Asus P5N-VM WS User Manual

P5N-VM WS

Motherboard

E4201

First Edition
September 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, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication 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 identication or explanation and to the
owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.

ii

Contents

Contents ...................................................................................................... iii

Notices ........................................................................................................ vii

Safety information .................................................................................... viii

About this guide ......................................................................................... ix

P5N-VM WS specications ....................................................................... xi

Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

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

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

1.3.1 Product highlights ........................................................... 1-2

1.3.2 ASUS special features ................................................... 1-3

Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview ................................................................. 2-2

2.2.1 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 2-2

2.2.2 Layout contents ............................................................... 2-3

2.2.3 Placement direction ........................................................ 2-4

2.2.4 Screw holes .................................................................... 2-4

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-5

2.3.1 Installing the CPU ........................................................... 2-6

2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan ................................ 2-9

2.3.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan ......................... 2-10

2.4 System memory ......................................................................... 2-11

2.4.1 Overview ........................................................................2-11

2.4.2 Memory congurations .................................................. 2-12

2.4.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 2-16

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 2-16

2.5 Expansion slots .......................................................................... 2-17

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 2-17

2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 2-17

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments ................................................... 2-18

2.5.4 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot ............................................... 2-19

2.5.5 PCI Express x4 slot ....................................................... 2-19

2.5.6 PCI Express x1 slot ....................................................... 2-19

iii

Contents

2.5.7 PCI slots ........................................................................ 2-19

2.6 Jumper ........................................................................................ 2-20

2.7 Connectors ................................................................................. 2-21

2.7.1 Rear panel connectors .................................................. 2-21

2.7.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 2-23

2.8 Starting up for the rst time ...................................................... 2-30

2.9 Turning off the computer ........................................................... 2-31

2.9.1 Using the OS shut down function .................................. 2-31

2.9.2 Using the dual function power switch ............................ 2-31

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 3-1

3.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 3-1

3.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ................................................... 3-4

3.1.3 Creating a bootable oppy disk ....................................... 3-5

3.1.4 AFUDOS utility ................................................................ 3-6

3.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ...................................... 3-8

3.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 3-9

3.2.1 BIOS menu screen ........................................................ 3-10

3.2.2 Menu bar ....................................................................... 3-10

3.2.3 Navigation keys ............................................................. 3-10

3.2.4 Menu items ....................................................................3-11

3.2.5 Sub-menu items .............................................................3-11

3.2.6 Conguration elds ........................................................3-11

3.2.7 Pop-up window ..............................................................3-11

3.2.8 Scroll bar ........................................................................3-11

3.2.9 General help ..................................................................3-11

3.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 3-12

3.3.1 System Time ................................................................. 3-12

3.3.2 System Date ................................................................. 3-12

3.3.3 Language ...................................................................... 3-12

3.3.4 SATA 1–4 .........................................................................................3-13

3.3.5 IDE Conguration .......................................................... 3-14

3.3.6 System Information ....................................................... 3-16

3.4 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 3-17

3.4.1 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 3-17

iv

Contents

3.4.2 Chipset .......................................................................... 3-19

3.4.3 OnBoard Devices Conguration ................................... 3-21

3.4.4 USB Conguration ........................................................ 3-22

3.5 Power menu ................................................................................ 3-23

3.5.1 Suspend Mode .............................................................. 3-23

3.5.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume ........................................ 3-23

3.5.3 ACPI 2.0 Support .......................................................... 3-23

3.5.4 ACPI APIC Support ....................................................... 3-23

3.5.5 APM Conguration ........................................................ 3-24

3.5.6 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 3-25

3.6 Boot menu .................................................................................. 3-26

3.6.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 3-26

3.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration .......................................... 3-27

3.6.3 Security ......................................................................... 3-28

3.7 Tools menu ................................................................................. 3-30

3.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 .......................................................... 3-30

3.7.2 Ai Net 2 ......................................................................... 3-31

3.8 Exit menu .................................................................................... 3-32

Chapter 4: Software support

4.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 4-1

4.2 Support DVD information ............................................................ 4-1

4.2.1 Running the support DVD ............................................... 4-1

4.2.2 Drivers menu ................................................................... 4-2

4.2.3 Utilities menu .................................................................. 4-3

4.2.4 Make Disk menu ............................................................. 4-4

4.2.5 Manual menu .................................................................. 4-5

4.2.6 ASUS Contact information .............................................. 4-5

4.2.7 Other information ............................................................ 4-6

4.3 Software information ................................................................... 4-8

4.3.1 ASUS MyLogo2™ ........................................................... 4-8

4.3.2 ASUS PC Probe II ......................................................... 4-10

4.3.3 SoundMAX® High Denition Audio utility ....................... 4-16

4.4 RAID congurations .................................................................. 4-23

4.4.1 RAID denitions ............................................................ 4-23

4.4.2 NVIDIA® RAID congurations........................................ 4-24

v

Contents

4.5 RAID driver installation ............................................................. 4-31

4.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS .... 4-31

4.5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows®...................... 4-31

4.5.3 Installing the RAID controller driver .............................. 4-32

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.

The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is

required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modications

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 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.

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.

•

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 x it by yourself. Contact a qualied

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, 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 qualied

service technician or your retailer.

viii

This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical,
electronic equipment and mercury-containing button cell battery) should not
be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic
products.

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring

the motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:

• Chapter 1: Product introduction

This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new
technology it supports.

• Chapter 2: Hardware information

This chapter 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 3: 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 4: 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 make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following
symbols used throughout this manual.

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.

IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a

task.

NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a

task.

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 /iP5NVMWS.ROM

x

P5N-VM WS specications

CPU LGA775 socket for Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme /

Chipset NVIDIA® Quadro FX470

System bus 1333 / 1066 / 800 MHz with EM64T

Memory Dual-channel memory architecture

Expansion slots 1 x PCIe 2.0 x16 slot (x16 link)

VGA Integrated Quadro FX470

Storage NVIDIA® Quadro FX470

LAN 2 x Realtek® RTL8111C Gigabit LAN controllers

High Denition audio ADI® 1988B 8-channel High-Denition Audio CODEC

USB 12 x USB 2.0 ports (6 ports at mid-board, 6 ports at back

Core™ 2 Quad / Core™ 2 Duo / Pentium® dual-core /
Celeron® dual-core / Celeron® processors
Compatible with Intel® 05B/05A/06 processors
Intel® 45nm multi-core CPU support
* Refer to www.asus.com for Intel® CPU support list

- 4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support non-ECC
unbuffered DDR2 800 / 667 MHz memory modules

- Supports up to 8 GB system memory

1 x PCIe x4 slot (x1 link) for SAS,
1 x PCIe x1 slot (x1 link)

1 x PCI 32-bit / 33MHz slot

Quadro NVIEW support for Quad Display
OpenGL 2.1 and DX10 support

- 6 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s ports

- NVIDIA® MediaShield™ RAID supports RAID 0, 1,™ RAID supports RAID 0, 1, RAID supports RAID 0, 1,RAID 0, 1,

0+1, 5 and JBOD conguration across SATA drives

Optional SAS Controller add-on card
Optional 1: SASsaby 1064E PCIe 4-port SAS card

- Supports LSI® Integrated RAID 0, 1, and 1E
Optional 2: SASsaby M PCIe 4-port SAS card

- Supports Hardware RAID 0, 1, 10 and 5

- Supports teaming function

- Supports Jack-Sensing, Multi-Streaming, and Jack-Supports Jack-Sensing, Multi-Streaming, and Jack­ Retasking Technology

- Coaxial / Optical S/PDIF out ports at back I/O

panel)

(continued on the next page)

xi

P5N-VM WS specications

ASUS Unique Features ASUS Workstation Features:

Other Features ASUS MyLogo 2

Internal connectors 3 x USB connectors support six additional USB ports

Rear panel connectors 1 x PS/2 keyboard / mouse combo port

BIOS features 8 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM2.0,

Manageability WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE, AI NET 2, Chassis

Support DVD contents Drivers

Form factor uATX form factor: 9.6 in x 9.6 in

*Specications are subject to change without notice.

- ASUS SASsaby cards support

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:

- ASUS Fanless Design: Cool Thermal Solution

ASUS EZ DIY:

- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

- ASUS EZ Flash 2

- ASUS Q-Shield

Multi-language BIOS

6 x Serial ATA connectors
1 x CPU fan connector with PWM control
4 x Chassis fan connectors
1 x TPM connector
1 x Chassis intrusion connector
1 x Front panel audio connector
1 x CD audio in connector
1 x 20-pin ATX power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX +12 V power connector
1 x 24-pin panel connector

2 x LAN (RJ-45) ports
1 x S/PDIF Out port (Coaxial + Optical)
6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
8-channel audio ports
2 x DVI-I ports

- Upper: Single Link with max. resolution up to
1920 x 1200

- Lower: Dual Link with max. resolution up to
2560 x 1600

SMBIOS 2.3, ACPI 2.0a

Intrusion, BIOS ash utility under DOS

ASUS PC Probe II
Anti-virus software
Adobe Acrobat Reader 8
Microsoft Direct X ver 9.0C

xii

This chapter describes the features of
the motherboard and the new technology
it supports.

Chapter 1: Product

introduction

1

Chapter summary

1

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

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

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

ASUS P5N-VM WS

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® P5N-VM WS 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.

Motherboard ASUS P5N-VM WS

Accessories 1 x ASUS Q-Shidle (I/O shield)

Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD

Documentation User guide

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

ASUS P5N-VM WS 1-1

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.

Intel® Core™2 Extreme / Core™ 2 Quad /
Core™2 Duo Processor Support

This motherboard supports the latest Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme / Core™ 2 Quad /
Core™ 2 Duo processors in the LGA775 package. It is excellent for multi-tasking,

multi-media and enthusiastic gamers with 1333 / 1066 / 800 MHz FSB. The Intel®

Core™ 2 series processor is one of the most powerful CPUs in the world. This
motherboard also supports Intel® CPUs in the new 45nm manufacturing process.

NVIDIA® Quadro FX470 chipset

It is the rst integrated Quadro chipset used to build on Intel LGA775 motherboard.

It supports Intel® CPU Front Side Bus interface with Hyper-Threading up to

1333MT/s (333 MHz bus clock), 128-bit dual-channel DDR2-800 (2 DIMMs per

channel), and dual-DVI-I interface with integrated HDCP key. AHCI SATA controller
is integrated with support up to six drives at 1.5Gbps or 3.0 Gbps speeds, which

users can congure RAID0, 1, 0+1, 5 and JBOD in NVIDIA® MediaShield™ RAID.

PCIe 2.0

This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 device for twice the current speed
and bandwidth. This enhances system performance while still providing backward
compatibility to PCIe 1.0 devices. See page page 2-19 for details.

S/PDIF digital sound ready

This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio
systems via coaxial and 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 page 2-21 and 2-22 for details.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Dual Gigabit LAN solution

The integrated dual Gigabit LAN design allows a PC to serve as a network

gateway for managing trafc between two separate networks. This capability

ensures rapid transfer of data from WAN to LAN without any added arbitration or
latency. See page 2-21 for details.

High Denition Audio

Enjoy high-end sound quality on your PC! The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High

Denition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality
192KHz/24-bit audio output, jack-sensing feature, retasking functions 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 page 2-22 for details.

1.3.2 ASUS special features

ASUS Workstation Features

ASUS Workstation features provide complete support to system maintenance and
storage technology.

