ASUS P3CE User Manual

R

P3C-E

Rambus™ 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 MERCHANT ABILITY 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.

• Adobe and Acrobat are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.

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

• Rambus, Direct Rambus, and RIMM are trademarks of Rambus Inc.

• Trend and ChipAwayVirus are trademarks of Trend Micro, Inc.

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

• Y amaha, SoftSynthesizer , XG and combinations thereof are trademarks of Y amaha Corporation.
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 P3C-E
Manual Revision: 1.04 E478
Release Date: November 1999

2 ASUS P3C-E 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

MB/Others (Tel): [phone] (English)
Notebook (Tel): [phone] (English)
Desktop/Server (Tel): [phone] (English)
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
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/Pub/ASUS

ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Europe)

Marketing

Address: Harkortstr. 25, 40880 Ratingen, BRD, Germany
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail] (for marketing requests only)

Technical Support

Hotline: MB/Others: [phone] Notebook: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Support (Email): www.asuscom.de/de/support (for online support)
WWW: www.asuscom.de
FTP: ftp.asuscom.de/pub/ASUSCOM

ASUS P3C-E 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 P3C-E........................................................................ 8

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

2.1.2 Specifications–Optional Components ............................. 9

2.1.3 Performance................................................................... 10

2.1.4 Intelligence .................................................................... 11

2.2 Motherboard Parts..................................................................... 12

3. HARDWARE SETUP ...................................................................... 14

3.1 Motherboard Layout ................................................................. 14

3.2 Layout Contents ........................................................................ 15

3.3 Hardware Setup Procedure ....................................................... 17

3.4 Motherboard Settings................................................................ 17

3.5 System Memory ........................................................................ 22

3.5.1 Installing Memory Using RIMM/C-RIMM .................. 23

3.5.2 Installing Memory Using an ASUS DIMM Riser ......... 24

3.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................. 27

3.6.1 Universal Retention Mechanism ................................... 27

3.6.2 Heatsinks ....................................................................... 28

3.6.3 Installing the Processor.................................................. 29

3.6.4 ASUS Smart Thermal Solutions.................................... 30

3.6.5 Recommended Heatsinks for Slot 1 Processors ............ 33

3.6.6 Precautions .................................................................... 33

3.7 Expansion Cards ....................................................................... 34

3.7.1 Expansion Card Installation Procedure ......................... 34

3.7.2 Assigning IRQs for Expansion Cards............................ 34

3.7.3 Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) ................................. 36

3.7.4 Audio Modem Riser (AMR) Slot .................................. 37

3.8 External Connectors.................................................................. 38

3.9 Power Connection Procedures .................................................. 47

4 ASUS P3C-E User’s Manual

CONTENTS

4. BIOS SETUP..................................................................................... 48

4.1 Managing and Updating Your BIOS ......................................... 48

4.1.1 Upon First Use of the Computer System....................... 48

4.1.2 Updating BIOS Procedures ........................................... 49

4.2 BIOS Setup Program ................................................................ 51

4.3 Main Menu................................................................................ 54

4.4 Advanced Menu ........................................................................ 60

4.5 Power Menu .............................................................................. 72

4.6 Boot Menu ................................................................................ 77

4.7 Exit Menu ................................................................................. 79

5. SOFTWARE SETUP....................................................................... 81

5.1 Operating Systems .................................................................... 81

5.2 P3C Series Motherboard Support CD....................................... 82

5.3 Intel LDCM Administrator Setup ............................................. 84

5.4 Intel LDCM Client Setup.......................................................... 86

5.5 INF Update Utility for Intel 820 Chipset .................................. 88

5.6 Install YAMAHA XG Audio Driver (VxD) ..................................

(only with onboard audio option) ............................................. 89

5.7 Install YAMAHA XG Studio Audio

Application (only with onboard audio option).......................... 90

5.8 Install Y AMAHA DS-XG Audio

Application (only with onboard audio option).......................... 91

5.9 Install ASUS PC Probe V2.10 .................................................. 92

5.10 Install ASUS Update V2.24 ...................................................... 93

5.11 Install PC-Cillin 98 V4.06 ........................................................ 94

5.12 Install ADOBE AcroBat Reader V4.0 ...................................... 95

5.13 Uninstalling Programs .............................................................. 96

6. SOFTWARE REFERENCE ........................................................... 97

6.1 ASUS PC Probe ........................................................................ 97

6.2 Using YAMAHA XGPlayer.................................................... 103

6.3 Using YAMAHA XGstudio Mixer ......................................... 105

7. APPENDIX...................................................................................... 107

7.1 PCI-L101 Fast Ethernet Card ................................................. 107

7.2 Modem Riser (optional) .......................................................... 109

ASUS P3C-E 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.

Reprinted from the Code of Federal Regulations #47, part 15.193, 1993. W ashington DC: Of fice of the
Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration, U.S. Government Printing Office.

