ASUS A8V User Manual

A8V

User Guide

Motherboard

Checklist

E1994 First Edition March 2005

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.

Contents

Notices .......................................................................................... vii

Safety information ........................................................................ viii

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

How this guide is organized ..................................................ix

Where to find more information ............................................. ix

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

Typography.............................................................................x

A8V specifications summary .......................................................... xi

Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

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

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

1.3.1 Product Highlights.................................................. 1-2

1.3.2 Unique ASUS features ........................................... 1-4

Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.1 Before you proceed ............................................................ 2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview........................................................ 2-2

2.2.1 Placement direction ............................................... 2-2

2.2.2 Screw holes ........................................................... 2-2

2.2.3 Motherboard layout ................................................ 2-3

2.2.4 Layout Contents..................................................... 2-4

Features

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)........................................... 2-6

2.3.1 Overview ................................................................ 2-6

2.3.2 Installing the CPU .................................................. 2-6

2.3.3 Installing the heatsink and fan ............................... 2-8

2.3.4 Connecting the CPU fan cable ............................ 2-10

2.4 System memory ................................................................2-11

2.4.1 Overview ...............................................................2-11

2.4.2 Memory configurations .........................................2-11

2.4.3 Installing a DIMM ................................................. 2-14

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM ............................................... 2-14

2.5 Expansion slots ................................................................ 2-15

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card ................................ 2-15

2.5.2 Configuring an expansion card ............................ 2-15

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments .......................................... 2-16

iii

Safeguards

Contents

2.5.4 PCI slots .............................................................. 2-17

2.5.5 AGP slot............................................................... 2-17

2.6 Jumpers............................................................................ 2-18

2.7 Connectors ....................................................................... 2-20

2.7.1 Rear panel connectors......................................... 2-20

2.7.2 Internal connectors .............................................. 2-22

Chapter 3: Powering up

3.1 Starting up for the first time ................................................ 3-1

3.2 Powering off the computer ................................................. 3-2

3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function .......................... 3-2

3.2.2 Using the dual-function power switch .................... 3-2

Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS .................................... 4-1

4.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk ............................. 4-1

4.1.2 Using AFUDOS to update the BIOS ...................... 4-2

4.1.3 Using AFUDOS to copy BIOS from PC ................. 4-3

4.1.4 Using ASUS EZ Flash to update the BIOS ............ 4-4

4.1.5 Recovering the BIOS with CrashFree BIOS 2 ....... 4-5

4.1.6 ASUS Update ........................................................ 4-7

4.2 BIOS Setup program .......................................................... 4-9

4.2.1 BIOS menu screen .............................................. 4-10

4.2.2 Menu bar.............................................................. 4-10

4.2.3 Navigation keys ................................................... 4-10

4.2.4 Menu items ...........................................................4-11

4.2.5 Sub-menu items....................................................4-11

4.2.6 Configuration fields ...............................................4-11

4.2.7 Pop-up window .....................................................4-11

4.2.8 Scroll bar...............................................................4-11

4.2.9 General help .........................................................4-11

4.3 Main menu........................................................................ 4-12

4.3.1 System Time ........................................................ 4-12

4.3.2 System Date ........................................................ 4-12

4.3.3 Legacy Diskette A ................................................ 4-12

4.3.4 Language ............................................................. 4-12

4.3.5 Primary and Secondary IDE Master/Slave .......... 4-13

4.3.6 System Information .............................................. 4-14

Contents

4.4 Advanced menu ............................................................... 4-15

4.4.1 CPU Configuration ............................................... 4-15

4.4.2 Chipset................................................................. 4-21

4.4.3 Onboard Devices Configuration........................... 4-24

4.4.4 PCI PnP ............................................................... 4-26

4.4.5 System Frequency/Voltage Configuration ........... 4-27

4.5 Power menu ..................................................................... 4-29

4.5.1 Suspend Mode..................................................... 4-29

4.5.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume............................... 4-29

