ASUS KN97X User Manual

R

KN97-X

Pentium® II ATX Motherboard

USER’S MANUAL

USER'S NOTICE

No part of this product, including the product and software may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any lan­guage in any form by any means without the express written permission of ASUST eK
COMPUTER INC. (hereinafter referred to as ASUS) except documentation kept
by the purchaser for backup purposes.

Specifications are subject to change without notice. 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 be liable for any loss or profits, loss of
business, loss of use or data, interruption of business, or for indirect, special, inci­dental, or consequential damages of any kind, even if ASUS has been advised of
the possibility of such damages arising from any defect or error in this manual or
product. ASUS may revise this manual from time to time without notice.

Products mentioned in this manual are mentioned for identification purposes only.
Product names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks
or copyrights of their respective companies.

• Intel, LANDesk, and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.

• IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corp.

• Symbios is a registered trademark of Symbios Logic Corporation.

• Windows and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

• Sound Blaster AWE32 and SB16 are trademarks of Creative Technology Ltd.

• Adobe and Acrobat are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
The product name and revision number are both printed on the board itself. Manual

revisions are released for each board design represented by the digit before and
after the period of the manual revision number . Manual updates are represented by
the third digit in the manual revision number. For previous or updated manuals,
BIOS, drivers, or product release information you may visit the ASUS home page
at http://www.asus.com.tw/ or contact ASUS from the following page.

© Copyright 1997 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All rights reserved.

Product Name: ASUS KN97-X
Manual Revision: 1.04
Release Date: April 1997

2

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual

ASUS CONTACT INFORMATION

ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.

Marketing Info:

Address: 150 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 112, ROC
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Technical Support:

Fax: [phone]
BBS: 886-2-896-4667
Email: [e-mail]
WWW: http://www.asus.com.tw/
Gopher: gopher.asus.com.tw
FTP: ftp.asus.com.tw/pub/ASUS

ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL

Marketing Info:

Address: 721 Charcot Avenue, San Jose, CA 95131, USA
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Technical Support:

BBS: 1-408-474-0555
Email: [e-mail]

ASUS COMPUTER GmbH

Marketing Info:

Address: Harkort Str. 25, 40880 Ratingen, BRD, Germany
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Technical Support:

BBS: 49-2102-448690
Email: [e-mail]

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual 3

CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION...........................................................................7

How this manual is organized..........................................................7

Item Checklist ..................................................................................7

II. FEATURES ....................................................................................8

Features of the ASUS KN97-X Motherboard ..................................8

Parts of the ASUS KN97-X Motherboard................................11

III. INSTALLATION ........................................................................12

Map of the ASUS KN97-X Motherboard ......................................12

Installation Steps............................................................................14

1. Jumpers ......................................................................................14

Jumper Settings ..................................................................15

2. System Memory (SIMM and DIMM) ......................................19

SIMM Memory Installation................................................20

DIMM Memory Installation ...............................................21

3. Central Processing Unit (CPU).................................................22

4. Expansion Cards .......................................................................26

Expansion Card Installation Procedure: .............................26

Assigning IRQs for Expansion Cards.................................26

Assigning DMA Channels for ISA Cards...........................27

ISA Cards and Hardware Monitor ......................................27

5. External Connectors..................................................................28

Power Connection Procedures .................................................35

IV. BIOS SOFTWARE .....................................................................36

Support Software ...........................................................................36

Flash Memory Writer Utility .........................................................36

Main Menu .........................................................................36

Advanced Features Menu ...................................................37

Updating your Motherboard's BIOS ........................................38

6. BIOS Setup ...............................................................................39

Load Defaults .....................................................................40

Standard CMOS Setup .............................................................40

Details of Standard CMOS Setup:......................................40

BIOS Features Setup ................................................................43

Details of BIOS Features Setup..........................................43

Chipset Features Setup .............................................................46

Details of Chipset Features Setup.......................................46

Power Management Setup........................................................49

Details of Power Management Setup .................................49

PNP and PCI Setup ..................................................................51

Details of PNP and PCI Setup ............................................51

Load BIOS Defaults .................................................................53

Load Setup Defaults .................................................................53

Smart Alarm (LM78) Setup .....................................................54

4

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual

CONTENTS

Details of Smart Alarm Setup.............................................54

Supervisor Password and User Password ................................55

IDE HDD Auto Detection ........................................................57

Save and Exit Setup .................................................................57

Exit Without Saving .................................................................57

V. DESKTOP MANAGEMENT......................................................58

Desktop Management Interface (DMI)..........................................58

Introducing the ASUS DMI Configuration Utility .............58

System Requirements .........................................................58

Using the ASUS DMI Configuration Utility ......................59

Notes:..................................................................................59

VI. ASUS PCI-SC200 SCSI Card....................................................61

SCSI BIOS and Drivers .................................................................61

The ASUS PCI-SC200 SCSI Interface Card .................................62

Setting Up the ASUS PCI-SC200 ............................................62

Setting the INT Assignment .....................................................63

Terminator Settings ..................................................................63

SCSI ID Numbers ....................................................................64

The Following Sections are Available with Optional Audio Only

Creative Labs ViBRA 16C Series.......................................................1

Audio Drivers Installation ..................................................................3

Manual Information ...................................................................3

ASUS Installation CD ................................................................3

ASUS Audio Driver CD Contents ........................................3

Win95 Audio Drivers...........................................................................4

3D Sound....................................................................................5

Win3.x Audio Drivers..........................................................................7

Configuration Manager ..............................................................7

Creative PnP Configuration Manager (CTCM) .........................7

ASUS 3D Sound ........................................................................8

Audio Software ..........................................................................9

3D Sound..................................................................................13

Environment Variables .............................................................15

SOUND Environment variable...........................................15

BLASTER Environment Variable ......................................15

MIDI Environment Variable ...............................................16

Maximum Recording Rates for the Audio Hardware.........16

Windows 95 Software.......................................................................... I

DOS & Windows 3.x Software ........................................................... I

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual 5

FCC & DOC COMPLIANCE

Federal Communications Commission Statement

This device complies with FCC Rules Part 15. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:

• This device may not cause harmful interference, and

• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installa­tion. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer's instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the inter­ference by one or more of the following measures:

• Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

WARNING: 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.

6

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual

I. INTRODUCTION

How this manual is organized

This manual is divided into the following sections:

I. Introduction: Manual information and checklist
II. Features: Information and specifications concerning this product
III. Installation: Instructions on setting up the motherboard.
IV. BIOS Setup: BIOS software setup information.
V. DMI Utility: BIOS supported Desktop Management Interface
VI. ASUS PCI-SC200: Installation of an optional Fast-SCSI card.
VII. Windows 95: Audio Software Manual (with optional onboard Audio)
VIII. DOS/Win3.1x: Audio Software Manual (with optional onboard Audio)

Item Checklist

Please check that your package is complete. If you discover damaged or missing
items, please contact your retailer.

I. INTRODUCTION

(Manual / Checklist)

þ The ASUS KN97-X motherboard
þ Retention Mechanism & Heat Sink Support Brace
þ 1 IDE ribbon cable
þ 1 floppy ribbon cable
þ Support drivers and utilities as follows (view FILELIST.TXT for details)

®

• LANDesk

• Flash Memory Writer utility to update the FLASH BIOS

• Desktop Management Interface (DMI) utility

• Audio drivers and utilities (with optional onboard Audio)

• Readme files for descriptions and use of the files

• Technical Support Form

þ This user’s manual
¨ Optional infrared module
¨ Optional ASUS PCI-SC200 Fast-SCSI card

Client Manager (LDCM) Software

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual 7

Features of the ASUS KN97-X Motherboard

The ASUS KN97-X is carefully designed for the demanding PC user who wants
many features processed by the fastest CPU in a small package. This motherboard:

• Multi-Speed Support: Intel Pentium

• Intel Chipset: Features Intel’s 440FX PCIset with I/O subsystems.

• Easy Installation: Is equipped with BIOS that supports auto detection of hard

(KN97-X Series)

II. FEATURES

• ISA & PCI Expansion Slots: Provides three 16-bit ISA, and five 32-bit PCI slots.

• Super Multi-I/O: Provides two high-speed UART compatible serial ports and

• Desktop Management Interface (DMI): Supports DMI through BIOS which

II. FEATURES

®

II (233MHz-266MHz) processor.

drives, PS/2 mouse, and Plug and Play devices to make setup of hard drives,
expansion cards, and other devices virtually automatic.

one parallel port with EPP and ECP capabilities. UART2 can also be directed
from COM2 to the Infrared Module for wireless connections. Two floppy drives
of either 5.25inch or 3.5inch (1.44MB or 2.88MB) are also supported without an
external card. Supports Japanese standard “Floppy 3 mode” (3.5inch 1.2MB).

allows hardware to communicate within a standard protocol creating a higher
level of compatibility. (Requires DMI-enabled components.) (See section V)

• PCI Bus Master IDE Controller: Comes with an onboard PCI Bus Master

IDE controller with two connectors that supports four IDE devices in two chan­nels, provides faster data transfer rates, and supports Enhanced IDE devices
such as T ape Backup and CD-ROM drives. This controller supports PIO Modes
3 and 4 and Bus Master IDE DMA Mode 2. BIOS now supports IDE CD-

ROM or SCSI bootup.

• CPU Built-In Level 2 Cache: 512KB or 256KB Pipelined Burst Level 2 cache

in the Pentium II Single Edge Contact (SEC) cartridge.

• V ersatile Memory Support: Is equipped with one DIMM socket to support (8,

16, 32, 64, or 128MB) 168-pin 5Volt EDO DRAM memory modules and four
SIMM sockets to support (4, 8, 16, 32, or 64MB) 72-pin Fast Page Mode (FPM)
or Extended Data Output (EDO), or Burst EDO SIMMs. Maximum memory of
SIMMs and/or DIMMs not to exceed 384MB.

• Optional PS/2 Mouse, USB, IrDA Connector: Supports an optional cable and

bracket set to mount the connectors to an expansion slot on the system chassis. A
second IrDA connector is available for a standard individual infrared cable set.

• SCSI BIOS: Has firmware to support optional ASUS SCSI controller cards.

®

• Optional Audio: Optional onboard Creative Labs

Audio with 3D sound.

• Optional IrDA Connector: Supports an optional infrared port module for wire-

less interface.

• Concurrent PCI - Concurrent PCI allows multiple PCI transfers from PCI master

busses to memory to CPU.

8 ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual

II. FEATURES

Intelligence:

• Fan Status Monitoring and Alarm - To prevent system overheat and system

damage, the CPU fan and system fans are monitored for RPM and failure. Each
fan can be set for its normal RPM range and alarm thresholds.

• Temperature Monitoring and Alert - To prevent system overheat and system

damage, there is a heat sensor on the motherboard itself to monitor the system
temperature to make sure the system is operating at a safe heat level to avoid any
failures triggered by extremely high temperature.

• Voltage Monitoring and Alert - System voltage levels are monitored to ensure

stable current to critical motherboard components. Voltage specifications are
more critical for future processors, so monitoring is necessary to ensure proper
system configuration and management.

• System Resources Alert - Today’s operating systems, such as Windows 95,

Windows NT, and OS/2, require much more memory and hard drive space to
present enormous user interfaces and run large applications. The system re­source monitor will warn the user before the system resources are used up to
prevent possible application crashes. Suggestions will give the user informa­tion on managing their limited resources more efficiently.

• Virus Write Protection - Normally, viruses can destroy data on storage media

such as hard disk drives, floppy diskettes, and MOs. Some new-generation vi­ruses will not only destroy data on storage media, but also clear BIOS data
which is usually unprotected. ASUS KN97 series of motherboards were de­signed to cooperate with BIOS, chipset, and flash EPROM to disable write per­mission when the system’s initialization stage is completed upon boot-up.