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 P3C-E 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 Production information and specifications

3. HARDWARE SETUP Intructions on setting up the motherboard.

4. BIOS SETUP Intructions on setting up the BIOS

5. SOFTWARE SETUP Intructions on setting up the included software

6. SOFTWARE REFERENCE Reference material for the included software

7. APPENDIX Optional items and general reference

1.2 Item Checklist

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

(1) ASUS Motherboard

Manual / Checklist

1. INTRODUCTION

(1) Universal Retention Mechanism
(1) ASUS C-RIMM Continuity RIMMs
(1) Ribbon cable for master and slave UltraDMA/66 or UltraDMA/33 IDE drives
(1) Ribbon cable for (1) 5.25” and (2) 3.5” floppy disk drives
(1) Bag of spare jumpers
(1) Support drivers and utilities
(1) This Motherboard User’s Manual

ASUS DR2 DIMM riser (optional)
ASUS S370 Series CPU card (optional)
ASUS IrDA-compliant infrared module (optional)
ASUS PCI-L101 Wake-On-LAN 10/100 ethernet card (optional)

ASUS P3C-E User’s Manual 7

2.1 The ASUS P3C-E

The ASUS P3C-E motherboard is carefully designed for the demanding PC user
who wants advanced features processed by the fastest processors.

2.1.1 Specifications

• Latest Intel Processor Support

2. FEATURES

Specifications

• Intel 820 Chipset: Features the Intel

• PC800 Memory Support: Equipped with two Rambus Inline Memory Module

• AGP Pro Slot: Supports the new Accelerated Graphics Port Pro card for high

• UltraDMA/66 Support: Comes with an onboard PCI Bus Master IDE controller

• Wake-Up Support: Supports Wake-On-LAN and Wake-On-Ring activity.

• JumperFree™ Mode: Allows processor settings and easy overclocking of fre-

2. FEATURES

®

Intel Pentium
Intel Pentium
Intel Pentium
Intel Pentium
Intel Pentium
Intel Celeron™ 100MHz FSB SEPP

I/O Controller Hub) with support for AGP 4X mode, which can transport twice
the amount of data to the current AGP standard; 100/133MHz Front Side Bus
(FSB); UltraDMA/66, which allows burst mode data transfer rates of up to

66.6MBps; and Intel Random Number Generator, which will improve cryptog­raphy, digital signing, and other security protocols.

(RIMM) sockets to support Intel PC800/PC700/PC600-compliant Rambus
DRAMs (RDRAMs) (available in 64, 96, 128, 192, 256, 512MB densities) up to
1GB. These RDRAMs are necessary to meet the increase in processor perfor­mance and multimedia and 3D functions, especially where high bandwidth is
required. These sockets also accept Intel PC100-compliant SDRAMs (16, 32,
64, 128, 256, or 512MB) up to 1GB by using an ASUS DR2 DIMM Riser (avail­able separately as an option).

performance, component level interconnect targeted at 3D graphical applica­tions using a 1X, 2X, or 4X mode bus.

with two connectors that support four IDE devices on two channels. Supports
UltraDMA/66, UltraDMA/33, PIO Modes 3 & 4 and Bus Master IDE DMA Mode
2, and Enhanced IDE devices, such as DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, CD-R/R W , LS-120,
and Tape Backup drives.

quency and Vcore voltage all through BIOS setup when JumperFree™ mode is
enabled. Easy-to-use DIP switches instead of jumpers are included to allow
manual adjustment of the processor’s external frequency.

III 100MHz FSB, Katmai core SECC2

®

III B 133MHz FSB, Katmai core SECC2

®

III E 100MHz FSB, Coppermine core SECC2

®

III EB 133MHz FSB, Coppermine core SECC2

®

II 100MHzMHz FSB SECC

®

820 chipset (Memory Controller Hub and

8

ASUS P3C-E User’s Manual

2. FEATURES

• Around-the-Clock Intrusion Detection: Chassis intrusion circuitry can log chas-

sis panel open events into LDCM. The onboard battery supports detection even
when normal power is removed and through a new design, battery drain is even
lower than the RTC used for keeping time!

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

• PC Health Monitoring: Provides an easy way to examine and manage system

status information, such as CPU and systerm voltages, temperatures, and fan
status through the onboard hardware ASUS ASIC and the bundled ASUS PC
Probe or Intel LDCM software.

• SMBus: Features the System Management Bus interface, which is used to physi-

cally transport commands and information between SMBus devices.

• PCI/ISA Expansion Slots: Provides five 32-bit PCI (Rev. 2.2) expansion slots,

which can support Bus Master PCI cards, such as SCSI or LAN cards, and one
ISA slot (optional) to support legacy add-on cards. (PCI supports up to 133MB/
s maximum throughput.)

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

serial ports and one parallel port with EPP and ECP capabilities. UART2 can
also be directed from COM2 to the Infrared Module for wireless connections.

• 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.

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

more control and protection over the motherboard. Provides Vcore and CPU/
RDRAM frequency adjustments, 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.

