Asus M4N98TD EVO User Manual

M4N98TD EVO

Motherboard

E5365

First Edition (V1) February 2010

No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).

Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the

product is defaced or missing.

ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.

SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.

Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or

copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.

Offer to Provide Source Code of Certain Software

This product may contain copyrighted software that is licensed under the General Public License (“GPL”) and under the Lesser General Public License Version (“LGPL”). The GPL and LGPL licensed code in this product is distributed without any warranty. Copies of these licenses are included in this product.

You may obtain the complete corresponding source code (as dened in the GPL) for the GPL Software,

and/or the complete corresponding source code of the LGPL Software (with the complete machinereadable “work that uses the Library”) for a period of three years after our last shipment of the product including the GPL Software and/or LGPL Software, which will be no earlier than December 1, 2011, either (1) for free by downloading it from http://support.asus.com/download; or (2) for the cost of reproduction and shipment, which is dependent on the preferred carrier and the location where you want to have it shipped to, by sending a request to:

ASUSTeK Computer Inc. Legal Compliance Dept. 15 Li Te Rd., Beitou, Taipei 112 Taiwan

In your request please provide the name, model number and version, as stated in the About Box of the product for which you wish to obtain the corresponding source code and your contact details so that we can coordinate the terms and cost of shipment with you.

The source code will be distributed WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY and licensed under the same license as the corresponding binary/object code.

This offer is valid to anyone in receipt of this information.

ASUSTeK is eager to duly provide complete source code as required under various Free Open Source Software licenses. If however you encounter any problems in obtaining the full corresponding source code we would be much obliged if you give us a notication to the email address gpl@asus.com, stating the product and describing the problem (please do NOT send large attachments such as source code archives etc to this email address).

Contents ...................................................................................................................... iii

Notices ......................................................................................................................

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

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

M4N98TD EVO specications summary ..................................................................xi

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 Welcome! ....................................................................................................1-1

1.2 Package contents

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

1.3.2 ASUS unique features

Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.1 Before you proceed ...................................................................................2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview ...............................................................................

2.2.1 Motherboard layout .....................................................................

2.2.2 Layout contents ...........................................................................

2.2.3 Placement direction

2.2.4 Screw holes

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) .................................................................

2.3.1 Installing the CPU .......................................................................

2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan ............................................

2.4 System memory .......................................................................................

2.4.1 Overview ...................................................................................

2.4.2 Memory congurations ..............................................................

2.4.3 Installing a DIMM ......................................................................

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM ....................................................................

2.5 Expansion slots

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card

2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card .................................................

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments

2.5.4 PCI slots ....................................................................................

2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slots .................................................................

2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots .........................................................

2.6 Jumpers ....................................................................................................

2.7 Onboard switches ....................................................................................

2.8 Connectors ...............................................................................................

2.8.1 Rear panel connectors ..............................................................

....................................................................................... 1-1

.......................................................................................... 1-2

........................................................................ 1-2

................................................................. 1-3

2-2

2-3

..................................................................... 2-4

................................................................................. 2-4

2-5

2-7

2-10

2-11

2-14

........................................................................................ 2-15

...................................................... 2-15

2-15

................................................................ 2-16

2-17

2-18

2-20

2-22

vii

iii

Contents

2.8.2 Audio I/O connections ............................................................... 2-23

2.8.3 Internal connectors

2.8.4. ASUS Q-Connector (system panel) ..........................................

2.9 Onboard LEDs ..........................................................................................

2.10 Starting up for the rst time ....................................................................

2.11 Turning off the computer .........................................................................

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.1 Knowing BIOS ............................................................................................3-1

3.2 Updating BIOS ............................................................................................

3.2.1 ASUS Update utility

3.2.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ...............................................................

3.2.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility

3.3 BIOS setup program ..................................................................................

3.3.1 BIOS menu screen ......................................................................

3.3.2 Menu bar .....................................................................................

3.3.3 Navigation keys ...........................................................................

3.3.4 Menu items

3.3.5 Submenu items ...........................................................................

3.3.6 Conguration elds .....................................................................

3.3.7 Pop-up window

3.3.8 Scroll bar .....................................................................................

3.3.9 General help

3.4 Main menu ..................................................................................................

3.4.1

3.4.2 Storage Conguration ...............................................................

3.4.3 System Information ...................................................................

3.5 Ai Tweaker menu ......................................................................................

3.5.1 Ai Overclock Tuner ....................................................................

3.5.2 DRAM Timing Conguration

3.5.3 CPU Ratio .................................................................................

3.5.4 DRAM Frequency

3.5.5

3.5.6 HT Link Speed ..........................................................................

3.5.7 DRAM Driving Conguration .....................................................

3.5.8 Processor Voltage .....................................................................

3.5.9 CPU/NB Voltage

3.5.10 CPU VDDA Voltage ...................................................................

3.5.11 DRAM Voltage

Primary IDE Master/Slave; SATA 1–4 .........................................3-8

CPU/NB Frequency................................................................... 3-12

.................................................................... 2-26

..................................................................... 3-2

................................................... 3-5

.................................................................................. 3-7

............................................................................ 3-7

................................................................................ 3-7

...................................................... 3-12

...................................................................... 3-12

........................................................................ 3-14

........................................................................... 3-14

2-34

2-35

2-37

3-1

3-4

3-6

3-7

3-8

3-10

3-11

3-12

3-13

3-14

Contents

3.5.12 HT Voltage ................................................................................3-14

3.5.13 NB Voltage ................................................................................

3.5.14 nForce200 Voltage ....................................................................

3.5.15 CPU/LDT Spread Spectrum ......................................................

3.5.16 PCIE Spread Spectrum .............................................................

3.5.17 SATA Spread Spectrum ............................................................

3.5.18 PCI Spread Spectrum ...............................................................

3.6 Advanced menu .......................................................................................

3.6.1 CPU Conguration ....................................................................

3.6.2 Chipset ......................................................................................

3.6.3 Onboard Devices Conguration ................................................

3.6.4 PCIPnP .....................................................................................

3.6.5 USB Conguration ....................................................................

3.7 Power menu ..............................................................................................

3.7.1 Suspend Mode ..........................................................................

3.7.2 ACPI 2.0 Support ......................................................................

3.7.3 ACPI APIC Support ...................................................................

3.7.4 APM Conguration ....................................................................

3.7.5 Hardware Monitor

3.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................

3.8.1 Boot Device Priority

3.8.2 Boot Settings Conguration ......................................................

3.8.3 Security .....................................................................................

3.9 Tools menu ...............................................................................................

3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ......................................................................

3.9.2 Express Gate ............................................................................

3.9.3 ASUS O.C. Prole .....................................................................

3.9.4 AI NET 2 ....................................................................................

3.10 Exit menu ..................................................................................................

...................................................................... 3-24

................................................................... 3-26

3-14

3-15

3-16

3-18

3-20

3-21

3-22

3-23

3-26

3-27

3-28

3-30

3-31

3-32

3-33

Chapter 4: Software support

4.1 Installing an operating system .................................................................4-1

4.2 Support DVD information ..........................................................................

4.2.1 Running the support DVD ...........................................................

4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals

4.3 Software information .................................................................................

4.3.1 ASUS PC Probe II .......................................................................

4.3.2 ASUS AI Suite .............................................................................

4.3.3 ASUS Fan Xpert

.......................................................................... 4-5

.................................................. 4-2

4-1

4-3

4-4

Contents

4.3.4 ASUS EPU .................................................................................. 4-6

4.3.5 ASUS Express Gate

4.3.6 Audio congurations

4.3.7 ASUS AI Nap

4.3.8 ASUS TurboV ............................................................................

4.3.9 ASUS Turbo Key .......................................................................

4.4 RAID congurations ................................................................................

4.4.1 RAID denitions ........................................................................

4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks .................................................

4.4.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS ..................................................

4.4.4 NVIDIA

MediaShield BIOS RAID congurations ..................... 4-13

4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk

4.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS ................

4.5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows

4.5.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows

4.5.4 Using a USB oppy disk drive ...................................................

Chapter 5: NVIDIA® SLI™ technology support

5.1 NVIDIA® SLI™ technology ......................................................................... 5-1

5.1.1 Requirements ..............................................................................

5.1.2 Installing two SLI-ready graphics cards ......................................

5.1.3 Installing the device drivers .........................................................

5.1.4 Enabling the NVIDIA

5.2 NVIDIA

Hybrid SLI™ technology ............................................................ 5-5

.................................................................... 4-7

.................................................................... 4-8

............................................................................... 4-9

..................................................................... 4-17

.................................. 4-17

OS installation ...... 4-18

SLI™ technology ..................................... 5-2

4-10

4-11

4-12

4-13

4-17

4-18

5-1

5-2

Notices

Federal Communications Commission Statement

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

• This device may not cause harmful interference, and

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

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

•

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•

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

•

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

The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required

to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modications to this unit not

expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Canadian Department of Communications Statement

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

REACH

Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at ASUS REACH website at http://green.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.

DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.

DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal waste.

vii

Safety information

Electrical safety

• To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet

before relocating the system.

• When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.

• Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all power cables are unplugged.

• Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.

• Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power company.

• If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied service

technician or your retailer.

Operation safety

• Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals that came with the package.

• Before using the product, ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.

• To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.

• Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area where it may become wet.

• Place the product on a stable surface.

• If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied service

technician or your retailer.

viii

About this guide

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

motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:

• Chapter 1: Product introduction

This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports.

• Chapter 2: Hardware information

This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard.

• Chapter 3: BIOS setup

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

• Chapter 4: Software support

This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package and the software.

• Chapter 5: NVIDIA

This chapter describes the NVIDIA® SLI™ feature and shows the graphics card installation procedures.

SLI™ technology support

Where to nd more information

Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates.

1. ASUS websites

The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.

2. Optional documentation

Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty yers,

that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the standard package.

Conventions used in this guide

To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual.

DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to

complete a task.

CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to

complete a task.

IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.

NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.

Typography

Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.

Italic

s Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.

<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign means

that you must press the enclosed key.

Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or Return key.

<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key

names are linked with a plus sign (+).

Example: <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Del>

M4N98TD EVO specications summary

CPU AMD® Socket AM3; Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100

Chipset NVIDIA nForce® 980a SLI®

System bus Up to 5200 MT/s; HyperTransport™ 3.0

Memory 4 x DIMM, max. 16 GB, DDR3 2000(O.C.) / 1333 / 1066 MHz,

Multi-GPU support Supports NVIDIA® SLI™ Technology (dual at x16)

Expansion slots 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots (dual @ x16)

Storage NVIDIA nForce® 980a SLI® chipset

LAN Broadcom® B5071 Gigabit LAN controller featuring AI NET 2

Audio VIA® VT1708S 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC

IEEE 1394 VIA® VT6308P controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a ports

USB 12 x USB 2.0 ports (6 ports at midboard; 6 ports at back panel)

Series Processors AMD® 140W CPU Support Supports 45nm CPU

Supports NVIDIA Clock Calibration (NVCC) function

ECC / non-ECC, un-buffered memory Dual-channel memory architecture * When you install a total memory of 4 GB capacity or more,

Windows® 32-bit operating system may only recognize less than 3 GB. We recommend using a maximum of 3 GB system memory if you are using a Windows® 32-bit OS.

** Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the Memory

QVL (Qualied Vendors Lists)

Supports NVIDIA® Hybrid SLI™ Technology

2 X PCI Express x1 slots 2 x PCI 2.2 slots

- 1 x Ultra DMA 133 / 100 port

- 5 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports (Legacy IDE operation is only supported on ports 1–4)

- NVIDIA® MediaShield™ RAID supports RAID 0, 1, 0+1, 5, and JBOD

- 1 x External SATA 3.0 Gb/s port (SATA On-the-Go)

- Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-Streaming, and Front Panel Jack-Retasking

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

- ASUS Noise Filter

(one at midboard; one at back panel)

(continued on the next page)

M4N98TD EVO specications summary

ASUS unique features ASUS Exclusive Features

ASUS exclusive overclocking features

Back panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple)

- Core Unlocker

- MemOK!

ASUS Power Solutions

- ASUS 8+1 Phase Power Design

- 100% Long-Life Solid Cap.