(KN97 Series)

II. FEATURES

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual 9

(This page was intentionally left blank)

10 ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual

II. FEATURES

Parts of the ASUS KN97-X Motherboard

T: PS/2 Mouse
B: PS/2 Keyboard

T: USB Port 1
B: USB Port 2

COM 1
T: Parallel Conn.

B: Serial Conn.

COM 2

Optional
T:Joystick/Midi
B:Out/In/Mic

5 PCI Slots

1 DIMM Socket

Intel’s 440FX
PCIset

Pentium II
CPU Slot

Floppy / IDE

II. FEATURES

(Parts of Board)

Multi-I/O

Optional
3D Sound

Optional
Creative Labs Audio

3 ISA Slots

Intel PIIX3
PCIset

Hardware
Monitor

Programmable
Flash ROM

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual 11

III. INSTALLATION

Map of the ASUS KN97-X Motherboard

01234

PS/2

USB

Top: Mouse
Bottom:
Keyboard

Top: USB 1
Bottom:
USB 2

COM 1

Board Power Input
for ATX Power Supply

Intel 440FX
PCIset

CPU Voltage ID

BF0
BF1
BF2
BF3

BUS FREQ.

Battery Test

CR2032
3 Volt
Lithium Cell

III. INSTALLATION

(Map of Board)

Parallel Port

COM 2

Game/Midi Port

Mic Line In Line Out

3D
Sound

Creative
Labs
Audio

DIMM Socket

PCI Slot 1

PCI Slot 2

PCI Slot 3

Panasonic

CD In

PCI Slot 4

PCI Slot 5

ISA Slot 1

ISA Slot 2

Creative® Modem
Connector

ISA Slot 3

Sony CD In
Mitsumi CD In

R

Intel 440FX
PCIset

Intel PIIX3
PCIset

CPU_FAN

PWR_FAN

Pentium II CPU Cartridge Slot

Floppy Drives

Secondary IDE

FS0

FS1

BUS FREQ

Flash ROM

Audio En/Dis

Boot Block Write

for BIOS

Keyboard BIOS

Chassis Fan

IDE LED

Chasis open
alarm lead

RTC Clear

Multi I/O En/Dis

LM78

Hardware
Monitor

Primary IDE

Volume Control

Infrared Connect

Panel

NOTE: The items in Outline are available only with the optional onboard Audio.

12 ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual

III. INSTALLATION

Jumpers

1) IOEN p. 15 Multi-I/O Selection (Enable/Disable)

2) BBLKW p. 15 Flash ROM Boot Block Program (Disable/Enable)

3) AUDIO (optional) p. 16 Onboard Audio (Disable/Enable)

4) VOLADJ (optional) p. 16 Digital Volume Level Adjustment (Up/Down)

5) RTCLR p. 17 Real Time Clock RAM (Operation/Clear Data)

6) BATTERY TEST p. 17 Battery Test Lead (Operation/Test Mode)

7) FS0, FS1 p. 18 CPU External Clock (BUS) Frequency Selection

8) BF0, BF1, BF2, BF3 p. 18 CPU:BUS Frequency Ratio

Expansion Slots

1) System Memory p. 19 System Memory Support

2) SIMM Sockets p. 20 SIMM Memory Module Support

3) DIMM Sockets p. 21 DIMM Memory Module Support

2) Pentium II CPU Slot p. 22 Central Processing Unit (CPU) Cartridge Support

3) ISA Slots p. 24 16-bit ISA Bus Expansion Slots*

4) PCI Slots p. 24 32-bit PCI Bus Expansion Slots*

Connectors

1) PS2KEYBOARD p. 26 PS/2 Keyboard Connector (6-pin Female)

2) PS2MOUSE p. 26 PS/2 Mouse Connector (6-pin Female)

3) PRINTER p. 27 Parallel (Printer) Port Connector (25-pin Female)

4) COM1, COM2 p. 27 Serial Port COM1 & COM2 (Two 9-pin Female)

5) AUDIO (optional) p. 27 Audio Port -Line Out, Line In, Mic (Three 1/8” Female)

6) GAME (optional) p. 28 Joystick/Midi Connector (15-pin Female)

7) USB p. 28 Universal Serial BUS Ports 1 & 2 (Two 4-pin Female)

8) FLOPPY p. 28 Floppy Drive Connector (34-pin Block)

9) FANPWR1, 2, 3 p. 29 Chassis, CPU, Power Supply Fan Power (3-pin Block)

10) CHASSIS p. 29 Chassis Open Alarm Lead (3-pin Block)

11) IDE1, IDE2 p. 30 Primary / Secondary IDE Connector (40-pin Blocks)

12) IDELED p. 30 IDE LED Activity Light

13) PWR LED (PANEL) p. 31 System Power LED (2-pins)

14) SMI (PANEL) p. 31 SMI Switch Lead (2-pins)

15) PWR SW (CON1) p. 31 ATX Power & Soft-Off Switch Lead (2-pins)

16) RESET (PANEL) p. 31 Reset Switch Lead (2-pins)

17) KEYLOCK (PANEL) p. 31 Power LED (3-pins) & Keyboard Lock Switch (2-pins)

18) SPEAKER (PANEL) p. 31 Speaker Output Connector (4-pins)

19) IR p. 32 Infrared Port Module Connector

20) A TXPWR p. 32 Motherboard Power Connector (20-pin Block)

(Map of Board)

III. INSTALLATION

*ISA NOTE: The onboard hardware monitor uses the address 290H so legacy ISA
cards must not use this address or else conflicts will occur.

*PCI NOTE: PCI slots 4&5 share the same interrupt number (INT#) so PCI
cards on these two slots must be able to share an INT# or make sure that one of
these PCI cards does not use an INT#.

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual 13

III. INSTALLATION

Installation Steps

Before using your computer, you must complete the following steps:

1. Set Jumpers on the Motherboard

2. Install DRAM Modules

3. Install the Central Processing Unit (CPU)

4. Install Expansion Cards

5. Connect Ribbon Cables, Cabinet Wires, and Power Supply

6. Setup the BIOS Software

1. Jumpers

Several hardware settings are made through the use of jumper caps to connect jumper
pins (JP) on the motherboard. See “Map of the Motherboard” on page 4 for locations

III. INSTALLATION

(Jumpers)

of jumpers. The jumper settings will be described numerically such as [----], [1-2],
[2-3] for no connection, connect pins 1&2, and connect pins 2&3 respectively . Pin 1

Pin 1

for our motherboards is always on top
motherboard with the keyboard connector away from yourself. A “1” is written

besides pin 1 on jumpers with three pins. The jumpers will also be shown graphi­cally such as
with two pins will be shown as
manufacturing simplicity, the jumpers may be sharing pins from other groups. Use
the diagrams in this manual instead of following the pin layout on the board. Settings
with two jumper numbers require that both jumpers be moved together. To connect
the pins, simply place a plastic jumper cap over the two pins as diagramed.

WARNING: Computer motherboards and components contain very delicate
Integrated Circuit (IC) chips. To protect the motherboard and other compo­nents against damage from static electricity, you should follow some precau­tions whenever you work on your computer.

1. Unplug your computer when working on the inside.

2. Hold components by the edges and try not to touch the IC chips, leads, or
circuitry.

3. Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a grounded source to discharge any
static electricity before handling computer components.

4. Place components on a grounded antistatic pad or on the bag that came with
the component whenever the components are separated from the system.

to connect pins 1&2 and to connect pins 2&3. Jumpers

for Short (On) and for Open (Off). For

or on the left

Pin 1

when holding the

14 ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual

III. INSTALLATION

Jumper Settings

1. Onboard Multi-I/O Selection (IOEN)

You can selectively disable each onboard Multi-I/O item (floppy, serial, paral­lel, and IrDA) through Chipset Features Setup of BIOS SOFTWARE or dis­able all Multi-I/O items at once with the following jumper in order to use your
own Multi-I/O card.

Multi-I/O IOEN

Enable [1-2] (Default)
Disable [2-3]

IOEN

R

123

Enable (Default)

Multi I/O Setting (Enable / Disable)

IOEN

123

Disabled

2. Flash ROM Boot Block Programming (BBLKW)

This sets the operation mode of the boot block area of the Programmable Flash
ROM to allow programming in the Enabled position. This is required only if
prompted by the Flash Memory Writer Utility as shown in BIOS SOFTW ARE.

Programming BBLKW

Disabled/Protect [1-2] (Default)
Enabled [2-3]

(Jumpers)

III. INSTALLATION

R

BBLKW

123

Disabled / Protected
(Default)

Boot Block Programming (Disable / Enable)

BBLKW

123

Enabled / Program

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual 15

III. INSTALLATION

3. Onboard Audio Selection (AUDIO) (with optional onboard Audio)

This jumper allows you to Disable the onboard audio chipset inorder to use your
own audio card. Otherwise, leave on default of Enabled.

Onboard Audio AUDIO

Enabled [1-2] (Default)
Disabled [2-3]

III. INSTALLATION

(Jumpers)

R

AUDIO

123

Enable
(Default)

Onboard Audio (Enable / Disable)

AUDIO

123

Disable

4. Onboard Digital Audio Control (VOLADJ) (with optional onboard Audio)

This jumper allows you to adjust the audio volume digitally using case mounted
momentary buttons.

Audio Adjustment VOLADJ

Volume Up [1-2] (momentary)
Volume Down [4-5] (momentary)

R

VOLADJ

1
2
3
4
5

Ground
Volume Up
Ground
Volume Down
Ground

Onboard Digital Audio Adjustment

16 ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual

III. INSTALLATION

5. Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM (RTCLR)

The CMOS RAM is powered by the onboard button cell battery. To clear the
RTC data: (1) Turn off your computer, (2) Move this jumper to “Clear Data,”
(3) Move the jumper back to “Operation,” (4) Turn on your computer, (5) Hold
down <Delete> during bootup and enter BIOS setup to re-enter user preferences.

RTC RAM RTCLR

Operation [2-3] (Default)
Clear Data [1-2] (momentarily)

R

RTCLR

123

Operation (Default)

RTC RAM (Operation / Clear Data)

RTCLR

123

Clear Data

6. Battery Test Jumper (BATTERY TEST)

You can test the battery’s current by removing this jumper and attaching a cur­rent meter the two pins. WARNING: You must unplug the power cord to

your power supply to ensure that there is no power to your motherboard.
The CMOS RAM containing BIOS setup information may be cleared by
this action. You should enter BIOS to “Load Setup Defaults” and re-enter
any user information after removing and reapplying this jumper.

R

BATTER Y TEST

BATTER Y TEST

(Jumpers)

III. INSTALLATION

Operation (Default)

Battery Test (Operation / Test)

Test Mode

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual 17

III. INSTALLATION

7. CPU External (BUS) Frequency Selection (FS0, FS1)

These jumpers tell the clock generator what frequency to send to the CPU. These
allow the selection of the CPUs External frequency (or BUS Clock). The BUS Clock
times the BUS Ratio equals the CPUs Internal frequency (the advertised CPU speed).

8. CPU to BUS Frequency Ratio (BF0, BF1, BF2, BF3)

These jumpers set the frequency ratio between the Internal frequency of the CPU
and the External frequency (called the BUS Clock) within the CPU. These must
be set together with the above jumpers CPU External (BUS) Frequency Selection.