ASUS SASsaby cards support

This motherboard is fully compatible with ASUS SASsaby cards (optional).
Faster, safer and more stable, SAS will provide users with a better choice for
storage expansion and upgrade needs.

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 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 3-8 for details.

ASUS P5N-VM WS 1-3

ASUS EZ Flash 2

EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply press the predened

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 3-4 for details.

ASUS Q-Shield

The specially designed ASUS Q-Shield provides conductivity to best protect
your motherboard against static electricity damage and shields it against

Electronic Magnetic Interference (EMI). Without the usual "ngers" present,

this new design is convenient and safe to install.

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 4-8 for
details.

ASUS Multi-language BIOS

The multi-language BIOS allows you to select the language of your choice from the

available options. The localized BIOS setup menu helps you congure your system

easier and faster. See page 3-12 for details.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

This chapter 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.

Hardware

information

2

Chapter summary

2

2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview ................................................................. 2-2

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-5

2.4 System memory ......................................................................... 2-11

2.5 Expansion slots .......................................................................... 2-17

2.6 Jumper ........................................................................................ 2-20

2.7 Connectors ................................................................................. 2-21

2.8 Starting up for the rst time ...................................................... 2-30

2.9 Turning off the computer ........................................................... 2-31

ASUS P5N-VM WS

2.1 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.

ASUS P5N-VM WS 2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview

2.2.1 Motherboard layout

Refer to

2.7 Connectors

internal connectors.

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information

for more information about rear panel connectors and

2.2.2 Layout contents

Internal connectors Page

1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) 2-28

2. LGA775 CPU Socket 2-6

3. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin
CHA_FAN1-2, 3-pin CHA_FAN3-4)

4. DDR2 DIMM slots 2-11

5. NVIDIA Quadro FX470 Serial ATA connectors

(7-pin SATA1-4 [red]; 7-pin SATA5-6 [black])

6. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS) 2-27

7. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) 2-29

8. Onboard LED (SB_PWR) 2-1

9. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM) 2-25

10. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 2-20

11. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112) 2-24

12. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 2-27

13. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD) 2-25

2-26

2-23

ASUS P5N-VM WS 2-3

2.2.3 Placement direction

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.

2.2.4 Screw 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.

Place this side towards
the rear of the chassis

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA775 socket designed for the
Intel® Core™ 2 Extreme / Core™ 2 Quad / Core™ 2 Duo / Pentium

®

dual-core /

Celeron® dual-core / Celeron processors.

• Make sure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.

• If installing a dual-core CPU, connect the chassis fan cable to the
CHA_FAN1 connector to ensure system stability.

• Due to the chipset limitation, we recommend you use FSB 800MHz CPU or

above.

• Upon purchase of the motherboard, make sure 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.

ASUS P5N-VM WS 2-5

2.3.1 Installing the CPU

To install a CPU:

1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.

Before installing the CPU, make sure that the socket box is facing towards you
and the load lever is on your left.

2. Press the load lever with your
thumb (A), then move it to the left
(B) until it is released from the
retention tab.

To prevent damage to the socket
pins, do not remove the PnP cap
unless you are installing a CPU.

3. Lift the load lever in the direction of
the arrow to a 135º angle.

4. Lift the load plate with your thumb

and forenger to a 100º angle (4A),

then push the PnP cap from the
load plate window to remove (4B).

Retention tab

A

B

Load lever

PnP cap

Load plate

4B

4A

3

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information

5. Position the CPU over the socket,
making sure that the gold triangle
is on the bottom-left corner of the

socket then t the socket alignment

key into the CPU notch.

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. Apply several drops of thermal paste
to the exposed area of the CPU that
the heatsink will be in contact with,
ensuring that it is spread in an even
thin layer.

Some heatsinks come with pre­applied thermal paste. If so, skip
this step.

CPU notch

Gold
triangle
mark

Alignment key

The Thermal Interface Material is toxic and inedible. If it gets into your eyes
or touches your skin, ensure to wash it off immediately, and seek professional
medical help.

To prevent contaminating the paste, DO NOT spread the paste with your nger

directly.

ASUS P5N-VM WS 2-7

7. Close the load plate (A), then push
the load lever (B) until it snaps into
the retention tab.

A

B

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan

The Intel® LGA775 processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan
assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.

• When you buy a boxed Intel® processor, the package includes the CPU fan
and heatsink assembly. If you buy a CPU separately, make sure that you
use only Intel®-certied multi-directional heatsink and fan.

• Your Intel® LGA775 heatsink and fan assembly comes in a push-pin design
and requires no tool to install.

Make sure that you have installed the motherboard to the chassis before you
install the CPU fan and heatsink assembly.

If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, ensure that the
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, making sure that the
four fasteners match the holes on
the motherboard.

2. Push down two fasteners at a time
in a diagonal sequence to secure
the heatsink and fan assembly in
place.

A

B

B

A

Orient the heatsink and fan assembly such that the CPU fan cable is closest to
the CPU fan connector.

A

B

B

A

1

1

ASUS P5N-VM WS 2-9

3. Connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled
CPU_FAN.

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

2.3.3 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.

B

A

B

3. Pull up two fasteners at a time in a
diagonal sequence to disengage the

A

heatsink and fan assembly from the
motherboard.

A

B

B

A

4. Carefully remove the heatsink and fan assembly from the motherboard.

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.4 System memory

2.4.1 Overview

The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate II (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory
Modules (DIMM) sockets to support 240-pin DDR2 modules.

The gure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets:

Channel Sockets

Channel A DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2

Channel B DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2

Recommend memory conguration

Mode

Single-channel

Dual-channel (1)
Dual-channel (2)
Full

Sockets
DIMM_B1 DIMM_B2 DIMM_A1 DIMM_A2

- - populated ­populated - - ­populated - populated -

- populated - populated
populated populated populated populated

ASUS P5N-VM WS 2-11

2.4.2 Memory congurations

You may install 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB non-ECC, unbuffered DDR2 DIMMs into
the DIMM sockets.

• You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The
system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel
conguration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then

mapped for single-channel operation.

• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum
compatibility, it is recommended that you obtain memory modules from the
same vendor.

• Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows OS, when you
install 4GB or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory
for the OS can be about 3GB or less. For effective use of memory, we
recommend that you install a 64-bit Windows OS when having 4GB or more
memory installed on the motherboard.

• This motherboard does not support memory modules made up of 128 Mb
chips.

The memory modules may require a better cooling system to work stably under
full loading (4 DIMMs) setting.

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware information

P5N-VM WS Motherboard Qualied Vendors List (QVL)
DDR2-800MHz capability

APACER •

N/A

DIMM socket support
(Optional)

A* B* C*

• •

• •

Vendor Part No. Size

A-DATA M2OAD6H3J4171Q1E52 2GB DS AD20908A8A-25EG N/A A-DATA • • •

Apacer 78.01GA0.9K5 1GB SS AM4B5808CQJS8E N/A APACER • • •

Apacer 78.91G9I.9K5 512MB SS AM4B5708JQJS8E N/A APACER •

78.A1GA0.9K4 2GB

Apacer

Box P/N:TWIN2X4096-6400C5

CORSAIR

(CM2X2048-6400C5)

BoxP/N:TWIN2X4096-6400C4DHX

CORSAIR

(CM2X2048-6400C4DHX)

BoxP/N:TWIN2X4096-6400C5DHX

CORSAIR

(CM2X2048-6400C5DHX)

CORSAIR CM2X1024-6400C4 1GB DS Heat-Sink Package 4 N/A • •

Crucial BL12864AA804.16FD3 1GB DS Heat-Sink Package 4 N/A • •

BL12864AL804.16FD3

Crucial

G.SKILL F2-6400CL5D-1GBNQ

G.SKILL F2-6400CL4D-2GBHK 1GB DS Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A • • •

G.SKILL F2-6400CL4D-2GBPK 1GB DS Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A • • •

G.SKILL F2-6400CL4D-4GBPK

G.SKILL F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ 1GB DS Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A • •

G.SKILL F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ

G.SKILL F2-6400CL6D-4GBMQ

G.SKILL F2-6400CL6D-8GBNQ

G.SKILL F2-6400PHU2-2GBNR 1GB DS Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A • •

GEIL GB22GB6400C4DC

GEIL GB22GB6400C5DC

GEIL GB24GB6400C4DC

GEIL GB24GB6400C4QC

GEIL GB24GB6400C5DC

GEIL GB24GB6400C5QC

GEIL GB28GB6400C4QC

GEIL GB28GB6400C5QC

GEIL GE22GB800C4DC

GEIL GE22GB800C5DC

GEIL GE24GB800C4DC 2GB DS Heat-Sink Package 4-4-4-12 N/A • •

GEIL GE24GB800C4QC

GEIL GE24GB800C5DC 2GB DS Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 N/A • • •

GEIL GE24GB800C5QC

GEIL GE28GB800C4QC 2GB DS Heat-Sink Package 4-4-4-12 N/A • •

GEIL GE28GB800C5QC 2GB DS Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 N/A • • •

GEIL GX22GB6400C4USC 2GB DS Heat-Sink Package 4-4-4-12 N/A • • •

GEIL GX22GB6400DC

GEIL GX22GB6400LX 2GB DS Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 N/A • • •

GEIL GX22GB6400UDC

GEIL GX24GB6400DC

Hynix HYMP564U64CP8-S5 512MB SS HY5PS12821CFP-S5 5-5-5 Hynix • •

Hynix HYMP 512U64CP8-S5 1GB DS HY5PS12821CFP-S5 5-5-5 Hynix • •

SS/

Chip No. CL Chip Brand

DS

DS AM4B5808CQJS8E

4GB

DS Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A • •

(Kit of 2)

4GB

DS Heat-Sink Package 4-4-4-12 N/A • • •

(Kit of 2)

4GB

DS Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A • •

(Kit of 2)

1GB DS

1GB
(Kit of 2)

4GB
(Kit of 2)

4GB
(Kit of 2)

4GB
(Kit of 2)

8GB
(Kit of 2)

2GB
(Kit of 2)

2GB
(Kit of 2)

4GB
(Kit of 2)

4GB
(Kit of 4)

4GB
(Kit of 2)

4GB
(Kit of 2)

8GB
(Kit of 4)

8GB
(Kit of 4)

2GB
(Kit of 2)

2GB
(Kit of 2)

4GB
(Kit of 4)

4GB
(Kit of 4)

2GB
(Kit of 2)

2GB
(Kit of 2)

4GB
(Kit of 2)

Heat-Sink Package 4

SS Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 N/A • • •

DS Heat-Sink Package 4 N/A •

DS Heat-Sink Package 5 N/A • • •

DS Heat-Sink Package 6 N/A • •

DS Heat-Sink Package 6-6-6-18 N/A • •

DS GL2L64M088BA30EB N/A N/A • • •

DS GL2L64M088BA30EB 5-5-5-15 GEIL • • •

DS GL2L128M88BA25AB 4-4-4-12 GEIL • • •

DS GL2L64M088BA30EB N/A N/A • • •

DS GL2L128M88BA25AB 5-5-5-15 GEIL •

DS GL2L64M088BA30EB N/A N/A • • •

DS GL2L128M88BA25AB N/A N/A • • •

DS GL2L128M88BA25AB N/A N/A •

DS Heat-Sink Package 4-4-4-12 N/A • •

DS Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 N/A • • •

DS Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A • •

DS Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 N/A • • •

DS Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 N/A • • •

DS Heat-Sink Package 4-4-4-12 N/A • • •

DS Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 N/A •

5

•

ASUS P5N-VM WS 2-13

P5N-VM WS Motherboard Qualied Vendors List (QVL)
DDR2-800MHz capability (continued)

