ASUS P5W User Manual

P5W

Motherboard

E3500

First Edition V1
October 2007

Copyright © 2007 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any
means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written
permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).

Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the

product is defaced or missing.

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

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

Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or

copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the
owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.

ii

Contents

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

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

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

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

P5W specications summary .................................................................... xi

Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

1.2 Package contents .........................................................................

1.3 Special features ............................................................................

1.3.1 Product highlights ...........................................................

1.3.2 ASUS AI Life features ...................................................

1.3.3 Innovative ASUS features ..............................................

Chapter 2: Hardware information

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

2.2 Motherboard overview .................................................................

2.2.1 Placement direction ........................................................

2.2.2 Screw holes ....................................................................

2.2.3 ASUS Stack Cool 2 .........................................................

2.2.4 Motherboard layout .........................................................

2.2.5 Layout contents ...............................................................

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ...................................................

2.3.1 Installing the CPU ...........................................................

2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan ..............................

2.3.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan .........................

2.4 System memory .........................................................................

2.4.1 Overview .......................................................................

2.4.2 Memory congurations ..................................................

2.4.3 Installing a DIMM ..........................................................

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................

2.5 Expansion slots ..........................................................................

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card .........................................

2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card .....................................

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments ...................................................

1-1

1-2

1-2

1-6

1-6

2-2

2-2

2-2

2-3

2-4

2-5

2-7

2-8

2-10

2-12

2-14

2-14

2-14

2-21

2-21

2-22

2-22

2-22

2-23

iii

Contents

2.5.4 PCI slots ........................................................................ 2-24

2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slot .......................................................

2.5.6 Two PCI Express x16 slots ...........................................

2.6 Jumpers ......................................................................................

2.7 Connectors .................................................................................

2.7.1 Rear panel connectors ..................................................

2.7.2 Internal connectors .......................................................

Chapter 3: Powering up

3.1 Starting up for the rst time ........................................................ 3-1

3.2 Turning off the computer .............................................................

3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function ....................................

3.2.2 Using the dual function power switch ..............................

Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 4-1

4.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................

4.1.2 Creating a bootable oppy disk .......................................

4.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ...................................................

4.1.4 AFUDOS utility ................................................................

4.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ......................................

4.2 BIOS setup program ..................................................................

4.2.1 BIOS menu screen .........................................................

4.2.2 Menu bar ........................................................................

4.2.3 Navigation keys ..............................................................

4.2.4 Menu items ...................................................................

4.2.5 Sub-menu items ............................................................

4.2.6 Conguration elds .......................................................

4.2.7 Pop-up window .............................................................

4.2.8 Scroll bar .......................................................................

4.2.9 General help .................................................................

4.3 Main menu ..................................................................................

4.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx] .................................................

4.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx] .......................................

4.3.3 Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.] .................................

4.3.4 Language [English] .......................................................

4.3.5 Primary, Third, and Fourth IDE Master/Slave ...............

2-24

2-24

2-26

2-28

2-28

2-31

3-2

3-2

3-2

4-1

4-4

4-5

4-6

4-9

4-10

4-11

4-11

4-11

4-12

4-12

4-12

4-12

4-12

4-12

4-13

4-13

4-13

4-13

4-13

4-14

iv

Contents

4.3.6 IDE Conguration .......................................................... 4-15

4.3.7 System Information .......................................................

4.4 Advanced menu .........................................................................

4.4.1 JumperFree Conguration ............................................

4.4.2 LAN Cable Status .........................................................

4.4.3 USB Conguration ........................................................

4.4.4 CPU Conguration ........................................................

4.4.5 Chipset ..........................................................................

4.4.6 Onboard Devices Conguration ....................................

4.4.7 PCI PnP ........................................................................

4.5 Power menu ................................................................................

4.5.1 Suspend Mode [Auto] ...................................................

4.5.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume [No] ................................

4.5.3 ACPI 2.0 Support [No] ..................................................

4.5.4 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled] .......................................

4.5.5 APM Conguration ........................................................

4.5.6 Hardware Monitor .........................................................

4.6 Boot menu ..................................................................................

4.6.1 Boot Device Priority ......................................................

4.6.2 Hard Disk Drives ...........................................................

4.6.3 Boot Settings Conguration ..........................................

4.6.4 Security .........................................................................

4.7 Tools menu .................................................................................

4.7.1 ASUS Music Alarm ........................................................

4.7.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ..........................................................

4.8 Exit menu ....................................................................................

4-17

4-18

4-18

4-22

4-23

4-24

4-26

4-28

4-30

4-32

4-32

4-32

4-32

4-32

4-33

4-35

4-38

4-38

4-39

4-39

4-41

4-43

4-43

4-45

4-46

Chapter 4: Software support

5.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 5-1

5.2 Support CD information ..............................................................

5.2.1 Running the support CD .................................................

5.2.2 Drivers menu ...................................................................

5.2.3 Utilities menu ..................................................................

5.2.4 Make Disk menu .............................................................

5.2.5 Manual menu ..................................................................

5.2.6 Contact information .........................................................

5-1

5-1

5-2

5-3

5-6

5-7

5-7

v

Contents

5.2.7 Other information ............................................................ 5-8

5.3 Software information .................................................................

5.3.1 ASUS MyLogo 2 ...........................................................

5.3.2 AI NET2 ........................................................................

Using the Virtual Cable Tester™ .................................................. 5-12

5.3.3 Audio congurations .....................................................

5.3.4 ASUS PC Probe II .........................................................

5.3.5 ASUS Music Alarm ........................................................

5.4 RAID congurations ..................................................................

5.4.1 Installing Serial ATA hard disks .....................................

®

5.4.2 Intel

5.4.3 JMicron

5.4.4 Silicon Image

5.4.5 Cross-RAID Conguration ............................................

5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk .......................................................

