ASUS P5A User Manual

R

P5A

Pentium® Super7 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 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 HAc 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.

• ALi and Aladdin are trademarks of Acer Laboratories Inc. (ALi)

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

• AMD, K6, Super7, and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

• Cyrix, M II, and combinations thereof are trademarks of National Semiconductor Corporation.

• ESS, Maestro, Solo-1 are registered trademarks of ESS Technology, Inc.

• IBM is a registered trademark of IBM Corporation.

• IDT and WinChip are trademarks of Integrated Device Technology, Inc.

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

• Symbios is a registered trademark of Symbios Logic Coråporation.

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

The product name and revision number are both printed on the product itself. Manual revi­sions 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 P5A
Manual Revision: 1.07 E382
Release Date: May 1999

2 ASUS P5A User’s Manual

ASUS CONTACT INFORMATION

ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (Asia-Pacific)

Marketing

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

Technical Support

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

ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)

Marketing

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

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

Technical Support

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

ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Europe)

Marketing

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

Technical Support

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

ASUS P5A User’s Manual 3

CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION........................................................................... 7

How this Manual is Organized ........................................................ 7

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

II. FEATURES .................................................................................... 8

ASUS P5A Motherboard ................................................................. 8

Introduction to ASUS Smart Series Motherboards .............. 9

Parts of the ASUS P5A Motherboard .............................................. 11

III. INSTALLATION .......................................................................... 12

ASUS P5A Motherboard Layout ..................................................... 12

Installation Steps.............................................................................. 14

1. Jumpers ........................................................................................ 14

Jumper Settings .................................................................... 14

Compatible Cyrix CPU Identification .................................. 18

2. System Memory (DIMM) ............................................................ 19

DIMM Memory Installation Procedures: ............................. 20

3. Central Processing Unit (CPU)................................................... 21

4. Expansion Cards ......................................................................... 23

Expansion Card Installation Procedure: ............................... 23

Assigning IRQs for Expansion Cards................................... 23

Assigning DMA Channels for ISA Cards............................. 24

ISA Cards and Hardware Monitor ........................................ 24

Accelerated Graphics Port .................................................... 24

5. External Connectors.................................................................... 25

Power Connection Procedures ................................................... 35

Support Software ............................................................................. 36

Flash Memory Writer Utility ...................................................... 36

IV. BIOS SOFTWARE ....................................................................... 36

Main Menu ........................................................................... 36

Managing and Updating Your Motherboard’s BIOS.................. 38

6. BIOS Setup ................................................................................. 39

Load Defaults ....................................................................... 40

Standard CMOS Setup ............................................................... 40

Details of Standard CMOS Setup......................................... 40

BIOS Features Setup .................................................................. 43

Details of BIOS Features Setup............................................ 43

Chipset Features Setup ............................................................... 45

Details of Chipset Features Setup......................................... 46

Power Management Setup.......................................................... 49

Details of Power Management Setup ................................... 49

4 ASUS P5A User’s Manual

CONTENTS

PNP and PCI Setup .................................................................... 52

Details of PNP and PCI Setup .............................................. 52

Load BIOS Defaults ................................................................... 54

Load Setup Defaults ................................................................... 54

Supervisor Password and User Password .................................. 55

IDE HDD Auto Detection .......................................................... 56

Save & Exit Setup ...................................................................... 57

Exit Without Saving ................................................................... 57

V. SUPPORT SOFTWARE ................................................................ 59

ASUS Smart Motherboard Support CD........................................... 59

Desktop Management Interface (DMI)............................................ 60

Introducing the ASUS DMI Configuration Utility ............... 60

System Requirements ........................................................... 60

Using the ASUS DMI Configuration Utility ........................ 61

VI. ASUS CIDB................................................................................... 63

The ASUS CIDB Chassis Sensor ............................................... 63

Using the ASUS CIDB ......................................................... 63

Setting up the ASUS CIDB .................................................. 64

ASUS CIDB Additional Considerations .............................. 64

VII. ASUS LAN Card......................................................................... 65

ASUS PCI-L101 Fast Ethernet Card ............................................... 65

Features ............................................................................................ 66

Software Driver Support ............................................................ 66

Question and Answer ................................................................. 66

APPENDIX .......................................................................................... 67

Glossary ........................................................................................... 67