N/A •

ELPIDA

DIMM socket support
(Optional)

A* B* C*

• •

•

Vendor Part No. Size

KINGMAX KLDC28F-A8KI5 512MB SS KKA8FEIBF-HJK-25A N/A KINGMAX • •

KINGMAX KLDD48F-ABKI5 1GB DS KKA8FEIBF-HJK-25A N/A KINGMAX •

KINGMAX KLDE88F-B8KB5 2GB DS KKB8FFBXF-CFA-25A N/A KINGMAX • •

KHX6400D2/ 512 512MB

KINGSTON

KINGSTON KVR800D2N5/ 512 512MB SS E5108AJBG-8E-E N/A ELPIDA • •

KINGSTON KVR800D2N6/ 512 512MB SS E5108AJBG-8E-E 1.8 ELPIDA • • •

KINGSTON KHX6400D2/2G 2GB DS Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A • • •

KINGSTON KVR800D2N5/1G 1GB DS V59C1 512804QBF25 N/A N/A • • •

KINGSTON KVR800D2N5/2G 2GB DS E1108ACBG-8E-E N/A ELPIDA • •

KVR800D2N6/1G

KINGSTON

KINGSTON KVR800D2N6/4G 4GB DS E2108ABSE-8G-E N/A ELPIDA • • •

NANYA NT 512T64U880BY-25C 512MB SS NT5TU64M8BE-25C 5 NANYA • •

NANYA NT1GT64U8HB0BY-25C 1GB DS NT5TU64M8BE-25C 5 NANYA • • •

NANYA NT1GT64U8HCOBY-25D 1GB DS NT5TU64M8CE-25D N/A NANYA • • •

NANYA NT2GT64U8HC0BY-AC 2GB DS NT5TU128M8CE-AC 5 NANYA • • •

OCZ OCZ2G8001G 1GB DS Heat-Sink Package 5 N/A • • •

OCZ OCZ2P8004GK

OCZ OCZ2P800R22GK

OCZ OCZ2T8002GK 1GB DS Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A • •

PSC AL8E8F73C-8E1 2GB DS A3R1GE3CFF734MAA0E 5 PSC • • •

Qimonda HYS64T 512020EU-2.5-A 4GB DS HYB18T2G800AF-2.5 6 QIMONDA •

Qimonda HYS64T 512020EU-25F-A 4GB DS HYB18T2G800AF-25F 5 QIMONDA • • •

Qimonda HYS64T256020EU-2.5-C2 2GB DS HYB18T1G800C2F-2.5 6 QIMONDA • •

Qimonda HYS64T256020EU-25F-C2 2GB DS HYB18T1G800C2F-25F 5 QIMONDA • • •

SAMSUNG M378T2863QZS-CF7 1GB SS K4T1G084QQ 6 SAMSUNG • • •

SAMSUNG M378T6553GZS-CF7 512MB SS K4T51083QG 6 SAMSUNG • •

SAMSUNG M391T2863QZ3-CF7 1GB SS K4T1G084QQ(ECC) 6 SAMSUNG • •

SAMSUNG M378T2953GZ3-CF7 1GB DS K4T51083QG 6 SAMSUNG • • •

SAMSUNG M378T5263AZ3-CF7 4GB DS K4T2G084QA-HCF7 6 SAMSUNG • • •

Transcend JM800QLJ-1G 1GB DS TQ123PJF8 5 Transcen •

Transcend JM800QLU-2G 2GB DS TQ243PCF8 5 Transcen • • •

Aeneon AET760UD00-25DC08X 1GB SS AET03R25DC 5 Aeneon • •

Aeneon AET760UD00-25DB97X 1GB DS AET93R25DB N/A Aeneon • •

Aeneon AET860UD00-25DC08X 2GB DS AET03R25DC 5 Aeneon • • •

Asint SLY2128M8-JGE 1GB SS DDRII1208-GE N/A Asint • •

Asint SLZ2128M8-JGE 2GB DS DDRII1208-GE N/A Asint • • •

CENTURY 28V2H8 512MB SS HY5PS12821BFP-S5 N/A Hynix • •

CENTURY 28VOH8 1GB DS HY5PS12821BFP-S5 N/A Hynix • •

Elixir M2Y1G64TU88D4B-AC 1GB SS N2TU1G80DE-AC 5 Elixir • • •

Elixir M2Y1G64TU8HB0B-25C 1GB DS N2TU 51280BE-25C 5 Elixir • •

Elixir M2Y2G64TU8HD4B-AC 2GB DS N2TU1G80DE-AC 5 Elixir • • •

Kingbox N/A 2GB DS D9HNL N/A N/A • • •

Kingbox N/A 2GB DS EPD2128082200E-3 N/A Kingbox • •

Oci 04701G16CZ5D2A 1GB DS 64M8PC6400 5 Innity • •

Patriot PSD2 51280081 512MB SS PM64M8D2BU-25EC N/A N/A • •

Patriot PSD22GB002 2GB DS PM128M8D2BU-25KC 5 Patriot • • •

Team TEDD1024M800HC5 1GB DS Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 N/A • •

Team TEDD2048M800HC5 2GB DS Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 N/A • •

UMAX U2S12D30TP-8E 1GB DS D48001GP3-63BJU N/A UMAX • • •

SS/

Chip No. CL Chip Brand

DS

SS Heat-Sink Package

1GB DS

4GB
(Kit of 2)

2GB
(Kit of 2)

E5108AJBG-8E-E 1.8

DS Heat-Sink Package 5-4-4 N/A • • •

DS Heat-Sink Package 4 N/A •

N/A

•

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware information

P5N-VM WS Motherboard Qualied Vendors List (QVL)
DDR2-667MHz capability

N/A •

N/A

DIMM socket support
(Optional)

A* B* C*

• •

• •

Vendor Part No. Size

Apacer 78.01G9O.9K5 1GB SS AM4B5808CQJS7E N/A APACER • • •

Apacer 78.91G92.9K5 512MB SS AM4B5708JQJS7E N/A APACER •

Apacer 78.A1G9O.9K4 2GB DS AM4B5808CQJS7E N/A APACER • • •

CORSAIR

CORSAIR VS1GB667D2 1GB DS 64M8CFEG N/A N/A • • •

crucial BL6464AA663.8FD 512MB SS Heat-Sink Package 3 N/A •

crucial BL12864AA663.16FD2 1GB DS Heat-Sink Package 3 N/A •

crucial BL12864AA663.16FD 1GB DS Heat-Sink Package 3 N/A •

ELPIDA EBE51UD8AEFA-6E-E 512MB SS E5108AE-6E-E 5 ELPIDA • •

G.SKILL

G.SKILL F2-5400PHU2-2GBNT 2GB (Kit of 2) DS D264M8GCF 5-5-5-15 G.SKILL • • •

GEIL GX21GB5300SX 1GB DS Heat-Sink Package 3-4-4-8 N/A • • •

GEIL GX22GB5300LX 2GB DS Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 N/A • •

GEIL GX24GB5300LDC 4GB (Kit of 2) DS Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15 N/A •

Hynix HYMP112U64CP8-Y5 1GB SS HY5PS1G831CFP-Y5 5 Hynix • • •

Hynix HYMP 512U64CP8-Y5 1GB DS HY5PS12821CFP-Y5 5 Hynix • • •

KINGSTON KVR667D2N5/ 512 512MB SS D6408TEBGGL3U 5 KINGSTON • • •

KINGSTON KVR667D2E5/2G 2GB DS D9HNL(ECC) N/A MICRON •

KINGSTON KVR667D2N5/1G 1GB DS E5108AJBG-8E-E N/A ELPIDA • • •

KINGSTON KVR667D2N5/1G 1GB DS HY5PS12821CFP-Y5 N/A Hynix • •

KINGSTON KVR667D2N5/2G 2GB DS E1108AB-6E-E N/A ELPIDA • •

KINGSTON KVR667D2N5/2G 2GB DS HY5PS1G831CFP-Y5 N/A Hynix • •

NANYA NT 512T64U88B0BY-3C 512MB SS NT5TU64M8BE-3C 5 NANYA • •

NANYA NT2GT64U8HB0JY-3C 2GB DS NT5TU128M8BJ-3C 5 NANYA •

PSC AL7E8E63J-6E1 1GB DS A3R12E3JFF719A9T02 5 PSC • • •

SAMSUNG M378T6553EZS-CE6 512MB SS K4T51083QE 5 SAMSUNG • •

SAMSUNG M378T2953EZ3-CE6 1GB DS K4T51083QE 5 SAMSUNG • • •

SAMSUNG M378T5263AZ3-CE6 4GB DS K4T2G084QA-HCE6 5 SAMSUNG • •

Super Talent T6UA 512C5 512MB SS Heat-Sink Package 5 N/A • •

Super Talent T6UB1GC5 1GB DS Heat-Sink Package 5 N/A • • •

Transcend JM667QLU-2G 2GB DS TQ243ECF8 5 Transcend •

TwinMOS 8D-23JK5M2ETP 512MB SS TMM6208G8M30C 5 TwinMOS • •

VS 512MB667D2 512MB

F2-5300CL5D-4GBMQ

4GB (Kit of 2) DS

SS/

Chip No. CL Chip Brand

DS

SS 64M8CFEG

Heat-Sink Package 5-5-5-15

N/A

Side(s): SS - Single-sided DS - Double-sided
DIMM support:

• A*: Supports one module inserted into either slot as Single-channel

memory conguration.

• B*: Supports one pair of modules inserted into either the yellow slots or the

black slots as one pair of Dual-channel memory conguration.

• C*: Supports four modules inserted into both the yellow slots and the

black slots as two pairs of Dual-channel memory conguration.

•

Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL.

ASUS P5N-VM WS 2-15

2.4.3 Installing 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 DDR2 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.

Unlocked retaining clip

A DDR2 DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it ts in only one direction. DO NOT

force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM.

2

DDR2 DIMM notch

1

1

3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the

3

socket until the retaining clips snap
back in place and the DIMM is
properly seated.

Locked Retaining Clip

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM

Follow these steps to remove a DIMM.

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

Support the DIMM lightly with your ngers when pressing the retaining clips.
The DIMM might get damaged when it ips out with extra force.

1

2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.

2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2

DDR2 DIMM notch

1

2.5 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.

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card

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 rmly 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.

2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card

After installing the expansion card, congure it by adjusting the software settings.

1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See
Chapter 3 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.

• When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support
“Share IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise,

conicts will arise between the two PCI groups, making the system unstable

and the card inoperable. Refer to the table on the next page for details.

• By default, if you install a discrete graphics card on the PCIe x16 slot, the
onboard GPU will be automatically disabled. Connect the VGA cable to

the discrete graphics card rst when using a discrete graphics card. To

use quad-display, enable both the onboard GPU and the discrete Quadro
graphics card. See section
for details.

ASUS P5N-VM WS 2-17

3.4.2 Chipset > Southbridge Conguration

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments

IRQ Priority Standard function

0 1 System timer
1 2 Keyboard controller
2
3 11 IRQ holder for PCI steering*
5 13 IRQ holder for PCI steering*
7

8 3 System CMOS/Real Time Clock

9 4 IRQ holder for PCI steering*
10 5 IRQ holder for PCI steering*
11 6 IRQ holder for PCI steering*
12 7 PS/2 compatible mouse port*
13 8 Numeric data processor
14 9 IRQ holder for PCI steering*
15 10 IRQ holder for PCI steering*

* These IRQs are usually available for PCI devices.

