ASUS E2938 User Manual

Commando

Motherboard

ii

E2938

First Edition V1
November 2006

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, 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

Contents

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

iv

Contents

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

v

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

vi

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.

ix

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.

x

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

xi

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

1

introduction

Chapter summary

1

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

2

Chapter summary

2

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 ......................................................................... 2-14

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

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

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

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

ASUS Commando

2.1 Before you proceed

®

COMMANDO

COMMANDO Onboard LED

SB_PWR

ON

Standby

Power

OFF

Powered

Off

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

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

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

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

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

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

ASUS Commando 2-1

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information

®

COMMANDO

2.2 Motherboard overview

Before you install the motherboard, study the conguration of your chassis to
ensure that the motherboard ts 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.

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

ASUS Commando 2-3

PANEL

®

CHASSIS

24.5cm (9.6in)

CPU_FAN

DDR2 DIMM_B1 (64 bit,240-pin module)

DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64 bit,240-pin module)

DDR2 DIMM_A2 (64 bit,240-pin module)

DDR2 DIMM_B2 (64 bit,240-pin module)

PWR_FAN

LAN1_USB12

FLOPPY

Super

I/O

PS/2KBMS

T: Mouse
B: Keyboard

LAN2_USB34

AUDIO1

PCIEX16_1

PCI1

CLRTC_EN

USB78USB56

SB_PWR

EATXPWR

CR2032 3V

Lithium BATTERY

CMOS Power

CHA_FAN2

IE1394_2

LGA775

SATA56

30.5cm (12.0in)

PCIEX16_2

PCI4

SPDIF_O1

Intel

®

P965

JMicron
JMB363

ADH

Marvell

88E8001

W83791G

Marvell

88E8056

E1394

USB910

OPT_FAN2

OPT_FAN3

PWR_SW RST_SW CLR_CMOS

OPT_TEMP3

OPT_TEMP1

OPT_TEMP2

PCI3

PCI2

EATX12V

SATA34 SATA12

PRI_IDE

COMMANDO

Intel

®

ICH8R

TSB43AB22A

CHA_FAN3

OPT_FAN1

CHA_FAN1

2.2.3 Motherboard layout

Refer to 2.8 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and
internal connectors.

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.2.4 Layout contents

Slots Page

1. DDR2 DIMM slots 2-14

2. PCI slots 2-22

3. PCI Express x16 slots 2-22

Jumper Page

1. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC_EN) 2-23

Rear panel connectors Page

1. PS/2 mouse port (green) 2-25

2. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port 2-25

3. LCD Poster 2-25

4. LAN 2 (RJ-45) port 2-25

5. LAN 1 (RJ-45) port 2-25

6. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2, 3 and 4 2-26

7. IEEE 1394a port 2-26

8. Optical S/PDIF Out port 2-26

9. PS/2 keyboard port (purple) 2-26

Supreme FX Page

1. Line In port (light blue) 2-26

2. Line Out port (lime) 2-26

3. Microphone port (pink) 2-26

4. Center/Subwoofer port (orange) 2-26

5. Side Speaker Out port (gray) 2-26

6. Rear Speaker Out port (black) 2-26

ASUS Commando 2-5

Internal connectors Page

1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) 2-27

2. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) 2-27

3. ICh8R Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2,
SATA3, SATA4, SATA5, SATA6)

4. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, USB910) 2-29

5. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2) 2-30

6. Thermal sensor cable connectors (2-pin OPT_TEMP1/2/3) 2-30

7. CPU, chassis, power, and optional fan connectors
(4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN1, 3-pin CHA_FAN2, 3-pin
CHA_FAN3, 3-pin PWR_FAN, 3-pin OPT_FAN 1~3)

8. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS) 2-32

9. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 2 x 4-pin EATX12V) 2-32

10. System panel connector (20-8-pin PANEL)

• System power LED (2-pin PLED)

• Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED)

• System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)

• ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWR)

• Reset button (2-pin RESET)

11. ASUS Q-connector (system panel) 2-36

Onboard switches Page

1. Clear CMOS switch 2-37

2. Power-on switch 2-37

3. Reset switch 2-38

2-28

2-31

2-35

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA775 socket designed for the
Intel® Quad-core / Core™2 Extreme / Core™2 Duo / Pentium® Extreme / Pentium®
D/ Pentium® 4 and Celeron® D processors.

• Make sure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.

• Connect the chassis fan cable to the CHA_FAN2 connector to ensure
system stability.

•

Upon purchase of the motherboard, make sure that the PnP cap is on
the socket and the socket contacts are not bent. Contact your retailer
immediately if the PnP cap is missing, or if you see any damage to the PnP
cap/socket contacts/motherboard components. ASUS will shoulder the cost
of repair only if the damage is shipment/transit-related.

•

Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return

Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes

with the cap on the LGA775 socket.

• The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts
resulting from incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/
incorrect removal of the PnP cap.

ASUS Commando 2-7

2.3.1 Installing the CPU

®

COMMANDO

COMMANDO CPU Socket 775

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.

2. Press the load lever with your thumb (A), then move it to the left (B) until it is
released from the retention tab.

Retention tab

Load lever

To prevent damage to the socket pins, do not remove the PnP cap unless you
are installing a CPU.

3. Lift the load lever in the direction of
the arrow to a 135º angle.

A

PnP cap

B

This side of the socket box
should face you.

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware information

4. Lift the load plate with your thumb

and forenger to a 100º angle (A),

then push the PnP cap from the load
plate window to remove (B).

Alignment key

5. Position the CPU over the
socket, making sure that
the gold triangle is on the
bottom-left corner of the

socket then t the socket

alignment key into the
CPU notch.

The CPU ts in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the

socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and damaging the CPU!

CPU notch

Gold triangle mark

B

A

Load plate

6. Close the load plate (A), then

A

push the load lever (B) until it
snaps into the retention tab.

7. If installing a dual-core CPU,
connect the chassis fan cable

B

to the CHA_FAN2 connector to
ensure system stability.

The motherboard supports Intel® LGA775 processors with the Intel® Enhanced
Memory 64 Technology (EM64T), Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology
(EIST), and Hyper-Threading Technology. Refer to the Appendix for more
information on these CPU features.

ASUS Commando 2-9

2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan

The Intel® LGA775 processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan
assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.thermal condition and performance.condition and performance.

•

When you buy a boxed Intel® processor, the package includes the CPU fan
and heatsink assembly. If you buy a CPU separately, make sure that you
use only Intel®-certied multi-directional heatsink and fan.

• Your Intel® LGA775 heatsink and fan assembly comes in a push-pin design
and requires no tool to install.

• If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, make sure
that you have properly applied Thermal Interface Material to the CPU
heatsink or CPU before you install the heatsink and fan assembly.

Make sure that you have installed the motherboard to the chassis before you
install the CPU fan and heatsink assembly.

To install the CPU heatsink and fan:

1. Place the heatsink on top of the
installed CPU, making sure that
the four fasteners match the holes
on the motherboard.

Orient the heatsink and fan
assembly such that the CPU fan
cable is closest to the CPU fan
connector.

Motherboard hole

Narrow end
of the groove

Make sure to orient each fastener with the narrow end of the groove pointing
outward. (The photo shows the groove shaded for emphasis.)

Fastener

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2. Push down two fasteners at a time in

®

COMMANDO

COMMANDO CPU fan connector

GND

CPU FAN PWR

CPU FAN IN

CPU FAN PWM

CPU_FAN

a diagonal sequence to secure the
heatsink and fan assembly in place.

B

A

A

A

B

B

A

B

3. 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.

ASUS Commando 2-11

2.3.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan

To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan:

1. Disconnect the CPU fan cable from
the connector on the motherboard.

2. Rotate each fastener
counterclockwise.

3. Pull up two fasteners at a time in
a diagonal sequence to disengage
the heatsink and fan assembly
from the motherboard.

A

B

A

A

B

B

A

B

4. Carefully remove the heatsink
and fan assembly from the
motherboard.

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware information

5. Rotate each fastener clockwise to
ensure correct orientation when
reinstalling.

The narrow end of the
groove should point
outward after resetting.
(The photo shows the
groove shaded for
emphasis.)

Narrow end of the groove

Refer to the documentation in the boxed or stand-alone CPU fan package for
detailed information on CPU fan installation.

ASUS Commando 2-13

2.3.4 Installing the optional fan

Install the optional fan only if you are using a passive cooler or a water cooler.

Installing the optional fan with an active CPU cooler will interfere with the airow
and destabilize the system.

1. Position the fan above the pipe
and heatsink assembly.

3. Carefully push down the fan until

it snugly ts the heatsink, then

connect the fan cables.

•

Plug the optional fan cables to any of the OPT_FAN1~3 connectors on the
motherboard.

•

Make sure the optional fan is installed correctly to prevent damage to the
fan and motherboard components.

2. Fit the grooved edge to the
heatsink.

4. The above photo shows the fan
installed on the motherboard.

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.4 System memory

®

COMMANDO

COMMANDO 240-pin DDR2 DIMM sockets

DIMM_A2

DIMM_A1

DIMM_B2

DIMM_B1

2.4.1 Overview

The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory
Modules (DIMM) sockets.

A DDR2 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR DIMM but has a
240-pin footprint compared to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. DDR2 DIMMs are notched
differently to prevent installation on a DDR DIMM socket.

The gure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets:

Channel Sockets

Channel A DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2

Channel B DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2

ASUS Commando 2-15

2.4.2 Memory congurations

You may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR2
DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.

• You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The
system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel
conguration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then

mapped for single-channel operation.

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

• Due to chipset resource allocation, the system may detect less than 8 GB
system memory when you installed four 2 GB DDR2 memory modules.

• This motherboard does not support memory modules made up of 128 Mb
chips or double sided x16 memory modules.

• If you install four 1 GB memory modules, the system may detect less than
3 GB of total memory because of address space allocation for other critical
functions. This limitation applies to Windows XP 32-bit version operating
system since it does not support PAE (Physical Address Extention) mode.

• If you install Windows XP 32-bit version operating system, we recommend
that you install less than 3GB of total memory.

Notes on memory limitations

• Due to chipset limitation, this motherboard can only support up to
8 GB on the operating systems listed below. You may install a maximum of
2 GB DIMMs on each slot, but only DDR2-533 and DDR2-667 2 GB density

modules are available for this conguration.

32-bit 64-bit

Windows 2000 Advanced Server Windows XP Professional x64 Edition

• Some old-version DDR2-800/667 DIMMs may not match Intel®’s
On-Die-Termination (ODT) requirement and will automatically downgrade
to run at DDR2-533. If this happens, contact your memory vendor to check
the ODT value.