III. INSTALLATION

(Jumpers)

FS0
FS1

BF0

123

60MHz

3.0X

BF3

BF2

5.0X

CPU External Clock (BUS)
Frequency Selection

3.5X

BF1

BF0

BF3

BF2

5.5X

BF1

BF0

4.0X

BF1

BF3

BF2

Reserved

BF0

123

R

66MHz

2.5X

BF1

BF3

BF2

4.5X

CPU : BUS Frequency Ratio

Set the jumpers by the Internal speed of the Intel, AMD, or Cyrix CPU as follows:

(BUS Freq.) (Freq. Ratio)

CPU Model Freq. Ratio BUS Freq. FS0 FS1 BF3 BF2 BF1 BF0

Intel Klamath 266MHz 4.0x 66MHz [2-3] [1-2] [short] [open] [short] [short]
Intel Klamath 233MHz 3.5x 66MHz [2-3] [1-2] [short] [short] [open] [open]

Intel Pentium II CPU Cartridge
(233-266MHz 256/512KB L2 Cache)

NOTE: Voltage Regulator Output Selection (VID) is not needed for the Pentium II
CPU Cartridge because this CPU sends a VID signal directly to the onboard power
controller .

18 ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual

III. INSTALLATION

2. System Memory (SIMM and DIMM)

This motherboard supports four 72-pin SIMMs (Single Inline Memory Modules) of
4MB, 8MB, 16MB, 32MB, or 64MB to form a memory size between 8MB to 256MB.
The DRAM can be either 60ns or 70ns Fast Page Mode (FPM) (Asymmetric or
Symmetric), Enhanced Data Output (EDO), or Burst Enhanced Data Output (BEDO).
SIMMs must be installed in pairs so that each bank contains two of the same size
memory modules. A new feature is the support of Dual Inline Memory Modules
(DIMMs). One slot is available for a 5.0Volt (power level) Enhanced Data Output
(EDO) DRAM of either 8, 16, 32, 64, or 128MB. Maximum memory of SIMMs
and/or DIMMs must be 384MB or less.

Install memory in any or all Banks in combinations as follows:

Bank Memory Module Total Memory
Bank 0 4MB, 8MB, 16MB, 32MB, 64MB x2

SIMM Slots 1&2 72-pin FPM, EDO, BEDO SIMM
Bank 1 4MB, 8MB, 16MB, 32MB, 64MB x2

SIMM Slots 3&4 72-pin FPM, EDO, BEDO SIMM
Bank 2 8MB, 16MB, 32MB, 64MB, 128MB x1

DIMM Slot 1 168-pin 5V EDO DRAM DIMM

Total System Memory (Max 384MB) =

IMPORTANT:

• The same size and type (FPM, EDO, BEDO) of memory must be installed in
pairs so that memory modules are not mixed in each bank.

• The DIMM Slot does not support any SDRAM DIMM modules.

• The DIMM Slot does not support 3.3V EDO DIMM modules.

• Do not use SIMM memory modules with more than 24 chips per module. SIMM
memory modules with more than 24 chips exceed the design specifications of
the memory subsystem and will be unstable.

• Memory speed setup is required through “Auto Configuration” in BIOS Chipset
Setup of the BIOS SOFTWARE. If both 60ns and 70ns memory are used, you
must set Auto Configuration to 70ns.

(System Memory)

III. INSTALLATION

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual 19

III. INSTALLATION

DRAM in SIMM Sock

SIMM Memory Installation

1. The SIMM memory modules will only fit in one orientation as shown because
of a “Plastic Safety Tab” on one end of the SIMM slots which requires the
“Notched End” of the SIMM memory modules.

III. INSTALLATION

(System Memory)

72 Pin SIMM DRAM Sockets

2. Press the memory module firmly into place starting from a 45 degree angle
making sure that all the contacts are aligned with the socket.

3. With your finger tips, rock the memory module into a vertical position so that it
clicks into place.

Bank 0 Bank 1

R

(DRAM Memory Module Example)

Notched End

72 Pin

Metal Clip

et

1
2
3
4

Plastic Safety Tab (This Side Only)

Mounting Hole

4. The plastic guides should go through the two “Mounting Holes” on the sides
and the “Metal Clips” should snap on the other side.

5. To release the memory module, squeeze both “Metal Clips” outwards and rock
the module out of the “Metal Clips”.

20 ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual

III. INSTALLATION

DIMM Memory Installation

Insert the module(s) as shown. Because the number of pins are different on either
side of the breaks, the module will only fit in the orientation as shown. DRAM
SIMM modules have the same pin contact on both sides. SDRAM DIMM modules
have different pint contact on each side and therefore have a higher pin density.

R

88 Pins

Lock

168 Pin DIMM Memory Sockets

20 Pins

60 Pins

The Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM) memory modules must be 5.0Volt Ex­tended Data Output (EDO) DRAM. You can identify the type of DIMM module by
the illustration below:

DRAM Key Position

Voltage Key Position

(System Memory)

III. INSTALLATION

RFU

Unbuffered

Buffered

5.0V

Reserved

3.3V

168-PIN DRAM DIMM Notch Key Definitions

The notch on the DIMM module will shift between left, center, or right to identify
the type and also to prevent the wrong type to be inserted into the DIMM slot on the
motherboard. You must ask your retailer for the specifications before purchasing.
Four clock signals are supported on this motherboard.

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual 21

III. INSTALLATION

3. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

This motherboard provides a Single Edge Contact (SEC) slot for a Pentium II pro­cessor packaged in an SEC cartridge. The SEC slot is not compatible with other
non-Pentium II processors.

Before your begin:

Find a system cabinet with either the power supply fan or a secondary fan circulating
air across the SEC cartridge’s passive heat sink.

WARNING: Without sufficient air circulation, the SEC cartridge may over­heat and cause damage to both the SEC cartridge and the motherboard.

III. INSTALLATION

(CPU)

You should check to see that you have the following 9 items. (NOTE: The pictures
in the following pages will have the same item numbers next to them for your refer­ence. The design and color of your items may be slightly different.)

Lock Holes

(1)

(2)

Attach Mount Bridges (Items 1,2)

(Factory Installed)

Top Bar (4)

(5)

Pin

Posts

(6)

Pentium II Retention Mechanism (Item 3)

Captive Nut

(3)

(8)

Base (7)

(Factory Installed)

Heatsink Support Base/Top Bar (Items 4-7)

Intel Pentium II Processor in an SEC Cartridge (Item 9)

Larger Fin should
be on the bottom.

Pentium II Processor Heatsink (Item 8)

22 ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual

Heatsink bottom Groove
for the Support Top Bar

III. INSTALLATION

)

t

From the Manufacturer:

Four screws should be showing next to each corner of the SEC Slot using two At­tach Mount Bridges from the underside of the motherboard. A bottom Heatsink
Support Base should be mounted over the two chipsets in front of the slot.

Heatsink Support
Base Pin (5&6)

Support Base (7)

Screw from
Mount Bridge (1&2

Pentium II
processor SEC slo

View of the KN97-X Motherboard from the Manufacturer

Installing the Pentium II Processor:

1. Mount the Pentium II Retention Mechanism: Place the Retention Mecha-

nism over the SEC Slot with the Retainer’s Lock Holes toward the motherboard’ s
memory slots and screw the Captive Nuts using a Phillips or flat head screw
driver. WARNING: Excessive torque may damage your motherboard.

Tighten captive nuts to no more than 6

(3)

Captive Nut

±

1 inch/pound.

Lock Holes

(CPU)

III. INSTALLATION

Retention Mechanism in place and Captive Nut being tightened

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual 23

III. INSTALLATION

2. Mount the Heat Sink: Place the SEC cartridge face down on a flat surface and
lay the heat sink flush on the back (metal side) of the SEC cartridge. Check the
orientation of the heatsink with the pictures. The thicker fin should be on the
bottom of the SEC cartridge. The top clamp is larger than the bottom clamp so
only this orientation will fit. With a screw driver, push the clamps one at a time
into the SEC cartridge. Make sure that the heatsink is tight against the heatsink by
firmly pressing the SEC cartridge and the heatsink together. When correctly in­stalled, there should not be any light showing between the thermal pad of the
heat sink and the SEC cartridge. WARNING: If the heatsink is not mounted

tightly against the SEC cartridge, the CPU will overheat.

III. INSTALLATION

(CPU)

(8)

Push Clamp

Push Clamp

SEC Cartridge with Heatsink (Side)

(9)

Push each end of the Clamps until they lock

Lock

The Thermal Pad & SEC cartridge should not have a gap!

SEC Cartridge with Heatsink (Top)

(8)

Lock

(9)

3. Insert the SEC Cartridge: Push the SEC cartridge’s two locks inward (the
preceding picture shows the Locks in the outward position and inward in the
picture below) and insert the cartridge with the heat sink facing the motherboard’ s
memory slots. Push down slowly while holding the Retention Mechanism’s
sides inward so that the SEC cartridge does not push away the two walls of the
Retention Mechanism.

Push Lock
Inward

(3)

Pentium II processor with heatsink being mounted into the
Retention Mechanism.

24 ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual

III. INSTALLATION

4. Lock the SEC Cartridge: Flip the SEC cartridge locks outward so that the

lock shows through the Retention Mechanism’s side lock holes.

The SEC cartridge Lock
should appear here when
the SEC cartridge is properly
seated in the slot and locked.

(3)

Retention Mechanism Left Side View

5. Secure the Heatsink: Slide the Heatsink Support T op Bar into the bottom Groove

of the Heatsink until it locks into the heatsink support Base Posts.

Heatsink Support
Top Bar (4)

(CPU)

III. INSTALLATION

Heatsink Support
Base Post (7)

SEC Cartridge installed and Heatsink Support Top Bar being inserted.

6. Set Jumpers: Refer to jumper settings for “CPU to BUS Frequency Ratio” and

jumpers for “BUS Frequency Selection” if you haven’t set them yet.

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual 25

4. Expansion Cards

WARNING: Make sure that you unplug your power supply when adding or
removing expansion cards or other system components. Failure to do so may
cause severe damage to both your motherboard and expansion cards.

Expansion Card Installation Procedure:

1. Read your expansion card documentation on any hardware and software set-

2. Set any necessary jumpers on your expansion card.

3. Remove your computer system’s cover.

4. Remove the bracket on the slot you intend to use. Keep the bracket for pos-

III. INSTALLATION

(Expansion Cards)

5. Carefully align the card’s connectors and press firmly.

III. INSTALLATION

tings that may be required to setup your specific card.

sible future use.

6. Secure the card on the slot with the screw you removed in step 4.

7. Replace the computer system’s cover.

8. Setup the BIOS if necessary (such as “IRQ xx Used By ISA: Yes” in PNP
AND PCI SETUP)

9. Install the necessary software drivers for your expansion card.

Assigning IRQs for Expansion Cards

Some expansion cards need to use an IRQ to operate. Generally an IRQ must be
exclusively assigned to one use. In a standard design there are 16 IRQs available
but most of them are already in use by parts of the system which leaves 6 free for
expansion cards.

Both ISA and PCI expansion cards may need to use IRQs. System IRQs are avail­able to cards installed in the ISA expansion bus first, and any remaining IRQs are
then used by PCI cards. Currently, there are two types of ISA cards. The original
ISA expansion card design, now referred to as “Legacy” ISA cards, requires that
you configure the card’ s jumpers manually and then install it in any available slot on
the ISA bus. You may use Microsoft’s Diagnostic (MSD.EXE) utility included in
the Windows directory to see a map of your used and free IRQs. For Windows 95
users, the “Control Panel” icon in “My Computer” contains a “System” icon which
gives you a “Device Manager” tab. Double clicking on a specific device give you
“Resources” tab which shows the Interrupt number and address. Make sure that no
two devices use the same IRQs or your computer will experience problems when
those two devices are in use at the same time.

26 ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual

III. INSTALLATION

T o simplify this process this motherboard has complied with the Plug and Play (PNP)
specification which was developed to allow automatic system configuration when­ever a PNP-compliant card is added to the system. For PNP cards, IRQs are as­signed automatically from those available.