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

PCI slot Shared — — — — — — — — — — — —

PCIe x16

slot

RTL

8111C_1

RTL

8111C_2

PCIe x4 slot — — — — Shared — — — — — — — —

PCIe x1 slot — — — — — Shared — — — — — — —

USB 1.1

(OHCI)

USB 2.0

(EHCI)

USB1 1.1

(OHCI)

USB1 2.0

(EHCI)

HDA

(Azalia)

SB Internal

GPU
SATA

Controller

– Re-direct to IRQ#9

15 IRQ holder for PCI steering*

LNKC LN0A LN3A LN4A LN5A LN6A SGRU LUB0 LUB2 UB11 UB12 LSA0 LAZA

— Shared — — — — — — — — — — —

— — Shared — — — — — — — — — —

— — — Shared — — — — — — — — —

— — — — — — — Shared — — — — —

— — — — — — — — Shared — — — —

— — — — — — — — — Shared — — —

— — — — — — — — — — Shared — —

— — — — — — — — — — — — Shared

— — — — — — Shared — — — — — —

— — — — — — — — — — — Shared —

2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.5.4 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot

This motherboard has one PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot that supports PCI Express

2.0 x16 graphics cards complying with the PCI Express specications. Refer to the
gure below for the location of the slots.

2.5.5 PCI Express x4 slot

This motherboard supports PCI Express x4 network cards, SAS cards and other

cards that comply with the PCI Express specications. Refer to the gure below for

the location of the slot.

2.5.6 PCI Express x1 slot

This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards and other cards that

comply with the PCI Express specications. Refer to the gure below for the

location of the slot.

Install a PCIe x1 device to a PCIe x1 slot prior to a PCIe x16 slot.

2.5.7 PCI slots

The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other

cards that comply with PCI specications. Refer to the gure below for the location

of the slots.

PCI_1 slot

PCIe x1_1 slot (at x1 link)

PCIe 2.0 x16_1 slot (at x16 link)

PCIe x4_1 slot (at x1 link)

ASUS P5N-VM WS 2-19

2.6 Jumper

Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)

This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can
clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing
the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data
in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords.

To erase the RTC RAM

1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.

2. Move the jumper cap from pins 1–2 (default) to pins 2–3. Keep the cap
on pins 2–3 for about 5–10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1–2.

3. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.

4. Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup
to re-enter data.

Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC jumper
default position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!

If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and move the
jumper again to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. After the CMOS clearance,
reinstall the battery.

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.7 Connectors

2.7.1 Rear panel connectors

1. PS/2 keyboard / mouse combo port

. This port is for a PS/2 keyboard or

mouse.

2. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port

. This port connects an external audio output device

via a coaxial S/PDIF cable.

3. LAN2 (RJ-45) port

. Supported by Realtek® Gigabit LAN controller, this port
allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network
hub. Refer to the table on the next page for the LAN port LED indications.

4. DVI-I out ports

. These ports are for any DVI-I compatible device and are
HDCP compliant, allowing playback of HD DVDi, Blu-Ray and other protected
content.

• This motherboard comes with dual-DVI output that features different
displays on 2 monitors at the same time if you connect 2 monitors to
both the DVI-I ports. The upper DVI-I port supports Single Link with max.
resolution up to 1920x1200. The lower DVI-I port supports Dual Link with
max resolution up to 2560x1600.

Playback of HD DVD and Blu-Ray Discs

• For better playback quality, we recommend that you follow the system
requirements listed below.

File format

Non-protected clips 1920 x 1080p 1920 x 1080p

HD-DVD 1920 x 1080p 1280 x 1080p

• Supported DVD formats: VC-1, H.264, and MPEG-2.

• To play HD DVD or Blu-Ray Disc, ensure to use HDCP compliant devices

Blu-Ray 1280 x 1080p 1280 x 1080p

and softwares.

Windows XP Windows Vista

Best resolution

5. LAN1 (RJ-45) port

. Supported by Realtek® Gigabit LAN controller, this port
allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network
hub. Refer to the table on the next page for the LAN port LED indications.

ASUS P5N-VM WS 2-21

LAN port LED indications

LED

LAN port

SPEED

LED

Activity/Link LED Speed LED

Status Description Status Description

OFF No link OFF 10 Mbps connection

YELLOW Linked ORANGE 100 Mbps connection

BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1 Gbps connection

6. Center/Subwoofer port (orange)

. This port connects the center/subwoofer

ACT/LINK

speakers.

7. Rear Speaker Out port (black)

. This port connects the rear speakers in a

4-channel, 6-channel, or 8-channel audio conguration.

8. Line In port (light blue)

. This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player, or

other audio sources.

9. Line Out port (lime)

. This port connects a headphone or a speaker. In

4-channel, 6-channel, and 8-channel conguration, the function of this port

becomes Front Speaker Out.

10. Microphone port (pink)

11. Side Speaker Out port (gray)

. This port connects a microphone.

. This port connects the side speakers in an

8-channel audio conguration.

Refer to the audio conguration table below for the function of the audio ports in
2, 4, 6, or 8-channel conguration.

Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel conguration

Port

Light Blue Line In Line In Line In Line In

Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out

Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In

Orange – – Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer

Black – Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Ou Rear Speaker Out

Gray – – – Side Speaker Out

Headset
2-channel

4-channel 6-channel 8-channel

12. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2

. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports

are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

13. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4

. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports

are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

14. Optical S/PDIF Out port

. This port connects an external audio output device

via an optical S/PDIF cable.

15. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6

. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports

are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.7.2 Internal connectors

1. NVIDIA® Quadro FX470 Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1-4 [red];
7-pin SATA5-6 [black])

These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk
drives and optical disk drives.

• SATA1-4 connectors are set to [IDE] by default. If you intend to create a

SATA RAID set using these connectors, set the SATA Mode select item in
the BIOS to [RAID Mode].

• SATA 5-6 connectors support RAID mode and AHCI mode only. To use

these connectors, set the SATA Mode select item in the BIOS to [RAID
mode] or [AHCI Mode].

• SATA devices connected to SATA 5-6 connectors can be used only as data
storage devices. Do not connect a boot device to the SATA 5-6 connectors.

• Due to chipset limitation, when set any of SATA ports to RAID or AHCI
mode, all SATA ports run at RAID or AHCI mode together.

• If you intend to use SATA hard disk drives in RAID or AHCI mode, ensure to
create a RAID / AHCI driver disk using the motherboard support DVD, and
then load the RAID / AHCI driver during OS installation.

• You must install the Windows XP® Service Pack 1 before using SATA
hard disk drives. The SATA RAID feature is available only if you are using
Windows XP® or later version.

Connect the right-angle side
of SATA signal cable to SATA
device. Or you may connect the
right-angle side of SATA cable to
the onboard SATA port to avoid

mechanical conict with huge

graphics cards.

ASUS P5N-VM WS 2-23

Right angle side

2. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112)

These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable
to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the
back of the system chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0

specication that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed.

Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the
motherboard!

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information

3. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD)

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

4. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM)

This connector supports a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) system, which can

securely store keys, digital certicates, passwords, and data. A TPM system

also helps enhance network security, protects digital identities, and ensures
platform integrity.

The TPM module is purchased separately.

ASUS P5N-VM WS 2-25

5. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 4-pin CHA_FAN1-2,
3-pin CHA_FAN3-4)

The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350 mA~2000 mA (24 W max.)
or a total of 1 A~7 A (84 W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cables to the fan
connectors on the motherboard, making sure that the black wire of each
cable matches the ground pin of the connector.

Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufcient air
ow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. These are

not jumpers! Do not place jumper caps on the fan connectors!

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information

6. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)

This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that
supports either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end
of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.

7. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)

This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detection sensor or switch.
Connect one end of the chassis intrusion sensor or switch cable to this
connector. The chassis intrusion sensor or switch sends a high-level signal to
this connector when a chassis component is removed or replaced. The signal
is then generated as a chassis intrusion event.

By default, the pin labeled “Chassis Signal” and “Ground” are shorted with
a jumper cap. Remove the jumper caps only when you intend to use the
chassis intrusion detection feature.

ASUS P5N-VM WS 2-27

8. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin EATX12V)

These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs

are designed to t these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper
orientation and push down rmly until the connectors completely t.

• Do not forget to connect the 4-pin EATX12V power plug; otherwise, the

system will not boot.

• Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when

conguring a system with more power-consuming devices. The system

may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.

• If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your

system, refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator
at http://support.asus.com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.
aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details.

PSU suggested list

PSU suggested list

ACBEL POLYTECH INC PC7057-Z6AG 390W W/PFC

ACBEL POLYTECH INC PC7009-000G 380W W/PFC

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware information

9. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)

This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

•

System power LED (2-pin PLED)

This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis
power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when
you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.

•

Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED)

This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity

LED cable to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or ashes when data is

read from or written to the HDD.

•

System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)

This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The
speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.

•

ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWRSW)

This connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power button
turns the system on or puts the system in sleep or soft-off mode depending
on the BIOS settings. Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds
while the system is ON turns the system OFF.

•

Reset button (2-pin RESET)

This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system
reboot without turning off the system power.

ASUS P5N-VM WS 2-29

2.8 Starting up for the rst time

1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover.

2. Be sure that all switches are off.

3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system
chassis.

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

5. Turn on the devices in the following order:

a. Monitor

b. External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain)

c. System power

6. After applying power, the system power LED on the system front panel case
lights up. For systems with ATX power supplies, the system LED lights up
when you press the ATX power button. If your monitor complies with “green”
standards or if it has a “power standby” feature, the monitor LED may light up
or switch between orange and green after the system LED turns on.

The system then runs the power-on self tests or POST. While the tests are

running, the BIOS beeps (see BIOS beep codes table below) or additional
messages appear on the screen. If you do not see anything within 30
seconds from the time you turned on the power, the system may have failed a
power-on test. Check the jumper settings and connections or call your retailer
for assistance.

AMI BIOS beep codes

BIOS Beep Description

One short beep VGA detected

One continuous beep followed by two
short beeps then a pause (repeated)

One continuous beep followed by three
short beeps

One continuous beep followed by four
short beeps

Quick boot set to disabled
No keyboard detected

No memory detected

No VGA detected

Hardware component failure

7. At power on, hold down the <Delete> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the
instructions in Chapter 3.

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.9 Turning off the computer

2.9.1 Using the OS shut down function

If you are using Windows® XP or later version:

1. Click the Start button then select Turn Off Computer.

2. Click the Turn Off button to shut down the computer.

3. The power supply should turn off after Windows® shuts down.

If you are using Windows® Vista:

1. Click the Start button then select ShutDown.

2. The power supply should turn off after Windows® shuts down.

2.9.2 Using the dual function power switch

While the system is ON, pressing the power switch for less than four seconds puts
the system to sleep mode or to soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting.
Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds lets the system enter the
soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS setting. Refer to section
Chapter 3 for details.

3.5 Power Menu

in

ASUS P5N-VM WS 2-31

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware information

This chapter tells how to change the
system settings through the BIOS Setup
menus. Detailed descriptions of the
BIOS parameters are also provided.

BIOS setup

3

Chapter summary

3

3.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 3-1

3.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 3-9

3.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 3-12

3.4 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 3-17

3.5 Power menu ................................................................................ 3-23

3.6 Boot menu .................................................................................. 3-26

3.7 Tools menu ................................................................................. 3-30

3.8 Exit menu .................................................................................... 3-32

ASUS P5N-VM WS

3.1 Managing and updating your BIOS

The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic
Input/Output System (BIOS) setup.