• Due to chipset limitation, DDR2-800 with CL=4 will be downgraded to run
at DDR2-667 by default setting. If you want to operate with lower latency,
adjust the memory timing manually.

• Due to chipset limitation, DDR2-667 with CL=3 will be downgraded to run
at DDR2-533 by default setting. If you want to operate with lower latency,
adjust the memory timing manually.

2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Commando Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR2-800 MHz capability

Size Vendor Chip No.

512MB KINGSTON K4T51083QC SS KVR800D2N5/512 • • •

1024MB KINGSTON Heat-Sink Package SS KHX6400D2LLK2/1GN • • •

512MB Qimonda HYB18T256800AF25F DS HYS64T64020HU-25F-A • • •

256MB Qimonda HYB18T512160BF-25F SS HYS64T32000HU-25F-B • • •

512MB Qimonda HYB18T512800BF25F SS HYS64T64000HU-25F-B • • •

1024MB Qimonda HYB18T512800BF25F DS HYS64T128020HU-25F-B • • •

512MB SAMSUNG EDD339XX SS M378T6553CZ3-CE7 • • •

256MB SAMSUNG K4T51163QC-ZCE7 SS M378T3354CZ3-CE7 • • •

512MB SAMSUNG ZCE7K4T51083QC SS M378T6553CZ3-CE7 • • •

1024MB SAMSUNG ZCE7K4T51083QC DS M378T2953CZ3-CE7 • • •

512MB Hynix HY5PS12821BFP-S5 SS HYMP564U64BP8-S5 • • •

1024MB Hynix HY5PS12821BFP-S5 DS HYMP512U64BP8-S5 • • •

512MB Hynix HY5PS12821CFP-S5 SS HYMP564U64CP8-S5 • • •

1024MB Hynix HY5PS12821CFP-S5 DS HYMP512U64CP8-S5 • • •

512MB MICRON 5JAIIZ9DQQ SS MT8HTF6464AY-80EA3 • • •

1024MB MICRON 5JAIIZ9DQQ DS MT16HTF12864AY-80EA3 • • •

1024MB MICRON 5ZD22D9GKX DS MT16HTF12864AY-80ED4 • • •

512MB MICRON 6CD22D9GKX SS MT8HTF6464AY-80ED4 • • •

1024MB MICRON 6CD22D9GKX DS MT16HTF12864AY-80ED4 • • •

1024MB CORSAIR Heat-Sink Package DS CM2X1024-6400C4 • • •

512MB A-DATA N/A SS M2OAD6G3H3160J1E52 • • •

512MB Crucial Heat-Sink Package SS BL6464AA804.8FD • • •

1024MB Crucial Heat-Sink Package DS BL12864AA804.16FD • • •

512MB Transcend K4T51083QC SS TS64MLQ64V8J • • •

1024MB Transcend K4T51083QC DS TS128MLQ64V8J • • •

SS/

DS

Part No.

DIMM support

A* B* C*

SS - Single-sided DS - Double-sided
DIMM support:

A - Supports one module inserted into either slot, in Single-channel memory conguration.

B - Supports one pair of modules inserted into either the blue slots or the white slots as one pair of

Dual-channel memory conguration.

C - Supports four modules inserted into both the blue and white slots as two pairs of Dual-channel

memory conguration.

Visit the ASUS website for the latest DDR2-800/667/533 MHz QVL.

ASUS Commando 2-17

Commando Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR2-667 MHz capability

Size Vendor Chip No.

256MB KINGSTON HYB18T256800AF3 SS KVR667D2N5/256 • • •

512MB KINGSTON D6408TEBGGL3U SS KVR667D2N5/512 • • •

256MB KINGSTON HYB18T256800AF3S SS KVR667D2N5/256 • • •

256MB Qimonda HYB18T512160AF-3S SS HYS64T32000HU-3S-A • • •

512MB SAMSUNG ZCE6K4T51083QC SS M378T6553CZ0-CE6 • • •

256MB SAMSUNG K4T51163QC-ZCE6 SS M378T3354CZ3-CE6 • • •

1024MB SAMSUNG ZCE6K4T51083QC DS M378T2953CZ3-CE6 • • •

512MB Hynix HY5PS12821AFP-Y5 SS HYMP564U64AP8-Y5 • • •

512MB CORSAIR 64M8CFEG SS VS512MB667D2 • • •

1024MB CORSAIR 64M8CFEG DS VS1GB667D2 • • •

256MB ELPIDA E2508AB-6E-E SS EBE25UC8ABFA-6E-E • • •

512MB ELPIDA E5108AE-6E-E SS EBE51UD8AEFA-6E-E • • •

512MB A-DATA AD29608A8B-3EG SS M20AD5Q3H3163J1C52 • • •

512MB A-DATA AD29608A8A-3EG SS M2OAD5G3H3166I1C52 • • •

1024MB A-DATA AD29608A8A-3EG DS M2OAD5G3I4176I1C52 • • •

512MB crucial Heat-Sink Package SS BL6464AA663.8FD • • •

1024MB crucial Heat-Sink Package DS BL12864AA663.16FD2 • • •

512MB Apacer AM4B5708GQJS7E0628F SS AU512E667C5KBGC • • •

512MB Kingmax KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX SS KLCC28F-A8KB5 • • •

1024MB Kingmax KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX DS KLCD48F-A8KB5 • • •

512MB Transcend E5108AE-6E-E SS TS64MLQ64V6J • • •

1024MB Transcend E5108AE-6E-E DS TS128MLQ64V6J • • •

512MB Transcend J12Q3AB-6 SS JM367Q643A-6 • • •

1024MB Transcend J12Q3AB-6 DS JM388Q643A-6 • • •

1024MB Super Talent Heat-Sink Package DS T6UB1GC5 • • •

512MB SMART G64M8XB3ITIX4TUE SS TB3D2667C58S • • •

512MB SMART G64M8XB3ITIX4TUE DS TB4D2667C58D • • •

SS/

DS

Part No.

DIMM support

A* B* C*

2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Commando Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR2-533 MHz capability

Size Vendor Chip No.

512MB KINGSTON HYB18T512800AF37 SS KVR533D2N4/512 •• •• ••

1024MB KINGSTON 5YDIID9GCT DS KVR533D2N4/1G •• •• ••

256MB Qimonda HYB18T512160AF-3.7 SS HYS64T32000HU-3.7-A •• •• ••

512MB Qimonda HYB18T512800AF37 SS HYS64T64000HU-3.7-A •• •• ••

2048MB Qimonda HYB18T1G800AF-3.7 DS HYS64T256020HU-3.7-A • •• ••

256MB Qimonda HYB18T5121608BF-3.7 SS HYS64T32000HU-3.7-B • •• ••

512MB Qimonda HYB18T512800BF37 SS HYS64T64000HU-3.7-B •• •• ••

1024MB Qimonda HYB18T512800BF37 DS HYS64T128020HU-3.7-B •• •• ••

256MB Qimonda HYB18T256800AF37(ECC) SS HYS72T32000HU-3.7-A •• •• ••

1024MB Qimonda HYB18T512800AF37(ECC) DS HYS72T128020HU-3.7-A •• •• ••

256MB SAMSUNG K4T51163QC-ZCD5 SS M378T3354CZ3-CD5 •• •• ••

512MB SAMSUNG ZCD5K4T51083QC SS M378T6553CZ3-CD5 •• •• ••

1024MB SAMSUNG ZCD5K4T51083QC DS M378T2953CZ3-CD5 •• •• ••

512MB Hynix HY5PS12821F-C4 SS HYMP564U648-C4 •• •• ••

512MB Hynix HY5PS12821F-C4(ECC) SS HYMP564U728-C4 •• •• ••

1024MB Hynix HY5PS12821F-C4 DS HYMP512U648-C4 •• •• ••

1024MB Hynix HY5PS12821F-C4(ECC) DS HYMP512U728-C4 •• •• ••

512MB Hynix HY5PS12821FP-C4(ECC) SS HYMP564U728-C4 •• •• ••

1024MB Hynix HY5PS12821FP-C4 DS HYMP512U648-C4 •• •• ••

512MB Hynix HY5PS12821AFP-C3 SS HYMP564U64AP8-C3 •• •• ••

1024MB Hynix HY5PS12821AFP-C3 DS HYMP512U64AP8-C3 •• •• ••

512MB CORSAIR MI110052432M8CEC DS VS512MB533D2 •• •• ••

1024MB CORSAIR 64M8CEDG DS VS1GB533D2 •• •• ••

512MB ELPIDA E5108AB-5C-E(ECC) SS EBE51ED8ABFA-5C-E •• •• ••

512MB ELPIDA E5108AB-5C-E SS EBE51UD8ABFA-5C •• •• ••

512MB ELPIDA E5108AB-5C-E SS EBE51UD8ABFA-5C-E •• •• ••

1024MB ELPIDA E5108AB-5C-E DS EBE11UD8ABFA-5C-E •• •• ••

512MB KINGMAX E5108AE-5C-E SS KLBC28F-A8EB4 •• •• ••

512MB KINGMAX KKEA88E4AAK-37 SS KLBC28F-A8KE4 •• •• ••

1024MB KINGMAX 5MB22D9DCN DS KLBD48F-A8ME4 •• •• ••

512MB Super Talent Heat-Sink Package SS T5UA512C4 •• •• ••

1024MB Super Talent Heat-Sink Package DS T5UB1G8C4 •• •• ••

SS/

DS

Part No.

DIMM support

A* B* C*

ASUS Commando 2-19

2.4.3 Installing a DIMM

Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other
system components. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the
motherboard and the components.

To install a DIMM:

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

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

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

• A DDR2 DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it ts in only one direction. Do

not force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM.

• The DDR2 DIMM sockets do not support DDR DIMMs. Do not install DDR
DIMMs to the DDR2 DIMM sockets.

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM

To remove a DIMM:

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

2

3

1

DDR2 DIMM notch

1

Unlocked retaining clip

2

Support the DIMM lightly with

your ngers when pressing the

retaining clips. The DIMM might

get damaged when it ips out with

extra force.

1

DDR2 DIMM notch

1

2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.5 Expansion slots

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

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

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card

To install an expansion card:

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

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

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

4. Align the card connector with the slot and press rmly until the card is

completely seated on the slot.

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

6. Replace the system cover.

2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card

After installing the expansion card, congure it by adjusting the software settings.

1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See
Chapter 4 for information on BIOS setup.

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

3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.

When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Share

IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise, conicts will

arise between the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card
inoperable. Refer to the table on the next page for details.

