Asus P5N7A-VM User Manual
Motherboard
P5N7A-VM
ii
E3921
First Edition
August 2008
Copyright © 2008 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, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication 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 identication or explanation and to the
owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.
iii
Contents
Notices ......................................................................................................... vi
Safety information ..................................................................................... vii
About this guide ....................................................................................... viii
P5N7A-VM specications summary ........................................................... x
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-2
1.2 Package contents .........................................................................
1-2
1.3 Special features ............................................................................
1-2
1.3.1 Product highlights ...........................................................
1-2
1.3.2 ASUS Special Features .................................................
1-5
1.3.3 ASUS Stylish Features ...................................................
1-7
1.3.4 ASUS Intelligent Overclocking features ..........................
1-7
1.4 Before you proceed .....................................................................
1-8
1.5 Motherboard overview .................................................................
1-9
1.5.1 Placement direction ........................................................
1-9
1.5.2 Screw holes ....................................................................
1-9
1.5.3 Motherboard layout .......................................................
1-10
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) .................................................
1-11
1.6.1 Installling the CPU .........................................................
1-11
1.6.2 Installling the CPU heatsink and fan .............................
1-14
1.6.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan .........................
1-16
1.7 System memory .........................................................................
1-18
1.7.1 Overview .......................................................................
1-18
1.7.2 Memory congurations ..................................................
1-18
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM ..........................................................
1-23
1.7.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................
1-23
1.8 Expansion slots ..........................................................................
1-24
1.8.1 Installing an
expansion card ......................................... 1-24
1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card .....................................
1-24
1.8.3 Interrupt assignments ...................................................
1-25
1.8.4 PCI slots ........................................................................
1-26
1.8.5 PCI Express x1 slot .......................................................
1-26
1.8.6 PCI Express x16 slot .....................................................
1-26
1.9 Jumper ........................................................................................
1-27
iv
Contents
1.10 Connectors ................................................................................. 1-28
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors ..................................................
1-28
1.10.2 Internal connectors .......................................................
1-30
Chapter 2: BIOS setup
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 2-2
2.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................
2-2
2.1.2 Creating a bootable oppy disk .......................................
2-5
2.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ...................................................
2-6
2.1.4 AFUDOS utility ................................................................
2-7
2.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ......................................
2-9
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 Conguration elds .......................................................
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 SATA 1/2/4; ESATA .......................................................
2-15
2.3.5 Storage Conguration ...................................................
2-16
2.3.6 System Information .......................................................
2-17
2.4 Advanced menu .........................................................................
2-18
2.4.1 CPU Conguration ........................................................
2-19
2.4.2 Jumperfree Conguration .............................................
2-20
2.4.3 Chipset ..........................................................................
2-23
2.4.4 OnBoard Devices Conguration ...................................
2-25
2.4.5 USB Conguration ........................................................
2-27
2.4.6 PCIPnP .........................................................................
2-28
v
Contents
2.5 Power menu ................................................................................ 2-29
2.5.1 Suspend Mode .............................................................
2-29
2.5.2 ACPI
2.0 Support ........................................................ 2-29
2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support ......................................................
2-29
2.5.4 APM Conguration ........................................................
2-30
2.5.5 Hardware Monitor .........................................................
2-31
2.6 Boot menu ..................................................................................
2-33
2.6.1 Boot Device Priority ......................................................
2-33
2.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration ..........................................
2-34
2.6.3 Security .........................................................................
2-35
2.7 Tools menu .................................................................................
2-37
2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ..........................................................
2-37
2.7.2 Express Gate ...............................................................
2-38
2.7.3 AI NET 2
........................................................................ 2-38
2.8 Exit menu ....................................................................................
2-39
Chapter 3: Software support
3.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 3-2
3.2 Support DVD information ............................................................
3-2
3.2.1 Running the support DVD ...............................................
3-2
3.2.2 Drivers menu ...................................................................
3-3
3.2.3 Utilities menu ..................................................................
3-4
3.2.4 Make Disk menu .............................................................
3-6
3.2.4 Manual menu ..................................................................
3-7
3.2.5 ASUS Contact information ..............................................
3-7
3.2.6 Other information ............................................................
3-8
3.3 Software information .................................................................
3-10
ASUS Express Gate ..................................................................... 3-10
3.4 Creating a RAID driver disk .......................................................
3-19
3.4.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS ....