1. ASUS Update (Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.)

2. ASUS EZ Flash 2 (Updates the BIOS using a oppy disk or USB ash disk.)

3. ASUS AFUDOS (Updates the BIOS using a bootable oppy disk.)

4. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 (Updates the BIOS using a bootable oppy disk,

USB ash disk or the motherboard support DVD when the BIOS le fails or

gets corrupted.)

Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.

Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS le to a bootable oppy disk or
USB ash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the

original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update or AFUDOS utilities.

3.1.1 ASUS Update utility

The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the
motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. The ASUS Update utility allows you
to:

• Save the current BIOS le

• Download the latest BIOS le from the Internet

• Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS le

• Update the BIOS directly from the Internet, and

• View the BIOS version information.

This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard
package.

ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an
Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Installing ASUS Update

To install ASUS Update:

1. Place the support DVD in the optical drive. The Drivers menu appears.

2. Click the Utilities tab, then click Install ASUS Update VX.XX.XX.

3. The ASUS Update utility is copied to your system.

ASUS P5N-VM WS 3-1

Quit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility.

Updating the BIOS through the Internet

To update the BIOS through the Internet:

1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start
> Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update
main window appears.

2. Select Update BIOS from the
Internet option from the drop-down
menu, then click Next.

3-2 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest

you to avoid network trafc, or

click Auto Select. Click Next.

4. From the FTP site, select the BIOS
version that you wish to download.
Click Next.

5. Follow the screen instructions to
complete the update process.

The ASUS Update utility is
capable of updating itself through
the Internet. Always update the
utility to avail all its features.

Updating the BIOS through a BIOS le

To update the BIOS through a BIOS le:

1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start
> Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update

main window appears.

2. Select Update BIOS from a le

option from the drop-down menu,
then click Next.

3. Locate the BIOS le from the Open

window, then click Open.

4. Follow the screen instructions to

P5NVMWS.ROM

complete the update process.

P5NVMWS

ASUS P5N-VM WS 3-3

3.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility

The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go

through the long process of booting from a oppy disk and using a DOS-based

utility. The EZ Flash 2 utility is built in the BIOS chip so it is accessible by pressing
<Alt> + <F2> during the Power-On Self Tests (POST).

To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:

1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS le for

the motherboard.

2. Save the BIOS le to a oppy disk or a USB ash disk, then restart the

system.

3. You can launch the EZ Flash 2 by two methods.

(1) Insert the oppy disk / USB ash disk that contains the BIOS le to the

oppy disk drive or the USB port.

Press <Alt> + <F2> during POST to display the following.

ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.24

FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L8005

Current ROM

BOARD: P5N-VM WS
VER: 0403
DATE: 09/17/2008

PATH: A:\

A:

Update ROM

BOARD: Unknown
VER: Unknown
DATE: Unknown

Note

[Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [ESC] Exit

(2) Enter BIOS setup program. Go to the Tools menu to select EZ Flash 2

and press <Enter> to enable it.

You can switch between drives by pressing <Tab> before the correct le

is found. Then press <Enter>.

4. When the correct BIOS le is found, EZ Flash 2 performs the BIOS update

process and automatically reboots the system when done.

• This function can support devices such as a USB ash disk or a oppy disk

with FAT 32/16 format and single partition only.

• Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent
system boot failure!

3-4 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.1.3 Creating a bootable oppy disk

The motherboard does not provide a oppy drive connector. You have to use a
USB oppy drive when creating a bootable oppy disk.

1. Do either one of the following to create a bootable oppy disk.

DOS environment

a. Insert a 1.44MB oppy disk into the drive.

b. At the DOS prompt, type

Windows® XP environment

a. Insert a 1.44 MB oppy disk to the oppy disk drive.

b. Click Start from the Windows® desktop, then select My Computer.

c. Select the 3 1/2 Floppy Drive icon.

d. Click File from the menu, then select Format. A Format 3 1/2 Floppy

Disk window appears.

e. Select Create an MS-DOS startup disk from the format options eld,

then click Start.

Windows® Vista environment

a. Insert a formatted, high density 1.44 MB oppy disk to the oppy disk

drive.

b. Click from the Windows® desktop, then select Computer.

c. Right-click Floppy Disk Drive then click Format to display the Format

3 1/2 Floppy dialog box .

d. Select the Create an MS-DOS startup disk check box.

e. Click Start.

2. Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS le to the bootable oppy

disk.

format

A:/S then press <Enter>.

ASUS P5N-VM WS 3-5

3.1.4 AFUDOS utility

The AFUDOS utility allows you to update the BIOS le in DOS environment using
a bootable oppy disk with the updated BIOS le. This utility also allows you to
copy the current BIOS le that you can use as backup when the BIOS fails or gets

corrupted during the updating process.

The motherboard does not provide a oppy drive connector. You have to use a
USB oppy drive to use the AFUDOS utility.

Copying the current BIOS

To copy the current BIOS le using the AFUDOS utility:

• Make sure that the oppy disk is not write-protected and has at least
1024KB free space to save the le.

• The succeeding BIOS screens are for reference only. The actual BIOS
screen displays may not be same as shown.

1. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support DVD to

the bootable oppy disk you created earlier.

2. Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the prompt type:

afudos /o[lename]

where the [lename] is any user-assigned lename not more than eight
alphanumeric characters for the main lename and three alphanumeric

characters for the extension name.

A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom

Main lename Extension name

3. Press <Enter>. The utility copies the current BIOS le to the oppy disk.

A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom

AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB))

Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reading ash ..... done

Write to le...... ok

A:\>

The utility returns to the DOS prompt after copying the current BIOS le.

Updating the BIOS le

To update the BIOS le using the AFUDOS utility:

1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) and download the latest BIOS le for
the motherboard. Save the BIOS le to a bootable oppy disk.

3-6 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

Write the BIOS lename on a piece of paper. You need to type the exact BIOS
lename at the DOS prompt.

2. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support DVD to

the bootable oppy disk you created earlier.

3. Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the prompt type:

afudos /i[lename]

where [lename] is the latest or the original BIOS le on the bootable oppy

disk.

A:\>afudos /iP5NVMWS.ROM

4. The utility veries the le and starts updating the BIOS.

A:\>afudos /iP5NVMWS.ROM

AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB))

Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.

WARNING!! Do not turn off power during ash BIOS

Reading le ....... done

Reading ash ...... done

Advance Check ......

Erasing ash ...... done

Writing ash ...... 0x0008CC00 (9%)

Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent
system boot failure!

5. The utility returns to the DOS prompt after the BIOS update process is
completed. Reboot the system from the hard disk drive.

A:\>afudos /iP5NVMWS.ROM

AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB))

Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.

WARNING!! Do not turn off power during ash BIOS

Reading le ....... done

Reading ash ...... done

Advance Check ......

Erasing ash ...... done

Writing ash ...... done

Verifying ash .... done

Please restart your computer

A:\>

ASUS P5N-VM WS 3-7

3.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility

The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore

the BIOS le when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can
update a corrupted BIOS le using the motherboard support DVD or the USB ash
disk that contains the updated BIOS le.

Prepare the motherboard support DVD, the oppy disk or the USB ash disk

containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility.

Recovering the BIOS from the support DVD

To recover the BIOS from the support DVD:

1. Turn on the system.

2. Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive.

3. The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the DVD

for the BIOS le.

Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...

Checking for oppy...

When found, the utility reads the BIOS le and starts ashing the corrupted

BIOS le.

Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...

Checking for oppy...

Floppy found!

Reading le “P5NVMWS.ROM”. Completed.
Start ashing...

4. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.

Recovering the BIOS from the USB ash disk

To recover the BIOS from the USB ash disk:

1. Insert the USB ash disk that contains the BIOS le to the USB port.

2. Turn on the system.

3. The utility will automatically checks the devices for the BIOS le. When
found, the utility reads the BIOS le and starts ashing the corrupted BIOS
le.

4. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.

• Only the USB ash disk with FAT 32/16 format and single partition can
support ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3. The device size should be smaller than

8GB.

• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so
can cause system boot failure!

3-8 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.2 BIOS setup program

This motherboard supports a programmable rmware chip that you can update

using the provided utility described in section 3.1 Managing and updating your
BIOS.

Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconguring
your system, or prompted to “Run Setup.” This section explains how to congure

your system using this utility.

Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you can change the

conguration of your computer in the future. For example, you can enable the

security password feature or change the power management settings. This

requires you to recongure your system using the BIOS Setup program so that the
computer can recognize these changes and record them in the CMOS RAM.

The rmware chip on the motherboard stores the Setup utility. When you start up

the computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program.

Press <Del> during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to enter the Setup utility;

otherwise, POST continues with its test routines.

If you wish to enter Setup after POST, restart the system by pressing
<Ctrl+Alt+Delete>, or by pressing the reset button on the system chassis. You can
also restart by turning the system off and then back on. Do this last option only if

the rst two failed.

The Setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. Being a
menu-driven program, it lets you scroll through the various sub-menus and make
your selections from the available options using the navigation keys.

• The default BIOS settings for this motherboard apply for most conditions
to ensure optimum performance. If the system becomes unstable after
changing any BIOS settings, load the default settings to ensure system
compatibility and stability. Select the Load Default Settings item under the
Exit Menu. See section 3.8 Exit Menu.

• The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes
only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.

• Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS le for

this motherboard.

ASUS P5N-VM WS 3-9

3.2.1 BIOS menu screen

Menu bar

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

System Time [15:39:25]
System Date [Wed 09/17/2008]
Language [English]

SATA 1 [Hitachi HDS721010K]
SATA 2 [ASUS DRW-2014S1]
SATA 3 [Not Detected]
SATA 4 [Not Detected]

IDE Conguration

System Information

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

Sub-menu items

Conguration eldsMenu items

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

General help

Use [ENTER], [TAB]
or [SHIFT-TAB] to

select a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to

congure system Time.

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Field
Tab Select Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

Navigation keys

3.2.2 Menu bar

The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:

Main For changing the basic system conguration

Advanced For changing the advanced system settings

Power For changing the advanced power management (APM)

conguration

Boot For changing the system boot conguration

Tools For conguring special system functions

Exit For selecting the exit options and loading default settings

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

3.2.3 Navigation keys

At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that
particular menu. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change
the settings.

Some of the navigation keys differ from one screen to another.

3-10 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.2.4 Menu items

The highlighted item on the menu bar

displays the specic items for that

menu. For example, selecting Main
shows the Main menu items.

The other items (Advanced, Power,
Boot, and Exit) on the menu bar have
their respective menu items.

System Time [06:22:54]
System Date [Fri 03/09/2008]
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in]

SATA 1 [Not Detected]
SATA 2 [Not Detected]
SATA 3 [Not Detected]SATA 3 [Not Detected] [Not Detected]
SATA 4 [Not Detected]SATA 4 [Not Detected] [Not Detected]

IDE Conguration

System Information

Main menu items

Use [ENTER], [TAB],
or [SHIFT-TAB] to

select a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to

congure system

Time.

3.2.5 Sub-menu items

A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen means that the iteam has a
sub-menu. To display the sub-menu, select the item and press <Enter>.

3.2.6 Conguration elds

These elds show the values for the menu items. If an item is user- congurable,
you can change the value of the eld opposite the item. You cannot select an item
that is not user-congurable.