- EPU

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solutions

- ASUS Fanless Design: Heat pipe solution

- Stack Cool 3+

- Fan Xpert

ASUS Express Gate

ASUS Crystal Sound

- ASUS Noise Filter

ASUS EZ DIY

- ASUS Q-Connector

- ASUS O.C. Prole

- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

- ASUS EZ Flash 2

- ASUS MyLogo 2™

- Multi-language BIOS

ASUS exclusive overclocking tools

- ASUS TurboV

- ASUS Turbo Key

Precision Tweaker 2:

- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.0125V increment

- vHT Bus: Adjustable HT voltage at 0.02V increment

- vDIMM: Adjustable DRAM voltage at 0.02V increment

- vChipset: Adjustable NB voltage at 0.02V increment

SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection):

- FSB tuning from 200MHz up to 600MHz at 1MHz increment

- Memory tuning from 1066MHz up to 2000MHz

- PCIe frequency tuning from 100MHz to 200MHz at 1MHz

increment

Overclocking protection:

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

1 x PS/2 mouse port (green) 1 x Coaxial S/PDIF Out port 1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port 1 x External SATA port 1 x IEEE 1394a port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 8-channel Audio I/O ports

(continued on the next page)

xii

M4N98TD EVO specications summary

Internal I/O connectors 3 x USB connectors support additional 6 USB ports

BIOS features 8 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, SPI, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0,

Manageability WOL by PME, WOR by PME, WOR by Ring, PXE

Support DVD contents Drivers

Form factor ATX form factor: 12 in x 9.6 in (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)

*Specications are subject to change without notice.

1 x IDE connector 1 x COM connector 5 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors 1 x CPU Fan connector 2 x Chassis Fan connectors (1 x 4-pin, 1 x 3-pin) 1 x Power Fan connector 1 x IEEE1394a connector 1 x S/PDIF Out header 1 x MemOK! button 1 x Core Unlocker switch Front panel audio connector 24-pin ATX Power connector 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector System Panel (Q-Connector)

SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI 2.0a, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

ASUS Utilities ASUS Update Anti-virus software (OEM version)

xiii

xiv

Chapter 1

User Manual

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® M4N98TD EVO motherboard!

The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!

Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in your package with the list below.

1.2 Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

ASUS M4N98TD EVO motherboard 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100 cable

4 x Serial ATA cables 1 x ASUS SLI™ bridge connector

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 1-1

1 x 2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector kit 1 x I/O Shield

User guide Support DVD

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

• The illustrated items above are for reference only. Actual product specications may

vary with different models.

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

Chapter 1

AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 Series Processors (socket AM3)

This motherboard supports AMD® AM3 multi-core processors with unique L3 cache and delivers better overclocking capabilities with less power consumption. It features dual-channel DDR3 1333 memory support and accelerates data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s via HyperTransport™ 3.0 based system bus. This motherboard also supports AMD® CPUs in the new 45nm manufacturing process.

NVIDIA nForce® 980a SLI® chipset

NVIDIA nForce® 980a SLI® media and communication processors (MCPs) power the most feature-rich, high performance motherboards for AMD AM3 CPUs. The MCPs support the NVIDIA® Scalable Link Interface (SLI) technology that allows two graphics processing units (GPUs) in a single system. The NVIDIA nFORCE® 980a SLI® chipset also supports six Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s devices, PCI Express x16 slots with NVIDIA® SLI™ support at dual x16 mode, and up to 12 USB 2.0 ports.

DDR3 2000(O.C.) support

This motherboard supports DDR3 2000(O.C.), which provides faster data transfer rate

and more bandwidth to increase memory data transfer rate and computing efciency. This

enhances system performance in 3D graphics and other memory demanding applications.

NVIDIA® SLI® Technology support

NVIDIA SLI® (Scalable Link Interface) makes use of the PCI Express 2.0 bus architecture´s increased bandwidth and features intelligent hardware and software that allows two GPUs

to efciently work together to deliver earth-shattering, scalable performance. For some

applications, this translates into nearly double the performance!

NVIDIA® Hybrid SLI™

Hybrid SLI™ technology is a unique hybrid multi-GPU technology built upon NVIDIA. Hybrid SLI™ turbo-charges performance of NVIDIA discrete graphics cards when combined with this series motherboard GPUs. Hybrid SLI™ is independent on selected GeForce to www.nvidia.com/hybridsli for more information.

GPUs. Refer

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.3.2 ASUS unique features

ASUS Power Solutions

ASUS power solutions intelligently and automatically provide balanced computing power and energy consumption.

8+1 Phase Power Design

To fully unleash the next-generation AM3 CPU’s potential, the ASUS M4N98TD EVO motherboard has adopted a brand new 8-phase VRM power design. It delivers high

power efciency and supreme overclocking ability. Furthermore, high quality power

components can effectively lower system temperature to ensure longer component lifespan. This series also features an extra 1 phase power dedicated to integrated memory/HT controller.

100% Long-Life Solid Cap.

This motherboard uses all long-life capacittors onboard for durability, imporved lifespan, and enhanced thermal capacity.

ASUS EPU

The ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit) provides total system power management by detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderating power usage for critical PC components in real-time–helping save power and money! Refer to page 4-6 for details.

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solutions

ASUS Quiet Thermal solutions make the system more stable and enhance the overclocking capability.

ASUS Fanless Design–Heat pipe solution

The Heat Pipe design effectively directs the heat generated by the chipsets to the

heatsink near the back IO ports, where it can be carried away by existing airow from

CPU fan. The purpose of the innovative heat pipe design on this motherboard is that the groundbreaking fanless design does not have lifetime problems as a chipset fan

does. Furthermore, it provides options for users to install side-ow fan or passive

cooler. The Heat Pipe design is the most reliable fanless thermal solution to date.

Chapter 1

DO NOT uninstall the heat pipe by yourself. Doing so may bend the tubing and affect the heat dissipation performance.

Up to 20ºC (36ºF) Cooler—Stack Cool 3+

Stack Cool 3+ is a fanless cooling solution offered exclusively by ASUS. It effectively and noiselessly transfers heat generated by the critical components to the other side of the specially designed PCB (printed circuit board) for effective heat dissipation— making temperatures cooler by up to 20ºC.

Fan Xpert

ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently allows you to adjust both the CPU and chassis fan speeds according to different ambient temperatures caused by different climate conditions in different geographic regions and your PC’s loading. The built-in variety of useful

proles offer exible controls of fan speed to achieve a quiet and cool environment.

Refer to page 4-5 for details.

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 1-3

ASUS Exclusive Features

Core Unlocker

Chapter 1

ASUS Core Unlocker simplies the activation of a latent AMD® CPU—with just a simple

switch or hot key. Enjoy an instant performance boost by simply unlocking the extra cores, without performing complicated BIOS changes. Refer to page 2-21 for details.

MemOK!

Memory compatibility is among the top concerns during computer upgrades. Worry no more. MemOK! is the fastest memory booting solution today. This remarkable memory rescue tool requires nothing but a push of a button to patch memory issues and get your system up and running in no time. The technology is able to determine failsafe settings that can dramatically improve your system booting success. Refer to page 2-20 for details.

ASUS exclusive overclocking features

TurboV

Feel the adrenaline rush of real-time OC—now a reality with the ASUS TurboV. This

easy OC tool allows you to overclock without exiting or rebooting the OS; and its user-

friendly interface makes overclock with just a few clicks away. Moreover, the ASUS OC

proles in TurboV provides the best O.C. settings in different scenarios. Refer to page

4-10 for details.

Turbo Key

ASUS Turbo Key allows the user to turn the PC power button into a physical overclocking button. After the easy setup, Turbo Key can boost performances without interrupting ongoing work or games—with just one touch! Refer to page 4-11 for details.

Express Gate

Express Gate is an ASUS exclusive OS that provides you with quick access to the Internet and key applications before entering the Windows® OS. Refer to pages 3-30 and 4-7 for details.

ASUS EZ DIY

ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you easy ways to install computer components, update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings.

ASUS Q-Connector

ASUS Q-Connector allows you to easily connect or disconnect the chassis front panel cables to the motherboard. This unique module eliminates the trouble of connecting the system panel cables one at a time and avoiding wrong cable connections.

ASUS O.C. Prole

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

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

a separate le, giving users freedom to share and distribute their favorite settings.

ASUS EZ Flash 2

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

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

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

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.1 Before you proceed

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

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

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

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

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

• Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components.

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview

2.2.1 Motherboard layout

Chapter 2

Refer to

2.8 Connectors

connectors.

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information

for more information about rear panel connectors and internal

2.2.2 Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Slots Page

1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V)

2. AM3 CPU socket

3. DDR3 DIMM slots

4. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN1, 3-pin CHA_FAN2, 3-pin PWR_FAN)

5. Core Unlocker switch (CORE_UNLOCKER)

6. MemOK! switch

7. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)

8. CPU overvoltage setting (3-pin OV_CPU)

9. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)

Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1–5) 2-27

10.

11. Standby Power LED

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

13. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112)

14. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)

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

16. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)

17. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)

2-31

2-5

2-10

2-30

2-21

2-20

2-26

2-19

2-18

2-35

2-33

2-28

2-29

2-32

Chapter 2

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 2-3

2.2.3 Placement direction

When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the chassis in the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis as indicated in the image below.

2.2.4 Screw holes

Place nine screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis.

Chapter 2

DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.

Place this side towards

the rear of the chassis

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with an AM3 socket designed for AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 Series Processors.

Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.

The AM3 socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the AMD

Opteron processor. Ensure that you use a CPU designed for the AM3 socket. The CPU ts

in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and damaging the CPU!

2.3.1 Installing the CPU

To install a CPU:

1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.

Chapter 2

2. Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sideways, then lift it up to a 90º angle.

Ensure that the socket lever is lifted

up to a 90º angle; otherwise, the CPU will not t in completely.

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 2-5

Socket lever

3. Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with a small triangle.

4. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket

until it ts in place.

Chapter 2

5. When the CPU is in place, push down the socket lever to secure the CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab to indicate that it is locked.

Gold triangle

Small triangle

6. Apply some Thermal Interface Material to the exposed area of the CPU that the heatsink will be in contact with, ensuring that it is spread in an even thin layer.

Some heatsinks come with pre-applied thermal paste. If so, skip this step.

The Thermal Interface Material is toxic and inedible. If it gets into your eyes or touches your skin, wash it off immediately, and seek professional medical help.

To prevent contaminating the paste, DO NOT spread the paste with your nger.

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan

The AMD® AM3 processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.

Ensure that you use only AMD-certied heatsink and fan assembly.

To install the CPU heatsink and fan:

1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, ensuring that the heatsink ts properly

on the retention module base.

• The retention module base is already installed on the motherboard upon purchase.

• You do not have to remove the retention module base when installing the CPU or installing other motherboard components.

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

CPU fan

Chapter 2

Retention bracket

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 2-7

lock

Your boxed CPU heatsink and fan assembly should come with installation instructions for the CPU, heatsink, and the retention mechanism. If the instructions in this section do not match the CPU documentation, follow the latter.

CPU heatsink

Retention module base

2. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base.

Chapter 2

3. Align the other end of the retention bracket (near the retention bracket lock) to the retention module base. A clicking sound denotes that the retention bracket is in place.

4. Push down the retention bracket lock on the retention mechanism to secure the heatsink and fan to the module base.

Ensure that the fan and heatsink

assembly perfectly ts the retention

mechanism module base, otherwise you cannot snap the retention bracket in place.

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware information

5. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN.

• Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector.

• This connector is backward compatible with old 3-pin CPU fan.

Chapter 2

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 2-9

2.4 System memory

2.4.1 Overview

The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets.

A DDR3 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR2 DIMM but is notched differently to prevent installation on a DDR2 DIMM socket. DDR3 modules are developed for better performance with less power consumption.

The gure illustrates the location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets:

Chapter 2

Recommended memory congurations

One DIMM:

You may install one memory module in any slot as a single-channel operation.

Two DIMMs (dual-channel operation):

Four DIMMs (dual-channel operation):

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.4.2 Memory congurations

You may install 1GB, 2GB and 4GB unbuffered ECC and non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.

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

• We recommend that you install the memory modules from the blue slots for better overclocking capability.

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

• Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows OS, when you install 4GB or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can be about 3GB or less. For effective use of memory, we recommend that you do any of the following:

- Use a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32-bit Windows OS.

- Install a 64-bit Windows OS when you want to install 4GB or more on the

motherboard. For more details, refer to the Microsoft® support site at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929605/en-us.

• This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512Mb (64MB) chips or less (Memory chip capacity counts in Megabit, 8 Megabit/Mb = 1 Megabyte/MB).

• The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect (SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module. Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a lower frequency than the vendor-marked value. To operate at the vendor-marked or at a higher frequency, see section 3.5 Ai Tweaker menu for manual memory frequency adjustment.