ASUS P5A User’s Manual 5

FCC & DOC COMPLIANCE

Federal Communications Commission Statement

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

• This device may not cause harmful interference, and

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

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

• Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

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

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

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

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

Canadian Department of Communications Statement

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

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

6 ASUS P5A User’s Manual

I. INTRODUCTION

How this Manual is Organized

I. Introduction Manual information and checklist
II. Features Information and specifications concerning this product
III. Installation Instructions on setting up the motherboard
IV. BIOS Software Instructions on setting up the BIOS software
V. Support Software Information on the included support software
VI. ASUS CIDB Installation of the ASUS CIDB Chassis Sensor (optional)
VII. ASUS L101 Card Installation of the ASUS LAN card (optional)

APPENDIX Glossary of Terms

Item Checklist

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

(1) ASUS Motherboard

Sections/Checklist

I. INTRODUCTION

(1) IDE ribbon cable for master and slave drives
(1) Ribbon cable for (1) 5.25” and (2) 3.5” floppy disk drives
(1) Bag of spare jumpers
(1) Support CD with drivers and utilities
(1) User’s Manual

ASUS CIDB chassis sensor module (optional)
ASUS IrDA-compliant infrared module (optional)
ASUS PCI-L101 Wake-On-LAN 10/100 Ethernet Card (optional)

ASUS P5A User’s Manual 7

II. FEATURES

Features

II. FEATURES

ASUS P5A Motherboard

• ALi AGPset: ALi® (Acer Laboratories Inc.) Aladdin V AGPset with support for a

100MHz Front Side Bus (FSB), Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP), and all current
Socket 7 processors.

• Multi-Processor/Multi-Speed Support: AMD K6™-III/400 & faster, AMD K6™-

2/266 & faster, AMD K6™/166 & faster, AMD K5™/90–133, IBM®/Cyrix® 6x86MX™/
MII™ (PR166 & faster), IDT W inChip 2™ /240 & faster, IBM®/Cyrix® 6x86-PR166+
(Rev 2.7 or later), Intel Pentium® 90–233MHz (P55C-MMX™, P54C/P54CS).

• Level 2 Cache SRAM/Tag RAM: Features 512KB/1MB pipelined-burst SRAM/L2

memory cache and integrated Tag RAM to make using the 100MHz bus speed possible.

• Enhanced ACPI and Anti-Boot Virus BIOS: Features a programmable BIOS, offer-

ing enhanced ACPI for Windows 98 compatibility, built-in hardware-based virus pro­tection through Trend ChipAwayVirus, and autodetection of most devices for virtually
automatic setup.

• PC100 Memory Support: Equipped with three DIMM sockets to support Intel PC100-

compliant SDRAMs (8, 16, 32, 64, 128, or 256MB) up to 768MB. These new SDRAMs
are necessary to meet the enhanced 95MHz/100MHz bus speed requirement.

• AGP Slot: Supports AGP cards for high performance, component level interconnec-

tion targeted at 3D graphical display applications.

• PCI Audio (optional): Features ESS 32-bit PCI audio onboard.

• Ultra DMA/33 BM IDE: Comes with an onboard PCI Bus Master IDE controller

with two connectors that supports four IDE devices in two channels, supports Ultra
DMA/33, PIO Modes 3 and 4 and Bus Master IDE DMA Mode 2, and supports
Enhanced IDE devices, such as Tape Backup and CD-ROM drives. Supports two
drives of either 5.25-inch (360KB or 1.2MB) or 3.5-inch (720KB, 1.44MB, or

2.88MB) disk drives. Supports Japanese “Floppy 3 mode” (3.5-inch disk drive:

1.2MB) and LS-120 floppy disk drives (3.5-inch disk drive: 120 MB, 1.44MB, 720K).
BIOS supports IDE CD-ROM or SCSI device boot-up.

• Wake-On-LAN Connector: Supports Wake-On–LAN activity with special network

cards, such as the ASUS PCI-L101 10/100 Fast Ethernet PCI card.

• PC Health Monitoring (optional): Provides a convenient utility to monitor your

system’ s vital components/activities, such as fan rotations, voltages, and temperatures.

• Super Multi-I/O: Provides two high-speed UART compatible serial ports and one

parallel port with EPP and ECP capabilities. UAR T2 can also be directed from COM2
to the Infrared Module for wireless connections.

• Desktop Management Interface (DMI): Supports DMI through BIOS, which al-

lows hardware to communicate within a standard protocol creating a higher level of
compatibility. (Requires DMI-enabled components.) (See section V)

• USB, PS/2 Mouse, IrDA Connector: Supports an optional cable and bracket set to

mount the connectors to an unused expansion slot on the system chassis. A second
IrDA connector is available for a standard individual infrared cable set.