3-19
3.4.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows
®
...................... 3-19
vi
Notices
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
•
This device may not cause harmful interference, and
•
This device must accept any interference received including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
•
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
•
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
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.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is
required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modications
to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
vii
Safety information
Electrical 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 adpater or extension cord.
These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.
•
Ensure 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 x it by yourself. Contact a qualied
service technician or your retailer.
Operation safety
•
Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all
the manuals that came with the package.
•
Before using the product, ensure that 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 qualied
service technician or your retailer.
This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical
and electronic equipment, Mercury-containing button cell battery) should not
be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic
products.
viii
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring
the motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This manual contains the following parts:
• Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new
technology it supports. It also lists the hardware setup procedures that you
have to perform when installing system components. It includes description of
the jumpers and connectors on the motherboard.
• Chapter 2: BIOS setup
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup
menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
• Chapter 3: Software support
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the
motherboard package.
Where to nd more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and
software updates.
1. ASUS websites
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and
software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.
2. Optional documentation
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty
yers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not
part of the standard package.
ix
Conventions used in this guide
To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following
symbols used throughout this manual.
Typography
Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics
Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign
means that you must press the enclosed key.
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the
Enter or Return key.
<Key1>+<Key2>+<Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the
key names are connected with a plus sign (+).
Example: <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<D>
Command Means that you must type the command exactly as
shown.
Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line:
afudos /iP5N7AVM.ROM
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself
when trying to complete a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components
when trying to complete a task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a
task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a
task.
x
P5N7A-VM specications summary
(continued on the next page)
CPU LGA775 socket for Intel® Core™2 Quad/Core™2
Extreme/Core™2 Duo/Pentium
®
dual-core/Celeron®
dual-core/Celeron
®
processors
Compatible with Intel® 05B/05A/06 processors
Supports Intel® next-generation 45nm multi-core CPUs
Supports Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology
*Refer to www.asus.com for Intel CPU support list
Chipset NVIDIA GeForce 9300
System bus 1333/1066/800 MHz
Memory Dual-channel memory architecture
- 4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support unbuffered
non-ECC DDR2 800/667 MHz memory modules
- Supports up to 16 GB system memory
• When installing total memory of 4GB capacity or more,
Windows® 32-bit operation system may only recognize less
than 3GB. Hence, a total installed memory of less than 3GB is
recommended.
• Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the Memory
QVL (Qualied Vendors Lists).
Graphics
Intergrated NVIDIA® GeForce Series DirectX10 Shader
Model 4.0 graphics processor
Supports CUDA technology
Supports PhysX technology
Maximum shared memory of 512MB
Hybrid SLI support (supports Windows
®
Vista only)
Supports HDMI interface with HDCP compliant with max.
resolution up to 1920 x 1200 (1080p) @70Hz
Supports DVI interface with HDCP compliant with max.
resolution up to 1600 x 1200 @60Hz
Supports D-Sub with max. resolution up to 2048 x 1536
@horizontal 115KHz/vertical 75Hz
Supports DP with max. resolutions up to 2560 x 1600
@60Hz
Note:
The suggested system conguration when playing HD DVD
and Blu-ray disc: DDR2 800 1GB x 2/Althon 64 x 2 4400+/
Graphic shared memory 256 MB/Purevideo HD support.