If the system has both Legacy and PNP ISA cards installed, IRQs are
assigned to PNP cards from those not used by Legacy cards. The PCI and PNP
configuration of the BIOS setup utility can be used to indicate which IRQs are being
used by Legacy cards. For older Legacy cards that does not work with the BIOS,
you can contact your vendor for an ISA Configuration Utility.

An IRQ number is automatically assigned to PCI expansion cards after those used
by Legacy and PNP ISA cards. In the PCI bus design, the BIOS automatically
assigns an IRQ to a PCI slot that has a card in it that requires an IRQ. To install a
PCI card, you need to set something called the INT (interrupt) assignment. Since all
the PCI slots on this motherboard use an INTA #, be sure that the jumpers on your
PCI cards are set to INT A.

Assigning DMA Channels for ISA Cards

Some ISA cards, both Legacy and PNP may also need to use a DMA (Direct Memory
Access) channel. DMA assignments for this motherboard are handled the same way
as the IRQ assignment process described above. You can select a DMA channel in
the PCI and PNP configuration section of the BIOS Setup utility.

IMPORTANT: Choose “Yes” for those IRQs and DMAs you wish to reserve
for Legacy (Non-PnP) ISA expansion cards in “IRQ xx Used By ISA” and “DMA
x Used By ISA” of the PNP and PCI Setup in the BIOS SOFTWARE section,
otherwise conflicts may occur.

ISA Cards and Hardware Monitor

The onboard hardware monitor uses the address 290H so legacy ISA cards must not
use this address or else conflicts will occur.

(DMA Channels)

III. INSTALLATION

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual 27

III. INSTALLATION

5. External Connectors

WARNING: Some pins are used for connectors or power sources. These are
clearly separated from jumpers in “Map of the Motherboard.” Placing jumper
caps over these will cause damage to your motherboard.

IMPORTANT: Ribbon cables should always be connected with the red stripe
on the Pin 1 side of the connector. The four corners of the connectors are la­beled on the motherboard. Pin 1 is the side closest to the power connector on
hard drives and floppy drives. IDE ribbon cable must be less than 18in. (46cm),
with the second drive connector no more than 6in. (15cm) from the first con­nector.

III. INSTALLATION

(Connectors)

1. PS/2 Keyboard Connector (6-pin Female)
This connection is for a standard keyboard using an PS/2 plug (mini DIN). This
connector will not allow standard AT size (large DIN) keyboard plugs. You
may use a DIN to mini DIN adapter on standard AT keyboards.

PS/2 Keyboard (6-pin Female)

2. PS/2 Mouse Connector (6-pin Female)

The system will direct IRQ12 to the PS/2 mouse if one is detected. If not de­tected, expansion cards can use IRQ12. See “PS/2 Mouse Control” in BIOS
Features Setup of the BIOS SOFTWARE.

PS/2 Mouse (6-pin Female)

28 ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual

III. INSTALLATION

3. Parallel Printer Connector (25-pin Female)

You can enable the parallel port and choose the IRQ through “Onboard Parallel
Port” in Chipset Features Setup of the BIOS SOFTW ARE. NOTE: Serial printers
must be connected to the serial port.

Parallel (Printer) Port (25-pin Female)

4. Serial Port COM1 and COM2 Connectors (Two 9-pin Male)

The two serial ports can be used for pointing devices or other serial devices. See
“Onboard Serial Port” in Chipset Features Setup of the BIOS SOFTWARE.

COM 1 COM 2

Serial Ports (9-pin Male)

5. Audio Port Connectors (Three 1/8” Female) (with optional onboard Audio)
Line Out can be connected to headphones or preferably powered speakers.
Line In allows tape players or other audio sources to be recorded by your com-

puter or played through the Line Out. Mic allows microphones to be connected
for inputing voice.

MicLine InLine Out

1/8" Stereo Audio Connectors

(Connectors)

III. INSTALLATION

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual 29

III. INSTALLATION

(Connectors)

III. INSTALLATION

6. Joystick/Midi Connector (15-pin Female) (with optional onboard Audio)

You may connect game joysticks or game pads to this connector for playing
games. Connect Midi devices for playing or editing audio.

Joystick/Midi (15-pin Female)

7. Universal Serial BUS Ports 1 & 2 (Two 4-pin Female Sockets)

Two USB ports are available for connecting USB devices.

USB 1

Univeral Serial Bus (USB) 2

8. Floppy drive connector (34-pin block )

This connector supports the provided floppy drive ribbon cable. After connect­ing the single end to the board, connect the two plugs on the other end to the
floppy drives. (Pin 5 is removed to prevent inserting in the wrong orienta-

tion when using ribbon cables with pin 5 plugged).

R

Floppy Drive Connector

NOTE: Connect the Red stripe to Pin 1

Floppy Drive Connector

Pin 1

30 ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual

III. INSTALLATION

9. Chassis Fan, CPU Cooling Fan, & Power Supply Fan Connectors (FANPWR)

These connectors support cooling fans of 500mAmp (6Watt) or less. Orientate
the fans so that the heat sink fins allow airflow to go across the onboard heat
sink(s) instead of the expansion slots. Depending on the fan manufacturer, the
wiring and plug may be different. The red wire should be positive, while the
black should be ground. Connect the fan’ s plug to the board taking into consid­eration the polarity of the this connector . NOTE: The “Rotation” signal is to

be used only by a specially designed fan with rotation signal.

WARNING: The CPU and/or motherboard will overheat if there is no air-

flow across the CPU and onboard heatsinks. Damage may occur to the
motherboard and/or the CPU fan if these pins are incorrectly used. These

are not jumpers, do not place jumper caps over these pins.

Chassis Fan Power
CPU Fan Power

R

Power Supply Fan

Rotation

+12V

GND

12Volt Chassis, CPU, Power Supply Fan Power

10. Chassis Open Alarm Lead (CHASSIS)

This lead is for an open chassis monitor. A high level signal to the CHASSIS
lead will indicate to the system that the chassis has been opened. The +5V lead
comes from the onboard button cell battery to retain its function even if the
power cord has been unplugged from the ATX power supply. Be sure that the
load on the +5V lead is minimal to prevent constant battery replacements.

R

CHASSIS

+5V
GND

(Connectors)

III. INSTALLATION

Chassis open alarm lead

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual 31

III. INSTALLATION

(Connectors)

III. INSTALLATION

11. Primary / Secondary IDE connectors (Two 40-pin Block)

These connectors support the provided IDE hard disk ribbon cable.
After connecting the single end to the board, connect the two plugs at the other
end to your hard disk(s). If you install two hard disks, you must configure the
second drive to Slave mode by setting its jumper accordingly . Please refer to the
documentation of your hard disk for the jumper settings. BIOS now supports
SCSI device or IDE CD-ROM bootup (see “HDD Sequence SCSI/IDE First” &
“Boot Sequence” in the BIOS Features Setup of the BIOS SOFTWARE) (Pin

20 is removed to prevent inserting in the wrong orientation when using
ribbon cables with pin 20 plugged).

TIP: You may configure two hard disks to be both Masters using one ribbon

cable on the primary IDE connector and another ribbon cable on the secondary
IDE connector. You may install one operating system on an IDE drive and
another on a SCSI drive and select the boot disk through BIOS Features Setup.

R

IDE (Hard Driver) Connectors

NOTE: Connect the Red stripe to Pin 1

Pin 1

Secondary IDE Connector

Primary IDE Connector

12. IDE activity LED (IDE LED)

This connector supplies power to the cabinet’s IDE activity LED. Read and
write activity by devices connected to the Primary or Secondary IDE connectors
will cause the LED to light up.

R

TIP: If the case-mounted LED does not light,
try reversing the 2-pin plug.

IDE_LED

IDE Activity LED

32 ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual

III. INSTALLATION

13. Power LED Lead (PANEL)

The system power LED lights when the system’s power is on.

14. SMI Suspend Switch Lead (PANEL)

This allows the user to manually place the system into a suspend mode or “Green”
mode where system activity will be instantly decreased to save electricity and
expand the life of certain components when the system is not in use. This 2-pin
connector (see the figure below) connects to the case-mounted suspend switch.
If you do not have a switch for the connector, you may use the “Turbo Switch”
since it does not have a function. SMI is activated when it detects a short to
open moment and therefore leaving it shorted will not cause any problems. May
require one or two pushes depending on the position of the switch. W ake-up can
be controlled by settings in the BIOS but the keyboard will always allow wake­up (the SMI lead cannot wake-up the system). If you want to use this connector,
“Suspend Switch” in the Power Management Setup of the BIOS SOFTWARE
section should be on the default setting of Enable.

15. ATX Power Switch (PANEL)

The system power is controlled by a momentary switch connected to this lead.
Pushing the button once will switch the system ON. The system power LED
lights when the system’s power is on.

16. Reset Switch Lead (PANEL)

This 2-pin connector connects to the case-mounted reset switch for rebooting
your computer without having to turn off your power switch This is a preferred
method of rebooting in order to prolong the life of the system’s power supply.

17. Keyboard Lock Switch Lead & System Power LED (PANEL)

This 5-pin connector connects to the case-mounted keyboard lock switch for
locking the keyboard and also to connect the system power LED. The system
power LED lights when the system’s power is on (same as Power LED).

18. Speaker Connector (PANEL)

This 4-pin connector connects to the case-mounted speaker.

R

+5V

System

Power LED

SMI Lead

ATX Power
Switch

Reset SW

+5V

GND

GND

GND

GND

NC

Power LED

GND

LOCK

Keyboard Lock

GND

+5V

Speaker

GND
GND

Connector

SPKR

(Connectors)

III. INSTALLATION

System Panel Connections

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual 33

III. INSTALLATION

19. IrDA-Compliant infrared module connector (IR)

This connector supports the optional wireless transmitting and receiving infrared
module. This module mounts to a small opening on system cases that support this
feature. You must also configure the setting through “UART2 Use Infrared” in
Chipset Features Setup to select whether UAR T2 is directed for use with COM2
or IrDA. Use the five pins as shown on the Back V iew and connect a ribbon cable
from the module to the motherboard according to the pin definitions.

III. INSTALLATION

(Connectors)

R

Infrared Module Connector

Front View

NC

GND

For the infrared feature to be available,
you must connect an optional Infrared
(IrDA) module to the motherboard.

+5V
IRRX
IRTX

Back View

IRTX
GND

+5V
NC

IRRX

20. ATX Power Supply Connector (20-pin block)

This connector connects to an ATX power supply. The plug from the power
supply will only insert in one orientation because of the different hole sizes.
Find the proper orientation and push down firmly making sure that the pins are
aligned.

IMPORTANT: Make sure that the ATX power supply can take at least
10mAmp load on the 5Volt standby lead (5VSB). You may experience diffi­culty in powering on your system without this.

R

12.0V
5VSB

PW-0K

GND

5.0V

GND

5.0V
GND

3.3V

3.3V

5.0V

5.0V

-5.0V
GND
GND
GND
PS-ON
GND

-12.0V

3.3V

ATX Power Connector

34 ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual

III. INSTALLATION

Power Connection Procedures

1. After all jumpers and connections are made, close the system case cover.

2. Make sure that all switches are in the off position as marked by

3. Connect the power supply cord into the power supply located on the back of
your system case as instructed by your system user’s manual.

4. Connect the power cord into a power outlet that is equipped by a surge protector .

5. You may then turn on your devices in the following order:
a. Your monitor
b. External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain)
c. Your system power. For ATX power supplies, you need to switch

on the power supply as well as press the ATX power switch on the
front of the case.

6. The power LED on the front panel of the system case will light. For ATX
power supplies, the system LED will light when the ATX power switch is
pressed. The monitor LED may light up after the system’s if it complies with
“Green” standards or if it has a power standby feature. The system will then
run power-on tests. While the tests are running, additional messages will ap­pear on the screen. If you do not see anything within 30 seconds from the time
you turn on the power, the system may have failed a power-on test. Recheck
your jumper settings and connections or call your retailer for assistance.