8 ASUS P5A User’s Manual

II. FEATURES

Introduction to ASUS Smart Series Motherboards

Performance

• SDRAM Optimized Performance: ASUS Smart Series motherboards support

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

• Double the IDE T ransfer Speed: ASUS Smart Series motherboards with ALi’ s

Aladdin V chipset improves IDE transfer rate using UltraDMA/33 Bus Master
IDE, which can handle data transfer up to 33MB/sec. The best of all is that this
new technology is compatible with existing ATA-2 IDE specifications so there
is no need to upgrade current hard drives or cables.

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

ter buses to memory to CPU.

• 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 the future operating systems (OS) supporting OS Direct
Power Management (OSPM) functionality. With 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 OS that supports ACPI, such
as Windows 98, must be used.

Smart Series

II. FEATURES

• PC’98 Compliant: Both the BIOS and hardware levels of the ASUS Smart

Series motherboards meet PC’98 compliancy . The new PC’98 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 Windows 95/Windows 98 and Windows NT.

Intelligence (with optional Hardware Monitor only)

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

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

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

damage, there is a heat sensor under the CPU and on the motherboard itself to
monitor CPU and system temperature to make sure the system is operating at a
safe heat level to avoid any failures triggered by extremely high temperature.

• Chassis intrusion Detection: Supports chassis-intrusion monitoring through

LDCM and the optional ASUS CIDB chassis sensor module.

ASUS P5A User’s Manual 9

II. FEATURES

Smart Series

II. FEATURES

• 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 95, 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.

• CPU Slow Down: When CPU fans or system fans malfunction, the system will

deactivate the CPU Clock line to decrease CPU utilization to the speed upon
detection of system overheat. This will prevent CPU damage from system over­heat. The CPU utilization will restore normal operations when temperature falls
below a safe level.

• Auto Fan Off: The system fans will power off automatically even in sleep
mode. This function reduces both energy consumption and system noise, and is

an important feature in implementing silent PC systems.

• Dual Function Power Button (requires ATX power supply): The system can
be in one of two states, one is Sleep mode and the other is Soft-Off mode. Pushing
the power button for less than 4 seconds places the system into Sleep mode. When
the power button is pressed for more than 4 seconds, it enters the Soft-Off mode.

• Remote Ring On (requires A TX power supply): This feature allows a computer
to be turned on remotely through a modem. With this benefit on hand, any user
can access vital information from their computer from anywhere in the world!

• Message LED (requires ACPI-supported OS): Chassis 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.

10 ASUS P5A User’s Manual

II. FEATURES

Parts of the ASUS P5A Motherboard

PS/2 Mouse (top)
and Keyboard

USB Port

Serial and Parallel
Connectors

512KB/1MB
Pipelined Burst
L2 Cache

Game/MIDI Port
(optional)

ATX Power

CPU ZIF
Socket 7

ALi Aladdin V

AGPset

3 DIMM
Sockets

II. FEATURES

Motherboard Parts

Accelerated
Graphics Port

ESS Audio
(optional)

5 PCI Slots
Health Monitoring

Chip (optional)

2 ISA Slots

ASUS P5A User’s Manual 11

III. INSTALLATION

ASUS P5A Motherboard Layout

PS2

KBMS

USB

Parallel Port

Motherboard Layout

III. INST ALLATION

Game/Midi Port

COM 1

COM 2

Line

Out

Line

In

Mic

In

Top: Mouse
Bottom: Keyboard

KBPWR

Top: USB 1
Bottom: USB 2

PWR_FAN

Modem

Connector

Audio

Chipset

(OPTIONAL)

Board Power Input
for ATX Power Supply

CPU ZIF Socket 7

CPU Thermal Sensor

512KB/1MB

Pipelined Burst

L2 Cache

Tag RAM

CD1

AUX

PCI Slot 1

PCI Slot 2

SGNT
SREQ
SOLOID

(Hardware Monitor)

AGP Slot

ALi

Aladdin V

M1541

AGPset

R

CPU_FAN

VIO1

VID0
VID1
VID2
VID3
CPU Voltage

BF2
BF1
BF0
Frequency Ratio

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

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

DIMM Socket 3 (64-bit, 168-pin module)

01

FS0
FS1
FS2
FS3

BUS Frequency

23 45

Floppy Drives

Secondary IDE

CHA_FAN

CR2032

3 Volt

Lithium Cell

Row

Primary IDE

Hardware

Monitor

PCI Slot 3

PCI Slot 4

Wake-on-LAN Connector
SMBus Connector

TRPWR

Chassis Int.
Alarm Lead

Programmable

PCI Slot 5

BIOS EEPROM

ISA Slot 1

ISA Slot 2

Dimmed components are optional.