Expansion slots 1 x PCI ExpressTM x16 slot
1 x PCI ExpressTM x1 slot
2 x PCI slots
LAN Gigabit LAN
USB 12 x USB 2.0 ports (6 at mid-board, 6 at back panel)
xi
P5N7A-VM specications summary
Storage Southbridge
- 5 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s ports
- 1 x External SATA 3Gb/s port
- Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 0+1, and
JBOD conguration
JMicron® JMB368 PATA controller supports:
- 1 x UltraDMA 133/100 for up to 2 PATA devices
Audio Realtek® ALC1200 8-channel High-Denition Audio
CODEC
ASUS Special Features EPU-4 Engine
Express Gate
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS Q-Fan 2
ASUS MyLogo 2
ASUS O.C. Prole
AI NAP
ASUS Q-connector
ASUS Overclocking
features
Precision Tweaker:
- vDIMM: 64-step DRAM voltage control
- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.0625V
increment
Stepless Frequency Selection (SFS):
- SB tuning from 133 to 600MHz at 1MHz increment
Overclocking Protection:
- ASUS CPU Parameter Recall (C.P.R.)
Internal connectors 3 x USB connectors support 6 additional USB ports
1 x Floppy disk drive connector
1 x IDE connector
5 x Serial ATA connectors
1 x CPU fan connector
1 x Chassis fan connector
1 x Power fan connector
1 x LPT connector
1 x COM connector
1 x S/PDIF Out header
1 x Chassis intrusion connector
1 x Front panel audio connector
1 x CD audio in connector
1 x 24-pin ATX power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12 V power connector
1 x System panel connector (Q-Connector)
(continued on the next page)
xii
P5N7A-VM specications summary
Rear panel connectors 1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port
1 x VGA port
1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port
1 x DisplayPort
1 x HDMI port
1 x DVI port
1 x External SATA port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
8-channel audio ports
BIOS features 8 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, Green, PnP, DMI v2.0,
WfM2.0, ACPI v2.0a, SM BIOS 2.5
Manageability WOL, PXE, WOR by Ring, PME Wake Up
Accessories 2 x SATA cables
1 x 2-port SATA power cable
1 x UltraDMA 133/100 cable
1 x I/O Shield
1 x 2 in 1 Q-connector
User guide
Support DVD contents Express Gate
Drivers
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS Update
Image Editing suite
Anti-virus software
Form factor MicroATX form factor: 9.6 in x 9.2 in (24.4 cm x 23.4 cm)
*Specications are subject to change without notice.
1
Chapter 1: Product
introduction
This chapter describes the motherboard
features and the new technologies
it supports.
1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS® P5N7A-VM 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.
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
1.2 Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
Motherboard ASUS P5N7A-VM
Cables Serial ATA signal cable for 2 devices
Serial ATA power cable for 2 devices
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100 cable
Accessories I/O shield
1 x ASUS Q-Connector Kit (USB, system panel;
Retail version only)
Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD
Documentation User guide
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
Green ASUS
This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction
on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision
of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard
consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.
ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-3
NVIDIA GeForce 9300 Chipset
The NVIDIA GeForce® 9300 motherboard GPU is the industry’s rst desktop PC
singlechip solution for Intel CPUs integrating multiple dedicated processors for
DirectX 10 shader model 4.0 3D graphics and PureVideo® HD processor, SLI
technology, storage, communications audio, and system management processors.
All these leading edge features are delivered in a small form factor for radically
improved Vista Premium capable PCs.
Hybrid SLITM
Hybrid SLITM technology is a unique hybrid multi-GPU technology built upon
NVIDIA. Hybrid SLI technology today includes two primary feaures: GeForce
Boost and HybridPowerTM. GeForce Boost turbo-charges performance of NVIDIA
descrete graphics cards when combined with this series motherboard GPUs.
HybridPowerTM unleashed graphics performance when needed and enabled
discrete GeForce GPU(s) to the motherboard GPU for a quiet, low power PC
experience.
Due to the chipset limitation, this motherboard does not support HybridPower.
NVIDIA® CUDATM Technology
NVIDIA® Compute Unied Device Architecture (CUDATM) Technology, the world’s
only C programming language environment, allows programmers to develop faster
software applications through tapping on the multi-core parallel processing power
of GPUs. With this technology, you can convert movies and videos to your iPod,
Zune, and PSP much faster with CUDA-enabled applications.
