ASUS P4SX8-MX User Manual

P4S8X-MX

Motherboard

E1997E1997

E1997

E1997E1997

First Edition V1First Edition V1

First Edition V1

First Edition V1First Edition V1 April 2005April 2005

April 2005

April 2005April 2005

Copyright © 2005 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.Copyright © 2005 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,

transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).

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

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

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

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

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Contents

Notices ................................................................................................ vi

Safety information ............................................................................. vii

P4S8X-MX specifications summary ................................................... viii

Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 Welcome! .............................................................................. 1-2

1.2 Package contents ................................................................. 1-2

1.3 Special features .................................................................... 1-2

1.4 Before you proceed .............................................................. 1-5

1.5 Motherboard overview .......................................................... 1-6

1.5.1 Motherboard layout ................................................ 1-6

1.5.2 Placement direction ................................................ 1-7

1.5.3 Screw holes ............................................................ 1-7

1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) .............................................. 1-8

1.6.1 Overview ................................................................. 1-8

1.6.2 Installing the CPU.................................................... 1-8

1.6.3 Installing the heatsink and fan .............................. 1-11

1.7 System memory ................................................................. 1-14

1.7.1 Overview ............................................................... 1-14

1.7.2 Memory configurations ......................................... 1-14

1.7.3 Installing a DIMM ................................................... 1-16

1.7.4 Removing a DIMM ................................................. 1-16

1.8 Expansion slots ................................................................... 1-17

1.8.1 Installing an expansion card .................................. 1-17

1.8.2 Configuring an expansion card.............................. 1-17

1.8.3 PCI slots ................................................................ 1-19

1.8.4 AGP slot ................................................................ 1-19

1.9 Jumpers .............................................................................. 1-20

1.10 Connectors ......................................................................... 1-23

1.10.1 Rear panel connectors .......................................... 1-23

1.10.2 Internal connectors............................................... 1-25

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Contents

Chapter 2: BIOS setupChapter 2: BIOS setup

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

Chapter 2: BIOS setupChapter 2: BIOS setup

2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ........................................ 2-2

2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk .............................. 2-2

2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash utility .............................................. 2-3

2.1.3 AFUDOS utility ........................................................ 2-4

2.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility ................................ 2-6

2.1.5 ASUS Update utility ................................................ 2-8

2.2 BIOS setup program ........................................................... 2-11

2.2.1 BIOS menu screen ................................................. 2-12

2.2.2 Menu bar ............................................................... 2-12

2.2.3 Navigation keys .................................................... 2-12

2.2.4 Menu items ........................................................... 2-13

2.2.5 Sub-menu items ................................................... 2-13

2.2.6 Configuration fields .............................................. 2-13

2.2.7 Pop-up window ..................................................... 2-13

2.2.8 Scroll bar .............................................................. 2-13

2.2.9 General help .......................................................... 2-13

2.3 Main menu .......................................................................... 2-14

2.3.1 System Time ......................................................... 2-14

2.3.2 System Date ......................................................... 2-14

2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A ................................................ 2-14

2.3.4 Primary and Secondary IDE Master/Slave ............. 2-15

2.3.5 OnChip SATA Controller ....................................... 2-16

2.3.6 System Information .............................................. 2-16

2.4 Advanced menu .................................................................. 2-17

2.4.1 JumperFree Configuration .................................... 2-18

2.4.2 CPU Configuration ................................................. 2-20

2.4.3 Chipset ................................................................. 2-21

2.4.4 Onboard Devices Configuration ............................ 2-23

2.4.5 PCI PnP ................................................................. 2-24

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2.4.6 USB Configuration................................................. 2-27

Contents

2.5 Power menu ........................................................................ 2-28

2.5.1 Suspend Mode ...................................................... 2-28

2.5.2 ACPI 2.0 Support .................................................. 2-28

2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support ................................................ 2-28

