ASUS A8S-X User Manual

0 (0)

A8S-X

User Guide

Motherboard

E2123

First Edition

July 2005

Copyright © 2005ASUSTeK 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.

ii

Contents

Notices ...........................................................................................

vi

Safety information .........................................................................

vii

About this guide ............................................................................

viii

Conventions used in this guide ...........................................

viii

Typography..........................................................................

viii

A8S-X specifications summary .......................................................

ix

Chapter

1: Product introduction

 

1.1

Welcome! ...........................................................................

1-2

1.2

Package contents ...............................................................

1-2

1.3

Special features..................................................................

1-3

 

1.3.1

Product Highlights ..................................................

1-3

 

1.3.2

Unique 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

 

1.6.1

Overview ................................................................

1-8

 

1.6.2

Installing the CPU ..................................................

1-9

1.7

System memory ...............................................................

1-10

 

1.7.1

DIMM sockets location .........................................

1-10

 

1.7.2

Memory configurations ........................................

1-10

 

1.7.3

Installing a DIMM ..................................................

1-11

1.8

Expansion slots .................................................................

1-11

 

1.8.1

Standard interrupt assignments ............................

1-11

 

1.8.2

IRQ assignments for this motherboard ................

1-12

 

1.8.3

PCI slots ..............................................................

1-12

 

1.8.4

PCI Express x1 slot .............................................

1-13

 

1.8.5

PCI Express x16 slot ...........................................

1-13

1.9

Jumpers............................................................................

1-14

1.10

Connectors .......................................................................

1-16

 

1.10.1

Rear panel connectors .........................................

1-16

 

1.10.2

Internal connectors ..............................................

1-17

iii

Contents

Chapter 2: BIOS Information

 

2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ....................................

2-2

 

2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk .............................

2-2

 

2.1.2 Using AFUDOS to update the BIOS ......................

2-3

 

2.1.3 Using AFUDOS to copy BIOS from PC .................

2-4

 

2.1.4 Using ASUS EZ Flash to update the BIOS ............

2-5

 

2.1.5 Recovering the BIOS with CrashFree BIOS 2 .......

2-6

2.2

BIOS Setup program ..........................................................

2-8

 

2.2.1

BIOS menu screen ................................................

2-9

 

2.2.2

Menu bar ................................................................

2-9

 

2.2.3

Navigation keys .....................................................

2-9

 

2.2.4

Menu items ..........................................................

2-10

 

2.2.5

Sub-menu items ...................................................

2-10

 

2.2.6

Configuration fields ..............................................

2-10

 

2.2.7

Pop-up window ....................................................

2-10

 

2.2.8

Scroll bar ..............................................................

2-10

 

2.2.9

General help ........................................................

2-10

2.3

Main menu.........................................................................

2-11

 

2.3.1

System Time .........................................................

2-11

 

2.3.2

System Date .........................................................

2-11

 

2.3.3

Legacy Diskette A .................................................

2-11

 

2.3.4

Language ..............................................................

2-11

2.3.5Primary, Secondary, Third and

 

 

Fourth IDE Master/Slave .....................................

2-12

 

2.3.6

Onboard PCI S-ATA Controller ............................

2-13

 

2.3.7

System Information ..............................................

2-13

2.4

Advanced menu ...............................................................

2-14

 

2.4.1

JumperFree Configuration ...................................

2-14

 

2.4.2

USB Configuration ...............................................

2-15

 

2.4.3

CPU Configuration ...............................................

2-16

 

2.4.4

Chipset .................................................................

2-17

 

2.4.5

Onboard Devices Configuration ...........................

2-20

 

2.4.6

PCI PnP ...............................................................

2-21

 

2.4.7 AMD Cool ‘N Quiet Configuration ........................

2-22

2.5

Power menu .....................................................................

2-23

 

2.5.1

Suspend Mode .....................................................

2-23

 

2.5.2 Repost Video On S3 Resume ..............................

2-23

 

2.5.3

ACPI 2.0 Support .................................................

2-23

iv

Contents

 

2.5.4

ACPI APIC Support ..............................................

2-23

 

2.5.5

APM Configuration ...............................................