• For system stability, use a more efcient memory cooling system to support a full

memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.

Chapter 2

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 2-11

M4N98TD EVO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1600 MHz capability

Vendor Part No. Size SS/DS

A-DATA AD31600E001GMU 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65-1.85 • • •

A-DATA

CORSAIR CMG4GX3M2A1600C6 4GB( 2x 2GB ) DS - - 6-6-6-18 1.65 • • •

CORSAIR CMD4GX3M2A1600C8(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 •

Crucial BL12864BA1608.8SFB(XMP) 1GB SS - - - 1.8 • • •

Crucial BL25664BN1608.16FF(XMP) 2GB DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 • • •

G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-2GBNQ 2GB(2 x 1GB) SS - - - 1.6 •

G.SKILL

KINGMAX

KINGMAX FLGE85F-B8MF7(XMP) 2GB DS - - - •

KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K3/12GX(XMP) 12GB(3 x 4GB) DS - - - 1.65 • • •

KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K3/12GX(XMP) 12GB(3 x 4GB) DS - - 9 1.65 • • •

OCZ OCZ3P1600LV3GK 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - 7-7-7 1.65 •

Super Talent WP160UX4G8(XMP)

Chapter 2

Super Talent WP160UX4G9(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9 - • • •

M4N98TD EVO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1333 MHz capability

Vendor Part No. Size

A-DATA AD3133301GOU 1GB SS A-DATA AD30908C8D-15IG - - • • •

A-DATA AX3U1333PB2G7-2P 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.65-1.85 • • •

A-DATA AD31333E002G0U 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.65-1.85 • • •

A-DATA AX3U1333PB2G7-3P 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.65-1.85 • • •

Apacer 78.A1GC6.9L1 2GB DS Apacer AM5D5808DEWSBG 9 - • •

CORSAIR TR3X3G1333C9 (Ver2.1) 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • •

CORSAIR

Crucial CT12864BA1339.8SFD 1GB SS MICRON MT8JF12864AY-1G4D1 - - • •

Crucial CT25664BA1339.16SFD 2GB DS MICRON D9JNM - - • • •

ELPIDA EBJ10UE8BDF0-DJ-F 1GB SS ELPIDA J1108BDSE-DJ-F - - • •

ELPIDA EBJ21UE8BDF0-DJ-F 2GB DS ELPIDA J1108BDSE-DJ-F - - • •

G.SKILL F3-10600CL8D-2GBHK 2GB(2 x 1GB) SS - - - 1.65 • • •

G.SKILL F3-10666CL8D-4GBHK(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-21 1.5-1.6 • •

G.SKILL F3-10666CL8D-4GBRM(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-21 1.5-1.6 • •

G.SKILL F3-10666CL9T-6GBNQ 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 •

GEIL GG34GB1333C9DC 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS GEIL GL1L128M88BA12N 9-9-9-24 1.3 • • •

GEIL GV34GB1333C7DC 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-24 1.5 • • •

Hynix HMT112U6BFR8C-H9 1GB SS Hynix H5TQ1G83BFR 9 - • •

Hynix HMT125U6BFR8C-H9 2GB DS Hynix H5TQ1G83BFRH9C 9 - • • •

KINGMAX FLFD45F-B8KG9 1GB SS KingMax KFB8FNGBF-ANX-15A - • • •

KINGMAX FLFE85F-B8KG9 2GB DS KingMax KFB8FNGBF-ANX-15A - • • •

KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9/1G 1G SS Kingston D1288JELDPGD9U - 1.5 • • •

KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9/4G 4GB DS SAMSUNG K4B2G0846B-HCH9 9 1.5 • • •

MICRON MT8JTF12864AZ-1G4F1 1GB SS MICRON 9FF22 D9KPT 9 - • •

MICRON MT16JTF25664AZ-1G4F1 2GB DS MICRON 9FF22 D9KPT 9 - •

OCZ OCZ3P1333LV3GK 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - 7-7-7 1.65 • • •

PSC AL7F8G73D-DG1 1GB SS PSC A3P1GF3DGF - - • • •

PSC AL8F8G73D-DG1 2GB DS PSC A3P1GF3DGF - - • • •

SAMSUNG M378B2873EH1-CH9 1GB SS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846E - - • •

SAMSUNG M378B5673EH1-CH9 2GB DS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846E - - • •

Super Talent

Chip

Brand

SS/DSChip

Brand

DS -

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

AD31600F002GMU(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB)

F3-12800CL7D-4GBRH(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB)

FLGD45F-B8MF7(XMP) 1GB SS - - - • • •

4GB(2 x 2GB) DS

BoxP/N:TWIN3X2048-1333C9 (CM3X1024-1333C9)Ver1.1

W1333UX2G8(XMP) 2GB(2 x 1GB) SS - - 8 1.8 • • •

2GB(2 x 1GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.70 •

Timing Voltage

NO.

7-7-7-20 1.75-1.85

7-7-7-24 1.65

- 8

DIMM socket support (Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM

• •

DIMM socket support (Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM

•

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware information

M4N98TD EVO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1066 MHz capability (continued)

DIMM socket support

Vendor Part No. Size SS/DS Chip Brand Chip NO. Timing Voltage

Crucial CT12864BA1067.8FF 1GB SS MICRON D9KPT 7 - • • •

CT25664BA1067.16FF

Crucial

ELPIDA EBJ10UE8EDF0-AE-F 1GB SS ELPIDA J1108EDSE-DJ-F - - • • •

ELPIDA EBJ21UE8EDF0-AE-F 2GB DS ELPIDA J1108EDSE-DJ-F - - • • •

Hynix HMT112U6AFP8C-G7N0 1GB SS HYNIX H5TQ1G83AFPG7C 7 - • • •

Hynix HMT125U6AFP8C-G7N0 2GB DS HYNIX H5TQ1G83AFPG7C 7 - • • •

KINGSTON KVR1066D3N7/2G 2GB DS KINGSTON D1288JEKAPGA7U 7 1.5 • • •

KVR1066D3N7/2G

KINGSTON

MICRON MT8JTF12864AZ-1G1F1 1GB SS MICRON 8ZF22 D9KPV 7 - • • •

MICRON MT16JTF25664AY-1G1D1 2GB DS MICRON 7VD22 7 - • • •

SAMSUNG M378B5273BH1-CF8 4GB DS SAMSUNG K4B2G0846B-HCF8 8 1.5 • • •

2GB DS

MICRON D9KPT

ELPIDA J1108BABG-DJ-E

Side(s): SS - Single-sided DS - Double-sided DIMM support:

• 1 DIMM: Supports one (1) module inserted into any slot as Single-channel memory

conguration.

• 2 DIMMs: Supports two (2) modules inserted into either the blue slots or the black

slots as one pair of Dual-channel memory conguration.

• 4 DIMMs: Supports four (4) modules inserted into both the blue and the black slots as

two pairs of Dual-channel memory conguration.

Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL.

(Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM

- •

1.5 •

• •

Chapter 2

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 2-13

2.4.3 Installing a DIMM

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

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

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

Chapter 2

3. Hold the DIMM by both of its ends, then insert the DIMM vertically into the socket. Apply force to both ends of the DIMM simultaneously until the retaining clip snaps back into place, and the DIMM cannot be pushed in any further to ensure proper sitting of the DIMM.

DIMM notch

Unlocked retaining clip

A DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it ts in only one direction. DO NOT force a DIMM into

a socket in the wrong direction to avoid damaging the DIMM.

DIMM slot key

Locked Retaining Clip

Always insert the DIMM into the socket VERTICALLY to prevent DIMM notch damage.

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM

1. Press the retaining clip outward to unlock the DIMM.

2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.5 Expansion slots

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

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

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card

To install an expansion card:

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

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

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

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

seated on the slot.

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

6. Replace the system cover.

2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card

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

1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See Chapter 3 for information on BIOS setup.

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

3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.

Chapter 2

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

the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise, conicts will arise between the two PCI

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

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 2-15

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments

Standard interrupt assignments

IRQ Priority Standard function

0 1 System Timer

1 2 Keyboard Controller

2 – Redirect to IRQ#9

4 12 Communications Port (COM1)*

5 13 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*

6 14 Reserved

7 15 Reserved

8 3 System CMOS/Real Time Clock

9 4 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*

Chapter 2

10 5 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*

11 6 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*

12 7 Reserved

13 8 Numeric Data Processor

14 9 Primary IDE Channel

* These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices.

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

PCIE x16_1 – – – shared – – – – PCIE x16_2 – – shared – – – – – PCIE x1_1 shared – – – – – – – PCIE x1_2 – shared – – – – – – PCI_1 – – – – shared – – – PCI_2 – – – – – shared – – LAN shared – – – – – – – Onboard SATA – – – shared – – – –

USB 2.0 Controller – – shared – – – – –

1394 Controller – – – – – – shared – HD Audio shared – – – – – – –

A B C D E F G H

2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.5.4 PCI slots

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

comply with PCI specications. Refer to the gure below for the location of the slots.

2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slots

This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other cards that

comply with the PCI Express specications. Refer to the gure below for the location of the

slots.

2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots

This motherboard supports three NVIDIA PCI Express x16 graphics cards that comply with

the PCI Express specications. Refer to the gure below for the location of the slots.

Chapter 2

PCI_Express x1_2 slot

PCI Express 2.0 x16_2 slot (at x16 mode)

PCI_2 slot

PCI_1 slot

PCI Express 2.0 x16_1 slot (at x16 mode)

PCI Express x1_1 slot

• We recommend that you provide sufcient power when running SLI™ mode. See page

2-31 for details.

• Connect a chassis fan to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1/2 when using multiple graphics cards for better thermal environment. See page 2-30 for details.

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 2-17

2.6 Jumpers

1. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)

This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords.

Chapter 2

To erase the RTC RAM

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

2. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the cap on pins 2-3

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

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

for about 5–10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2.

data.

Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC jumper default position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!

• If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and move the jumper again to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. After the CMOS clearance, reinstall the battery.

• You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking. For system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature. Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS can automatically reset parameter settings to default values.

• Due to the chipset behavior, AC power off is required to enable C.P.R. function. You must turn off and on the power supply or unplug and plug the power cord before rebooting the system.

2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2. CPU overvoltage setting (3-pin OV_CPU)

This jumper allows you to enable or disable the advanced CPU overvoltage setting in BIOS. Read the following information before you change the jumper setting. Set to pins 1-2 to activate the advanced CPU overvoltage feature.

OV_CPU

Pins 2-3 (Default) 0.80V – 1.55V

Pins 1-2 (OV Enabled) up to 1.85V

• Before you change the jumper setting for extra-high overvoltage ability, use the BIOS items introduced in Ensure that your system functions well under the highest BIOS voltage setting before you change the setting of this jumper.

• Refer to

• DO NOT set the OV_CPU jumper to pins 1-2 when you install a new CPU and have

• The system may need a better cooling system (for example, a water-cooling system)

3.5 Ai Tweaker menu

setting.

not booted for the rst time. Doing so may cause the system to halt. For system failure

due to the wrong setting of the OV_CPU jumper, shut down the computer and move the cap back to pins 2-3.

to work stably under high voltage settings.

3.5 Ai Tweaker menu

for more information about the CPU overvoltage

rst to adjust the desired CPU performance.

Chapter 2

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 2-19

2.7 Onboard switches

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

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

1. MemOK! switch

Installing DIMMs that are incompaible with the motherboard may cause system boot failure, and the DRAM_LED near the MemOK! switch lights continuously. Press and hold the MemOK! switch until the DRAM_LED starts blinking to begin automatic memory compatibility tuning for successful boot.

Chapter 2

• Refer to section

• The DRAM_LED also lights when the DIMM is not properly installed. Turn off the system and reinstall the DIMM before using the MemOK! function.

• The MemOK! switch does not function under Windows

• During the tuning process, the system loads and tests failsafe memory settings. It takes about 30 seconds for the system to test one set of failsafe settings. If the test fails, the system reboots and test the next set of failsafe settings. The blinking speed of the DRAM_LED increases, indicating different test processes.

• Due to memory tuning requirement, the system automatically reboots when each timing set is tested. If the installed DIMMs still fail to boot after the whole tuning process, the DRAM_LED lights continuously. Replace the DIMMs with ones

recommended in the Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors Lists) in this user manual or on

the ASUS website at www.asus.com.