.

III. INSTALLATION

(Power Connections)

7. During power-on, hold down the <Delete> key to enter BIOS setup. Follow
the next section “BIOS SOFTWARE” for instructions.

* Powering Off your computer: You must first quit or shut down your operat-

ing system before switching off the power switch. For ATX power supplies,
you can press the ATX power switch after exiting or shutting down your oper­ating system. For W indows 95, you can select Shut down the computer from
the Start button and the system will give three quick beeps after about 30
seconds and power off after windows shut down. NOTE: The message “It’s
now safe to turn off your computer” will not be shown in Windows 95 when
using shut down with ATX power supplies.

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual 35

IV. BIOS SOFTWARE

Support Software

FILELIST.TXT - View this file to see the files included in the support software.
PFLASH.EXE - This is the Flash Memory Writer utility that updates the BIOS by

uploading a new BIOS file to the programmable flash ROM chip on the mother­board. To determine the BIOS version, check the last four numbers of the code
displayed on the upper left-hand corner of your screen during bootup. Larger num­bers represent a newer BIOS file.

NOTE: A binary BIOS file is no longer included with the support software.
Save the motherboard’s BIOS file to a floppy diskette as soon as your system
is operational. See “Flash Memory Writer Utility” below.

Flash Memory Writer Utility

ASUSTeK PNP BIOS

Copyright (C) 1995, ASUSTeK COMPUTER Inc.

FLASH MEMORY WRITER V1.5

(Flash Memory Writer)

IV. BIOS

Flash Type -- SST 29EE010

Current BIOS Revision: #401A0-xxxx

Choose one of the following:

1. Save Current BIOS To File

2. Update BIOS Main Block From File

3. Advanced Features

Enter Choice: [1]

Press ESC To Exit

xxxx denotes the current BIOS version stored in the Flash EPROM

IMPORTANT: Flash Type may also be “INTEL 28F001BXT.” If “unknown”
is shown after “Flash type --,” then this ROM chip is not programmable or not
supported with the PnP BIOS and therefore cannot be programmed by the
Flash Memory Writer.

Main Menu

1. Save Current BIOS to File (Perform as soon as system is operational)

This option allows you to copy the contents of the Flash memory chip onto a dis­kette. This gives you a backup copy of the original motherboard BIOS in case you
need to re-install it.

Create a bootable system floppy diskette by typing [FORMAT A:/S] from the
DOS environment without creating “AUTOEXEC.BAT” and “CONFIG.SYS”
files, then copy PFLASH.EXE to the newly formatted diskette and then save
your BIOS to the same diskette.

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual36

IV. BIOS SOFTWARE

2. Update BIOS Main Block from File

This option updates the BIOS from a file on the disk. This can either be a new file
or a backup file created by the “Save Current BIOS to File” option. This will not
update the Boot Block if the Boot Block is different. You will be prompted with the
following if advanced features if necessary.

Boot Block of New BIOS is different from old one !!!

Please Use ’Advanced Feature’ to flash whole bios !!!

3. Advanced Features

Selecting this option brings up the Advanced Features screen for clearing the PnP
configuration record and updating the motherboard BIOS.

Advanced Features Menu

Advanced Features

Flash Type -- SST 29EE010

Current BIOS Revision: #401A0-xxxx

Choose one of the following:

1. Clear PNP ESCD Parameter Block

2. Update BIOS Including Boot Block and ESCD

Enter Choice: [2]

Press ESC To Exit

xxxx denotes the current BIOS version stored in the Flash EPROM

1. Clear PNP ESCD Parameter Block

This option erases the Plug-and-Play (PnP) configuration record.

2. Update BIOS Including Boot Block and ESCD

This option updates the Boot Block, the motherboard BIOS and the PnP ESCD
Parameter Block from a new BIOS file.

IV. BIOS

(Flash Memory Writer)

NOTE: “Update BIOS Main Block from File” and “Update BIOS Including Boot
Block and ESCD” requires that the system is running in real mode. This utility will
not operate if the system is under protected mode or virtual mode. You should boot
from a system floppy diskette without “AUTOEXEC.BAT” and “CONFIG.SYS” files.

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual 37

IV. BIOS SOFTWARE

Updating your Motherboard’s BIOS

1. Download an updated BIOS file from a Bulletin Board Service (BBS) or the Internet
(WWW or FTP) and save to the diskette you created in step 1 of the Main Menu.
V isit ASUS at http://www.asus.com.tw/ or ftp://ftp.asus.com.tw/pub/ASUS or
see ASUS CONTACT INFORMATION in the front of the manual.

2. Turn off your computer and open the system cabinet to Enable “Boot Block
Programming” jumper as shown in section III.

3. Boot from the floppy diskette you created in step 1 of the Main Menu.

4. At the “A:\” prompt, type PFLASH <Enter>

5. Enter “2” from the Main Menu or “2” from the Advanced Features Menu.
You will be prompted with the following if “Advanced Features” is necessary.

Boot Block of New BIOS is different from old one !!!
Please Use ‘Advanced Feature’ to flash whole bios !!!

6. The program displays a second screen prompting you for the name of the BIOS
file. Type in the complete name of the file, including the file name extension,
and then press the <Enter> key. The utility then uploads the BIOS file from
disk. The following message will appear:

(Updating BIOS)

IV. BIOS

If you encounter problems while downloading the new BIOS, DO NOT turn off
your system since this might prevent your system from booting up. Just repeat
the process, and if the problem still persists, upload the original BIOS file you
saved to disk in step 1 of the Main Menu.

WARNING: If the Flash Memory Writer utility was not able to successfully
download a complete BIOS file, your system may not be able to boot up. If
this happens, your system will require service from your vendor.

7. After successfully downloading the new BIOS file, exit the Flash Memory Writer
utility and then turn off your system. Set the jumper back to its default setting
of Programming “Disabled.”

DO NOT TURN OFF THE SYSTEM IF THERE IS A PROBLEM!

8. Turn on your computer and hold down <Delete> to enter BIOS setup. Y ou must
select “LOAD SETUP DEFAULTS” to affect the new BIOS, then you may
set other items from the Main Menu.

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual38

IV. BIOS SOFTWARE

6. BIOS Setup

The motherboard supports two programmable Flash ROM chips: 5 Volt and 12
Volt. Either of these memory chips can be updated when BIOS upgrades are re­leased. Use the Flash Memory W riter utility to download the new BIOS file into the
ROM chip as described in detail in this section.

All computer motherboards provide a Setup utility program for specifying the sys­tem configuration and settings. If your motherboard came in a computer system, the
proper configuration entries may have already been made. If so, run the Setup util­ity, as described later, and take note of the configuration settings for future refer­ence, in particular, the hard disk specifications.

If you are installing the motherboard or reconfiguring your system or if you receive
a Run Setup message, you will need to enter new setup information. This section
describes how to configure your system using this utility.

The BIOS ROM of the system stores the Setup utility. When you turn on the com­puter, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program. This ap­pears during the Power-On Self Test (POST). Press the <Delete> key to call up the
Setup utility. If you are a little bit late pressing the mentioned key(s), POST will
continue with its test routines, thus preventing you from calling up Setup. If you
still need to call Setup, reset the system by simultaneously pressing the <Ctrl>, <Alt>
and <Delete> keys, or by pushing the Reset button on the system case. You can also
restart by turning the system off and then back on again. But do so only if the first
two methods fail.

When you run Setup, the CMOS SETUP UTILITY main program screen will ap­pear with the following options:

IV. BIOS

(BIOS Setup)

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual 39

IV. BIOS SOFTWARE

Load Defaults

The “Load BIOS Defaults” option loads the minimized settings for troubleshooting.
“Load Setup Defaults”, on the other hand, is for loading optimized defaults for
regular use. Choosing defaults at this level, will modify all applicable settings.

A section at the bottom of the above screen displays the control keys for this screen.
Take note of these keys and their respective uses. Another section just below the
control keys section displays information on the currently highlighted item in the list.

Standard CMOS Setup

This “Standard CMOS Setup” option allows you to record some basic system hard­ware configuration and set the system clock and error handling. If the motherboard
is already installed in a working system, you will not need to select this option
anymore. However, if the configuration stored in the CMOS memory on the board
gets lost or damaged, or if you change your system hardware configuration, you will
need to respecify the configuration values. The configuration values usually get lost
or corrupted when the power of the onboard CMOS battery weakens.

(Standard CMOS)

IV. BIOS

The above screen provides you with a list of options. At the bottom of this screen are
the control keys for this screen. Take note of these keys and their respective uses.

User-configurable fields appear in a different color. If you need information on the
selected field, press the <F1> key. The help menu will then appear to provide you
with the information you need. The memory display at the lower right-hand side of
the screen is read-only and automatically adjusts accordingly.

Details of Standard CMOS Setup:

Date

T o set the date, highlight the “Date” field and then press the page up/page down or +/

- keys to set the current date. Follow the month, day and year format. Valid values for

month, day and year are: Month: (1 to 12), Day: (1 to 31), Year: (up to 2099)

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual40

IV. BIOS SOFTWARE

Time

T o set the time, highlight the “Time” field and then press the page up/page down or +/- keys
to set the current time. Follow the hour, minute and second format. Valid values for hour,
minute and second are: (Hour: (00 to 23), Minute: (00 to 59),Second: (00 to 59)time,
just press the <Enter> key twice if you do not want to modify the current

NOTE: You can bypass the date and time prompts by creating an AUT OEXEC.BA T
file. For information on how to create this file, please refer to the MS-DOS manual.

Hard Disk Drives

This field records the specifications for all non-SCSI hard disk drives installed in
your system. The onboard PCI IDE connectors provide Primary and Secondary
channels for connecting up to four IDE hard disks or other IDE devices. Each chan­nel can support up to two hard disks; the first of which is the “master” and the
second is the “slave”.

Specifications for SCSI hard disks need not to be entered here since they operate
using device drivers and are not supported by any the BIOS. If you install the
optional PCI-SC200 SCSI controller card into the motherboard (see section VI for
instructions). If you install other vendor’s SCSI controller card, please refer to their
respective documentations on how to install the required SCSI drivers.

For IDE hard disk drive setup, you can:

• Use the Auto setting for detection during bootup.

• Use the IDE HDD AUTO DETECTION in the main menu to automatically
enter the drive specifications.

• Enter the specifications yourself manually by using the “User” option.

The entries for specifying the hard disk type include CYLS (number of cylinders),
HEAD (number of read/write heads), PRECOMP (write precompensation), LANDZ
(landing zone), SECTOR (number of sectors) and MODE. The SIZE field auto­matically adjusts according to the configuration you specify. The documentation
that comes with your hard disk should provide you with the information regarding
the drive specifications.

IV. BIOS

(Standard CMOS)

The MODE entry is for IDE hard disks only, and can be ignored for MFM and ESDI
drives. This entry provides three options: Normal, Large, LBA, or Auto (see be-
low). Set MODE to the Normal for IDE hard disk drives smaller than 528MB; set
it to LBA for drives over 528MB that support Logical Block Addressing (LBA) to
allow larger IDE hard disks; set it to Large for drives over 528MB that do not sup-
port LBA. Large type of drive can only be used with MS-DOS and is very uncom­mon. Most IDE drives over 528MB support the LBA mode.

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual 41

IV. BIOS SOFTWARE

Auto detection of hard disks on bootup

For each field: Primary Master, Primary Slave, Secondary Master, and Secondary
Slave, you can select Auto under the TYPE and MODE fields. This will enable auto
detection of your IDE drives during bootup. This will allow you to change your
hard drives (with the power off) and then power on without having to reconfigure
your hard drive type. If you use older hard drives which do not support this feature,
then you must configure the hard drive in the standard method as described above
by the “User” option.

