ASUS E2938 User Manual

Commando

Motherboard

E2938

First Edition V1 November 2006

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, modied or altered, unless such repair, modication 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 identication or explanation and to the owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.

iii

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

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

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

Commando specications 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 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

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

2.3.1 Installing the CPU ........................................................... 2-7

2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan ................................ 2-9

2.3.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan ..........................2-11

2.3.4 Installing the optional fan .............................................. 2-13

2.4 System memory ......................................................................... 2-14

2.4.1 Overview ....................................................................... 2-14

2.4.2 Memory congurations .................................................. 2-15

2.4.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 2-19

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 2-19

2.5 Expansion slots .......................................................................... 2-20

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 2-20

2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 2-20

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments ................................................... 2-21

2.5.4 PCI slots ........................................................................ 2-22

2.5.5 PCI Express x16 slots ................................................... 2-22

2.6 Jumper ........................................................................................ 2-23

2.7 Audio Card Installation .............................................................. 2-24

2.8 Connectors ................................................................................. 2-25

2.8.1 Rear panel connectors .................................................. 2-25

2.8.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 2-27

2.8.3 Onboard switches ......................................................... 2-37

Chapter 3: Powering up

3.1 Starting up for the rst time ........................................................ 3-1

3.2 Turning 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 ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 4-1

4.1.2 Creating a bootable oppy disk ....................................... 4-4

4.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ................................................... 4-5

4.1.4 AFUDOS utility ................................................................ 4-6

4.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ...................................... 4-8

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 Conguration elds ........................................................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 [xx:xx:xx] ................................................. 4-12

4.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx] ....................................... 4-12

4.3.3 Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.] ................................. 4-12

4.3.4 Language [English] ....................................................... 4-12

4.3.5 Primary/Secondary/Third/Fourth IDE Master/Slave ...................4-13

4.3.6 IDE Conguration .......................................................... 4-14

4.3.7 System Information ....................................................... 4-15

4.4 Extreme Tweaker menu ............................................................. 4-16

4.4.1 AI Tuning [Auto] ............................................................ 4-16

4.4.2 ASUS C.G.I. [Auto] ....................................................... 4-19

4.4.3 Static Read Control [Auto] ............................................ 4-19

4.4.4 Congure DRAM Timing by SPD [Enabled] .................. 4-19

4.5 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 4-21

4.5.1 LAN Cable Status ......................................................... 4-21

4.5.2 USB Conguration ........................................................ 4-22

4.5.3 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 4-23

4.5.4 Chipset .......................................................................... 4-24

4.5.5 OnBoard Devices Conguration ................................... 4-25

4.5.6 PCI PnP ........................................................................ 4-26

4.6 Power menu ................................................................................ 4-27

4.6.1 Suspend Mode [Auto] ................................................... 4-27

4.6.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume [Disabled] ....................... 4-27

4.6.3 ACPI 2.0 Support [Enabled] .......................................... 4-27

4.6.4 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled] ....................................... 4-27

4.6.5 APM Conguration ........................................................ 4-28

4.6.6 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 4-29

4.7 Boot menu .................................................................................. 4-32

4.7.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 4-32

4.7.2 Boot Settings Conguration .......................................... 4-33

4.7.3 Security ......................................................................... 4-34

4.8 Tools menu ................................................................................. 4-37

4.8.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 .......................................................... 4-37

4.8.2 ASUS O.C. Prole ......................................................... 4-38

4.9 Exit menu .................................................................................... 4-39

Chapter 5: Software support

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

5.2 Support DVD information ............................................................ 5-1

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

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

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

5.2.4 Make Disk menu ............................................................. 5-4

5.2.5 Manuals menu ................................................................ 5-5

5.2.6 ASUS Contact information .............................................. 5-5

5.2.7 Other information ............................................................ 5-6

5.3 Software information ................................................................... 5-8

5.3.1 ASUS MyLogo3™ ............................................................ 5-8

5.3.2 SoundMAX® High Denition Audio utility ....................... 5-10

5.3.3 ASUS PC Probe II ......................................................... 5-15

5.3.4 ASUS AI Suite ............................................................... 5-21

5.3.5 ASUS AI N.O.S. ............................................................ 5-23

5.3.6 ASUS AI Gear ............................................................... 5-24

5.3.7 ASUS AI Nap ................................................................ 5-25

5.3.8 ASUS AI Booster ........................................................... 5-26

5.3.9 ASUS Q-Fan ................................................................. 5-27

5.4 RAID congurations .................................................................. 5-28

5.4.1 Installing Serial ATA hard disks ..................................... 5-29

5.4.2 Intel® RAID congurations ............................................. 5-29

5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk ....................................................... 5-37