4.5.3 ACPI 2.0 Support ................................................. 4-29

4.5.4 ACPI APIC Support.............................................. 4-29

4.5.5 APM Configuration............................................... 4-30

4.5.6 Hardware Monitor ................................................ 4-32

4.6 Boot menu ........................................................................ 4-33

4.6.1 Boot Device Priority ............................................. 4-33

4.6.2 Boot Settings Configuration ................................. 4-34

4.6.3 Security ................................................................ 4-35

4.7 Exit menu ......................................................................... 4-38

Chapter 5: Software support

5.1 Installing an operating system............................................ 5-1

5.2 Support CD information...................................................... 5-1

5.2.1 Running the support CD ........................................ 5-1

5.2.2 Drivers menu ......................................................... 5-2

5.2.3 Utilities menu ......................................................... 5-3

5.2.4 Manuals menu ....................................................... 5-4

5.2.5 ASUS Contact information ..................................... 5-4

5.2.6 Other information ................................................... 5-5

5.3 Software Information .......................................................... 5-7

ASUS MyLogo2™ .............................................................. 5-7

5.4 AI Net feature ..................................................................... 5-9

5.5 Audio configurations......................................................... 5-10

5.6 RAID configurations ..........................................................5-11

5.6.1 Installing hard disks ............................................. 5-12

5.6.2 VIA RAID configurations ...................................... 5-13

5.7 Creating a RAID driver disk.............................................. 5-20

Contents

5.8 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology ............................................ 5-21

5.8.1 Enabling Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology................. 5-21

5.8.2 Launching the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software............. 5-23

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.

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 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.

vii

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 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 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.

viii

About this guide

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

How this guide is organized

This manual contains the following parts:

• Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

• Chapter 2: Hardware information

This chapter 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.

• Chapter 3: Powering up This chapter describes the power up sequence and ways of shutting

down the system.

• Chapter 4: BIOS setup

This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.

• Chapter 5: Software support

This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with the motherboard package.

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. Refer to the ASUS contact information.

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.

Conventions used in this guide

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

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.

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 /iA8VB.ROM

A8V specifications summary

CPU

Chipset

System Bus Memory

Expansion slots

Storage

AI Audio

Socket 939 for AMD Athlon™ 64FX / Athlon™ 64 processor Supports AMD 64 architecture that enables simultaneous

32-bit and 64-bit computing

Supports AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology VIA K8T800Pro

VIA VT8237 2000 MT/s Dual-channel memory architecture

4 x 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets support ECC/non-ECC

unbuffered 400/333/266 MHz DDR memory modules

1 x AGP 8X/4X 5 x PCI

2 x UltraDMA 133 connectors 2 x Serial ATA with RAID 0, RAID 1, and JBOD

Realtek Audio Sensing and Enumeration Technology S/PDIF out interface support

ALC850 8-channel CODEC

AI Net

USB AI Overclocking

Features

Special features

Back panel I/O

Marvell Virtual Cable Tester (VCT) Technology support

Maximum of eight USB 2.0 ports CPU, Memory, and AGP voltage adjustable

SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection) from 200 MHz up to ASUS JumperFree

ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) ASUS EZ Flash

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 ASUS MyLogo2™ ASUS Q-Fan 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 Coaxial S/PDIF output port 1 x RJ-45 port 1 x 8-channel audio ports

88E8001 Gigabit Ethernet controller

300 MHz at 1 MHz increment

(continued on the next page)

A8V specifications summary

Internal I/O

BIOS features

Industry standard Manageability Power Requirement Form Factor Support CD contents

2 x USB 2.0 connectors for 4 additional USB ports CPU/Chassis/Power fan connectors 20-pin/4-pin ATX 12V power connectors CD/AUX connectors GAME/MIDI connector Front panel audio connector System panel connector

4Mb Flash EEPROM AMI BIOS with enhanced ACPI, PnP, DMI2.0, Green

PCI 2.2, USB 2.0/1.1 DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME ATX power supply (with 4-pin 12V plug) ATX form factor: 12 in x 9.6 in (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm) Device drivers

ASUS PC Probe Anti-virus software (OEM version)

* Specifications are subject to change without notice.

xii

Chapter 1

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

Product introduction

Chapter summary

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

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

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

ASUS A8V

1.1Welcome!

Thank you for buying the ASUS® A8V motherboard!

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.

