ASUS MEW-AML User Manual

R

MEW-AML

Socket 370 Intel® 810

microATX Motherboard

USER’S MANUAL

USER'S NOTICE

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”).

ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND,
EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED T O 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.

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.

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.

• QuickStart and JumperFree are trademarks of ASUSTeK Computer Inc.

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

• IBM and OS/2 are registered trademarks of International Business Machines.

• Symbios is a registered trademark of Symbios Logic Corporation.

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

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

sions are released for each product design represented by the digit before and after the period
of the manual revision number. Manual updates are represented by the third digit in the manual
revision number.

For previous or updated manuals, BIOS, drivers, or product release information, contact ASUS
at http://www.asus.com.tw or through any of the means indicated on the following page.

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 MA Y APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUD­ING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.

Copyright © 1999 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.

Product Name: ASUS MEW-AML
Manual Revision: 1.01 E420
Release Date: July 1999

2 ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual

ASUS CONTACT INFORMATION

ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (Asia-Pacific)

Marketing

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

Technical Support

Tel (English): [phone] ext. 706
Tel (Chinese): [phone] ext. 111
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Newsgroup: news2.asus.com.tw
WWW: www.asus.com.tw
FTP: ftp.asus.com.tw/pub/ASUS

ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)

Marketing

Address: 6737 Mowry Avenue, Mowry Business Center, Building 2

Newark, CA 94560, USA
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Technical Support

Fax: [phone]
BBS: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
WWW: www.asus.com
FTP: ftp.asus.com.tw/pub/ASUS

ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Europe)

Marketing

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

Technical Support

Hotline: [phone]
BBS: 49-2102-448690
Email: [e-mail]
WWW: www.asuscom.de
FTP: ftp.asuscom.de/pub/ASUSCOM

ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual 3

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................. 7

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

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

2. FEATURES ........................................................................................ 8

2.1 The ASUS MEW-AML Motherboard......................................... 8

2.1.1 Specifications..................................................................... 8

2.1.3 Performance ....................................................................... 9

2.2 ASUS MEW-AML Part Definitions ......................................... 10

2.3 ASUS MEW-AML Part Locations ........................................... 11

3. HARDWARE SETUP ..................................................................... 12

3.1 Motherboard Layout ................................................................. 12

3.3 Hardware Setup Procedure ....................................................... 13

3.2 Layout Contents........................................................................ 13

3.4 Motherboard Settings................................................................ 14

3.5.1 General DIMM Notes ...................................................... 15

3.5 System Memory (DIMM) ......................................................... 15

3.5.2 DIMM Memory Installation ............................................ 16

3.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)................................................. 17

3.7 Expansion Cards ....................................................................... 18

3.7.1 Expansion Card Installation Procedure............................ 18

3.8 External Connectors.................................................................. 19

3.9 Power Connection Procedures .................................................. 27

4.1 Managing and Updating Your BIOS ......................................... 28

4.1.1 Upon First Use of the Computer System ......................... 28

4 ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual

CONTENTS

4. BIOS SETUP.................................................................................... 28

4.1 Flash Memory Writer Utility .................................................... 28

4.1.1 Main Menu....................................................................... 28

4.1.2 Updating BIOS Procedures (only when necessary)......... 29

4.2 BIOS Setup Program ................................................................ 31

4.2.1 BIOS Menu Bar ............................................................... 32

4.2.2 Legend Bar....................................................................... 32

4.3 Main Menu................................................................................ 34

4.3.1 Primary & Secondary Master/Slave ................................ 35

4.3.2 Keyboard Features ........................................................... 38

4.4 Advanced Menu ........................................................................ 40

4.4.1 I/O Device Configuration ................................................ 41

4.5 Security Menu........................................................................... 42

4.6 Power Menu ................................................................................ 44

General Power Settings............................................................. 44

Power-Up Events ...................................................................... 44

4.7 Boot Menu ................................................................................ 45

Boot Sequence .......................................................................... 45

4.8 Exit Menu ................................................................................. 46

ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual 5

FCC & DOC COMPLIANCE

Federal Communications Commission Statement

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

• This device may not cause harmful interference, and

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

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

• Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

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

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

WARNING! Any changes or modifications to this product not expressly ap-

proved by the manufacturer could void any assurances of safety or performance
and could result in violation of Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

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.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

6 ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 How this manual is organized

This manual is divided into the following sections:

1) INTRODUCTION Manual information and checklist

2) FEATURES Product information and specifications

3) HARDWARE SETUP Instructions on setting up the motherboard

4) BIOS SETUP Instructions on setting up the BIOS software

1.2 Item Checklist

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

(1) ASUS Motherboard
(1) Serial COM2 connector with bracket
(1) 40-pin ribbon cable for internal UltraDMA/33 IDE drives

Sections/Checklist

1. INTRODUCTION

(1) 80-wire ribbon cable for internal UltraDMA/66 or UltraDMA/33 IDE drives

(Note: The 80-wire cable has a 40-pin connector.)

(1) Ribbon cable for (1) 5.25” and (2) 3.5” floppy drives
(1) Bag of spare jumper caps
(1) Support CD with drivers and utilities
(1) This Motherboard User’s Manual

ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual 7

2.1 The ASUS MEW-AML Motherboard

The MEW-AML motherboard from ASUS is designed for the new PC user who
wants simple features in a small package.

2.1.1 Specifications

• Latest Intel Socket 370 Processor Support! Supports Intel’s Celeron proces-

2. FEATURES

Specifications

• Latest Intel 810 Chipset! The 810 (GMCH0+ICH) supports 66/100MHz FSB

• Integrated Graphics! Controller supports 3D hyper pipelined architecture, par-

• ASUS Graphics Driver! You can gain about 12% performance over that of the

2. FEATURES

sor designed for Socket 370 and packaged in Plastic Pin Grid Array (PPGA).

and UltraDMA/66.

allel data processing and compression, precise pixel interpolation, full 2D hard­ware acceleration, and motion video acceleration.

standard graphics driver (2D highend graphics WinMark) using ASUS’ custom
graphics driver. ASUS custom graphics driver also provides more features and
provides selection of higher refresh rates and resolutions.

• V ersatile Memory Support! DRAM controller supports asymmetrical address-

ing and two DIMM sockets support Intel PC100-compliant SDRAMs (16, 32,
64, 128, or 256MB) up to 512MB. (supports a maximum of 4 sides)

• Latest Low Pin Count Multi-I/O: Provides two high-speed UAR T compatible

serial ports and one parallel port with EPP and ECP capabilities.

• Integrated IDE! Controller supports UltraDMA/66 up to 66MB/s, UltraDMA/

33 up to 33MB/s, and PIO Mode 4 up to 17MB/s.

• Desktop Management Interface (DMI) V2.3! Supports DMI through BIOS,

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

• Peripheral Wake-Up! Supports Wake-On-LAN, Wake-On-Ring, Keyboard

Wake-Up, and BIOS Wake-Up.