2.5.4 APM Configuration ................................................ 2-29

2.5.5 Hardware Monitor ................................................. 2-31

2.6 Boot menu .......................................................................... 2-32

2.6.1 Boot Device Priority .............................................. 2-32

2.6.2 Removable Drives ................................................. 2-33

2.6.3 Boot Settings Configuration ................................. 2-33

2.6.4 Security ................................................................ 2-35

2.7 Exit menu ........................................................................... 2-37

Chapter 3: Software supportChapter 3: Software support

Chapter 3: Software support

Chapter 3: Software supportChapter 3: Software support

3.1 Installing an operating system ............................................. 3-2

3.2 Support CD information ........................................................ 3-2

3.2.1 Running the support CD ......................................... 3-2

3.2.2 Drivers menu .......................................................... 3-3

3.2.3 Utilities menu .......................................................... 3-4

3.2.4 ASUS Contact information ...................................... 3-6

3.2.5 Other information ................................................... 3-6

3.3 RAID configurations .............................................................. 3-8

3.3.1 Installing hard disks ................................................ 3-8

3.3.2 SIS RAID configurations .......................................... 3-9

3.4 Creating a RAID driver disk ................................................. 3-18

Notices

Federal Communications Commission StatementFederal Communications Commission Statement

Federal Communications Commission Statement

Federal Communications Commission StatementFederal Communications Commission Statement

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

•

This device may not cause harmful interference, and

•

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

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

•

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•

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

•

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

The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Canadian Department of Communications StatementCanadian Department of Communications Statement

Canadian Department of Communications Statement

Canadian Department of Communications StatementCanadian 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 CanadianThis class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian

This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian

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

ICES-003.

ICES-003.ICES-003.

vivi

Safety information

Electrical safetyElectrical safety

Electrical safety

Electrical safetyElectrical safety

•

To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating the system.

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

Operation safetyOperation safety

Operation safety

Operation safetyOperation safety

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

Place the product on a stable surface.

•

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

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P4S8X-MX specifications summary

CPUCPU

CPU

CPUCPU

ChipsetChipset

Chipset

ChipsetChipset

Front Side BusFront Side Bus

Front Side Bus

Front Side BusFront Side Bus

MemoryMemory

Memory

MemoryMemory

Expansion slotsExpansion slots

Expansion slots

Expansion slotsExpansion slots

GraphicsGraphics

Graphics

GraphicsGraphics

StorageStorage

Storage

StorageStorage

AudioAudio

Audio

AudioAudio

Socket 478 for Intel

Pentium® 4 / Celeron processors

Supports Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology

Northbridge: SiS 661GX Southbridge: SiS 964

800*/533 MHz

2 x 184-pin DIMM sockets support up to 2 GB of

unbufferred non-ECC 400**/333 MHz DDR SDRAM memory modules

1 x AGP 8X slot (1.5 V only) 3 x PCI slots

SiS Real 256E Graphics

SiS 964 Southbridge supports:

- 4 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33 hard disk drives

- 2 x Serial ATA drives with RAID 0, RAID 1, and JBOD configuration

Realtek

ALC655 6-channel CODEC

Coaxial S/PDIF out port

LANLAN

LAN

LANLAN

OverclockingOverclocking

Overclocking

OverclockingOverclocking

USBUSB

USB

USBUSB

Special featuresSpecial features

Special features

Special featuresSpecial features

* The motherboard runs at FSB800 when in overclock mode.

** 1. When using an FSB800 CPU with 400 MHz DDR memory, the

motherboard runs at 333 MHz by default.

2. When using an FSB533 CPU with 400 MHz DDR memory, the motherboard runs at 400 MHz.

Realtek® RTL8201CL 10/100 Mbps LAN PHY

Stepless Frequency Selection (SFS) from 100 MHz up

to 200 MHz at 1 MHz increment AGP/PCI Asynchronous Mode with FSB ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)

Supports up to 8 USB 2.0 ports

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 ASUS EZ Flash ASUS MyLogo2™

(continued on the next page)

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P4S8X-MX specifications summary

BIOS featuresBIOS features

BIOS features

BIOS featuresBIOS features

Rear panelRear panel

Rear panel

Rear panelRear panel

InternalInternal

Internal

InternalInternal connectorsconnectors

connectors

connectorsconnectors

4 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, Green, PnP, DMI2.0,

SM BIOS 2.3, WfM2.0, ACPI 2.0

1 x Parallel port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port 4 x USB 2.0 ports 1 x VGA port 1 x Serial port (COM) 1 x PS/2 keyboard port 1 x PS/2 mouse port 6-channel audio ports

