No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be
reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any
language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for
backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.
(“ASUS”).
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or
altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2)
the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES
OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE
LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
(INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE
OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN
ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR
ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.
SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED
FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME
WITHOUT NOTICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS.
ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR
INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS
AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered
trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identification or
explanation and to the owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.
ii
Page 3
Contents
Notices ........................................................................................... vi
Safety information ......................................................................... vii
About this guide............................................................................ viii
Conventions used in this guide ........................................... viii
Typography.......................................................................... viii
K8N specifications summary .......................................................... ix
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions:
•This device may not cause harmful interference, and
•This device must accept any interference received including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is
required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modifications
to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise
emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference
Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Where to find more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and
software updates.
1.ASUS Websites
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and
software products. The ASUS websites are listed in the ASUS Contact
Information on the inside front cover.
2.Optional Documentation
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty
flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not
part of the standard package.
vi
Page 7
Safety information
Electrical safety
•To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the
electrical outlet before relocating the system.
•When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power
cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If
possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a
device.
•Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that
all power cables are unplugged.
•Seek professional assistance before using an adpater or extension cord. These
devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.
•Make sure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you
are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your
local power company.
•If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified
service technician or your retailer.
Operation safety
•Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the
manuals that came with the package.
•Before using the product, make sure all cables are correctly connected and the
power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer
immediately.
•To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from
connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.
•Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any
area where it may become wet.
•Place the product on a stable surface.
•If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified service
technician or your retailer.
vii
Page 8
About this guide
Conventions used in this guide
To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following
symbols used throughout this manual.
WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to
complete a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when
trying to complete a task.
IMPORTANT: Information that you MUST follow to complete a task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to aid in completing a task.
Typography
Bold textIndicates a menu or an item to select.
ItalicsUsed to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key>Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign
indicates that you must press the enclosed key.
Example: <Enter> indicates that you must press the
Enter or Return key.
<Multiple key names>If you must press two or more keys simultaneously,
the key names are linked with a plus sign (+).
Example: <Ctrl+Alt+D>
CommandMeans that you must enter the command exactly as
shown then supply the appropriate values that
appear in brackets. Example:
At the DOS prompt, type the command line:
afudos /i[filename]
viii
In this example, you must supply a filename for
[filename].
afudos /iK8N.ROM
Page 9
K8N specifications summary
CPU
Chipset
System Bus
Memory
Expansion slots
Storage
LAN
Socket 754 for AMD Athlon™ 64 and AMD Sempron™ CPUs
Supports AMD 64 architecture that enables simultaneous
32-bit and 64-bit computing
Supports AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology
NVIDIA® nForce™ 3 250
800 MHz
3 x 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets for up to 3GB unbuffered
ECC and non-ECC PC3200/PC2700/PC2100/PC1600
SDRAM memory
1 x AGP 8X/4X
5 x PCI
NVIDIA
IC Plus IP101 10/100 LAN PHY
®
nForce™ 3 250 supports:
- 2 x Ultra ATA 133 connector
- 2 x Serial ATA connectors
- RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1 and JBOD sets
AI Audio
AI BIOS
AI Overclocking
USB
Special features
Back Panel I/O
Realtek
Audio Sensing and Enumeration Technology
Coaxial and Optical S/PDIF out support
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2
CPU, Memory and AGP voltage adjustable
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection) from 200 MHz up to
Adjustable FSB/DDR ratio. Fixed AGP/PCI frequencies
ASUS JumperFree
ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
Maximum of eight USB 2.0 ports
ASUS MyLogo2™
ASUS Instant Music Lite
ASUS EZ Flash
Multi-Language BIOS
1 x Parallel port
1 x Serial port
1 x PS/2 keyboard port
1 x PS/2 mouse port
4 x USB 2.0 ports
1 x RJ-45 port
1 x 8-channel audio I/O ports
1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port
1 x Coaxial S/PDIF Out port
®
ALC850 8-channel CODEC
300 MHz at 1 MHz increment
(continued on the next page)
ix
Page 10
K8N specifications summary
Internal I/O
BIOS features
Industry standard
Manageability
Power Requirement
Form Factor
Support CD contents
2 x USB 2.0 connector for 4 additional USB ports
CPU/Chassis/Power fan connectors
20-pin/4-pin ATX 12V power connectors
Chassis intrusion connector
CD/AUX connectors
GAME/MIDI connector
Front Panel connector
4Mb Flash EEPROM
AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, Multi-Language BIOS,
SM BIOS 2.3, ASUS EZ Flash, ASUS MyLogo2, ASUS
CrashFree BIOS 2
PCI 2.2, USB 2.0
WfM2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME,
Chassis intrusion
ATX power supply (with 4-pin 12V plug)
ATX form factor: 12 in x 9.6 in (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)
Device drivers
ASUS PC Probe
ASUS Live Update utility
Anti-virus utility
* Specifications are subject to change without notice.
x
Page 11
Chapter 1
This chapter describes the features of the
motherboard. It includes brief descriptions of the
motherboard components, and illustrations of the
layout, jumper settings, and connectors.
Product introduction
Page 12
1.1Welcome!
Thank you for buying the ASUS® K8N motherboard!
The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies making it
another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!
The motherboard combines the powers of the AMD Athlon™ 64 or AMD
®
Sempron™ processor with the NVIDIA
benchmark for an effective desktop platform solution.
Supporting up to 3GB of system memory with PC3200/PC2700/PC2100/PC1600
DDR SDRAM, high-resolution graphics via an AGP 8X slot, Serial ATA RAID, USB
2.0, and 8-channel audio features, the motherboard takes you ahead in the world
of power computing!
Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the
items in your package with the list below.
nForce3 250 chipset to set a new
1.2Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
ASUS K8N motherboard
ASUS motherboard support CD
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cables
2 x Serial ATA cables
1 x Floppy disk cable
I/O shield
Bag of extra jumper caps
User guide
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
1-2
Chapter 1: Product introduction
Page 13
1.3Special features
1.3.1Product Highlights
Latest processor technology
The motherboard supports the AMD Athlon™ 64 and AMD Sempron™ desktop
processors. The AMD Athlon™ 64 is based on AMD’s 64-bit architecture, which
represents the landmark introduction of the industry’s first x86-64 technology. This
processor provides a dramatic leap forward in compatibility, performance,
investment protection, and reduced total cost of ownership and development.
The AMD Sempron™ is a 32-bit processor that provides the performance needs of
value-conscious buyers. This processor is designed to deliver best-in-class
performance for everyday computing.
HyperTransport™ Technology
HyperTransport™ Technology is a high-speed, low latency, point-to-point link
designed to increase the communication speed between integrated circuits in
computers, networking and telecommunicatons equipment up to 48 times faster
than other existing technologies.
Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology
The motherboard supports the AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology that dynamically
and automatically changes the CPU speed, voltage and amount of power
depending on the task the CPU performs.
Serial ATA solution
The motherboard supports two interfaces compliant to the Serial ATA (SATA)
specification, an evolutionary replacement of the Parallel ATA storage interface.
The Serial ATA specification allows for thinner, more flexible cables with lower pin
count, reduced voltage requirement, up to 150 MB/s data transfer rate.
Serial ATA RAID solution
The motherboard provides an onboard high-performance Serial ATA RAID
controller that enhance hard disk performance and data backup protection without
the cost of additional RAID cards.
AI Audio technology
The motherboard supports 8-channel audio through the onboard ALC850 CODEC
with 16-bit DAC, a stereo 16-bit ADC, and an AC97 2.3 compatible multi-channel
audio designed for PC multimedia systems. It also features intelligent detection of
plugged peripherals into the audio ports and identifies any incompatible devices.
AGP 8X support
AGP 8X (AGP 3.0) is the VGA interface specification that enables enhanced
graphics performance with maximum bandwidth speeds of up to 2.12 GB/s.
ASUS K8N motherboard
1-3
Page 14
S/PDIF out
The motherboard’s S/PDIF out function turns your computer into a high-end
entertainment system with digital connectivity to powerful speaker systems.
USB 2.0 technology
The motherboard implements the new Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0
specification, extending the connection speed from 12 Mbps on USB 1.1 to a fast
480 Mbps on USB 2.0 - supporting up to eight USB 2.0 ports. The higher
bandwidth of USB 2.0 allows connection of devices such as high resolution video
conferencing cameras, next generation scanners and printers, and fast storage
units. USB 2.0 is backward compatible with USB 1.1.
1.3.2Unique ASUS features
CrashFree BIOS 2
This feature allows you to restore the original BIOS data from the ASUS support
CD in case when the BIOS codes and data are corrupted. This protection
eliminates the need to buy a replacement ROM chip. See page 2-6.
C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
The C.P.R. feature of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to the
BIOS default settings in case the system hangs due to overclocking. When the
system hangs due to overclocking, C.P.R. eliminates the need to open the system
chassis and clear the RTC data. Simply shut down and reboot the system, and
BIOS automatically restores the CPU previous setting for each parameter.
ASUS MyLogo2™
This new feature present in the motherboard allows you to personalize and add
style to your system with customizable boot logos. See pages 2-31.