2-24

 

2.5.6

Hardware Monitor ................................................

2-25

2.6

Boot menu ........................................................................

2-26

 

2.6.1

Boot Device Priority .............................................

2-26

 

2.6.2

Boot Settings Configuration .................................

2-27

 

2.6.3

Security ................................................................

2-28

2.7

Exit menu .........................................................................

2-30

Chapter 3: Software support

3.1

Install 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 .........................................................

3-3

 

3.2.4

Make Disk ..............................................................

3-5

 

3.2.5

Manual ...................................................................

3-5

 

3.2.6

ASUS Contact Information .....................................

3-6

v

Notices

Federal 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.

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 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.

Where to find more information

Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates.

1.ASUS Websites

The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. The ASUS websites are listed in the ASUS Contact Information on the inside front cover.

2.Optional Documentation

Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the standard package.

vi

Safety information

Electrical 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 adpater 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 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.

vii

About this guide

Conventions used in this guide

To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual.

WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task.

CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task.

IMPORTANT: Information that you MUST follow to complete a task.

NOTE: Tips and additional information to aid in completing a task.

Typography

 

Bold text

Indicates a menu or an item to select.

 

 

 

 

Italics

Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.

 

 

 

 

<Key>

Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign

 

 

indicates that you must press the enclosed key.

 

 

Example: <Enter> indicates that you must press the

 

 

Enter or Return key.

 

 

 

 

<Multiple key names>

If you must press two or more keys simultaneously,

 

 

the key names are linked with a plus sign (+).

 

 

Example: <Ctrl+Alt+D>

 

 

 

 

Command

Means that you must enter the command exactly as

 

 

shown then supply the appropriate values that

 

 

appear in brackets. Example:

 

 

At the DOS prompt, type the command line:

 

 

afudos /i[filename]

 

 

In this example, you must supply a filename for

 

 

[filename].

 

 

afudos /iA8S-X.ROM

 

 

 

viii

A8S-X specifications summary

CPU

Chipset

System Bus

Memory

Expansion slots

Storage

Audio

LAN

USB

Special features

Back panel I/O

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

Supports AMD 64 architecture that enables simultaneous 32-bit and 64-bit architecture

NorthBridge: SiS 756

SouthBridge: SiS 965L

2000/1600 MT/s

Dual-channel memory architecture

4 x 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets for up to 4GB non-ECC PC3200/PC2700/PC2100 DDR DIMMs

1 x PCI Express x16 slot

2 x PCI Express x1 slot

3 x PCI slots

South Bridge supports

-2 x UltraATA 133/100/66/33 connectors

-2 x Serial ATA with RAID 0, RAID 1, and JBOD

ADI AD1986A SoundMAX® 6-channel audio CODEC S/PDIF out interface

Intel® 82540EM PCI Gb LAN

Maximum of eight (8) USB 2.0 ports

ASUS Overclocking

-SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection) from 200 MHz up to 300 MHz at 1 MHz increment

-Adjustable FSB/DDR ratio, Fixed PCIe/PCI frequencies ASUS C.P.R.

ASUS Q-Fan ASUS EZ Flash

ASUS CrashFree BIOS2 ASUS MyLogo™ Multi-Language BIOS

AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet! Technology

1 x Parallel port

1 x Serial port

1 x PS/2 keyboard port

1 x PS/2 mouse port

4 x USB 2.0 ports

1 x S/PDIF out interface

1 x RJ-45 port

1 x Line In/Line Out/Microphone ports

(continued on the next page)

ix

A8S-X specifications summary

Internal I/O

2 x USB 2.0 connector for 4 additional USB ports

 

CPU/chassis/power fan connectors

 

24-pin/4-pin ATX 12V power connectors

 

CD/AUX connectors

 

Chassis intrusion connector

 

GAME/MIDI connector

 

Front panel audio connector

 

 

BIOS features

4Mb Flash ROM

 

AMI BIOS with enhanced ACPI, PnP, DMI, ASUS MyLogo™,

 

SM BIOS 2.3

 

 

Industry standard

PCI 2.2, USB 2.0/1.1

 

 

Manageability

WfM 2.0, DMI, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, Chassis

 

intrusion, SM BIOS 2.3

 

 

Power Requirement

ATX power supply (with 4-pin 12V plug)

 

 

Form Factor

ATX form factor: 12 in x 8.6 in (30.5 cm x 21.8 cm)

 

 

Support CD contents

Device drivers

 

ASUS PC Probe II

 

Anti-virus software (OEM version)

 

 

* Specifications are subject to change without notice.

x

Chapter 1

This chapter describes the features of the motherboard. It includes brief descriptions of the motherboard components, and illustrations of the layout, jumper settings, and connectors.