ASUS Commando 2-21

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments

IRQ Priority Standard function

0 1 System timer
1 2 Keyboard controller
2 –
3 11 IRQ holder for PCI steering*
4 12 Communications port (COM1)*
5 13 IRQ holder for PCI steering*
6 14 Floppy disk controller
7 15 Printer port (LPT1)*
8 3 System CMOS/Real Time Clock
9 4 IRQ holder for PCI steering*

10 5 IRQ holder for PCI steering*
11 6 IRQ holder for PCI steering*
12 7 PS/2 compatible mouse port*
13 8 Numeric data processor
14 9 Primary IDE channel
15 10 Secondary IDE channel

* These IRQs are usually available for PCI devices.

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

PCI slot 1 – – – – – shared – –
PCI slot 2 – – – – – – shared –
PCI slot 3 – – – – – – – shared
PCI slot 4 – – – – shared – – –
LAN (8001) – – – shared – – – –
SATA (363) shared – – – – – – –
LAN (8056) – shared – – – – – –
PCIE x16_1 shared – – – – – – –
PCIE x16_2 shared – – – – – – –
USB controller 1 – – – – – – – shared
USB controller 2 – – – shared – – – –
USB controller 3 – – shared – – – – –
USB controller 4 shared – – – – – – –
USB controller 5 – shared – – – – – –
USB 2.0 controller 1 – – – – – – – shared
USB 2.0 controller 2 – – shared – – – – –
SATA controller 1 – – shared – – – – –
SATA controller 2 – shared – – – – – –
Azalia – – – – – – shared –

Re-direct to IRQ#9

A B C D E F G H

2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.5.4 PCI slots

The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other

cards that comply with PCI specications. Refer to the gure below for the location

of the slots.

2.5.5 PCI Express x16 slots

This motherboard has two PCI Express x16 slots that support PCI Express x16

graphic cards complying with the PCI Express specications. Refer to the gure

below for the location of the slots.

PCI slot

PCI Express x 16 slot (blue)

PCI slot

PCI slot

PCI Express x 16 slot (blue)

PCI slot

ASUS Commando 2-23

®

COMMANDO

COMMANDO Clear RTC RAM

CLRTC_EN

Normal

(Default)

Clear RTC

1

2

2

3

2.6 Jumper

1. Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC_EN)

This jumper allows you to enable the Clear CMOS switch. You can clear the
CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the
CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard clr CMOS switch helps you easily to
clear the system setup information such as system passwords. See page
2-35 for details.

To erase the RTC RAM:

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

2. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3 to enable the
CLRTC function.

3. Press down the clr CMOS button and again to release it.

4. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.

5. Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup
to re-enter data.

The clr CMOS button will not function until the jumper cap on CLRTC_EN is
moved to the ENABLE position. Removing the cap will cause system boot
failure!

• Make sure to re-enter your previous BIOS settings after you clear the

• You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to

• To prevent accidental pressing of the Clear CMOS switch, the CLRTC_EN

CMOS.

overclocking. For system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU
Parameter Recall) feature. Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS
can automatically reset parameter settings to default values.

jumper default setting disables the switch.

2.7 Audio Card Installation

1. Take out the Audio card
from the package.

3. Align the card connector
with the slot and press

rmly until the card sits on

the slot completely.

2. Locate the slot on the
motherboard.

4. The above photo shows
the audio card installed
on the motherboard.

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information

1

15

2 3 4 5

1213

6

7

8

9

10

11

14

2.8 Connectors

2.8.1 Rear panel connectors

1. PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse.

2. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device

via a coaxial S/PDIF cable.

3. LCD Poster. This poster displays actual boot error messages.

4. LAN 2 (RJ-45) port. Supported by Marvell® Gigabit LAN controller, this port

allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network
hub. Refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indications.

5. LAN 1 (RJ-45) port. Supported by Marvell® Gigabit LAN controller, this port

allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network
hub. Refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indications.

LAN port LED indications

Activity/Link Speed LED
Status Description Status Description

OFF No link OFF 10 Mbps connection

ORANGE Linked ORANGE 100 Mbps connection

BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1 Gbps connection

ASUS Commando 2-25

ACT/LINK

LED

LAN port

SPEED

LED

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information

6. Line In port (light blue). This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player, or

other audio sources.

7. Line Out port (lime). This port connects a headphone or a speaker. In

4-channel, 6-channel, and 8-channel conguration, the function of this port

becomes Front Speaker Out.

8. Microphone port (pink). This port connects a microphone.

9. Center/Subwoofer port (orange). This port connects the center/subwoofer

speakers.

10. Rear Speaker Out port (black). This port connects the rear speakers on a

4-channel, 6-channel, or 8-channel audio conguration.

11. Side Speaker Out port (gray). This port connects the side speakers in an

8-channel audio conguration.

Refer to the audio conguration table below for the function of the audio ports in
2, 4, 6, or 8-channel conguration.

Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel conguration

Port

Light Blue Line In Line In Line In Line In

Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out

Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In

Orange – – Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer

Black – Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Ou Rear Speaker Out

Gray – – – Side Speaker Out

Headset
2-channel

4-channel 6-channel 8-channel

12. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2, 3 and 4. These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB)

ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

13. IEEE 1394a port. This 6-pin IEEE 1394a port provides high-speed

connectivity for audio/video devices, storage peripherals, PCs, or portable
devices.

14. Optical S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device

via an optical S/PDIF cable.

15. PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.

ASUS Commando 2-27

2.8.2 Internal connectors

®

COMMANDO

COMMANDO Floppy disk drive connector

NOTE: Orient the red markings on

the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1.

PIN 1

FLOPPY

1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)

This connector is for the provided oppy disk drive (FDD) signal cable. Insert

one end of the cable to this connector, then connect the other end to the

signal connector at the back of the oppy disk drive.

Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable connection when
using a FDD cable with a covered Pin 5.

2. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)

The onboard IDE connector is for the Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable.
There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable:
blue, black, and gray. Connect the blue connector to the motherboard’s IDE

connector, then select one of the following modes to congure your device.

Single device Cable-Select or Master – Black

Two devices

• Pin 20 on the IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole on the
Ultra DMA cable connector. This prevents incorrect insertion when you
connect the IDE cable.

• Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 IDE devices.

If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select,” make sure all other device
jumpers have the same setting.

Drive jumper setting Mode of

Cable connector

device(s)

Cable-Select

Master Black

Slave Gray

Master Master Black or gray

Slave Slave

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware information

®

COMMANDO

COMMANDO IDE connector

NOTE: Orient the red markings

(usually zigzag) on the IDE

ribbon cable to PIN 1.

PRI_IDE

3. ICH8R Serial ATA connectors

®

COMMANDO

COMMANDO SATA connectors

SATA1

GND

RSATA_TXP1

RSATA_TXN1

GND

RSATA_RXP1

RSATA_RXN1

GND

SATA2

GND

RSATA_TXP2

RSATA_TXN2

GND

RSATA_RXP2

RSATA_RXN2

GND

SATA3

GND

RSATA_TXP3

RSATA_TXN3

GND

RSATA_RXP3

RSATA_RXN3

GND

SATA4

GND

RSATA_TXP4

RSATA_TXN4

GND

RSATA_RXP4

RSATA_RXN4

GND

SATA5

GND

RSATA_TXP5

RSATA_TXN5

GND

RSATA_RXP5

RSATA_RXN5

GND

SATA6

GND

RSATA_TXP6

RSATA_TXN6

GND

RSATA_RXP6

RSATA_RXN6

GND

(7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA4, SATA5, SATA6)

These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk
drives.

If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, RAID

1, RAID 5, RAID 10 conguration with the Intel® Matrix Storage Technology

through the onboard Intel® ICH8R RAID controller.

•

These connectors are set to Standard IDE mode by default. In Standard
IDE mode, you can connect Serial ATA boot/data hard disk drives to these
connectors. If you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these

connectors, set the [Congure SATA as] item in the BIOS to [RAID]. See

section 4.3.6 IDE Conguration on page 4-14 for details.

•

For RAID 5, use at least three hard disk drives. For RAID 10, use at least
four hard disk drives. Use two to four Serial ATA hard disk drives for each
RAID 0 or RAID 1 set.

ASUS Commando 2-29

®

COMMANDO

COMMANDO USB 2.0 connectors

USB56

NC

GND

USB_P6+

USB_P6-

USB+5V

GND

USB_P5+

USB_P5-

USB+5V

1

USB78

NC

GND

USB_P8+

USB_P8-

USB+5V

GND

USB_P7+

USB_P7-

USB+5V

1

USB910

NC

GND

USB_P10+

USB_P10-

USB+5V

GND

USB_P9+

USB_P9-

USB+5V

1

•

You must install Windows® 2000 Service Pack 4 or the Windows® XP
Service Pack 1 before using Serial ATA hard disk drives. The Serial ATA
RAID feature (RAID 0/RAID 1/RAID 5/RAID 10) is available only if you are
using Windows® 2000/XP or later version.

•

When using the connectors in Standard IDE mode, connect the primary
(boot) hard disk drive to the SATA1/2/5/6 connector. Refer to the table
below for the recommended SATA hard disk drive connections.

Serial ATA hard disk drive connection

Connector Setting Use

SATA 1/2/5/6 Master Boot disk

SATA 3/4 Slave Data disk

right angle side

Connect the right-angle side of SATA
signal cable to the SATA device, or
connect the right-angle side of the
SATA cable to the onboard SATA port

to avoid mechanical conict with huge

graphics cards.

4. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, USB910)

These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable
to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the
back of the system chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0

specication that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed.

You can connect the USB cable to ASUS Q-Connector (USB, blue) rst, and

then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector onboard.

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware information

5. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)

®

COMMANDO

COMMANDO IEEE 1394 connector

IE1394_2

PIN1

GND

+12V

TPB2-

GND

TPA2-

+12V

TPB2+

GND

TPA2+

®

COMMANDO

COMMANDO Thermal sersor cable connectors

OPT_TEMP2

Temperature2
Ground

OPT_TEMP1

Temperature1
Ground

OPT_TEMP3

Temperature3
Ground

This connector is for a IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IEEE 1394a module
cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back
of the system chassis.

You can connect the 1394 cable to ASUS Q-Connector (1394, red) rst, and

then install the Q-Connector (1394) to the 1394 connector onboard.

6. Thermal sensor cable connectors (2-pin OPT_TEMP1/2/3)

These connectors are for temperature monitoring. Connect the thermal
sensor cables to these connectors and place the other ends to the devices,
which you want to monitor temperature. The optional fan1~3 can work with
the temperature sensors for a better cooling effect.

The thermal sensor cable is purchased separately.