NVIDIA® PhysXTM Technology
NVIDIA PhysXTM Technology is a real-time physics engine that uses physics
calculations to provide you with smoother PC and console gaming experience.
NVIDIA PhysXTM, with its multi-core processing GPU and specically-designed
hardware acceleration features, delivers rich and unparalleled levels of realism in
your gaming environment.
Gigabit LAN solution
Gigabit LAN is the networking standard for the early future and is ideal for handling
large amounts of data such as video, audio, and voice. See page 1-28 for details.
1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Due to chipset limitation, DisplayPort on this motherboard only supports video
signals.
DisplayPort
This motherboard introduces the new digital display interface standard DisplayPort. This new design features a small and user-friendly connector. It
delivers higher performances of resolution, refresh rate, and color depth and
improves digital display connectivity. See page 1-30 for details.
PCI Express 2.0 support
The motherboard supports the latest PCI Express 2.0 devices for double speed
and bandwidth which enhances system performance.See page 1-26 for details.
Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology
The motherboard supports SATA hard drives based on the new SATA 3Gb/s
storage specication. It allows RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 0+1, and JBOD
congurations for ve SATA connectors.
Multi-VGA output
This motherboard supports multiple digital and analog display output interfaces
- HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort, and D-Sub. With such diversity of display outputs, you
are able to choose and upgrade display devices freely.
S/PDIF digital sound ready
This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio
systems via optical S/PDIF-out (SONY-PHILIPS Digital Interface) jacks.It allows to
transfer digital audio without converting to analog format and keeps the best signal
quality. See pages 1-28 for details.
High Denition Audio
Enjoy high-end sound quality on your PC! The onboard 8-channel High Denition
Audio CODEC enables high-quality 192KHz/24-bit audio output, jack-sensing
feature, and multi-streaming technology that simultaneously sends different
audio streams to different destinations. You can now talk to your partners on the
headphone while playing multi-channel network games. See pages 1-28 and 1-29
for details.
ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-5
HDMITM Interface
High-Deniton Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is the rst and only industry-supported,
uncompressed, all digital audio and video interface via a single cable and is HDCP
compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-ray Disc and other protected content.
DVI Interface
DVI (Digital Visual Interface) provides high visual quality of digital display devices
such as LCD monitor. The interface of this motherboard is HDCP compliant,
allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-ray Disc and other protected content.
1.3.2 ASUS Special Features
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the
overclocking capability.
AI Nap
With AI Nap, the system can continue running at minimum power and noise
when you are temporarily away. To wake the system and return to the OS
environment, simply click the mouse or press a key.
Q-Fan 2
ASUS Q-Fan 2 technology intelligently adjusts both CPU fan and chassis fan
speeds according to system loading to ensure quiet, cool and efcient operation.
1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
ASUS EZ DIY
ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you easy ways to install computer
components, update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings.
ASUS Q-Connector
ASUS Q-Connector allows you to easily connect or disconnect the chassis
front panel cables to the motherboard. This unique module eliminates the
trouble of connecting the system panel cables one at a time and avoiding
wrong cable connections. See page 1-39 for details.
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data
from a USB ash disk containing the BIOS le. See page 2-9 for details.
ASUS EZ Flash 2
EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply press the predened
hotkey to launch the utility and update the BIOS without entering the OS.
Update your BIOS easily without preparing a bootable diskette or using an
OS-based ash utility. See page 2-6 for details.
ASUS O.C. Prole
The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Prole that allows users to
conveniently store or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be
stored in the CMOS or a separate le, giving users freedom to share and
distribute their favorite settings.
ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-7
1.3.4 ASUS Intelligent Overclocking features
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. See page
1-27 for details.
• The actual boot time depends on the system conguration, hardware
conguration, and product model.
• ASUS Express Gate supports le uploading from SATA HDDs, ODDs and
USB drive and downloading to USB drives only.
