ASUS A8S-X-SE User Manual

Motherboard

A8S-X SE

ii

Copyright © 2006 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.

E238 7

Firs t E diti o n
Janu a r y 200 6

iii

Contents

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

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

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

Typography ......................................................................................... ix

A8S-X SE specifications summary ........................................................ x

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 ............................................. 1-5

1.4 Before you proceed .............................................................. 1-6

1.5 Motherboard overview .......................................................... 1-7

1.5.1 Motherboard layout ................................................ 1-7

1.5.2 Placement direction ................................................ 1-8

1.5.3 Screw holes ............................................................. 1-8

1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) .............................................. 1-9

1.6.1 Overview ................................................................. 1-9

1.6.2 Installling the CPU ................................................... 1-9

1.6.3 Installing the heatsink and fan .............................. 1-11

1.7 System memory .................................................................. 1-13

1.7.1 DIMM sockets location .......................................... 1-13

1.7.2 Memory configurations .........................................1-13

1.7.3 Installing a DIMM ...................................................1-16

1.8 Expansion slots ................................................................... 1-16

1.8.1 Standard interrupt assignments ...........................1-17

1.8.2 IRQ assignments for this motherboard ................. 1-17

1.8.3 PCI slots ................................................................ 1-18

1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot ..............................................1-18

1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot ............................................ 1-18

1.9 Jumpers .............................................................................. 1-19

1.10 Connectors .........................................................................1-21

1.10.1 Rear panel connectors .......................................... 1-21

1.10.2 Internal connectors ............................................... 1-22

iv

Contents

Chapter 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 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

2.3 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

2.3.5 Primary, 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 ʻN Quiet Configuration .......................... 2-22

v

Contents

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

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 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 .......................................................... 3-3

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

3.2.5 Manual .................................................................... 3-5

3.2.6 ASUS Contact information ...................................... 3-6

vi

Notices

Fed er al Co mm un ica ti on s C om mi ssi on S tat em en t

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
manufacturerʼs 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.

Can ad ia n D ep ar tme nt o f C om mu nic at io ns St at eme nt

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.

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 userʼs authority to operate
this equipment.

vii

Safety information

Ele ct ri cal s af ety

•

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.

Ope ra ti on sa fe ty

•

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.

The symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product
(electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in municipal
waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.

viii

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and
configuring the motherboard.

How t hi s g ui de is o rg ani ze d

This manual contains the following parts:

• Chap t e r 1: P r o duct i n trod u c t ion
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the

new technology it supports. This chapter also lists the hardware
setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system
components. It includes description of the jumpers and connectors on
the motherboard.

• Chap t e r 2: B I O S se t u p
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS

Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also
provided.

• Chap t e r 3: S o f twar e s uppo r t
This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes

with the motherboard package.

.

Whe re t o f in d mor e in for ma ti on

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

1. ASUS w e bsit e s
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware

and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.

2. Opti o n a l do c u m enta t i o n
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.

ix

Con ve nt ion s us ed in t his g ui de

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

Typography

DANGER/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.

NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a

task.

IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a

task.

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 means
that you must press the enclosed key

Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or
Return key

<Key1>+<Key2>+<Key3> 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 type the command exactly as shown,
then supply the required item or value enclosed in
brackets

Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line:
afudos /i[filename]

afudos /iA8S-XSE.ROM

x

A8S-X SE specifications summary

(continued on the next page)

CPU

Chipset

System Bus

Memory

Expansion slots

Storage

Audio

USB

LAN

ASUS special
features

BIOS features

Back Panel I/O
Ports

Socket 939 for AMD Athlon™ 64 x2,
AMD® Athlon™ 64 FX, Athlon™ 64 and AMD® Sempron
processors
Support AMD 64 architecture that enables simutaneous
32-bit and 64-bit architecture
Supports AMD Cool ʻnʼ Quiet!™ Technology