ASUS Commando 2-31

7. CPU, chassis, power, and optional fan connectors

®

COMMANDO

COMMANDO Fan connectors

CPU_FAN CHA_FAN1

CPU_FAN

PWR_FAN

GND

CPU FAN PWR

CPU FAN IN

CPU FAN PWM

PWR_FAN

OPT_FAN1

GND

Rotation

+12V

GND

Rotation

+12V

OPT_FAN3

GND

Rotation

+12V

CHA_FAN2

CHA_FAN3

OPT_FAN3
OPT_FAN2
CHA_FAN1

OPT_FAN2

GND

Rotation

+12V

OPT_FAN1

GND

Rotation

+12V

CHA_FAN2

CHA_FAN3

GND

Rotation

+12V

GND

Rotation

+12V

(4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN1, 3-pin CHA_FAN2, 3-pin CHA_FAN3,
3-pin PWR_FAN, 3-pin OPT_FAN1~3)

The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350 mA ~ 2000 mA (24 W max.)
or a total of 1 A ~ 7 A (84 W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cables to the
fan connectors on the motherboard, making sure that the black wire of each
cable matches the ground pin of the connector.

Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufcient air
ow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. These are

not jumpers! Do not place jumper caps on the fan connectors!

• CPU_FAN, CHA_FAN1~3, and OPT_FAN 1~3 connectors support the
ASUS Q-FAN 2 feature.

• If you install two VGA cards, we recommend that you plug the rear chassis
fan cable to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN2 for better
themal environment.

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware information

8. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)

®

COMMANDO

COMMANDO Chassis intrusion connector

CHASSIS

+5VSB_MB

Chassis Signal

GND

(Default)

®

COMMANDO

COMMANDO ATX power connectors

EATXPWR

EATX12V

+3 Volts

+3 Volts

Ground

+5 Volts

+5 Volts

Ground

Ground

Power OK

+5V Standby

+12 Volts

-5 Volts

+5 Volts

+3 Volts

-12 Volts

Ground

Ground
Ground
PSON#

Ground

+5 Volts

+12 Volts

+3 Volts

+5 Volts

Ground

GND +12V DC

GND +12V DC

GND +12V DC

GND +12V DC

This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detection sensor or switch.
Connect one end of the chassis intrusion sensor or switch cable to this
connector. The chassis intrusion sensor or switch sends a high-level signal to
this connector when a chassis component is removed or replaced. The signal
is then generated as a chassis intrusion event.

By default , the pin labeled “Chassis Signal” and “ Ground” are shorted with
a jumper cap. Remove the jumper caps only when you intend to use the
chassis intrusion detection feature.

9. ATX power connectors
(24-pin EATXPWR, 2 x 4-pin EATX12V)

These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs

are designed to t these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper
orientation and push down rmly until the connectors completely t.

• Make sure to remove the cap on the EATX12V connector before connecting
an 8-pin EPS +12V power plug.

• Use only either a 4-pin EATX12V or an 8-pin EPS +12V power plug for the
EATX12V connector.

ASUS Commando 2-33

•

For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply

unit (PSU) that complies with ATX 12V Specication 2.0 (or later version)

and provides a minimum power of 550 W.

• Do not forget to connect the 4-pin/8pin EATX12V power plug; otherwise,

the system will not boot.

• Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when

conguring a system with more power-consuming devices. The system

may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.

• If you want to use two high-end PCI Express x16 cards, use a PSU with
500 W to 600 W power or above to ensure the system stability.

Power supply requirements

Heavy Loading

CPU Intel® Kentseld

DDR2 800 1 GB*4
VGA ASUS EAX1950 *2
SATA-HD 6
IDE-HD 1
CD-ROM DVD-ROM*1
USB 10
PCI 2

1066MHz 2.66GHz

+12V-V2
(CPU4 PIN)

Io_max (A) 16.9 7.5 12.56 2.5 4.62 12.03 0.85 7.61

Io_rms (A) 12.53 5.2 11.12 1.62 2.76 9.36 0.61 5.56

Vout (V) 12.02 11.92 11.92 5 11.98 4.92 5.02 3.28

Po_max (W) 203.14 89.40 149.72 12.50 55.35 59.19 4.27 24.96 598.52

Po_rms (W) 150.61 61.98 132.55 8.10 33.06 46.05 3.06 18.24 453.66

+12V-V1
(24PIN)

+12V-V1
(PCI_E 6PIN)

(continued on the next page)

HD
+5V

HD
+12V-V1

+5V +5VSB +3.3V

Total PSU

Po_max
(W)

2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Power supply requirements

Normal Loading

CPU Intel® Conroe

DDR2 667 1GB*2
VGA NVIDIA® 8800*1
SATA-HD 4
IDE-HD 1
CD-ROM DVD-ROM*1
USB 4
PCI 1

1066MHz 2.93GHz 2.93GHz

+12V-V2
(CPU4 PIN)

Io_max (A) 10.5 4.81 8.33 1.31 3.64 8.21 0.84 4.79

Io_rms (A) 7.21 3.72 7.26 0.59 1.96 5.73 0.61 4.52

Vout (V) 12.03 11.92 11.95 5.01 11.98 5 5.03 3.3

Po_max (W) 126.32 57.34 99.54 6.56 43.61 41.05 4.23 15.81 394.45

Po_rms (W) 86.74 44.34 86.76 2.96 23.48 28.65 3.07 14.92 290.91

+12V-V1
(24PIN)

+12V-V1
(PCI_E 6PIN)

HD
+5V

HD
+12V-V1

+5V +5VSB +3.3V

Total PSU

Po_max
(W)

Light Loading

CPU Intel® Conroe

1066MHz 2.93GHz

DDR2 667 512MB*2
VGA ATI® 1900 *1
SATA-HD 2
IDE-HD 1
CD-ROM DVD-ROM*1
USB 2

+12V-V2
(CPU4 PIN)

Io_max (A) 10.3 4.67 7.26 0.61 2.11 6.31 0.682 4.22

Io_rms (A) 7.19 3.75 4.69 0.22 1.52 4.87 0.5 3.64

Vout (V) 12.03 11.94 11.95 5.01 11.98 4.96 5.03 3.28

Po_max (W) 123.91 55.76 86.76 3.06 25.28 31.30 3.43 13.84 343.33

Po_rms (W) 86.50 44.78 56.05 1.10 18.21 24.16 2.52 11.94 245.24

+12V-V1
(24PIN)

+12V-V1
(PCI_E 6PIN)

HD
+5V

HD
+12V-V1

+5V +5VSB +3.3V

Total PSU

Po_max
(W)

ASUS Commando 2-35

10. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)

®

COMMANDO

COMMANDO System panel connector

* Requires an ATX power supply.

PANEL

PLED-

PWR

+5V

Speaker

Ground

RESET

Ground

Reset

Ground

Ground

PWR

PLED+

IDE_LED-

IDE_LED+

IDE_LED

PLED SPEAKER

This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

•

System power LED (2-pin PLED)

This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis
power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when
you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.

•

Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED)

This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity

LED cable to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or ashes when data is

read from or written to the HDD.

•

System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)

This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The
speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.

•

ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWR)

This connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power button
turns the system on or puts the system in sleep or soft-off mode depending
on the BIOS settings. Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds
while the system is ON turns the system OFF.

•

Reset button (2-pin RESET)

This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system
reboot without turning off the system power.

2-36 Chapter 2: Hardware information

ASUS Q-Connector (system panel)

You can use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect chassis front panel
cables in a few steps. Refer to the instructions below to install the ASUS Q­Connector.

1. Connect the front panel cables to the
ASUS Q-Connector.

Refer to the labels on the Q-Connector

to know the detailed pin denitions, then

match them to the respective front panel
cable labels.

2. Install the ASUS Q-Connector to the
system panel connector, making sure
the orientation matches the labels on the
motherboard.

3. The front panel functions are now enabled.

The gure shows the Q-Connector properly

installed on the motherboard.

ASUS Commando 2-37

2.8.3 Onboard switches

®

COMMANDO

COMMANDO CMOS switch

®

COMMANDO

COMMANDO Power on switch

Onboard switches allow you to ne-tune performance when working on a bare

or open-case system. This is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually
change settings to enhance system performance.

1. Clear CMOS switch

Press the clear CMOS switch to clear setup information when the system
hangs due to overclocking.

To prevent accidental pressing of the Clear CMOS switch, the CLRTC_EN
jumper default setting disables the switch. See page 2-23 for details.

2. Power-on switch

Press the clear power-on switch to wake/power up the system.

3. Reset switch

®

COMMANDO

COMMANDO Reset switch

Press the reset switch to reboot the system.

2-38 Chapter 2: Hardware information

This chapter describes the power up
sequence, the vocal POST messages,
and ways of shutting down the system.

Powering up

3

Chapter summary

3

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

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

ASUS Commando

3.1 Starting up for the rst time

1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover.

2. Be sure that all switches are off.

3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system
chassis.

4. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge
protector.

5. Turn on the devices in the following order:

a. Monitor

b. External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain)

c. System power

6. After applying power, the system power LED on the system front panel case
lights up. For systems with ATX power supplies, the system LED lights up
when you press the ATX power button. If your monitor complies with “green”
standards or if it has a “power standby” feature, the monitor LED may light up
or switch between orange and green after the system LED turns on.

The system then runs the power-on self tests or POST. While the tests are

running, the BIOS beeps (see BIOS beep codes table below) or additional
messages appear on the screen. If you do not see anything within 30
seconds from the time you turned on the power, the system may have failed a
power-on test. Check the jumper settings and connections or call your retailer
for assistance.

AMI BIOS beep codes

BIOS Beep Description

One short beep VGA detected

One continuous beep followed by two
short beeps then a pause (repeated)

One continuous beep followed by three
short beeps

One continuous beep followed by four
short beeps

Quick boot set to disabled
No keyboard detected

No memory detected

No VGA detected

Hardware component failure

7. At power on, hold down the <Delete> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the
instructions in Chapter 4.

ASUS Commando

3-1

3.2 Turning off the computer

3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function

If you are using Windows® 2000:

1. Click the Start button then click Shut Down.

2. Make sure that the Shut Down option button is selected, then click the OK
button to shut down the computer.

3. The power supply should turn off after Windows® shuts down.

If you are using Windows® XP or later version:

1. Click the Start button then select Turn Off Computer.

2. Click the Turn Off button to shut down the computer.

3. The power supply should turn off after Windows® shuts down.

3.2.2 Using the dual function power switch

While the system is ON, pressing the power switch for less than four seconds puts
the system to sleep mode or to soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting.
Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds lets the system enter the
soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS setting. Refer to section “4.6 Power Menu”
in Chapter 4 for details.