1.3.3 ASUS Stylish Features
ASUS MyLogo2™
This feature allows you to convert your favorite photo into a 256-color boot logo for
a more colorful and vivid image on your screen. See page 2-34 for details.
AI NET 2
AI NET 2 is a BIOS-based diagnostic tool that detects and reports Ethernet cable
faults and shorts. With this utility, you can easily monitor the condition of the
Ethernet cable(s) connected to the Marvell® LAN (RJ-45) port. During the bootup
process, AI NET 2 immediately diagnoses the LAN cable and reports shorts and
faults up to 100 meters at 1 meter accuracy. See page 2-38 for details.
Express Gate
Taking only 5 seconds to go online from bootup, Express Gate is the one-stop
gateway to instant fun! It’s a unique motherboard built-in OS. You can utilize the
most popular Instant Messengers (IM) like MSN, Skype, Google talk, QQ, and
Yahoo! Messenger to keep in touch with friends, or quickly check on the weather
and e-mails just before leaving your house. What’s more, the user-friendly picture
manager lets you view your pictures without entering Windows at anytime! See
pages 2-38, and 3-10 to 3-18 for details.
1-8 Chapter 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, ensure that the ATX power
supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power
supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard,
peripherals, and/or components.
Onboard 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.
P5N7A-VM
P5N7A-VM Onboard LED
SB_PWR
ON
Standby
Power
OFF
Powered
Off
ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-9
1.5 Motherboard overview
Before you install the motherboard, study the conguration of your chassis to
ensure that the motherboard ts into it.
Ensure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard.
Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage motherboard
components.
Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
1.5.1 Placement direction
When installing the motherboard, ensure 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.
1.5.2 Screw holes
Place six (6) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard
to the chassis.
Place this side towards
the rear of the chassis
P5N7A-VM
1-10 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1.5.3 Motherboard layout
Refer to 1.10 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors
and internal connectors.
P5N7A-VM
23.4cm (9.2in)
SATA4
SATA1
SATA5
SATA6
SATA2
PWR_FAN
CHA_FAN
USB78
USB910 USB1112
AAFP
MCP7A-S
DDR2 DIMM_B1 (64 bit,240-pin module)
DDR2 DIMM_B2 (64 bit,240-pin module)
DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64 bit,240-pin module)
DDR2 DIMM_A2 (64 bit,240-pin module)
CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
PCI2
PCI1
PCIEX16
PCIEX1_1
CD
CHASSIS
ATX12V
FLOPPY
Super I/O
CPU_FAN
SB_PWR
CLRTC
SPDIF_OUT
RTL
8211CL
LGA775
PRI_IDE
8Mb
BIOS
LPT
KB/MS_USB56
VGA_DVI
SPDIFO_
HDMI_
DP_
F_
ESATA_
USB34
LAN1_USB12
AUDIO
COM1
PANEL
ALC1200
JMB
368
24.4cm (9.6in)
EATXPWR
ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-11
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA775 socket designed for the
Intel® Core™2 Quad/Core™2 Extreme/Core™2 Duo/Pentium® Extreme/Pentium® D/
Pentium® 4 processors.
•
Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that the PnP cap is on
the socket and the socket contacts are not bent. Contact your retailer
immediately if the PnP cap is missing, or if you see any damage to the PnP
cap/socket contacts/motherboard components. ASUS will shoulder the cost
of repair only if the damage is shipment/transit-related.
•
Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return
Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes
with the cap on the LGA775 socket.
• The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts
resulting from incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/
incorrect removal of the PnP cap.
• Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.
• Connect the chassis fan cable to the CHA_FAN1 connector to ensure
system stability.
1.6.1 Installling the CPU
To install a CPU:
1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.
Before installing the CPU, ensure that the socket box is facing towards you and
the load lever is on your left.
P5N7A-VM
P5N7A-VM CPU
Socket 775
1-12 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
3. Lift the load lever in the direction of
the arrow to a 135º angle.