• IrDA: Supports an optional infrared port module for wireless interface.

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

ter busses to the memory and processor.

2. FEATURES

Optional Components

2.1.2 Specifications–Optional Components

The following onboard components are optional at the time of purchase:

• PCI Audio: Provides Yamaha PCI audio chipset. Full audio output can be di-

rected to the chassis’ internal speaker to save space, save money, and reduce
complications associated with external speakers.

• Infrared Interface: Integrated serial infrared interface supports an optional re-

mote control package for wireless interfacing with external peripherals, per­sonal gadgets, or an optional remote controller.

ASUS P3C-E User’s Manual 9

2. FEATURES

Performance

2. FEATURES

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 DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, CD-R/R W, LS-120, and Tape Backup drives.

• Dual Speeds: CPU frequency can operate at either 133MHz or 100MHz.

• High-Speed Data Transfer Interface: IDE transfers using UltraDMA/33 Bus

Master IDE can handle rates up to 33MB/s. This motherboard with its chipset
and support for UltraDMA/66 doubles the UltraDMA/33 burst transfer rate to

66.6MB/s. UltraDMA/66 is backward compatible with both DMA/33 and DMA
and with existing DMA devices and systems so there is no need to upgrade
current EIDE/IDE drives and host systems. (UltraDMA/66 requires a 40-pin
80-conductor cable to be enabled and/or for UltraDMA Mode 4.)

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

ter buses to memory to CPU.

• RDRAM Optimized Performance: This motherboard supports the new gen-

eration memory , Rambus Dynamic Random Access Memory (RDRAM). While
PC100 SDRAM modules operate at 100MHz with a peak bandwidth of 0.8GB/s,
Rambus DRAMs can operate at up to 800MHz with a peak bandwidth of 1.6GB/s.

• 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.

• Suspend and Go: Suspend-to-RAM (STR) provides maximum power savings

as an alternative to leaving the computer ON and QuickStart™ so that you do
not fall asleep waiting for system bootup.

• PC 99 Compliancy: Both the BIOS and hardware levels of the motherboard

meet PC 99 compliancy. The new PC 99 requirements for systems and compo­nents are based on the following high-level goals: support for Plug and Play
compatibility and power management for configuring and managing all system
components, and 32-bit device drivers and installation procedures for W indows
95/98/NT . Color-coded connectors and descriptive icons make identification easy
as required by PC 99.

10

ASUS P3C-E User’s Manual

2. FEATURES

2.1.4 Intelligence

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

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

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

damage, this motherboard supports processor thermal sensing and auto-protec­tion.

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

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

• System Resources Alert: T oday’ s operating systems such as W indows 98, W in-

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

• Dual Function Power Button: Through BIOS, the power button can be defined
as the “Stand by” (a.k.a. Suspend or Sleep) button or as the Soft-Off (see 25) A TX
Power / Soft-Off Switch Lead in 3.8 External Connectors for more information)
button. Regardless of the setting, pushing the power button for more than 4 sec­onds will enter the Soft-Off mode.

• Remote Ring On (requires modem): This allows a computer to be turned on
remotely through an internal or external modem. With this benefit on-hand, users
can access any information from their computers from anywhere in the world.

• Message LED (requires ACPI OS support): Message LEDs now act as infor­mation providers. Through the way a particular LED illuminates, the user can
determine the stage the computer is in. A simple glimpse provides useful infor­mation to the user.

• Peripheral Power Up: Keyboard or Mouse power up can be enabled or dis­abled through BIOS setup to allow the computer to be powered ON using your
keyboard or mouse click.

Intelligence

2. FEATURES

ASUS P3C-E User’s Manual 11

2.2 Motherboard Parts

See opposite page for locations.

1
2
3
4

Motherboard Parts

2. FEATURES

5
6
7
8
9

10

11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21

22
23
24
25
26

2. FEATURES

ATX Power Connector for connection to an ATX power supply
CPU Slot 1
Intel 820 Memory Controller Hub (MCH)
RIMM Sockets
Intel I/O Controller Hub (ICH)
Primary and Secondary IDE Connectors
Four Mbit Firmware Hub (Programmable BIOS)
Low Pin Count (LPC) Multi-I/O Chipset
Floppy Disk Drive Connector
Feature Setting DIP Switches
ASUS ASIC with Hardware Monitor
PCI-to-ISA Bridge
Wake-On-Ring Connector
Wake-On-LAN Connector
ISA Slot (optional)
Yamaha® 744 PCI Audio Controller (optional)
PCI Slots
Audio CODEC (optional)
Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) Pro Slot
Audio Modem Riser Slot
Joystick/Midi Connector (
Line Out, Line In, Microphone In Connectors (B) (optional)
Serial COM2 Port (B)
Parallel Port (T)
Serial COM1 Port (B)
USB Ports (USB1 & USB2)
PS/2 Mouse (T) / PS/2 Keyboard (B) Connector