Product introduction

1.1Welcome!

Thank you for buying the ASUS® A8S-X motherboard!

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

The motherboard combines the powers of the AMD Athlon™ 64 X2, AMD Athlon™ 64 FX, AMD Athlon™ 64 or AMD Sempron™ processor and the SiS 756 chipset to set a new benchmark for an effective desktop platform solution.

Supporting up to 4GB of system memory with PC3200/PC2700/PC2100 DDR DIMMs, high-resolution graphics via an PCI Express x16 slot, Serial ATA RAID, USB 2.0, and 6-channel audio features, the motherboard takes you ahead in the world of power computing!

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

1.2Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

ASUS A8S-X motherboard ASUS motherboard support CD 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cables 1 x Serial ATA cable

1 x Serial ATA power cable

1 x Floppy disk cable I/O shield

User guide

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

1-2

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.3Special features

1.3.1 Product Highlights

AMD Dual-Core Architecture

The motherboard supports AMD dual-core processors containing two physical CPU cores with discrete L2 cache structure for each core to meet demands for more powerful computing. See page 1-8.

Latest processor technology

The AMD Athlon™ 64FX and Athlon™ 64 desktop processors are based on AMD’s 64-bit and 32-bit architecture, which represents the landmark introduction of the industry’s first x86-64 technology. These processors provide a dramatic leap forward in compatibility, performance, investment protection, and reduced total cost of ownership and development. See page 1-8.

HyperTransport™ Technology

HyperTransport™ Technology is a high-speed, low latency, point-to-point link designed to increase the communication speed between integrated circuits in computers, networking and telecommunicatons equipment up to 48 times faster than other existing technologies.

Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology

The motherboard supports the AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology that dynamically and automatically changes the CPU speed, voltage and amount of power depending on the task the CPU performs.

Serial ATA solution

The motherboard supports two interfaces compliant to the Serial ATA (SATA) specification, an evolutionary replacement of the Parallel ATA storage interface. The Serial ATA specification allows for thinner, more flexible cables with lower pin count, reduced voltage requirement, up to 150 MB/s data transfer rate.

Serial ATA RAID solution

The motherboard provides a high-performance Serial ATA RAID controller that enhance hard disk performance and data backup protection without the cost of additional RAID cards. The onboard SIS 965L RAID controller provides two Serial ATA connectors for RAID 0, RAID 1 and JBOD functions.

S/PDIF out

The motherboard’s S/PDIF out function turns your computer into a high-end entertainment system with digital connectivity to powerful speaker systems.

ASUS A8S-X

1-3

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 1-13 for details.

USB 2.0 technology

The motherboard implements the Universal Serial Bus 2.0 (USB 2.0) specification, extending the connection speed from 12 Mbps on USB 1.1 to a fast 480Mbps on USB 2.0.

6-Channel Audio solution

The motherboard uses an onboard audio CODEC that lets you enjoy high-quality 6-channel audio without having to buy advanced sound cards.

1.3.2 Unique ASUS features

CrashFree BIOS 2

This feature allows you to restore the original BIOS data from the ASUS 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.

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 BIOS automatically restores the CPU previous setting for each parameter.

ASUS MyLogo™

This new feature present in the motherboard allows you to personalize and add style to your system with customizable boot logos.

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 2-5.

ASUS Multi-language BIOS

The multi-language BIOS allows you to select the language of your choice from the available options. The localized BIOS menus allow you to configure easier and faster. See page 2-11 for details.

1-4

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.4Before you proceed

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

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

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

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

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

5.Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power 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.