ASUS EZ Flash BIOS
With the ASUS EZ Flash, you can easily update the system BIOS even before
loading the operating system. No need to use a DOS-based utility or boot from a
floppy disk. See page 2-5.
Instant Music Lite
This unique feature allows you to playback audio CDs even without booting the
system to Windows®. Just press the ASUS Instant Music special function keys and
enjoy the music! See details on pages 2-25 and 3-5.
ASUS Multi-language BIOS
The multi-language BIOS allows you to select the language of your choice from the
available options. The localized BIOS menus allow you to configure easier and
faster. See details on page 2-11.
1-4
Chapter 1: Product introduction
Page 15
1.4Before you proceed
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components
or change any motherboard settings.
1.Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any
component.
2.Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or to a metal
object, such as the power supply case, before handling components to
avoid damaging them due to static electricity.
3.Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
4.Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic
pad or in the bag that came with the component.
5.Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX
power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the
power supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the
motherboard, peripherals, and/or components.
Onboard LED
The motherboard comes with a stand-by power LED. When lit, this green LED
indicates that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode, a reminder that
you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or
plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location
of the onboard LED.
®
K8N
K8N Onboard LED
ON
Standby
Power
SB_PWR
OFF
Powered
Off
ASUS K8N motherboard
1-5
Page 16
1.5Motherboard overview
1.5.1Motherboard layout
24.5cm (9.6in)
PS/2KBMS
T: Mouse
B: Keyboard
SPDIF_O1
SPDIF_O2
ATX12V
PARALLEL PORT
CPU_FAN
COM1
USB1
USB2
USB2.0
Top:
T: USB3
RJ-45
B: USB4
Top:
Rear Surround L/R
Middle:
Side surround L/R
Bottom:
Center/Subwoofer
Top:Line In
Center:Line Out
Below:Mic In
Audio
Codec
Super
FP_AUDIO
I/O
USBPW12
USBPW34
CD
AUX
Socket 754
PWR_FAN
SATA2
LAN
PHY
10/100
Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)
PCI1
PCI2
R
PCI3
PCI4
K8N
PCI5
GAME
SATA1
DDR DIMM2 (64 bit,184-pin module)
DDR DIMM1 (64 bit,184-pin module)
DDR DIMM3 (64 bit,184-pin module)
PRI_IDE
nVIDIA
nForce3
250
4Mbit
BIOS
CHA_FAN
USBPW56
USBPW78
USB56
USB78
CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
CLRTC
CHASSIS
FLOPPY
SB_PWR
PANEL
ATX Power Connector
SEC_IDE
30.5cm (12.0in)
1-6
USBPW12
USBPW34
21
+5V
(Default)
2
+5VSB
USBPW56
USBPW78
3
21
2
3
CLRTC
213
2
NormalClear CMOS
+5V
+5VSB
(Default)
(Default)
PANEL
Speaker
PLED+
IDE_LED+
IDE_LED-
PLED-
Connector
Ground
Speaker
Ground
+5V
PWR
Reset
Ground
Ground
Reset SW
ATX Power
Switch*
Power LED
IDE_LED
* Requires an ATX power supply.
Chapter 1: Product introduction
Page 17
1.5.2Placement direction
When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in
the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the
chassis as indicated in the image below.
1.5.3Screw 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 may damage the motherboard.
Place this side towards
the rear of the chassis
R
K8N
ASUS K8N motherboard
1-7
Page 18
1.6Central Processing Unit (CPU)
1.6.1Overview
The motherboard comes with a surface mount 754-pin Zero Insertion Force (ZIF)
socket designed for the AMD Athlon™ 64 and AMD Sempron™ processors.
The 128-bit-wide data paths of these processors can run applications faster than
processors with only 32-bit or 64-bit wide data paths.
®
K8N
Gold Arrow
K8N CPU Socket 754
Incorrect installation of the CPU into the socket may bend the pins and severely
damage the CPU!
1-8
Chapter 1: Product introduction
Page 19
1.6.2Installing the CPU
Follow these steps to install a CPU.
1.Locate the 754-pin ZIF socket on the motherboard.
2.Unlock the socket by pressing the
lever sideways, then lift it up to a
90°-100° angle.
Socket Lever
Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90°-100° angle, otherwise the
CPU does not fit in completely.
3.Position the CPU above the socket
such that the CPU corner with the
gold triangle matches the socket
corner with a small triangle.
4.Carefully insert the CPU into the
socket until it fits in place.
The CPU fits only in one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the
socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU!
5.When the CPU is in place, push
down the socket lever to secure the
CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab
to indicate that it is locked.
Gold triangle
Small triangle
6.Install specifically designed heatsink
and fan assembly.
ASUS K8N motherboard
1-9
Page 20
1.7System memory
1.7.1DIMM sockets location
The following figure illustrates the location of the DDR DIMM sockets.
DIMM1
DIMM2
DIMM3
®
K8N
K8N 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets
Make sure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or
other system components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage toboth
the motherboard and the components.
80 Pins104 Pins
1.7.2Memory configurations
You may install 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, and 1GB DDR DIMMs into the
DIMM sockets using the memory configurations in this section.
Important notes
•Installing DDR DIMMs other than the given memory configurations may
cause memory sizing error or system boot failure. Use any of the memory
configurations in Table 1.
1-10
•For optimum compatibility, obtain memory modules from qualified
vendors. See Qualified Vendors List on page 1-11.
•Use the blue DIMM slot first.
•Stacked RAM and DDR DIMM modules with more than 18 chips are not
supported.
•Always install DIMMs with the same CAS Latency. For optimum
compatibility, obtain memory modules from the same vendors. See
Qualified Vendors List on page 1-11.
Obtain DDR DIMMs only from ASUS qualified vendors for better system
performance. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) for the latest DDR 400
Qualified Vendor List for this motherboard.
The following table lists the PC3200 (DDR400) memory modules that have been
tested and qualified for use with this motherboard. Visit the ASUS website
(www.asus.com) for the latest DDR 400 QVL for this motherboard.
DIMM Vendor Chip Number Chip Brand SS/DS Module Part Number Size
Legend: SS - Single-Sided DIMMsDS - Double-Sided DIMMs
ASUS K8N motherboard
1-11
Page 22
1.7.3Installing a DIMM
Follow these steps to install a DIMM.
1.Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the
retaining clips outward.
2.Align a DIMM on the socket such that the
notch on the DIMM matches the break on
the socket.
3.Firmly insert the DIMM into the socket
until the retaining clips snap back in place
and the DIMM is properly seated.
A DDR DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction. DO NOT
force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM.
1.8Expansion slots
To install and configure an expansion card:
DDR DIMM
Unlocked
1.Install an expansion card following the instructions that came with the chassis.
2.Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See
Chapter 2 for BIOS information.
3.Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables next page.
4.Install the drivers and/or software applications for the expansion card
according to the card documentation.
1.8.1Standard interrupt assignments
IRQPriorityStandard Function
01System Timer
12Keyboard Controller
2N/AProgrammable Interrupt
3*11IRQ holder for PCI steering
4*12Communications Port (COM1)
5*13IRQ holder for PCI steering
614Floppy Disk Controller
7*15Printer Port (LPT1)
83System CMOS/Real Time Clock
9*4IRQ holder for PCI steering
10*5IRQ holder for PCI steering
11*6 IRQ holder for PCI steering
12*7PS/2 Compatible Mouse Port
138Numeric Data Processor
14*9Primary IDE Channel
15*10Secondary IDE Channel
*These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices.
1-12
Chapter 1: Product introduction
Page 23
1.8.2IRQ assignments for this motherboard
INT A INT BINT CINT DINT E
PCI slot 1shared————
PCI slot 2—shared———
PCI slot 3——shared——
PCI slot 4———used—
PCI slot 5shared————
Serial A T A——shared——
AGP slot————used
When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Share
IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise, conflicts will
arise between the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card
inoperable.
1.8.3PCI slots
The PCI slots support PCI cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and
other cards that comply with PCI specifications.
ASUS K8N motherboard
1-13
Page 24
1.8.4AGP slot
The Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) slot supports AGP 8X/4X (+1.5V) cards.
When you buy an AGP card, make sure that you ask for one with +1.5V
specification.
Note the notches on the card golden fingers to ensure that they fit the AGP slot on
the motherboard.
Install only +1.5V AGP cards.
®
K8N
Keyed for 1.5v
K8N Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)
If installing the ATi 9500 or 9700 Pro Series VGA cards, use only the card
version PN xxx-xxxxx-30 or later, for optimum performance and overclocking
stability.
1-14
Chapter 1: Product introduction
Page 25
1.9Jumpers
1.Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC)
This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS.
You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters
by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The RAM data in CMOS, that include
system setup information such as system passwords, is powered by the
onboard button cell battery.
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. Keep the cap on
pins 2-3 for about 5~10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2.
3.Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.
4.Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to
re-enter data.
Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on the jumper
default position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!
®
K8N
K8N Clear RTC RAM jumper
You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking.
For system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
feature. Shut down and reboot the system so BIOS can automatically reset
parameter settings to its previous values.
Set these jumpers to +5V to wake up the computer from S1 sleep mode (CPU
stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in low power mode) using the
connected USB devices. Set to +5VSB to wake up from S3 and S4 sleep
modes (no power to CPU, DRAM in slow refresh, power supply in reduced
power mode).