1 x Floppy disk drive connector 1 x Primary IDE connector 1 x Secondary IDE connector 2 x Serial ATA connectors 1 x CPU fan connector 1 x Chassis fan connector 2 x USB 2.0 connectors for four additional USB 2.0 ports 1 x Optical drive audio connector 1 x AUX connector 20-pin ATX power connector 4-pin x ATX 12V power connector 1 x GAME/MIDI connector 1 x S/PDIF Out connector 1 x Front panel audio connector System panel connector

PowerPower

Power

PowerPower RequirementRequirement

Requirement

RequirementRequirement

Form FactorForm Factor

Form Factor

Form FactorForm Factor

Support CDSupport CD

Support CD

Support CDSupport CD contentscontents

contents

contentscontents

ATX power supply (with 20-pin and 4-pin 12 V plugs) ATX 12 V 2.0 compliant

ATX form factor: 9.6 in x 9.6 in (24.5 cm x 24.5 cm)

Device drivers ASUS PC Probe ASUS Live Update utility ASUS Screensaver Adobe Acrobat Reader Anti-virus software (OEM version)

*Specifications are subject to change without notice.

ixix

This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports.

introduction

Product

1.1 Welcome!

®®

Thank you for buying an ASUSThank you for buying an ASUS

Thank you for buying an ASUS

Thank you for buying an ASUSThank you for buying an ASUS

®®

P4S8X-MX motherboard! P4S8X-MX motherboard!

P4S8X-MX motherboard!

P4S8X-MX motherboard! P4S8X-MX motherboard!

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

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

1.2 Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

MotherboardMotherboard

Motherboard ASUS P4S8X-MX motherboard

MotherboardMotherboard

CablesCables

Cables 1 x Serial ATA signal cable

CablesCables

1 x Serial ATA power cable 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable Floppy disk drive cable

AccessoriesAccessories

Accessories I/O shield

AccessoriesAccessories

Application CDsApplication CDs

Application CDs ASUS motherboard support CD

Application CDsApplication CDs

DocumentationDocumentation

Documentation User guide

DocumentationDocumentation

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

1.3 Special features

SiS661GX/964 chipsetSiS661GX/964 chipset

SiS661GX/964 chipset

SiS661GX/964 chipsetSiS661GX/964 chipset

Embedded in this motherboard is the SiS661GX/964 chipset that integrates various SiS-developed technologies to ensure an efficient and reliable computing performance.

The SiS661GX chipset provides a high performance host interface for the

Intel

Pentium® 4 processor, and supports AGP 8X and DDR400. The SiS661GX features the SiS HyperStreaming™ Engine that smartly manages data streams between peripherals, core logic chipsets, front side bus, memory and graphic interfaces. This technology dramatically optimizes and improves the entire computer system performance.

Providing I/O and peripheral support is the SiS964 Southbridge, which integrates various I/O functions including dual-channel ATA133 bus master IDE, USB 2.0/1.1, Ethernet, and audio controllers. The SiS964 provides

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1-2

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Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

LPC and AC’97 interfaces, and complies with the Advanced Power Management (APM) 1.2 specification. The SiS964 interconnects with the Northbridge at up to 1GB/s using the SiS proprietary MuTIOL interface.

Real256E integrated graphics Real256E integrated graphics

Real256E integrated graphics

Real256E integrated graphics Real256E integrated graphics

Embedded in the Northbridge is the SiS Real256E integrated graphics with a 256-bit 3D engine and 2D graphics accelerator with a maximum 64MB shared display memory. The Real256E integrated graphics engine incorporates the UltraAGPII™ technology to provide a faster link between the built-in graphic engine and the northbridge memory controller. This technology boosts VGA throughput to up to 3.2 GB/s to bring clearer and sharper images for your multimedia and graphic-intensive applications. The Real256E integrated graphics achieves a maximum resolution of 2048x1536 at 32 bpp. See page 1-24.

Serial ATA technology Serial ATA technology

Serial ATA technology

Serial ATA technology Serial ATA technology

bus

The motherboard supports the Serial ATA technology through the Serial ATA interfaces and the Intel® ICH6. The SATA specification allows for thinner, more flexible cables with lower pin count, reduced voltage requirement, and up to 150 MB/s data transfer rate. See page 1-27 for details.