A congurable eld is enclosed in brackets, and is highlighted when selected. To
change the value of a eld, select it then press <Enter> to display a list of options.

Refer to 3.2.7 Pop-up window.

3.2.7 Pop-up window

Select a menu item then press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the

conguration options for that item.

3.2.8 Scroll bar

A scroll bar appears on the right side of a
menu screen when there are items that do
not t on the screen. Press the
Up/Down arrow keys or <Page Up> /<Page
Down> keys to display the other items on
the screen.

3.2.9 General help

At the top right corner of the menu screen is
a brief description of the selected item.

ASUS P5N-VM WS 3-11

Pop-up window

Scroll bar

3.3 Main menu

When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving
you an overview of the basic system information.

Refer to section 3.2.1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen
items and how to navigate through them.

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

System Time [10:55:25]
System Date [Wed 09/17/2008]
Language [English]

SATA 1 [Hitachi HDS721010K]
SATA 2 [ASUS DRW-2014S1]
SATA 3 [Not Detected]
SATA 4 [Not Detected]

IDE Coniguration
System Information

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Use [ENTER], [TAB] or
[SHIFT-TAB] to select

a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to

congure system Time.

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Field
Tab Select Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

3.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx]

Allows you to set the system time.

3.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]

Allows you to set the system date.

3.3.3 Language [English]

Allows you to choose the BIOS language version from the options.

Conguration options: [Chinese (GB)] [Japanese] [English]

3-12 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.3.4 SATA 1–4

While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE devices.
There is a separate sub-menu for each IDE device. Select a device item then
press <Enter> to display the IDE device information.

Main

SATA 1

Device : Hard Disk
Vendor : Hitachi HDS721010KLA330
Size : 1000.2GB
LBA Mode : Supported
Block Mode : 16 Sectors
PIO Mode : 4
Async DMA : MultiWord DMA-2
Ultra DMA : Ultra DMA-6
SMART Monitoring: Supported

LBA/Large Mode [Auto]
Block(Multi-sector Transfer) M [Auto]
PIO Mode [Auto]
DMA Mode [Auto]
SMART Monitoring [Auto]
32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Device,

Vendor, Size, LBA Mode, Block Mode, PIO Mode, Async DMA, Ultra DMA, and
SMART monitoring). These values are not user-congurable. These items show

Not Detected if no IDE device is installed in the system.

LBA/Large Mode [Auto]

Enables or disables the LBA mode. Setting to [Auto] enables the LBA mode if the
device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously formatted with LBA

mode disabled. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Disabled: Disables LBA
Mode.
Auto: Enables LBA
Mode if the device
supports it and the
device is not already
formatted with LBA
Mode disabled.

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

Block (Multi-sector Transfer) M [Auto]

Enables or disables data multi-sectors transfers. When set to [Auto], the data
transfer from and to the device occurs multiple sectors at a time if the device
supports multi-sector transfer feature. When set to [Disabled], the data transfer
from and to the device occurs one sector at a time.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

PIO Mode [Auto]

Selects the PIO mode.

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4]

DMA Mode [Auto]

Selects the DMA mode.

Conguration options: [Auto] [SWDMA0] [SWDMA1] [SWDMA2] [MWDMA0]

[MWDMA1] [MWDMA2] [UDMA0] [UDMA1] [UDMA2] [UDMA3] [UDMA4] [UDMA5]
[UDMA6]

ASUS P5N-VM WS 3-13

SMART Monitoring [Auto]

Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]

Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

3.3.5 IDE Conguration

The items in this menu allow you to set or change the congurations for the SATA

devices installed in the system. Select an item then press <Enter> if you want to

congure the item.

IDE Conguration

OnChip S-ATA Controller [Enabled]
SATA Mode select [IDE Mode]

Hard Disk Write Protect [Disabled]
SATA Detect Time Out (Sec) [35]
ATA(PI) 80Pin Cable Detection [Host]

Enabled
Disabled

Options

OnChip S-ATA Controller [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the onboard Serial ATA controller.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

SATA Mode select [IDE Mode]

Sets the conguration for the Serial ATA connectors supported by the chipset.
Conguration options: [IDE Mode] [RAID Mode] [AHCI Mode]

• If you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as Parallel ATA physical
storage devices, keep the default setting [IDE Mode].

• If you want to create a RAID 0, RAID 1, or RAID 10 set from the Serial ATA
hard disk drives, set this item to [RAID Mode].

• If you want the Serial ATA hard disk drives to use the Advanced Host
Controller Interface (AHCI), set this item to [AHCI Mode]. The AHCI allows
the onboard storage driver to enable advanced Serial ATA features that
increases storage performance on random workloads by allowing the drive

to internally optimize the order of commands.

3-14 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

AHCI Conguration

This menu is the section for AHCI conguration. It appears only when you set the

SATA Mode select to [AHCI Mode].

AHCI Settings

AHCI CD/DVD Boot Time out [35]

AHCI Port1 [Not Detected]
AHCI Port2 [Not Detected]
AHCI Port3 [Not Detected]
AHCI Port4 [Not Detected]
AHCI Port5 [Not Detected]
AHCI Port6 [Not Detected]

Some SATA CD/DVD in
AHCI mode need to
wait ready longer.

AHCI CD/DVD Boot Time out [35]

Selects the boot time out value for AHCI CD/DVD devices.
Congifuration options: [0] [5] [10] [15] [20] [25] [30] [35]

AHCI Port1~6 [XXXX]

Displays the status of auto-detection of SATA devices.

AHCI Port1

Device :Not Detected

SATA Port1 [Auto]
SMART Monitoring [Enabled]

SATA Port1 [Auto]

Allows you to select the type of device connected to the system.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Not Installed]

SMART Monitoring [Enabled]

Allows you to set the Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology.

Congration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Select the type
of devices connected
to the system.

Hard Disk Write Protect [Disabled]

Disables or enables device write protection. This will be effective only if device is
accessed through BIOS.

Conguration option: [Disabled] [Enabled]

IDE Detect Time Out (Sec) [35]

Selects the time out value for detecting ATA/ATAPI devices.

Conguration options: [0] [5] [10] [15] [20] [25] [30] [35]

ASUS P5N-VM WS 3-15

ATA(PI) 80Pin Cable Detection [Host]

Select the mechanism for detecting 80Pin ATA(PI) Cable.

Conguration options: [Host & Device] [Host] [Device]

3.3.6 System Information

This menu gives you an overview of the general system specications. The BIOS

automatically detects the items in this menu.

Main

AMIBIOS

Version : 0403
Build Date : 09/17/08

Processor

Type : Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q6700 @

2.66GHz
Speed : 2666MHz
Count : 4

System Memory

Installed Size: 2048MB
Usable Size : 1792MB

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

AMIBIOS

Displays the auto-detected BIOS information.

Processor

Displays the auto-detected CPU specication.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Select Screen

Select Item
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

System Memory

Displays the auto-detected system memory.

3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.4 Advanced menu

The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other
system devices.

Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect

eld values can cause the system to malfunction.

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

CPU Conguration

Chipset

Onboard Devices Conguration
USB Conguration

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

3.4.1 CPU Conguration

The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS
automatically detects.

Advanced

Congure advanced CPU settings

Manufacturer:Intel
Brand String:Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q6700 @

2.66GHz
Frequency :2.66GHz
FSB Speed :1066MHz
Cache L1 :128 KB
Cache L2 :8192 KB
CPUID :6FB
Ratio Status:Unlocked (Max:10.0, Min:06.0)
Ratio Actual Value :10

CPU Ratio Control [Auto]
C1E Support [Enabled]
CPU TM Function [Enabled]
Vanderpool Technology [Enabled]
Execute Disable Bit [Enabled]
Max CPUID Value Limit [Disabled]
Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM) Tech. [Enabled]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Congure CPU.

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Field
Tab Select Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

Sets the ratio between
CPU Core Clock and the
FSB Frequency.
NOTE: If an invalid
ratio is set in CMOS
then actual and
setpoint values may
differ.
NOTE:
Please Key in ratio
numbers directly!

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

ASUS P5N-VM WS 3-17

CPU Ratio Control [Auto]

This item allows you to set the ratio between CPU Core Clock and FSB Frequency.
The value is adjusted by typing the desired values using the numeric keypad and
press the <Enter> key. You can also use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.
To restore the default setting, type [auto] using the keyboard and press the <Enter>
key.

Conguration options: [Auto] [06.0]–[10.0]

C1E Support [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable Enhanced Halt State support.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

CPU TM Function [Enabled]

This function enables the overheated CPU to throttle the clock speed to cool down.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Vanderpool Technology [Enabled]

The Vanderpool Technology allows a hardware platform to run multiple operating
systems separately and simultaneously, enabling one system to virtually function
as several systems.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Execute Disable Bit [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the No-Execution Page Protection Technology.

Setting this item to [Disabled] forces the XD feature ag to always return to zero

(0).

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Max CPUID Value Limit [Disabled]

Setting this item to [Enabled] allows legacy operating systems to boot even without
support for CPUs with extended CPUID functions.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The following item appears only when you set the CPU Ratio Control to [Auto]

Intel(R) SpeedStep (TM) Tech. [Enabled]

When set to [Disabled], the CPU runs at its default speed. When set to [Enabled],
the CPU speed is controlled by the operating system.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

3-18 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.4.2 Chipset

The Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings. Select an
item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.

Advanced

Advanced Chipset Settings

WARMING: Setting wrong values in below sections
may cause system to malfunction.

NorthBridge Conguration
SouthBridge Conguration

NVMM ROM Version :4.083.45

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Options for
NorthBridge

NorthBridge Conguration

Advanced

MEM Power Features [Disabled]

Advance Path: [Auto]

CPU Spread Spectrum [Enabled]
PCIE Spread Spectrum [Enabled]
SATA Spread Spectrum [Enabled]
PCI Spread Spectrum [Disabled]

iGPU Spread Spectrum [3.00% Tri-Down]

MEM Power Features [Disabled]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Advance Path: [Auto]

Allows you to enable or disable Advance Path.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled]

ADSTB: [2]

This item appears only when you set the Advance Path item to [Enabled] and
allows you to set Address-Strobe Value.

Conguration options: [0] [1] [2] [3]

Budget: [3.00ns]
This item appears only when you set the Advance Path item to [Enabled].

Conguration options: [1.50ns] [1.75ns] [2.00ns] [2.25ns] [2.50ns] [2.75ns] [3.00ns]

[3.25ns] [3.50ns] [3.75ns]

CPU/PCIE/SATA Spread Spectrum [Enabled]

Set these items to [Disabled] for better performance or [Enabled] for EMI
control.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

PCI Spread Spectrum [Disabled]

Set this item to [Disabled] for better performance or [Enabled] for EMI control.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Disabled
Enabled

Options

ASUS P5N-VM WS 3-19

iGPU Spread Spectrum [3.00% Tri-Down]

Set this item to [Disabled] for better performance.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [1.00% Tri-Down] [2.00% Tri-Down] [3.00%

Tri-Down] [5.00% Tri-Down]

SouthBridge Conguration

Advanced

SouthBridge Chipset Conguration

LPC P2P↓ P2P↑ [+ +/- +/-]

Primary Graphics Adapter [PCIE VGA Card Firs]

iGPU and Ext-VGA Selection [Disable iGPU if Ex]
iGPU Frame Buffer Detect [Disabled]
iGPU Frame Buffer Size [256MB]

Retrain PCIE devices to Gen2 [Yes]

LPC P2P↓ P2P↑ [+ +/- +/-]

Allows you to set the decoding mode for PLC and P2P.