3-2

Chapter 3: Powering up

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

BIOS setup

4

Chapter summary

4

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

4.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 4-9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ASUS Commando

4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS

The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic
Input/Output System (BIOS) setup.

1. ASUS Update (Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.)

2. ASUS EZ Flash 2 (Updates the BIOS using a oppy disk or USB ash disk.)

3. ASUS AFUDOS (Updates the BIOS using a bootable oppy disk.)

4. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 (Updates the BIOS using a bootable oppy disk,

USB ash disk or the motherboard support DVD when the BIOS le fails or

gets corrupted.)

Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.

Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS le to a bootable oppy disk or
USB ash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the

original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update or AFUDOS utilities.

4.1.1 ASUS Update utility

The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the
motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. The ASUS Update utility allows you
to:

• Save the current BIOS le

• Download the latest BIOS le from the Internet

• Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS le

• Update the BIOS directly from the Internet, and

• View the BIOS version information.

This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard
package.

ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an
Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Installing ASUS Update

To install ASUS Update:

1. Place the support DVD in the optical drive. The Drivers menu appears.

2. Click the Utilities tab, then click Install ASUS Update VX.XX.XX.

3. The ASUS Update utility is copied to your system.

ASUS Commando 4-1

4-2 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

Quit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility.

Updating the BIOS through the Internet

To update the BIOS through the Internet:

1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start
> Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update
main window appears.

2. Select Update BIOS from the
Internet option from the drop-down
menu, then click Next.

3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest

you to avoid network trafc, or

click Auto Select. Click Next.

ASUS Commando 4-3

4. From the FTP site, select the BIOS
version that you wish to download.
Click Next.

5. Follow the screen instructions to
complete the update process.

The ASUS Update utility is
capable of updating itself through
the Internet. Always update the
utility to avail all its features.

Updating the BIOS through a BIOS le

To update the BIOS through a BIOS le:

1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start
> Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update

main window appears.

2. Select Update BIOS from a le

option from the drop-down menu,
then click Next.

3. Locate the BIOS le from the Open

window, then click Open.

4. Follow the screen instructions to

Commando.rom

complete the update process.

Commando

4-4 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.1.2 Creating a bootable oppy disk

1. Do either one of the following to create a bootable oppy disk.

DOS environment

a. Insert a 1.44MB oppy disk into the drive.

b. At the DOS prompt, type

Windows® XP environment

a. Insert a 1.44 MB oppy disk to the oppy disk drive.

b. Click Start from the Windows® desktop, then select My Computer.

c. Select the 3 1/2 Floppy Drive icon.

d. Click File from the menu, then select Format. A Format 3 1/2 Floppy

Disk window appears.

e. Select Create an MS-DOS startup disk from the format options eld,

then click Start.

Windows® 2000 environment

To create a set of boot disks for Windows® 2000:

a. Insert a formatted, high density 1.44 MB oppy disk into the drive.

b. Insert the Windows® 2000 CD to the optical drive.

c. Click Start, then select Run.

d. From the Open eld, type

D:\bootdisk\makeboot a:

assuming that D: is your optical drive.

e. Press <Enter>, then follow screen instructions to continue.

format

A:/S then press <Enter>.

2. Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS le to the bootable oppy

disk.

ASUS Commando 4-5

4.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility

The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go

through the long process of booting from a oppy disk and using a DOS-based

utility. The EZ Flash 2 utility is built-in the BIOS chip so it is accessible by pressing
<Alt> + <F2> during the Power-On Self Tests (POST).

To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:

1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS le for

the motherboard.

2. Save the BIOS le to a oppy disk or a USB ash disk, then restart the

system.

3. You can launch the EZ Flash 2 by two methods.

(1) Insert the oppy disk / USB ash disk that contains the BIOS le to the

oppy disk drive or the USB port.

Press <Alt> + <F2> during POST to display the following.

ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.00

FLASH TYPE: SST 25LF080

Current ROM

BOARD: Commando
VER: 0106
DATE: 11/28/06

PATH: A:\

A:

Update ROM

BOARD: Unknown
VER: Unknown
DATE: Unknown

Note

[Enter] Select or Load [B] Backup [ESC] Exit

[Tab] Switch [Up/Down/Home/End] Move

(2) Enter BIOS setup program. Go to the Tools menu to select EZ Flash2

and press <Enter> to enable it.

You can switch between drives by pressing <Tab> before the correct le

is found. Then press <Enter>.

4. When the correct BIOS le is found, EZ Flash 2 performs the BIOS update

process and automatically reboots the system when done.

• This function can support devices such as USB ash disk, or oppy disk

with

FAT 32/16

• Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent
system boot failure!

format and single partition only.

4-6 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.1.4 AFUDOS utility

The AFUDOS utility allows you to update the BIOS le in DOS environment using
a bootable oppy disk with the updated BIOS le. This utility also allows you to
copy the current BIOS le that you can use as backup when the BIOS fails or gets

corrupted during the updating process.

Copying the current BIOS

To copy the current BIOS le using the AFUDOS utility:

• Make sure that the oppy disk is not write-protected and has at least
1024KB free space to save the le.

• The succeeding BIOS screens are for reference only. The actual BIOS
screen displays may not be same as shown.

1. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support DVD to

the bootable oppy disk you created earlier.

2. Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the prompt type:

afudos /o[lename]

where the [lename] is any user-assigned lename not more than eight
alphanumeric characters for the main lename and three alphanumeric

characters for the extension name.

A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom

Main lename Extension name

3. Press <Enter>. The utility copies the current BIOS le to the oppy disk.

A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom

AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB))

Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reading ash ..... done

Write to le...... ok

A:\>

The utility returns to the DOS prompt after copying the current BIOS le.

Updating the BIOS le

To update the BIOS le using the AFUDOS utility:

1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) and download the latest BIOS le for
the motherboard. Save the BIOS le to a bootable oppy disk.

ASUS Commando 4-7

Write the BIOS lename on a piece of paper. You need to type the exact BIOS
lename at the DOS prompt.

2. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support DVD to

the bootable oppy disk you created earlier.

3. Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the prompt type:

afudos /i[lename]

where [lename] is the latest or the original BIOS le on the bootable oppy

disk.

A:\>afudos /iCommando.ROM

4. The utility veries the le and starts updating the BIOS.

A:\>afudos /iCommando.ROM

AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB))

Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.

WARNING!! Do not turn off power during ash BIOS

Reading le ....... done

Reading ash ...... done

Advance Check ......

Erasing ash ...... done

Writing ash ...... 0x0008CC00 (9%)

Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent
system boot failure!

5. The utility returns to the DOS prompt after the BIOS update process is
completed. Reboot the system from the hard disk drive.

A:\>afudos /iCommando.ROM

AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB))

Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.

WARNING!! Do not turn off power during ash BIOS

Reading le ....... done

Reading ash ...... done

Advance Check ......

Erasing ash ...... done

Writing ash ...... done

Verifying ash .... done

Please restart your computer

A:\>

4-8 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility

The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore

the BIOS le when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can
update a corrupted BIOS le using the motherboard support DVD, the oppy disk,
or the USB ash disk that contains the updated BIOS le.

Prepare the motherboard support CD, the oppy disk or the USB ash disk

containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility.

Recovering the BIOS from the support DVD

To recover the BIOS from the support DVD:

1. Turn on the system.

2. Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive.

3. The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the DVD

for the BIOS le.

Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...

Checking for oppy...

When found, the utility reads the BIOS le and starts ashing the corrupted

BIOS le.

Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...
Checking for oppy...
Floppy found!
Reading le “Commando.ROM”. Completed.
Start ashing...

4. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.

Recovering the BIOS from the USB ash disk

To recover the BIOS from the USB ash disk:

1. Insert the USB ash disk that contains BIOS le to the USB port.

2. Turn on the system.

3. The utility will automatically checks the devices for the BIOS le When found,
the utility reads the BIOS le and starts ashing the corrupted BIOS le.

4. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.

• Only the USB ash disk with FAT 32/16 format and single partition can
support ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3. The device size should be smaller than

8GB.

• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so
can cause system boot failure!

ASUS Commando 4-9

4.2 BIOS setup program

This motherboard supports a programmable Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) chip
that you can update using the provided utility described in section “4.1 Managing
and updating your BIOS.”

Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconguring
your system, or prompted to “Run Setup.” This section explains how to congure

your system using this utility.

Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you can change the

conguration of your computer in the future. For example, you can enable the

security password feature or change the power management settings. This

requires you to recongure your system using the BIOS Setup program so that the
computer can recognize these changes and record them in the CMOS RAM of the

SPI chip.

The SPI chip on the motherboard stores the Setup utility. When you start up the
computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program. Press

<Del> during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to enter the Setup utility; otherwise,

POST continues with its test routines.

If you wish to enter Setup after POST, restart the system by pressing
<Ctrl+Alt+Delete>, or by pressing the reset button on the system chassis. You can
also restart by turning the system off and then back on. Do this last option only if

the rst two failed.

The Setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. Being a
menu-driven program, it lets you scroll through the various sub-menus and make
your selections from the available options using the navigation keys.

• The default BIOS settings for this motherboard apply for most conditions
to ensure optimum performance. If the system becomes unstable after
changing any BIOS settings, load the default settings to ensure system
compatibility and stability. Select the Load Default Settings item under the
Exit Menu. See section 4.9 Exit Menu.

• The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes
only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.

• Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS le for

this motherboard.

4-10

Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.2.1 BIOS menu screen

Menu bar

Main Extreme Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

System Time [10:55:25]
System Date [Mon 11/22/2006]
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in]
Language [English]

Primary IDE Master [Not Detected]
Seconday IDE Master [Not Detected]
Primary IDE Slave [Not Detected]
Secondary IDE Slave [Not Detected]
Third IDE Master [Not Detected]
Fourth IDE Master [Not Detected]

IDE Coniguration

System Information

v02.58 (C)Copyright 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc.

Sub-menu items

Conguration eldsMenu items

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

General help

Use [ENTER], [TAB] or
[SHIFT-TAB] to select
a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to
congure system Time.

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Field
Tab Select Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

Navigation keys

4.2.2 Menu bar

The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:

Main For changing the basic system conguration

Advanced For changing the advanced system settings

Power For changing the advanced power management (APM)

conguration

Boot For changing the system boot conguration

Tools For Conguring options for special functions

Exit For selecting the exit options and loading default

settings

To select an item on the menu bar, press the right or left arrow key on the keyboard
until the desired item is highlighted.

4.2.3 Navigation keys

At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that
particular menu. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change
the settings.

Some of the navigation keys differ from one screen to another.