Integrated 10/100 Mbps LAN controller Integrated 10/100 Mbps LAN controller

Integrated 10/100 Mbps LAN controller

Integrated 10/100 Mbps LAN controller Integrated 10/100 Mbps LAN controller

Onboard is the Realtek® LAN PHY that interconnects with the SiS964 southbridge LAN controller to fully support 10BASE-T/ 100BASE-TX Ethernet networking. See page 1-23.

6-Channel Audio solution 6-Channel Audio solution

6-Channel Audio solution

6-Channel Audio solution 6-Channel Audio solution

The motherboard uses an onboard audio CODEC that lets you enjoy highquality 6-channel audio without having to buy advanced sound cards. See page 1-23.

DDR400 Support DDR400 Support

DDR400 Support

DDR400 Support DDR400 Support

The motherboard supports up to 2 GB system memory using DDR400/ 333/266 non-ECC DDR DIMMs to deliver up to 3.2 GB/s data transfer rate for the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. See page 1-15 for details.

ASUS P4S8X-MXASUS P4S8X-MX

ASUS P4S8X-MX

ASUS P4S8X-MXASUS P4S8X-MX

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1-3

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USB 2.0 technology USB 2.0 technology

USB 2.0 technology

USB 2.0 technology USB 2.0 technology

The motherboard implements the Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 specification, dramatically increasing the connection speed from the 12 Mbps bandwidth on USB 1.1 to a fast 480 Mbps on USB 2.0. USB 2.0 is backward compatible with USB 1.1. See pages 1-24 and 1-29 for details.

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2

This feature allows you to restore the original BIOS data from the support CD in case when the BIOS codes and data are corrupted. This protection eliminates the need to buy a replacement ROM chip. See page 2-6 for details.

ASUS EZ Flash BIOS ASUS EZ Flash BIOS

ASUS EZ Flash BIOS

ASUS EZ Flash BIOS ASUS EZ Flash BIOS

With the ASUS EZ Flash, you can easily update the system BIOS even before loading the operating system. No need to use a DOS-based utility or boot from a floppy disk. See page 2-3 for details.

ASUS MyLogo2™ ASUS MyLogo2™

ASUS MyLogo2™

ASUS MyLogo2™ ASUS MyLogo2™

This new feature present in the motherboard allows you to personalize and add style to your system with customizable boot logos. See page 2-33 for details.

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

C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)

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

The C.P.R. feature of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to the BIOS default settings in case the system hangs due to overclocking. When the system hangs due to overclocking, C.P.R. eliminates the need to open the system chassis and clear the RTC data. Simply shut down and reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically restores the CPU default setting for each parameter.

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1-4

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Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

1.4 Before you proceed

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

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

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

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

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

Before you install or remove any component, ensureBefore you install or remove any component, ensure

•

Before you install or remove any component, ensure

Before you install or remove any component, ensureBefore you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is switched off or thethat the ATX power supply is switched off or the

that the ATX power supply is switched off or the

that the ATX power supply is switched off or thethat the ATX power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. power cord is detached from the power supply.

power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure

power cord is detached from the power supply. power cord is detached from the power supply. to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or components.

Onboard LEDOnboard LED

Onboard LED

Onboard LEDOnboard LED

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

P4S8X-MX

SB_PWR

Standby

Power

P4S8X-MX Onboard LED

OFF

Powere

Off

ASUS P4S8X-MXASUS P4S8X-MX

ASUS P4S8X-MX

ASUS P4S8X-MXASUS P4S8X-MX

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1-5

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1.5 Motherboard overview

24.5cm (9.6in)

1.5.11.5.1

1.5.1

1.5.11.5.1

PS/2KBMS

T: Mouse B: Keyboard

COM1

PARALLEL PORT

VGA

USB12

TOP

USB34

RJ-45

Top:Line In Center:Line Out Below:Mic In

Motherboard layoutMotherboard layout

Motherboard layout

Motherboard layoutMotherboard layout

KBPWR

Socket 478

USBPW34 USBPW12

ATX12V

SiS

661GX

North Bridge

CPU_FAN1

P4S8X-MX

DDR DIMM1 (64 bit,184-pin module)

Super

I/O

4Mb

BIOS

FLOPPY

PRI_IDE

SEC_IDE

DDR DIMM2 (64 bit,184-pin module)

