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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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