• If you turn off the computer and replace DIMMs during the tuning process, the system continues memory tuning after turning on the computer. To stop memory tuning, turn off the computer and unplug the power cord for about 5–10 seconds.

• If your system fail to boot due to BIOS overclocking, press the MemOK! switch to boot and load BIOS default settings. A messgae will appear during POST reminding you that the BIOS has been restored to its default settings.

• We recommend that you download and update to the latest BIOS version from the ASUS website at www.asus.com after using the MemOK! function.

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.9 Onboard LEDs

for the exact location of the DRAM_LED.

OS environment.

2. Core Unlocker switch

This switch allows you to unlock the extra cores of your CPU.

For ensuring the system performance, turn the switch setting to powered off.

• The

UNLOCKER_LED

is turned to

UNLOCKER_LED

• If you clear the CMOS or load the BIOS setup defaults, the item in the BIOS menu follows the current setting of the Core Unlocker switch.

• You may also press <4> during the Power-On-Self-Test (POST) to activate the Core Unlocker function.

• The system will use the last setting you have made.

Enable

near the Core Unlocker switch lights when the switch setting

. Refer to section

LED.

2.9 Onboard LEDs

when the system is

Enable

for the exact location of the

NVIDIA Core Calibration

Chapter 2

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 2-21

2.8 Connectors

2.8.1 Rear panel connectors

Chapter 2

Rear panel connectors

1. PS/2 mouse port (green) 7. Optical S/PDIF out port

2. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6 8. External SATA port

3. Coaxial S/PDIF out port 9. IEEE 1394a port

4. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4 10. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2

5. LAN (RJ-45) port 11. Audio I/O ports

6. PS/2 keyboard port (purple)

• DO NOT insert a different connector to the external SATA port.

• To enable external SATA port hot-plugging, set the BIOS settings to [AHCI Mode], and then reboot the system. See section

Conguration

• Due to chipset limitation, port multipliers are not supported by the external SATA port.

• The external SATA port will be disabled if you set the BIOS settings to [IDE Mode]. See section

2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware information

for details.

SATA Mode Select

3.4.2 Storage Conguration

item in the

3.4.2 Storage

item in the

for details.

* LAN port LED indications

Activity Link LED Speed LED

Status Description Status Description

OFF

ORANGE Linked ORANGE 100 Mbps connection

BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1 Gbps connection

No link

OFF 10 Mbps connection

ACT/LINK

LED

LAN port

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

Port

Light Blue Line In Line In Line In Line In

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

Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In

Orange – – Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer

Black – Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out

Gray – – – Side Speaker Out

Headset

2-channel

4-channel 6-channel 8-channel

2.8.2 Audio I/O connections

Audio I/O ports

SPEED

LED

Chapter 2

Connect to Headphone and Mic

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 2-23

Connect to Stereo / 2.1-channel Speakers

Chapter 2

Connect to 4.1 channel Speakers

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Connect to 5.1 channel Speakers

Connect to 7.1 channel Speakers

Chapter 2

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 2-25

2.8.3 Internal connectors

1. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)

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

modes to congure your device.

Chapter 2

Drive jumper setting Mode of device(s) Cable connector

Single device Cable-Select or Master - Black

Two devices Cable-Select Master Black

Slave Gray

Master Master Black or gray

Slave Slave

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

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

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

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1–5)

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

If you install SATA hard disk drives to the SATA1–5 connectors, you can create a RAID

0, 1, 0+1, 5, or JBOD conguration through the onboard nForce® 980a SLI controller.

These connectors are set to [IDE Mode] by default. If you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the Mode].

SATA Mode select

item in the BIOS to [RAID

Chapter 2

• The

SATA 5 connector and external SATA port support AHCI mode and RAID mode only. Ensure to install the AHCI driver or RAID driver in the bundled support DVD before connecting devices to the connectors. Otherwise, the devices will not work.

•

Due to chipset limitation, when you set any of the SATA ports to RAID mode, all SATA ports run at RAID mode simultaneously.

•

You must install Windows® XP Service Pack 2 or later version before using Serial ATA hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature is available only if you are using Windows® XP SP2 or later version.

• Due to chipset limitation, port multipliers are not supported by the onboard SATA connectors and the external SATA port.

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 2-27

3. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB 78; USB910; USB1112)

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

chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specication that supports up to

480 Mbps connection speed.

Chapter 2

Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard!

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

then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector onboard if your chassis supports front panel USB ports.

The USB module is purchased separately.

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware information

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

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

Never connect a USB cable to the IEEE 1394a connector. Doing so will damage the motherboard!

The IEEE 1394a module is purchased separately.

5. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)

This connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.

Chapter 2

The COM module is purchased separately.

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 2-29

6. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 4-pin CHA_FAN1; 3-pin CHA_FAN2; 3-pin PWR_FAN)

Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector.

Chapter 2

Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufcient air ow inside the

system may damage the motherboard components. These are not jumpers! Do not place jumper caps on the fan connectors!

• The CPU_FAN connector supports the CPU fan of maximum 2A (24 W) fan power.

• Only the CPU_FAN, CHA_FAN1 and CHA_FAN2 connectors support the Fan Xpert feature.

• If you install two VGA cards, we recommend that you plug the rear chassis fan cable to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN1 or CHA_FAN2 for better thermal environment.

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware information

7. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin EATX12V)

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

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

• For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit (PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specication 2.0 (or later version) and provides a

minimum power of 600W.

• Do not forget to connect the 8-pin EATX +12 V power plug. Otherwise, the system will not boot.

• We recommend that you use a PSU with higher power output when conguring a

system with more power-consuming devices. The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.

• If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your system, refer to the asus.com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details.

• If you want to use two high-end PCI Express x16 cards, use a PSU with 1000W power or above to ensure the system stability.

Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator

at http://support.

Chapter 2

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 2-31

8. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)

This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.

Chapter 2

9. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)

This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port(s). Connect the S/PDIF Out module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.

• We recommend that you connect a high-denition front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the motherboard’s high-denition audio capability.

• If you want to connect a high-denition front panel audio module to this connector, set

the

Front Panel Type

AC'97 front panel audio module to this connector, set the item to this connector is set to

item in the BIOS setup to

[HD Audio]

[HD Audio];

if you want to connect an

. By default,

[AC97]

The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware information

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

This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

• System power LED (2-pin PLED)

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

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

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

to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or ashes when data is read from or written to

the HDD.

• System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)

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

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

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

• Reset button (2-pin RESET)

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

Chapter 2

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 2-33

2.8.4. ASUS Q-Connector (system panel)

IDE_LED

POWER SW

RESET SW

IDE_LED-

IDE_LED+

PWR

Reset

Ground

Use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect the chassis front panel cables. Refer to the following instructions to install the ASUS Q-Connector.

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

Refer to the labels on the Q-Connector to

know the detailed pin denitions, and then

match them to their respective front panel cable labels.

Chapter 2

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

The labels on the front panel cables may vary depending on the chassis model.

3. The front panel functions are now enabled.

The gure shows the Q-Connector is properly

installed on the motherboard.

2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.9 Onboard LEDs

1. Standby Power LED

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

2. DRAM LED

DRAM LED checks the DRAM in sequence during motherboard booting process. If an error is found , the LED next to the error device will continue lighting until the problem is solved. This user-friendly design provides an intuitional way to locate the root problem within a second.

Chapter 2

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 2-35

3. Core Unlocker LED

The Core Unlocker LED lights when the Core Unclocker switch is turned to

Chapter 2

Enable

The Core Unlocker LED keeps on lighting even though the in the BIOS menu is set to [Disabled].

NVIDIA Core Calibration

item

2-36 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.10 Starting up for the rst time

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

2. Be sure that all switches are off.

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

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

5. Turn on the devices in the following order:

a. Monitor

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

c. System power

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

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

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

BIOS Beep Description

One short beep VGA detected

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

One continuous beep followed by four short beeps

Quick boot set to disabled No keyboard detected No memory detected

No VGA detected

Hardware component failure

Chapter 2

7. At power on, hold down the <Delete> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the instructions in Chapter 3.

2.11 Turning off the computer

While the system is ON, pressing the power switch for less than four seconds puts the system on sleep mode or soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting. Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds lets the system enter the soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS setting. Refer to section

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 2-37

3.7 Power Menu

in Chapter 3 for details.

Chapter 2

2-38 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Chapter 3

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.1 Knowing BIOS

BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) stores system hardware settings such as storage

device conguration, overclocking settings, advanced power management, and boot device conguration that are needed for system startup in the motherboard CMOS. In normal

circumstances, the default BIOS settings apply to most conditions to ensure optimum performance. We recommend that you not change the default BIOS settings except in the following circumstances:

• An error message appears on the screen during the system bootup and requests you to

run the BIOS Setup.

• You have installed a new system component that requires further BIOS settings or

update.

Inappropriate settings of the BIOS may result to instability or failure to boot. We strongly

recommend that you change the BIOS settings only with the help of a trained service personnel.

3.2 Updating BIOS

The ASUS website publishes the latest BIOS versions to provide enhancements on system stability, compatibility, or performance. However, BIOS updating is potentially risky. If there is no problem using the current version of BIOS, DO NOT manually update the BIOS. Inappropriate BIOS updating may result in the system’s failure to boot. Carefully follow the instructions of this chapter to update your BIOS if necessary.

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

motherboard.

The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard BIOS setup program.

ASUS Update utility: Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.

ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility: Updates the BIOS using a USB ash drive.

3. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility: Restores the BIOS using the motherboard support

DVD or a USB ash drive when the BIOS le fails or gets corrupted.

Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.

Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS le to a USB ash drive in case you need

to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility.

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 3-1

3.2.1 ASUS Update utility

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

• Save the current BIOS le

• Download the latest BIOS le from the Internet

• Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS le

• Update the BIOS directly from the Internet

• View the BIOS version information

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

Installing ASUS Update

To install ASUS Update:

1. Place the support DVD in the optical drive.

2. From the Main menu, click the

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

Updating the BIOS through the Internet

Chapter 3

To update the BIOS through the Internet:

1. From the Windows® desktop, click

Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The

ASUS Update main window appears.

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

Utilities tab, then click Install ASUS Update VX.XX.XX.

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

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

3-2 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest

you to avoid network trafc, or click

Auto Select. Click Next.

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

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

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

Updating the BIOS through a BIOS le

To update the BIOS through a BIOS le:

1. Fom the Windows® desktop, click

Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The

ASUS Update main window appears.

2. Select

Update BIOS from a le

from the dropdown menu, then click Next.

3. Locate the BIOS le from the Open

window, then click Open.

4. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the update process.

M4N98TD.ROM

Chapter 3

M4N98TD

Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Setup Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 3.10 Exit Menu for details.

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 3-3

3.2.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility

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

bootable oppy disk or an OS-based utility.

Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS from the ASUS website at www.asus.com.

To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:

1. Insert the USB ash disk that contains the latest BIOS le to the USB port, and then

launch EZ Flash 2 in any of these two ways:

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

• Enter the BIOS setup program. Go to the press <Enter> to enable it.

ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V4.12

FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L1605A

Current ROM

BOARD: M4N98TD EVO VER: 0109 DATE: 01/07/2010

PATH: A:\

Tools menu to select EZ Flash 2 and

Update ROM

BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown

Chapter 3

Note

[Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info [Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [Esc] Exit

2. Press <Tab> to switch between drives until the correct BIOS le is found. When the correct BIOS le is found, EZ Flash 2 performs the BIOS update process and

automatically reboots the system when done.

• This function can support devices such as a USB ash disk with FAT 32/16 format and

single partition only.

• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure!

Ensure to load the BIOS default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Setup Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 3.10 Exit Menu for details.

3-4 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.2.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility

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

BIOS le when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can restore a corrupted BIOS le using the motherboard support DVD or a USB ash drive that contains the BIOS le.

The BIOS le in the motherboard support DVD may be older than the BIOS le published on the ASUS ofcial website. If you want to use the newer BIOS le, download the le at support.asus.com and save it to a USB ash drive.

Recovering the BIOS

To recover the BIOS

1. Turn on the system.

2. Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive, or the USB ash drive containing the BIOS le to the USB port.

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

4. Turn off the system after the utility completes the updating process and power on again.

5. The system requires you to enter BIOS Setup to recover BIOS setting. To ensure system compatibility and stability, we recommend that you press <F2> to load default BIOS values.

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

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 3-5

Chapter 3

3.3 BIOS setup program

A BIOS Setup program is provided for BIOS item modication. When you start up the

computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program. Press <Del> during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to enter the Setup utility. Otherwise, POST continues with its test routines.