1.2Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

ASUS A8V motherboard ASUS motherboard support CD 2 x Serial A TA cables 2 x Serial A TA power cables 1 x 80-conductor ribbon cable for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 IDE drives 1 x 40-conductor IDE cable 1 x Ribbon cable for a 3.5-inch floppy drive I/O shield Bag of extra jumper caps User guide

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

ASUS A8V

1-1

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

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 2-6.

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.

AMD 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. See pages 4-20 and 5-21.

Dual Channel DDR memory support

Employing the Double Data Rate (DDR) memory technology, the motherboard supports up to 4GB of system memory using DDR400/333/ 266 DIMMs. The ultra-fast 400MHz memory bus delivers the required bandwidth for the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. See page 2-11.

Serial ATA solution

The motherboard supports four 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. See page 2-23.

1-2

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Serial ATA RAID support

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 VIA VT8237 RAID controller provides RAID 0, RAID 1, and JBOD configuration to two Serial ATA connectors. See pages 2-23 and 5-11.

AGP 8X support

AGP 8X (AGP 3.0) is the VGA interface specification that enables enhanced graphics performance with maximum bandwidth speed of up to

2.12 GB/s. See page 2-17.

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. See page 2-21.

USB 2.0 technology

The motherboard implements the new Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 specification, extending the connection speed from 12 Mbps on USB 1.1 to a fast 480 Mbps on USB 2.0 - supporting up to eight USB 2.0 ports. The higher bandwidth of USB 2.0 allows connection of devices such as high resolution video conferencing cameras, next generation scanners and printers, and fast storage units. USB 2.0 is backward compatible with USB

1.1. See pages 2-21.

ASUS A8V

1-3

1.3.2 Unique ASUS features

AI NET solution

The Marvell® Gigabit LAN controller chipset is onboard to provide a single-chip solution for LAN on Motherboard (LOM) applications. The controller integrates a 32-bit IEEE 802.3 compliant Gigabit Ethernet Media Access Controller (GMAC) and Physical Layer Transceiver solution to support high performance network applications. The controller is equipped with the Virtual Cable Tester™ (VCT) net-diagnosing utility that intelligently diagnoses and reports cable faults from a remote location up to 100 meters. This feature helps maintain a more stable network connection. See pages 2-20 and 5-9.

AI Audio technology

The motherboard supports 8-channel audio through the onboard ALC850 CODEC with 16-bit DAC, a stereo 16-bit ADC, and an AC97 2.3 compatible multi-channel audio designed for PC multimedia systems. It also provides Jack-Sensing function, S/PDIF out support, interrupt capability and includes the Realtek® proprietary UAJ® (Universal Audio Jack) technology. See page 2-20 and 5-10.

ASUS Q-Fan technology

The ASUS Q-Fan technology smartly adjusts the CPU fan speed according to the system load and temperature to ensure quiet, cool, and efficient operation. See page 4-32.

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 4-5.

AI Overclocking

This feature allows convenient overclocking up to 30% (depending on the installed CPU and DRAM) to enhance system performance while maintaining system stability. See page 4-27.

1-4

Chapter 1: Product introduction

ASUS MyLogo2™

This new feature present in the motherboard allows you to personalize and add style to your system with customizable boot logos. See pages 4-35, 5-7.

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 reboot the system to restore the previously saved settings.

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 4-4.

ASUS A8V

1-5

1-6

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 2

This chapter 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.

Hardware information

Chapter summary

2.1 Before you proceed ....................................... 2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview................................... 2-2

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ..................... 2-6

2.4 System memory ............................................2-11

2.5 Expansion slots ........................................... 2-15

2.6 Jumpers ........................................................ 2-18

2.7 Connectors ................................................... 2-20

ASUS A8V motherboard

2.1 Before you proceed

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.

Onboard LED

The motherboard comes with a standby 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

A8V

A8V Onboard LED

Standby

Power

OFF

Powered

Off

ASUS A8V

2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview

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

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

2.2.1 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.

2.2.2 Screw holes

Place nine (9) 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.