12 ASUS P5A User’s Manual

ALi M1543C

Chipset

(IDE

Controller)

CLRTC

+

IR

Panel Connections

IDELED

III. INSTALLATION

Jumpers

1) CLRTC p. 14 Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM

2) KBPWR p. 15 Keyboard Power Up

3) VIO1 p. 15 +3V Voltage Selection

4) SGNT,SREQ,SOLOID p. 15 Audio Selection

5) FS0, FS1, FS2, FS3 p. 16 CPU External (BUS) Frequency Selection

6) BF0, BF1, BF2 p. 16 CPU to BUS Frequency Ratio

7) VID0, VID1, VID2, VID3 p. 18 V oltage Regulator Output Selection

Expansion Slots

1) DIMM Sockets p. 19 168-Pin DIMM Memory Expansion Sockets

2) CPU ZIF Socket 7 p. 21 Central Processing Unit (CPU) Socket

3) SLOT 1, 2 p. 23 16-bit ISA Bus Expansion Slots

4) PCI 1, 2, 3,4,5 p. 23 32-bit PCI Bus Expansion Slots**

Connectors

1) PS2KBMS p. 25 PS/2 Keyboard Connector (6-pin Female)

2) PS2KBMS p. 25 PS/2 Mouse Connector (6-pin Female)

3) PARALLEL p. 26 Parallel (Printer) Port Connector (26-1 pins)

4) COM1, COM2 p. 26 Serial Port COM1 & COM2 (10-1 pins)

5) FLOPPY p. 26 Floppy Drive Connector (34-1 pins)

6) GAME_AUDIO p. 27 Audio Port Connectors (Three 1/8” Female)

7) GAME_AUDIO p. 27 Joystick/MidiConnector (15-pin Female)

8) USB p. 27 Universal Serial BUS Ports 1 & 2 (Two 4-pin Female)

9) PRIMAR Y/SECOND. IDE p. 28 Primary/Secondary IDE Connector (40-1 pins)

10) IDELED p. 28 IDE LED Activity Light (2 pins)

11) ATX p. 29 ATX Motherboard Power Connector (20 pins)

12) CHASIS p. 29 Chassis Intrusion Alarm Lead (4-1 pins)

13) FAN p. 30 Power Supply, Chassis, CPU Fan Power Leads (Three 3 pins)

14) IR p. 30 IrDA-compliant Infrared Module Connector (5 pins)

15) MSG.LED (PANEL) p. 31 System Message LED (2 pins)

16) PWR SW. (PANEL) p. 31 ATX Power Switch/Soft Power Switch Lead (2 pins)

17) RESET (PANEL) p. 31 Reset Switch Lead (2 pins)

18)

PWR.LED (

19)

KEYLOCK (

20) SPEAKER (PANEL) p. 31 Speaker Output Connector (4 pins)

21) WOLCON p. 32 Wake-on-LAN Activity Connector (3 pins)

22) MODEM p. 32 MODEM Card Voice In Connector (4 pins)

23) AUX p. 33 Stereo Audio In Connector (4 pins)

24) CD1 p. 34 Stereo Audio In Connector (4 pins)

25) SMB p. 34 SMBus Connector (5-1 pins)

26) TRPWR p. 34 Power Supply Temperature External Connector (2 pins)

PANEL

PANEL

)

p. 31 System Power LED Lead (3 pins)

)

p. 31 Keyboard Lock Switch Lead (2 pins)

*

Contents

III. INST ALLATION

*

The onboard hardware monitor uses the address 290H-297H so legacy ISA cards

must not use this address or else conflicts will occur.
**If the onboard audio (optional) is selected, PCI Slot 5 can only be used for a PCI

slave device.

ASUS P5A User’s Manual 13

III. INST ALLATION

Jumpers

III. INSTALLATION

Installation Steps

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

1. Set Jumpers on the Motherboard

2. Install System Memory Modules

3. Install the Central Processing Unit (CPU)

4. Install Expansion Cards

5. Connect Ribbon Cables, Cabinet Wires, and Power Supply

6. Setup the BIOS Software

1. Jumpers

WARNING! Computer motherboards, baseboards and components, such as SCSI

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 o r

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.