Onboard LED

The motherboard comes with a stand-by power LED. When lit, this green LED indicates that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode, 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.

SB_PWR

A8S-X

A8S-X Onboard LED

ON

OFF

Standby

Powered

Power

Off

ASUS A8S-X

1-5

ASUS A8S-X User Manual

1.5Motherboard overview

1.5.1 Motherboard layout

18.3cm (8.6in)

PS/2KBMS

T: Mouse

B: Keyboard

 

SPDIF_O

PORTPARALLEL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ATX12V

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COM1

 

 

USB12

 

 

 

 

USBPW12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

USBPW34

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bottom: Top:

USB3USB4 RJ-45

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EATXPWR

Top:Line In

 

 

 

 

 

 

Center:Line Out

 

 

 

 

 

CD

 

 

 

Below:Mic In

 

 

 

 

 

AUX

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AAFP

PWR_FAN

Socket 939

SiS 756

CPU_FAN

bit,184-pin module)

 

bit,184-pin module)

 

bit,184-pin module)

 

 

bit,184-pin module)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIMM A1 (64

 

DIMM A2 (64

 

DIMM B1 (64

 

 

DIMM B2 (64

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DDR2

 

DDR2

 

DDR2

 

 

DDR2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEC IDE

 

 

 

 

 

(12in)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30.5cm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHA_FAN

AD1986A

PCIEX16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PCIEX1_1

 

 

 

 

 

PCIEX1_2

 

 

 

PRI IDE

 

 

SiS

 

 

 

A8S-X

 

 

 

Intel

 

965L

 

 

82540EM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R

 

PCI1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SATA2

SATA1

 

PCI2

 

 

4Mbit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

USB56

USB78

BIOS

 

 

 

 

CR2032 3V

ITE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lithium Cell

IT8712FA

PCI3

 

USBPW78

CLRTC CMOS Power

 

GAME

FLOPPY

USBPW56

 

 

 

 

SBPWR

CHASSIS

 

 

 

 

PANEL

 

 

 

 

 

1-6

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.5.2 Placement 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.

1.5.3 Screw holes

Place six (6) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis.

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

Place this side towards the rear of the chassis

A8S-X

®

ASUS A8S-X

1-7

1.6Central Processing Unit (CPU)

1.6.1 Overview

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

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.

A8S-X

A8S-X CPU Socket 939

Incorrect installation of the CPU into the socket may bend the pins and severely damage the CPU!

1-8

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.6.2 Installing the CPU

Follow these steps to install a CPU.

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

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

Socke t Lever

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

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.

Gold triangle

Small 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.

6.Install specifically designed heatsink and fan assembly.

ASUS A8S-X

1-9

1.7System memory

1.7.1 DIMM sockets location

The following figure illustrates the location of the DDR DIMM sockets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIMM A1

DIMM A2

DIMM B1

DIMM B2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A8S-X

A8S-X 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets

• 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.

• We recommend to install the memory modules first before installing a PCI Express x16 card.

1.7.2 Memory configurations

You may install 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, and 1GB DDR DIMMs into the DIMM sockets using the memory configurations in this section.

Important notes

Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum compatibility, it is recommended that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor. Refer to the DDR400 Qualified Vendors List for details.

Due to chipset resource allocation, the system may detect less than 4 GB of system memory when you installed four 1 GB DDR memory modules.

Due to chipset limitation, DIMM modules with 128 Mb memory chips or double-sided x16 memory chips are not supported in this motherboard.

Due to CPU limitation, install on Channel B slots for a single-channel memory configuration.

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

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Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.7.3 Installing a DIMM

Follow these steps to install a DIMM.

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.

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

DDR DIMM

Unlocked

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.

1.8Expansion slots

To install and configure an expansion card:

1.Install an expansion card following the instructions that came with the chassis.

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

3.Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables next page.

4.Install the drivers and/or software applications for the expansion card according to the card documentation.

1.8.1

Standard interrupt assignments

IRQ

Priority

Standard Function

0

1

System Timer

1

2

Keyboard Controller

2

N/A

Programmable Interrupt

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

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

ASUS A8S-X

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