USBPW12
USBPW34
2
21
3
®
K8N
K8N USB sevice wake up
•The USB device wake-up feature requires a power supply that can provide
500mA on the +5VSB lead for each USB port. Otherwise, the system would
not power up.
•The total current consumed must NOT exceed the power supply capability
(+5VSB) whether under normal condition or in sleep mode.
+5V
(Default)
USBPW56
USBPW78
21
+5V
(Default)
+5VSB
2
+5VSB
3
1-16
Chapter 1: Product introduction
Page 27
1.10Connectors
This section describes and illustrates the motherboard rear panel and internal
connectors.
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors
1
23
45
6
7
8
15
1.PS/2 mouse port. This green 6-pin connector is for a PS/2 mouse.
2.Parallel port. This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a scanner, or other
devices.
3.RJ-45 port. This port allows 10/100 connection to a Local Area Network (LAN)
through a network hub.
4.Rear Speaker out port. This Rear Speaker (gray) port connects to the rear
speakers on a 4-channel, 6-channel or 8-channel audio configuration.
5.Side Speaker out port. This Side Speaker out (black) port connects to the
side speakers in an 8-channel audio configuration.
6.Line In port. This Line In (light blue) port connects a tape player or other audio
sources.
7.Line Out port. This Line Out (lime) port connects a headphone or a speaker.
In 4-channel, 6-channel and 8-channel mode, the function of this jack becomes
Front Speaker Out.
8.Microphone port. This Mic (pink) port connects a microphone.
LAN port
ASUS K8N motherboard
1-17
Page 28
9.Center/Subwoofer port. This Center/Subwoofer (yellow orange) port connects
to the center/subwoofer speakers on a 6-channel or 8-channel audio
configuration.
Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration
Headset/
2-channel4-channel6-channel8-channel
Light BlueLine InLine InLine InLine In
LimeLine OutFront Speaker OutFront Speaker OutFront Speaker Out
PinkMic InMic InMic InMic In
Gray-Rear Speaker OutRear Speaker OutRear Speaker Out
Black---Side Speaker Out
Orange--Center/SubwooferCenter/Subwoofer
10. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are
available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.
11. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are
available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.
12. Serial connector. This 9-pin COM1 port is for serial devices.
13. S/PDIF optical out port. This port connects to external audio output devices
with optical cable connectors.
14. S/PDIF coaxial out port. This port connects to external audio output devices
with coaxial cable connectors.
15. PS/2 keyboard port. This purple connector is for a PS/2 keyboard.
1-18
Chapter 1: Product introduction
Page 29
1.10.2 Internal connectors
1.IDE connectors (40-1 pin PRI_IDE, SEC_IDE)
This connector supports the provided UltraATA133 IDE hard disk ribbon cable.
Connect the cable’s blue connector to the primary (recommended) or secondary
IDE connector, then connect the gray connector to the Ultra ATA133 slave device
(hard disk drive) and the black connector to the UltraA TA133 master device.
•Follow the hard disk drive documentation when setting the device in master
or slave mode.
•Pin 20 on each IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole on the
UltraATA cable connector. This prevents incorrect orientation when you
connect the cables.
•The hole near the blue connector on the UltraATA cable is intentional.
NOTE: Orient the red markings
(usually zigzag) on the IDE
ribbon cable to PIN 1.
®
K8N
K8N IDE connectors
PRI_IDE
PIN 1
SEC_IDE
2.Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)
This connector supports the provided floppy drive ribbon cable. After
connecting one end to the motherboard, connect the other end to the floppy
drive. (Pin 5 is removed to prevent incorrect insertion when using ribbon cables
with pin 5 plug).
FLOPPY
®
NOTE: Orient the red markings on
K8N
the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1.
PIN 1
K8N Floppy disk drive connector
ASUS K8N motherboard
1-19
Page 30
3.ATX power connectors (20-pin ATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V)
These connectors connect to an ATX 12V power supply. The plugs from the
power supply are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find
the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.
In addition to the 20-pin ATX power connector, this motherboard requires that
you connect the 4-pin ATX +12V power plug to provide sufficient power to the
CPU.
Make sure that your ATX 12V power supply can provide 8A on the +12V lead
and at least 1A on the +5-volt standby lead (+5VSB). The minimum
recommended wattage is 300W or 350W for a fully configured system. The
system may become unstable and may experience difficulty powering up if the
power supply is inadequate.
ATXPWRATX12V
GND
+12V DC
®
K8N
GND
+12V DC
+12.0VDC
+5VSB
PWR_OK
COM
+5.0VDC
COM
+5.0VDC
COM
+3.3VDC
+3.3VDC
Pin 1
+5.0VDC
+5.0VDC
-5.0VDC
COM
COM
COM
PS_ON#
COM
-12.0VDC
+3.3VDC
K8N ATX power connectors
4.Internal audio connectors (4-pin CD, AUX)
These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources
such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card.
AUX (White)
Right Audio Channel
®
K8N
K8N Internal audio connectors
CD (Black)
Ground
Left Audio Channel
1-20
Chapter 1: Product introduction
Page 31
5.CPU and chassis fan connectors (3-pin CPU_FAN, CHA_FAN)
The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350mA~740mA (8.88W max.) or a
total of 1A~2.22A (26.64W 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. Lack of sufficient
air flow within the system may damage the motherboard components. These
are not jumpers! DO NOT place jumper caps on the fan connectors!
CPU_FAN
GND
+12V
Rotation
PWR_FAN
GND
+12V
Rotation
®
K8N
K8N Fan connectors
CHA_FAN
Rotation
+12V
GND
6.USB header (10-1 pin USB56, USB78)
If the USB ports on the rear panel are inadequate, a USB header is available
for additional USB ports. Connect the USB cable of the USB 2.0 module to this
header. You may install the USB module in the chassis front panel. The
module has two USB 2.0 ports for connecting next generation USB peripherals
such as high resolution cameras, scanners, and printers.
®
K8N
K8N USB 2.0 connectors
USB56
1
USB+5V
USB_P6-
USB_P6+
USB+5V
USB_P5-
USB_P5+
GND
NC
GND
USB78
1
USB+5V
USB_P8-
USB_P8+
USB+5V
USB_P7-
USB_P7+
GND
NC
GND
•The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately.
•Install the USB 2.0 driver before using the USB 2.0 feature.
ASUS K8N motherboard
1-21
Page 32
7.Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin FP_AUDIO)
This is an interface for the front panel cable that allows convenient connection
and control of audio devices.
Be default, the pins labeled LINE OUT_R/BLINE_OUT_R and the pins
LINE OUT_L/BLINE_OUT_L are shorted with jumper caps. Remove the caps
only when you are connecting the front panel audio cable.
BLINE_OUT_L
+5VA
BLINE_OUT_R
AGND
FP_AUDIO
NC
®
K8N
K8N Front panel audio connector
MIC2
MICPWR
Line out_L
Line out_R
8.Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)
This lead is for a chassis designed with intrusion detection feature. This
requires an external detection mechanism such as a chassis intrusion sensor
or microswitch. When you remove any chassis component, the sensor triggers
and sends a high-level signal to this lead to record a chassis intrusion event.
By default, the pins labeled “Chassis Signal” and “Ground” are shorted with a
jumper cap. If you wish to use the chassis intrusion detection feature, remove
the jumper cap from the pins.
CHASSIS
®
K8N
K8N Chassis intrusion connector
+5VSB_MB
Chassis Signal
GND
(Default)
1-22
Chapter 1: Product introduction
Page 33
9.GAME/MIDI connector (16-1 pin GAME)
This connector supports a GAME/MIDI module. If a GAME/MIDI module is
available, connect the GAME/MIDI cable to this connector. The GAME/MIDI
port on the module connects a joystick or a game pad for playing games, and
MIDI devices for playing or editing audio files.
®
J2B1
J2CX
MIDI_OUT
J2CY
J2B2
GND
J1CX
GND
J1CY
MIDI_IN
+5V
J1B2
K8N
K8N Game connector
GAME
+5V+5V
J1B1
The GAME/MIDI module is purchased separately.
10. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2)
These next generation connectors support the thin Serial ATA cables for
primary internal storage devices. The current Serial ATA interface allows up to
150 MB/s data transfer rate, faster than the standard parallel ATA with 133MB/s
(Ultra A T A/133).
GND
RSATA_TXP2
SATA1
GND
GND
RSATA_TXN1
RSATA_RXP1
RSATA_RXN1
GND
RSATA_TXP1
®
K8N
K8N SATA connector
SATA2
GND
GND
RSATA_TXN2
RSATA_RXP2
RSATA_RXN2
ASUS K8N motherboard
1-23
Page 34
12. System panel connector (10-1 pin PANEL)
This connector accommodates several system front panel functions.
Speaker
PLED-
Connector
Ground
Speaker
Ground
+5V
PWR
Reset
Ground
Ground
Reset SW
ATX Power
Switch*
®
K8N
K8N System panel connector
Power LED
PLED+
IDE_LED+
IDE_LED-
IDE_LED
*
Requires an ATX power supply.