5.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS .... 5-37

5.5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®...................... 5-37

Appendix: CPU features

A.1 Intel® EM64T ..................................................................................A-1

A.2 Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology (EIST) ........................A-1

A.2.1 System requirements ......................................................A-1

A.2.2 Using the EIST ................................................................A-2

A.3 Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology ...........................................A-3

vii

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 modications

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.

viii

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 x it by yourself. Contact a qualied 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 qualied

service technician or your retailer.

This 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.

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring

the motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:

• Chapter 1: Product introduction

This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology 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 DVD that comes with the motherboard package.

• Appendix: CPU features

The Appendix describes the CPU features and technologies that the motherboard supports.

Where to nd 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

yers, 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: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a

task.

NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete 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

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[lename]

afudos /icommando.rom

Commando specications summary

CPU LGA775 socket for Intel® Core™2 Extreme / Core™2

Chipset Intel® P965 / ICH8R with Intel® Fast Memory Access

System bus 1066 / 800 / 533 MHz

Memory 4 x DIMM, max. 8GB, DDR2 800 / 667 / 533 MHz, non

Expansion slots 2 x PCI Express™ x16 (@ x16 and x4 mode)

Storage Southbridge

LAN Dual Gigabit LAN controllers, both featuring AI NET2

Audio SupremeFX audio card featuring ADI® 1988B CODEC

IEEE 1394 2 x IEEE 1394a ports (1 at mid-board; 1 at rear panel)

USB 10 x USB 2.0 ports (6 at mid-board; 4 at rear panel)

Duo / Pentium® Extreme / Pentium® D / Pentium® 4 / Celeron® D Processors Intel® Quad-core CPU Ready Compatible with Intel® 06/05B/05A processors * Refer to www.asus.com for Intel CPU support list

Technology

ECC, un-buffered memory Dual channel memory architecture * Refer to www.asus.com or user manual for Memory QVL (Qualify Vendor List)

4 x PCI 2.2

- 6 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports

- Intel Matrix Storage Technology supports RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 JMicron® JMB363 PATA controller

- 1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66 for up to 2 PATA devices

Marvell® PCI-E and PCI Gigabit LAN controllers

- Supports Jack-Sensing, Enumeration, Multi-streaming, and Jack-Retasking

- Coaxial / Optical S/PDIF out ports at back I/O

- ASUS Noise Filter

- DTS® Connect

™

(continued on the next page)

xii

Commando specications summary

Exclusive Overclocking features

Unique features LCD Poster

Rear panel I/O ports 1 x LCD Poster

Internal I/O connectors 1 x Floppy disk drive connector

BIOS features 8 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM

Manageability WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, PXE

Extreme Tweaker Intelligent overclocking tools:

- AI NOS™ (Non-delay Overclocking System)

- AI Overclocking (intelligent CPU frequency tuner)

- ASUS AI Booster Utility

- O.C. Prole Overclocking protection:

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

Onboard Switches: Power / Reset / Clr CMOS Q-Connector ASUS Crashfree BIOS 3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS MyLogo 3

1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple) 1 x PS/2 mouse (green) 1 x S/PDIF output port (Optical + Coaxial) 2 x LAN (RJ45) port 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 1 x IEEE1394a port

1 x IDE connector 6 x Serial ATA connectors 3 x USB 2.0 connectors support six additional USB 2.0 ports 1 x IEEE 1394a port connector 1 x Azalia Digital Header 3 x thermal sensor connectors 1 x Chassis intrusion connector 1 x 24-pin ATX power connector 1 x 8-pin ATX 12V power connector 8 x Fan connectors: 1 x CPU / 1 x Power / 3 x Chassis / 3 x optional fan connectors System panel connector

BIOS 2.3, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

(continued on the next page)

xiii

Commando specications summary

Accessories UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable

Support DVD Drivers

Form factor ATX form factor: 12 in x 9.6 in (30.5 cm x 24.5 cm)

*Specications are subject to change without notice.