Jumper Settings

1. Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM (CLRTC)

The CMOS RAM is powered by the onboard button cell battery. To clear the
RTC data: (1) Turn off your computer, (2) Short solder points using a small
metalic object, (3) Turn on your computer, (4) Hold down <D elete> during bootup
and enter BIOS setup to re-enter user preferences.

R

CLRTC

Short solder points
to Clear CMOS

P5A Clear RTC RAM

14 ASUS P5A User’s Manual

III. INSTALLATION

2. Keyboard Power Up (KBPWR)

This allows you to disable or enable the keyboard power up function. Set to
Enable if you want to use your keyboard (by pressing <Spacebar>) to power up
your computer.

1

1

2

2

3

3

R

(DEFAULT)

This feature requires an ATX power supply that
can supply at least 300mA on the +5VSB lead
and the new ACPI BIOS support. The default is
set to

Disable

the appropriate A TX power supply . Y our computer
will not function if you set this to

P5A Keyboard Power Up

do not have the right ATX power supply.

3. +3V Voltage Selection (VIO1)

This jumper allows you to select the voltage supplied to the DRAM, chipset,
AGP, and the CPU’s I/O buffer.

EnableDisable

because not all computers have

Enable

and if you

WARNING! Using a higher voltage may

help when overclocking but may result in
the shortening of your computer compo-

R

nents’ life. Use default setting.

VIO1

2

1

3.5Volts

(DEFAULT)

3

2

1

3

3.6Volts

P5A Voltage Input/Output Selection

4. Audio Selection (3-pin x 3)

This jumper allows you to enable or disable the onboard 32-bit PCI audio so you
can use other sound cards.

SGNT

SREQ

SOLOID

R

1
2
3

Enabled

(DEFAUL T)

1
2
3

Disabled

SGNT

SREQ

SOLOID

Jumpers

III. INST ALLATION

P5A Audio Setting

ASUS P5A User’s Manual 15

III. INST ALLATION

Jumpers

III. INSTALLATION

5. CPU External (BUS) Frequency Selection (FS3, FS2, FS1, FS0)

These jumpers tell the clock generator what frequency to send to the CPU, chipset,
and AGP. These allow the selection of the CPU’s External frequency (or BUS
Clock). The BUS Clock times the BUS Ratio equals the CPU's Internal fre-
quency (the advertised CPU speed).

6. CPU to BUS Frequency Multiple (BF0, BF1, BF2)

These jumpers set the frequency ratio between the Internal frequency of the CPU
and the External frequency (called the BUS Clock) within the CPU. These must be
set in conjunction with the jumpers for CPU External (BUS) Frequency Selection.

FS3

FS2

FS1

FS0

FS3

FS2

FS1

FS3

FS2

95MHz

FS0

37.5MHz

66.6MHz

33.3MHz

75MHz
75MHz

100MHz

120MHz

80MHz
40MHz

1
2
3

CPU

→
→
→

1
2
3

→
→
→

1
2
3

→
→
→

60MHz
60MHz
30MHz

83.3MHz

66.6MHz

33.3MHz

110MHz

73MHz

36.6MHz

AGP
PCI

CPU
AGP
PCI

R

CPU
AGP
PCI

66.8MHz

66.8MHz

33.4MHz

63.3MHz

31.6MHz

115MHz

77.6MHz

38.3MHz

CPU External Clock (BUS) Frequency Selection

FS1

FS0

FS3

FS2

75MHz
60MHz
30MHz

105MHz

70MHz
35MHz

FS1

FS0

BF0

BF1

BF2

BF0

BF1

BF2

BF0

BF1

BF2

BF0

BF1

P5A

Match the Mult. (Multiple) column of
the table on the opposite page to these
CPU types:

CPU A: AMD-K6-III, AMD-K6-2/400&faster
CPU B: AMD-K6-2/380&slower, AMD-K6
CPU C: Intel Pentium P54C, AMD-K5
CPU D: Intel Pentium P55C, IBM/Cyrix

6x86MX, IBM/Cyrix M II

CPU E: IBM/Cyrix 6x86, IBM/Cyrix 6x86L
CPU F: IDT WinChip 2™

CPU A
CPU B
CPU C
CPU D
CPU E
CPU F

CPU A
CPU B
CPU C
CPU D
CPU E
CPU F

1
2
3

3.5x(7/2)