•System Power LED Lead (Green 3-pin PLED)
This 3-pin connector connects to the system power LED. The LED lights up
when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep
mode.
•System Warning Speaker Lead (Orange 4-pin SPEAKER)
This 4-pin connector connects to the case-mounted speaker and allows you to
hear system beeps and warnings.
•Reset Switch Lead (Blue 2-pin RESET)
This 2-pin connector connects to the case-mounted reset switch for rebooting
the system without turning off the system power.
•ATX Power Switch / Soft-Off Switch Lead (Yellow 2-pin PWRSW )
This connector connects a switch that controls the system power. Pressing the
power switch turns the system between ON and SLEEP, or ON and SOFT
OFF, depending on the BIOS or OS settings. Pressing the power switch while
in the ON mode for more than 4 seconds turns the system OFF.
•Hard disk activity LED (Red 2-pin IDE_LED)
This connector supplies power to the hard disk activity LED. Any read or write
activity of an IDE device cause this LED to light up.
The System Panel connector is color-coded for easy and foolproof connection.
Take note of the specific connector colors as described.
1-24
Chapter 1: Product introduction
Page 35
Chapter 2
This chapter tells how to change system settings
through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed
descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also
provided.
BIOS information
ASUS K8N motherboard
2-1
Page 36
2.1Managing and updating your BIOS
The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic
Input/Output System (BIOS) setup.
1.ASUS AFUDOS - Updates the BIOS using a bootable floppy disk in DOS
mode.
2.ASUS EZ Flash - Updates the BIOS using a floppy disk during POST.
3.ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 - Updates the BIOS using a bootable floppy disk or
the motherboard support CD.
Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.
Important notes
•It is recommended that you save a copy of the original motherboard
BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk in case you need to restore the BIOS
in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using AFUDOS (refer to
section “2.1.3 Using AFUDOS to copy BIOS from PC”)
•Visit the ASUS website and download the latest BIOS file for this
motherboard using the ASUS Update utility.
2.1.1Creating a bootable floppy disk
1.Do either one of the following to create a bootable floppy disk.
DOS environment
Insert a 1.44 MB floppy disk into the drive. At the DOS prompt, type:
format A:/S then press <Enter>.
®
Windows
a.Insert a 1.44 MB floppy disk into the floppy disk drive.
b.From your Windows desktop, click on Start, 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.If you are using Windows
from the format options field, then click Start.
OR
If you are using Windows
format type, then click Start.
Windows
To create a set of boot disks for Windows
from the Windows® 2000 CD:
98SE/ME/XP environment
®
XP, select Create an MS-DOS startup disk
®
98SE/ME, select Full option button from the
®
2000 environment
®
2000, run the Makeboot.exe tool
2-2
a.Insert a 1.44 MB floppy disk into the floppy disk drive.
®
b.Insert the Windows
2000 CD into the CD-ROM drive.
Chapter 2: BIOS Setup
Page 37
c.Click Start, then select Run.
d.From the Open box, type
D:\bootdisk\makeboot a: then press <Enter>,
assuming that D: is your CD-ROM drive.
e.Follow succeeding screen instructions.
2.Copy the original (or the latest) motherboard BIOS to the bootable floppy disk.
2.1.2Using AFUDOS to update the BIOS
To update the BIOS using the AFUDOS.EXE utility:
1.Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for
your motherboard. Save the BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk.
Write the BIOS file name on a piece of paper. You need to type the exact BIOS
file name at the prompt.
2.Copy the AFUDOS.EXE utility from the support CD to the bootable floppy disk
that contains the BIOS file.
3.Boot the system from the floppy disk.
4.At the DOS prompt, type the command line:
afudos /i[filename]
where [filename] means the latest (or original) BIOS file that you copied to
the bootable floppy disk.
5.Press <Enter>. The succeeding screen displays the status of the update
process.
The BIOS information on the screen is for reference only. What you see on your
screen may not be exactly the same as shown.
A:\>afudos /iK8N.ROM
AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.10
Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.
Reading file ..... done
Erasing flash .... done
Writing flash .... 0x0008CC00 (9%)
DO NOT shutdown or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so may
cause system boot failure!
ASUS K8N motherboard
2-3
Page 38
When the BIOS update process is complete, the utility returns to the DOS
prompt.
A:\>afudos /iK8N.ROM
AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.10
Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.
Reading file ..... done
Erasing flash .... done
Writing flash .... 0x0008CC00 (9%)
Verifying flash .. done
A:\>
5.Reboot the system from the hard disk.
2.1.3Using AFUDOS to copy BIOS from PC
You can use the AFUDOS.EXE utility to copy the current system BIOS to a floppy
or hard disk and use it as a backup in case the system BIOS fails or gets
corrupted.
To copy the BIOS from your PC using AFUDOS.EXE:
1.At the DOS prompt, type the command line:
afudos /o[filename]
where [filename] string of not more than eight (8) alpha-numeric characters
for the main filename and three (3) alpha-numeric characters for the extension
name.
2.Press <Enter>.
The BIOS information on the screen is for reference only. What you see on your
screen may not be exactly the same as shown.
Main filename
Extension name
A:\>afudos /oMYBIOS03.rom
AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.10
Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.
2-4
Reading flash ..... 0x0008CC00 (9%)
Chapter 2: BIOS Setup
Page 39
3.The utility will copy the current system BIOS by default to the floppy disk. Make
sure that the floppy disk has at least 600KB of free disk space and is not writeprotected.
A:\>afudos /oMYBIOS03.ROM
AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.10
Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.
Reading flash ..... done
A:\>
When the copy process is complete, the utility returns to the DOS prompt.
2.1.4Using ASUS EZ Flash to update the BIOS
The ASUS EZ Flash feature allows you to easily update the BIOS without having to
go through the long process of booting from a diskette and using a DOS-based
utility. The EZ Flash is built-in the BIOS firmware so it is accessible by simply
pressing <Alt + F2> during the Power-On Self Tests (POST).
To update the BIOS using ASUS EZ Flash:
1.Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for
your motherboard and rename the downloaded file as K8N.ROM. Save the
BIOS file to a floppy disk.
2.Reboot the system.
3.To launch EZ Flash, press <Alt+F2> during POST to display the following.
User recovery requested. Starting BIOS recovery...
Checking for floppy...
•If there is no floppy disk in the drive, the error message
“Floppy not found!” appears.
•If the correct BIOS file is not in the floppy disk, the error message “Floppy
not found!” is displayed. Make sure to rename the downloaded BIOS file as
“K8N.ROM”.
4.Insert the floppy disk that contains the BIOS file. If all the necessary files are
found in the floppy disk, EZ Flash performs the BIOS update process and
automatically reboots the system when done.
ASUS K8N motherboard
2-5
Page 40
DO NOT shutdown or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so may
cause system boot failure!
User recovery requested. Starting BIOS recovery...
Checking for floppy...
Floppy found!
Reading file “K8N.ROM”. Completed.
Start flashing...
Flashed successfully. Rebooting.
2.1.5Recovering the BIOS with CrashFree BIOS 2
The CrashFree BIOS 2 auto recovery tool allows you to restore BIOS from the
motherboard support CD, or from a floppy disk that contains the BIOS file, in case
the current BIOS on the motherboard fails or gets corrupted.
•Prepare the support CD that came with the motherboard or a floppy diskthat contains the motherboard BIOS before proceeding with the BIOS
update process.
•If you have saved a copy of the original motherboard BIOS to a bootable
floppy disk, you may also use this disk to restore the BIOS. See section
“2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk.”
To recover the BIOS from a floppy disk:
1.Boot the system.
2.When a corrupted BIOS is detected, the following screen message appears.
Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...
Checking for floppy...
3.Insert a floppy disk that contains the original or the latest BIOS file for this
motherboard. If all the necessary files are found in the floppy disk, the BIOS
update process continues.
Make sure that the BIOS file in the floppy disk is renamed as “K8N.ROM”.
2-6
Chapter 2: BIOS Setup
Page 41
Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...
Checking for floppy...
Floppy found!
Reading file “K8N.ROM”. Completed.
Start flashing...
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so may
cause system boot failure!
2.When the BIOS update process is complete, reboot the system.
To recover the BIOS from the support CD:
1.Boot the system.
2.When a corrupted BIOS is detected, the following screen message appears.
Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...
Checking for floppy...
If there is no floppy disk found in the drive, the system automatically checks the
CD-ROM.
3.Place the support CD in the CD-ROM. The support CD contains the a working
BIOS for this motherboard.
Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...
Checking for floppy...
Floppy not found!
Checking for CD-ROM...
CD-ROM found.
Reading file “K8N.ROM”. Completed.
Start flashing...
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so may
cause system boot failure!
2.When the BIOS update process is complete, reboot the system.
The recovered BIOS may not be the latest BIOS version for this motherboard.
Visit ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file.
ASUS K8N motherboard
2-7
Page 42
2.2BIOS Setup program
This motherboard supports a programmable firmware 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, reconfiguring
your system, or prompted to “Run Setup”. This section explains how to configure
your system using this utility.
Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you may want to change
the configuration of your computer in the future. For example, you may want to
enable the security password feature or change the power management settings.
This requires you to reconfigure your system using the BIOS Setup program so
that the computer can recognize these changes and record them in the CMOS
RAM of the firmware hub.