FDD cable SATA cables SATA power cables I/O shield User's manual USB2.0 port module IEEE1394 port module 3 in 1 Q-connector 7 x cable ties InterVideo® Media Launcher (OEM version) Optional fan for Water-Cooling or Passive-Cooling only

ASUS PC Probe II ASUS Update ASUS AI Suite ASUS AI Booster Futuremark® 3DMark® 06 Advanced Edition Kaspersky® Anti-Virus software (full version)

xiv

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 Commando

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® Commando 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.

1.2 Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

Motherboard ASUS Commando motherboardCommando motherboard

I/O modules 1 x 1-port IEEE 1394a module 1 x 2-port USB 2.0 module module

Cables Serial ATA power and signal cables for 6 devices 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable 1 x Floppy disk drive cable Cable ties

Accessories I/O shield 1 x ASUS Optional Fan 1 x 3-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector Kit

(USB, IEEE 1394, system panel; Retail version only)

Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD InterVideoInterVideo® Media Launcher (OEM version)

Documentation User guide

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

ASUS Commando 1-1

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

Republic of Gamers

The Republic of Gamers consists only the best of the best. We offer the best hardware engineering, the fastest performance, the most innovating ideas, and we welcome the best gamers to join in.

In the Republic of Gamers, mercy rules are only for the weak, and bragging rights means everything. We believe in making statements and we excel in competitions. If your character matches our trait, then join the elite club, make your presence felt, in the Republic of Gamers.

Green ASUS

This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction

on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision

of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard

consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.

Intel® Core™2 / Quad-core Processor Ready

This motherboard supports the latest Intel® Core™2 processor in the LGA775 package. With the new Intel® Core™ microarchitecture technology and 1066 /

800 MHz FSB, the Intel® Core™2 is one of the most powerful and energy efcient

CPUs in the world. This motherboard also supports the latest Intelthe latest Intel® Quad-core processor, which is excellent for multi-tasking, multi-media and enthusiastic gamers with 1066 / 800 MHz FSB. See page 2-6 for details.See page 2-6 for details.

Intel P965 Chipset

The Intel® P965 Express Chipset is the latest chipset designed to support 8GB of dual-channel DDR2 800/677/533 architecture, 1066/800 FSB (Front Side Bus), PCI Express x16 graphics and multi-core CPU. It especially includes Intel®

Fast Memory Access technology that signicantly optimizes the use of available

memory bandwidth and reduces the latency of the memory accesses.

DDR2 memory support

The motherboard supports DDR2 memory that features data transfer rates

of 800/667/533 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest

3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel DDR2 architecture doubles the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system performance, eliminating bottlenecks with peak bandwidths of up to 12.8 GB/s. See page 2-14 for details.

ASUS Commando 1-3

Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s technology

The motherboard fully supports the Serial ATA II 3.0 Gb/s technology through the Serial ATA interfaces and the Intel® P965 Express chipset. The Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s

specication provides twice the bandwidth of the current Serial ATA products with

a host of new features, including Native Command Queueing (NCQ), and Power Management (PM) Implementation Algorithm. Serial ATA allows for thinner, more

exible cables with lower pin count and reduced voltage required. See page 2-28

for details.

RAID solution

The Intel® P965 chipset incorporates six Serial ATA connectors with high performance RAID 0, 1, 5 and 10 functions. Making this motherboard an ideal solution to enhance hard disk performance and data back up protection without the cost of add-on cards. See page 2-28 and 2-29 for details.

IEEE 1394a support

The IEEE 1394a interface provides high speed digital interface for audio/video appliances such as digital television, digital video camcorders, storage peripherals & other PC portable devices. See pages 2-26 and 2-30 for details.

S/PDIF digital sound ready

This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio systems via coaxial and optical S/PDIF-out (SONY/PHILIPS Digital Interface) jacks.It allows to transfer digital audio without converting to analog format and keeps the best signal quality. See page 2-25 and 2-26 for details.