→

3.5x(7/2)

→

1.5x(3/2)

→

3.5x(7/2)

→

3.0x(3/1)

→

3.5x(7/2)

→

1
2
3

4.0x(4/1)

→

4.0x(4/1)

→
→
→
→

4.0x(4/1)

→

BF0

—
—
—

BF1

6.0x(6/1)

2.0x(2/1)

2.0x(2/1)

2.0x(2/1)

2.0x(2/1)

3.33x(10/3)

BF2

4.5x(9/2)

4.5x(9/2)

4.5x(9/2)

BF0

—
—
—

BF1

BF2

2.33x(7/3)

2.5x(5/2)

2.5x(5/2)

2.5x(5/2)

2.5x(5/2)

1.0x(1/1)

2.5x(5/2)

BF0

BF1

5.0x(5/1)

5.0x(5/1)
—
—
—

BF2

3.0x(3/1)

3.0x(3/1)

3.0x(3/1)

3.0x(3/1)
—

3.0x(3/1)

BF0

BF1

5.5x(11/2)

5.5x(11/2)
—
—
—

2.66x(8/3)

BF2

BF2

CPU : BUS Frequency Multiple

WARNING! Frequencies above 100MHz exceed the specifications for the on-

board chipset and are not guaranteed to be stable. The table on the following
page is for general reference purposes only. Always refer to the instructions in­cluded with your CPU when possible.

16 ASUS P5A User’s Manual

III. INSTALLATION

Set the jumpers by the Internal speed of your CPU as follows:

(BUS Freq.) (Freq. Mult.)

CPU Model Freq. Mult. BUS F. FS3 FS2 FS1 FS0 BF0 BF1 BF2

AMD-K6-III/450 450MHz A-4.5x 100MHz [2-3] [1-2] [1-2] [1-2] [2-3] [2-3] [2-3]
AMD-K6-III/400 400MHz A-4.0x 100MHz [2-3] [1-2] [1-2] [1-2] [2-3] [1-2] [2-3]

AMD-K6-2/475 475MHz A-5.0x 95MHz [2-3] [1-2] [1-2] [2-3] [1-2] [2-3] [2-3]
AMD-K6-2/450 450MHz A-4.5x 100MHz [2-3] [1-2] [1-2] [1-2] [2-3] [2-3] [2-3]
AMD-K6-2/400 400MHz A-4.0x 100MHz [2-3] [1-2] [1-2] [1-2] [2-3] [1-2] [2-3]

AMD-K6-2/380 380MHz B-4.0x 95MHz [2-3] [1-2] [1-2] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [2-3]
AMD-K6-2/366 366MHz B-5.5x 66MHz [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [1-2] [1-2] [2-3]
AMD-K6-2/350 350MHz B-3.5x 100MHz [2-3] [1-2] [1-2] [1-2] [1-2] [1-2] [----]
AMD-K6-2/333 333MHz B-3.5x 95MHz [2-3] [1-2] [1-2] [2-3] [1-2] [1-2] [----]
AMD-K6-2/300 300MHz B-3.0x 100MHz [2-3] [1-2] [1-2] [1-2] [1-2] [2-3] [----]
AMD-K6-2/266 266MHz B-4.0x 66MHz [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [2-3] [1-2] [2-3]

AMD-K6/300 300MHz B-4.5x 66MHz [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [2-3] [2-3] [2-3]
AMD-K6/266 266MHz B-4.0x 66MHz [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [2-3] [1-2] [2-3]
AMD-K6/233 233MHz B-3.5x 66MHz [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [1-2] [1-2] [----]
AMD-K6/200 200MHz B-3.0x 66MHz [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [1-2] [2-3] [----]
AMD-K6/166 166MHz B-2.5x 66MHz [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [2-3] [2-3] [----]

AMD-K5/133 100MHz C-1.5x 66MHz [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [1-2] [1-2] [----]
AMD-K5/120 90MHz C-1.5x 60MHz [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [1-2] [----]
AMD-K5/100 100MHz C-1.5x 66MHz [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [1-2] [1-2] [----]
AMD-K5/90 90MHz C-1.5x 60MHz [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [1-2] [----]