The firmware hub 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 first two failed.
The Setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. It is a menudriven program, which means you can 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 “2.7 Exit Menu.”
The BIOS setup screens shown in this chapter 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 product and
BIOS information.
2-8
Chapter 2: BIOS Setup
Page 43
2.2.1BIOS menu screen
Menu items
System Time[11:51:19]
System Date[Thu 08/05/2003]
Legacy Diskette A[1.44M, 3.5 in]
Language[English]
Primary IDE Master : [ST320413A]
Primary IDE Slave : [ASUS CD-S340]
Secondary IDE Master : [Not Detected]
Secondary IDE Slave : [Not Detected]
System Information
Sub-menu items
Configuration fields
General helpMenu bar
Use [ENTER], [TAB]
or [SHIFT-TAB] to
select a field.
Use [+] or [-] to
configure system
time.
Navigation keys
2.2.2Menu bar
The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:
MainFor changing the basic system configuration
AdvancedFor changing the advanced system settings
PowerFor changing the advanced power management (APM)
configuration
BootFor changing the system boot configuration
ExitFor 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.
2.2.3Navigation 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 K8N motherboard
2-9
Page 44
2.2.4Menu items
The highlighted item on the menu bar
displays the specific items for that menu. For
example, selecting Main shows the Main
menu items.
System Time [11:51:19]
System Date [Thu 08/05/2003]
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in]
Language [English]
Primary IDE Master :[ST320413A]
Primary IDE Slave :[ASUS CD-S340]
Secondary IDE Master :[Not Detected]
Secondary IDE Slave :[Not Detected]
System Information
Use [ENTER], [TAB]
or [SHIFT-TAB] to
select a field.
Use [+] or [-] to
configure system time.
Select Screen
Select Item
+- Change Field
Tab Select Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
The other items (Advanced, Power, Boot,
and Exit) on the menu bar have their
Main menu items
respective menu items.
2.2.5Sub-menu items
An item with a sub-menu on any menu screen is distinguished by a solid triangle
before the item. To display the sub-menu, select the item and press <Enter>.
2.2.6Configuration fields
These fields show the values for the menu items. If an item is user-configurable,
you may change the value of the field opposite the item. You can not select an item
that is not user-configurable.
A configurable field is enclosed in brackets, and is highlighted when selected. To
change the value of a field, select it then press <Enter> to display a list of options.
Refer to “2.2.7 Pop-up window.”
2.2.7Pop-up window
Select a menu item then press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the
configuration options for that item.
2.2.8Scroll bar
A scroll bar appears on the right side of a
menu screen when there are items that do
not fit on the screen. PressUp/
Advanced Chipset settings
WARNING: Setting wrong values in the sections below
may cause system to malfunction.
Configure DRAM Timing by SPD [Enabled]
Memory Acceleration Mode [Auto]
DRAM Idle Timer [Auto]
DRAm Refresh Rate [Auto]
Select Screen
Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit
Down arrow keys or PageUp/PageDown
keys to display the other items on the
screen.
Pop-up window
Scroll bar
2.2.9General help
At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected
item.
2-10
Chapter 2: BIOS Setup
Page 45
2.3Main 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 “2.2.1 BIOS menu screen” for information on the menu screen
items and how to navigate through them.
System Time[11:51:19]
System Date[Thu 08/05/2003]
Legacy Diskette A[1.44M, 3.5 in]
Language[English]
Primary IDE Master:[ST320413A]
Primary IDE Slave:[ASUS CD-S340]
Secondary IDE Master:[Not Detected]
Secondary IDE Slave: [Not Detected]
Third IDE Master:[Not Detected]
Third IDE Slave:[Not Detected]
Fourth IDE Master:[Not Detected]
Fourth IDE Slave:[Not Detected]
System Information
Use [ENTER], [TAB]
or [SHIFT-TAB] to
select a field.
Use [+] or [-] to
configure system
time.
2.3.1System Time [xx:xx:xxxx]
Allows you to set the system time.
2.3.2System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]
Allows you to set the system date.
2.3.3Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]
Sets the type of floppy drive installed.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [360K, 5.25 in.] [1.2M , 5.25 in.] [720K , 3.5 in.]
[1.44M, 3.5 in.] [2.88M, 3.5in.]
2.3.4Language [English]
Allows you to choose a BIOS language version.
Configuration options: [Français] [German] [English]
ASUS K8N motherboard
2-11
Page 46
2.3.5Primary and Secondary IDE Master/Slave
While entering Setup, BIOS auto-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.
Type[Auto]
LBA/Large Mode[Auto]
Block(Multi-sector Transfer)[Auto]
PIO Mode[Auto]
DMA Mode[Auto]
Smart Monitoring[Auto]
32Bit Data Transfer[Disabled]
Select the type
of device connected
to the system
The values opposite the dimmed items (Device, Vendor, Size, LBA Mode, Block
Mode, PIO Mode, Async DMA, Ultra DMA, and SMART monitoring) are autodetected by BIOS and are not user-configurable. 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 specifically configuring
a CD-ROM drive. Select ARMD (ATAPI Removable Media Device) if your
device is either a ZIP, LS-120, or MO drive.
Configuration options: [Not Installed] [Auto] [CDROM] [ARMD]
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. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto]
Block (Multi-sector Transfer) [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.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto]
2-12
Chapter 2: BIOS Setup
Page 47
PIO Mode [Auto]
Selects the PIO mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4]
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 field values may cause the system to malfunction.
Instant Music Configuration
JumperFree Configuration
CPU Configuration
Chipset
Onboard Devices Configuration
PCI PnP
2.4.1Instant Music Configuration
Instant Music Option
Instant Music[Disabled]
Configure CPU.
If enabled, power up
by PS/2 keyboard
function will be
disabled.
Instant Music [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the Instant Music feature in BIOS. Configuration
options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Enabling Instant Music automatically disables the PS/2 keyboard power-up
feature. See page 5-11 for details.
Instant Music CD-ROM Drive [IDE Secondary Master]
Allows you to select the CD-ROM drive that you wish to use for the Instant Music
CD playback. Configuration options: [IDE Primary Master] [IDE Primary Slave]
[IDE Secondary Master] [IDE Secondary Slave]
The above item appears only if you enable the Instant Music item.
2-14
Chapter 2: BIOS Setup
Page 49
2.4.2JumperFree Configuration
Configure System Frequency/Voltage
AI Overclock Tuner[Standard]
AGP Overclock in MHz[ 66]
DDR RAM Voltage[Auto]
AGP Voltage[1.5V]
AI Overclock Tuner [Standard]
Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU internal
frequency. Select either one of the preset overclocking options and the relevant
parameters will appear.Configuration options: [Manual] [Standard] [Overclock 1%]
[Overclock 3%] [Overclock 5%] [Overclock 10%]
The CPU FSB Frequency item appears only when the AI Overclock Tuner
field is set to Manual.
CPU FSB Frequency [220]
Allows you to adjust the CPU FSB operating frequency. The FSB frequency
configuration ranges from 200 to 300 MHz. Use the plus <+> or minus <-> keys to
adjust the values.
Selecting a very high CPU frequency may cause the system to become
unstable! If this happens, revert to the default setting.
AGP Overclock in MHz [ 66]
Allows you to adjust the AGP slot clock. The AGP frequency configuration ranges
from 66 to 75 MHz. Use the plus <+> or minus <-> keys to adjust the values.
FID/VID Change [Auto]
When set to Auto, the Frequency ID and Voltage ID will be based on the rated
frequency and voltage. If you want to adjust the Processor Frequency Multiplier
and CPU voltage, set this item to Manual. Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual]
Processor Frequency Multiplier [xxxxMhz]
Allows you to set the processor frequency multiplier. The default value and
configuration options depend on the CPU installed.
ASUS K8N motherboard
2-15
Page 50
CPU Voltage [x.xxxx V]
Allows you to set the CPU voltage. The default value and configuration options
depend on the CPU installed. This item appears only when the Cool N’ Quiet
feature is Enabled.
DDR RAM Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to automatically detect or select from a list the DDR operating voltage.
Configuration options: [Auto] [2.5V] [2.6V] [2.7V]
AGP Voltage [1.5V]
Adjusts the AGP voltage setting. Configuration options: [1.5V] [1.6V] [1.7V]
2.4.3CPU Configuration
The items in this menu show the CPU-related information auto-detected by BIOS.
Type : AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3200+
AMD Cool ‘N Quiet Configuration
GART Error Reporting[Disabled]
HT Ratio[4]
Type
Displays the processor type and properties installed in your system.
AMD Cool & Quiet Configuration
AMD Cool & Quiet Configuration
Cool N’Quiet[Disabled]
Enable/Disable AMD
K8 Cool N’Quiet
function.
Cool N’ Quiet [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology feature.
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
2-16
•Make sure that the above item is set to Enabled if you want to use the
AMD CPU Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology feature.
•This feature requires the AMD CPU heatsink and fan assembly with monitor
chip. If you purchased a separate heatsink and fan package, use the ASUS
Q-Fan Technology feature to automatically adjust the CPU fan speed
according to your system loading.