NOTE: After the IDE hard disk drive information has been entered into BIOS, new
IDE hard disk drives must be partitioned (such as with FDISK) and then formatted
before data can be read from and write on. Primary IDE hard disk drives must have
its partition set to active (also possible with FDISK).

NOTE: SETUP Defaults are noted in parenthesis next to each function heading.

Drive A / Drive B (None)

These fields record the types of floppy disk drives installed in your system. The
available options for drives A and B are: 360KB, 5.25 in.; 1.2MB, 5.25 in.; 720KB,

(Standard CMOS)

IV. BIOS

3.5 in.; 1.44MB, 3.5 in.; 2.88MB, 3.5 in.; None

To enter the configuration value for a particular drive, highlight its corresponding
field and then select the drive type using the left- or right-arrow key.

Floppy 3 Mode Support (Disabled)

This is the Japanese standard floppy drive. The standard stores 1.2MB in a 3.5inch
diskette. This is normally disabled but you may choose from either: Drive A, Drive

B, Both, and Disabled

Video (EGA/VGA)

Set this field to the type of video display card installed in your system. The options
are: EGA/VGA, Mono (for Hercules or MDA), CGA 40, and CGA 80

If you are using a VGA or any higher resolution card, choose the “EGA/VGA”
option.

Halt On (All Errors)

This field determines which types of errors will cause the system to halt. Choose from

All Errors, No Errors, All, But Keyboard, All, But Diskette, and All, But Disk/Key.

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual42

IV. BIOS SOFTWARE

BIOS Features Setup

This “BIOS Features Setup” option consists of configuration entries that allow you
to improve your system performance, or let you set up some system features accord­ing to your preference. Some entries here are required by the motherboard’ s design
to remain in their default settings.

A section at the lower right of the screen displays the control keys you can use. T ake
note of these keys and their respective uses. If you need information on a particular
entry, highlight it and then press the <F1> key. A pop-up help menu will appear to
provide you with the information you need. <F5> loads the last set values, <F6> &
<F7> loads the BIOS default values and Setup default values, respectively.

NOTE: SETUP Defaults are noted in parenthesis next to each function heading.

Details of BIOS Features Setup

Virus Warning (Disabled)

This field protects the boot sector and partition table of your hard disk against acci­dental modifications. Any attempt to write to them will cause the system to halt and
display a warning message. If this occurs, you can either allow the operation to
continue or use a bootable virus-free floppy disk to reboot and investigate your
system. This setting is recommended because conflicts with new operating sys­tems. Installation of new operating systems require that you disable this to prevent
write errors.

CPU Level 1 Cache / CPU Level 2 Cache (Enabled)

These fields allow you to choose from the default of Enable or choose Disable to
turn on or off the CPU’s Level 1 and Level 2 built-in cache.

IV. BIOS

(BIOS Features)

BIOS Update (Enabled)

This functions as an update loader integrated into the BIOS to supply the Pentium
Pro/Pentium II Processor(s) with the required data. The BIOS will load the update
on all processors during system bootup in the default position of Enabled.

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual 43

IV. BIOS SOFTWARE

CPU Fast String (Enabled)

Leave on default setting of Enabled for best performance.

Deturbo Mode (Disabled)

When Enabled, FLUSH# signal is held asserted to disable caching and the P6 bus
pipeline will be stalled. This allows software to run at a reduced-speed. The default
is set to Disabled to allow maximum processing speed.

Quick Power On Self Test (Enabled)

This field speeds up the Power-On Self Test (POST) routine by skipping retesting a
second, third, and forth time. Setup default setting for this field is Enabled. A
complete test of the system is done on each test.

HDD Sequence SCSI/IDE First (IDE)

When using both SCSI and IDE hard disk drives, IDE is always the boot disk using
drive letter C (default setting of IDE). This new feature allows a SCSI hard disk
drive to be the boot disk when set to SCSI. This allows multiple operating systems
to be used on both IDE and SCSI drives or the primary operating system to boot
using a SCSI hard disk drive.

Boot Sequence (C,A)

This field determines where the system looks first for an operating system. Options
are A,CDROM,C; CDROM,C,A; A,C; C,A The setup default setting is to check first
the hard disk and then the floppy drive; that is, C, A.

(BIOS Features)

IV. BIOS

Boot Up Floppy Seek (Disabled)

When enabled, the BIOS will seek the floppy “A” drive one time.

Floppy Disk Access Control (R/W)

This allows protection of files from the computer system to be copied to floppy
drives by allowing the setting of Read Only to only allow reads from the floppy but
not writes. The setup default R/W allows both reads and writes.

IDE HDD Block Mode Sectors (HDD MAX)

This field enhances hard disk performance by making multi-sector transfers instead
of one sector per transfer. Most IDE drives, except older versions, can utilize this
feature. Selections are HDD MAX, Disabled 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32.

Security Option (System)

This field determines when the system prompts for the password. The default set­ting is System, where the system prompts for the User Password every time you boot
up. The other option is Setup, where the system always boots up, and prompts for
the Supervisor Password only when the Setup utility is called up. You can specify a
password by using the Supervisor Password or User Passwor d option from the main
screen as explained later in this section.

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual44

IV. BIOS SOFTWARE

PS/2 Mouse Function Control (Auto)

The default of Auto allows the system to detect a PS/2 Mouse on bootup. If de­tected, IRQ12 will be used for the PS/2 Mouse. IRQ12 will be reserved for expan­sion cards if a PS/2 Mouse is not detected. Disabled will reserve IRQ12 for expan­sion cards and therefore the PS/2 Mouse will not function.

PCI/VGA Palette Snoop (Disabled)

Some display cards that are nonstandard VGA such as graphics accelerators or MPEG
V ideo Cards may not show colors properly . The setting Enabled should correct this
problem. Otherwise leave this on the setup default setting of Disabled.

OS/2 Onboard Memory > 64M (Disabled)

When using OS/2 operating systems with installed DRAM of greater than 64MB,
you need to Enable this option otherwise leave this on the setup default of Disabled.

......................................................................................................................................

Video BIOS Shadow (Enabled)

This field allows you to change the video BIOS location from ROM to RAM. Relo­cating to RAM enhances system performance, as information access is faster than
the ROM.

C8000-CBFFF to DC000-DFFFF (Disabled)

These fields are used for shadowing other expansion card ROMs. If you install
other expansion cards with ROMs on them, you will need to know which addresses
the ROMs use to shadow them specifically . Shadowing a ROM reduces the memory
available between 640KB and 1024KB by the amount used for this purpose.

Boot Up NumLock Status (On)

This field enables users to activate the Number Lock function upon system boot.

Boot Up System Speed (High)

This has no function and should be left on the setup default.

Typematic Rate Setting (Disabled)

When enabled, you can set the two typematic controls listed next. Setup default
setting is Disabled.

Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec) (6)

This field controls the speed at which the system registers repeated keystrokes.
Options range from 6 to 30 characters per second. Setup default setting is 6; other
settings are 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 24, and 30.

IV. BIOS

(BIOS Features)

Typematic Delay (Msec) (250)

This field sets the time interval for displaying the first and second characters. Four
delay rate options are available: 250, 500, 750, and 1000.

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual 45

IV. BIOS SOFTWARE

Chipset Features Setup

This “Chipset Features Setup” option controls the configuration of the board’ s chipset.
Control keys for this screen are the same as for the previous screen.

NOTE: SETUP Defaults are noted in parenthesis next to each function heading.

Details of Chipset Features Setup

Auto Configuration (60ns DRAM)

The default setting of 60ns DRAM sets the optimal timings for items 2 through 6 for

(Chipset Features)

IV. BIOS

60ns DRAM modules. If you are using 70ns DRAM modules, you must change this
item to 70ns DRAM. See section III for DRAM installation information.

DRAM Refresh Type (RAS Only)

Leave on default setting of RAS Only as this is the current standard.

CPU-to-PCI IDE Posting (Enabled)

Leave on default setting of Enabled so that the CPU to PCI IDE posting cycles are
treated as normal I/O write transactions.

USWC Write Posting (Enabled)

Leave on default setting of Enabled to allow USWC write posting during
I/O bridge access.

CPU-to-PCI Write Post (Enabled)

The default setting of Enabled will increase the efficiency of the PCI bus and speed
up the execution in the processor.

PCI-to-DRAM Pipeline (Enabled)

The default of Enabled will increase the bandwidth of the path between the
PCI and the DRAM to enhance the PCI bus efficiency and DRAM accessing.

PCI Burst Write Combining (Enabled)

The default setting of Enabled will increase the efficiency of PCI bus by combining
several CPU to PCI write cycles into one. VGA performance is increased by this
action.

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual46

IV. BIOS SOFTWARE

Read-Around-Write (Enabled)

The default setting of Enabled will increase the execution efficiency of the proces­sor. It allows the processor to execute read commands out of order if there is no
dependence between these read and other write commands.

16-bit I/O Recovery Time (1 BUSCLK)

Timing for 16-bit ISA cards (leave on default setting of 1 BUSCLK)

8-bit I/O Recovery Time (1 BUSCLK)

Timing for 8-bit ISA cards (leave on default setting of 1 BUSCLK)

Video Memory Cache Mode (UC)

USWC (uncacheable, speculative write combining) is a new cache technology for
the video memory of the Pentium Pro processor . It can greatly improve the display
speed by caching the display data. You must leave this on the default setting of UC
(uncacheable) if your display card cannot support this feature or else your system
may not boot.

Memory Hole at 15M - 16M (Disabled)

Enabling this feature reserves 15MB to 16MB memory address space to ISA expan­sion cards that specifically require this setting. This makes the memory from 15MB
and up unavailable to the system. Expansion cards can only access memory up to
16MB. The default is Disabled.

[DRAM and ECC]

If all your DRAM modules have parity chips (e.g. 8 chips + 4 parity chips), they are
considered 36bits. This motherboard sums the memory per bank and therefore two
modules will give 72bits and the following will be displayed:

If your DRAM modules do not have parity chips (e.g. 8 chips), they are considered
32bits and the following will be displayed instead:

The default of Disabled for Data Integrity will not show memory errors on your
monitor . When using parity DRAM modules, you can select ECC (Error Checking
and Correcting) to correct 1 bit memory errors that may occur in the memory , other­wise Parity is the default. (See section III for more information on DRAM memory
modules.)

....................................................................................................................................

Onboard FDC Controller (Enabled)

When enabled, this field allows you to connect your floppy disk drives to the on­board floppy drive connector instead of a separate controller card. If you want to
use a different controller card to connect the floppy drives, set this field to Disabled.

IV. BIOS

(Chipset Features)

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual 47

IV. BIOS SOFTWARE

Onboard FDC Swap A & B (No Swap)

This field reverses the drive letter assignments of your floppy disk drives. Two op­tions are available: “No Swap” and “Swap AB.” If you want to switch drive letter
assignments, set this field to “Swap AB”, and the swap will be controlled in hardware.
This works separately from the BIOS Features floppy disk swap feature. It is func­tionally the same as physically interchanging the connectors of the floppy disk drives.

Onboard Serial Port 1 (3F8H/IRQ4)

Settings are 3F8H/IRQ4, 2F8H/IRQ3, 3E8H/IRQ4, 2E8H/IRQ10, and Disabled for
the onboard serial connector.

Onboard Serial Port 2 (2F8H/IRQ3)

Settings are 3F8H/IRQ4, 2F8H/IRQ3, 3E8H/IRQ4, 2E8H/IRQ10, and Disabled for
the onboard serial connector.

Onboard Parallel Port (378H/IRQ7)

This field sets the address of the onboard parallel port connector. You can select
either: 3BCH / IRQ 7, 378H / IRQ 7, 278H / IRQ 5, Disabled. If you install an I/O card
with a parallel port, ensure that there is no conflict in the address assignments. The PC
can support up to three parallel ports as long as there are no conflicts for each port.