• Firmware Hub! Provides security and other latest power computing features.

• Smart BIOS! 4Mb firmware gives a new easy-to-use interface which provides

more control and protection over the motherboard. Provides boot block write
protection and HD/SCSI/MO/ZIP/CD/Floppy boot selection. Hardware random
number generator supports new security software for data protection and se­cured Internet transactions.

• Enhanced ACPI & Anti-Boot Virus Protection! Programmable BIOS (Flash

EEPROM), offering enhanced ACPI for W indows 98 compatibility , built-in firm­ware-based virus protection, and autodetection of most devices for virtually au­tomatic setup.

8 ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual

2. FEATURES

• Highest Audio Quality! AC’97 DAC/ADC (software audio) built into the au-

dio CODEC reduces noise to improve audio quality and performance for a SNR
(signal to noise ratio) of +90dB. These features greatly improve voice synthesis
and recognition. If more quality is required, an optional onboard Crystal PCI
audio improves audio quality beyond software audio.

2.1.3 Performance

• UltraPerformance! Onboard IDE Bus Master controller with two connectors

that support four IDE devices in two channels. Supports UltraDMA/66,
UltraDMA/33 (IDE DMA Mode 2), PIO Modes 3 & 4, and supports Enhanced
IDE devices, such as Tape Backup, CD-ROM, CD-R/RW, and LS-120 drives.

• Dual Speeds! CPU frequency can operate at either 66MHz or 100MHz while

system memory operates at either 100MHz or 66MHz. (100MHz CPU with 66MHz
SDRAM setting not supported) This asynchronous design can optimize the VGA
performance under shared memory configuration. Of course 100MHz/100MHz
synchronous host/DRAM clock is recommended for maximum performance.

Intelligence

2. FEATURES

• Double or Quadruple the IDE T ransfer Speed! IDE transfers using UltraDMA/

33 Bus Master IDE can handle rates up to 33MB/s and up to 66MB/s using
UltraDMA/66 technology. The best of all is that these new technology is com­patible with existing ATA-2 IDE specifications so there is no need to upgrade
current IDE devices or cables.

• Concurrent PCI! Concurrent PCI allows multiple PCI transfers from PCI mas-

ter buses to memory to CPU.

• SDRAM Optimized Performance! ASUS smart series motherboards support

the new generation memory, Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory
(SDRAM), which increases the data transfer rate to 800MB/s max using PC100
SDRAM.

• ACPI Ready! ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) is also imple-

mented on all ASUS smart series motherboards. ACPI provides more Energy
Saving Features for future operating systems (OS) supporting OS Direct Power
Management (OSPM) functionality . W ith these features implemented in the OS,
PCs can be ready around the clock, yet satisfy all the energy saving standards.
To fully utilize the benefits of ACPI, an ACPI-supported OS such as Windows
98 must be used.

• Extreme Graphics! The integrated motion compensation allows for smooth

MPEG1 or MPEG2 video playback. Fast 3D graphics engine allows for an ex­citing gameplay experience.

ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual 9

2.2 ASUS MEW-AML Part Definitions

The following are part descriptions for the motherboard parts shown on the next
page.

Part Definitions

2. FEATURES

10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

2. FEATURES

Socket 370 for Intel Celeron 370 processors

1

DIMM Sockets

2

ATX Power Connector for connection to an ATX power supply

3

Four Mbit Firmware Hub (programmable BIOS)

4

Floppy Disk Drive Connector

5

Primary and Secondary IDE Connectors

6

Low Pin Count Multi-I/O Chipset

7

Wake-On-LAN Connector

8

Intel I/O Controller Hub (ICH)

9

Intel 810 (GMCH0+ICH) Integrated Graphics Chipset
Serial COM2 Header
Four PCI Slots
Crystal Audio Chipset (optional)
AC’97 V2.1 Audio CODEC
Joystick, Midi, Line Out, Line In, Microphone In Connectors (optional)
VGA Monitor Output Connector
Parallel Connector
Serial COM1 Connector
USB Connectors
PS/2 Mouse, PS/2 Keyboard Connectors

10 ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual

2. FEATURES

2.3 ASUS MEW-AML Part Locations

20
19

18

17

16

15

2

31

4

2. FEATURES

Part Locations

14

13

12

11

10

8

6

79

5

ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual 11

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.1 Motherboard Layout

PS2KBMS

T: Mouse
B: Keyboard

USB

T: Port 1
B: Port 2

COM1

Socket 370

CPU_FAN

FS4

FS3

FS2

FS1

External

Frequency

Selection

FS0

Motherboard Layout

3. H/W SETUP

PRINTER

PARALLEL PORT

VGA

Line
Out

Line

In

Mic

GAME_AUDIO

In

32-bit PCI

Audio

Chipset

Audio

Codec

CD_IN

PCI Slot 1

MEW-AML

PCI Slot 2

PCI Slot 3

PCI Slot 4

COM2

Intel 810

Graphics &

Memory

Controller

Hub

DIMM Socket 1 (64/72-bit, 168-pin module)

DIMM Socket 2 (64/72-bit, 168-pin module)

(ATXPWR)

Row

01

0

3

2

1

ATX Power Connector

Intel I/O

Controller

Hub (ICH)

CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

RTCLR

WOL_CON

4Mbit

Firmware

Hub

(FWH)

Super I/O

PRIMARY IDE

SECONDARY

PANEL

IDE

FLOPPY

(Grayed items are optional at the time of purchase.)

12 ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.2 Layout Contents

Motherboard Settings

1) FS0, FS1, FS2, FS3, FS4 p.14 CPU External Clock (BUS) Frequency Setting

Expansion Slots

1) DIMM1, DIMM2 p.15 168-Pin DIMM Memory Support

2) Socket 370 p.17 Central Processing Unit (CPU) Socket

3) PCI1, PCI2, PCI3, PCI4 p.18 32-bit PCI Bus Expansion Slots

Connectors

1) PS2KBMS p.19 PS/2 Mouse Connector (6-pin female)

2) PS2KBMS p.19 PS/2 Keyboard Connector (6-pin female)

3) USB p.20 Universal Serial Bus Ports 1 & 2 (Two 4-pin female)

4) PRINTER p.20 Parallel Port Connector (25-pin female)

5) COM1 p.20 Serial Port COM1 Connector (9-pin male)

6) VGA p.21 Monitor (VGA) Output Connector (15-pin female)

7) GAME_AUDIO p.21 Joystick/MIDI Connector (15-pin female) (optional)

8) GAME_AUDIO p.21 Audio Port Connectors (Three 1/8” female) (optional)

9) PRIMARY/SECONDAR Y IDE p.22 Primary/Secondary IDE Connectors (Two 40-1pins)

10) FLOPPY p.22 Floppy Disk Drive Connector (34-1pins)

11) WOL_CON p.23 Wake-On-LAN Connector (3 pins)