Chapter 2: BIOS Setup
Page 51
GART Error Reporting [Disabled]
Enables or disables the GART Error Reporting feature. This option should always
be disabled for normal operation. Device driver developers may enable it for
testing purpose. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
The items in this menu show the chipset-related information auto-detected by
BIOS.
Memory CLK : 200 MHz
CAS Latency : 2.5
DRAM RAS TO CAS Delay : 3 CLK
DRAM ACTIVE TIME : 8 CLK
DRAM RAS PRECHANGE TIME : 3 CLK
MemClock Mode[Auto]
CAS Latency (CL)[Auto]
DRAM CAS to CAS Delay[Auto]
DRAM RAS PRECHANGE Time[Auto]
DRAM ACTIVE TIME[Auto]
1T/2T Timing[Auto]
Master ECC Enabled[Disabled]
Audio CODEC Interface[Auto]
Primary Video[PCI]
Aperture Size[ 128 MB]
AGP FW Enable[Auto]
AGP SideBand Address[Auto]
Onboard Device
USB Configuration
MEMCLK can be set
by the code using
AUTO, or if you use
LIMIT, you can set
one of the standard
values.
Memclock Mode [ Auto]
Allows you to set the memory clock mode. Set by the code using [Auto] or select
[Manual] to set using one of the standard values.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual]
MemClock Value [200 MHz]
Sets the Memory clock value. This item appears only when the MemClock Mode
item is set to Manual. Configuration options: [200 MHz] [266 MHz] [333 MHz]
[400 MHz]
CAS Latency (CL) [Auto]
Sets the CAS Latency value. Configuration options: [Auto] [2.0] [3.0] [2.5]
DRAM RAS TO CAS Delay [Auto]
Sets the DRAM RAS TO CAS Delay.
Configuration options: [Auto] [2 CLK] [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK]
ASUS K8N motherboard
2-17
Page 52
DRAM RAS PRECHANGE Time [Auto]
Sets the DRAM RAS PRECHANGE Time.
Configuration options: [Auto] [2 CLK] [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK]
DRAM ACTIVE TIME [Auto]
Sets the DRAM ACTIVE TIME. Configuration options: [Auto] [5 CLK] [6 CLK]
[7 CLK] [8 CLK] [9 CLK] [10 CLK] [11 CLK] [12 CLK] [13 CLK] [14 CLK] [15 CLK]
1T/2T Timing [Auto]
Sets the DRAM command timing. When set to Auto, the DRAM timing is set to 2T if
the CPU installed can support 2T timing. Configuration options: [1T] [Auto]
Master ECC Enable [Disabled]
Enables or disables support on all nodes for ECC error detect and correction.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Audio CODEC Interface [Auto]
Allows you to set the onboard audio CODEC interface. [Auto] allows the BIOS to
detect whether you are using any audio device.
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] [Auto]
Primary Video [PCI]
Switches the PCI Bus scanning order while searching for a video card. This allows
you to select the type of Primary VGA in case of multiple video controllers.
Configuration options: [PCI] [AGP]
Aperture Size [ 128 MB]
Allows you to select the size of mapped memory for AGP graphic data.
Configuration options: [32 MB] [64 MB] [128 MB] [256 MB] [512 MB]
AGP FW Enable [Auto]
Disables or sets to automatic the AGP Fast Write feature.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled]
AGP Sideband Address [Auto]
Disables or sets to automatic the AGP Sideband address.
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled]
2-18
Chapter 2: BIOS Setup
Page 53
Onboard Device
The items in this sub-menu allows you to change the settings of the onboard
devices.
MAC Interface[Enabled]
Onboard LAN Boot ROM[Disabled]
Internal SATA IDE Interface[Enabled]
RAID Option ROM[Disabled]
MAC Interface [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the internal 802.3 MAC interface.
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the onboard LAN Boot ROM.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Internal SATA IDE Interface [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the onchip Serial ATA and IDE interface.
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
RAID Option ROM [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the onchip NVIDIA
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
The following items appear only when RAID Option ROM item is set to Enabled.
®
Serial ATA boot ROM.
Primary Master as RAID [Disabled]
Enables or disables the use of the Primary IDE Master as RAID.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Primary Slave as RAID [Disabled]
Enables or disables the use of the Primary IDE Slave as RAID.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Secondary Master as RAID [Disabled]
Enables or disables the use of the Secondary IDE Master as RAID.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
ASUS K8N motherboard
2-19
Page 54
Secondary Slave as RAID [Disabled]
Enables or disables the use of the Secondary IDE Slave as RAID.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Third Master as RAID [Disabled]
Enables or disables the use of the Third IDE Master as RAID.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Fourth Master as RAID [Disabled]
Enables or disables the use of the Fourth IDE Master as RAID.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
USB Configuration
The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an
item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options.
USB Configuration
Module Version - 2.23.2-7.4
USB Devices Enabled: None
USB Controller Support[USB 1.1+USB 2.0]
Legacy USB Support[Auto]
USB 2.0 Controller Mode[HiSpeed]
The Module Version and USB Devices Enabled items show the auto-detected
values. If no USB device is detected, the item shows None.
Enables USB
host controllers.
USB Controller Support [USB 1.1+USB 2.0]
Allows you to disable or set the USB controller support type.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [USB 1.1 only] [USB 1.1+USB 2.0]
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. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]
USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]
Allows you to configure the USB 2.0 controller in HiSpeed (480 Mbps) or Full
Speed (12 Mbps). Configuration options: [HiSpeed ] [Full Speed]
2-20
Chapter 2: BIOS Setup
Page 55
2.4.5Onboard Devices Configuration
Configure ITE8712 Super IO Chipset
Serial Port1 Address[3F8/IRQ4]
Parallel Port Address[378]
Parallel Port Mode[EPP+ECP]
EPP Version[1.9]
ECP Mode DMA Channel[DMA3]
Parallel Port IRQ[IRQ7]
OnBoard Game Port[Enabled]
Onboard MIDI Port[300]
MIDI IRQ Select[IRQ5]
Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]
Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3]
Parallel Port Address [378]
Allows you to select the Parallel Port base addresses.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [378] [278]
The following items appear only when the Parallel Port Address item is set to
Enabled.
Parallel Port Mode [EPP+ECP]
Allows you to select the Parallel Port mode.This item appears only when the
Parallel Port Address is not Disabled.
Configuration options: [Normal] [EPP] [ECP] [EPP+ECP]
EPP Version [1.9]
Allows selection of the Parallel Port EPP version. This item appears only when
the Parallel Port Mode is set to EPP. Configuration options: [1.9] [1.7]
ECP Mode DMA Channel [DMA3]
Allows you to set the Parallel Port ECP DMA. This item appears only when the
Parallel Port Mode is set to ECP. Configuration options: [DMA0] [DMA1]
[DMA3]
Parallel Port IRQ [IRQ7]
Sets the Parallel port IRQ. Configuration options: [IRQ5] [IRQ7]
Onboard Game Port [Enabled]
Enables or disables the onboard Game port.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
ASUS K8N motherboard
2-21
Page 56
Onboard MIDI Port [300]
Disables or sets the onboard MIDI port.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [300] [330]
MIDI IRQ Select [IRQ5]
Sets the MIDI port IRQs.
Configuration options: [IRQ5] [IRQ7] [IRQ10] [IRQ11]
2.4.6PCI 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
field values may cause the system to malfunction.
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]
PCI IDE BusMaster[Enabled]
OffBoard PCI/ISA IDE Card[Auto]
NO: Lets the BIOS
configure all the
devices in the system.
YES: Lets the
operating system
configure Plug and
Play (PnP) devices not
required for boot if
your system has a Plug
and Play operating
system.
When set to [No], the BIOS configures all the devices in the system. When set to
[Yes] and if you installed a Plug & Play operating system (OS), the OS configures
the Plug & Play devices not required for boot. Configuration options: [No] [Yes]
2-22
Chapter 2: BIOS Setup
Page 57
PCI Latency Timer [64]
Allows you to select the value in units of PCI clocks for the PCI device latency
timer register. Configuration 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. Configuration options: [Yes] [No]
Palette Snooping [Disabled]
When set to [Enabled], the pallete snooping feature informs the PCI devices that
an ISA graphics device is installed in the system so that the latter can function
correctly. Setting to [Disabled] deactivates this feature.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
PCI IDE BusMaster [Enabled]
Allows the BIOS to use PCI bus mastering when reading/writing to IDE devices.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
OffBoard PCI/ISA IDE Card [Auto]
Sets the OffBoard PCI/ISA IDE card slot. Some PCI IDE cards requires you to set
the PCI slot number that is holding the card.
Configuration options: [Auto] [PCI Slot 1] [PCI Slot 2] [PCI Slot 3] [PCI Slot 4]
[PCI Slot 5] [PCI Slot 6]
IRQ xx [PCI Device]
When set to [PCI Device], the specific IRQ is free for PCI/PnP devices to use.
When set to [Reserved], the IRQ is reserved for legacy ISA devices.
Configuration options: [PCI Device] [Reserved]
DMA Channel x [PCI Device]
When set to [PCI Device], the specific IRQ is free for use of PCI/PnP devices.
When set to [Reserved], the IRQ is reserved for legacy ISA devices.