Place this side towards the rear of the chassis

2-2

A8V

Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.2.3 Motherboard layout

24.5cm (9.6in)

PS/2KBMS

T: Mouse B: Keyboard

SPDIF_O

ATX12V

KBPWR

CPU_FAN

KBPWR

+5V +5VSB

(Default)

2312

PARALLEL PORT

COM1

USB1 USB2

USB2.0

Top:

T: USB3

RJ-45

B: USB4

Top:Rear Speaker Out Center: Side Speaker Out Below: Center/Subwoofer

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

Marvell

Gigabit

LAN

Realtek

ALC850

FP_AUDIO

USBPWR12

USBPWR34

AUX

PWR_FAN

VIA

K8T800Pro

Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)

PCI1

PCI2

PCI3

PCI4

A8V

PCI5

USB78

Socket 939

CR2032 3V Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

USBPWR56 USBPWR78

USB56

DDR DIMM_A2 (64 bit,184-pin module)

DDR DIMM_A1 (64 bit,184-pin module)

VIA

VT8237

CLRTC

DDR DIMM_B2 (64 bit,184-pin module)

DDR DIMM_B1 (64 bit,184-pin module)

PRI_IDE

SATA2

SATA1

Super

I/O

GAME

4Mbit BIOS

ATX Power Connector

SEC_IDE

FLOPPY

CHA_FAN

SB_PWR

PANEL

USBPWR12

2 1

+5V

(Default)

USBPWR34

2 1

+5V

(Default)

USBPWR56

30.5cm (12.0in)

USBPWR78

+5V

(Default)

Normal Clear CMOS

(Default)

Power LED

PLED+

IDE_LED+

IDE_LED

Requires an ATX power supply.

CLRTC

PLED-

IDE_LED-

3 2

+5VSB

3 2

+5VSB

Speaker Connector

Ground

+5V

PWR

Reset

Ground

Reset SW

ATX Power Switch*

Speaker

Ground

ASUS A8V

2-3

2.2.4 Layout Contents

Slots Page

1. DDR DIMM slots 2-11

2. PCI slots 2-17

3. AGP slot 2-17

Jumpers Page

1. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 2-18

2. Keyboard power (3-pin KBPWR) 2-19

3. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPWR12, USBPWR34, USBPWR56, USBPWR78) 2-19

Rear Panel Connectors Page

1. PS/2 mouse port 2-20

2. Parallel port 2-20

4. Gigabit LAN port (RJ-45) 2-20

5. Rear Speaker out jack 2-20

6. Side Speaker out jack 2-20

7. Line In jack 2-20

8. Line Out jack 2-20

9. Microphone jack 2-20

10. Center/Subwoofer jack 2-20

11. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4 2-21

12. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2 2-21

13. Serial connector 2-21

15. S/PDIF coaxial cable jack 2-21

16. PS/2 keyboard port 2-21

2-4

Chapter 2: Hardware information

Internal Connectors Page

1. Primary IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) 2-22

2. Secondary IDE connector (40-1 pin SEC_IDE) 2-22

3. Floppy disk connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) 2-22

4. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2) 2-23

5. CPU fan connector (3-pin CPU_FAN) 2-24

6. Power fan connector (3-pin PWR_FAN) 2-24

7. Chassis fan connector (3-pin CHA_FAN) 2-24

8. CD connector (4-pin CD) 2-24

9. AUX connector (4-pin AUX) 2-24

8. ATX power connector (20-pin ATXPWR) 2-25

9. ATA 12V power connector (4-pin ATX12V) 2-25

10. USB headers (10-1 pin USB56, USB78) 2-26

13. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin FP_AUDIO) 2-27

14. GAME/MIDI connector (16-1 pin GAME) 2-27

15. System panel connector (20-pin PANEL) 2-28

- System power LED (Green 3-pin PLED)

- System warning speaker (Orange 4-pin SPEAKER)

- Reset switch (Blue 2-pin RESET)

- ATX Power switch (Yellow 2-pin PWRSW)

- Hard Disk activity LED (Red 2-pin IDE_LED)

ASUS A8V

2-5

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

2.3.1 Overview

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

2.3.2 Installing the CPU

Follow these steps to install a CPU.

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

A8V

A8V CPU Socket 939

Gold Arrow

2-6

Chapter 2: Hardware information

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

Socket 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.

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 triangle

Small triangle

ASUS A8V

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2.3.3 Installing the heatsink and fan

The AMD Athlon™ 64FX or AMD Athlon 64™ processor 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.

CPU Fan

CPU Heatsink

Retention Module Base

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.

Retention bracket lockRetention bracket

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Chapter 2: Hardware information

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