T) (optional) /

T: Top

B: Bottom

12

ASUS P3C-E User’s Manual

2. FEATURES

2.2 Motherboard Parts...

1 86

continued

2
26
25

24

23

22

3

4

5

7

2. FEATURES

Motherboard Parts

21

20

19

18

17

16

15

1314 9

ASUS P3C-E User’s Manual 13

1112

10

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.1 Motherboard Layout

T: Top B: Bottom

T: Mouse
B: Keyboard

USB

T: USB1
B: USB2

COM2

PARALLEL PORT

COM1

Motherboard Layout

3. H/W SETUP

Line
Out

Line

In

Mic

GAME_AUDIO

In

Audio

Codec

PS2KBMS

ATX Power Connector

VIDEO

AUX

OPTIONAL

CD_IN

SPDIFIN

CPU_FAN

CPU1 (Slot 1)

Intel 820

Memory

Controller

Hub (MCH)

MODEM

JP10

Audio Modem Riser

TRCPU

RIMM0 (16/18 bit, 184-pin module)

RIMM0 RIMM1

Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP Pro)

P3C-E

PCI Slot 1 (PCI1)

RIMM1 (16/18 bit, 184-pin module)

321

4

Row

Intel I/O

Controller

Hub (ICH)

CLRTC

SECONDARY IDE

CHA_FAN

PWR_FAN

PRIMARY IDE

CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

FLOPPY

PCI Slot 2 (PCI2)

JP15 (WOR)

PCI-to-ISA

Bridge

TRPWR

SPDIOOUT

32-bit
Audio

Chipset

PCI

JP2

WOL_CON

PCI Slot 3 (PCI3)

PCI Slot 4 (PCI4)

JP12

PCI Slot 5 (PCI5)

ASUS

ASIC

with Hardware

Monitor

ISA Slot (SLOT2)

IR

Grayed midboard items are optional at the time of purchase.

JP22

CHASSIS

DIP Switches

O

N

12345

IDELED

PANEL

14

ASUS P3C-E User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.2 Layout Contents

Motherboard Settings

1) JP22 p.18 JumperFree™ Mode (Enable/Disable)

2) JP2 p.18 Audio COntroller Setting (Enable/Disable)

3) JP10 p.19 Safe Mode Setting

4) JP12 p.19 Automatic Timeout Reboot Setting

5) DSW (SW2) p.20 CPU External Clock (BUS) Frequency Setting

6) CLRTC p.59 Clear RTC RAM

Expansion Slots

1) RIMM0, RIMM1 p.22 184-Pin System Memory Support

2) CPU p.27 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

3) PCI1, PCI2, PCI3, PCI4, PCI5 p.34 32-bit PCI Bus Expansion Slots

4) AGPPRO p.36 Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP Pro) Slot

Connectors

1) PS2KBMS p.38 PS/2 Mouse Connector (6-pin female)

2) PS2KBMS p.38 PS/2 Keyboard Connector (6-pin female)

3) USB p.39 Universal Serial Bus Ports 0 & 1 (Two 4-pin female)

4) PARALLEL p.39 Parallel Port Connector (25-pin female)

5) COM1, COM2 p.39 Serial Port COM1/COM2 Connectosr (T wo 9-pin male)

6) GAME_AUDIO p.40 Joystick/MIDI Connector (15-pin female) (optional)

7) GAME_AUDIO p.40 Audio Port Connectors (Three 1/8” female) (optional)

8) CHASSIS p.40 Chassis Intrusion Connector (4-1 pins)

9) PRIMARY/SECONDAR Y IDE p.41 Primary/Secondary IDE Connectors (Two 40-1pins)

10) FLOPPY p.41 Floppy Disk Drive Connector (34-1pins)

11) WOL_CON p.42 Wake-On-LAN Connector (3 pins)

12) WOR p.42 Wake-On-Ring Connector (2 pins)

13)IDELED p.43 IDE Activity LED (2 pins)

14) CPU_Fan, PWR_FAN p.44 CPU, Power Supply, Chassis Fan Connectors (Four 3-pin)
CHA_FAN

3. H/W SETUP

Layout Contents

15) MODEM, VIDEO, AUX p.44 Internal Audio Connectors (Four 4-pins) (optional)

16) IR p.44 Serial Infrared Module Connector (5-pin)

17)SPDIFIN, SPDIOOUT p.45 Digital Audio Interface Header (Two 2-pin)

18) ATXPWR p.45 ATX Power Supply Connectors (20 pins)

ASUS P3C-E User’s Manual 15

19) PLED (PANEL) p.46 System Power LED Lead (3-1 pins)

20) KEYLOCK (PANEL) p.46 Keyboard Lock Switch Lead (2 pins)

21) SPEAKER (PANEL) p.46 System Warning Speaker Connector (4 pins)

22) LED (PANEL) p.46 System Message LED (2 pins)

23) SMI (PANEL) p.46 System Management Interrupt Switch Lead (2 pins)

24) PWRSW (PANEL) p.46 ATX Power / Soft-Off Switch Lead (2 pins)

25) RESET (PANEL) p.46 Reset Switch Lead (2 pins)

3. H/W SETUP

3. HARDWARE SETUP

16 ASUS P3C-E User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

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

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

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

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

5. Ensure that the ATX power supply is switched off before you plug in or
remove the ATX power connector on the motherboard.