5.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS ....

5.5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows® ....................

Chapter 6: ATI® CrossFire™ technology support

6.1 Overview ....................................................................................... 6-1

6.1.1 Requirements ..................................................................

6.1.2 Before you begin .............................................................

6.2 Installing CrossFire™ graphics cards .......................................

6.3 Software information ...................................................................

6.3.1 Installing the device drivers .............................................

6.3.2 Using the Catalyst™ Control Center ...............................

RAID congurations ............................................. 5-30

®

RAID Conguration ........................................ 5-40

®

RAID conguration ................................ 5-48

5-10

5-10

5-12

5-13

5-20

5-26

5-29

5-30

5-61

5-64

5-64

5-64

6-1

6-1

6-2

6-5

6-5

6-7

Appendix: CPU features

A.1 Intel® EM64T ..................................................................................A-1

Using the Intel® EM64T feature ......................................................A-1

®

A.2 Enhanced Intel SpeedStep

A.2.1 System requirements ......................................................

A.2.2 Using the EIST ................................................................

®

A.3 Intel

Hyper-Threading Technology ...........................................A-3

Using the Hyper-Threading Technology ........................................ A-3

vi

Technology (EIST) ........................A-1

A-1

A-2

Notices

Federal Communications Commission Statement

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

•

This device may not cause harmful interference, and

•

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

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

•

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•

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

•

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

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

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

to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Canadian Department of Communications Statement

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

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

vii

Safety information

Electrical safety

•

To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the

electrical outlet before relocating the system.

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a
qualied service technician or your retailer.

Operation safety

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

Place the product on a stable surface.

•

If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied

service technician or your retailer.

viii

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

About this guide

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

the motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:

• Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

• Chapter 2: Hardware information

This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform
when installing system components. It includes description of the switches,
jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard.

• Chapter 3: Powering up

This chapter describes the power up sequence and ways of shutting down
the system.

• Chapter 4: BIOS setup

This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup
menus. Descriptions of the BIOS items are also provided.

• Chapter 5: Software support

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

• Chapter 6: ATI CrossFire™ support

This chapter describes the ATI CrossFire™ feature and shows the graphics
card installation procedures.

• Appendix: CPU features

The Appendix describes the CPU features and technologies that the
motherboard supports.

Where to nd more information

Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and
software updates.

1. ASUS websites

The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and
software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.

2. Optional documentation

Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty

yers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not

part of the standard package.

ix

Conventions used in this guide

To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following
symbols used throughout this manual.

DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself

when trying to complete a task.

CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components

when trying to complete a task.

IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a

task.

NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a

task.

Typography

Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.

Italics

Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.

<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign

means that you must press the enclosed key.

Example: <Enter> means that you must press the
Enter or Return key.

<Key1+Key2+Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the

key names are linked with a plus sign (+).

Example: <Ctrl+Alt+D>

Command Means that you must type the command exactly

as shown, then supply the required item or value
enclosed in brackets.

Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line:

afudos /i[lename]

afudos /ip5wdh.rom

x

P5W specications summary

CPU LGA775 socket for Intel® Pentium® 4/Celeron® processor

Supports Intel® Pentium® Processor Extreme Edition and
Intel® Pentium® D Processor
Supports Intel® next generation 65 nm and Intel® Core™2
Duo/Intel® Core™2 Extreme processors
Supports Intel® next generation Multi-Core processor
Compatible with Intel® 05B/ 05A and 04B/04A processors
Intel® EM64T and Hyper-Threading Technology ready

Chipset Intel® 975X

Intel® ICH7R

Front Side Bus 1333 / 1066 / 800 MHz

Memory Dual-channel memory architecture

- 4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support ECC/non-ECC
DDR2 800/667/533 MHz memory modules

- Supports up to 8 GB system memory
Intel® MPT (Intel® Memory Pipeline Technology)
ASUS Hyper Path3

Note: Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for the latest Qualied

Vendors List (QVL).

Expansion slots 2 x PCI Express™ x16 slots for discrete graphics card

2 x PCI Express™ x1 slots
3 x PCI slots

CrossFire™ Supports ATI CrossFire™ graphics cards (both at x8

mode)
ASUS Two-slot thermal design
ASUS PEG Link

Advanced Thermal
Design

ASUS 8-Phase Power Design
ASUS Stack Cool 2
ASUS Fanless Design: Heat-pipe thermal solution

Storage/RAID Intel® ICH7R Southbridge supports:

- 1 x Ultra DMA 100/66/33

- 3 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s devices with RAID 0,1, 5
conguration

- Intel® Matrix Storage Technology

Jmicron® JMB363 Serial ATA controller supports:

- 1 x External Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s (SATA-on-the-Go)

- 1 x Internal Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s with RAID 0, 1
conguration with External Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s

- 1 x Ultra DMA 100/66/33 connector for two devices

Note: Do not remove/unplug the External SATA device when running under
RAID mode.