Configuration options: [PCI Device] [Reserved]
Reserved Memory Size [Disabled]
Disables or sets the reserve memory size.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [16k] [32k] [64k]
ASUS K8N motherboard
2-23
Page 58
2.5Power menu
The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Power
Management (APM) feature. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the
configuration options.
ACPI Suspend Mode[S1 (POS) & S3 (STR]
Repost Video on S3 Resume[No]
ACPI 2.0 Support[No]
ACPI APIC Support[Enabled]
APM Configuration
Hardware Monitor
Select the ACPI state
used for System
Suspend.
2.5.1ACPI Suspend Mode [S3 only]
Allows you to select the ACPI state to be used for system suspend.
Configuration options: [S1 (POS) Only] [S3 Only]
2.5.2Repost Video on S3 Resume [No]
Determines whether to invoke VGA BIOS POST on S3/STR resume.
Configuration options: [No] [Yes]
2.5.3ACPI 2.0 Support [No]
Allows you to add more tables for ACPI 2.0 specifications.
Configuration options: [No] [Yes]
2.5.4ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]
Enables or disables the ACPI support in the ASIC. When set to Enabled, the ACPI
APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
2-24
Chapter 2: BIOS Setup
Page 59
2.5.5APM Configuration
PME Resume[Disabled]
RI Resume[Disabled]
Onboard LAN Resume[Disabled]
RTC Resume[Disabled]
Resume On PS/2 Keyboard[Disabled]
Restore On PS/2 Mouse[Disabled]
Restore on AC Power Loss[Power Off]
PME Resume [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the PME# to generate a wake event. This feature
requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
RI Resume [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the RI to generate a wake event. This feature
requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Onboard LAN Resume [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the onboard LAN to generate a wake event. This
feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
RTC Resume [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,
and RTC Alarm Second appear with set values. This feature requires an ATX
power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Resume On PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the keyboard wake-up feature. This feature
requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Resume On PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]
When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to use the PS/2 mouse to
resume the system. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at
least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
ASUS K8N motherboard
2-25
Page 60
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 was the system
state before the AC power loss. Configuration options: [Power Off] [Power On]
[Last State]
2.5.6Hardware Monitor
Hardware Monitor
MB Temperature[35ºC/95ºF]
CPU Temperature[48ºC/118ºF]
CPU Fan Speed[3260RPM]
Chassis Fan Speed[N/A]
Power Fan Speed[N/A]
MB Temperature [xxx ºC/xxx ºF]
CPU Temperature [xxx ºC/xxx ºF]
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU and
motherboard temperatures. Select Disabled if you do not wish to display the
detected temperatures.
CPU Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [N/A]
Chassis Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [N/A]
Power Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [N/A]
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU,
chassis, and power fan speeds in rotations per minute (RPM). If any of the fans is
not connected to the motherboard, the specific field shows N/A.
VCORE Voltage, +3.3V Voltage, +5V Voltage, +12V Voltage
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through
the onboard voltage regulators.
2-26
Chapter 2: BIOS Setup
Page 61
Smart Q-FAN Function [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the Smart Q-Fan feature that monitors the CPU
temperature and smartly adjusts the fan speed according to the temperature.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
The following items appear only when the Smart Q-Fan Function item is set
Enabled.
CPU Fan Start Voltage [5.0V]
Allows you to set the fan auto mode start voltage.
Configuration options: [4.0V] [4.5V] [5.0V] [5.5V] [6.0V]
CPU Fan Full Speed Temp [45ºC]
Allows you to set the fan auto mode start speed temperature.
Configuration options: [35ºC] ~ [75ºC]
CPU Fan Start Fan Temp [40ºC]
Allows you to set the fan auto mode full speed temperature.
Configuration options: [35ºC] ~ [75ºC]
ASUS K8N motherboard
2-27
Page 62
2.6Boot menu
The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item
then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.
Specifies the boot
sequence from the
available devices.
A device enclosed in
parenthesis has been
disabled in the
corresponding type
menu.
1st ~ xxth Boot Device [1st Floppy Drive]
These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices.
The number of device items that appear on the screen depends on the the number
of devices installed in the system. Configuration options: [xxxxx Drive] [Disabled]
Specifies the boot
sequence from the
available devices.
1st ~ xxth Drive [XXXXXXXX]
These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices.
The number of device items that appear on the screen depends on the the number
of devices installed in the system. Configuration options: [xxxxx Drive] [Disabled]
2.6.3Boot Settings Configuration
Boot Settings Configuration
Quick Boot[Enabled]
Full Screen Logo[Enabled]
AddOn ROM Display Mode[Force BIOS]
Bootup Num-Lock[On]
PS/2 Mouse Support[Auto]
Wait for ‘F1’ If Error[Enabled]
Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display[Enabled]
Interrupt 19 Capture[Disabled]
Allows BIOS to skip
certain tests while
booting. This will
decrease the time
needed to boot the
system.
Quick Boot [Enabled]
Enabling this item allows the BIOS to skip some Power On Self Tests (POST) while
booting to decrease the time needed to boot the system. When set to [Disabled],
BIOS performs all the POST items. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Full Screen Logo [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature. Configuration
options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Make sure that the above item is set to [Enabled] if you wish to use the ASUS
MyLogo2™ feature.
Add On ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS]
Sets the display mode for option ROM.
Configuration options: [Force BIOS] [Keep Current]
ASUS K8N motherboard
2-29
Page 64
Bootup Num-Lock [On]
Allows you to select the power-on state for the NumLock.
Configuration options: [Off] [On]
PS/2 Mouse Support [Auto]
Allows you to enable or disable support for PS/2 mouse.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]
Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]
When set to Enabled, the system waits for F1 key to be pressed when error
occurs. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]
When set to Enabled, the system displays the message “Press DEL to run Setup”
during POST. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Interrupt 19 Capture [Disabled]
When set to [Enabled], this function allows the option ROMs to trap Interrupt 19.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
2.6.4Security
The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select
an item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options.
Security Settings
Supervisor Password : Not Installed
User Password : Not Installed
Change Supervisor Password
Change User Password
Clear User Password
Change Supervisor Password
Select this item to set or change the supervisor password. The Supervisor
Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you
have set a password, this item shows Installed.
<Enter> to change
password.
<Enter> again to
disable password.
2-30
Chapter 2: BIOS Setup
Page 65
To set a Supervisor Password:
1.Select the Change Supervisor Password item and press <Enter>.
2.From the password box, type a password combination of at least six (6) letters
and/or numbers, then press <Enter>.
3.Confirm the password when prompted.
The message “Password Installed” appears after you have successfully set
your password.
The Supervisor Password item now shows Installed.
To change the supervisor password, follow the same steps as in setting a user
password.
To clear the supervisor password, select the Change Supervisor Password then
press <Enter>. The message “Password Uninstalled” appears.
If you forget your BIOS password, you can clear clear it by erasing the CMOS
Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM. See section “2.6 Jumpers” for information on how
to erase the RTC RAM.
After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to
change other security settings.
Security Settings
Supervisor Password : Installed
User Password : Not Installed
Change Supervisor Password
User Access Level[Full Access]
Change User Password
Clear User Password
Password Check[Setup]
Boot Sector Virus Protection[Disabled]
<Enter> to change
password.
<Enter> again to
disabled password.
User Access Level (Full Access]
Allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items. Configuration
options: [No Access] [View Only] [Limited] [Full Access]
No Access prevents user access to the Setup utility.
View Only allows access but does not allow change to any field.
Limited allows change only to selected fields, such as Date and Time.
Full Access allows viewing and changing all the fields in the Setup utility.
ASUS K8N motherboard
2-31
Page 66
Change User Password
Select this item to set or change the user password. The User Password item on
top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you have set a password,
this item shows Installed.
To set a User Password:
1.Select the Change User Password item and press <Enter>.
2.On the password box that appears, type a password combination of at least six
(6) letters and/or numbers, then press <Enter>.
3.Confirm the password when prompted.
The message “Password Installed” appears after you have successfully set
your password.
The User Password item now shows Installed.
To change the user password, follow the same steps as in setting a user password.
Clear User Password
Select this item if you wish to clear the user password.
Password Check [Setup]
When set to [Setup], BIOS checks for user password when accessing the Setup
utility. When set to [Always], BIOS checks for user password both when accessing
Setup and booting the system. Configuration options: [Setup] [Always]
2-32
Chapter 2: BIOS Setup
Page 67
2.7Exit menu
The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the
BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items.
Exit Options
Exit & Save Changes
Exit & Discard Changes
Discard Changes
Load Setup Defaults
Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options
from this menu or <F10> from the legend bar to exit.
Exit system setup
after saving the
changes.
F10 key can be used
for this operation.
Exit & Save Changes
Once you are finished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit
menu to ensure that the values you selected are saved to the CMOS RAM. An
onboard backup battery sustains the CMOS RAM and stays on even when the PC
is turned off. When you select this option, a confirmation window appears. Select
Ok to save changes and exit.
If you attempt to exit the Setup program without saving your changes, the
program prompts you with a message asking if you want to save your changes
before exiting. Press <Enter> to save the changes while exiting.
Exit & Discard Changes
Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you made to the
Setup program. If you made changes to fields other than System Date, System
Time, and Password, the BIOS asks for a confirmation before exiting.