12) COM2 p.23 Serial Port COM2 Header (10-1 pins)

13) CPU_FAN p.24 CPU Fan Connectors (3 pins)

14) LED (PANEL) p.25 System Message LED (2 pins)

15) KEYLOCK (PANEL) p.25 Keyboard Lock Switch Lead (2 pins)

16) EXSMI (PANEL) p.25 System Management Interrupt Switch Lead (2 pins)

17) SPEAKER (PANEL) p.25 System Warning Speaker Connector (4 pins)

18) PWRSW (PANEL) p.25 ATX Power / Soft-Off Switch Lead (2 pins)

19) HDLED (PANEL) p.25 IDE Activity LED (2 pins)

20) PLED (PANEL) p.25 System Power LED Lead (3-1 pins)

21) RESET (PANEL) p.25 Reset Switch Lead (2 pins)

22) CD_IN p.26 Internal Audio Connector (4-pins) (optional)

23) ATXPWR p.26 ATX Power Supply Connector (20 pins)

3. H/W SETUP

Layout Contents

3.3 Hardware Setup Procedure

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

• Check Motherboard Settings

• Install Memory Modules

• Install the Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• Install Expansion Cards

• Connect Ribbon Cables, Panel Wires, and Power Supply

ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual 13

3.4 Motherboard Settings

WARNING! Computer motherboards and expansion cards contain very delicate

Integrated Circuit (IC) chips. To protect them against damage from static electric­ity, you should follow some precautions whenever you work on your computer.

1. Unplug your computer when working on the inside.

2. Use a grounded wrist strap before handling computer components. If you do

3. Hold components by the edges and try not to touch the IC chips, leads or con-

4. Place components on a grounded antistatic pad or on the bag that came with the

1) CPU External Frequency Setting (FS0, FS1, FS2, FS3, FS4)

System Memory

3. H/W SETUP

3. HARDWARE SETUP

not have one, touch both of your hands to a safely grounded object or to a metal
object, such as the power supply case.

nectors, or other components.
component whenever the components are separated from the system.

Current PCI bus is limited to 33MHz, Socket 370 Celeron processors limited to
66MHz, and SDRAM limited to the DIMM type 66/100/133MHz. (66MHz
SDRAM is not supported on this motherboard.) Other settings are for experi­enced users only.

1

MEW-AML

MEW-AML CPU
External Frequency Selection

CPU

SDRAM

PCI

CPU

SDRAM

PCI

CPU

SDRAM

PCI

3
2
1

3
2
1

3
2
1

FS2

FS4

FS3

105MHz
105MHz

35MHz

FS2

FS4

FS3

95.00MHz

95.00MHz

31.67MHz

FS2

FS4

FS3

70MHz

105MHz

35MHz

FS1

FS1

FS1

FS4

FS0

114.99MHz

114.99MHz

33.33MHz

FS4

FS0

FS4

FS0

100.0MHz

FS2

FS3

FS2

FS3

90MHz
90MHz
30MHz

FS2

FS3

66.0MHz

33.4MHz

FS1

FS1

FS1

FS0

FS0

FS0

FS2

FS4

FS3

FS1

100.23MHz

100.23MHz

33.41MHz

FS2

FS4

FS3

FS1

75.0MHz

112.5MHz

37.5MHz

Recommended
CPU Setting

FS0

FS0

NOTE: For updated processor settings, please visit ASUS’ web site (see ASUS
CONTACT INFORMATION)

WARNING! CPU frequencies above 66MHz exceed the specifications for cur-

rent Celeron processors and are not guaranteed to be stable. Premature wearing of
the processor may result when overclocking. Be sure that the DIMM you use can
handle the specified SDRAM MHz or else bootup will not be possible.

14 ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.5 System Memory (DIMM)

NOTE: No hardware or BIOS setup is required after adding or removing memory.
This motherboard uses only Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMMs). Sockets are

available for 3.3Volt (power level) unbuffered Synchronous Dynamic Random Ac-
cess Memory (SDRAM).

This chipset does not support ECC. However, ECC memory modules may still be
used, but the ECC function will not be available.

Install memory in any combination as follows:

Location 168-pin DIMM SDRAM Total Memory

DIMM1 Single-Sided/Double-Sided x1
(Rows 0&1) 16, 32, 64, 128MB, or 256MB

DIMM2 Single-Sided/Double-Sided x1
(Rows 2&3)

16, 32, 64, 128MB, or 256MB

Total System Memory (Max 512MB) =

NOTE: At the time this User’s Manual was written, 256MB DIMM’s are only avail-

able as Double-Sided registered memory (128Mbit cells). Using 2x2x2 SDRAM can
greatly improve the onboard graphics’ performance.

3.5.1 General DIMM Notes

• This motherboard operates at 100MHz, therefore PC100-compliant modules must
be used because of the strict timing issues involved under this speed.

• ASUS motherboards support SPD (Serial Presence Detect) DIMMs. This is the
memory of choice for best performance vs. stability.

• SDRAM chips are generally thinner with higher pin density than EDO (Ex­tended Data Output) chips.

• BIOS shows SDRAM memory on bootup screen.

• Single-sided DIMMs come in 16, 32, 64,128MB; double-sided come in 32, 64,
128, 256MB.

3. H/W SETUP

System Memory

ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual 15

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.5.2 DIMM Memory Installation

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

Lock

88 Pins

3. H/W SETUP

CPU

1

MEW-AML

60 Pins

20 Pins

MEW-AML 168-Pin DIMM Sockets

FRONT

The DIMMs must be 3.3V Unbuffered for this motherboard. To determine the DIMM
type, check the notches on the DIMMs (see figure below).

168-Pin DIMM Notch Key Definitions (3.3V)

DRAM Key Position

RFU

Buffered

Unbuffered

Voltage Key Position

5.0V

Reserved

3.3V

The notches on the DIMM module will shift between left, center, or right to identify
the type and also to prevent the wrong type from being inserted into the DIMM slot
on the motherboard. You must ask your retailer the correct DIMM type before pur­chasing. This motherboard supports four clock signals per DIMM slot.

16 ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard provides a ZIF Socket 370. The CPU that came with the mother­board should have a fan attached to it to prevent overheating. If this is not the case,
then purchase a fan before you turn on your system.

WARNING! Be sure that there is sufficient air circulation across the processor’s

heatsink by regularly checking that your CPU fan is working. W ithout sufficient
circulation, the processor could overheat and damage both the processor and the
motherboard. You may install an auxiliary fan, if necessary.

To install a CPU, first turn off your system and remove its cover. Locate the ZIF
socket and open it by first pulling the lever sideways away from the socket then
upwards to a 90-degree angle. Insert the CPU with the correct orientation as shown.
The notched corner should point towards the end of the lever . Because the CPU has
a corner pin for two of the four corners, the CPU will only fit in the orientation as
shown. The picture is for reference only; you should have a CPU fan that covers the
face of the CPU. With the added weight of the CPU fan, no force is required to
insert the CPU. Once completely inserted, close the socket’s lever while holding
down the CPU.