ATXPWR

24.5cm (9.6in)

RTL8201CL

ALC655

FP_AUDIO

KBPWR

+5V +5VSB

(Default)

PCI1

AGP

SiS

964

Chipset

SATA2 SATA1

CR2032 3V Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

SB_PWR

PCI2

CLRTC1

PCI3

CDAUX

USBPW34

2312

USBPW12

+5V

(Default)

2321

+5VSB

USBPW56 USBPW78 SPDIF

USBPW56 USBPW78

+5V

(Default)

USB56

2321

+5VSB

USB78 PANEL

CLRTC1

12 23

GAME

NormalClear CMOS

(Default)

PANEL

PLED

IDE_LED

Requires an ATX power supply.

PLED+

IDE_LED-

IDE_LED+

PLED-

SPEAKER

+5V

PWR

Ground

PWRSW

Ground

Speaker

Ground

Reset

Ground

RESET

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Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

1.5.21.5.2

1.5.2

1.5.21.5.2

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

Placement directionPlacement direction

Placement direction

Placement directionPlacement direction

1.5.31.5.3

1.5.3

1.5.31.5.3

Screw holesScrew holes

Screw holes

Screw holesScrew holes

Place eight (8) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis.

Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.

P4S8X-MX

Place this side towardsPlace this side towards

Place this side towards

Place this side towardsPlace this side towards the rear of the chassisthe rear of the chassis

the rear of the chassis

the rear of the chassisthe rear of the chassis

ASUS P4S8X-MXASUS P4S8X-MX

ASUS P4S8X-MX

ASUS P4S8X-MXASUS P4S8X-MX

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1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

1.6.11.6.1

1.6.1

1.6.11.6.1

The motherboard comes with a surface mount 478-pin Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) socket designed for the Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor.

Take note of the marked corner (with gold triangle) on the CPU. This mark should match a specific corner on the socket to ensure correct installation.

OverviewOverview

Overview

OverviewOverview

Gold mark

Your boxed Intel® Pentium® 4 processor package should come with installation instructions for the CPU, heatsink, and the retention mechanism. If the instructions in this section do not match the CPU documentation, follow the latter.

Incorrect installation of the CPU into the socket can bend the pins and severely damage the CPU!

1.6.21.6.2

1.6.2

1.6.21.6.2

Follow these steps to install a CPU.

1. Locate the 478-pin ZIF socket on the motherboard.

Installing the CPUInstalling the CPU

Installing the CPU

Installing the CPUInstalling the CPU

P4S8X-MX

P4S8X-MX CPU Socket 478

Gold Arrow

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Chapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

2. Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sideways, then lift it up to a 90°-100° angle.

Socket leverSocket lever

Socket lever

Socket leverSocket lever

Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90°-100° angle; otherwise, the CPU does not fit in completely.

3. Position the CPU above the socket such that its marked corner matches the base of the socket lever.

90°-100°90°-100°

90°-100°

90°-100°90°-100° angleangle

angle

angleangle

4. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it fits in place.

The CPU fits only in one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU!

Gold markGold mark

Gold mark

Gold markGold mark

ASUS P4S8X-MXASUS P4S8X-MX

ASUS P4S8X-MX

ASUS P4S8X-MXASUS P4S8X-MX

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1-91-9

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

After installation, make sure to plug the 4-pin ATX power cable to the motherboard.

®®

Notes on IntelNotes on Intel

Notes on Intel

Notes on IntelNotes on Intel

• This motherboard supports Intel® Pentium® 4 CPUs with

®®

Hyper-Threading Technology Hyper-Threading Technology

Hyper-Threading Technology

Hyper-Threading Technology Hyper-Threading Technology

Hyper-Threading Technology.

• Hyper-Threading Technology is supported under Windows Server and Linux 2.4.x (kernel) and later versions only. Under Linux, use the Hyper-Threading compiler to compile the code. If you are using any other operating systems, disable the Hyper-Threading Technology item in BIOS to ensure system stability and performance.

• We recommend that you install Windows

• Make sure to enable the Hyper-Threading Technology item in BIOS before installing a supported operating system.

• For more information on Hyper-Threading Technology, visit www.intel.com/info/hyperthreading.

XP Service Pack 1.