Motherboard Feature Settings

The motherboard’s onboard functions are either adjusted through jumpers or DIP
switches. When using DIP switches, the white block represents the switch’s posi­tion. The example below shows all the switches in the OFF position.

PARALLEL PORT

OPTIONAL

P3C-E

432

1

DSW

(D21)

12345

ON

1. Frequency Selection

2. Frequency Selection

3. Frequency Selection

4. Frequency Selection

5. Frequency Selection

3. H/W SETUP

Motherboard Settings

P3C-E DIP Switches

OFF

ON

ASUS P3C-E User’s Manual 17

3. HARDWARE SETUP

1) JumperFree™ Mode (JP22)

This jumper allows you to enable or disable the JumperFree™ mode. The
JumperFree™ mode allows processor settings to be made through the BIOS
setup (see 4.4 Advanced Menu).

NOTE: In JumperFree™ mode, all dip switches (DSW) must be set to OFF.
Setting JP22

Enable (JumperFree) [1-2] (default)
Disable (Jumper) [2-3]

PARALLEL PORT

OPTIONAL

Motherboard Settings

3. H/W SETUP

P3C-E JumperFree™ Mode Setting

2) Audio Controller Setting (JP2) (on model with onboard audio)

This jumper allows you to enable or disable the onboard 32-bit PCI audio control­ler (optional component). Disable the onboard audio if you are using a PCI audio
card on any of the expansion slots or a primary AMR on the AMR slot (see 3.7.3

Audio Modem Riser (AMR) Slot). If using a PCI audio card, Onboard AC97
Audio Controller in 4.4.2 1/O Device Configuration must also be disabled.

DSW

(SW2)

ON

432

1

P3C-E

JumperFree Jumper

123

JP22

123

12345

OFF

(JumperFree Mode)

Setting JP2

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

P3C-E

JP2

1
2

3

Enable Disable

1
2

3

P3C-E Audio Controller Setting

18 ASUS P3C-E User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3) Safe Mode Setting (JP10)

Usually socket 370 processors have locked frequency multiples. In this case, there
is no way to exceed the specified multiple whether through motherboard settings
or BIOS setup. With unlocked socket 370 processors, exceeding the specified
multiple is possible through BIOS setup. Exceeding the specified multiple may
result in hanging during bootup. If this occurs, enable Safe Mode to force a mul­tiple of 2 and 100MHz FSB to enter BIOS setup to correct the problem.

Setting JP10

Normal [1-2] (default)
Safe Mode [2-3]

JP10

123

123

P3C-E

P3C-E Safe Mode Reboot Setting

Normal

(Default)

Safe Mode

4) Automatic Timeout Reboot Setting (JP12)

The motherboard is set so that when the BIOS detects a hang (timeout) during
bootup, the motherboard will automatically reboot. If rebooting is repeating in­effectively, set this jumper to No Reboot to disable auto-reboot. However, if

Safe Mode Setting (JP10) is set to Safe Mode, setting Automatic Timeout
Reboot Setting (JP12) to No Reboot will bring the system to Safe Mode so you

may correct any problem.

Setting JP12

Normal [1-2] (default)
No Reboot [2-3]

3. H/W SETUP

Motherboard Settings

123

P3C-E

P3C-E Automatic Timeout Reboot Setting

Normal

(Default)

ASUS P3C-E User’s Manual 19

JP12

123

No Reboot

3. HARDWARE SETUP

6) CPU External Frequency Setting (DSW-1, -2, -3, -4, -5)

This option tells the clock generator what frequency to send to the CPU and the
PCI bus. This allows the selection of the CPU’s External frequency.

IMPORTANT:

1. In JumperFree mode, all dip switches (DSW-1–DSW-5) must be set to OFF.

2. When JumperFree mode is enabled, use BIOS setup in place of these switches

(see CPU Speed in Advanced Menu in BIOS Setup).

NOTE: Only selected switches are illustrated. For a complete frequency listing,
see next page.

Motherboard Settings

3. H/W SETUP

P3C-E CPU External Clock
(BUS) Frequency Selection

NOTE: If your processor does not have a locked Frequency Multiple, you must
use CPU Core:Bus Freq. Multiple in 4.4 Advanced Menu of the BIOS setup
to set the Frequency Multiple. If the Frequency Multiple is locked, setting the
Frequency Multiple in BIOS setup will have no effect.

ON

DSW

(SW2)

CPU
PCI

P3C-E

CPU
PCI

12345

→

100MHz

→

33.6MHz

12345

133.9MHz

→

33.4MHz

→

34.3MHz

ON

34.5MHz

ON

12345

103MHz

ON

12345

138MHz

34.9MHz

(JumperFree Mode)

ON

12345

105MHz

ON

12345

20 ASUS P3C-E User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

External Frequency Table

The following table is for use by experienced motherboard installers only . Overclocking
can result in system instability or even shortening the life of the processor .