If you wish to enter Setup after POST, restart the system by pressing <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Delete>, or by pressing the reset button on the system chassis. You can also restart by turning the

system off and then back on. Do this last option only if the rst two failed.

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

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

• If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS setting, load the default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Setup Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 3.10 Exit Menu for details.

• If the system fails to boot after changing any BIOS setting, try to clear the CMOS and reset the motherboard to the default value. See section 2.6 Jumpers for details.

3.3.1 BIOS menu screen

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

System Time [13:51:25] System Date [Fri 01/29/2010] Language [English]

Primary IDE Master [Not Detected]

Chapter 3

Primary IDE Slave [Not Detected] SATA1 [HDT722516DLA380] SATA2 [Not Detected] SATA3 [ATAPI DVD DH1] SATA4 [Not Detected]

Storage Conguration

System Information

3.3.2 Menu bar

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

Main

Ai Tweaker

Advanced

Power

Boot

Tools

Exit

Menu bar

Submenu items

For changing the basic system conguration

For changing the overclocking settings

For changing the advanced system settings

For changing the advanced power management (APM) conguration

For changing the system boot conguration

For conguring options for special functions

For selecting the exit options and loading default settings

Conguration eldsMenu items

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

General help

Use [ENTER], [TAB] or [SHIFT-TAB] to

select a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to

congure system Date.

←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item

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

Navigation keys

3-6 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.3.3 Navigation keys

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

The navigation keys may differ from one screen to another.

3.3.4 Menu items

The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic items for that menu. For example,

selecting Main shows the Main menu items.

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

3.3.5 Submenu items

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

3.3.6 Conguration elds

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

A congurable eld is enclosed in brackets, and is highlighted when selected. To change the value of a eld, select it then press <Enter> to display a list of options. Refer to 3.3.7 Pop-up

window.

3.3.7 Pop-up window

Select a menu item then press <Enter> to

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

display a pop-up window with the conguration

options for that item.

3.3.8 Scroll bar

A scroll bar appears on the right side of a menu screen when there are items that do not

t on the screen. Press the Up/Down arrow

keys or <Page Up> / <Page Down> keys to display the other items on the screen.

Suspend Mode [Auto] ACPI Version Features [Disabled] ACPI APIC support [Enabled]

APM Conguration

Hardware Monitor

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Disabled

Enabled

Scroll bar

Pop-up window

Use [ENTER], [TAB] or [SHIFT-TAB] to select

a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to

congure system Time.

←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item

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

Chapter 3

3.3.9 General help

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

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 3-7

3.4 Main menu

When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic system information. Select an item and press <Enter> to display the submenu.

Refer to 3.3.1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen items and how to navigate through them.

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

System Time [13:51:25] System Date [Fri 01/29/2010] Language [English]

Primary IDE Master [Not Detected] Primary IDE Slave [Not Detected] SATA1 [HDT722516DLA380] SATA2 [Not Detected] SATA3 [ATAPI DVD DH1] SATA4 [Not Detected]

Storage Conguration

System Information

3.4.1 Primary IDE Master/Slave; SATA 1–4

While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE/SATA devices. There is a separate submenu for each IDE/SATA device. Select a device item and press <Enter> to display the device information.

Chapter 3

Main

SATA 1

Device : Hard Disk Vendor : HDT722516DLA380 Size : 164.7GB LBA Mode : Supported Block Mode : 16Sectors PIO Mode : 4 Async DMA : MultiWord DMA-2 Ultra DMA : Ultra DMA-6 SMART Monitoring:Supported

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

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Use [ENTER], [TAB] or [SHIFT-TAB] to

select a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to

congure system Date.

←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item

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

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Select the type of device connected to the system.

←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item

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

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

LBA Mode, Block Mode, PIO Mode, Async DMA, Ultra DMA, and SMART monitoring). These values are not user-congurable. These items show Not Detected if no device is installed in the system.

3-8 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

Type [Auto]

Allows you to select the type of device installed.

[Not Installed] Select this option if no device is installed.

[Auto] Allows automatic selection of the appropriate device type.

[CDROM] Select this option if you are specically conguring an optical disc drive.

[ARMD] Select [ARMD] (ATAPI Removable Media Device) if your device is either a

ZIP, LS-120, or MO drive.

This item appears in Primary IDE Master/Slave only.

LBA/Large Mode [Auto]

[Auto] Select [Auto] to enable the LBA mode (Logical Block Addressing mode)

if the device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously formatted with LBA mode disabled.

[Disabled] Disables this function.

Block (Multi-Sector Transfer) M [Auto]

[Auto] When set to [Auto], the data transfer from and to the device occurs in

multiple sectors at a time if the device supports multi-sector transfer feature.

[Disabled] When set to [Disabled], the data transfer from and to the device occurs one

sector at a time.

PIO Mode [Auto]

[Auto] Allows automatic selection of the PIO (Programmed input/output) modes,

which correspond to different data transfer rates.

[0] [1] [2] [3] [4] Set the PIO mode to Mode 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4.

DMA Mode [Auto]

DMA (Direct Memory Access) allows your computer to transfer data to and from the hardware devices installed with much less CPU overhead.

The DMA mode consists of SDMA (single-word DMA), MDMA (multi-word DMA), and UDMA (Ultra DMA). Setting to [Auto] allows automatic selection of the DMA mode.

Chapter 3

SMART Monitoring [Auto]

[Auto] Allows automatic selection of the S.M.A.R.T (Smart Monitoring, Analysis,

[Enabled] Enables the S.M.A.R.T feature.

[Disabled] Disables the S.M.A.R.T feature.

and Reporting Technology).

32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]

[Enabled] Sets the IDE controller to combine two 16-bit reads from the hard disk

[Disabled] Disables this function.

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 3-9

into a single 32-bit double word transfer to the processor. This makes

more efcient use of the PCI bus as fewer transactions are needed for the

transfer of a particular amount of data.

3.4.2 Storage Conguration

The Storage Conguration menu allows you to congure your storage devices. Select an item

then press <Enter> to display the submenu.

Main

Storage Conguration

Onboard PCI IDE Controller [Enabled] OnChip S-ATA Controller [Enabled] SATA Mode select [IDE Mode]

Onboard PCI IDE Controller [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the onboard IDE controller.

[Disabled] Disables the onboard IDE controller.

OnChip S-ATA Controller [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the onboard SATA controller.

[Disabled] Disables the onboard SATA controller.

SATA Mode select [IDE Mode]

This item appears only when you enabled the OnChip S-ATA Controller item and allows you to select the SATA mode.

[IDE Mode] Set to [IDE Mode] when you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as

[RAID Mode] Set to [RAID Mode] when you want to create a RAID conguration from the

[AHCI Mode] Set to [AHCI Mode] when you want the SATA hard disk drives to use the

Chapter 3

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Serial ATA physical storage devices.

SATA hard disk drives.

AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface). The AHCI allows the onboard storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that increases storage performance on random workloads by allowing the drive to

internally optimize the order of commands.

• When this item is set to [AHCI], the information of the SATA connectors can be seen only under the OS environment or during POST.

• For Windows SATA connectors in AHCI mode under the OS environment.

XP OS, you have to install the AHCI driver, so that you could use the

3.4.3 System Information

This menu gives you an overview of the general system specications. The BIOS automatically detects the BIOS information, CPU specication, and system memory in this menu.

Main

BIOS Information

Version : 0106 Build Date: 01/25/10

Processor

Type : AMD Phenom(tm) II X4 945 Processor Speed : 3000MHz

System Memory

Installed Size: 1024MB Usable Size : 1024MB

3-10 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

3.5 Ai Tweaker menu

The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to congure overclocking-related items.

Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect eld

values can cause the system to malfunction.

The conguration options for this chapter vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you

installed on the motherboard.

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Congure System Frequency/Voltage

Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto] CPU Ratio [Auto] DRAM Frequency [Auto] CPU/NB Frequency [Auto] HT Link Speed [Auto]

DRAM Timing Conguration DRAM Driving Conguration

Processor Voltage [Auto] CPU/NB Voltage [Auto] CPU/LDT Spread Spectrum [Disabled] PCIE Spread Spectrum [Disabled] SATA Spread Spectrum [Disabled]

PCI Spread Spectrum [Disabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Select the target CPU frequency, and the relevant parameters will be auto-adjusted.

←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item

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

3.5.1 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]

Allows you to select the CPU overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU internal

frequency. Select any of these preset overclocking conguration options:

Manual Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.

Auto Loads the optimal settings for the system.

D.O.C.P Allows you to select a DRAM O.C. prole, and the related

The following two (2) items appear only when you set the Ai Overclock Tuner item to [Manual] and [D.O.C.P].

parameters will be adjusted automatically.

Chapter 3

CPU Bus Frequency [200]

Displays the frequency sent by the clock generator to the system bus and PCI bus. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the CPU Bus frequency. You can also type the desired CPU Bus frequency using the numeric keypad. The values range from 200 to 600.

PCIE Frequency [100]

Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the PCIE frequency. You can also type the desired PCIE frequency using the numeric keypad. The values range from 100 to 200.

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 3-11

DRAM O.C. Prole [DDR3-1600MHz]

This item appears only when you set the Ai Overclock Tuner item to [D.O.C.P.] and allows

you to select a DRAM O.C. prole, which applies different settings to DRAM frequency, DRAM timing and DRAM voltage. Conguration options: [DDR3-1600MHz] [DDR3-1800MHz] [DDR3-1866MHz] [DDR3-2000MHz]

Prole Info : xxxxMHz–x-x-x-xx

This item appears only when you set the Ai Overclock Tuner item to [D.O.C.P.] and displays

the current DRAM prole information. The prole information varies according to the DRAM

O.C. Prole you’ve selected.

3.5.2 CPU Ratio [Auto]

Allows you to set the ratio between the CPU Core Clock and the FSB Frequency. Use <+> and <-> to adjust the ratio. The valid value ranges vary according to your CPU model.

3.5.3 DRAM Frequency [Auto]

Allows you to set the DDR3 operating frequency. The conguration options vary with the CPU Bus Frequency item settings.

3.5.4 CPU/NB Frequency [Auto]

Allows you to select the CPU/NB frequency. Conguration options: [Auto] [1000MHz] [1200MHz] [1400MHz] [1600MHz] [1800MHz] [2000MHz]

3.5.5 HT Link Speed [Auto]

Chapter 3

Allows you to set the CPU-Chipset HyperTransport link speed.

Conguration options: [Auto] [200MHz] [400MHz] [600MHz] [800MHz] [1000MHz] [1200MHz] [1400MHz] [1600MHz] [1800MHz] [2000MHz]

3.5.6 DRAM Timing Conguration

The conguration options for some of the following items vary depending on the DIMMs

you install on the motherboard.

DRAM CAS# Latency [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [4 CLK] – [12 CLK]

DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [5 CLK] – [12 CLK]

DRAM RAS# PRE Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [5 CLK] – [12 CLK]

DRAM RAS# ACT Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [15 CLK] – [30 CLK]

3-12 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

DRAM READ to PRE Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK]

DRAM Row Cycle Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [11 CLK] – [41 CLK]

DRAM WRITE Recovery Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK] [8 CLK] [10 CLK] [12 CLK]

DRAM RAS# to RAS# Delay [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK]

DRAM READ to WRITE Delay [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] – [17 CLK]

DRAM WRITE to READ Delay(DD) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [2 CLK] – [10 CLK]

DRAM WRITE to READ Delay(SD) [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK]

DRAM WRITE to WRITE Timing [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] – [10 CLK]

DRAM READ to READ Timing [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] – [10 CLK]

DRAM REF Cycle Time [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [90ns] [110ns] [160ns] [300ns] [350ns]

DRAM Refresh Rate [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [Every 7.8ms] [Every 3.9ms]

DRAM Command Rate [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1T] [2T]

3.5.7 DRAM Driving Conguration

The conguration options for some of the following items vary depending on the DIMMs

you install on the motherboard.

CKE drive strength [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]

CS/ODT drive strength [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 3-13

Chapter 3

ADDR/CMD drive strength [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x] [2x]

MEMCLK drive strength [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0.75x] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x]

Data drive strength [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0.75x] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x]

DQS drive strength [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [0.75x] [1x] [1.25x] [1.5x]

Processor ODT [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [240 ohms +/- 20%] [120 ohms +/- 20%] [60 ohms +/- 20%]

Some of the following items are adjusted by typing the desired values using the numeric keypad and press the <Enter> key. You can also use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value. To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard and press the <Enter>

key.