Conguration options: [- + +] [+ - +/-] [+ - +] [+ +/- +/-]

Primary Graphics Adapter [PCIE VGA Card First]

Allows you to select which graphics controller to use as the primary boot
device.

Conguration options: [PCI VGA Card First] [Internal VGA First] [PCIE VGA

Card First]

iGPU and Ext-VGA Selection [Disable iGPU if External VGA Card Exist]

Allows you to enable or disable the onboard GPU.

Conguration options: [Disable iGPU if External VGA Card Exist] [Both Exist

and iGPU by Frame Buffer Detect]

iGPU Frame Buffer Detect [Disabled]

Allows you to set the onboard GPU frame buffer control mode.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

iGPU Frame Buffer Size [256MB]

This item becomes user-congurable when you set the iGPU Frame Buffer
Detect item to [Disabled] and allows you to set frame buffer size for onboard

GPU.

Conguration options: [32MB] [64MB] [128MB] [256MB] [512MB]

Retrain PCIE devices to Gen2 [Yes]

Set this item to [Yes] to allow the PCIe device installed on the PCIe x16 slot
to work at PCIe 2.0 standard if supported.

Conguration options: [Yes] [No]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Options

- + +
+ - +/­+ - +
+ +/- +/-

3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.4.3 OnBoard Devices Conguration

Advanced

Onboard Devices Conguration

On board AUDIO CODEC [Enabled]
Front Panel Select [HD Audio]

OnBoard Lan 1 [Enabled]
OnBoard Lan 2 [Enabled]
OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

On board AUDIO CODEC [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the onboard audio CODEC.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Front Panel Select [HD Audio]

This item appears only when you enable the previous item and allows you

to set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97 or high­denition audio depending on the audio standard that the front panel audio

module supports.

Conguration options: [AC97] [HD Audio]

OnBoard LAN 1/2 [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the onboard LAN ports.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]

This item appears only when you enable one of the previous items.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Internal codec is
included in chipset
it is for HDMI
Audio function

External codec is a
onboard codec
ex. ALC885 ...

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

ASUS P5N-VM WS 3-21

3.4.4 USB Conguration

The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an

item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options.

Advanced

USB Conguration

Module Version - 2.24.3-13.4

USB Devices Enabled:
1 Mouse

USB 1.1 Controller [Enabled]
USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]
Legacy USB Support [Enabled]
USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]
BIOS EHCI Hand-off [Enabled]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

The USB Devices Enabled item shows auto-detected values. If no USB device
is detected, the item shows None.

USB 1.1 Controller [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the USB 1.1 controller. The following sub-items
appear when this item is set to [Enabled].

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the USB 2.0 controller.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Options

Enabled
Disabled

Select Screen

Select Item

+- Change Option

F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

Legacy USB Support [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable support for legacy USB devices. Setting to [Auto]
allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If detected,
the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is detected, the
legacy USB support is disabled.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]

USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]

Allows you to set the USB 2.0 controller mode to HiSpeed (480 Mbps) or
FullSpeed (12 Mbps). This item appears only when you enable the USB 2.0
Controller item.

Conguration options: [FullSpeed ] [HiSpeed ]

BIOS EHCI Hand-off [Enabled]

Allows you to enable support for operating systems without an EHCI hand-off
feature.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.5 Power menu

The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced
Power Management (APM). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the

conguration options.

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Suspend Mode [Auto]
Repost Video on S3 Resume [No]
ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled]
ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]

APM Conguration

Hardware Monitor

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

3.5.1 Suspend Mode [Auto]

Allows you to select the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) state

to be used for system suspend.

Conguration options: [S1 (POS) only] [S3 only] [Auto]

3.5.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume [No]

Determines whether to invoke VGA BIOS POST on S3/STR resume.

Conguration options: [No] [Yes]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Select the ACPI state
used for System
Suspend.

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

3.5.3 ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled]

Allows you to add more tables for Advanced Conguration and Power Interface
(ACPI) 2.0 specications.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]] [Enabled]

3.5.4 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface

(ACPI) support in the Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC). When
set to Enabled, the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS P5N-VM WS 3-23

3.5.5 APM Conguration

Power

APM Conguration

Power Button Mode [On/Off]
Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off]

Resume nn by PCI devices [Disabled]
Resume on by PCIE devices [Disabled]
Resume On PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse [Disabled]
Resume By RTC Alarm [Disabled]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

<Enter> to select
whether or not to
restart the system
after AC power loss.

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

Power Button Mode [On/Off]

Decides whether the system turns On/Off or suspends when the power button is
pressed.

Conguration options: [On/Off] [Suspend]

Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off]

When set to Power Off, the system goes into off state after an AC power loss.
When set to Power On, the system goes on after an AC power loss. When set to
Last State, the system goes into either off or on state, whatever the system state
was before the AC power loss.

Conguration options: [Power On] [Power Off] [Last State]

Resume on by PCI devices [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the PME to wake up from S5 by PCI devices.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Resume on by PCIE devices [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the PCIE devices to generate a wake event.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Resume On PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable PS/2 keyboard/mouse to generate a wake event.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Resume By RTC Alarm [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable RTC to generate a wake event. When this item is
set to Enabled, the items RTC Alarm Date and System Time will become user-

congurable with set values.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

3-24 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.5.6 Hardware Monitor

Power

Hardware Monitor

CPU Temperature [42ºC/116.5ºF]
MB Temperature [39ºC/102ºF]

CPU Fan Speed [1216RPM]
Chassis Fan 1 Speed [N/A]
Chassis Fan 2 Speed [2445RPM]
Chassis Fan 3 Speed [N/A]
Chassis Fan 4 Speed [N/A]

CPU Voltage [ 1.248V]

3.3V Voltage [ 3.376V]
5V Voltage [ 5.091V]
12V Voltage [12.160V]

CPU Q-Fan Function [Enabled]
Smart Fan Mode [Silent]
Chassis Q-Fan Function [Enabled]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc.

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

CPU/MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the motherboard
and CPU temperatures. Select [Ignored] if you do not wish to display the detected
temperatures.

CPU Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A]
Chassis Fan 1/2/3/4 Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU and
chassis fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the

motherboard, the eld shows [N/A].

CPU Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through
the onboard voltage regulators. Select [Ignored] if you do not want to detect this
item.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

CPU Temperature

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

CPU Q-Fan Function [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the CPU Q-fan control feature.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The following item appears only when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control item.

Smart Fan Mode [Silent]

Allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the ASUS Q-Fan.
When set to [Optimal], the CPU fan automatically adjusts depending on the

CPU temperature. Set this item to [Silent] to minimize fan speed for quiet

CPU fan operation, or [Performance] to achieve maximum CPU fan speed.

Conguration options: [Performance] [Optimal] [Silent]

Chassis Q-Fan Control [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Chassis Q-fan control feature.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS P5N-VM WS 3-25

3.6 Boot menu

The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item
then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Boot Settings

Boot Device Priority

Boot Settings Conguration

Security

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Species the Boot

Device Priority
sequence.

A virtual oppy disk

drive (Floppy Drive B:
) may appear when you
set the CD-ROM drive

as the rst boot

device.

Select Screen

Select Item

Enter Go to Sub Screen
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

3.6.1 Boot Device Priority

Boot

Boot Device Priority

1st Boot Device [Removable Dev.]
2nd Boot Device [Hard Drive]
3rd Boot Device [ATAPI CD-ROM]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Species the boot

sequence from the
availabe devices.

A device enclosed in
parenthesis has been
disabled in the
corresponding type
menu.

1st ~ xxth Boot Device [xxx Drive]

These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices.
The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of
devices installed in the system.

Conguration options: [Removable Dev.] [Hard Drive] [ATAPI CD-ROM] [Disabled]

3-26 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration

Boot

Boot Settings Conguration

Quick Boot [Enabled]
Full Screen Logo [Enabled]
AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS]
Bootup Num-Lock [On]
Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]
Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]
Interrupt 19 Capture [Disabled]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

Quick Boot [Enabled]

Enabling this item allows the BIOS to skip some power on self tests (POST) while
booting to decrease the time needed to boot the system. When set to [Disabled],
BIOS performs all the POST items.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Full Screen Logo [Enabled]

This allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo2™ feature.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Allows BIOS to skip
certain tests while
booting. This will
decrease the time
needed to boot the
system.

Select Screen

Select Item
+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS]

Sets the display mode for option ROM.

Conguration options: [Force BIOS] [Keep Current]

Bootup Num-Lock [On]

Allows you to select the power-on state for the NumLock.

Conguration options: [Off] [On]

Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]

When set to Enabled, the system waits for the F1 key to be pressed when error

occurs. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]

When set to Enabled, the system displays the message “Press DEL to run Setup”

during POST. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Interrupt 19 Capture [Disabled]

When set to [Enabled], this function allows the option ROMs to trap Interrupt 19.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS P5N-VM WS 3-27

3.6.3 Security

The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select

an item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options.

Boot

Security Settings

Supervisor Password :Not Installed
User Password :Not Installed

Change Supervisor Password
Change User Password

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

Change Supervisor Password

Select this item to set or change the supervisor password. The Supervisor
Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a
password, this item shows Installed.

To set a Supervisor Password:

1. Select the Change Supervisor Password item and press <Enter>.

2. From the password box, type a password composed of at least six letters
and/or numbers, then press <Enter>.

3. Conrm the password when prompted.

The message “Password Installed” appears after you successfully set your
password.

To change the supervisor password, follow the same steps as in setting a user
password.

To clear the supervisor password, select the Change Supervisor Password then
press <Enter>. The message “Password Uninstalled” appears.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

<Enter> to change
password.
<Enter> again to
disabled password.

Select Screen

Select Item
Enter Change
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

If you forget your BIOS password, you can clear it by erasing the CMOS Real
Time Clock (RTC) RAM. See section 2.6 Jumper for information on how to
erase the RTC RAM.

After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to
change other security settings.

3-28 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

Boot

Security Settings

Supervisor Password :Installed
User Password :Installed

Change Supervisor Password
User Access Level [Full Access]
Change User Password
Clear User Password
Password Check [Setup]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

<Enter> to change
password.
<Enter> again to
disabled password.

User Access Level [Full Access]

This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items.

Conguration options: [No Access] [View Only] [Limited] [Full Access]

No Access prevents user access to the Setup utility.

View Only allows access but does not allow change to any eld.

Limited allows changes only to selected elds, such as Date and Time.

Full Access allows viewing and changing all the elds in the Setup utility.

Change User Password

Select this item to set or change the user password. The User Password item on
top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this
item shows Installed.

To set a User Password

1. Select the Change User Password item and press <Enter>.

2. On the password box that appears, type a password composed of at least six
letters and/or numbers, then press <Enter>.

3. Conrm the password when prompted.

The message “Password Installed” appears after you set your password
successfully.

To change the user password, follow the same steps as in setting a user password.

Clear User Password

Select this item to clear the user password.

Password Check [Setup]

When set to [Setup], BIOS checks for user password when accessing the Setup
utility. When set to [Always], BIOS checks for user password both when accessing
Setup and booting the system.

Conguration options: [Setup] [Always]

ASUS P5N-VM WS 3-29

3.7 Tools menu

The Tools menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select

an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

ASUS EZ Flash 2

Ai Net 2

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

3.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2

Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Enter>, a conrmation

message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Ok] or [Cancel],
then press <Enter> to conrm your choice. Please see section 3.1.2 for details.

ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.24

FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L8005

Current ROM

BOARD: P5N-VM WS
VER: 0403
DATE: 09/17/2008

PATH: A:\

A:

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Update ROM

BOARD: Unknown
VER: Unknown
DATE: Unknown

Press ENTER to run
the utility to select
and update BIOS.
This utility doesn't
support :

1.NTFS format

Select Screen

Select Item

Change Field

+-

Enter Go to Sub Screen
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

Note

[Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [ESC] Exit

3-30 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.7.2 Ai Net 2

This menu displays the status of the Local Area Network (LAN) cables connected
to the LAN (RJ-45) ports.

Tools

AI NET 2
Pair Status Length

Check Realtek LAN cable [Disabled]

Check Realtek LAN cable [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable LAN cable check during POST. When enabled, the
menu reports the cable faults or shorts, and displays the point (length) where the
faults or shorts are detected.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Realtek Check LAN
cable during POST.

ASUS P5N-VM WS 3-31

3.8 Exit menu

The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the
BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items.

Main Ai Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

Exit Options

Exit & Save Changes
Exit & Discard Changes
Discard Changes

Load Setup Defaults

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options
from this menu or <F10> from the legend bar to exit.

Exit & Save Changes

Once you are nished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit

menu to ensure the values you selected are saved to the CMOS RAM. An onboard
backup battery sustains the CMOS RAM so it stays on even when the PC is turned

off. When you select this option, a conrmation window appears. Select YES to

save changes and exit.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Exit system setup
after saving the
changes.

F10 key can be used
for this operation.

Select Screen

Select Item
Enter Go to Sub Screen
Tab Select Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

If you attempt to exit the Setup program without saving your changes, the
program prompts you with a message asking if you want to save your changes
before exiting. Press <Enter> to save the changes while exiting.

Exit & Discard Changes

Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you made to

the Setup program. If you made changes to elds other than System Date, System
Time, and Password, the BIOS asks for a conrmation before exiting.

Discard Changes

This option allows you to discard the selections you made and restore the

previously saved values. After selecting this option, a conrmation appears. Select

YES to discard any changes and load the previously saved values.

Load Setup Defaults

This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the

Setup menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a conrmation
window appears. Select YES to load default values. Select Exit & Save Changes

or make other changes before saving the values to the non-volatile RAM.

3-32 Chapter 3: BIOS setup

This chapter describes the contents of
the support DVD that comes with the
motherboard package.

Software

support

4

Chapter summary

4

4.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 4-1

4.2 Support DVD information ............................................................ 4-1

4.3 Software information ................................................................... 4-8

4.4 RAID congurations .................................................................. 4-23

4.5 RAID driver installation ............................................................. 4-31

ASUS P5N-VM WS

4.1 Installing an operating system

This motherboard supports Windows® XP/64-bit XP/Vista/64-bit Vista operating
systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to

maximize the features of your hardware.

• Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Use the setup
procedures presented in this chapter for reference only. Refer to your OS
documentation for detailed information.

• Make sure that you install Windows® XP Service Pack 2 or later versions
before installing the drivers for better compatibility and system stability.

4.2 Support DVD information

The support DVD that came with the motherboard package contains the drivers,
software applications, and utilities that you can install to avail all motherboard
features.

The contents of the support DVD are subject to change at any time without
notice. Visit the ASUS website(www.asus.com) for updates.

4.2.1 Running the support DVD

Place the support DVD to the optical drive. The DVD automatically displays the
Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer.

Click an icon to
display support
DVD/motherboard
information

Click an item to install

If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support

DVD to locate the le ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-click the

ASSETUP.EXE to run the DVD.

ASUS P5N-VM WS 4-1

4.2.2 Drivers menu

The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed
devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices.

ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Anti-Virus and Drivers Utility

Installs all of the drivers and anti-virus utility through the installation wizard.

Norton Internet Security 2008

Installs Norton® Internet Security 2008 to protect your PC from the latest online
threats.

NVIDIA Chipset Driver Program

Installs the NVIDIA® chipset drivers for the NVIDIA® Quadro FX470 chipset.

SoundMAX ADI Audio Driver

Installs the SoundMAX® ADI audio driver.

Realtek RTL8111C LAN Driver

Installs the Realtek® RTL8111C LAN driver.

4-2 Chapter 4: Software support

4.2.3 Utilities menu

The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard
supports.

ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Utilities

Installs all of the utilities through the Installation Wizard.

ASUS Update

Allows you to download the latest version of the BIOS from the ASUS website.

Before using the ASUS Update, make sure that you have an Internet connection
so you can connect to the ASUS website.

ASUS PC Probe II

This smart utility monitors the fan speed, CPU temperature, and system voltages,
and alerts you of any detected problems. This utility helps you keep your computer
in healthy operating condition.

Adobe Acrobat Reader 8

Installs the Adobe® Acrobat® Reader that allows you to open, view, and print
documents in Portable Document Format (PDF).

Ulead Burn.Now

Installs the Ulead Burn.Now application for Audio DVD, CD and data disc creation.

Corel MediaOne Starter

Installs the Corel MediaOne Starter application to easily manage, edit share and
protect your multimedia data.

ASUS P5N-VM WS 4-3

Ulead PhotoImpact 12 SE

Installs the PhotoImpact image editing software.

CyberLink PowerBackup

Installs CyberLink PowerBackup to back up and restore your data easily.

Winzip 11

Installs the Winzip utility for easy le-compression and protection.

4.2.4 Make Disk menu

The Make Disk menu contains items to create NVIDIA® Quadro FX470 RAID driver
disk.

NVIDIA 32/64bit XP / Vista AHCI / SATA RAID Driver

Allows you to create NVIDIA AHCI / SATA RAID driver disk for 32 / 64-bit
Windows® XP / Vista.

The motherboard does not provide a oppy drive connector. You have to use a
USB oppy drive when creating a driver disk.

4-4 Chapter 4: Software support

4.2.5 Manual menu

The Manual menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to
open the folder of the user manual.

Most user manual les are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the

Adobe® Acrobat® Reader from the Utilities tab before opening a user manual

le.

4.2.6 ASUS Contact information

Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can also nd

this information on the inside front cover of this user guide.

ASUS P5N-VM WS 4-5

4.2.7 Other information

The icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the
motherboard and the contents of the support DVD. Click an icon to display the

specied information.

Motherboard Info

Displays the general specications of the motherboard.

Browse this DVD

Displays the support DVD contents in graphical format.

4-6 Chapter 4: Software support

Technical support Form

Displays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to ll out when

requesting technical support.

File list

Displays the contents of the support DVD and a brief description of each in text
format.

ASUS P5N-VM WS 4-7

4.3 Software information

Most of the applications in the Support DVD have wizards that will conveniently
guide you through the installation. View the online help or readme le that came

with the software application for more information.

4.3.1 ASUS MyLogo2™

The ASUS MyLogo2™ utility lets you customize the boot logo. The boot logo is the

image that appears on screen during the Power-On Self-Tests (POST). The ASUS
MyLogo2™ is automatically installed when you install the ASUS Update utility from
the Support DVD. See section 4.2.3 Utilities menu for details.

• Before using the ASUS MyLogo2™, use the AFUDOS utility to make a copy

of your original BIOS le, or obtain the latest BIOS version from the ASUS

website. See section 3.1.4 AFUDOS utility.

• Make sure that the BIOS item Full Screen Logo is set to [Enabled] if

you wish to use ASUS MyLogo2. See section 3.6.2 Boot Settings
Conguration.

• You can create your own boot logo image in GIF le format.

• The le size should be smaller than 150 K.

To launch the ASUS MyLogo2™:

1. Launch the ASUS Update utility. Refer to section 3.1.1 ASUS Update utility

for details.

2. Select Options from the drop down menu, then click Next.

3. Check the option Launch MyLogo to replace system boot logo before
ashing BIOS, then click Next.

4. Select Update BIOS from a le from the drop down menu, then click Next.

5. When prompted, locate the new
BIOS le, then click Next. The ASUS
MyLogo window appears.

6. From the left window pane, select the
folder that contains the image you
intend to use as your boot logo.

4-8 Chapter 4: Software support

7. When the logo images appear on the
right window pane, select an image to
enlarge by clicking on it.

8. Adjust the boot image to your desired

size by selecting a value on the Ratio

box.

9. When the screen returns to the ASUS Update utility, ash the original BIOS to

load the new boot logo.

10. After ashing the BIOS, restart the computer to display the new boot logo

during POST.

ASUS P5N-VM WS 4-9

4.3.2 ASUS PC Probe II

PC Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects

and alerts you of any problem with these components. PC Probe II senses fan
rotations, CPU temperature, and system voltages, among others. Because PC
Probe II is software-based, you can start monitoring your computer the moment
you turn it on. With this utility, you are assured that your computer is always at a
healthy operating condition.

Installing PC Probe II

To install PC Probe II on your computer:

1. Place the Support DVD to the optical drive. The Drivers installation tab
appears if your computer has an enabled Autorun feature.

If Autorun is not enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the Support

DVD to locate the setup.exe le from the ASUS PC Probe II folder. Double-click
the setup.exe le to start installation.

2. Click the Utilities tab, then click ASUS PC Probe II.

3. Follow the screen instructions to complete installation.

Launching PC Probe II

You can launch the PC Probe II right after installation or anytime from the
Windows® desktop.

To launch the PC Probe II from the Windows® desktop, click Start > All Programs
> ASUS > PC Probe II > PC Probe II v1.xx.xx. The PC Probe II main window
appears.

After launching the application, the PC Probe II icon appears in the Windows®
taskbar. Click this icon to close or restore the application.

Using PC Probe II

Main window

The PC Probe II main window allows you to view the current status of your
system and change the utility

conguration. By default, the main

window displays the Preference
section. You can close or restore
the Preference section by clicking
on the triangle on the main
window right handle.

Click to close the
Preference panel

4-10 Chapter 4: Software support

Button Function

Opens the Conguration window

Opens the Report window

Opens the Desktop Management Interface window

Opens the Peripheral Component Interconnect window

Opens the Windows Management Instrumentation window

Opens the hard disk drive, memory, CPU usage window

Shows/Hides the Preference section

Minimizes the application

Closes the application

Sensor alert

When a system sensor detects a problem, the main window right handle
turns red, as the illustrations below show.

When displayed, the monitor panel for that sensor also turns red. Refer to the
Monitor panels section for details.

Preference

You can customize the application

using the Preference section in the
main window. Click the box before each
preference to activate or deactivate.

ASUS P5N-VM WS 4-11

Hardware monitor panels

The hardware monitor panels display the current value of a system sensor such as
fan rotation, CPU temperature, and voltages.

The hardware monitor panels come in two display modes: hexagonal (large) and
rectangular (small). When you check the Enable Monitoring Panel option from the

Preference section, the monitor panels appear on your computer’s desktop.

Small display

Large display

Changing the monitor panels position

To change the position of the monitor panels in the desktop,
click the arrow down button of the Scheme options, then select
another position from the list box. Click OK when nished.

Moving the monitor panels

All monitor panels move together using a magnetic effect. If
you want to detach a monitor panel from
the group, click the horseshoe magnet
icon. You can now move or reposition the
panel independently.

Adjusting the sensor threshold value

You can adjust the sensor threshold
value in the monitor panel by
clicking the or buttons. You can
also adjust the threshold values

Click to
increase
value

using the Cong window.

You cannot adjust the sensor
threshold values in a small

Click to

decrease

value

monitoring panel.

4-12 Chapter 4: Software support