Northbridge: SIS 756
Southbridge: SIS 965L

2000/1600 MT/s

Dual-channel memory architecture
4 x 184-pin DIMM sockets support ECC/non-ECC
un-buffered 400/333/266 MHz DDR memory modules
Supports up to 4 GB system memory

1 x PCI Express x16 slot for discrete graphics card
2 x PCI Express x1 slots
3 x PCI slots

South Bridge supports:

- 2 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33

- 2 x Serial ATA with RAID0, RAID1, and JBOD

ADI AD1986A SoundMax 6-channel Audio CODEC
Supports S/PDIF out interface

Supports up to 8 USB 2.0 ports

Realtek RLC8201 CL 10/100 Mbps LAN PHY

ASUS AL Overclocking
ASUS My logo
ASUS EZ Flash
ASUS Q-Fan
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2
ASUS C.P.R.
SFS from 200MHz up to 300 MHz at 1MHz increment

4 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI, WfM2.0,
SM BIOS 2.3

1 x Parallel port
1 x Serial port
1 x PS/2 keyboard port
1 x PS/2 mouse port
1 x 5.1-Channel Audio I/O port
1 x RJ45 port
1 x S/PDIF Out (Coaxial)
4 x USB 2.0 ports

CPU

Chipset

System Bus

Memory

Expansion slots

Storage

Audio

USB 2.0

LAN

ASUS special
features

BIOS features

Back Panel I/O
Ports

xi

*Specifications are subject to change without notice.

A8S-X SE specifications summary

2 x USB connector supports additional 4 USB ports
CPU/Chassis/Power FAN connectors
Chassis Intrusion
24-pin ATX Power connector
4-pin ATX 12V Power connector
CD/ AUX audio in
GAME connector
Front panel audio connector

Wfm2.0, DMI, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, SM Bus,
Chassis Intrusion

Drivers
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS LiveUpdate Utility
Anti-Virus software

ATX Form Factor: 12 in x 8.6 in (30.5cm x 21.8cm)

Internal I/O
connectors

Manageability

Support CD
contents

Form Factor

xii

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

introduction

Product

1

1-2

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 Welcome!

T h a n k y o u f o r b u y i n g a n A SU S® A 8 S - X S E m o t h e r b o a r d !

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.

1.2 Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

Motherboard ASUS A8S-X SE motherboard

Cables 1 x Ultra DMA cable
1 x SATA power cable
1 x SATA signal cable
1 x Floppy disk cable
Accessories I/O shield

Application CDs ASUS motherboard support CD

Documentation User guide

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

1.3 Special features

1.3 .1 Pro du ct Hi gh li ght s

AMD Du a l-C o re Arc h it e ctu r e

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.

Lat e st pro c es s or t ec h nol o gy

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

Hyp e rT r ans p or t ™ T e ch n olo g y

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.

Coo l ʻ n ʼ Q u ie t !™ T ec h nol o gy

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

Ser i al ATA so l uti o n

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.

.

ASUS A8S-X SE

1-3

1-4

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Ser i al ATA RA I D s o lu t ion

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/P D IF out

The motherboardʼs S/PDIF out function turns your computer into a high­end entertainment system with digital connectivity to powerful speaker
systems.

PCI Ex p res s ™ i nte r fa c e

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.

USB 2.0 te c hno log y

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-C h an n el A ud i o s o lu t ion

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

1.3 .2 Uni qu e ASU S fe atu re s

Cra s hF r ee B IO S 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.

C.P . R. (CP U P a ram e te r Re c al l )

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.

ASU S M y Log o ™

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

ASU S E Z Fl a sh BIO S

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.

ASU S M u lti - la n gua g e B IOS

The multi-language BIOS allows you to select the language of your choice
from the available options. The localized BIOS menus allow easier and faster
configuration. The available languages include English, German, French,
Japanese and Traditional Chinese.

ASUS A8S-X SE

1-5

1-6

Chapter 1: Product introduction

A8S-XSE

®

A8S-X SE Onboard LED

SB_PWR

ON

Standby

Power

OFF

Powered

Off

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
to 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, 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.