NOTE: Do not forget to set the correct Bus Frequency and Multiple (frequency
multiple setting is available only on unlocked processors) for your Socket 370 pro­cessor or else boot-up may not be possible.

3. H/W SETUP

Expansion Cards

CAUTION! Be careful not to scrape the motherboard when mounting a clamp-

style processor fan or else damage may occur to the motherboard.

Socket 370 CPU (Top) Socket 370 CPU (Bottom)

1

MEW-AML

Notch

MEW-AML Socket 370

ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual 17

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.7 Expansion Cards

WARNING! Make sure that you unplug your power supply when adding or

removing expansion cards or other system components. Failure to do so may
cause severe damage to both your motherboard and expansion cards.

3.7.1 Expansion Card Installation Procedure

1. Read the documentation for your expansion card and make any necessary hard­ware or software settings for your expansion card, such as jumpers or switches.

2. Remove your computer system’s cover and the bracket plate with screw on the
slot you intend to use. Keep the bracket for possible future use.

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

4. Secure the card on the slot with the screw you removed above.

Expansion Cards

3. H/W SETUP

5. Replace the computer system’s cover.

6. Set up the BIOS if necessary.

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

18 ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.8 External Connectors

WARNING! Some pins are used for connectors or power sources. These are

clearly distinguished from jumpers in the Motherboard Layout. Placing jumper
caps over these connector pins will cause damage to your motherboard.

IMPORTANT: Ribbon cables should always be connected with the red stripe to

Pin 1 on the connectors. Pin 1 is usually on the side closest to the power connec­tor on hard drives and CD-ROM drives, but may be on the opposite side on
floppy disk drives. Check the connectors before installation because there may
be exceptions. Look on IDE ribbon cable must be less than 46 cm (18 in.), with
the second drive connector no more than 15 cm (6 in.) from the first connector.

1) PS/2 Mouse Connector (6-pin PS2KBMS)

The system will direct IRQ12 to the PS/2 mouse if one is detected. If one is not
detected, expansion cards can use IRQ12.

PS/2 Mouse (6-pin Female)

2) PS/2 Keyboard Connector (6-pin PS2KBMS)
This connection is for a standard keyboard using an PS/2 plug (mini DIN). This
connector will not allow standard AT size (large DIN) keyboard plugs. You
may use a DIN to mini DIN adapter on standard AT keyboards.

Connectors

3. H/W SETUP

PS/2 Keyboard (6-pin Female)

ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual 19

3. H/W SETUP

Connectors

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3) Universal Serial BUS Ports 1 & 2 (two 4-pin USB)

Two USB ports are available for connecting USB devices.

USB 1

Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2

4) Parallel Port Connector (25-pin PRINTER)

The parallel connector is used for a single parallel device such as a printer or a
portable drive. See Parallel Port in 4.4.1 I/O Device Configuration for set­tings.

NOTE: Serial printers must be connected to the serial port.

Parallel (Printer) Port (25-pin Female)

5) Serial Port COM1 Connector (9-pin COM1)

One serial port is ready for a mouse or other serial devices. A second serial port
is available using a serial port bracket connected from the motherboard to an
expansion slot opening. See Serial Port A or B in 4.4.1 I/O Device Configura-
tion for settings.

Serial Port (9-pin Male) COM 1

20 ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

6) Monitor Output Connector (15-pin VGA)

This connector is for output to a VGA-compatible device.

VGA Monitor (15-pin Female)

7) Joystick/MIDI Connector (15-pin GAME_AUDIO) (optional)

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

Joystick/Midi (15-pin Female)

NOTE: The onboard game port is to be used only if you are not using any PCI
or ISA audio card with a game port.

8) Audio Port Connectors (Three 1/8” GAME_AUDIO) (optional)
Line Out (lime) can be connected to headphones or preferably powered speak-

ers. Line In (light blue) allows tape players or other audio sources to be re-
corded by your computer or played through the Line Out (lime). Mic (pink)
allows microphones to be connected for inputting voice.

Connectors

3. H/W SETUP

MicLine InLine Out

1/8" Stereo Audio Connectors

ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual 21

3. H/W SETUP

Connectors

3. HARDWARE SETUP

9) Primary / Secondary IDE Connectors (Two 40-1pin IDE)

These connectors support the provided IDE hard disk ribbon cable.
After connecting the single end to the board, connect the two plugs at the other
end to your hard disk(s). If you install two hard disks, you must configure the
second drive to Slave mode by setting its jumper accordingly. Please refer to
your hard disk documentation for the jumper settings. (Pin 20 is removed to

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

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

cables – one for the primary IDE connector and another for the secondary IDE
connector and select the boot disk through Boot Sequence in 4.7 Boot Menu.

IMPORTANT: UltraDMA/66 IDE devices must use an 80-wire IDE cable
or else devices will automatically be limited to UltraDMA/33 mode.

PIN 1

1

MEW-AML

Primary IDE Connector

MEW-AML IDE Connectors

NOTE: Orient the red markings

on the IDE ribbon cable to

Secondary IDE Connector

PIN 1

10) Floppy Disk Drive Connector (34-1pin FLOPPY)

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

tion when using ribbon cables with pin 5 plugged).

NOTE: Orient the red markings on
the floppy ribbon cable to

PIN 1

PIN 1

1

MEW-AML

MEW-AML Floppy Disk Drive Connector

22 ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

11) Wake-On-LAN Connector (3-pin WOL_CON)

This connector connects to a LAN card with a Wake-On-LAN output, such as
the ASUS PCI-L101 Ethernet card. The connector powers up the system when a
wakeup packet or signal is received through the LAN card.

IMPORTANT: This feature requires that your system has an ATX power sup­ply with at least 720mA +5V standby power.

IMPORTANT: Requires an ATX power
supply with at least 720mA +5 volt
standby power

1

MEW-AML

+5 Volt Standby PME

Ground

MEW-AML Wake-On-LAN Connector

12) Serial Port COM 2 Header (10-1 pin COM2)

The optional serial port bracket can be used to add an additional serial port for
additional serial devices.

Connectors

3. H/W SETUP

1

MEW-AML

MEW-AML Serial COM2 Bracket

ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual 23

Pin 1

to COM2 Header

3. H/W SETUP

Connectors

3. HARDWARE SETUP

13) CPU Fan Connectors (3-pin CPU_FAN)

This connector supports a cooling fan of 350mA (4.2 Watts) or less. Orientate
the fan so that the heat sink fins allow airflow to go across the onboard heat
sink(s) instead of the expansion slots. Depending on the fan manufacturer, the
wiring and plug may be different. The red wire should be positive, while the
black should be ground. Connect the fan’ s plug to the board taking into consid­eration the polarity of the connector.

NOTE: The “Rotation” signal cannot be monitored on this motherboard.