Parallel Port Mode (ECP+EPP)

This field allows you to set the operation mode of the parallel port. The setting
Normal, allows normal-speed operation but in one direction only; EPP allows bidi-
rectional parallel port operation at maximum speed; ECP allows the parallel port to
operate in bidirectional mode and at a speed faster than the maximum data transfer

(Chipset Features)

IV. BIOS

rate; ECP+EPP allows normal speed operation in a two-way mode.

ECP DMA Select (3)

This selection is available only if you select ECP or ECP+EPP in the

Parallel Port Mode. Select either DMA Channel 1, 3, or Disable.
UART2 Use Infrared (Disabled)

When enabled, this field activates the onboard infrared feature and sets the second
serial UAR T to support the infrared module connector on the motherboard. If your
system already has a second serial port connected to the onboard COM2 connector,
it will no longer work if you enable the infrared feature. By default, this field is set
to Disabled, which leaves the second serial port UAR T to support the COM2 serial
port connector. See section III of the baseboard manual for the IrDA-compliant

infrared module connector.
Onboard PCI IDE Enable (both)

You can select to enable the primary IDE channel, secondary IDE channel, both, or
disable both channels (for systems with only SCSI drives).

IDE 0 Master/Slave Mode, IDE 1 Master/Slave Mode (Auto)

Each channel (0 and 1) has both a master and a slave making four IDE devices
possible. Because each IDE device may have a different Mode timing (0, 1, 2, 3, 4),
it is necessary for these to be independent. The default setting of Auto will allow
auto-detection to ensure optimal performance.

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual48

IV. BIOS SOFTWARE

Power Management Setup

This “Power Management Setup” option allows you to reduce power consumption.
This feature turns off the video display and shuts down the hard disk after a period
of inactivity.

NOTE: SETUP Defaults are noted in parenthesis next to each function heading.

Details of Power Management Setup

Power Management (User Define)

This field acts as the master control for the power management modes. Max Saving
puts the system into power saving mode after a brief period of system inactivity;
Min Saving is almost the same as Max Saving except that this time the system inac­tivity period is longer; Disabled disables the power saving features; User Defined
allows you to set power saving options according to your preference.

IMPORTANT: Advanced Power Management (APM) should be installed to
keep the system time updated when the computer enters suspend mode acti­vated by the BIOS Power Management. For DOS environments, you need to
add DEVICE=C:\DOS\POWER.EXE in you CONFIG.SYS. For W indows 3.x
and Windows 95, you need to install Windows with the APM feature. A battery
and power cord icon labeled “Power” will appear in the “Contr ol Panel.” Choose
“Advanced” in the Power Management Field.

Video Off Option (Susp, Stby->Off )

This field determines when to activate the video off feature for monitor power
management. The settings are All Modes->Off; Always On; Suspend->Off; and
Susp, Stby->Off .

IV. BIOS

(Power Management)

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual 49

IV. BIOS SOFTWARE

Video Off Method (V/H SYNC + Blank)

This field defines the video off features. Three options are available: V/H SYNC +
Blank, DPMS, and Blank Only. The first option, which is the default setting, blanks

the screen and turns off vertical and horizontal scanning; DPMS (Display Power
Management System) allows the BIOS to control the video display card if it sup­ports the DPMS feature; Blank Screen only blanks the screen. Use the latter for
monitors that do not support the “Green” (no power management) feature. NOTE:
Screen saver software does not work with this feature. While the monitor is shut off,
this software cannot display.

Suspend Switch (Enabled)

This field enables or disables the SMI connector on the motherboard. This connec­tor connects to the lead from the Suspend switch mounted on the system case.

Doze Speed, Stdby Speed (8/32)

These two fields set the CPU speed during each mode. The number indicates what
the normal CPU speed is divided by.

PM Timers (Disabled)

This section controls the time-out settings for the Power Management scheme. The
fields included in this section are “HDD Power Down”, which places the hard disk
into its lowest power consumption mode, and the Doze, Standby and Suspend sys­tem inactivation modes.

The system automatically “wakes up” from any power saving mode when there is
system activity such as when a key is pressed from the keyboard, or when there is
activity detected from the enabled IRQ channels.

(Power Management)

HDD Power Down shuts down any IDE hard disk drives in the system after a pe-

IV. BIOS

riod of inactivity. This time period is user-configurable to 1-15 Mins or Disable.
This feature does not affect SCSI hard drives.

The Doze Mode, Standby Mode, and Suspend Mode fields set the period of time
after which each of these modes activate. At Max Saving, these modes activate
sequentially (in the given order) after one minute; at Min Saving after one hour.

PM Events

This section sets the wake-up call of the system. If activity is detected from any
enabled IRQ channels in the left-hand group, the system wakes up from suspended
mode. You can enable power management for IRQs 3 ~ 15 individually in the list at
the right of the screen. The power management feature will work on the enabled
IRQ channels.

T ake note that a Microsoft serial mouse or compatible will use either COM1 (IRQ4)
or COM2 (IRQ3), and a PS/2 mouse will use IRQ12. If you know which IRQ your
mouse is using, you can enable the Wake-up Event for that IRQ here and the system
will wake up when you move the mouse or click its button.

.......................................................................................................................................

Sleep Items (IRQ3-IRQ15)

You can individually Enable or Disable each IRQ to include in the sleep function.
IRQ8 (Real Time Alarm) is usually set to Disable so that any software alarm clock
or event calendar can wake up the system.

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual50

IV. BIOS SOFTWARE

PNP and PCI Setup

This “PNP and PCI Setup” option configures the PCI bus slots. All PCI bus slots on
the system use INTA#, thus all installed PCI cards must be set to this value.

NOTE: SETUP Defaults are noted in parenthesis next to each function heading.

Details of PNP and PCI Setup

[Slot Interrupts] (Auto)

The first four fields on the screen set how IRQ use is determined for each PCI slot.
The default setting for each field is Auto, which uses auto-routing to determine IRQ
use. The other options are manual settings of 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, or 15 for each slot.

PCI Latency Timer (32 PCI Clock)

“32 PCI Clock” enables maximum PCI performance for this motherboard.

IRQ xx Used By ISA (No/ICU)

These fields indicate whether or not the displayed IRQ for each field is being used
by a Legacy (non-PnP) ISA card. Two options are available: No/ICU and Yes. The
first option, the default value, indicates either that the displayed IRQ is not used or
an ISA Configuration Utility (ICU) is being used to determine if an ISA card is
using that IRQ. If you install a Legacy ISA card that requires a unique IRQ, and you
are not using an ICU, you must set the field for that IRQ to Yes. For example: If you
install a Legacy ISA card that requires IRQ 10, then set IRQ10 Used By ISA to Yes.

......................................................................................................................................

IV. BIOS

(Plug & Play / PCI)

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual 51

IV. BIOS SOFTWARE

DMA x Used By ISA (No/ICU)

These fields indicate whether or not the displayed DMA channel for each field is
being used by a Legacy (non-PnP) ISA card. Available options include: No/ICU
and Yes. The first option, the default setting, indicates either that the displayed
DMA channel is not used or an ICU is being used to determine if an ISA card is
using that channel. If you install a Legacy ISA card that requires a unique DMA
channel, and you are not using an ICU, you must set the field for that channel to Yes.

ISA MEM Block BASE (No/ICU)

This field allows you to set the base address and block size of a Legacy ISA card that
uses any memory segment within the C800, CC00, D000, D400, D800, and DC00
address range. If you have such a card, and you are not using an ICU to specify its
address range, select a base address from the six available options; the ISA MEM
Block SIZE field will then appear for selecting the block size. If you have more than
one Legacy ISA card in your system that requires to use this address range, you can
increase the block size to either 8K, 16K, 32K, or 64K. If you are using an ICU to
accomplish this task, leave ISA MEM Block BASE to its default setting of No/ICU.

SCSI BIOS (Auto)

The default uses Auto settings for the onboard SCSI BIOS (see section VI). If you
wish not to use the onboard SCSI BIOS, choose Disabled

USB Function (Disabled)

(Plug & Play / PCI)

IV. BIOS

This motherboard supports Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices but current operat­ing systems do not. The default is set to Disabled until support disks and USB
devices are available in which time you can set this function to Enabled.

Passive Release (Enabled)

This function allows the passive release to be Enabled or Disabled. The default
setting of Enabled allows better performance.

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual52

IV. BIOS SOFTWARE

Load BIOS Defaults

This “Load BIOS Defaults” option allows you to load the troubleshooting default
values permanently stored in the BIOS ROM. These default settings are non-opti­mal and disable all high performance features. To load these default settings, high­light “Load BIOS Defaults” on the main screen and then press the <Enter> key . The
system displays a confirmation message on the screen. Press the <Y> key and then
the <Enter> key to confirm. Press the <N> key and then the <Enter> key to abort.
This feature does not affect the fields on the Standard CMOS Setup screen.

Load Setup Defaults

This “Load Setup Defaults” option allows you to load the default values to the sys­tem configuration fields. These default values are the optimized configuration set­tings for the system. To load these default values, highlight “Load Setup Defaults”
on the main screen and then press the <Enter> key . The system displays a confirma­tion message on the screen. Press the <Y> key and then the <Enter> key to confirm.
Press the <N> key and then the <Enter> key to abort. This feature does not affect
the fields on the Standard CMOS Setup screen.

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual 53

IV. BIOS

(Load Defaults)

IV. BIOS SOFTWARE

Smart Alarm (LM78) Setup

This menu controls the functions of the LM78 hardware monitor chip on this moth­erboard. Certain hardware components are necessary for the all the features to be
available.

NOTE: SETUP Defaults are noted in parenthesis next to each function heading.

Details of Smart Alarm Setup

(Hardware Monitor)

IV. BIOS

Fan Monitor: CPU1 Fan Speed, CPU2 Fan Speed, Power Fan Speed (xxxxRPM)

The onboard hardware monitor is able to detect the Chassis Fan Speed, CPU Fan
Speed, and the Power Supply Fan Speed in Rotations Per Minute (RPM). These
values refresh upon any key entry in the BIOS setup screens. Set to Ignore if one of
these are not used so that error messages will not be given.

Thermal Monitor: MB Temperature (xxxC/xxxF)

The onboard hardware monitor is able to detect the Motherboard temperatures. These
values refresh upon key entries. Set to Ignore only if necessary.

Voltage Monitor: VCORE, +3.3V, +5V, +12V, -12V, -5V (+/- xx.xV)

The onboard hardware monitor is able to detect the voltages put out by the voltage
regulators. These values refresh upon key entries. Set to Ignore only if necessary.

NOTE: If any of the monitored items are out of range during system bootup, you
will be prompted by this message: “Hardware Monitor found an error, enter POWER
MANAGEMENT SETUP for details.” The bottom of the screen will instruct you
to: “Press F1 to continue, DEL to enter SETUP.”

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual54

IV. BIOS SOFTWARE

Supervisor Password and User Password

These two options set the system passwords. “Supervisor Password” sets a pass­word that will be used to protect the system and the Setup utility; “User Password”
sets a password that will be used exclusively on the system. By default, the system
comes without any passwords. To specify a password, highlight the type you want
and then press the <Enter> key. A password prompt appears on the screen. Taking
note that the password is case sensitive, and can be up to 8 alphanumeric characters
long, type in your password and then press the <Enter> key. The system confirms
your password by asking you to type it again. After setting a password, the screen
automatically reverts to the main screen.

T o implement the password protection, specify in the “Security Option” field of the
BIOS Features Setup screen when the system will prompt for the password. If you
want to disable either password, press the <Enter> key instead of entering a new
password when the “Enter Password” prompt appears. A message confirms the
password has been disabled.