Silicon Image® 4723 Hardware RAID controller
(ASUS EZ-Backup) supports:

- 2 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s with RAID 0 and RAID 1

conguration

(continued on the next page)

xi

P5W specications summary

Storage/RAID

(continued)

LAN Marvell® 88E8053 dual Gigabit LAN controllers, both

High Denition Audio Realtek® ALC882M 8-channel CODEC

IEEE 1394 TI 1394 controller supports:

USB Supports up to 8 USB 2.0/1.1 ports

AI Life Style ASUS EZ Backup™

Supports RAID 10 through cross-conguration between
three (3) Serial ATA ports from Intel® ICH7R and one
(1) Serial ATA port fr om Silicon Image
RAID controller

featuring AI NET2
Wireless LAN: 54 Mbps IEEE 802.11g (ASUS WiFi-AP
Solo™)

Supports Multi-Streaming, Jack-Sensing and
Jack-Retasking Technology
Anti-Pop Function
Optical and Coaxial S/PDIF Out interfaces
Features Dolby® Master Studio Technology

- Dolby ProLogic IIX

- Dolby Headphone

- Dolby Virtual Speaker

- Dolby Digital Live

- 2 x IEEE 1394a connectors (1 at mid-board, 1 on
the rear panel)

- 2 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s support hardware RAID 0 or
RAID 1 mode

- Plug and play: Default setting in RAID 1 mode

requires no driver and no BIOS conguration

Stack Cool 2 patented fanless cooling system
SATA-On-The-Go external Serial ATA port
AI Quiet

(continued on the next page)

®

4723 Hardware

xii

P5W specications summary

ASUS Exclusive
Overclocking features

Other ASUS special
features

Rear panel 1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple)

Intelligent overclocking tools:

- AI NOS™ (Non-delay Overclocking System)

- AI Overclocking (intelligent CPU frequency tuner)

- ASUS PEG Link (automatic performance tuning for
single/dual graphics cards)
Precision Tweaker:

- vDIMM: 12-step DRAM voltage control

- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.0125 V
increment

- Stepless Frequency Selection(SFS) allows FSB
tuning from 200 MHz up to 400 MHz at 1 MHz
increment

- PCI Express x16 frequency tuning from 90 MHz to
150 MHz at 1 MHz increment

Adjustable FSB/DDR ratio
Fixed PCI/PCI Express frequencies
Overclocking protection:

- ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
ASUS AI Booster Utility

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS Q-Fan2
ASUS Multi-language BIOS
ASUS MyLogo 2

1 x PS/2 mouse port (green)
1 x Serial port
1 x IEEE 1394a port
1 x External Serial ATA port
1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port
1 x Coaxial S/PDIF Out port
2 x LAN (RJ-45) ports
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
8-channel audio ports

(continued on the next page)

xiii

P5W specications summary

Internal connectors 2 x USB 2.0 connectors support four additional USB 2.0

BIOS features 8 Mb Flash ROM,AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0,

Manageability WOL by PME,WOR by PME, Chassis Intrusion

Power requirements ATX power supply (with 24-pin and 4-pin 12 V plugs)

Support CD contents Device Drivers

Form factor ATX form factor: 12 in x 9.6 in (30.5 cm x 24.5 cm)

*Specications are subject to change without notice.

ports
2 x IDE connectors
1 x Floppy disk drive connector
6 x Serial ATA connectors
1 x IEEE1394a connector
1 x CPU / 2 x Chassis / 2 x Power fan connectors

1 x Azalia Digital Header (ADH)
Front panel High Denition Audio connector

Chassis intrusion connector
CD audio-in connector
S/PDIF Out connector
24-pin ATX power connector
4-pin ATX12 V power connector
System panel connector
ASUS EZ Backup RAID selection mode jumper

SM BIOS 2.3, PXE & RPL

ATX 12 V 2.0 compliant

Make RAID driver disk for Intel® ICH7R and JMicron®
JMB 363
RAID Manuals for Intel® ICH7R, ASUS EZ-Backup,
JMicron® JMB 363, and Cross-RAID (RAID 10)
ASUS PC Probe 2
ASUS LiveUpdate Utility
Anti-virus utility (OEM version)

xiv

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

Product

1

introduction

Chapter summary

1

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

1.2 Package contents .........................................................................

1.3 Special features ............................................................................

1-1

1-2

ASUS P5W

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® P5W 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.

ASUS Digital Home Accessories

• ASUS EZ Backup SATA cables 2

Accessories

• 1 x ASUS Q-Connector set
(USB, IEEE 1394a, system
panel) - for retail version only

• 1 x IEEE 1394a port module

• 2 x SATA cables

• 1 x 2-in-1 SATA power cables

• 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable

• 1 x IDE cable

• 1 x FDD cable

• 1 x 2-port USB 2.0 module

• I/O shield

Documentation

• User guide

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

ASUS P5W 1-1

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

Latest processor technology

This motherboard supports the latest Intel® Pentium® 4 processors in the LGA775

package. With 1066/ 800 MHz FSB, Hyper-Threading Technology support, and
core-speeds of up to 3.8 GHz and beyond, Intel®’s LGA775 Pentium® 4 is among

the fastest desktop processors to date. See page 2-7 for details.

Intel® Core™2 Duo/ Intel® Core™2 Extreme CPU support

This motherboard supports the latest powerful and energy efcient processors

from Intel®. Intel® Core™2 Duo and Intel® Core™2 Extreme are based on the Intel
Core™ Microarchitecture and built on the 65-nanometer (nm) process technology
with copper interconnect. Intel® Core™2 Duo and Intel® Core™2 Extreme
allow users to step up to new levels of gaming experience and multi-tasking

performance. Boosting performance is a shared and multi-core optimized L2 cache

of 2 MB or 4 MB, guaranteeing enhanced user experience in the digital home and

ofce. See page 2-7 for details.

Intel® 65 nm Dual-Core Technology CPU support

Dual-core processors contain two physical CPU cores with dedicated L2 caches
to meet demands for more powerful processing. Intel®’s 65 nm process is the most
advanced chip manufacturing technology, delivering breakthrough performance,
enhanced media experience, and low power consumption. Intel

processors utilize the latest package technologies for a thinner, lighter design

without compromising performance. See page 2-7 for details.