3.5.8 Processor Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to adjust the CPU VCore voltage with a 0.0125V interval.

3.5.9 CPU/NB Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to adjust the CPU/NB voltage with a 0.0125V interval.

Chapter 3

3.5.10 CPU VDDA Voltage [Auto]

This item appears only when you set the Ai Overclock Tuner item to [Manual] or [D.O.C.P], and allows you to set the CPU VDDA voltage. The values range from 2.50V to 2.80V with a

0.10V interval.

3.5.11 DRAM Voltage [Auto]

This item appears only when you set the Ai Overclock Tuner item to [Manual] or [D.O.C.P], and allows you to set the DRAM voltage. The values range from 1.80V to 2.50V with a 0.02V interval.

3.5.12 HT Voltage [Auto]

This item appears only when you set the Ai Overclock Tuner item to [Manual] or [D.O.C.P], and allows you to set the HyperTransport voltage. The values range from 1.20V to 1.50V with a 0.02V interval.

3.5.13 NB Voltage [Auto]

This item appears only when you set the Ai Overclock Tuner item to [Manual] or [D.O.C.P], and allows you to set the NorthBridge voltage. The values range from 1.10V to 1.40V with a

0.02V interval.

3-14 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.5.14 nForce200 Voltage [Auto]

This item appears only when you set the Ai Overclock Tuner item to [Manual] or [D.O.C.P], and allows you to set the nForce 200 chip voltage. The values range from 1.20V to 1.50V with a 0.02V interval.

3.5.15 CPU/LDT Spread Spectrum [Disabled]

[Disabled] Enhances the CPU overclocking ability.

[Enabled] Sets to [Enabled] for EMI control.

3.5.16 PCIE Spread Spectrum [Disabled]

[Disabled] Enhances the PCIE overclocking ability.

[Linear Down] Sets to [Enabled] for EMI control.

3.5.17 SATA Spread Spectrum [Disabled]

Allows you to adjust the SATA spread spectrum setting.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Linear Down]

3.5.18 PCI Spread Spectrum [Disabled]

This item becomes user-congurable only when you set the SATA Spread Spectrum item to [Linear Down]. We recommend that you leave this item to its default setting for system

stability. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Linear Down]

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 3-15

Chapter 3

3.6 Advanced menu

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

Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect eld values

can cause the system to malfunction.

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

CPU Conguration

Chipset

Onboard Devices Conguration

PCIPnP

USB Conguration

3.6.1 CPU Conguration

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

Chapter 3

Advanced

CPU Conguration

Module Version: 13.63 AGESA Version: 3.5.4.0

AMD Phenom(tm) II X4 945 Processor Revision: C2 Cache L1: 512KB Cache L2: 2048KB Cache L3: 6MB Speed : 3000MHz, NB Clk: 2000MHz Able to Change Freq. : Yes uCode Patch Level : 0x1000086

GART Error Reporting [Disabled] Microcode Updation [Enabled] Secure Virtual Machine Mode [Enabled] Cool‘n’Quiet [Enabled] ACPI SRAT Table [Enabled] C1E Support [Enabled] NVIDIA Core Calibration [Disabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Congure CPU.

←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item

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

The items shown in this screen may be different due to the CPU you installed.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

This option should remain disabled for the normal operation. The driver developer may enable it for testing purpose.

←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item

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

GART Error Reporting [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables the GART Error Reporting function.

[Enabled] Enables the GART Error Reporting function.

3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

Microcode Updation [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables the Microcode Updation function.

[Enabled] Allows the system to update the Microcode automatically, enhancing

system performance.

Secure Virtual Machine Mode [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables the AMD Secure Virtual Machine mode.

[Enabled] Enables the AMD Secure Virtual Machine mode.

Cool‘n’Quiet [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables the AMD Cool’n’Quiet function.

[Enabled] Enables the AMD Cool’n’Quiet function.

ACPI SRAT Table [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables the building of ACPI SRAT Table.

[Enabled] Enables the building of ACPI SRAT Table.

C1E Support [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables the the Enhanced Halt State support.

[Enabled] Enables the the Enhanced Halt State support.

NVIDIA Core Calibration [Disabled]

Allows you to select the CPU core overclocking for each or all CPU cores.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto] [All Cores] [Per Core]

Unleashing Mode [Disabled]

This item appears only when you set the NVIDIA Core Calibration item to [Auto], [Per Core] or [All Cores]. Enabling this item allows the system to get full computing of the processor.

Core 0/1/2/3 NVCC Percentage [xx%]

This item appears only when you set the NVIDIA Core Calibration item to [Per Core] or [All Cores]. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the NVCC voltage for Core 0/1/2/3.

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 3-17

Chapter 3

3.6.2 Chipset

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

Advanced

Advanced Chipset Settingsz

NorthBridge Conguration SouthBridge Conguration

NorthBridge Chipset Conguration

Advanced

NorthBridge Chipset Conguration

DRAM Controller Conguration

ECC Conguration

DRAM Controller Conguration

Advanced

DRAM Controller Conguration

Channel Interleaving [XOR of Address bit] MemClk Tristate C3/ATLVID [Disabled] Memory Hole Remapping [Enabled] DCT Unganged Mode [Always] Power Down Enable [Disabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Options for NB

Enable Channel Memory Interleaving

Chapter 3

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Address bits 6] [Address bits 12] [XOR of Address bits [20:16, 6]] [XOR of Address bits [20:16, 9]]

MemClk Tristate C3/ATLVID [Disabled]

Channel Interleaving [XOR of Address bit]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Memory Hole Remapping [Enabled]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

DCT Unganged Mode [Always]

Conguration options: [Auto] [Always]

Power Down Enable [Disabled]

Enables or disables the DDR power down mode.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Power Down Mode [Channel]

This item appears only when you enable the previous item and allows you to set the

DDR power down mode. Conguration options: [Channel] [Chip Select]

3-18 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

ECC Conguration

Advanced

ECC Conguration

ECC Mode [Disabled]

DRAM ECC Enable [Disabled] DRAM SCRUB REDIRECT [Disabled] 4-Bit ECC Mode [Disabled] DRAM BG Scrub [Disabled] Data Cache BG Scrub [Disabled] L2 Cache BG Scrub [Disabled] L3 Cache BG Scrub [Disabled]

ECC Mode [Disabled]

Disables or sets the DRAM ECC mode that allows the hardware to report and correct memory errors.

[Disabled] Disables the DRAM ECC mode.

[Basic] Set to [Basic] to adjust ECC mode automatically.

[Good] Set to [Good] to adjust ECC mode automatically.

[Super] Set to [Super] to adjust the

[Max] Set to [Max] to adjust ECC mode automatically.

[User] Set to [User] to adjust all the subitems manually.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

DRAM BG Scrub sub-item manually.

Set the level of ECC protection. Note: The ‘Super’ ECC mode dynamically sets the DRAM scrub rate so all of memory is scrubbed in 8 hours.

SouthBridge Conguration

Advanced

Advanced Chipset Settings

Hybrid SLI support [Disabled] Hybrid SLI Frame buffer size [Disabled] Primary Graphics Adapter [PCIE VGA Card Firs] SouthBridge ACPI HPET TABLE [Enabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

1 Memory have to over 2G size 2 At least 256 MB of frame buffer size 3 External VGA must support this feature

The following two items become user-congurable only when a dGPU is detected. Ensure

that your dGPU is properly installed.

Hybrid SLI support [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the NVIDIA Hybrid SLI technology.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

Hybrid SLI Frame buffer size [256MB]

This item becomes user-congurable when you set the Hybrid SLI support item to [Enabled] and allows you to set the frame buffer size for the onboard GPU. Conguration options: [256MB] [512MB] [Disabled]

Primary Graphics Adapter [PCIE VGA Card First]

Allows you to select which graphics controller to use as the primary boot device.

Conguration options: [PCI VGA Card First] [PCIE VGA Card First]

SouthBridge ACPI HPET TABLE [Enabled]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 3-19

Chapter 3

3.6.3 Onboard Devices Conguration

Advanced

Onboard Devices Conguration

Onboard LAN [Enabled] OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled] Onboard 1394 [Enabled] On-board AUDIO [Enabled] Front Panel Select [HD Audio] SPDIF Mode Setting [SPDIF Output] Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]

Onboard LAN [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the onboard LAN controller.

[Disabled] Disables the onboard controller.

Onboard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]

[Enabled] Enables the onboard LAN Boot ROM.

[Disabled] Disables the onboard LAN Boot ROM.

Onboard 1394 [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the onboard 1394 device support.

[Disabled] Disables the onboard 1394 device support.

On-board AUDIO [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables the controller.

Chapter 3

[Enabled] Enables the High Denition Audio Controller.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Options

Enabled Disabled

The following item appears only when you set the Onboard LAN item to [Enabled].

The following items appear only when you set the On-board AUDIO item to [Enabled].

Front Panel Type [HD Audio]

[AC97] Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97.

[HD Audio] Sets the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to high denition audio.

SPDIF Mode Setting [SPDIF Output]

[HDMI Output] Outputs the digital audio signal through the HDMI port.

[SPDIF Output] Outputs the digital audio signal through the onboard SPDIF port.

Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]

Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4] [2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3]

3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.6.4 PCIPnP

The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices.

Advanced

Advanced PCI/PnP Settings

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

Plug And Play O/S [No]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Plug And Play O/S [No]

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

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

operating system congures the Plug and Play devices not required for boot.

3.6.5 USB Conguration

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

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

Advanced

USB Conguration

Module Version - 2.24.3-13.4

USB Devices Enabled:

None

USB Functions [Enabled] USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled] Legacy USB Support [Auto] USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Enabled Disabled

Options

The USB Devices Enabled item shows the auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the item shows None.

USB Functions [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the USB Host Controllers.

[Disabled] Disables the controllers.

The following items appear only when you set USB Functions to [Enabled].

USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the USB 2.0 controller.

[Disabled] Disables the controller.

Legacy USB Support [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables the function.

[Enabled] Enables the support for USB devices on legacy operating systems (OS).

[Auto] Allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If

detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is detected, the legacy USB support is disabled.

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 3-21

Chapter 3

USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]

[FullSpeed] Sets the USB 2.0 controller mode to FullSpeed (12 Mbps).

[HiSpeed] Sets the USB 2.0 controller mode to HiSpeed (480 Mbps).

3.7 Power menu

The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Power

Management (APM). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options.

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Suspend Mode [Auto] ACPI 2.0 Support [Enabled] ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]

APM Conguration

Hardware Monitor

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Select the ACPI state used for System Suspend.

←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item

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

Chapter 3

3.7.1 Suspend Mode [Auto]

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

for system suspend.

[S1 (POS) only] Sets the ACPI suspend mode to S1/POS (Power On Suspend).

[S3 only] Sets the ACPI suspend mode to S3/STR (Suspend To RAM).

[Auto] The system automatically congures the ACPI suspend mode.

3.7.2 ACPI 2.0 Support [Enabled]

[Disabled] The system will not add additional tables as per ACPI 2.0 specications.

[Enabled] The system adds additional tables as per ACPI 2.0 specications.

3.7.3 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]

[Disabled] The system disables the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface

[Enabled] The ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list.

3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

(ACPI) support in the Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC).

3.7.4 APM Conguration

Power

APM Conguration

EuP Ready [Enabled] Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off]

Power On By PCI/PCIE Device [Disabled] Power on by External modems [Disabled] Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled] Power On By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled] Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled]

EuP Ready [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables the Energy Using Products (EuP) Ready function.

[Enabled] Allows BIOS to switch off some power at S5 state to get system ready for

the EuP requirement. When set to [Enabled], power for WOL, WO_USB, audio and onboard LEDs will be switched off at S5 state.

Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off]

[Power On] The system goes into on state after an AC power loss.

[Power Off] The system goes into off state after an AC power loss.

[Last State] The system goes into either off or on state, whatever the system state was

before the AC power loss.

Power On By PCI/PCIE Device [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disallows the PCI/PCIE/onboard LAN devices to generate a wake even.

[Enabled] Allows you to turn on the system through a PCI/PCIE/onboard LAN device.

This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.

Power on by External modems [Disabled]

[Disabled] The computer could not be powered up when the external modem receives

[Enabled] The computer could be powered up when the external modem receives a

a call while the computer is in Soft-off mode.

call while the computer is in Soft-off mode.

The computer cannot receive or transmit data until the computer and applications are fully

running. Thus, connection cannot be made on the rst try. Turning an external modem off and then back on while the computer is off causes an initialization string that turns the

system power on.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Chapter 3

Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables the Power On by a PS/2 keyboard.