Discard Changes
Allows you to discard the selections you made and restore the previously saved
values. After selecting this option, a confirmation appears. Select Ok to discard any
changes and load the previously saved values.
Load Setup Defaults
This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the
Setup menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a confirmation
window appears. Select Ok to load default values. Select Exit and Save Changes
or make other changes before saving the values to the non-volatile RAM.
ASUS K8N motherboard
2-33
Page 68
2-34
Chapter 2: BIOS Setup
Page 69
Chapter 3
This chapter describes the contents of the
support CD that comes with the motherboard
package.
Software support
Page 70
3.1Install an operating system
This motherboard supports Windows® 2000/XP/2003 Server operating system
(OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize
the features of your hardware.
Motherboard settings and hardware options vary, so use the setup procedures
presented in this chapter for general reference only. Refer to your OS
documentation for more information.
3.2Support CD information
The support CD that came with the motherboard contains useful software and
several utility drivers that enhance the motherboard features.
The contents of the support CD are subject to change at any time without
notice. Visit the ASUS website for updates.
3.2.1Running the support CD
To begin using the support CD, simply insert the CD into your CD-ROM drive. The
CD automatically displays the Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your
computer. Click on an item to install.
3-2
Click an item to install
If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the
support CD to locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-click
the ASSETUP.EXE to run the CD.
Click an icon to display
more information
Chapter 3: Software support
Page 71
3.2.2Drivers menu
Microsoft DirectX 9.0 Driver
Installs the Microsoft® DirectX™ 9.0 driver.
Nvidia Chipset Driver Program
Installs the NVIDIA® Chipset drivers for the NVIDIA® nForce™ 3 250Gb chipset.
Make sure to install the Microsoft® DirectX™ 9.0 driver before installing the
NVIDIA® Chipset drivers.
Make Chipset IDE Driver Disk
Creates the NVIDIA® driver disk for Serial ATA and RAID features.
ALC850 Driver
Installs the Realtek® ALC850 audio controller and application.
USB 2.0 Driver
Installs the Universal Serial Bus 2.0 (USB 2.0) driver.
For Windows® XP users, make sure to install Windows® XP Service Pack 1 to
support USB 2.0.
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Driver
Installs the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology driver.
ASUS K8N motherboard
3-3
Page 72
3.2.3Utilities menu
The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard
supports.
ASUS’ AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Software
Installs the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet! Technology software.
ASUS PC Probe
This smart utility monitors the fan speed, CPU temperature, and system voltages,
and alerts you on any detected problems. This utility helps you keep your computer
at a healthy operating condition.
Install ASUS Update
This program allows you to download the latest version of the BIOS from the ASUS
website. Before using the ASUS Update, make sure that you have an Internet
connection so you can connect to the ASUS website. Installing ASUS Update also
installs ASUS Mylogo2™.
Anti-virus Utility
The anti-virus application scans, identifies, and removes computer viruses. View
the online help for detailed information.
Acrobat Reader
Installs the Adobe Acrobat® Reader V5.0. The Acrobat® Reader software is for
viewing files saved in Portable Document Format (PDF).
ASUS Screen Saver
Installs the ASUS screen saver.
NVIDIA System Utility
Installs the NVIDIA® system utility.
3-4
Chapter 3: Software support
Page 73
3.2.4Manual menu
The Manual menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to
open the manual.
•Most user manual files are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader from the Utilities menu before opening a user
manual file.
•Some user manuals listed in this menu may not be applicable for this
motherboard model.
ASUS K8N motherboard
3-5
Page 74
3.2.5ASUS Contact Information
Clicking the ASUS Contact Information tab displays as stated. You may also find
this information on the inside front cover of this user guide.
3-6
Chapter 3: Software support
Page 75
3.3ASUS Instant Music Lite
The motherboard is equipped with a BIOS-based audio playback feature called
Instant Music Lite. This feature is supported by the onboard audio AC’97 Codec,
and requires an optical drive (CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or CD-RW).
•Instant Music Lite only supports CDs in audio format.
•Instant Music Lite does not work if you installed and enabled an add-on
sound card.
•Instant Music Lite only supports PS/2 keyboard.
To enable ASUS Instant Music Lite:
1.Connect the analog audio cable from the optical drive (CD-ROM, DVD-ROM,
or CD-RW drive) to the 4-pin CD-In connector (labeled CD1) on the
motherboard. See section “1.10 Connectors” for the connector location.
Make sure to connect the CD-ROM audio cable. Otherwise, you cannot control
the audio volume using the Instant Music Lite function keys.
2.Turn on the system and enter the BIOS by pressing the <Del> key during the
Power On Self-Tests (POST).
3.In the Advanced Configuration menu, select the item Instant Music and set
it to Enabled. See section “2.4 Advanced Menu” in the user guide.
4.Highlight the Instant Music CDROM item and press Enter to display the
CD-ROM options. Select the CD-ROM drive that you wish to use for this
feature. See section “2.4 Advanced Menu” in the user guide.
If you have only one optical drive (either CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or CD-RW)
installed in the system, you don’t have to set Instant Music CDROM item. BIOS
automatically detects and displays the installed drive type.
5.Save your changes and exit BIOS Setup.
•The Scroll Lock LED is fixed to ON after enabling Instant Music.
•The Caps Lock LED is turns ON when you pause the CD playback.
•When set to Instant Music Lite mode, the system wake-up features (LAN,
keyboard, mouse, USB) are deactivated. In this case, power up the system
using the power switch.
•If the system loses connection or does not detect any optical drive, the
Instant Music Lite feature turns OFF (disabled) automatically. A “beep”
indicates this condition.
ASUS K8N motherboard
3-7
Page 76
To use ASUS Instant Music Lite:
1.Ensure that the power cord is plugged to a grounded power source, so that the
system has a standby power.
2.Use either one of the two sets of special function keys on your keyboard to
play audio CDs. These keys only function as indicated if you enabled the
Instant Music item in the BIOS.
Instant Music function keys (Set 1)
CD
ON/OFF
EscF1F2F3F4F5F6F7F8
PLAY/PAUSESTOP/EJECTPREVIOUSNEXTVOL. DOWNVOL. UP
Instant Music function keys (Set 2)
SCROLL
CAPS
LOCK
LOCK
LED
CD ON/OFF
PLAY/PAUSE
STOP/EJECT
PREVIOUS NEXT
VOL. DOWNVOL. UP
LED
3.Connect speakers or a headphone to the Line Out (lime colored) port on the
rear panel for audio output. You may also connect a headphone to the
headphone jack on the CD-ROM drive front panel.
4.Press <Esc> to turn ON Instant Music Lite.
5.Place an audio CD into the drive.
6.Press <F1> or the <Space Bar> to play the first track on the CD.
If there is no CD in the drive and you press F1 or Space Bar, the drive tray
ejects.
7.Refer to the Instant Music function key definitions on the previous page to
select other tracks or control the volume.
8.Press <F2> or <Enter> once to stop playing the CD.
Press <F2> or <Enter> one more time to eject the CD.
3-8
Chapter 3: Software support
Page 77
3.4Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology
The motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology that dynamically
and automatically change the CPU speed, voltage and amount of power
depending on the task the CPU performs.
3.4.1Enabling Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology
To enable Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ technology:
1.Turn on the system and enter BIOS by pressing the <Del> key during the
Power On Self-Tests (POST).
2.In the Advanced > CPU Configuration > AMD CPU Cool & QuietConfiguration menu, select the item Cool N’Quiet and set it to Enabled. See
section “2.4 Advanced Menu” for details.
3.In the Power menu, select the item ACPI 2.0 Support and set it to Yes. See
section “2.5 Power Menu” for details.
4.Save your changes and exit BIOS Setup.
5.Reboot your computer and set your Power Option Properties depending on
your operating system.
®
Windows
1.From the Windows
Settings, then Control Panel.
2.Make sure the Control Panel is set
to Classic View.
3.Double-click the Display icon in the
Control Panel then select the
Screen Saver tab.
4.Click the Power... button. The
following dialog box appears.
5.From the Power schemes combo
list box, select Minimal PowerManagement.
6.Click OK to effect settings.
2000/XP:
®
2000/XP operating system, click the Start button. Select
•Make sure to install the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ driver and application before
using this feature.
•The AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology feature works only with the AMD
heatsink and fan assembly with monitor chip.
ASUS K8N motherboard
3-9
Page 78
3.4.2Launching the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software
The motherboard support CD includes the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software that enables
you to view your system’s real-time CPU frequency and voltage.
Make sure to install the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software from the motherboard support
CD. Refer to section “3.2.3 Utilities” for details.
To launch the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ program:
®
1.If you are using Windows
ASUS > Cool & Quiet > Cool & Quiet.
2.If you are using Windows
ASUS > Cool & Quiet > Cool & Quiet.
3.The Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ technology screen appears and displays the current CPU
Frequency and CPU Voltage.
2000, click the Start button. Select Programs >
®
XP, click the Start button. Select All Programs >
3-10
Chapter 3: Software support
Loading...
+ hidden pages
You need points to download manuals.
1 point = 1 manual.
You can buy points or you can get point for every manual you upload.