®

65nm dual-core

®

Intel® 975X/ICH7R chipset

The Intel® 975X Memory Controller Hub (MCH) and the ICH7R I/O controller hub
provide the vital interfaces for the motherboard. The Intel® 975X supports up to 8

GB dual-channel DDR2-667/533 MHz, 1066/800 FSB, PCI Express x16 graphics,

and dual-core CPU. The MCH supports the Intel® Memory Pipeline Technology
(MPT) that boosts system performance.

The Intel® ICH7R Southbridge integrates four Serial ATA ports enabled through
the Serial ATA 3 Gb/s RAID controller to ensure data security and enable powerful
multi-task processing.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction

ATI Radeon® Xpress 200 CrossFire™

The ATI Radeon® Xpress 200 CrossFire™ boosts image quality and rendering
speed, eliminating the need to crank down screen resolutions to get high quality

images. The chipset allows higher antialiasing, anisotropic ltering, shading,

and texture settings. ATI Radeon® Xpress 200 CrossFire™ features the ATI
Catalyst™ Control Center that allows you to get real-time 3D-rendered previews of

adjustments to your display congurations and advanced 3D settings. See Chapter

6 for details.

Intel® Memory Pipeline Technology (MPT)

The Intel® MPT increases system-level and standard operating performance by

optimizing memory access between CPU and system memory.

Intel® EM64T

The motherboard supports Intel® Pentium® 4 CPUs with the Intel® EM64T
(Extended Memory 64 Technology). The Intel® EM64T feature allows your
computer to run on 64-bit operating systems and access larger amounts of system

memory for faster and more efcient computing. See the Appendix for details.

Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology (EIST)

The Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology (EIST) intelligently manages the
CPU resources by automatically adjusting the CPU voltage and core frequency
depending on the CPU loading and system speed or power requirement. See page
4-25 and the Appendix for details.

PCI Express™ interface

The motherboard fully supports PCI Express, the latest I/O interconnect technology
that speeds up the PCI bus. PCI Express features point-to-point serial
interconnections between devices and allows higher clockspeeds by carrying data
in packets. This high speed interface is software compatible with existing PCI

specications. See page 2-24 for details.

ASUS P5W 1-3

8-channel high denition audio

Onboard is the Realtek® ALC882M High Denition Audio 8-channel audio CODEC.
This CODEC is fully-compliant with Intel® High Denition Audio standard (192 KHz,
24-bit audio). With the CODEC, 8-channel audio ports, and S/PDIF interfaces,
you can connect your computer to home theater decoders to produce crystal-clear
digital audio.

The Realtek® ALC882M CODEC comes with a software application that features
jack detection to monitor the plugging status of each jack, impedance sensing to

determine audio device classes, and pre-dened equalization for various audio

devices. See pages 2-28, 2-29, and 5-13 for details.

Theater-level audio
(designed for Dolby® Master Studio)

This motherboard offers theater-level 7.1 surround sound and audio specications

higher than that of DVD. Enjoy true home theatre experience with the following
advanced sound technologies: Dolby® Prologic IIx, Dolby® Headphone, Dolby®
Virtual Speaker, and Dolby® Digital Live. See page 5-18 for details.

IEEE 1394a support

The motherboard supports the IEEE 1394a interface that provides high-speed and

exible PC connectivity to a wide range of peripherals and devices compliant to

IEEE 1394a standards. The IEEE 1394a interface allows up to 400 Mbps transfer
rates through simple , low-cost, high-bandwidth asynchronous (real-time) data
interfacing between computers, peripherals, and consumer electronic devices such
as camcorders, VCRs, printers, TVs, and digital cameras. See pages 2-28 and
2-37 for details.

S/PDIF digital sound ready

The motherboard supports the S/PDIF technology through the S/PDIF interfaces
on the rear panel. The S/PDIF technology turns your computer into a high-end
entertainment system with digital connectivity to powerful audio and speaker
systems. See page 2-30 for details.

USB 2.0 technology

The motherboard implements the Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 specication,

dramatically increasing the connection speed from the 12 Mbps bandwidth on USB

1.1 to a fast 480 Mbps on USB 2.0. USB 2.0 is backward compatible with USB 1.1.
See pages 2-29 and 2-37 for details.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction

Multi-RAID solution

Onboard RAID controllers provide the motherboard with multiple RAID functionality
that allows you to select the best RAID solution using Serial ATA devices.

ASUS EZ-Backup. Enabled by Silicon Image’s SiI4723 controller, ASUS

•
EZ-Backup provides ready-to-go hardware RAID for plug-and play RAID 1 and

easy-to-congure RAID 0 sets of two hard disk drives

Intel® ICH7R Southbridge RAID provides RAID level 5 support for three or

•
more hard disk drives.

Cross-RAID allows you to build a RAID 10 set through a cross-conguration of

•
ASUS EZ-Backup and Intel® ICH7R.

JMicron® RAID. Enabled by JMicron® JMB363 controller, JMicron® RAID

•
extends the advantages of software RAID beyond internal hard disk drives to
an external disk or external, port-multiplier enabled enclosure.

Refer to Chapter 5 for details on how to congure RAID.

Dual Gigabit LAN solution

The motherboard comes with dual Gigabit LAN controllers to provide the total
solution for your networking needs. These network controllers use the PCI Express
segment to provide faster data bandwidth for your wired or wireless Internet, LAN,

and le sharing requirements. See page 2-28 for details.