[Space Bar] Allows you to turn on the system by pressing the Space Bar key on the

[Power Key] Allows you to turn on the system by pressing the Power key on the PS/2

[Ctrl-Esc] Allows you to turn on the system by pressing the Ctrl key and Esc key

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 3-23

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

keyboard. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.

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

Power On By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables the power on by PS/2 mouse function.

[Enabled] Enables the power on by PS/2 mouse function. This feature requires an

ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.

Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables RTC to generate a wake event.

[Enabled] When set to [Enabled], the items

RTC Alarm Date (Days) and System

Time will become user-congurable with set values.

3.7.5 Hardware Monitor

Power

Hardware Monitor

CPU Temperature [35ºC/95ºF] MB Temperature [34ºC/93ºF]

CPU Fan Speed [3590RPM] Chassis Fan 1 Speed [N/A] Chassis Fan 2 Speed [N/A]

VCORE Voltage [ 1.040V]

3.3V Voltage [ 3.008V] 5V Voltage [ 4.776V] 12V Voltage [11.648V]

CPU Q-Fan Function [Enabled] Select Fan Type : [PWR Fan] CPU Q-Fan Mode [Silent] Chassis Q-Fan Function [Disabled]

Chapter 3

CPU/MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]

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

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

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU and chassis fan

speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the motherboard, the eld

shows N/A. Select Ignored if you do not wish to display the detected speed.

VCORE Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard voltage regulators. Select Ignored if you do not want to detect this item.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

CPU Temperature

←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item

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

3-24 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

CPU Q-Fan Function [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables the CPU Q-Fan control feature.

[Enabled] Enables the CPU Q-Fan control feature.

The following two items appear only when you set CPU Q-Fan Function to [Enabled].

Select Fan Type: [PWR Fan]

[PWR Fan] Sets to [PWR Fan] when using a 4-pin CPU fan.

[DC Fan] Sets to [DC Fan] when using a 3-pin CPU fan.

CPU Q-Fan Mode [Silent]

[Performance] Sets to [Performance] to achieve maximum CPU fan speed.

[Optimal] Sets to [Optimal] to make the CPU fan automatically adjust

[Silent] Sets to [Silent] to minimize the fan speed for quiet CPU fan

depending on the CPU temperature.

operation.

Chassis Q-Fan Function [Disabled]

[Disabled] Disables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature.

[Enabled] Enables the Chassis Q-Fan control feature.

The following item appears only when you set Chassis Q-Fan Function to [Enabled].

Chassis Q-Fan Mode [Silent]

[Performance] Sets to [Performance] to achieve maximum chassis fan speed.

[Optimal] Sets to [Optimal] to make the chassis fan automatically adjust

[Silent] Sets to [Silent] to minimize fan speed for quiet chassis fan operation.

depending on the chassis temperature.

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 3-25

Chapter 3

3.8 Boot menu

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

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Boot Settings

Boot Device Priority

Boot Settings Conguration

Security

3.8.1 Boot Device Priority

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Species the Boot

Device Priority sequence.

A virtual oppy disk

drive (Floppy Drive B: ) may appear when you set the CD-ROM drive

as the rst boot

device.

←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item

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

Boot

Boot Device Priority

1st Boot Device [Removable Dev.] 2nd Boot Device [Hard Drive] 3rd Boot Device [ATAPI CD-ROM]

Chapter 3

1st ~ xxth Boot Device [Removable Dev.]

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

Conguration options: [Removable Dev.] [Hard Drive] [ATAPI CD-ROM] [Disabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Species the boot

sequence from the available devices.

3-26 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.8.2 Boot Settings Conguration

Boot

Boot Settings Conguration

Quick Boot [Enabled] Full Screen Logo [Enabled] AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS] Bootup Num-Lock [On] Wait For ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled] Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Allows BIOS to skip certain tests while booting. This will decrease the time needed to boot the system.

Quick Boot [Enabled]

[Disabled] When set to [Disabled], BIOS performs all the POST items.

[Enabled] When set to [Enabled], BIOS skips some power on self tests (POST) while

booting to decrease the time needed to boot the system.

Full Screen Logo [Enabled]

[Enabled] Enables the full screen logo display feature.

[Disabled] Disables the full screen logo display feature.

Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature.

AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS]

[Force BIOS] The third-party ROM messages will be forced to display during the boot

[Keep Current] The third-party ROM messages will be displayed only if the third-party

sequence.

manufacturer had set the add-on device to do so.

Bootup Num-Lock [On]

[Off] Sets the power-on state of the NumLock to [Off].

[On] Sets the power-on state of the NumLock to [On].

Wait For ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables this function.

[Enabled] The system waits for the <F1> key to be pressed when error occurs.

Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]

[Disabled] Disables this function.

[Enabled] The system displays the message “Press DEL to run Setup” during POST.

Chapter 3

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 3-27

3.8.3 Security

The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item

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

Boot

Security Settings

Supervisor Password : Not Installed User Password : Not Installed

Change Supervisor Password Change User Passward

Change Supervisor Password

Select this item to set or change the supervisor password. The Supervisor Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this item shows Installed.

To set a Supervisor Password:

1. Select the

2. From the password box, type a password composed of at least six letters and/or numbers, then press <Enter>.

3. Conrm the password when prompted.

The message Password Installed appears after you successfully set your password.

To change the supervisor password, follow the same steps as in setting a user password.

To clear the supervisor password, select the Change Supervisor Password then press

Chapter 3

<Enter>. The message Password Uninstalled appears.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

<Enter> to change password. <Enter> again to disable password.

Change Supervisor Password item and press <Enter>.

If you forget your BIOS password, you can clear clear it by erasing the CMOS Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM. See section 2.6 Jumpers for information on how to erase the RTC RAM.

After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to change other security settings.

3-28 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

Boot

Security Settings

Supervisor Password : Installed User Password : Installed

Change Supervisor Password User Access Level [Full Access] Change User Password Clear User Password Password Check [Setup]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

<Enter> to change password. <Enter> again to disabled password.

User Access Level [Full Access]

This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items.

[No Access] Prevents user access to the Setup utility.

[View Only] Allows access but does not allow change to any eld.

[Limited] Allows changes only to selected elds, such as Date and Time.

[Full Access] Allows viewing and changing all the elds in the Setup utility.

Change User Password

Select this item to set or change the user password. The User Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this item shows Installed.

To set a User Password:

1. Select the

2. On the password box that appears, type a password composed of at least six letters and/or numbers, then press <Enter>.

3. Conrm the password when prompted.

The message Password Installed appears after you set your password successfully.

To change the user password, follow the same steps as in setting a user password.

Change User Password item and press <Enter>.

Clear User Password

Select this item to clear the user password.

Password Check [Setup]

[Setup] BIOS checks for user password when accessing the Setup utility.

[Always]

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 3-29

BIOS checks for user password both when accessing Setup and booting the system.

Chapter 3

3.9 Tools menu

The Tools menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item

then press <Enter> to display the submenu.

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

ASUS EZ Flash 2

Express Gate [Enabled] Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds] Reset User Data [No]

ASUS O.C. Prole

AI NET 2

3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2

Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Enter>, a conrmation message

appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press <Enter> to

conrm your choice.

For more details, refer to section 3.2.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Press ENTER to run the utility to select and update BIOS. This utility supports:

1.FAT 12/16/32 (r/w)

2.NTFS (read only)

3.CD-DISC (read only)

←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item

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

Chapter 3

3.9.2 Express Gate [Auto]

Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Express Gate feature. The ASUS Express Gate feature is a unique instant-on environment that provides quick access to the Internet browser

and Skype. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] [Auto]

Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds]

Sets countdown duration that the system waits at the Express Gate’s rst screen before starting Windows or other installed OS. Choose [Prompt User] to stay at the rst screen of

Express Gate for user action. Conguration options: [Prompt User] [1 second] [3 seconds] [5 seconds] [10 seconds] [15 seconds] [20 seconds] [30 seconds]

Reset User Data [No]

Allows you to clear Express Gate’s user data.

[Reset] When setting this item to [Reset], ensure that you save the setting to the

3-30 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

BIOS so that the user data will be cleared the next time you enter the Express Gate. User data includes the Express Gate’s settings as well as any personal information stored by the web browser such as bookmarks, cookies, browsing history. This is useful in the rare case where corrupt settings prevent the Express Gate environment from launching properly.

[No] Sets to [No] to disable the Reset User Data function when entering the

Express Gate.

The rst time wizard will run again when you enter the Express Gate environment after

clearing its settings.

3.9.3 ASUS O.C. Prole

This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings.

Tools

O.C. PROFILE Conguration

O.C. Prole 1 Status : Not Installed O.C. Prole 2 Status : Not Installed O.C. Prole 3 Status : Not Installed O.C. Prole 4 Status : Not Installed O.C. Prole 5 Status : Not Installed O.C. Prole 6 Status : Not Installed O.C. Prole 7 Status : Not Installed O.C. Prole 8 Status : Not Installed

Add Your CMOS Prole.

Name: [Default-Prole]

Save To: [Uninstalled]

Load CMOS Proles.

Load From: [Blank]

Start O.C. Prole

Add Your CMOS Prole

Allows you to save the current BIOS le to the BIOS Flash. In the Name sub-item, type your prole name and press <Enter>, and then choose a prole number to save your CMOS

settings in the Save to sub-item.

Load CMOS Proles

Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Press <Enter>, and

choose a prole to load.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Typing your prole

name, [0-9][a-z][A-Z] are acceptable.

←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item

F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit

Chapter 3

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 3-31

Start O.C. Prole

Allows you to run the utility to save and load CMOS. Press <Enter> to run the utility.

ASUSTek O.C. Prole Utility V2.12

Chapter 3

3.9.4 AI NET 2

Tools

AI NET 2 Pair Status Length

Current CMOS

BOARD: M4N98TD EVO VER: 0106 DATE: 01/25/2010

PATH: A:\

Note

[Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info [Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [Esc] Exit

Restore CMOS

BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown

• This function can support devices such as a USB ash drive or a oppy disk with FAT

32/16 format and single partition only.

• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent the system boot failure!

• We recommend that you update the BIOS le only coming from the same memory/CPU conguration and BIOS version.

• Only the CMO le can be loaded.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Check Broadcom Phy LAN cable [Disabled]

Check Broadcom Phy LAN Cable [Disabled]

[Disabled] BIOS will not check the Broadcom Phy LAN cable during the Power-On

[Enabled] BIOS checks the Broadcom Phy LAN cable during the Power-On Self-Test

3-32 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

Self-Test (POST).

(POST).

3.10 Exit menu

The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items.

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Exit Options

Exit & Save Changes Exit & Discard Changes Discard Changes

Load Setup Defaults

Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options from this menu or <F10> from the legend bar to exit.

Exit & Save Changes

Once you are nished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit menu to

ensure the values you selected are saved to the CMOS RAM. An onboard backup battery sustains the CMOS RAM so it stays on even when the PC is turned off. When you select this option, a conrmation window appears. Select Ok to save changes and exit.

If you attempt to exit the Setup program without saving your changes, the program prompts you with a message asking if you want to save your changes before exiting. Press <Enter> to save the changes while exiting.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Exit system setup after saving the changes.

F10 key can be used for this operation.

←→ Select Screen ↑↓ Select Item

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

Exit & Discard Changes

Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you made to the

Setup program. If you made changes to elds other than System Date, System Time, and Password, the BIOS asks for a conrmation before exiting.

Discard Changes

This option allows you to discard the selections you made and restore the previously saved values. After selecting this option, a conrmation appears. Select Ok to discard any changes and load the previously saved values.

Load Setup Defaults

This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup

menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a conrmation window appears.

Select Ok to load default values. Select Exit & Save Changes or make other changes before saving the values to the non-volatile RAM.

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 3-33

Chapter 3

3-34 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

Chapter 4

Chapter 4: Software support

4.1 Installing an operating system

This motherboard supports Windows® XP/ 64-bit XP/ Vista / 64-bit Vista / 7 / 64-bit 7 operating systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to

maximize the features of your hardware.

• Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Use the setup procedures presented in this chapter for reference only. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed information.

• Ensure that you install the Windows installing the drivers for better compatibility and system stability.

4.2 Support DVD information

The support DVD that comes with the motherboard package contains the drivers, software applications, and utilities that you can install to avail all motherboard features.

The contents of the support DVD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for updates.