WARNING! The CPU and/or motherboard will overheat if there is no airflow

across the CPU and onboard heatsinks. Damage may occur to the motherboard
and/or the CPU fan if these pins are incorrectly used. These are not jumpers,

do not place jumper caps over these pins.

CPU Fan Power

1

MEW-AML

GND

+12V

Rotation

MEW-AML 12-Volt Cooling Fan Power

The following PANEL illustration is used for items 14-21

1

MEW-AML

MEW-AML System Panel Connectors

Keyboard Lock
Message LED

PWRBTN

ATX Power

Switch*

HDLED

*

Requires an ATX power supply.

Keylock

MSGLED-

MSGLED+

Ground

IDELED-

Ground

IDELED+

External SMI Lead

ExtSMI#

Speaker

Connector

Ground

Speaker

+5V

Reset Ground

Ground

PWRLED-

PWRLED+

PWRLED-

Reset SW

Power LED

24 ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

14) Message LED Lead (2-pin LED)

This indicates whether the system is in normal mode or standby (suspend) mode.
The LED will be dark in normal mode and will light in standby (suspend) mode.

15) Keyboard Lock Switch Lead (2-pin KEYLOCK)

This 2-pin connector connects to the case-mounted key switch to allow key­board locking.

16) System Management Interrupt Lead (2-pin EXSMI)

This allows the user to manually place the system into a suspend mode or “Green”
mode, where system activity is decreased to save electricity and expand the life
of certain components when the system is not in use. This 2-pin connector con­nects to the case-mounted suspend switch. If you do not have a switch for the
connector, you may use the “Turbo Switch.” SMI is activated when it detects a
short to open moment and therefore leaving it shorted will not cause any prob­lems. This may require one or two presses depending on the position of the
switch. The keyboard can always allow wake-up but not the SMI lead.

17) System Warning Speaker Connector (4-pin SPEAKER)

This 4-pin connector connects to the case-mounted speaker . You may leave this
disconnected if you connect the chassis speaker to the INT_SPKA. All three
sources (LINE_OUT, INT_SPKA, SPEAKER) will allow you to here system
beeps and warnings. Only LINE_OUT will allow you to hear system beeps be­fore the integrated audio has been properly initialized.

18) ATX Power Switch Lead (2-pin PWRSW)

The system power is controlled by a momentary switch connected to this lead.
Pressing the button once will switch the system between ON and SOFT OFF.

Pushing the switch while in the ON mode for more than 4 seconds will turn the
system off. The system power LED shows the status of the system’s power.

19) IDE Activity LED (2-pin HDLED)

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

20) System Power LED Lead (3-1 pin PLED)

This 3-1 pin connector connects the system power LED, which lights when the
system is powered ON and turns OFF when it is in standby (suspend) mode.

Connectors

3. H/W SETUP

21) Reset Switch Lead (2-pin RESET)

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

ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual 25

3. H/W SETUP

Connectors

3. HARDWARE SETUP

22) Internal Audio Connector (4-pin CD_IN) (optional)

These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from such sound sources
as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card.

CD_IN

1

MEW-AML

MEW-AML Internal Audio Connector

23) ATX Power Supply Connector (20-pin block ATXPWR)

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

Ground

Ground

Left Audio Channel

Right Audio Channel

IMPORTANT: Make sure that your ATX power supply can supply at least 10mA

on the +5-volt standby lead (+5VSB). You may experience difficulty in power­ing ON your system if your power supply cannot support the load. For Wake­On-LAN support, your ATX power supply must supply at least 720mA +5VSB.

1

MEW-AML

MEW-AML ATX Power Connector

+12.0 Volts

+5V Standby

Power Good

Ground

+5.0 Volts

Ground

+5.0 Volts

Ground
+3.3 Volts
+3.3 Volts

+5.0 Volts
+5.0 Volts

-5.0 Volts
Ground
Ground
Ground
Power Supply On
Ground

-12.0 Volts
+3.3 Volts

26 ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.9 Power Connection Procedures

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

2. Be sure that all switches are OFF (in some systems, marked with

3. Connect the power supply cord to the power supply located on the back of
your system case according to your system user’s manual.

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

5. You may then turn ON your devices in the following order:
a. Your monitor

b. External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain)
c. Your system power

For ATX power supplies, you need to switch ON the power supply if a
switch is provided as well as press the ATX power switch on the front of
the case.

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

).

3. H/W SETUP

Power Connections

7. During power-ON, hold down <Delete> to enter BIOS setup. Follow the in­structions in 4. BIOS SETUP.

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

ing system before switching OFF the power switch. For ATX power supplies,
you can press the ATX power switch after exiting or shutting down your oper­ating system. If you use Windows 95/98, click the Start button, click Shut
Down, and then click Shut down the computer?. The power supply should
turn OFF after Windows shuts down.

NOTE: The message “You can now safely turn OFF your computer” will not ap­pear when shutting down with ATX power supplies.

ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual 27

4. BIOS SETUP

4. BIOS SETUP

4.1 Managing and Updating Your BIOS

4.1.1 Upon First Use of the Computer System

It is recommended that you save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS
along with a Flash Memory Writer utility (AFLASH.EXE) to a bootable
floppy disk in case you need to reinstall the BIOS later . AFLASH.EXE is a
Flash Memory Writer utility that updates the BIOS by uploading a new
BIOS file to the programmable flash ROM on the motherboard. This file
works only in DOS mode. To determine the BIOS version of your mother­board, check the last four numbers of the code displayed on the upper left­hand corner of your screen during bootup. Larger numbers represent a newer
BIOS file.

1. Type FORMAT A:/S at the DOS prompt to create a bootable system
floppy disk. DO NOT copy AUTOEXEC.BAT & CONFIG.SYS to the
disk.

2. Type COPY D:\AFLASH\AFLASH.EXE A:\ (assuming D is your CD-

4. BIOS SETUP

Updating BIOS

3. Reboot your computer from the floppy disk. NOTE: BIOS setup must

4. In DOS mode, type A:\AFLASH <Enter> to run AFLASH.

ROM drive) to copy AFLASH.EXE to the just created boot disk.
NOTE: AFLASH works only in DOS mode. It will not work with DOS

prompt in W indows and will not work with certain memory drivers that
may be loaded when you boot from your hard drive. It it recommended
that you reboot using a floppy.

specify “Floppy” as the first item in the boot sequence.

IMPORTANT! If “unknown” is displayed after Flash Memory:, the memory

chip is either not programmable or is not supported by the ACPI BIOS and there­fore, cannot be programmed by the Flash Memory Writer utility.

ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual28

4. BIOS SETUP

5. Select 1. Save Current BIOS to File from the Main menu and press
<Enter>. The Save Current BIOS To File screen appears.

6. T ype a filename and the path, for example, A:\XXX-XX.XXX and then
press <Enter>.

4.1.2 Updating BIOS Procedures (only when necessary)

1. Download an updated ASUS BIOS file from the Internet (WWW or
FTP) (see ASUS CONTACT INFORMATION on page 3 for details)
and save to the disk you created earlier.