Dual Gigabit LAN solution

The motherboard comes with dual Gigabit LAN controllers to provide the total solution for your networking needs. These network controllers use the PCI Express segment to provide faster data bandwidth for your wired or wireless Internet, LAN,

and le sharing requirements. See page 2-25 for details.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.3.2 Unique features

8-phase cap-less Power design

The 8-phase EL Capless Power Design demonstrates two hardcore commitments of ROG products: ultimate overclocking capability, and ultimate reliability. The 8phase power design yields unparalleled superiority in the overclocking arena, while the cap-less design removes any worries of capacitor problems once and for all.

Fanless Design

The ASUS fanless design allows multi-directional heat ow from major thermal

sources in the motherboard to lower overall system temperature, resulting in quieter operation and longer system life. ASUS has devoted special efforts to address the thermal issues across the motherboard, and most notably in the following areas: CPU, power, VGA, Northbridge and Southbridge. The heat pipe, heatsink, and strategic board layout were tailor made to dissipate heat in the most

efcient manner.

AI NOS™ (Non-Delay Overclocking System)

ASUS Non-delay Overclocking System™ (NOS) is a technology that auto-detects the CPU loading and dynamically overclocks the CPU speed only when needed. See page 4-16 for details.

AI NET 2

AI NET 2 is a BIOS-based diagnostic tool that detects and reports Ethernet cable faults and shorts. With this utility, you can easily monitor the condition of the Ethernet cable(s) connected to the Marvell® LAN (RJ-45) port. During the bootup process, AI NET 2 immediately diagnoses the LAN cable and reports shorts and faults up to 100 meters at 1 meter accuracy.

Extreme Tweaker

This feature allows you to ne tune the various voltage settings and gradually increase the memory Front Side Bus (FSB) and PCI Express frequency at 1MHz

increment to achieve maximum system performance.

Optional fan

The optional fan is specically designed to provide sufcient airow over the CPU power modules and chipset area when water-cooling or passive-cooling is utilized,

ensuring effective heat dissipation for the entire system. See page 2-13 for details.

(for water-cooling/passive-cooling only)

ASUS Commando 1-5

ASUS Q-Connector

The ASUS Q-Connector allows you to connect or disconnect chassis front panel cables in one easy step. This unique adapter eliminates the trouble of plugging in one cable at a time, making connection quick and error-free. See pages 2-36 for details.

ASUS LCD Poster

The LCD Poster displays actual boot error messages instead of codes that other

debug cards show. This unique feature allows you to easily nd out which devices

fail during the boot process, eliminating guesswork and allowing you to solve the problem immediately.

Onboard Switches

A power-on button, a resetbutton, and a clear CMOS button are onboard to provide

overclockers and gamers the convenience of ne-tuning performance when

working on a bare (open-case) system. Press the power-on button to wake up the system, the reset button to reboot, and the clear CMOS button to clear setup information when the system hangs due to overclocking. See page 2-37 for details.

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 easier and faster conguration.

See page 4-12 for details.

ASUS MyLogo3

This new feature present in the motherboard allows you to personalize and add style to your system with customizable boot logos. See page 5-8 for details.

C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)

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

Supreme FX features

This feature can enhance speech-centric applications like Skype, online game, video conference and recording.

Noise Filter

This feature detects repetitive and stationary noises (non-voice signals) like computer fans, air conditioners, and other background noises then eliminates it in the incoming audio stream while recording.

DTS® Connect

This feature is consists of two elements: DTS interactive and DTS NEO:PC. DTS interactive re-encodes your stereo or multi-channel sound into a DTS audio signal and send it out from your PC to any DTS enabled system. While DTS NEO:PC turns your stereo audio such as MP3, WMA, CD, and other sound format into a convincing multi-channel audio experience.

ASUS O.C. Prole

The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Prole that allows users to conveniently

store or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be stored in the

CMOS or a separate le, giving users freedom to share and distribute their favorite

settings. See page 4-38 for details.

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data from a

USB ash disk containing the BIOS le. See page 4-8 for details.

ASUS EZ Flash 2

EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply press the predened

hotkey to launch the utility and update the BIOS without entering the OS. Update

your BIOS easily without preparing a bootable diskette or using an OS-based ash

utility. See pages 4-5 and 4-37 for details.

1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

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.

information

Hardware