Asus P5N-VM WS User Manual

Page 1
P5N-VM WS
Motherboard
Page 2
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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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Page 8

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.
Page 9

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.
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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
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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)
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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
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This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports.
Chapter 1: Product
introduction
1
Page 14
Chapter summary
1
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Package contents ......................................................................... 1-1
1.3 Special features ............................................................................ 1-2
ASUS P5N-VM WS
Page 15

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
Page 16

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
Page 17
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
Page 18
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
Page 19
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
Page 20
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
Page 21

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
Page 22

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
Page 23

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
Page 24

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
Page 25

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
Page 26

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
Page 27
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
Page 28
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
Page 29

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
Page 30
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
Page 31

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
Page 32
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
Page 33
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
Page 34
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
Page 35
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
Page 36

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
Page 37

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
Page 38

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
Page 39

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
Page 40

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
Page 41

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
Page 42
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
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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
Page 44
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
Page 45
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.
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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
Page 47
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.
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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
Page 49
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.
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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
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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
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2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware information
Page 53
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
Page 54
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
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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.
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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.
Page 57
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
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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
Page 59
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>.
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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
Page 61
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:\>
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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
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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.
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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
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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
Page 66

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
Page 67

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
Page 68
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
Page 69
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
Page 70
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
Page 71

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
Page 72
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
Page 73

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
Page 74
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
Page 75
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
Page 76
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
Page 77

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
Page 78
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
Page 79

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
Page 80

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
Page 81
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
Page 82

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.
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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]
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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
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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.
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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.
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This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.
Software
support
4
Page 88
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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