4. Lift the load plate with your thumb
and forenger to a 100º angle (A),
then push the PnP cap from the load
plate window to remove (B).
To prevent damage to the socket pins, do not remove the PnP cap unless you
are installing a CPU.
2. Press the load lever with your thumb (A) and move it to the left (B) until it is
released from the retention tab.
Retention tab
Load lever
This side of the cam box
should face you.
PnP Cap
A
B
Load plate
A
B
ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-13
The CPU ts in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the
socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and damaging the CPU!
6. Close the load plate (A), then push
the load lever (B) until it snaps into
the retention tab.
A
B
The motherboard supports Intel® LGA775 processors with the Enhanced Intel
SpeedStep® Technology (EIST), and Hyper-Threading Technology.
5. Position the CPU over
the socket, ensuring that
the gold triangle is on
the bottom-left corner of
the socket. The socket
alignment key should t
into the CPU notch.
Alignment key
Gold triangle mark
1-14 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1.6.2 Installling the CPU heatsink and fan
The Intel
®
Core™ 2 Quad/Core™ 2 Duo/Pentium D/Pentium® 4/Celeron® processor
require a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal
condition and performance.
• Install the motherboard to the chassis before you install the CPU fan and
heatsink assembly
• When you buy a boxed
Intel® Core™ 2 Quad/Core™ 2 Duo/Pentium D/
Pentium® 4/Celeron® processor, the package includes the CPU fan and
heatsink assembly. If you buy a CPU separately, ensure that you use only
Intel®-certied multi-directional heatsink and fan.
• Your
Intel® Core™ 2 Quad/Core™ 2 Duo/Pentium D/Pentium® 4/Celeron®
LGA775 heatsink and fan assembly comes in a push-pin design and
requires no tool to install.
If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, ensure that a
Thermal Interface Material is properly applied to the CPU heatsink or CPU
before you install the heatsink and fan assembly.
To install the CPU heatsink and fan:
1. Place the heatsink on top of the
installed CPU, ensuring that the
four fasteners match the holes on
the motherboard.
Fastener
Motherboard hole
Ensure that each fastener is oriented as shown, with the narrow groove directed
outward.
ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-15
• Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring
errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector.
• We recommend you to install the chassis fan for better thermal state.
3. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable
to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN.
2. Push down two fasteners at a time
in a diagonal sequence to secure
the heatsink and fan assembly in
place.
A
A
B
B
B
B
A
A
P5N7A-VM
P5N7A-VM CPU Fan Connector
1-16 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
1.6.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan
To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan:
1. Disconnect the CPU fan cable from
the connector on the motherboard.
2. Rotate each fastener
counterclockwise.
3. Pull up two fasteners at a time in
a diagonal sequence to disengage
the heatsink and fan assembly
from the motherboard.
A
A
B
B
B
B
A
A
4. Remove the heatsink and fan
assembly from the motherboard.
ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-17
5. Rotate each fastener clockwise to
ensure correct orientation when
reinstalling.
Narrow end of the groove
Refer to the documentation in the boxed or stand-alone CPU fan package for
detailed information on CPU fan installation.
The narrow end of the
groove should point outward
after resetting. (The photo
shows the groove shaded
for emphasis.)
1-18 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Channel Sockets
Channel A DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2
Channel B DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2
1.7 System memory
1.7.1 Overview
The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory
Modules (DIMM) sockets.
The gure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets:
P5N7A-VM
P5N7A-VM 240-pin DDR2 DIMM Sockets
DIMM_B2
DIMM_B1
DIMM_A2
DIMM_A1
128 Pins
112 Pins
1.7.2 Memory congurations
You may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, 2 GB, and 4 GB unbuffered non-ECC
DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.
Recommended Memory Congurations
Mode
Sockets
DIMM_A1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 DIMM_B2
Single-Channel
— — Populated —
Populated — — —
Dual-channel (1) Populated — Populated —
Dual-channel (2) Populated Populated Populated Populated
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