CPU PCI Frequency Selection Switches

(MHz) (MHz) 1 2 3 4 5

103.0 34.33 [O N] [ON ] [ON ] [ON ] [ON ]

105.0 35.00 [O N] [ON ] [ON ] [ON ] [OFF]

100.9 33.63 [O N] [ON ] [ON ] [OFF] [OFF]

107.0 35.67 [O N] [ON ] [OFF] [ON ] [O N]

109.0 36.33 [O N] [ON ] [OFF] [ON ] [OFF]

112.0 37.33 [ON] [O N] [OFF] [OFF] [ON ]

114.0 38.00 [ON] [O N] [OFF] [OFF] [OFF]

116.1 38.70 [ON] [OFF] [O N] [O N] [O N]

118.0 39.33 [ON] [OFF] [O N] [O N] [OFF]

120.0 40.00 [O N] [OFF] [ON ] [OFF] [OFF]

122.0 40.67 [O N] [OFF] [OFF] [O N] [O N]

125.1 41.70 [O N] [OFF] [OFF] [O N] [OFF]

128.2 42.73 [O N] [OFF] [OFF] [OFF] [O N]

130.0 43.33 [O N] [OFF] [OFF] [OFF] [OFF]

133.9 33.48 [OFF] [ON ] [ON ] [ON ] [OFF]
138 34.5 [OFF] [ON] [O N] [OFF] [ON ]
142 35.5 [OFF] [ON] [O N] [OFF] [OFF]
146 36.5 [OFF] [ON] [OFF] [ON ] [ON ]
150 37.5 [OFF] [ON] [OFF] [ON ] [OFF]
153 38.25 [OFF] [ON] [OFF] [OFF] [O N]
156 39 [OFF] [ON ] [OFF] [OFF] [OFF]

159.1 39.78 [OFF] [OFF] [ON ] [O N] [O N]
162 40.5 [OFF] [OFF] [O N] [O N] [OFF]
165 41.25 [OFF] [OFF] [ON ] [OFF] [O N]
168 42 [OFF] [OFF] [ON ] [OFF] [OFF]
171 42.75 [OFF] [OFF] [OFF] [ON] [ON ]
174 43.5 [OFF] [OFF] [OFF] [O N] [OFF]
177 44.25 [OFF] [OFF] [OFF] [OFF] [ON ]
180 45 [OFF] [OFF] [OFF] [OFF] [OFF]

3. H/W SETUP

Motherboard Settings

NOTE: For updated processor settings, visit the ASUS web site (see ASUS CON-
TACT INFORMATION)

ASUS P3C-E User’s Manual 21

3.5 System Memory

NOTE: No hardware or BIOS setup is required after adding or removing memory.
This motherboard has two Rambus Inline Memory Module (RIMM) sockets. These

sockets support Direct RDRAMs (both ECC and non-ECC are supported) in 64, 96,
128, 192, and 256MB densities.

With an optional ASUS DIMM Riser, unbuffered Synchronous Dynamic Random
Access Memory (SDRAM, 3.3V power level) in 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, or 512MB
densities can also be used on these sockets.

The chipset’s Error Checking and Correction (ECC) feature is available only when
using RDRAMs. ECC feature is not available when using SDRAM (ECC and non­ECC) with an ASUS DIMM Riser.

For memory speed setup, see 4.4.1 CHIP Configuration.

Install memory in any combination as follows:

System Memory

3. H/W SETUP

Location Memory Module Subtotal

3. HARDWARE SETUP

RIMM0
(Rows 0&1)

RIMM1
(Rows 2&3)

IMPORTANT

1. When using RDRAM as memory, the RIMM sockets must be populated in
the following sequence: RIMM0 and then RIMM1.

2. To use SDRAM with this motherboard, an ASUS DIMM Riser (ASUS DR2)
must be installed as an interface (see 3.5.2 Installing Memory Using the ASUS
DIMM Riser). Th e riser must be inserted into RIMM0, with RIMM1 populated
with C-RIMM.

3. C-RIMMs (Continuity RIMM) must be used to complete the sockets that are
not populated by either RDRAMs or an ASUS DIMM Riser (when using
SDRAM). C-RIMM is necessary to avoid breaking the signal lines, which
are a serial connection in a Rambus interface, such as used in this motherboard.
This assures the electrical integrity of a Rambus interface.

4. DO NOT mix RDRAMs with an SDRAM+Riser or vice versa.

RDRAM (do not use when SDRAM is used) x 1
C-RIMM (use when socket will not be populated)

RDRAM (do not use when SDRAM is used) x 1
C-RIMM (use when socket will not be populated)

TOT AL SYSTEM MEMORY =

(RDRAM: 1GB Max) / (SDRAM: 1GB Max)

22 ASUS P3C-E User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.5.1 Installing Memory Using RIMM/C-RIMM

The memory module (RIMM/C-RIMM) will fit in only one orientation.

