Asus MA3850 User Manual

Splendid HD

Graphics card

User manual

E3697

First Edition V1 June 2008

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

Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.

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

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

Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identification or explanation and to the owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.

Contents

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

Notices ......................................................................................................... iv

Safety information ....................................................................................... v

About this guide ......................................................................................... vi

1. Introduction ..................................................................................... 1

1.1 Package contents .............................................................. 1

1.2 Recommended system requirements ................................ 1

2. About hardware ............................................................................... 2

3. Installing the hardware ................................................................... 3

3.1 Preparing your computer ................................................... 3

3.2 Installing the Splendid HD graphics card ........................... 4

4. Installing the software .................................................................... 8

5. Splendid HD .................................................................................... 9

5.1 Launching Splendid HD ..................................................... 9

5.2 Using Splendid HD ........................................................... 10

6. ASUS GamerOSD .......................................................................... 15

6.1 Enabling ASUS GamerOSD ............................................. 15

6.2 Setting ASUS GamerOSD ............................................... 16

6.3 Using ASUS GamerOSD ................................................. 18

6.4 Broadcasting games with ASUS GamerOSD .................. 22

7. ASUS SmartDoctor ....................................................................... 26

7.1 Functions ......................................................................... 26

7.2 Launching ASUS SmartDoctor ......................................... 26

7.3 Voltage status .................................................................. 27

7.4 Temperature status .......................................................... 27

7.5 Fan speed status ............................................................. 28

7.6 Engine and memory clock settings .................................. 28

7.7 Advanced setup features ................................................. 29

8. ASUS VideoSecurity Online ......................................................... 34

8.1 System requirements ....................................................... 34

8.2 What’s New ...................................................................... 34

8.3 Launching ASUS VideoSecurity ....................................... 35

8.4 Setup ................................................................................ 37

8.5 Video Source.................................................................... 52

8.6 Set detect region .............................................................. 53

8.7 History ............................................................................. 55

8.8 Limitations ........................................................................ 56

iii

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 modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Canadian Department of Communications Statement

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

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

Safety information

Electrical safety

• 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.

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

• If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified service technician or your retailer.

Operation safety

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

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

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

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

• Place the product on a stable surface.

• If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified service technician or your retailer.

This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical, electronic equipment, and mercury-containing button cell battery) should not be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.

About this guide

Conventions

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

WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task.

CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task.

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

NOTE: Tips and information to aid in completing a task.

Where to nd more information

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

1. ASUS Websites

The ASUS websites worldwide provide updated information on ASUS

hardware and software products. The ASUS websites are listed in the ASUS Contact Information on the inside front cover of this installation guide.

2. Optional Documentation

Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty

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

Macrovision Corporation Product Notice

This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited.

1. Introduction

1.1 Package contents

• ASUS Splendid HD graphics card

• ASUS Splendid HD graphics card support CD

• DVI-to-HDMI adapter x1

• USB cable x1

• S/PDIF cable x1 (only for some models)

• Quick installation guide

1.2 Recommended system requirements

• PCI Express expansion slot

• One available 6-pin ATX power cable from the PC power supply unit (optional)

• Microsoft® Windows® 32-/64-bit Vista or Microsoft® Windows® 32-bit XP

• 512 MB DRAM system memory

• Optical Drive (CD/DVD) for software installation

ASUS Splendid HD graphics card

2. About hardware

Splendid HD graphics card layout

No Item Description

DVI-D Out port

(Splendid HD support)

HDTV-out & TV-out

port

DVI-I Out port

4 USB Input header

S/PDIF In connector

(only for some models)

6 ATX power connector

ASUS Splendid HD graphics card

This port connects to a monitor with DVI/HDMI output support.

This port connects to a video device with HDTV or TV input support such as TVs, DVD players, game consoles, etc.

This port connects to a monitor with DVI-I output support.

Connects to the USB connector on your motherboard using a USB cable.

Connects to the S/PDIF Out connector on your motherboard using the bundled SPDIF cable.

This connector is for an ATX power supply plug.

3. Installing the hardware

3.1 Preparing your computer

1. Power off your computer and disconnect the power cord.

2. Open the computer chassis.

3. Remove the metal cover of an available PCI Express expansion slot.

ASUS Splendid HD graphics card

3.2 Installing the Splendid HD graphics card

Securing the Splendid HD card:

1. Carefully insert the Splendid HD graphics card into the PCI Express slot. Ensure that the card sits properly in place.

2. Secure the card with a screw or a metal bracket.

Connecting cables:

1. Connect one end of the bundled USB cable to the USB port of the card and connect the other end to a USB connector on your motherboard.

2. Connect one end of the bundled S/PDIF cable to the S/PDIF In connector of the card and connect the other end to a S/PDIF Out connector on your motherboard. (only for some models)

3. Connect a 6-pin ATX power cable to the ATX power connector on the card.

The Splendid HD graphics card requires additional power to work. Ensure that you connect the ATX power connector to the card to provide ample power.