ASUS P5W 1-5

1.3.2 ASUS AI Life features

Serial ATA I/II technology and SATA-On-The-Go

The motherboard fully supports the Serial ATA II 3.0 Gb/s technology through
the Serial ATA interfaces and the Intel® ICH7R MCH. The Serial ATA 3 Gb/s

specication provides twice the bandwidth of the current Serial ATA products with

a host of new features, including Nativa Command Queueing (NCQ), and Power
Management (PM) Implementation Algorithm. Serial ATA allows for thinner, more

exible cables with lower pin count and reduced voltage required.

Leveraging these Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s features is the SATA-On-The-Go. Supported
by the Jmicron® JMB363 Serial ATA controller are two Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s
connectors (one at mid-board and one on the rear panel) provide smart setup, and
hot-plug function. See pages 2-29 and 2-34 for details.

AI Quiet

The ASUS AI Quiet function dynamically controls CPU speed and reduces

temperature and fan speeds, thus minimizing noise and ensuring quiet operation.

See page 4-35 for details.

ASUS Stack Cool 2

ASUS Stack Cool 2 is a fan-less and zero-noise cooling solution that lowers the

temperature of critical heat generating components by 20ºC. The motherboard
uses a special design on the printed circuit board (PCB) to dissipate heat that
critical components generate. See page 2-3 for details.

1.3.3 Innovative ASUS features

AI NOS™ (Non-Delay Overclocking System)

ASUS Non-delay Overclocking System™ (NOS) is a technology that auto-detects
the CPU loading and dynamically overclocks the CPU speed only when needed.
See page 4-21 for details.

ASUS EZ Backup™

ASUS EZ Backup requires no driver or BIOS conguration. ASUS EZ Backup

offers plug and play RAID to backup your data instantaneously. Exclusive to ASUS

and the rst of its kind in the world, EZ Backup allows users to utilize SATA2

technology to build RAID 1 (default) or RAID 0 without requiring any BIOS setup or

any other conguration. ASUS EZ Backup is ideal for anyone who wants to secure

data on the hard drive but does not want the hassle of complicated software

conguration. See section “5.4.4 Silicon Image® RAID conguration” for details.

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction

AI NET2

AI NET2 is a BIOS-based diagnostic tool that detects and reports Ethernet cable
faults and shorts. With this utility, you can easily monitor the condition of the
Ethernet cable connected to the LAN (RJ-45) port. During the bootup process, AI
NET2 immediately diagnoses the LAN cable and reports shorts and faults up to
100 meters at 1 meter accuracy. See pages 4-22 and 5-12 for details.

8-Phase Power Design

The ASUS 8-Phase Power Design prolongs CPU lifespan and keeps the system
stable by preventing high power stress to the CPU and power supply module. The

design ensures high efciency operation to generate less heat compared with

conventional power solutions, thus achieving cool system environment and making
this motherboard ideal for overclocking.

Fanless Design and Heat-pipe

The ASUS fanless design allows multi-directional heat ow from major thermal

sources in the motherboard to lower overall system temperature, resulting in
quieter operation and longer system life. ASUS has devoted special efforts to
address the thermal issues across the motherboard, and most notably in the
following areas: CPU, power, VGA, Northbridge and Southbridge. The heat pipe,
heatsink, and strategic board layout were tailor made to dissipate heat in the most

efcient manner.

ASUS exclusive two-slot thermal design

ASUS two-slot thermal design provides better air-ow and lower

VGA cards temperature than other brans’ one-slot design, which also
ensures better system stability and longer component life cycle.

Precision Tweaker

This feature allows you to ne-tune the CPU/memory voltage and gradually

increase the Front Side Bus (FSB) and PCI Express frequency to achieve
maximum system performance.

PEG Link Mode

This feature enhances your PCI Express graphics card performance by allowing
the motherboard to automatically adjust the PCI Express graphics link mode to the

correct frequency based on the system conguration. Four additional settings are

available for overclocking the PEG Link Mode. See page 4-27 for details.

ASUS P5W 1-7

ASUS Hyper Path 3

This feature signicantly shortens latency time during data transfers, allowing

users to experience the real power of their computers. See page 4-27 for details.

CrashFree BIOS 3

The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data from a

USB ash disk containing the BIOS le. This utility saves users the cost and hassle of

buying a replacement BIOS chip.See page 4-9 for details.

ASUS EZ Flash 2

ASUS 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 4-5 for details.

ASUS Q-Fan 2 technology

The ASUS Q-Fan 2 technology smartly adjusts the fan speeds according to the
system loading to ensure quiet, cool, and efcient operation.
See page 4-36 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 menus allow easier and faster conguration.

See page 4-13 for details.

ASUS MyLogo 2

ASUS My Logo 2 is the new feature present in the motherboard that allows you

to personalize and add style to your system with customizable and animated boot

logos. See pages 4-40 and 5-10 for details.

ASUS Music Alarm

Wake up to the music of your choice instead of the irritating sound of an alarm
clock. The ASUS Music Alarm gives you a personal wake-up call with your favorite
CD music without having to enter the OS. See page 4-43 and 5-26 for details.

ASUS Q-Connector

You can use ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect chassis front panel cables
by only a few easy steps. See pages 2-43 for details.

1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction

This chapter lists the hardware setup
procedures that you have to perform when
installing system components. It includes
description of the jumpers and connectors on
the motherboard.

Hardware

information

2

Chapter summary

2

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

2.2 Motherboard overview .................................................................

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ...................................................

2.4 System memory .........................................................................

2.5 Expansion slots ..........................................................................

2.6 Jumpers ......................................................................................

2.7 Connectors .................................................................................

2-2

2-7

2-14

2-22

2-26

2-28

ASUS P5W

2.1 Before you proceed

P5W

®

P5W Onboard LED

SB_PWR

ON

Standby

Power

OFF

Powered

Off

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. The green LED 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 P5W 2-1

P5W

®

2.2 Motherboard overview

Before you install the motherboard, study the conguration of your chassis to
ensure that the motherboard ts into it.

Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the
motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage
motherboard components.

2.2.1 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.

2.2.2 Screw holes

Place nine (9) 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

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.2.3 ASUS Stack Cool 2

The motherboard comes with the ASUS Stack Cool 2 cooling solution that lowers
the temperature of critical heat generating components by 20ºC. The motherboard
uses a special design on the printed circuit board (PCB) to dissipate heat that
critical components generate.

ASUS P5W 2-3

PANEL

P5W

®

AAFP

CHASSIS

24.5cm (9.6in)

30.5cm (12.0in)

CPU_FAN

DDR2 DIMM_B1 (64 bit,240-pin module)

DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64 bit,240-pin module)

DDR2 DIMM_A2 (64 bit,240-pin module)

DDR2 DIMM_B2 (64 bit,240-pin module)

CHA_FAN2

FLOPPY

Super

I/O

8Mb

BIOS

TSB43AB22A

CD

PCIEX1_1

PCIEX16_2

CLRTC

SATA_RAID1

Intel

®

ICH7R

SB_PWR

EATXPWR

PRI_IDE

CR2032 3V

Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

Intel

®

MCH 975X

PCI1

USB56

LAN2_USB12

PS/2KBMS

T: Mouse
B: Keyboard

LAN1_USB34

AUDIO

PCIEX1_2

PCIEX16_1

PCI2

PCI3

ALC

882M

88E8053

88E8053

PWR_FAN1PWR_FAN2

JMicron
JMB363

SPDIF_OUT

USB910

LGA775

ESATA_1394

ATX12V

GL850A

Silicon Image

Sil4723

RAID_SEL

SATA4

CHA_FAN1

IE1394_1

USB78

SPDIF_O1

SPDIF_O2

COM1

EZ_RAID2 EZ_RAID1

SATA1

PRI_EIDE

SATA3

ADH

2.2.4 Motherboard layout

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.2.5 Layout contents

Slots Page

1. DDR2 DIMM slots 2-14

2. PCI slots

3. PCI Express x1 slot

4. PCI Express x16 slots

Jumpers Page

1. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 2-26

2. ASUS EZ-Backup RAID mode selection (RAID_SEL)

Rear panel connectors Page

1. PS/2 mouse port (green) 2-28

2. Serial port

3. IEEE 1394a port

4. LAN1 (RJ-45) port

5. LAN2 (RJ-45) port

6. Center/Subwoofer port (yellow orange)

7. Rear Speaker Out port (black)

8. Line In port (light blue)

9. Line Out port (lime)

10. Microphone port (pink)

11. Side Speaker Out port (gray)

12. USB 2.0 ports 1,2, 3, and

13. External SATA port

14. Optical S/PDIF Out port

15. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port

16. PS/2 keyboard port (purple

4 2-29

) 2-30

2-24

2-24

2-24

2-27

2-28

2-28

2-28

2-28

2-28

2-28

2-29

2-29

2-29

2-29

2-29

2-30

2-30

ASUS P5W 2-5

Internal connectors Page

1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) 2-31

®

2. JMicron

3. Intel

4. Intel

IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_EIDE [black]) 2-31

®

ICH7R IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) 2-32

®

ICH7R Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1 [red],

2-33

SATA3 [black], SATA4 [black],)

5. JMicron

JMB363 Serial ATA connector

2-34

®

(7-pin SATA_RAID1 [red])

6. ASUS EZ-Backup

Serial ATA connectors

2-35

(7-pin EZ_RAID1 [orange], EZ_RAID2 [orange])

7. Internal audio connector (4-pin CD)

2-35

8. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 2-36

9. USB connector (10-1 pin USB56, USB78)

10. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_1 [Red])

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

12. CPU, Chassis, and Power Fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN,

2-37

2-37

2-38

2-38
3-pin PWR_FAN1, 3-pin PWR_FAN2, 3-pin CHA_FAN1,
3-pin CHA_FAN2)

13. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V)

14. System panel connector (20-pin PANEL)

•

System power LED (2-pin PLED)

•

Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED)

•

System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)

•

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

•

Reset button (2-pin RESET)

2-40

2-42

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA775 socket designed for the
Intel® Pentium® 4/Celeron®/Intel® Pentium® D and the Intel® next generation 65
nm Intel® Core™2 Duo and Intel® Core™2 Extreme multi-core processor in the
775-land package.

This motherboard also supports the Intel® Pentium® Processor Extreme Edition, the
latest CPU with embedded dual physical cores and Hyper-Threading technology,
making four CPU threads possible. Refer to the table below for the operating
system support status.

OS licensing support list

Intel® Dual-Core CPU support Intel® Dual-Core CPU and

Windows® 2000 Professional

Windows® 2000 Advanced Server Windows® 2000 Advanced Server

Windows® XP Home Windows® XP Home

Windows® XP Professional Windows® XP Professional

Windows® Server 2003 - Standard,
Enterprise

• If installing a dual-core CPU, connect the chassis fan cable to the
PWR_FAN1/2 or CHA_FAN1/2 connector to ensure system stability.

•

Install a chassis fan with at least a speed of 2400 rpm and 8 CFM turnrate
when using a dual-core CPU to ensure system stability. Overheating can
permanently damage the system and/or CPU.

• Install an additional chassis fan to ensure better air ow when overclocking.

• 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.

Hyper-Threading Technology support

Windows® Server 2003 - Standard,
Enterprise

ASUS P5W 2-7

2.3.1 Installing the CPU

P5W

®

P5W CPU Socket 775

To install a CPU:

1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.

Before installing the CPU, make sure that the cam 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.