IMPORTANT: Do not touch the memory module’ s connectors. Handle the mod-

ule only by the edges.

RIMM Sockets

PARALLEL PORT

OPTIONAL

P3C-E

432

1

RIMM with Heat Spreader

C-RIMM

P3C-E 184-Pin RIMM Sockets

1. Make sure that the notch keys in the module are aligned with the small ribs
inside the RIMM sockets.

RDRAM (with heat spreader)MOUNTING NOTCH

NOTCH KEYS

CONNECTORS

3. H/W SETUP

System Memory

EJECTOR

RIBS (inside socket)

(TOP VIEW)

2. With the ejectors in the open position (as shown), push down gently but firmly
on the memory module until it snaps into place. The guides on the socket’s
ejectors should go through the two mounting notches on the module and the
ejectors should close. If necessary, push the ejectors inward to secure the mod­ule in place.

Removing Memory

1. To release a memory module, push both ejectors outward and pull the module
straight up and out of the RIMM sockets.

ASUS P3C-E User’s Manual 23

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.5.2 Installing Memory Using an ASUS DIMM Riser

The ASUS DIMM Riser will fit in only one orientation.

IMPORTANT: Do not touch the riser’s connectors. Handle the riser only by the

edges.

RIMM0 RIMM1

PARALLEL PORT

Layout Contents

3. H/W SETUP

1. Remove the riser from its static-proof bag.

2. Align the notch keys in the riser with the small ribs inside the RIMM sockets

3. With the RIMM socket’ s ejectors in the open position, push down gently but firmly

OPTIONAL

P3C-E

P3C-E 184-Pin RIMM Sockets

432

1

ATTACH MOUNT
BRIDGES

ASUS DIMM Riser (DR2)

NOTE: Hold the riser by its edges to avoid touching the connector or any deli­cate components on the riser.

(see opposite page for locations of parts).

on the riser until it snaps into place. The guides on the socket’s ejectors should go
through the two mounting notches on the riser and the ejectors should close. If
necessary, push the ejectors inward to secure the riser in place.

NOTES:

• Do not rock the riser side to side. Rocking the riser can damage the RIMM
socket and the riser.

• Do not force the riser in. If you meet a lot of resistance, pull the riser out and
try again.

• T o see if the riser is properly connected, pull it gently. If it resists and stays
in place, it is connected. Make sure that you do not pull the riser so much
that you accidentally disconnect it.

24 ASUS P3C-E User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

J1M1

J1M2

CAPTIVE NUT
(back of riser)

Screw to secure
riser to case

ATTACH MOUNT
BRIDGE (top view)

SDRAMMOUNTING NOTCH

NOTCH KEYS

CONNECTORS

EJECTORRIBS (inside socket)

Screw to secure
riser to case

CAPTIVE NUT
(back of riser)

NOTCH KEYS

MOUNTING NOTCH

CONNECTORS

ATTACH MOUNT
BRIDGE (top view)

CPU FAN

EJECTOR

RIBS (inside socket)

RIMM0 (top view)

4. Screw the captive nuts into the attach mount bridges.

WARNING! Do not overtighten the captive nut. Doing so could damage your

motherboard. Tighten captive nuts to no more than 6±1inch/pound.

5. With the ejectors of the DIMM socket (J1M1/J1M2) in the open position and
while holding the riser along its edges, push down gently but firmly on one side
of the memory module until it snaps into place and then do the same on the other
side. The guides on the socket’s ejectors should go through the two mounting
notches on the module and the ejectors should close. If necessary , push the ejec­tors inward to secure the module in place.

IMPORTANT: When populating both DIMM sockets, the module density on J1M2

must be greater than the one on J1M1. For example, if you are installing a 64MB
memory on J1M1, you must install memory greater than or equal to 64MB on J1M2.

Removing Memory from the Riser

1. To release a memory module, push both ejectors (J1M1/J1M2) outward while
holding the module along its side edges. Pull the module straight up and out of
the DIMM sockets on the riser.

3. H/W SETUP

System Memory

ASUS P3C-E User’s Manual 25

General DIMM Notes

• PC100-compliant modules must be used on the riser because of the strict timing

• This motherboard supports SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory modules. This

• BIOS shows your memory type on bootup screen.

• Single-sided memory modules come in 16, 32, 64, 128, 256MB; double-sided

• The DIMMs must be 3.3V Unbuffered for this motherboard. To determine the

168-Pin DIMM Notch Key Definitions (3.3V)

System Memory

3. H/W SETUP

3. HARDWARE SETUP

issues involved under this speed.

is the memory of choice for best performance vs. stability.

come in 32, 64, 128, 256, 512MB.

DIMM type, check the notches on the DIMMs (see figure below).