2. Boot from the disk you created earlier.

3. At the “A:\” prompt, type AFLASH and then press <Enter>.

4. At the Main Menu, type 2 and then press <Enter>. The Update BIOS
Including Boot Block and ESCD screen appears.

5. Type the filename of your new BIOS and the path, for example, A:\XXX-

XX.XXX, and then press <Enter>.
NOTE: To cancel this operation, press <Enter>.

Updating BIOS

4. BIOS SETUP

ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual 29

4. BIOS SETUP

6. When prompted to confirm the BIOS update, press Y to start the up-

date.

7. The utility starts to program the new BIOS information into the flash
ROM. The boot block will be updated automatically only when neces­sary. This will minimize the chance of a failed updating. When the pro­gramming is finished, Flashed Successfully will be displayed.

4. BIOS SETUP

Updating BIOS

8. Follow the onscreen instructions to continue.

WARNING! If you encounter problems while updating the new BIOS,

DO NOT turn OFF your system since this might prevent your system
from booting up. Just repeat the process, and if the problem still persists,
update the original BIOS file you saved to disk above. If the Flash Memory
Writer utility was not able to successfully update a complete BIOS file,
your system may not be able to boot up. If this happens, your system will
need servicing.

ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual30

4. BIOS SETUP

4.2 BIOS Setup Program

This motherboard supports a programmable BIOS that can be updated using the
provided utility as described in 4.1 Managing and Updating Your BIOS.

The utility is used if you are installing a motherboard, reconfiguring your system,
or prompted to “Run Setup”. This section describes how to configure your system
using this utility.

Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, at some time in the future
you may want to change the configuration of your computer. For example, you
may want to enable the Security Password Feature or make changes to the power
management settings. It will then be necessary to reconfigure your system using
the BIOS Setup program so that the computer can recognize these changes and
record them in the CMOS RAM of the BIOS.

The BIOS on the motherboard stores the Setup utility. When you start up the com­puter, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program. This ap­pears during the Power-On Self Test (POST). Press <Delete> to call up the Setup
utility . If you are a little bit late in pressing the mentioned key, POST will continue
with its test routines, thus preventing you from calling up Setup. If you still need to
call Setup, 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 again. But do so only if the first two methods fail.

The Setup program has been designed to make it as easy to use as possible. It is a
menu-driven program, which means you can scroll through the various sub-menus
and make your selections among the predetermined choices.

To access the BIOS Setup program, press the <Delete> key after
the computer has run through its POST.

NOTE: Because the BIOS software is constantly being updated, the following
BIOS screens and descriptions are for reference purposes only and may not re­flect your BIOS screens exactly.

4. BIOS SETUP

Program Information

ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual 31

4. BIOS SETUP

4.2.1 BIOS Menu Bar

The top of the screen has a menu bar with the following selections:

MAIN Use this menu to make changes to the basic system configuration.
ADVANCED Use this menu to enable and make changes to the advanced

features.

POWER Use this menu to configure and enable Power Management

features.

BOOT Use this menu to configure the default system device used to lo-

cate and load the Operating System.

EXIT Use this menu to exit the current menu or specify how to exit the

Setup program.

To access the menu bar items, press the right or left arrow key on the keyboard
until the desired item is highlighted.

4.2.2 Legend Bar

At the bottom of the Setup screen you will notice a legend bar. The keys in the
legend bar allow you to navigate through the various setup menus. The following
table lists the keys found in the legend bar with their corresponding alternates and

Menu Introduction

4. BIOS SETUP

functions.

Navigation Key(s) Function Description

<F1> or <Alt + H> Displays the General Help screen from anywhere in the BIOS

<Esc> Jumps to the Exit menu or returns to the main menu from a sub-

← or → (keypad arrow) Selects the menu item to the left or right
↑ or ↓ (keypad arrows) Moves the highlight up or down between fields

- (minus key) Scrolls backward through the values for the highlighted field
+ (plus key) or spacebar Scrolls forward through the values for the highlighted field
<Enter> Brings up a selection menu for the highlighted field
<Home> or <PgUp> Moves the cursor to the first field
<End> or <PgDn> Moves the cursor to the last field

Setup

menu

<F5> Resets the current screen to its Setup Defaults
<F10> Saves changes and exits Setup

ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual32

4. BIOS SETUP

General Help

In addition to the Item Specific Help window, the BIOS setup program also pro­vides a General Help screen. This screen can be called up from any menu by sim­ply pressing <F1> or the <Alt> + <H> combination. The General Help screen lists
the legend keys with their corresponding alternates and functions.

Saving Changes and Exiting the Setup Program

See 4.8 Exit Menu for detailed information on saving changes and exiting the
setup program.

Scroll Bar

When a scroll bar appears to the right of a help window, it indicates that there is
more information to be displayed that will not fit in the window. Use <PgUp> and
<PgDn> or the up and down arrow keys to scroll through the entire help docu­ment. Press <Home> to display the first page, press <End> to go to the last page.
To exit the help window, press <Enter> or <Esc>.

Sub-Menu

Note that a right pointer symbol (as shown in the left view)
appears to the left of certain fields. This pointer indicates that
a sub-menu can be launched from this field. A sub-menu con­tains additional options for a field parameter . To call up a sub­menu, simply move the highlight to the field and press <En­ter>. The sub-menu will then immediately appear. Use the
legend keys to enter values and move from field to field within
a sub-menu just as you would within a menu. Use the <Esc>
key to return to the main menu.

Take some time to familiarize yourself with each of the legend keys and their
corresponding functions. Practice navigating through the various menus and sub­menus. If you accidentally make unwanted changes to any of the fields, use the set
default hot key <F5>. While moving around through the Setup program, note that
explanations appear in the Item Specific Help window located to the right of each
menu. This window displays the help text for the currently highlighted field.

4. BIOS SETUP

Menu Introduction

NOTE: The item heading in square brackets represents the default setting for
that field.

ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual 33

4. BIOS SETUP

4.3 Main Menu

When the Setup program is accessed, the following screen appears:

4. BIOS SETUP

Main Menu

System Time [XX:XX:XX]

Sets your system to the time that you specify (usually the current time). The
format is hour, minute, second. Valid values for hour, minute and second
are Hour: (00 to 23), Minute: (00 to 59), Second: (00 to 59). Use the
<Tab> or <Shift> + <Tab> keys to move between the hour, minute, and
second fields.

System Date [XX/XX/XXXX]

Sets your system to the date that you specify (usually the current date). The
format is month, day , year . Valid values for month, day, and year are Month:
(1 to 12), Day: (1 to 31), Year: (100 year range). Use the <Tab> or <Shift>
+ <Tab> keys to move between the month, day, and year fields.

Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.], Legacy Diskette B [None]

Sets the type of floppy drives installed. Configuration options: [None] [360K,

5.25 in.] [1.2M , 5.25 in.] [720K , 3.5 in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.] [2.88M, 3.5 in.]

ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual34

4. BIOS SETUP

4.3.1 Primary & Secondary Master/Slave

NOTE: Before attempting to configure a hard disk drive, make sure you
have the configuration information supplied by the manufacturer of the
drive. Incorrect settings may cause your system to not recognize the in­stalled hard disk. To allow the BIOS to detect the drive type automati­cally, select [Auto].

Type [Auto]

Select [Auto] to automatically detect an IDE hard disk drive. If automatic
detection is successful, the correct values will be filled in for the remaining
fields on this sub-menu. If automatic detection fails, your hard disk drive
may be too old or too new. You can try updating your BIOS or enter the
IDE hard disk drive parameters manually.

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

4. BIOS SETUP

Master/Slave Drives

Other options for the Type field are:

[None] - to disable IDE devices

ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual 35

4. BIOS SETUP

IMPORT ANT : If your hard disk was already formatted on an older previous system,

incorrect parameters may be detected. You will need to enter the correct parameters
manually or use low-level format if you do not need the data stored on the hard disk.

If the parameters listed differ from the ones used when the disk was
formatted, the disk will not be readable. If the auto-detected parameters
do not match the ones that should be used for your disk, you should enter
the correct ones manually by setting [User Type HDD].

[User Type HDD]

Master/Slave Drives

4. BIOS SETUP

Manually enter the number of cylinders, heads and sectors per track for
your drive. Refer to your drive documentation or look on the drive for this
information. If no drive is installed or if you are removing a drive and not
replacing it, select [None].

Translation Method [LBA]

Select the hard disk drive type in this field. When Logical Block Addressing
is enabled, 28-bit addressing of the hard drive is used without regard for
cylinders, heads, or sectors. Note that Logical Block Access may decrease
the access speed of the hard disk. However, LBA Mode is necessary for
drives with greater than 504MB in storage capacity . Configuration options:
[LBA] [LARGE] [Normal] [Match Partition Table] [Manual]

Cylinders

This field configures the number of cylinders. Refer to your drive docu­mentation to determine the correct value to enter into this field. NOTE: To
make changes to this field, the Type field must be set to [User Type HDD]
and the Translation Method field must be set to [Manual].

ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual36

4. BIOS SETUP

Head

This field configures the number of read/write heads. Refer to your drive
documentation to determine the correct value to enter into this field. NOTE:
To make changes to this field, the Type field must be set to [User Type
HDD] and the Translation Method field must be set to [Manual].

Sector

This field configures the number of sectors per track. Refer to your drive
documentation to determine the correct value to enter into this field. NOTE:
To make changes to this field, the Type field must be set to [User Type
HDD] and the Translation Method field must be set to [Manual].

CHS Capacity

This field shows the drive’s maximum CHS capacity calculated automati­cally by the BIOS from the drive information you entered.

Maximum LBA Capacity

This field shows the drive’s maximum LBA capacity calculated automati­cally by the BIOS from the drive information you entered.

Multi-Sector Transfers [Maximum]

This option automatically sets the number of sectors per block to the high­est number supported by the drive. This field can also be configured manu­ally . Note that when this field is automatically configured, the set value may
not always be the fastest value for the drive. Refer to the documentation that
came with your hard drive to determine the optimal value and set it manu­ally. NOTE: To make changes to this field, the Type field must be set to
[User Type HDD]. Configuration options: [Disabled] [2 Sectors] [4 Sec­tors] [8 Sectors] [16 Sectors] [32 Sectors] [Maximum]

SMART Monitoring [Disabled]

This allows the enabling or disabling of the S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring,
Analysis and Reporting Technology) system which utilizes internal hard
disk drive monitoring technology . This feature is normally disabled because
system resources used in this feature may decrease system performance.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

PIO Mode [4]

This option lets you set a PIO (Programmed Input/Output) mode for the
IDE device. Modes 0 through 4 provide successively increased performance.
Configuration options: [0] [1] [2] [3] [4]

4. BIOS SETUP

Master/Slave Drives

Ultra DMA Mode [Disabled]

Ultra DMA capability allows improved transfer speeds and data integrity
for compatible IDE devices. Set to [Disabled] to suppress Ultra DMA capa­bility . NOTE: To make changes to this field, the Type field must be set to
[User Type HDD]. Configuration options: [0] [1] [2] [3] [4] [Disabled]

ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual 37

4. BIOS SETUP

Other options for “Type:” are:
[CD-ROM] - for IDE CD-ROM drives
[LS-120] - for LS-120 compatible floppy disk drives
[ZIP-100] - for ZIP-100 compatible disk drives
[MO] - for IDE magneto optical disk drives
[Other ATAPI Device] - for IDE devices not listed here

After using the legend keys to make your selections on this sub-menu, press
the <Esc> key to exit back to the Main menu. When the Main menu ap­pears, you will notice that the drive size appear in the field for the hard disk
drive that you just configured.

4.3.2 Keyboard Features

Keyboard Features

4. BIOS SETUP

Boot Up NumLock Status [On]

This field controls the state of the NumLock key when the system boots.
When switched ON, the numeric keypad generates numbers instead of con­trolling cursor operations. Configuration options: [Off] [On]

ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual38

4. BIOS SETUP

Keyboard Auto-Repeat Rate [30/Sec]

This field controls the speed at which the system registers repeated key­strokes. Configuration options: [6/Sec] [8/Sec] [10/Sec] [12/Sec] [15/Sec]
[20/Sec] [24/Sec] [30/Sec]

Keyboard Auto-Repeat Delay [1/2 Sec]

This field sets the delay before keystrokes begin to repeat. Configuration
options: [1/4 Sec] [1/2 Sec] [3/4 Sec] [1 Sec]

CPU Type, CPU Speed, Cache RAM, Installed Memory

These fields display the CPU and memory information detected by the sys­tem during bootup. You do not need to make changes to these fields. These
are display only fields.