ASUS Commando

4-11

4.2.4 Menu items

The highlighted item on the menu bar

displays the specic items for that

menu. For example, selecting Main
shows the Main menu items.

The other items (Advanced, Power,
Boot, and Exit) on the menu bar have
their respective menu items.

System Time [06:22:54]
System Date [Fri 05/04/2006]
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in]
Language [English]

Primary IDE Master [Not Detected]
Secondary IDE Master [Not Detected]IDE Master [Not Detected] [Not Detected]
Primary IDE Slave [Not Detected]Primary IDE Slave [Not Detected] [Not Detected]
Secondary IDE Slave [Not Detected]Secondary IDE Slave [Not Detected] [Not Detected]

Third IDE Master [Not Detected]
Fourth IDE Master [Not Detected]

IDE Conguration

System Information

Main menu items

Use [ENTER], [TAB],
or [SHIFT-TAB] to
select a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to
congure system.

4.2.5 Sub-menu items

A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen means that the iteam has a
sub-menu. To display the sub-menu, select the item and press <Enter>.

4.2.6 Conguration elds

These elds show the values for the menu items. If an item is user- congurable,
you can change the value of the eld opposite the item. You cannot select an item
that is not user-congurable.

A congurable eld is enclosed in brackets, and is highlighted when selected. To
change the value of a eld, select it then press <Enter> to display a list of options.

Refer to “4.2.7 Pop-up window.”

4.2.7 Pop-up window

Select a menu item then press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the

conguration options for that item.

4.2.8 Scroll bar

A scroll bar appears on the right side of a
menu screen when there are items that do
not t on the screen. Press the
Up/Down arrow keys or <Page Up> /<Page
Down> keys to display the other items on
the screen.

4.2.9 General help

At the top right corner of the menu screen
is a brief description of the selected item.

Pop-up window

Scroll bar

4-12

Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.3 Main menu

When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving
you an overview of the basic system information.

Refer to section 4.2.1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen
items and how to navigate through them.

Main Extreme Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

System Time [10:55:25]
System Date [Mon 11/22/2006]
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in]
Language [English]

Primary IDE Master [Not Detected]
Seconday IDE Master [Not Detected]
Primary IDE Slave [Not Detected]
Secondary IDE Slave [Not Detected]
Third IDE Master [Not Detected]
Fourth IDE Master [Not Detected]

IDE Coniguration

System Information

v02.58 (C)Copyright 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Use [ENTER], [TAB] or
[SHIFT-TAB] to select
a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to
congure system Time.

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Field
Tab Select Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

4.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx]

Allows you to set the system time.

4.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]

Allows you to set the system date.

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

Sets the type of oppy drive installed.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [360K, 5.25 in.] [1.2M , 5.25 in.] [720K , 3.5 in.]

[1.44M, 3.5 in.] [2.88M, 3.5 in.]

4.3.4 Language [English]

Allows you to choose the BIOS language version from the options.
Conguration options: [Chinese BIG5] [Chinese (GB)] [Japanese] [Français]
[German] [English]

ASUS Commando

4-13

4.3.5 Primary/Secondary/Third/Fourth IDE Master/Slave

While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE devices.
There is a separate sub-menu for each IDE device. Select a device item then
press <Enter> to display the IDE device information.

Main

Primary IDE Master

Device :Not Detected

Type [Auto]
LBA/Large Mode [Auto]
Block(Multi-sector Transfer)M [Auto]
PIO Mode [Auto]
DMA Mode [Auto]
SMART Monitoring [Auto]
32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]

v02.58 (C)Copyright 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc.

The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Device,

Vendor, Size, LBA Mode, Block Mode, PIO Mode, Async DMA, Ultra DMA, and
SMART monitoring). These values are not user-congurable. These items show

N/A if no IDE device is installed in the system.

Type [Auto]

Selects the type of IDE drive. Setting to [Auto] allows automatic selection of the

appropriate IDE device type. Select [CDROM] if you are specically conguring a

CD-ROM drive. Select [ARMD] (ATAPI Removable Media Device) if your device is
either a ZIP, LS-120, or MO drive.

Conguration options: [Not Installed] [Auto] [CDROM] [ARMD]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Select the type of
device connected to
the system.

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

LBA/Large Mode [Auto]

Enables or disables the LBA mode. Setting to [Auto] enables the LBA mode if the
device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously formatted with LBA

mode disabled. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

Block (Multi-sector Transfer) M [Auto]

Enables or disables data multi-sectors transfers. When set to [Auto], the data
transfer from and to the device occurs multiple sectors at a time if the device
supports multi-sector transfer feature. When set to [Disabled], the data transfer
from and to the device occurs one sector at a time.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

PIO Mode [Auto]

Selects the PIO mode.

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4]

4-14

Chapter 4: BIOS setup

DMA Mode [Auto]

Selects the DMA mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [SWDMA0] [SWDMA1]

[SWDMA2] [MWDMA0] [MWDMA1] [MWDMA2] [UDMA0] [UDMA1] [UDMA2]
[UDMA3] [UDMA4] [UDMA5]

SMART Monitoring [Auto]

Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]

Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

4.3.6 IDE Conguration

The items in this menu allow you to set or change the congurations for the IDE

devices installed in the system. Select an item then press <Enter> if you want to

congure the item.

IDE Conguration

SATA Conguraton [Enhanced]
Congure SATA as [IDE]

Hard Disk Write Protect [Disabled]
IDE Detect Time Out (Sec) [35]

Options

Disabled
Compatiable
Enhanced

SATA Conguration [Enhanced]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Compatible] [Enhanced]

Congure SATA As [IDE]

Sets the conguration for the Serial ATA connectors supported by the Southbridge

chip.

The AHCI allows the onboard storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA
features that increases storage performance on random workloads by allowing the

drive to internally optimize the order of commands.

If you want to create a RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, or the Intel

Storage Technology conguration from the Serial ATA hard disk drives, set this item

to [RAID].

If you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as Parallel ATA physical storage
devices, keep the defaul setting [IDE].

®

Matrix

ASUS Commando

4-15

If you want the Serial ATA hard disk drives to use the Advanced Host Controller
Interface (AHCI), set this item to [AHCI].

Hard Disk Write Protect [Disabled]

Disables or enables device write protection. This will be effective only if device is
accessed throuh BIOS.

Conuration option: [Disabled] [Enabled]

IDE Detect Time Out (Sec) [35]

Selects the time out value for detecting ATA/ATAPI devices.

Conguration options: [0] [5] [10] [15] [20] [25] [30] [35]

4.3.7 System Information

This menu gives you an overview of the general system specications. The BIOS

automatically detects the items in this menu.

Main

AMIBIOS

Version : 0102
Build Date : 11/23/06

Processor

Type : Genuine Intel(R) CPU 3.20 GHz
Speed : 3200 MHz
Count : 1

System Memory

Available : 256 MB

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Select Screen

Select Item
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

v02.58 (C)Copyright 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc.

AMI BIOS

Displays the auto-detected BIOS information.

Processor

Displays the auto-detected CPU specication.

System Memory

Displays the auto-detected system memory.

4-16

Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.4 Extreme Tweaker menu

The Extreme Tweakermenu items allow you to congure overclocking-related

items.

Take caution when changing the settings of the Extreme menu items. Incorrect

eld values can cause the system to malfunction.

Main Extreme Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Over Clocking

AI Tuning [Auto]
DRAM Frequency [Auto]

ASUS C.G.I. [Auto]
Static Read Control [Auto]
Congure DRAM Timing by SPD [Enabled]

v02.58 (C)Copyright 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc.

4.4.1 AI Tuning [Auto]

Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU internal

frequency. Selct any one of the preset overclocking conguration options:

Manual Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.

Auto Loads the optimal settings for the system.

Standard Loads the standard settings for the system.

AI N.O.S. The ASUS Non-delay Overclocking System feature

intelligently determines the system load and automatically
boosts the performance for the most demanding tasks.

Select the target CPU
frequency, and the
relevant parameters
will be auto-adjusted.
Frequencies higher
than CPU manufacturer
recomends are not
guaranteed to be
stable. If the system
becomes unstable,
return to the default.

Select Screen

Select Item

Change Field

+-

Tab Select Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

The following items become user-congurable when you set AI Tuning to

[Manual] or [AI N.O.S.]. The items vary depending on which option you
select.

CPU Frequency [XXX]

Displays the frequency sent by the clock generator to the system bus and PCI bus.
The value of this item is auto-detected by the BIOS. Use the <+> and <-> keys to
adjust the CPU frequency. You can also type the desired CPU frequency using the
numeric keypad. The values range from 100 to 650. Refer to the table below for
the correct Front Side Bus and CPU External Frequency settings.

ASUS Commando

4-17

FSB/CPU External Frequency Synchronization

Front Side Bus CPU External Frequency

FSB 1066 266 MHz

FSB 800 200 MHz

DRAM Frequency [Auto]

Allows you to set the DDR operating frequency. Conguration options:

Available DRAM frequency options in various FSB settings

FSB Conguration options

Auto DDR2-

FSB 1066 • • • • • •

FSB 800 • • • •

* Provided for overclocking purpose only.

Selecting a very high DRAM frequency may cause the system to become
unstable! If this happens, revert to the default setting.

533

DDR2-

667

DDR2-

800

DDR2-

889*

DDR2-

1067*

PCI Express Frequency [Auto]

Allows you to set the PCI Express frequency. This item is set to [Auto] by default.

Conguration options: [Auto] [90] [91] ~ [149] [150]

PCI Clock Synchronization Mode [Auto]

Allows you to synchronize the PCI frequency with the PCI Express or CPU
frequency. Conguration options: [Auto] [33.33MHz]

Spread Spectrum [Auto]

Allows you to enable or disable the clock generator spread spectrum.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]

Over Voltage

This item is not congurable.

CPU VCore Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to select the CPU VCore voltage. Conguration options: [Auto]
[1.8500V] [1.8375V] [1.8250V] [1.8125V] [1.8000V] [1.7875V] [1.7750V] [1.7625V]
[1.7500V] [1.7375V] [1.7250V] [1.7125V] [1.7000V] [1.6875V] [1.6750V] [1.6625V]
[1.6500V] [1.6375V] [1.6250V] [1.6125V] [1.6000V] [1.5875V] [1.5750V] [1.5625V]
[1.5500V] [1.5375V] [1.5250V] [1.5125V] [1.5000V] [1.4875V] [1.4750V] [1.4625V]
[1.4500V] [1.4375V] [1.4250V] [1.4125V] [1.4000V] [1.3875V] [1.3750V] [1.3625V]
[1.3500V] [1.3375V] [1.3250V] [1.3125V] [1.3000V] [1.2875V] [1.2750V] [1.2625V]
[1.2500V] [1.2375V] [1.2250V] [1.2125V] [1.2000V] [1.1875V] [1.1750V] [1.1625V]
[1.1500V] [1.1375V] [1.1250V] [1.1125V] [1.1000V]

4-18

Chapter 4: BIOS setup

Refer to the CPU documentation before setting the CPU Vcore voltage. Setting
a high Vcore voltage may damage the CPU!