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
socket on the riser. You must ask your retailer the correct DIMM type before pur­chasing. The riser supports four clock signals.

26 ASUS P3C-E User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

NOTE: The following pictures are provided for reference purposes only. The ap­pearance of your retention mechanism and fan may be different from the following
examples.

Your motherboard provides a Slot 1 connector for a Pentium
aged in a Single Edge Contact Cartridge (SECC2), a Pentium

®

III processor pack-

®

II processor pack­aged in SECC2/SECC, or a Celeron™ processor packaged in a Single Edge Proces­sor Package (SEPP). An ASUS S370 Series CPU card can allow Socket 370 proces­sors to be used on any ASUS motherboard with the Slot 1 connector (See 7.2 S370
Series CPU Card for instructions on using this card).

Pentium II processor packaged in an SECC with
heatsink and fan (top view)

Pentium III (in an SECC2) with heatsink and fan
NOTE: The SEPP fan (for Celeron processors) is
similar to SECC2 fan except that the clamping
design is different.

CPU

3. H/W SETUP

3.6.1 Universal Retention Mechanism

Y our motherboard comes preinstalled with a Universal Retention Mechanism (URM).
The URM supports Pentium III / II and Celeron processors.

Universal Retention Mechanism (URM)

ASUS P3C-E User’s Manual 27

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.6.2 Heatsinks

The recommended heatsinks (see section on recommended heatsinks for Pentium
III / II processors for more information) for the boxed Pentium III / II and Celeron
processors are those with three-pin fans that can be connected to the fan connectors
on the motherboard.

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 chassis fan, if necessary.

3.6.3 Installing the Processor

3. H/W SETUP

CPU

1. Unlock the URM’ s Folding Support
Arms: The folding support arms of

the URM are locked when shipped.

Locked Folding Support

T o unlock the support arms, simply flip
them up to an upright position.

The URM is now ready for the installation of your processor.

28 ASUS P3C-E User’s Manual

Unlocked Folding Support

3. HARDWARE SETUP

2. Attach the Heatsink
NOTE: If provided, you should follow the heatsink attachment instructions

that came with your heatsink or processor. The following steps are provided
only as a general guide and may not reflect those for your heatsink.

Using SECC fan with Pentium

Push the two lock arms one direction to
clamp the heatsink onto the processor
and the other direction to release.

®

II

Using SECC2 fan with Pentium® III

Insert the four heatsink’s pins through
the holes of the SECC2. Place the metal
clip on the ends of the pins and slide
until it locks into place.

Lock Arm

Lock Arm

Four Pins and metal clip

W ARNING! Make sure the heatsink is mounted tightly against the SECC2, SECC,

or SEPP; otherwise, the CPU will overheat. You may install an auxiliary fan to
provide adequate circulation across the processor’s passive heatsink.

NOTE: The SEPP heatsink and fan (for Intel Celeron processors) is similar to
the SECC2 heatsink and fan except that the clamping design is different.

CPU

3. H/W SETUP

3. Insert the SECC2/SECC/SEPP
SECC with Pentium

®

II only: Push the SECC’s two locks inward until you hear

a click (the picture in step 2 shows the locks in the outward position and inward in
the picture below).

With the heatsink facing the motherboard’s chipset, push the SECC2, SECC, or
SEPP gently but firmly into the Slot 1 connector until it is fully inserted.

SECC2/SEPP

Push lock inward

CPU fan cable to
fan connector

CPU fan cable to
fan connector

ASUS P3C-E User’s Manual 29

3. HARDWARE SETUP

4. Secure the SECC2/SECC/SEPP

Secure the SECC2/SECC/SEPP in place by pushing the SECC2/SECC/SEPP
until it is firmly seated on the Slot 1 connector.

3. H/W SETUP

CPU

SECC with Pentium

®

II only: The SECC locks should be outward when se-

cured so that the lock shows through the retention mechanism’s lock holes.

SECC SECC2/SEPP

Lock hole

Lock hole

CPU fan cable to
fan connector

CPU fan
cable to fan
connector

3.6.4 ASUS Smart Thermal Solutions

ASUS provides two smart solutions to Slot 1 CPU thermal problems: the ASUS
Smart Fan or ASUS S-P2FAN and the ASUS P2T -Cable.

ASUS S-P2FAN

The optional ASUS Smart Fan or

Thermal Sensor
Cable

ASUS S-P2FAN is a CPU fan for a

®

Pentium

II processor packaged in
an SECC. Unlike other CPU thermal
solutions, the ASUS S-P2FAN has
an integrated thermal sensor located
near the center of the CPU heat source. The sensor is optimized by ASUS to give the
most accurate reading of the CPU temperature, thus provides the best protection to
your computer system.

To Use the ASUS S-P2FAN

See 2. Attach the Heatsink on the preceding page for the relevant procedures. Note
that the S-P2FAN comes with a rock arm design for easy FAN/CPU installation.

CPU Fan Cable

Rock Arm

30 ASUS P3C-E User’s Manual