XP/2003

To use the Hyper-Threading Technology on this motherboard:

1. Install an Intel

Pentium® 4 CPU that supports Hyper-Threading

Technology.

2. Power up the system and enter BIOS Setup (see Chapter 2: BIOS setup). Under the Advanced Menu, make sure that the item Hyper-Threading TechnologyHyper-Threading Technology

Hyper-Threading Technology is set to Enabled. The item appears

Hyper-Threading TechnologyHyper-Threading Technology only if you installed a CPU that supports Hyper-Threading Technology.

3. Reboot the computer.

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Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

1.6.31.6.3

1.6.3

1.6.31.6.3

Installing the heatsink and fanInstalling the heatsink and fan

Installing the heatsink and fan

Installing the heatsink and fanInstalling the heatsink and fan

The Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.

•

When you buy a boxed Intel® Pentium® 4 processor, the package includes the heatsink, fan, and retention mechanism.

•

If you buy a CPU separately, make sure that you use only Intel®-certified heatsink and fan.

If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, make sure that a Thermal Interface Material is properly applied to the CPU heatsink or CPU before installing the heatsink and fan assembly.

To install the CPU heatsink and fan:

1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, making sure that the heatsink fits properly on the retention module base.

•

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

•

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

CPU heatsink

Retention module base

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2. Position the fan with the retention mechanism on top of the heatsink. Align and snap the four hooks of the retention mechanism to the holes on each corner of the module base.

Make sure that the fan and retention mechanism assembly perfectly fits the heatsink and module base; otherwise, you cannot snap the hooks into the holes.

Retention holeRetention hole

Retention hole

Retention lockRetention lock

Retention lock

Retention lockRetention lock

Retention holeRetention hole

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Retention hook snappedRetention hook snapped

Retention hook snapped

Retention hook snappedRetention hook snapped to the retention holeto the retention hole

to the retention hole

to the retention holeto the retention hole

Keep the retention locks lifted upward while fitting the retention mechanism to the module base.

Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

3. Push down the locks on the retention mechanism to secure the

heatsink and fan to the module base.

When secure, the retention locks should point to opposite directions.

4. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN1.

CPU_FAN

P4S8X-MX

GND

Rotation

+12V

P4S8X-MX CPU fan connector

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

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1.7 System memory

1.7.11.7.1

1.7.1

1.7.11.7.1

OverviewOverview

Overview

OverviewOverview

The motherboard comes with four 184-pin Double Data Rate (DDR) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets.

The following figure illustrates the location of the sockets:

P4S8X-MX

80 Pins 104 Pins

P4S8X-MX 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets

DIMM1

DIMM2

1.7.21.7.2

1.7.2

1.7.21.7.2

Memory configurationsMemory configurations

Memory configurations

Memory configurationsMemory configurations

You may install 128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB, and 1 GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR DIMMs into the DIMM sockets using the memory configurations in this section.

•

Installing DDR DIMMs other than the recommended configurations may cause memory sizing error or system boot failure.

•

Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) for the latest DDR Qualified Vendors List (QVL).

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Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

DDR400* Qualified Vendors ListDDR400* Qualified Vendors List

DDR400* Qualified Vendors List

DDR400* Qualified Vendors ListDDR400* Qualified Vendors List

SizeSize

Size

SizeSize

256 MB CORSAIR CMX256A-3200LL DDR400 – SS Heat-Sink Package 2 • • 256 MB CORSAIR VS256MB400 Value Select SS VS32M8-5 2B0409 3 •

512 MB CORSAIR VS512MB400 Value Select DS VS32M8-5 3 • 256 MB CORSAIR CMX256A-3200C2PT WINBOND SS W942508BH-5 2 • 512 MB CORSAIR CMX512-3200LL DDR400 – DS Heat-Sink Package 2 • •

1 G CORSAIR TWINX2048-3200C2 DDR400 1024MB – DS Heat-Sink Package 2 • • 256 MB GEIL GE2563200B GEIL SS GL3LC32G88TG-5A 2 • • 256 MB HYNIX HYMD232646B8J-D43 HYNIX SS HY5DU56822BT-D43 3 • •

256 MB HYNIX HYMD232646D8J-D43 AA HYNIX SS HY5DU56822DT-D43 3 • • 512 MB HYNIX HYMD264646D8J-D43 DDR400 512MB HYNIX DS HY5DU56822DT-D43 3 • • 512 MB KINGMAX MPXC22D-38KT3R KINGMAX DS KDL388P4LA-50 2.5 •