4.2.1 Running the support DVD

Place the support DVD into the optical drive. The DVD automatically displays the Highlights menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer. Click each menu tab and select the items you want to install.

XP Service Pack 2 or later versions before

The Drivers menu shows the available

device drivers if the system detects

installed devices. Install the necessary

menu shows the applications and

other software that

the motherboard

drivers to use the devices.

The Utilities

supports.

Click an item

to install

The Make Disk menu contains items to create the RAID/AHCI driver disk.

The Manual menu contains the list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to open the folder of the user manual.

Click the Highlights tab to display the software information

Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information.

Click an icon to display DVD/ motherboard information

Click to obtain the corresponding software manuals

If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support DVD to

locate the le ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-click the ASSETUP.EXE to run

the DVD.

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 4-1

4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals

The software manuals are included in the support DVD. Follow the instructions below to get the necessary software manuals.

The software manual les are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the Adobe®

Acrobat® Reader from the Utilities menu before opening the les.

1. Click the Manual tab. Click ASUS Motherboard Utility Guide from the manual list on the left.

2. The DVD appears. Double-click the folder of your selected software.

3. Some software manuals are provided in different languages. Double-click the language to show the software manual.

Chapter 4

Manual folder of the support

The screenshots in this section are for reference only. The actual software manuals containing in the support DVD vary by models.

4-2 Chapter 4: Software support

4.3 Software information

Most of the applications in the support DVD have wizards that will conveniently guide you through the installation. View the online help or readme le that came with the software

application for more information.

4.3.1 ASUS PC Probe II

PC Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects and alerts you of any problem with these components. PC Probe II senses fan rotations, CPU temperature, and system voltages, among others. Because PC Probe II is software-based, you can start monitoring your computer the moment you turn it on. With this utility, you are assured that your computer is always at a healthy operating condition.

Launching PC Probe II

1. Install PC Probe II from the motherboard support DVD.

2. Launch PC Probe II by clicking

Probe II v1.xx.xx. The PC Probe II main window appears.

3. The PC Probe II icon appears in the Windows or restore the application.

PC Probe II main window

Start > All Programs > ASUS > PC Probe II > PC

notication area. Click this icon to close

Button Function

Opens the Conguration window

Opens the Report window

Opens the Desktop Management Interface window

Opens the Peripheral Component Interconnect window

Opens the Windows Management Instrumentation window

Opens the hard disk drive, memory, CPU usage window

Shows/Hides the Preference section

Minimizes the application

Closes the application

Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at

www.asus.com for detailed software conguration.

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 4-3

Chapter 4

4.3.2 ASUS AI Suite

ASUS AI Suite allows you to launch several ASUS utilities easily.

Launching AI Suite

1. Install AI Suite from the motherboard support DVD.

2. Launch AI Suite by clicking

xx. The AI Suite main window appears.

Start > All Programs > ASUS > AI Suite > AI Suite v1.xx.

3. The AI Suite icon

appears in the Windows® notication area. If you minimize the

application main window, click this icon to restore the window.

Using AI Suite

Click each utility button to launch the utility, or click the Normal button to restore system default settings.

Click to open the monitor window that displays

system information such as CPU temperature,

CPU voltage, fan speed, and CPU/FSB frequency

Click to restore default settings

Click to launch each utility

Chapter 4

• The screenshots in this section are for reference only. The actual utility buttons vary by models.

• Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at

www.asus.com for detailed software conguration.

4-4 Chapter 4: Software support

4.3.3 ASUS Fan Xpert

Asus Fan Xpert allows you to adjust both the CPU and chassis fan speeds according to

different ambient temperatures and your PC’s system loading. The various fan proles offer exible controls of fan speeds to achieve a quiet and cool system environment.

Launching Fan Xpert

After installing AI Suite from the motherboard support DVD, launch Fan Xpert by doubleclicking the AI Suite tray icon and then clicking the Fan Xpert button on the AI Suite main window.

Using Fan Xpert

Click to open the Calibration window

Click to select a fan

Click to select a

fan prole

Click to apply

the settings

Click to display the current CPU temperature and the fan speed ratio

Click to cancel the settings

Fan proles

• Disable: disables the Fan Xpert function.

•

Standard: adjusts fan speed in a moderate pattern.

•

Silent: minimizes fan speed for quiet fan operation.

•

Turbo: maximizes the fan speed for the best cooling effect.

•

Intelligent: automatically adjusts the CPU fan speed according to the ambient

•

Stable: xes the CPU fan speed to avoid noise caused by the unsteady fan rotation. The

•

User: Allows you to congure the CPU fan prole under certain limitations.

temperature.

fan will speed up when the temperature exceeds 70ºC.

Chapter 4

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 4-5

4.3.4 ASUS EPU

ASUS EPU is an energy-efcient tool that provides you with a total system power-saving

solution. It detects the current computer loading and intelligently adjusts the power in realtime. With auto phase switching for components, the EPU automatically provides the most appropriate power usage via intelligent acceleration and overclocking

ASUS EPU provides you with these modes to choose from:

•

When you select Auto Mode , the system shifts modes automatically according to the

current system status. You can also congure advanced settings for each mode.

Turbo Mode

High Performance Mode

• Maximum Power Saving Mode

Launching EPU

After installing EPU from the motherboard support DVD, double-click the EPU tray icon to launch the program.

EPU main menu

Chapter 4

Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website

at www.asus.com for detailed software conguration.

4-6 Chapter 4: Software support

4.3.5 ASUS Express Gate

ASUS Express Gate is an ASUS exclusive OS that provides you with quick access to the Internet and key applications before entering the Windows® OS.

Notices about ASUS Express Gate

• Install ASUS Express Gate from the motherboard support DVD before use.

• ASUS Express Gate does not support SATA devices in RAID mode. See chapter 3 for BIOS setup details.

• ASUS Express Gate does not support SATA 6Gb/s devices. Please visit http://support.asus.com for future Express Gate updates.

• ASUS Express Gate supports le uploading from ODD and USB drives and

downloading to USB drives only.

• ASUS Express Gate supports installation on SATA HDDs, USB HDDs and Flash drives with at least 1.2GB of available disk space. When installed on USB HDDs or Flash drives, connect the drive to the prior USB port (for example, USB port 1) before turning on the computer to speed the boot-up time.

• ASUS Express Gate’s display output varies with different monitors. Adjust the screen

resolution from the Express Gate conguration Panel.

• Install at least 1GB system memory for better performance.

The Splash Screen

Express Gate’s splash screen appears within a few seconds after you power on the computer.

Click any of the application icons to enter Express Gate environment and launch the selected application

Turn off the computer

Click to immediately enter existing OS, or it will automatically continue booting to existing OS when the timer above the Exit icon counts down to zero (0).

• The Web Search bar is available only when the system language of Express Gate is set to English (U.S.) or Russian, and the search provider is Yahoo!® for English and Yandex® for Russian.

• To enter the motherboard BIOS setup program, click screen, and then press the <Del> key during POST.

• Click

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 4-7

in the Express Gate environment for detailed software instructions.

Exit on the Express Gate splash

Chapter 4

4.3.6 Audio congurations

The VIA® High Denition Audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the ultimate audio experience on your computer. The software provides Jack-Detection, Multi-Streaming, Front Panel Jack-Retasking and S/PDIF Out support.

Follow the installation wizard to install the VIA® Audio Driver from the support CD/DVD that

came with the motherboard package.

If the VIA audio software is correctly installed, you will nd the VIA HD Audio Deck icon on the taskbar. Double-click on the icon to display the

VIA HD Audio Deck.

A. VIA HD Audio Deck for Windows® Vista™ / Windows® 7™

Minimize

button

Analog

and digital

connector

status

Advanced Options Information button

Expert Mode

Jacks default setting button

Device volume

control

VIA HD Audio Deck

Exit button

Default Device button

B. VIA HD Audio Deck for Windows XP

Display panel and volume control

Conguration

options

Chapter 4

Control settings

window

Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at

www.asus.com for detailed software conguration.

4-8 Chapter 4: Software support

Minimize button

4.3.7 ASUS AI Nap

ASUS AI Nap allows you to minimize the power consumption of your computer whenever

you are away. Enable this feature for minimum power consumption and a more quiet system operation.

Using ASUS AI Nap

1. After installing ASUS AI Suite from the motherboard support DVD, double-click the

ASUS Q-Button icon in the Windows notication

area to launch the Q-Button user interface.

2. Select

3. Press the power button to enter AI Nap mode.

Press the power button again to exit AI Nap mode.

AI Nap, then click Apply to enable AI Nap function.

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 4-9

Chapter 4

4.3.8 ASUS TurboV

ASUS TurboV allows you to overclock the CPU frequency, CPU voltage, DRAM voltage, and CPU/NB voltage in WIndows® environment and takes effect in real-time without exiting and rebooting the OS.

Refer to the CPU documentation before adjusting CPU voltage settings. Setting a high voltage may damage the CPU permanently, and setting a low voltage may make the system unstable.

• For system stability, all changes made in ASUS TurboV will not be saved to BIOS

settings and will not be kept on the next system boot. Use the Save Prole function

to save your customized overclocking settings and manually load the prole after

Windows starts.

• For system stability, set ASUS EPU to TurboV.

Launching ASUS TurboV

1. Install the ASUS TurboV utility from the motherboard support DVD.

2. Click

Start > All Programs > ASUS > TurboV > TurboV.

Load existing ASUS Turbo proles. Three pre-dened proles are

provided: “Race Car”, “Jet Plane”, and “Rocket”.

Save the current settings as a new prole

Target settings

Default

settings

Click to show more settings

Advanced

CPU and

chipset voltage

settings

High Performance Mode while using ASUS

Voltage

Adjustment

bars

Adjusts CPU

core ratio

Chapter 4

Applies all changes immediately

Undoes all changes without applying

• For advanced overclock ability, adjust rst the BIOS items, and then proceed more

detailed adjustments using TurboV.

• Refer to the software manual in the support DVD or visit the ASUS website at

www.asus.com for detailed software conguration.

• Only AMD® Black Edition processors support the CPU Ratio function.

• Set the

CPU Ratio item in BIOS to [Auto] before using the CPU Ratio function in

TurboV. See chapter 3 for details.

4-10 Chapter 4: Software support

Asus M4N98TD EVO User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

Notices

Safety information

About this guide

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 Welcome!

1.2 Package contents

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

1.3.2 ASUS unique features

Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.1 Before you proceed

2.2 Motherboard overview

2.2.1 Motherboard layout

2.2.2 Layout contents

2.2.3 Placement direction

2.2.4 Screw holes

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

2.3.1 Installing the CPU

2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan

2.4 System memory

2.4.1 Overview

2.4.3 Installing a DIMM

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM

2.5 Expansion slots

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments

2.5.4 PCI slots

2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slots

2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots

2.6 Jumpers

2.7 Onboard switches

2.8 Connectors

2.8.1 Rear panel connectors

2.8.2 Audio I/O connections

2.8.3 Internal connectors

2.8.4. ASUS Q-Connector (system panel)

2.9 Onboard LEDs

2.11 Turning off the computer

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.1 Knowing BIOS

3.2 Updating BIOS

3.2.1 ASUS Update utility

3.2.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility

3.2.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility

3.3 BIOS setup program

3.3.1 BIOS menu screen

3.3.2 Menu bar

3.3.3 Navigation keys

3.3.4 Menu items

3.3.5 Submenu items

3.3.7 Pop-up window

3.3.8 Scroll bar

3.3.9 General help

3.4 Main menu

3.4.1 Primary IDE Master/Slave; SATA 1–4

3.4.3 System Information

3.5 Ai Tweaker menu

3.5.1 Ai Overclock Tuner [Auto]

3.5.2 CPU Ratio [Auto]

3.5.3 DRAM Frequency [Auto]

3.5.4 CPU/NB Frequency [Auto]

3.5.5 HT Link Speed [Auto]

3.5.8 Processor Voltage [Auto]

3.5.9 CPU/NB Voltage [Auto]

3.5.10 CPU VDDA Voltage [Auto]

3.5.11 DRAM Voltage [Auto]

3.5.12 HT Voltage [Auto]

3.5.13 NB Voltage [Auto]

3.5.14 nForce200 Voltage [Auto]

3.5.15 CPU/LDT Spread Spectrum [Disabled]

3.5.16 PCIE Spread Spectrum [Disabled]

3.5.17 SATA Spread Spectrum [Disabled]

3.5.18 PCI Spread Spectrum [Disabled]

3.6 Advanced menu

3.6.2 Chipset