FSB Termination Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to select the front side bus termination voltage.

Conguration options: [Auto] [1.200V] [1.250V] [1.300V] [1.350V] [1.400V] [1.450V]

[1.500V] [1.550V]

Setting a high FSB termination voltage may damage the chipset and CPU.

NB VCore [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1.250V] [1.275V] [1.300V] [1.325V] [1.350V] [1.375V]

[1.400V]~[1.900V] [1.925V] [1.950V] [1.975V] [2.000V] [2.025V]

Memory Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to select the DDR2 reference voltage.

Conguration options: [Auto] [1.800V] [1.825V] [1.850V] [1.875V] [1.900V] [1.925V]

[1.950V] [1.975V] [2.000V] [2.025V] [2.050V] [2.075V] [2.100V] [2.125V] [2.150V]
[2.175V] [2.200V]~[3.200V] [3.225V] [3.250V] [3.275V] [3.300V] [3.325V] [3.250V]
[3.375V]

Refer to the DDR2 documentation before adjusting the memory voltage. Setting
a very high memory voltage may damage the memory module(s)!

DDRII Channel A REF Voltage [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [DDRII_REF-30mv] [DDRII_REF-20mv]
[DDRII_REF-10mv] [DDRII_REF] [DDRII_REF+10mv] [DDRII_REF+20mv]
[DDRII_REF+30mv]

DDRII Channel B REF Voltage [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [DDRII_REF-30mv] [DDRII_REF-20mv]
[DDRII_REF-10mv] [DDRII_REF] [DDRII_REF+10mv] [DDRII_REF+20mv]
[DDRII_REF+30mv]

DDRII Controller REF Voltage [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [DDRII_REF-30mv] [DDRII_REF-20mv]
[DDRII_REF-10mv] [DDRII_REF] [DDRII_REF+10mv] [DDRII_REF+20mv]
[DDRII_REF+30mv]

SB Vcore (SATA,PCIE) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1.50V] [1.55V] [1.60V] [1.65V] [1.70V] [1.75V] [1.80V]

[1.85V]

ASUS Commando

4-19

SB Chipset Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to select the SB chipset voltage.

Conguration options: [Auto] [1.050V] [1.075V] [1.100V] [1.125V] [1.150V] [1.175V]

[1.200V] [1.225V]

4.4.2 ASUS C.G.I. [Auto]

Allows you to set ASUS C.G.I. Conguration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]

4.4.3 Static Read Control [Auto]

Allows you to set Static Read Control Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

[Fast] [Faster]

4.4.4 Congure DRAM Timing by SPD [Enabled]

When this item is enabled, the DRAM timing parameters are set according to the
DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect). When disabled, you can manually set the
DRAM timing parameters through the DRAM sub-items. The following sub-items
appear when this item is set to [Disabled].

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

DRAM CAS# Latency [5]

Controls the latency between the SDRAM read command and the time the data

actually becomes available. Conguration options: [3] [4] [5] [6]

DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay [6 DRAM Clocks]

Controls the latency between the DDR SDRAM active command and the read/write

command. Conguration options: [2 DRAM Clocks]~[6 DRAM Clocks]

DRAM RAS# Precharge [6DRAM Clocks]

Controls the idle clocks after issuing a precharge command to the DDR SDRAM.

Conguration options: [2 DRAM Clocks]~[6 DRAM Clocks]

DRAM RAS# Activate to Precharge Delay [15 DRAM Clocks]

Conguration options: [4 DRAM Clocks]~[18 DRAM Clocks]

DRAM Write Recovery Time [6 DRAM Clocks]

Conguration options: [2 DRAM Clocks]~[6 DRAM Clocks]

DRAM TRFC [42 DRAM Clocks]

Conguration options: [20 DRAM Clocks] [25 DRAM Clocks] [30 DRAM Clocks]
[35 DRAM Clocks] [42 DRAM Clocks]

4-20

Chapter 4: BIOS setup

DRAM TRRD [10]

Controls the latency between the DDR SDRAM active command and the read/

write command. To congure this item, highlight it and key in a value (Min=0,

Max=15), then press <Enter>.

Rank Write to Read Delay [10]

To congure this item, highlight it and key in a value (Min=0, Max=31), then press

<Enter>.

Read to Precharge Delay [10]

To congure this item, highlight it and key in a value (Min=0, Max=15), then press

<Enter>.

Write to Precharge Delay [10]

To congure this item, highlight it and key in a value (Min=0, Max=31), then press

<Enter>.

ASUS Commando

4-21

4.5 Advanced menu

The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other
system devices.

Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect

eld values can cause the system to malfunction.

Main Extreme Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

LAN Cable Status
USB Conguration

CPU Conguration
Chipset
Onboard Devices Conguration
PCIPnP

v02.58 (C)Copyright 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

LAN Cable Status

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Field
Tab Select Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

4.5.1 LAN Cable Status

Advanced

POST Check LAN cable [Disabled]

LAN Cable Status
Pair Status Length

1-2 N/A
3-6 N/A
4-5 N/A
7-8 N/A

1-2 N/A
3-6 N/A
4-5 N/A
7-8 N/A

v02.58 (C)Copyright 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Check LAN cable during
POST.

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Field
Tab Select Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

POST Check LAN Cable [Disabled]

Enables or disables checking of the LAN cable during the Power-On Self-Test

(POST). Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

4-22

Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.5.2 USB Conguration

The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an

item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options.

Advanced

USB Conguration

Module Version - 2.24.0-11.4

USB Devices Enabled:

None

USB Functions [Enabled]
Legacy USB Support [Auto]
Port 64/60 Emulation [Disabled]
USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]
BIOS EHCI Hand-off [Enabled]

v02.58 (C)Copyright 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc.

The Module Version and USB Devices Enabled items show the auto-detected
values. If no USB device is detected, the item shows None.

USB Functions [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the USB functions. The following sub-items appear

when this item is set to [Enabled]. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Legacy USB Support [Auto]

Allows you to enable or disable support for legacy USB devices. Setting to [Auto]
allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If detected,
the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is detected, the

legacy USB support is disabled. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Options

Enabled
Disabled

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

Port 64/60 Emulation [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the I/O port 60h/64h emulation support. This itemI/O port 60h/64h emulation support. This item
should be enabled for the complete USB keyboard legacy support for non-USB
aware OS. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]

Allows you to set the USB 2.0 controller mode to HiSpeed (480 Mbps) or
FullSpeed (12 Mbps). Conguration options: [FullSpeed ] [HiSpeed ][FullSpeed ] [HiSpeed ][HiSpeed ]

BIOS EHCI Hand-off [Enabled]

Allows you to enable support for operating systems without an EHCI hand-off

feature. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS Commando

4-23

4.5.3 CPU Conguration

The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS
automatically detects.

Advanced

Congure Advanced CPU settings

Module Version: 3C.0E

Manufacturer:Intel
Brand String:Genuine Intel(R) CPU 3.20GHz
Frequency :3.2GHz
FSB Speed :533 MHz
Cache L1 :16 KB
Cache L2 :256 KB
Ratio Status:Unlocked (Max:24, Min:14)
Ratio Actual Value: 24
CPUID :F41

Modify Ratio Support [Disabled]
C1E Support [Enabled]
Max CPUID Value Limit: [Disabled]
Vanderpool Technology [Enabled]
CPU TM function: [Enabled]
Execute Disable Bit [Enabled]
Hyper Threading Technology [Enabled]
Intel(R) SpeedStep(tm) Tech. [Disabled]

v02.58 (C)Copyright 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc.

Modify Ratio Support [Disabled]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The following item appears when the item Modify Ratio Support is set to
[Enabled].

Ratio CMOS Setting: [24]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Options

Disabled
Enabled

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

C1E Support [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable C1E Support.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Max CPUID Value Limit [Disabled]

Setting this item to [Enabled] allows legacy operating systems to boot even without
support for CPUs with extended CPUID functions.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Vanderpool Technology [Enabled]

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

CPU TM function [Enabled]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

4-24

Chapter 4: BIOS setup

Execute Disable Bit [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the No-Execution Page Protection Technology.

Setting this item to [Disabled] forces the XD feature ag to always return to zero
(0). Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Hyper Threading Technology [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Hyper Threading Technology.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Inter(R) SpeedStep (tm) Tech. [Disabled]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Automatic]

4.5.4 Chipset

The Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings. Select an
item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.

Advanced

Advanced Chipset Settings

WARMING: Setting wrong values in below sections
may cause system to malfunction.

North Bridge Conguration

North Bridge Chipset Conguration

Advanced

North Bridge Chipset Conguration

Memory Remap Feature [Disabled]

Initiate Graphic Adapter [PEG/PCI]

PEG Port Conguration

PEG Force x1 [Disabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Congure North Bridge
features.

ENABLE: Allow
remapping of
overlapped PCI memory
above the total
physical memory.

DISABLE: Do not allow
remapping of memory.

Memory Remap Feature [Disabled]

Allows you to enabled or disable the remapping of the overlapped PCI
memory above the total physical memory. Enable this option only when you

install 64-bit operating system. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Initiate Graphic Adapter [PEG/PCI]

Allows you to decide which graphics controller to use as the primary boot

device. Conguration options: [PCI/PEG] [PEG/PCI]

PEG Force x1 [Disabled]

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

ASUS Commando

4-25

4.5.5 OnBoard Devices Conguration

Advanced

Congure W83627DHG Super IO Chipset

HD Audio Controller [Enabled]
Front Panel Support Type [HD Audio]
Onboard 1394 Controller [Enabled]
Onboard PCI LAN_1 [Enabled]
LAN Option ROM [Disabled]
Onboard PCIE GbE LAN_2 [Enabled]
LAN Option ROM [Disabled]
JMicron PATA Controller [Enabled]

LCD Poster Back Light [Disable]

v02.58 (C)Copyright 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc.