256 MB KINGMAX N/A Mosel SS V58C2556804SAT5B 3 • • 256 MB KINGSTON VALUE RAM KVR400X64C3A/256 INFINEON SS HYB25D256800BT-5B 3 • • 512 MB KINGSTON VALUE RAM KVR400X64C3A/512 INFINEON DS HYB25D256800BT-5B 3 •

512 MB KINGSTON VALUE RAM KVR400X64C3A/512 INFINEON DS HYB25D256800BT-6B 3 • • 512 MB KINGSTON KHX3200A/512 DDR400 512MB – DS – 3 • • 1G KINGSTON KHX3200ULK2/1G DDR400 1024MB – DS – 3 • •

256 MB KINGSTON VALUE RAM KVR400X64C3A/256 KINGSTON SS D3208DH1T-5 3 • 512 MB KINGSTON VALUE RAM KVR400X64C3A/512 KINGSTON DS D3208DH1T-5 3 • 512 MB KINGSTON VALUE RAM KVR400X72C3A/512 DDR Mosel DS V58C2256804SAT5 3 • •

256 MB KINGSTON VALUE RAM KVR400X64C3A/256 DDR HYNIX SS HY5DU56822BT-D43 3 • 512 MB KINGSTON VALUE RAM KVR400X64C3A/512 DDR HYNIX DS HY5DU56822BT-D43 3 • • 512 MB MICRON MT16VDDT6464AG-40BC4 MICRON DS MT46V32M8TG-5BC 3 • •

512 MB MICRON MT16VDDT6464AG-40BGB MICRON DS MT46V32M8TG-5BG 3 • 256 MB PROMOS V826632K24SCTG-D0 – SS V58C2256804SCT5B 2.5 • • 256 MB MICRON MT8VDDT3264AG-40BGB MICRON SS MT46V32M8TG-5BG 3 • •

256 MB SAMSUNG M368L3223FTN-CCC SAMSUNG SS K4H560838F-TCCC 3 • • 512 MB SAMSUNG M368L6423FTN-CCC SAMSUNG DS K4H560838F-TCCC 3 • 512 MB SAMSUNG M368L6523BTM-CCC SAMSUNG SS K4H560838F-TCCC 3 • •

256 MB Infineon HYS64D32301HU-5-C INFINEON SS HYB25D512160CE-5C 3 • 512 MB Infineon HYS64D64320HU-5-C INFINEON DS HYB25D256800CE-5C 3 • • 512 MB Infineon HYS64D64300HU-5-C INFINEON DS HYB25D256800CE-6C 3 • •

256 MB APACER 77.10636.11G INFINEON SS HYB25D256800BT-5B 3 • • 256 MB TRAMSCEND TS32MLD64V4F3 Mosel SS V58C2256804SAT5 3 • • 256 MB WINBOND U24512ADWBG6H20 WINBOND DS W942508CH-5 – • •

256 MB BRAIN POWER B6U808-256M-SAM-400 SAMSUNG SS K4H560838D-TCC4 3 • • 512 MB NANYA NT512D64S8HB1G-5T NANYA DS NT5DS3232M8BT-5T 3 • •

VendorVendor

Vendor

VendorVendor

Model Model

Model

Model Model

BrandBrand

Brand

BrandBrand

Side(s)Side(s)

Side(s)

Side(s)Side(s)

ComponentComponent

Component

ComponentComponent

DIMM supportDIMM support

DIMM support

DIMM supportDIMM support

CL ACL A

CL A

CL ACL A

Legend:Legend:

Legend:

Legend:Legend: SS - SS -

S S - Single Sided

SS - SS DS -DS -

D S - Double Sided

DS -DS CL -CL -

C L - CAS Latency

CL -CL A A

A - supports one module inserted into either slot, in a Single-channel memory

A A

configuration.

B - supports one pair of modules inserted into both slots as one pair of

Dual-channel memory configuration.

* 1. When using an FSB800 CPU with 400 MHz DDR memory, the

motherboard runs at 333 MHz by default.

