pin Double Data Rate (DDR) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets.

The following figure illustrates the location of the sockets:

A8N-VM

A8N-VM 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets

DIMM_A2

DIMM_A1

DIMM_B2

DIMM_B1

ChannelChannel

Channel

ChannelChannel

SocketsSockets

Sockets

SocketsSockets

Channel 1 DIMM_A1 and DIMM_B1 Channel 2 DIMM_A2 and DIMM_B2

1.7.21.7.2

1.7.2

1.7.21.7.2

Memory configurationsMemory configurations

Memory configurations

Memory configurationsMemory configurations

You may install 128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB, and 1 GB unbuffered ECC/ non-ECC DDR DIMMs into the DIMM sockets using the memory configurations in this section.

•

Installing DDR DIMMs other than the recommended configurations may cause memory sizing error or system boot failure. Use any of the recommended configurations on the next page.

•

Install only identical (the same type and size) DDR DIMM pairs for each channel.

•

Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum compatibility, it is recommended that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor.

• Due to chipset limitation, this motherboard does not support DIMM modules with less than or equal to 128 Mb memory chips.

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• If you are installing only one DIMM module for a Single-channel configuration, install the module on DIMM_A1 (blue slot).

Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

Recommended memory configurationsRecommended memory configurations

Recommended memory configurations

Recommended memory configurationsRecommended memory configurations

SocketsSockets

Sockets

SocketsSockets

ModeMode

Mode

ModeMode

Single-channel (1)* — Populated — —

Dual-channel (1)* Populated Populated — —

* Use only identical DIMM pairs.

DIMM_A2DIMM_A2

DIMM_A2

DIMM_A2DIMM_A2

(blue)(blue)

(blue)

(blue)(blue)

(2)* Populated Populated Populated Populated

DIMM_A1DIMM_A1

DIMM_A1

DIMM_A1DIMM_A1

(blue)(blue)

(blue)

(blue)(blue)

DIMM_B2DIMM_B2

DIMM_B2

DIMM_B2DIMM_B2

(black)(black)

(black)

(black)(black)

Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) for the latest DDR 400 Qualified Vendors List for this motherboard.

DIMM_B1DIMM_B1

DIMM_B1

DIMM_B1DIMM_B1

(black)(black)

(black)

(black)(black)

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1.7.31.7.3

1.7.3

1.7.31.7.3

Installing a DIMMInstalling a DIMM

Installing a DIMM

Installing a DIMMInstalling a DIMM

Make sure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components.

1. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward.

2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the socket.

DDR DIMM notchDDR DIMM notch

DDR DIMM notch

DDR DIMM notchDDR DIMM notch

A DDR DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction. DO NOT force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM.

3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the socket until the retaining clips snap back in place and the DIMM is properly seated.

1.7.41.7.4

1.7.4

1.7.41.7.4

Removing a DIMMRemoving a DIMM

Removing a DIMM

Removing a DIMMRemoving a DIMM

To remove a DIMM:

1. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to unlock the DIMM.

Locked Retaining ClipLocked Retaining Clip

Locked Retaining Clip

Locked Retaining ClipLocked Retaining Clip

Support the DIMM lightly with your fingers when pressing the retaining clips. The DIMM might get damaged when it flips out with extra force.

2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.

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Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

DDR DIMM notchDDR DIMM notch

DDR DIMM notch

DDR DIMM notchDDR DIMM notch

1.8 Expansion slots

In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support.

Make sure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.

1.8.11.8.1

1.8.1

1.8.11.8.1

To install an expansion card:

1. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with it and make the necessary hardware settings for the card.

2. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a chassis).

3. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screw for later use.

4. Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is completely seated on the slot.

5. Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier.

6. Replace the system cover.

1.8.21.8.2

1.8.2

1.8.21.8.2

After installing the expansion card, configure it by adjusting the software settings.

Installing an expansion cardInstalling an expansion card

Installing an expansion card

Installing an expansion cardInstalling an expansion card

Configuring an expansion cardConfiguring an expansion card

Configuring an expansion card

Configuring an expansion cardConfiguring an expansion card

1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See Chapter 2 for information on BIOS setup.

2. Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page.

3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.

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Standard interrupt assignmentsStandard interrupt assignments

Standard interrupt assignments

Standard interrupt assignmentsStandard interrupt assignments

IRQIRQ

IRQ

IRQIRQ

0 1 System Timer 1 2 Keyboard Controller 2 – Re-direct to IRQ#9 3 11 IRQ holder for PCI steering* 4 12 Communications Port (COM1)* 5 13 IRQ holder for PCI steering* 6 14 Floppy Disk Controller 7 15 Printer Port (LPT1)* 8 3 System CMOS/Real Time Clock 9 4 IRQ holder for PCI steering* 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

PriorityPriority

Priority

PriorityPriority

Standard FunctionStandard Function

Standard Function

Standard FunctionStandard Function

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

IRQ assignments for this motherboardIRQ assignments for this motherboard

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

IRQ assignments for this motherboardIRQ assignments for this motherboard

PCI slot 1 used — — — PCI slot 2 — used — —

When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Share IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments; otherwise, conflicts will arise between the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable.

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Chapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

1.8.31.8.3

1.8.3

1.8.31.8.3

The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. The figure shows a LAN card installed on a PCI slot.

PCI slotsPCI slots

PCI slots

PCI slotsPCI slots

1.8.41.8.4

1.8.4

1.8.41.8.4

This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. The following figure shows a network card installed on the PCI Express x1 slot.

1.8.51.8.5

1.8.5

1.8.51.8.5

This motherboard has supports PCI Express x16 graphic cards that comply with PCI Express specifications. The figure shows a graphics card installed on the PCI Express x16 slot.

PCI Express x1 slotPCI Express x1 slot

PCI Express x1 slot

PCI Express x1 slotPCI Express x1 slot

PCI Express x16 slotPCI Express x16 slot

PCI Express x16 slot

PCI Express x16 slotPCI Express x16 slot

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1.9 Jumpers

1.1.

Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC)Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC)

Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC)

1.1.

Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC)Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC) This jumper allows 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 onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords.

To erase the RTC RAM:

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

2. Remove the onboard battery.

3. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the cap on pins 2-3 for about 5~10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2.

4. Reinstall 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 re-enter data.

Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC jumper default position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!

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CLRTC

2 1

Normal Clear CMOS

(Default)

A8N-VM Clear RTC RAM

You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking. For system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature. Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS can automatically reset parameter settings to default values.

3 2

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Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

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