Retention tab

A

Load lever

B

This side of the socket box
should face you.

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.

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware information

PnP cap

4. Lift the load plate with your thumb

and forenger to a 100º angle (A),

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

Alignment key

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!

CPU notch

Gold triangle mark

B

A

Load plate

6. Close the load plate (A), then

A

push the load lever (B) until it
snaps into the retention tab.

7. If installing a dual-core CPU,
connect the chassis fan cable to

B

the PWR_FAN1/2 or
CHA_FAN1/2 connector to
ensure system stability.

The motherboard supports Intel® Pentium® 4 LGA775 processors with the
Intel® Enhanced Memory 64 Technology (EM64T), Enhanced Intel SpeedStep®
Technology (EIST), and Hyper-Threading Technology. Refer to the Appendix for
more information on these CPU features.

ASUS P5W 2-9

2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan

The Intel® Pentium® 4 LGA775 processor requires a specially designed heatsink
and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.

•

When you buy a boxed Intel® Pentium® 4 processor, the package
includes the 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® Pentium® 4 LGA775 heatsink and fan assembly comes in a
push-pin design and requires no tool to install.

•

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

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

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

Motherboard hole

Narrow end
of the groove

Make sure to orient each fastener with the narrow end of the groove pointing
outward. (The photo shows the groove shaded for emphasis.)

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Fastener

2. Push down two fasteners at a time

P5W DH DELUXE

®

P5W DH DELUXE CPU fan connector

CPU_FAN

GND

CPU FAN PWR

CPU FAN IN

CPU FAN PWM

in a diagonal sequence to secure
the heatsink and fan assembly in
place.

B

A

A

A

B

B

A

B

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.

ASUS P5W 2-11

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.

3. Pull up two fasteners at a time in
a diagonal sequence to disengage
the heatsink and fan assembly
from the motherboard.

A

B

A

A

B

B

A

B

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

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware information

5. Rotate each fastener clockwise to
ensure correct orientation when
reinstalling.

The narrow end of the groove
should point outward after
resetting. (The photo shows the
groove shaded for emphasis.)

Narrow end of the groove

Refer to the documentation in the boxed or stand-alone CPU fan package for
detailed information on CPU fan installation.

ASUS P5W 2-13

2.4 System memory

P5W

®

P5W 240-pin DDR2 DIMM sockets

DIMM_A2

DIMM_A1

DIMM_B2

DIMM_B1

2.4.1 Overview

The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory
Modules (DIMM) sockets.

A DDR2 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR DIMM but has a
240-pin footprint compared to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. DDR2 DIMMs are notched
differently to prevent installation on a DDR DIMM socket.

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

2.4.2 Memory congurations

You may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered ECC/non-ECC
DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.

• For dual-channel conguration, the total size of memory module(s) installed

per channel must be the same (DIMM_A1 + DIMM_A2 = DIMM_B1 +
DIMM_B2).

• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum
compatibility, it is recommended that you obtain memory modules from
the same vendor. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) for the latest

Qualied Vendors List.

• For dual-channel memory conguration, install the DIMMs in slots
DIMM_B1 and DIMM_A1 (orange slots); install another pair of DIMMs in

slots DIMM_B2 and DIMM_A2 (black slots).

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Important notice on installing Windows® XP 32-bit version

If you install Windows® XP 32-bit version Operating System (OS), the limitation
of this OS version is that it may reserve a certain amount of memory space for
system devices. We recommend that you install less than 3 GB system memory
if you would like to work under Windows® XP 32-bit version OS. The excess
memory installation will not cause any usage problem, but it will not give users

the benet of manipulating this excess memory space.

Visit the ASUS FAQ site for further
explanation:
http://support.asus.com/faq/faq.
aspx?SLanguage=en-us
Under General Search, make the
selections as shown, then click Search.
Click the article titled “4GB memory installed but less memory size
detected.”

You also may check the URLs below for third party comments on this issue:
http://dlsvr01.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/4GB_Rev1.pdf
http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/server/sb/cs-016594.htm

Notes on memory limitations

• Due to chipset limitation, this motherboard can only support up to
8 GB on the operating systems listed below. You may install a maximum of
2 GB DIMMs on each slot.

32-bit 64-bit

Windows® 2000 Advanced Server

Windows® Server 2003 Enterprise
Edition

Windows® Server 2003 Standard
x64 Edition

Windows® XP Professional x64
Enterprise Edition
Windows® Server 2003 Enterprise
x64 Edition

• Some old-version DDR2-667 DIMMs may not match Intel®’s
On-Die-Termination (ODT) requirement and will automatically downgrade
to run at DDR2-533. If this happens, contact your memory vendor to check
the ODT value.

• Due to chipset limitation, DDR2-667 with CL=4 will be downgraded to run
at DDR2-533 by default setting. If you want to operate with lower latency,
adjust the memory timing manually.

• Due to chipset limitation, DDR2-533 with CL=3 will be downgraded to run
at DDR2-400 by default setting. If you want to operate with lower latency,
adjust the memory timing manually.