2. When using an FSB533 CPU with 400 MHz DDR memory, the motherboard runs at 400 MHz.

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1.7.31.7.3

1.7.3

1.7.31.7.3

Installing a DIMMInstalling a DIMM

Installing a DIMM

Installing a DIMMInstalling a DIMM

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

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

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

DDR DIMM notchDDR DIMM notch

DDR DIMM notch

DDR DIMM notchDDR DIMM notch

Unlocked retaining clipUnlocked retaining clip

Unlocked retaining clip

Unlocked retaining clipUnlocked retaining clip

A DDR DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction. DO NOT force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM.

3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the socket until the retaining clips snap back in place and the DIMM is properly seated.

1.7.41.7.4

1.7.4

1.7.41.7.4

Removing a DIMMRemoving a DIMM

Removing a DIMM

Removing a DIMMRemoving a DIMM

To remove a DIMM:

1. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to unlock the DIMM.

Locked retaining clipLocked retaining clip

Locked retaining clip

Locked retaining clipLocked retaining clip

Support the DIMM lightly with your fingers when pressing the retaining clips. The DIMM might get damaged when it flips out with extra force.

2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.

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Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

DDR DIMM notchDDR DIMM notch

DDR DIMM notch

DDR DIMM notchDDR DIMM notch

1.8 Expansion slots

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

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

1.8.11.8.1

1.8.1

1.8.11.8.1

To install an expansion card:

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

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

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

4. Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is completely seated on the slot.

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

6. Replace the system cover.

1.8.21.8.2

1.8.2

1.8.21.8.2

After installing the expansion card, configure it by adjusting the software settings.

Installing an expansion cardInstalling an expansion card

Installing an expansion card

Installing an expansion cardInstalling an expansion card

Configuring an expansion cardConfiguring an expansion card

Configuring an expansion card

Configuring an expansion cardConfiguring an expansion card

1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See Chapter 2 for information on BIOS setup.

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

3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.

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Standard interrupt assignmentsStandard interrupt assignments

Standard interrupt assignments

Standard interrupt assignmentsStandard interrupt assignments

IRQIRQ

IRQ

IRQIRQ

0 1 System Timer 1 2 Keyboard Controller 2 – Programmable Interrupt 4* 12 Communications Port (COM1) 5* 13 IRQ holder for PCI steering 6 14 Floppy Disk Controller 7* 15 Printer Port (LPT1) 8 3 System CMOS/Real Time Clock 9* 4 IRQ holder for PCI steering 10* 5 Advance AC’97 CODEC 11* 6 Standard PCI Graphics Adapter (VGA) 12* 7 PS/2 Compatible Mouse Port 13 8 Numeric Data Processor 14* 9 Primary IDE Channel 15* 10 Secondary IDE Channel

PriorityPriority

Priority

PriorityPriority

Standard FunctionStandard Function

Standard Function

Standard FunctionStandard Function

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

IRQ assignments for this motherboardIRQ assignments for this motherboard

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

IRQ assignments for this motherboardIRQ assignments for this motherboard

PCI slot 1 — — shared — — — — — PCI slot 2 — — — shared — — — — PCI slot 3 — used — — — — — — AGP slot shared — — — — — — — Onboard USB controller 1 — — — — used — — — Onboard USB controller 2 — — — — — used — — Onboard USB controller 3 — — — — — — used — Onboard USB 2.0 controller — — — — — — — used Onboard LAN — — — shared — — — — Onboard audio — — shared — — — — — Onboard VGA shared — — — — — — —

When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Share IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments; otherwise, conflicts will arise between the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable.

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Chapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 1: Product introductionChapter 1: Product introduction

1.8.31.8.3

1.8.3

1.8.31.8.3

The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. The figure shows a LAN card installed on a PCI slot.

PCI slotsPCI slots

PCI slots

PCI slotsPCI slots

1.8.41.8.4

1.8.4

1.8.41.8.4

The Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) slot that supports AGP 8X/4X (+1.5V) cards. When you buy an AGP card, make sure that you ask for one with +1.5V specification.

Note the notches on the card golden fingers to ensure that they fit the AGP slot on the motherboard.

AGP slotAGP slot

AGP slot

AGP slotAGP slot

This motherboard does not support 3.3V AGP cards. Install only +1.5V AGP cards.

P4S8X-MX

P4S8X-MX Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)

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Keyed for 1.5v

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