Intel Pentium P54C 166MHz C-2.5x 66MHz [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [2-3] [2-3] [----]
Intel Pentium P54C 150MHz C-2.5x 60MHz [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [----]
Intel Pentium P54C 133MHz C-2.0x 66MHz [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [2-3] [1-2] [----]
Intel Pentium P54C 120MHz C-2.0x 60MHz [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [----]
Intel Pentium P54C 100MHz C-1.5x 66MHz [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [1-2] [1-2] [----]
Intel Pentium P54C 90MHz C-1.5x 60MHz [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [1-2] [----]

Intel Pentium P55C 233MHz D-3.5x 66MHz [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [1-2] [1-2] [----]
Intel Pentium P55C 200MHz D-3.0x 66MHz [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [1-2] [2-3] [----]
Intel Pentium P55C 166MHz D-2.5x 66MHz [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [2-3] [2-3] [----]

IBM/Cyrix M II-PR333 333MHz D-3.0x 83MHz [2-3] [1-2] [2-3] [1-2] [1-2] [2-3] [----]
IBM/Cyrix M II-PR300 300MHz D-3.0x 75MHz [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [1-2] [1-2] [2-3] [----]
IBM/Cyrix M II-PR300 300MHz D-3.5x 66MHz [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [1-2] [1-2] [----]

IBM/Cyrix 6x86MX-PR233200MHz D-3.0x 66MHz [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [1-2] [2-3] [----]
IBM/Cyrix 6x86MX-PR200166MHz D-2.5x 66MHz [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [2-3] [2-3] [----]
IBM/Cyrix 6x86MX-PR166150MHz D-2.5x 60MHz [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [----]

*IBM/Cyrix 6x86-PR166+ 133MHz E-2.0x 66MHz [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [2-3] [1-2] [----]
*IBM/Cyrix 6x86L-PR166+133MHz E-2.0x 66MHz [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [2-3] [1-2] [----]

Jumpers

III. INST ALLATION

IDT W inChip 2™ 240MHz F-4.0x 60MHz [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [2-3]
*The only IBM or Cyrix 6x86(L) (or M I) that is supported on this motherboard is revision 2.7 or later

(see next page).

NOTE: For updated processor settings, visit the ASUS web site (see ASUS CONTACT INFORMA-
TION for URLs).

ASUS P5A User’s Manual 17

III. INSTALLATION

Compatible Cyrix CPU Identification

The only Cyrix 6x86-PR166+ CPU that is supported on this
motherboard must be Revision 2.7 or later . Look on the un­derside of the CPU for the serial number . The number should
read G8DC6620A or later.

7. Voltage Regulator Output Selection (VID0, 1, 2, 3)

These jumpers set the Core voltage supplied to the CPU. Switching regulators allow
some jumper settings to be the same for two voltages of different power planes.

WARNING! Because CPU designs change rapidly, the table below is only in-

tended as a simple guideline and thus may not be true for your CPU. Always
refer to the CPU documentation for your CPU’s voltage and then set the appro­priate VID jumpers according to the illustration below.

III. INST ALLATION

Jumpers

Manufacturer CPU Type Single Plane Dual Plane VID3 VID2 VID1 VID0

AMD (.25micron) K6-III/400,450 ---- 2.4V(Dual) [1-2] [2-3] [1-2] [1-2]

K6-2/450,475

AMD (.25micron) K6-2/266,300,333 ---- 2.2V(Dual) [1-2] [1-2] [2-3] [1-2]

350,366,380,400
K6/233,266,300

AMD K5 3.5V(VRE) ---- [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [2-3]
IBM/Cyrix 6x86 3.5V(VRE) ---- [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [2-3]
Intel P54C/P54CS 3.5V(VRE) ---- [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [2-3]

AMD K5 3.4V(STD) ---- [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2]
Intel P54C/P54CS 3.4V(STD) --- [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2]

AMD (.35micron) K6-PR233 ---- 3.2V(Dual) [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [1-2]
AMD (.35micron) K6-166,200 ---- 2.9V(Dual) [2-3] [1-2] [1-2] [2-3]

IBM/Cyrix 6x86MX ---- 2.9V(Dual) [2-3] [1-2] [1-2] [2-3]
Intel P55C-MMX ---- 2.8V(Dual) [2-3] [1-2] [1-2] [1-2]