NOTE: If you forget the password, see CMOS RAM in section III for procedures
on clearing the CMOS.

IV. BIOS

(Passwords)

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual 55

IDE HDD Auto Detection

This “IDE HDD Auto Detection” option detects the parameters of an IDE hard disk
drive, and automatically enters them into the Standard CMOS Setup screen.

Up to four IDE drives can be detected, with parameters for each listed inside the
box. To accept the optimal entries, press the <Y> key or else select from the num­bers displayed under the OPTIONS field (2, 1, 3 in this case); to skip to the next
drive, press the <N> key . If you accept the values, the parameters will appear listed
beside the drive letter on the screen. The process then proceeds to the next drive
letter . Pressing the <N> key to skip rather than to accept a set of parameters causes
the program to enter zeros after that drive letter.

(Hard Drive Detect)

IV. BIOS

Remember that if you are using another IDE controller that does not feature En­hanced IDE support for four devices, you can only install two IDE hard disk drives.
Y our IDE controller must support the Enhanced IDE features in order to use Drive E
and Drive F. The onboard PCI IDE controller supports Enhanced IDE, with two
connectors for connecting up to four IDE devices. If you want to use another con­troller that supports four drives, you must disable the onboard IDE controller in the
Chipset Features Setup screen.

IV. BIOS SOFTWARE

ROM PCI/ISA BIOS (<KN97-X>)

CMOS SETUP UTILITY

AWARD SOFTWARE, INC.

HARD DISKS TYPE SIZE CYLS HEAD PRECOMP LANDZ SECTOR MODE

Primary Master :

Select Primary Master Option (N=Skip) : N

OPTIONS SIZE CYLS HEAD PRECOMP LANDZ SECTOR MODE

2(Y) 849 823 32 0 1646 63 LBA
1 849 1647 16 65535 1646 63 NORMAL
3 849 823 32 65535 1646 63 LARGE

Note: Some OSes (like SCO-UNIX) must use “NORMAL” for installation

ESC : Skip

When auto-detection is completed, the program automatically enters all entries you
accepted on the field for that drive in the Standard CMOS Setup screen. Skipped
entries are ignored and are not entered in the screen.

If you are auto-detecting a hard disk that supports the LBA mode, three lines will
appear in the parameter box. Choose the line that lists LBA for an LBA drive. Do
not select Large or Normal.

The auto-detection feature can only detect one set of parameters for a particular IDE
hard drive. Some IDE drives can use more than one set. This is not a problem if the
drive is new and there is nothing on it.

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual56

IV. BIOS SOFTWARE

IMPORTANT: If your hard drive was alr eady formatted on an older previous
system, incorrect parameters may be detected. You will need to enter the cor­rect parameters manually or use low-level format if you do not need the data
stored on the hard drive.

If the parameters listed differ from the ones used when the drive was formatted, the
drive will not be readable. If the auto-detected parameters do not match the ones
that should be used for your drive, do not accept them. Press the <N> key to reject
the presented settings and enter the correct ones manually from the Standard CMOS
Setup screen.

Save and Exit Setup

Select this option to save into the CMOS memory all modifications you specify
during the current session. To save the configuration changes, highlight the “Save
& Exit Setup” option on the main screen and then press the <Enter> key.

Exit Without Saving

Select this option to exit the Setup utility without saving the modifications you specify
during the current session. To exit without saving, highlight the “Exit W ithout Sav­ing” option on the main screen and then press the <Enter> key.

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual 57

IV. BIOS

(Save & Exit)

V. DESKTOP MANAGEMENT

Desktop Management Interface (DMI)

Introducing the ASUS DMI Configuration Utility

This motherboard supports DMI within the BIOS level and provides a DMI Con­figuration Utility to maintain the Management Information Format Database (MIFD).
DMI is able to auto-detect and record information pertinent to a computer’s system
such as the CPU type, CPU speed, and internal/external frequencies, and memory
size. The onboard BIOS will detect as many system information as possible and
store those collected information in a 4KB block in the motherboard’ s Flash EPROM
and allow the DMI to retrieve data from this database. Unlike other BIOS software,
the BIOS on this motherboard uses the same technology implemented for Plug and
Play to allow dynamic real-time updating of DMI information versus creating a new
BIOS image file and requiring the user to update the whole BIOS. This DMI Con­figuration Utility also allows the system integrator or end user to add additional
information into the MIFD such as serial numbers, housing configurations, and ven­dor information. Those information not detected by the motherboard BIOS and has
to be manually entered through the DMI Configuration Utility and updated into the
MIFD. This DMI Configuration Utility provides the same reliability as PnP updat­ing and will prevent the refreshing failures associated with updating the entire BIOS.

System Requirements

The DMI Configuration Utility (DMICFG.EXE) must be used in real mode in order
for the program to run, the base memory must be at least 180K. Memory managers
like HIMEM.SYS (required by windows) must not be installed. You can boot up
from a system diskette without AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files, “REM”

(DMI Introduction)

V. DMI

HIMEM.SYS in the CONFIG.SYS, or press <F5> during bootup to bypass your
AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files.

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual58

V. DESKTOP MANAGEMENT

Using the ASUS DMI Configuration Utility

Edit DMI (or delete)

Use the ←→ (left-right) cursors to move the top menu items and the ↑↓ (up-down)
cursor to move between the left hand menu items. The bottom of the screen will
show the available keys for each screen. Press enter at the menu item to enter the
right hand screen for editing. “Edit component” appears on top. The reversed color
field is the current cursor position and the blue text are available for editing. The
orange text shows auto-detected information and are not available for editing. The
blue text “Press [ENTER] for detail” contains a second pop-up menu is available,
use the + - (plus-minus) keys to change the settings. Enter to exit and save, ESC to
exit and not save.

If the user has made changes, ESC will prompt you to answer Y or N. Enter Y to go
back to the left-hand screen and save, enter N to go back to left-hand screen and not
save. If editing has not been made, ESC will send you back to the left hand menu
without any messages.

Notes:

A heading, *** BIOS Auto Detect *** appears on the right for each menu item on
the left side that has been auto detected by the system BIOS.

V. DMI

A heading, *** User Modified *** will appear on the right for menu items that has
been modified by the user.

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual 59

(Using DMI Utility)

V. DESKTOP MANAGEMENT

Save MIFD

Y ou can save the MIFD (normally only saved to flash ROM) to a file by entering the
drive and path here. If you want to cancel save, you may press ESC and a message
“Bad File Name” appears here to show it was not saved.

Load MIFD

You can load the disk file to memory by entering a drive and path and file name
here.

Load BIOS Defaults

(Using DMI Utility)

V. DMI

You can load the BIOS defaults from a MIFD file and can clear all user modified
and added data. You must reboot your computer in order for the defaults to be saved
back into the Flash BIOS.

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual60

VI. ASUS PCI-SC200 SCSI Card

SCSI BIOS and Drivers

Aside from the system BIOS, the Flash memory chip on the motherboard also con­tains the SCSI BIOS. This SCSI BIOS works in conjunction with the optional ASUS
PCI-SC200 SCSI controller card to provide a complete PCI Fast SCSI-2 interface.

(SCSI BIOS)

All SCSI devices you install to your system require driver software to function. The
SCSI BIOS directly supports SCSI hard disks under the DOS, Windows and OS/2
environments. It also uses device drivers from the DOS floppy disk included in the
PCI-SC200 controller card package to support hard disks and other SCSI devices
working under DOS, Windows, Windows NT, Novell NetWare and OS/2. These
drivers provide higher performance than the direct BIOS support. To use these
drivers, you must install them into your system and add them to your system con­figuration files. Driver support for SCSI devices used with SCO UNIX is also
provided. These drivers are included in the second SCO UNIX floppy disk. Win­dows 95 support is also available using the device drivers included within the W in­dows software. The ASUS PCI-SC200 is a Plug and Play adapter that is auto de­tected by BIOS and current operating systems that support Plug and Play features.

For information about these drivers and their usage, see the Readme files included
in the driver packages. You can print out the contents of these files using any text
editor program.

The next few pages will instruct you on the installation of the ASUS PCI-SC200
Fast SCSI Card.

VI. ASUS PCI-SC200

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual 61

VI. ASUS PCI-SC200

The ASUS PCI-SC200 SCSI Interface Card

VI. ASUS PCI-SC200 SCSI Card

(Setup)

Your motherboard may have come with an optional SCSI (Small Computer System
Interface) controller card, the PCI-SC200. The card is also available separately . This
card works with the SCSI BIOS on the motherboard. Together, they provide a com­plete PCI Fast SCSI-2 interface. With the card installed in your system you can
connect SCSI devices installed in your system case to the internal connector on the
card. You also have the additional option of connecting external SCSI devices to the
external SCSI-2 connector on the card.

If you get the ASUS PCI-SC200 later on as an option, you will need to install it
yourself. The setup procedure is explained here.

Setting Up the ASUS PCI-SC200

There are two jumper settings you may need to make on the card to set it up. One
setting assigns the PCI INT interrupt, the other sets the card’s termination.

62 ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual

VI. ASUS PCI-SC200 SCSI Card

Setting the INT Assignment

You must use PCI INT A setting in order to properly assign the card’ s interrupt. On
the ASUS PCI-SC200, you assign the INT by setting jumper JP1 or JP2. The default
setting for the card already is INT A, so you do not need to change the setting to use
the ASUS PCI-SC200 with this motherboard.

(Jumpers)

VI. ASUS PCI-SC200

JP 1JP

2

INT A (Def)
Interrupt Settings (A, B, C, or D)

JP 1JP

2
1
2
3

INT B

JP 1JP

2
1
2
3

INT C

JP 1JP

1
2
3

2

1
2
3

INT D

Terminator Settings

SCSI devices are connected together in a “chain” by cables. Internal devices con­nect to the ASUS PCI-SC200 with a fifty-pin flat ribbon cable. External devices
connect to the external port with a SCSI-2 cable. If there are more than one internal
or external devices, additional devices are connected with cables to form a “daisy
chain.” The SCSI chain must be “terminated” at both ends, or the devices in the
chain will not work properly.

Many SCSI devices use a set of terminating resistors to terminate the device. The
ASUS PCI-SC200 has “active” termination that you set using jumper JP5. If you
need to terminate the ASUS PCI-SC200, you do it by setting the jumper . The are two
settings, “terminated” and “not terminated,” as shown below.

JP
5

Terminated (Default) Not Terminated

Terminator Setting (Terminated / Not Terminated)

JP
5

ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual 63

VI. ASUS PCI-SC200 SCSI Card

VI. ASUS PCI-SC200

(SCSI ID Numbers)

Decide whether or not you need to terminate the ASUS PCI-SC200 based on its
position in the SCSI chain. Only the devices at each end of the chain need to be
terminated. If you have only internal or only external devices connected to the
ASUS PCI-SC200, then you must terminate the ASUS PCI-SC200. If you have
both internal and external devices connected, you must not terminate the card. See
the following example which illustrates this concept.

Termination Required
(JP5 Open)

No Termination Required
(JP5 Short)

SCSI Device 1

SCSI Device 3

SCSI Device 2

Termination Required
(End Device)

SCSI Device 4

Termination Required
(End Device)

Termination Required
(End Device)

SCSI Device 2

SCSI Device 1

SCSI ID Numbers

All SCSI devices, including the ASUS PCI-SC200 interface card, must have a SCSI
identification number that is not in use by any other SCSI device. There are eight
possible ID numbers, 0 through 7. The ASUS PCI-SC200 has a fixed SCSI ID of 7.

Y ou can connect up to seven SCSI devices to the interface card. You must set a SCSI
ID number for each device. SCSI devices vary in how they set the ID number . Some
use jumpers, others have some kind of selector switch. Refer to the manual for any
device you install for details on how to set its ID number.

64 ASUS KN97-X User’s Manual