USB cable

S/PDIF cable

S/PDIF connector on your motherboard

ATX power cable

ASUS Splendid HD graphics card

USB connector on your motherboard

3.2.1 Connecting to your monitor with an HDMI port

ATI HD Audio rear output

1. Connect the bundled DVI-to-HDMI adapter to the DVI-D out port of the Splendid HD graphics card.

2. Using an HDMI cable, connect the DVI-to-HDMI adapter to your monitor with an HDMI port.

3. After hardware installation is complete, select the audio source from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start > Control Panel > Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices > Sounds and Audio Devices Properties.

4. Click the Audio tab, then click the Sound playback dropdown list to select the ATI HD Audio rear output.

5. Restart your computer.

ASUS Splendid HD graphics card

3.2.2 Connecting to your monitor with a DVI port

1. Using a DVI cable, connect the DVI-D out port of the Splendid HD graphics card to your monitor with a DVI port.

3.2.3 Connecting to two monitors

If you use two monitors, always connect the primary monitor to the DVI-D out port of the Splendid HD graphics card. Otherwise, the Splendid utility will not

work.

To connect one monitor with an HDMI port, the other with a DVI port

1. Follow step 1 and 2 in section 3.2.1 to connect the Splendid HD graphics card to your primary monitor.

2. Using a DVI cable, connect one end to the DVI-I out port of the Splendid HD graphics card, and the other end to the secondary monitor.

ASUS Splendid HD graphics card

Secondary

monitor

Primary monitor

To connect two monitors with DVI ports

1. Follow step 1 and 2 in section 3.2.2 to

connect the Splendid HD graphics card to your primary monitor.

2. Using a DVI cable, connect one end to the DVI-I out port of the Splendid HD graphics card, and the other end to the secondary monitor.

Some LCD TVs with HDMI inputs do not support PC video resolutions and may lose audio signals as well, excepting on such video resolutions as 480p, 720p, and 1080i/p. Hence, it is suggested that you set your LCD TV to one of these

TV resolutions.

Secondary

monitor

Primary monitor

ASUS Splendid HD graphics card

4. Installing the software

Installing the Splendid HD graphics card driver

1. After you have installed the Splendid HD graphics card, turn on your computer. Windows® automatically detects the Splendid HD graphics card and searches for device drivers. When prompted for the drivers, click Cancel.

2. Insert the support CD into the optical drive. If Autorun is enabled in your system, the setup starts automatically. If not, locate the setup.exe file in the support CD, then double-click the setup.exe file to start the installation.

3. Follow the screen instructions to finish the installation.

4. The following screen is displayed after the installation is completed.

ASUS Splendid HD graphics card

5. Splendid HD

Splendid HD is a utility that upgrades the visual performance for your LCD monitor or LCD TV with the advanced HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia interface) output.

5.1 Launching Splendid HD

If the Splendid HD utility is correctly installed, you will find the blue-colored Splendid HD icon on the taskbar.

Double-click the icon to launch the utility and display the Splendid HD main screen.

The Splendid HD icon turns red if the Splendid HD graphics card is not detected. To solve this problem, do the following:

1. Ensure that the USB cable is plugged to the 8-pin USB connector on the motherboard.

2. Restart the utility.

Utility switch

Click if your display is an LCD TV

Click if your display is an LCD monitor

ASUS Splendid HD graphics card

5.2 Using Splendid HD

Main menu

The Splendid HD main menu allows you to view the status of the utility configurations. Click the LCD monitor / LCD TV icon depending on which display you use.

Full window

Demo button

Three major modes

ON/OFF buttons

Click All Mode On/Off to enable or disable this utility. The utility is enabled when the utility switch is set to All Mode Off, and the full window is displayed.

The Splendid HD utility provides three modes that allow you to change the configurations according to different viewing conditions, such as viewing photos, watching movies, and playing games.

Click ON / OFF to enable or disable the mode you like.

You can also set hotkeys for each mode, which enables you to switch modes quickly.

ASUS Splendid HD graphics card

To set a hotkey:

1. Click to display the following:

2. Click on the Hotkey textbox then press desired keys. Ctrl and Alt keys are

the default keys.

3. Click Set to apply settings.

Photo Mode

To enable the Photo Mode, click the corresponding ON/OFF button. The button displays OFF when Photo Mode is on. Select desired settings from the two default color-enhanced settings: Nature and Vivid.

If you want to see the comparison between the original screen and the color-enhanced screen, set the Demo button to Demo Off. When the demo starts, a vertical green line divides the screen. The left side of the green line is the original screen and the right side the color-enhanced screen. Click Demo again to stop scanning.

Photo Mode list

ASUS Splendid HD graphics card

ON/OFF button

You can customize two more settings based on your needs.

To add customized settings, select CustomizeA / Customize B then click the pencil icon .

From the customize settings screen, adjust the brightness, saturation, hue, contrast, and sharpness according to your desired settings. Click Save then done.

ASUS Splendid HD graphics card

Video Mode

To enable the Video Mode, click the corresponding ON/OFF button. The button displays OFF when Video Mode is on. Select desired settings from the two default color-enhanced settings: Action Movie and Theater Mode.

You can customize two more settings based on your configuration. Follow the instructions in the Photo Mode section on how to create customized settings.

Video Mode list

ASUS Splendid HD graphics card

ON/OFF button

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