ASUS MEW-AML User’s Manual 39

4. BIOS SETUP

Keyboard Features

4. BIOS SETUP

4.4 Advanced Menu

Advanced Menu

4. BIOS SETUP

Plug & Play O/S [No]

This field allows you to use a Plug-and-Play (PnP) operating system to con­figure the PCI bus slots instead of using the BIOS. When [Yes] is selected,
interrupts may be reassigned by the OS. When a non-PnP OS is installed or
you want to prevent reassigning of interrupt settings, select the default set­ting of [No]. Configuration options: [No] [Yes]

Boot Virus Detection [Enabled]

This field allows you to set boot virus detection, ensuring a virus-free boot
sector . This new antivirus solution is unlike native BIOS tools, which of fer
limited virus protection typically by write-protecting the partition table. W ith
this new solution, your computer is protected against boot virus threats ear­lier in the boot cycle, that is, before they have a chance to load into your
system. This ensures your computer boots to a clean operating system. The
system halts and displays a warning message when it detects a virus. If this
occurs, you can either allow the operation to continue or use a virus-free
bootable floppy disk to restart and investigate your system. Because of con­flicts with new operating systems, for example, during installation of new
software, you may have to set this to [Disabled] to prevent write errors.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Quick Power On Self Test [Enabled]

This field speeds up the Power-On Self Test (POST) routine by skipping
retesting a second, and third time. A complete test of the system memory
can be done on the first test. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

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4. BIOS SETUP

Reset Configuration Data [No]

The Extended System Configuration Data (ESCD) contains information
about non-PnP devices and holds the complete record of how the system
was configured the last time it was booted. Set this field to [Y es] only when
you want to clear the ESCD. Configuration options: [No] [Yes]

Onboard PCI IDE Enable [Both]

You can select to enable the primary IDE channel, secondary IDE channel,
both, or disable both channels (for systems with only SCSI drives). Con­figuration options: [Both] [Primary] [Secondary] [Disabled]

4.4.1 I/O Device Configuration

Serial Port A [3F8H/IRQ4], Serial Port B [2F8H/IRQ3]

These fields allow you to set the addresses for the onboard serial connectors.
Serial Port A and Serial Port B must have different addresses. Configuration
options: [3F8H/IRQ4] [2F8H/IRQ3] [3E8H/IRQ4] [2E8H/IRQ3] [Disabled]

Parallel Port [378H/IRQ7]

This field sets the address of the onboard parallel port connector. If you
disable this field, Parallel Port Mode configuration will not be available.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [378H/IRQ7] [278H/IRQ5]

Parallel Port Mode [EPP1.9+SPP]

This field allows you to set the operation mode of the parallel port. Configu­ration options: [SPP] [EPP1.9+SPP] [ECP] [ECP+EPP1.9] [Mono-direc­tional] [EPP1.7+SPP] [ECP+EPP1.7]

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4. BIOS SETUP

I/O Device Config.

4. BIOS SETUP

4.5 Security Menu

Supervisor Password, User Password

The BIOS Setup program allows you to specify two separate passwords: a
Supervisor password and a User password. The passwords control access to
the BIOS during system startup. When enabled, the Supervisor password is

4. BIOS SETUP

Security Menu

required for entering the BIOS Setup program and having full access to all
Security menu options.

T o set the password, highlight the appropriate field and press <Enter>. Type
in a password and press <Enter>. You can type up to eight alphanumeric
characters. Symbols and other keys are ignored. To confirm the password,
type the password again and press the <Enter>.

T o clear the password, highlight this field and press <Enter>. The same dialog
box as above will appear . Press <Enter> and the password will be disabled.

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4. BIOS SETUP

Forgot the password?

If you forgot the password, you can clear the password by erasing the CMOS
Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM. The RAM data containing the password
information is powered by the onboard button cell battery. To erase the
R TC RAM: (1) Unplug your computer , (2) Short the solder points, (3) Turn
ON your computer, (4) Hold down <Delete> during bootup and enter BIOS
setup to re-enter user preferences.

Short solder points
to Clear CMOS

RTCLR

1

MEW-AML

MEW-AML Clear RTC RAM

Security Menu

4. BIOS SETUP

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4. BIOS SETUP

4.6 Power Menu

General Power Settings

Auto Suspend Timeout [20 Min]

This field sets the time period of inactivity before the system goes into sus­pend mode. Configuration options: [Off] [1~2 Min] [2~3 Min]...[1 Hour]

4. BIOS SETUP

Power Menu

HDD Power Down [15 Min]

This field shuts down any IDE hard disk drives in the system after a period of
inactivity as set in this user-configurable field. This feature does not af fect SCSI
hard drives. Configuration options: [Disabled] [1 Min] [2 Min] ...[15 Min]

State after a Power Failure [Auto]

This allows you to set whether you want your system to reboot after the
power has been interrupted. [Off] leaves your system OFF and [On] reboots
your system. [Auto] returns your computer back to the state it was in before
the power failure. Configuration options: [Off] [Auto] [On]

Power-Up Events

On External Activity

This feature allows your computer to be powered up from Soft-OFF mode
when the device connecting to the serial port (such as an external modem)
reveives a call. Configuration options: [Off] [On]

Serial Port [Off]

PCI Bus [Off]

This feature allows your computer to be powered up from Soft-OFF mode
when a PCI device (such as a modem or network card) receives a call. Con­figuration options: [Off] [On]

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4. BIOS SETUP

4.7 Boot Menu

Boot Sequence

The Boot menu allows you to select among the four possible types of boot
devices listed using the up and down arrow keys. By using the <+> or
<Space> key, you can promote devices and by using the <-> key, you can
demote devices. Promotion or demotion of devices alters the priority which
the system uses to search for a boot device on system power up. Configura­tion options: [Removable Devices] [ATAPI CD-ROM] [IDE Hard Drive]
[Other Boot Device]

Removable Device [Legacy Floppy]

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Legacy Floppy] [LS120] [ZIP-100]
[ATAPI MO]

ATAPI CD-ROM

This field allows you to select which ATAPI CD-ROM drive to use in the
boot sequence. Pressing [Enter] will show the product IDs of all your con­nected ATAPI CD-ROM drives.

IDE Hard Drive

This field allows you to select which IDE hard disk drive to use in the boot
sequence. Pressing [Enter] will show the product IDs of all connected IDE
hard disk drives.

Boot Menu

4. BIOS SETUP

Other Boot Device Select [Network]

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Network] [SCSI Boot Device]

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4. BIOS SETUP

4.8 Exit Menu

Once you have made all of your selections from the various menus in the
Setup program, you should save your changes and exit Setup. Select Exit
from the menu bar to display the following menu:

4. BIOS SETUP

Exit Menu

NOTE: Pressing <Esc> does not exit this menu. You must select one of the
options from this menu or <F10> from the legend bar to exit this menu.

Exit Saving Changes

Once you are finished making your selections, choose this option from the
Exit menu to ensure the values you selected are saved to the CMOS RAM.
The CMOS RAM is sustained by an onboard backup battery and stays ON
even when the PC is turned OFF. Once this option is selected, a confirma­tion is asked. Select [Yes] to save changes and exit.

NOTE: If you attempt to exit the Setup program without saving your changes,
the program will prompt you with a message asking if you want to save your
changes before exiting. Pressing <Enter> will then save changes while exiting.

Exit Discarding Changes

This option should only be used if you do not want to save the changes you
have made to the Setup program. If you have made changes to fields other
than system date, system time, and password, the system will ask for con­firmation before exiting.

Load Setup Defaults

This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters
on the Setup menus. When this option is selected or if <F5> is pressed, a
confirmation is requested. Select [Yes] to load default values. You can now
select Exit Saving Changes or make other changes before saving the val-
ues to the non-volatile RAM.

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