HD Audio Controller [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the High Denition Audio Controller.
Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Front Panel Support Type [HD Audio]

Allows you to set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy

AC’97 or high-denition audio depending on the audio standard that the front
panel audio module supports. Conguration options: [AC97] [HD Audio]

Onboard 1394 Controller [Enabled]

Allows you to disable or enable the onboard 1394 device support.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Enable or Disable
High Denition
Audio Controller

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

Onboard PCI LAN_1 [Enabled]

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

LAN Option ROM [Disabled]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Onboard PCIE GbE LAN_2 [Enabled]

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

LAN Option ROM [Disabled]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

JMicron PATA Controller [Enabled]

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

LCD Poster Back Light [Disable]

Allows you to enable or disable the LCD poster back light.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

4-26

Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.5.6 PCI PnP

The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP
devices. The menu includes setting IRQ and DMA channel resources for either

PCI/PnP or legacy ISA devices, and setting the memory size block for legacy ISA

devices.

Take caution when changing the settings of the PCI PnP menu items. Incorrect

eld values can cause the system to malfunction.

Advanced

Advanced PCI/PnP Settings

WARNING: Setting wrong values in below sections
may cause system to malfunction.

Plug And Play O/S [No]
PCI Latency Timer [64]
Allocate IRQ to PCI VGA [Yes]
Palette Snooping [Disabled]

IRQ-3 assigned to [PCI Device]
IRQ-4 assigned to [PCI Device]
IRQ-5 assigned to [PCI Device]
IRQ-7 assigned to [PCI Device]
IRQ-9 assigned to [PCI Device]
IRQ-10 assigned to [PCI Device]
IRQ-11 assigned to [PCI Device]
IRQ-14 assigned to [PCI Device]
IRQ-15 assigned to [PCI Device]

v02.58 (C)Copyright 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

NO: lets the BIOS
congure all the
devices in the system.
YES: lets the
operating system
congure Plug and Play
(PnP) devices not
required for boot if
your system has a Plug
and Play operating
system.

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

Plug And Play O/S [No]

When set to [No], BIOS congures all the devices in the system. When set to

[Yes] and if you install a Plug and Play operating system, the operating system

congures the Plug and Play devices not required for boot.
Conguration options: [No] [Yes]

PCI Latency Timer [64]

Allows you to select the value in units of PCI clocks for the PCI device latency

timer register. Conguration options: [32] [64] [96] [128] [160] [192] [224] [248]

Allocate IRQ to PCI VGA [Yes]

When set to [Yes], BIOS assigns an IRQ to PCI VGA card if the card requests for
an IRQ. When set to [No], BIOS does not assign an IRQ to the PCI VGA card even

if requested. Conguration options: [Yes] [No]

Palette Snooping [Disabled]

When set to [Enabled], the palette snooping feature informs the PCI devices that
an ISA graphics device is installed in the system so that the latter can function

correctly. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

IRQ-xx assigned to [PCI Device]

When set to [PCI Device], the specic IRQ is free for use of PCI/PnP devices.

When set to [Reserved], the IRQ is reserved for legacy ISA devices.

Conguration options: [PCI Device] [Reserved]

ASUS Commando

4-27

4.6 Power menu

The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced
Power Management (APM). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the

conguration options.

Main Extreme Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Suspend Mode [Auto]
Repost Video on S3 Resume [Disabled]
ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled]
ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]

APM Conguration
Hardware Monitor

v02.58 (C)Copyright 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc.

4.6.1 Suspend Mode [Auto]

Allows you to select the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) state

to be used for system suspend.

Conguration options: [S1 (POS) Only] [S3 Only] [Auto]

4.6.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume [Disabled]

Determines whether to invoke VGA BIOS POST on S3/STR resume.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Select the ACPI state
used for System
Suspend.

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

4.6.3 ACPI 2.0 Support [Enabled]

Species the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) version
supported. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

4.6.4 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface

(ACPI) support in the Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC). When
set to Enabled, the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

4-28

Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.6.5 APM Conguration

Power

APM Conguration

Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off]
Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled]
Power On By PCI Devices [Disabled]
Power On By PCIE Devices [Disabled]
Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]
Power On By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]

v02.58 (C)Copyright 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc.

Restore On AC Power Loss [Power Off]

When set to Power Off, the system goes into off state after an AC power loss.
When set to Power On, the system goes on after an AC power loss. When set to
Last State, the system goes into either off or on state, whatever the system state
was before the AC power loss.

Conguration options: [Power Off] [Power On] [Last State]

Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable RTC to generate a wake event. When this item is
set to Enabled, the items RTC Alarm Date/ RTC Alarm Hour/ RTC Alarm Minute/

RTC Alarm Second will become user-congurable with set values.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

<Enter> to select
whether or not to
restart the system
after AC power loss.

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

Power On By PCI Devices [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the PME to wake up from S5 by PCI devices.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Power On By PCIE Devices [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the PCIE devices to generate a wake event.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]

Allows you to disable the Power On by PS/2 keyboard function or set specic keys

on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system. This feature requires an ATX power
supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Space Bar] [Ctrl-Esc] [Power Key]

ASUS Commando

4-29

Power On By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]

When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to use the PS/2 mouse to turn on
the system. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on

the +5VSB lead. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

4.6.6 Hardware Monitor

Power

Hardware Monitor

CPU Temperature [59.5ºC/139ºF]
MB Temperature [32ºC/89.5ºF]

CPU Fan Speed (RPM) [4218 RPM]
CPU Q-Fan Control [Disabled]
Chassis Fan 1 Speed [N/A]
Chassis Fan 2 Speed [N/A]
Chassis Fan 3 Speed [N/A]
Chassis Q-Fan Control [Disabled]

OPT Q-Fan an Temperature

Voltage Warning Message [Enabled]

VCORE Voltage : 1.320 V
FSB Termination Voltage : 1.232 V
NB Vcore : 1.280 V
DDR Voltage : 1.936 V
DDR Termination Voltage : 0.960 V
SB Chipset Voltage : 1.072 V

v02.58 (C)Copyright 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc.

v02.58 (C)Copyright 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc.

CPU Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]
MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the motherboard
and CPU temperatures. Select [Ignored] if you do not wish to display the detected
temperatures.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

CPU Temperature

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

CPU Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU
fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the

motherboard, the eld shows N/A.

CPU Q-Fan Control [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the CPU Q-Fan controller.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The CPU Fan Prole item appears when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control
feature.

4-30

Chapter 4: BIOS setup

CPU Fan Prole [Optimal]

Allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU Q-Fan. When
set to [Optimal], the CPU fan automatically adjusts depending on the CPU

temperature. Set this item to [Silent Mode] to minimize fan speed for quiet CPU fan

operation, or [Performance Mode] to achieve maximum CPU fan speed.
Conguration options: [Optimal] [Silent Mode] [Performance Mode][Optimal] [Silent Mode] [Performance Mode][Performance Mode]

Chassis Fan 1/2/3 Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the chassis
fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the

motherboard, the eld shows N/A.

Chassis Q-Fan Control [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the chassis Q-Fan controller.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The Chassis Fan Prole item appears when you enable the Chassis Q-Fan
Control feature.

Chassis Fan Prole [Optimal]

Allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the chassis Q-Fan. When
set to [Optimal], the chassis fan automatically adjusts depending on the chassis

temperature. Set this item to [Silent Mode] to minimize fan speed for quiet chassis

fan operation, or [Performance Mode] to achieve maximum chassis fan speed.
Conguration options: [Optimal] [Silent Mode] [Performance Mode][Optimal] [Silent Mode] [Performance Mode]

OPT Q-Fan and Temperature

Power

Temperature 1 Reading :N/A
Temperature 1 Reading :N/A
Temperature 1 Reading :N/A

OPT_Fan 1 Reading :N/A

OPT_Fan1 Q-Fan Control [DUTY CYCLE]
Duty Cycle Mode [90%]

OPT_Fan 2 Reading :N/A

OPT_Fan2 Q-Fan Control [DUTY CYCLE]
Duty Cycle Mode [90%]

OPT_Fan 3 Reading :N/A

OPT_Fan3 Q-Fan Control [DUTY CYCLE]
Duty Cycle Mode [90%]

Power Fan Reading :N/A

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Fan conguration
mode setting

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

v02.58 (C)Copyright 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc.

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the optional fan speed and

the voltage output. If the fan is not connected to the motherboard, the eld shows

N/A.

ASUS Commando

4-31

OPT_Fan1/2/3 Q-Fan Control [DUTY CYCLE]

Allows you to select the optional fan control mode. When this item is set tooptional fan control mode. When this item is set to control mode. When this item is set to

[DUTY CYCLE], you can congure the Duty Cycle Mode.
Conguraiton options: [DUTY CYCLE] [Q-FAN]

You need to connect the thermal sensor cables to the OPT_TEMP1/2/3
connectors to enable this function.

Duty Cycle Mode [90%]

Allows you to set the fan duty cycle. When the OPT_Fan1/2/3 Q-Fan Control
is set to [Q-FAN], this item does not appear.

Conguraiton options: [70%] [80%] [90%] [100%]

OPT_Fan1/2/3 Q-Fan Control [Q-FAN]

When this item is set to [Q-FAN], you can congure the TargetTemp Value.

The Q-Fan detects the temperature of the fan connected to the OPT_
TEMP1/2/3 connector and adjusts the fan speed.

TargetTemp Value [32]

Allows you to set the temperature at which the optional fan starts up. WhenWhen
the OPT_Fan1/2/3 Q-Fan Control is set to [DUTY CYCLE], this item does not

appear. Conguration options: [16] [24] [32] [40] [48] [56] [64] [72] Conguration options: [16] [24] [32] [40] [48] [56] [64] [72]

Voltage Warning Message [Enabled]

Conguraiton options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Vcore Voltage, FSB Termination Voltage, NB Vcore, DDR Voltage,
DDR Termination Voltage, SB Chipset Voltage, SB (SATA PCIE)
Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through
the onboard voltage regulators.

4-32

Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.7 Boot menu

The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item
then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.

Main Extreme Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Boot Settings

Boot Device Priority

Boot Settings Conguration
Security

v02.58 (C)Copyright 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc.

4.7.1 Boot Device Priority

Boot

Boot Device Priority

1st Boot Device [1st FLOPPY DRIVE]
2nd Boot Device [Hard Drive]
3rd Boot Device [ATAPI CD-ROM]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Species the Boot
Device Priority
sequence.

A virtual oppy disk
drive (Floppy Drive B:)
may appear when you set
the CD-ROM drive as the
rst boot device.

Select Screen

Select Item
Enter Go to Sub Screen
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

Species the boot
sequence from the
availabe devices.

A device enclosed
in parenthesis has
been disabled in
the corresponding
menu.

Select Screen

Select Item

Change Option

+-

F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

v02.58 (C)Copyright 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc.

1st ~ xxth Boot Device [xxx Drive]

These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices.
The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of
devices installed in the system.

Conguration options: [xxx Drive] [Disabled]