Onb o ar d LE D

The motherboard comes with a green 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.

1.5 Motherboard overview

PANEL

A8S-X SE

R

CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

CD

AUX

4Mbit

BIOS

AAFP

ATX12V

CHASSIS

CLRTC

EATXPWR

USB56

SB_PWR

CHA_FAN

USBPW12
USBPW34

USBPW78
USBPW56

21.8cm (8.6in)

30.5cm (12in)

SATA1

FLOPPY

USB78

SATA2

PWR_FAN

PARALLEL PORT

COM1

SPDIF_O

PS/2KBMS
T: Mouse
B: Keyboard

Below:Mic In

Center:Line Out

Top:Line In

USB12

RJ-45

Top:

USB3
USB4

Bottom:

SEC_IDE

GAME

DDR DIMM_A1 (64 bit,184-pin module)

DDR DIMM_A2 (64 bit,184-pin module)

DDR DIMM_B1 (64 bit,184-pin module)

DDR DIMM_B2 (64 bit,184-pin module)

PCIEX1_1

PCIEX1_2

PCIEX16

PCI1

PCI2

PCI3

Super I/O

AD1986A

Socket 939

CPU_FAN

SiS

965L

SiS
756

PRI_IDE

Realtek

RTL8201CL

1.5 .1 Mot he rb oar d la you t

ASUS A8S-X SE

1-7

1-8

Chapter 1: Product introduction

A8S-XSE

®

1.5 .2 Pla ce me nt di re cti on

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 Scr ew h ole s

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.

Pla c e this s i d e tow a r d s
the r e ar of t h e cha s s i s

Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis
to ensure that the motherboard fits into it.

Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the
motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage
motherboard components.

1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

A8S-XSE

®

A8S-X SE CPU Socket 939

1.6 .1 Ove rv ie w

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 Sempron™ 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.

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

1.6 .2 Ins ta ll lin g th e C PU

To install a CPU:

1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.

Before installing the CPU, make sure that the socket box is facing
towards you and the load lever is on your left.

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

ASUS A8S-X SE

1-9

1-10

Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

Soc k e t Leve r

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.

Sma l l trian g l e

Gol d t riang l e

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.

1.6 .3 Ins ta ll ing t he h e at si nk an d fa n

The AMD Athlon™ 64, AMD Athlon™ 64FX, AMD Athlon™ 64 X2, or
AMD Sempron processors require a specially designed heatsink and fan
assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.

Make sure that you use only qualified heatsink and fan assembly.

Follow these steps to install the CPU heatsink and fan.

1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, making sure that the
heatsink fits properly on the retention module base.

• The retention module base is already installed on the motherboard
upon purchase.

• You do not have to remove the retention module base when
installing the CPU or installing other motherboard components.

• If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, make

sure that a Thermal Interface Material is properly applied to the CPU
heatsink or CPU before you install the heatsink and fan assembly.

CPU F a n

CPU H e atsin k

Ret e n t ion b r a c ket

Your boxed CPU heatsink and fan assembly should come with installation
instructions for the CPU, heatsink, and the retention mechanism. If the
instructions in this section do not match the CPU documentation, follow
the latter.

ASUS A8S-X SE

Ret e n t ion M o d u le Ba s e

Ret e n t ion b r a c ket l o c k

1-11

1-12

Chapter 1: Product introduction

2. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base.

1

3

4

5

2

A8S-XSE

®

A8S-X SE Fan Connectors

PWR_FAN

CHA_FAN

GND

Rotation

+12V

GND

Rotation

+12V

GND

Rotation

+12V

CPU_FAN

3. Align the other end of the retention bracket (near the retention
bracket lock) to the retention module base. A clicking sound denotes
that the retention bracket is in place.

Make sure that the fan and heatsink assembly perfectly fits the
retention mechanism module base, otherwise you cannot snap the
retention bracket in place.

4. Push down the retention bracket lock on the retention mechanism to
secure the heatsink and fan to the module base.

5. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan
cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN.

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