VID1

VID2

R

P5A CPU Core Voltage Selection

1
2
3

1
2
3

1
2
3

VID3

2.0Volts

2.5Volts

3.0Volts

VID0

1
2
3

VID2

VID3

2.1Volts

2.6Volts

3.1Volts

3.5Volts

VID1

VID2

VID3

VID0

2.2Volts 2.3Volts

2.7Volts 2.8Volts

3.2Volts

VID1

VID2

VID3

VID0

3.3Volts 3.4Volts

VID1

VID0

VID2

VID3

2.4Volts

2.9Volts

VID1

VID0

18 ASUS P5A User’s Manual

III. INSTALLATION

2. System Memory (DIMM)

This motherboard uses only Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMMs). Sockets are
available for 3.3Volt (power level) unbuffered Synchronous Dynamic Random Ac-
cess Memory (SDRAM) of either 8, 16, 32, 64, 128MB, or 256MB to form a memory
size between 8MB and 768MB. One side (with memory chips) of the DIMM takes up
one row on the motherboard.

To utilize the chipset’s Error Checking and Correction (ECC) feature, you must use a
DIMM module with 9 chips per side (standard 8 chips/side + 1 ECC chip) and make
the proper settings through “Chipset Features Setup” in BIOS setup.

Memory speed setup is recommended through SDRAM Configuration under “Chipset
Features Setup” in BIOS setup.

IMPORTANT (see General DIMM Notes below)

• To make using bus speeds ≥95MHz possible, SDRAMs used must be com-

patible with the current Intel PC100 SDRAM specification..

Install memory in any combination as follows:

DIMM Location 168-pin DIMM Total Memory

Socket 1 (Rows 0&1) SDRAM 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256MB x1
Socket 2 (Rows 2&3) SDRAM 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256MB x1
Socket 3 (Rows 4&5) SDRAM 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256MB x1

Total System Memory (Max 768MB) =

NOTES

• At the time this User’s Manual was written, 256MB DIMMs are either available as
registered memory or 128Mbit DIMMs.

• DIMMs that have more than 18 chips are not supported on this motherboard.

• For the system CPU bus to operate
When this motherboard operates at
compliant modules are used because of the strict timing issues involved under these
speeds. If your DIMMs are not PC100-compliant, set the CPU bus frequency to
66MHz for system stability.

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

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

• BIOS shows SDRAM memory on bootup screen.

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

≥95MHz, use only PC100-compliant DIMMs.

≥95MHz, most system will not even boot if non-

System Memory

III. INST ALLATION

ASUS P5A User’s Manual 19

DIMM Memory Installation Procedures:

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

III. INST ALLATION

System Memory

III. INSTALLATION

R

88 Pins 60 Pins 20 Pins

Lock

P5A 168 Pin DIMM Memory Sockets

The DIMMs must be 3.3Volt unbuffered SDRAMs. To determine the DIMM type,
check the notches on the DIMMs (see figure below).

168-Pin DIMM Notch Key Definitions (3.3V)

DRAM Key Position

RFU

Buffered

Unbuffered

Voltage Key Position

5.0V

Reserved

3.3V

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

20 ASUS P5A User’s Manual

III. INSTALLATION

3. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard provides a 321-pin ZIF Socket 7 that is backwards compatible
with ZIF Socket 5 processors. The CPU that came with the motherboard should
have a fan attached to it to prevent overheating. If this is not the case then purchase
a fan before you turn on your system.

WARNING! Without a fan circulating air on the CPU, the CPU can overheat

and cause damage to both the CPU and the motherboard.

To install a CPU, first turn off your system and remove its cover. Locate the ZIF
socket and open it by first pulling the lever sideways away from the socket then
upwards to a 90-degree right angle. Insert the CPU with the correct orientation as
shown. Use the notched corner of the CPU with the white dot as your guide. The
white dot should point toward the end of the lever. Notice that there is a blank area
where one hole is missing from that corner of the square array of pin holes and a “1”
printed on the motherboard next to that corner . Because the CPU has a corner pin for
three of the four corners, the CPU will only fit in the one orientation as shown. The
picture is for reference only; you should have a CPU fan that will cover the face of
the CPU. With the added weight of the CPU fan, no force is required to insert the
CPU. Once completely inserted, hold down on the fan and close the socket’s lever.

CPU

III. INST ALLATION

IMPORTANT: You must set jumpers for “CPU to BUS Frequency Ratio” and
jumpers for “BUS Frequency Selection” depending on the CPU that you install.

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

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

Blank

1

Lever

R

Lock

P5A ZIF Socket 7

ASUS P5A User’s Manual 21

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22 ASUS P5A User’s Manual