ASUS P5W 2-15

Qualied Vendors Lists

DDR2-800

Size Vendor Chip No. Chip

512 MB KINGSTON Heat-Sink Package

512 MB KINGSTON K4T51083QC

1024 MB KINGSTON K4T51083QC

256 MB SAMSUNG K4T56083QF-ZCE7

256 MB SAMSUNG K4T56083QF-ZCE7(ECC)

512 MB SAMSUNG EDD339XX

512 MB Inneon HYB18T256800AF25

512 MB Hynix HY5PS12821AFP-S6

1024 MB Hynix HY5PS12821AFP-S6

512 MB MICRON 5JAIIZ9DQQ

1024 MB MICRON 5JAIIZ9DQQ

512 MB CORSAIR Heat-Sink Package

1024 MB CORSAIR Heat-Sink Package

256 MB A-DATA E2508AB-GE-E

256 MB A-DATA E2508AB-GE-E

256 MB A-DATA E2508AB-GE-E

512 MB A-DATA E2508AB-GE-E

256 MB Apacer E2508AB-GE-E

512 MB Apacer E2508AB-GE-E

512 MB Crucial Heat-Sink Package

1024 MB Crucial Heat-Sink Package

256 MB TwinMOS E2508AB-GE-E

512 MB OCZ Heat-Sink Package

512 MB Elixir N2TU51280AE-25C

512 MB NANYA NT5TU64M8AE-25C

512 MB NANYA NT5TU64M8BE-25C

1024 MB NANYA NT5TU64M8BE-25C – DS NT1GT64U8HB0BY-25C –

Side(s) Part No. CL DIMM socket

brand

–

SS KHX6400D2/512

–

SS KVR800D2N5/512

–

DS KVR800D2N5/1G

–

SS M378T3253FZ3-CE7

–

SS M391T3253FZ3-CE7

–

SS M378T6553CZ3-CE7

–

DS HYS64T64520HU-2.5-A

–

SS HYMP564U64AP8-S6

–

DS HYMP512U64AP8-S6

–

SS MT8HTF6464AY-80EA3

–

DS MT16HTF12864AY-80EA3

–

SS CM2X512A-6400

–

DS CM2X1024-6400PRO

–

SS M20EL6F3G3170A1D0Z

–

SS M20EL6F3G3160A1D0Z

–

SS M2OEL6F3G3160A1D0Z

–

DS M2OEL6F3H4170A1D0Z

–

SS 78.81091.420

–

DS 78.91091.420

–

SS BL6464AA804.8FA

–

DS BL12864AA804.16FA

–

SS 8G-24IK2-EBT

–

SS OCZ28001024EBDCPE-K

–

SS M2Y51264TU88A2B-25C

–

SS NT512T64U88A1BY-25C

–

SS NT512T64U88B0BY-25C

–

–

–

–

–

–

– • • •

–

–

– • • •

– • • •

–

– • • •

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

support

(Optional)

A* B* C*

• •

• •

• •

• •

• •

•

• •

•

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

DIMM support:

A - Supports one module inserted into either slot, in Single-channel memory conguration.

B - Supports one pair of modules inserted into either the orange slots or the black slots as

one pair of Dual-channel memory conguration.

C - Supports two pairs of modules inserted into both the orange and black slots as two pairs

of Dual-channel memory conguration.

Visit the ASUS website for the latest DDR2-800 with lower latency Qualied

Vendors List.

2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware information

DDR2-667

Size Vendor Chip No. Chip

512MB KINGSTON E5108AE-6E-E – SS K•R667D2N5/512 – • •

1024MB KINGSTON E5108AE-6E-E – DS K•R667D2N5/1G – • • •

512MB KINGSTON E5108AE-6E-E – SS K•R667D2E5/512 – • • •

256MB KINGSTON HYB18T256800AF3 – SS K•R667D2N5/256 – • • •

256MB SAMSUNG K4T56083QF-ZCE6 – SS M378T3253FZ0-CE6 – • • •

512MB SAMSUNG K4T56083QF-ZCE6 – DS M378T6453FZ0-CE6 – • • •

256MB SAMSUNG K4T56083QF-ZCE6(ECC) – SS M391T3253FZ0-CE6 – • •

512MB SAMSUNG K4T56083QF-ZCE6(ECC) – DS M391T6453FZ0-CE6 – •

256MB SAMSUNG K4T51163QC-ZCE6 – SS M378T3354CZ0-CE6 – • • •

512MB SAMSUNG ZCE6K4T51083QC – SS M378T6553CZ0-CE6 – •

1024MB SAMSUNG ZCE6K4T51083QC – DS M378T2953CZ0-CE6 – • • •

512MB MICRON 4•B41D9CZM – DS MT16HTF6464AY-667B4 – • •

256MB Inneon HYB18T512160AF-3S – SS HYS64T32000HU-3S-A – • • •

512MB Inneon HYB18T512800AF3S – SS HYS64T64000HU-3S-A – • •

1024MB Inneon HYB18T512800AF3S – DS HYS64T128020HU-3S-A – • • •

256MB Inneon HYB18T256800AF3S(ECC) – SS HYS72T32000HU-3S-A – • •

512MB Inneon HYB18T512800AF3S(ECC) – SS HYS72T64000HU-3S-A – • • •

1024MB Inneon HYB18T512800AF3S(ECC) – DS HYS72T128020HU-3S-A – • •

512MB Hynix HY5PS12821AFP-Y5 – SS HYMP564U64AP8-Y5 – • • •

1024MB Hynix HY5PS12821AFP-Y5 – DS HYMP512U64AP8-Y5 – • • •

1024MB Hynix HY5PS1G831FP-Y5(ECC) – SS HYMP112U72P8-Y5 – •

512MB Hynix HY5PS12821AFP-Y5(ECC) – SS HYMP564U72AP8-Y5 – • • •

1024MB Hynix HY5PS12821AFP-Y5(ECC) – DS HYMP512U72AP8-Y5 – • • •

512MB Hynix HY5PS12821AFP-Y4 – SS HYMP564U64AP8-Y4 – • • •

1024MB Hynix HY5PS12821AFP-Y4 – DS HYMP512U64AP8-Y4 – • • •

512MB Hynix HY5PS12821AFP-Y4(ECC) – SS HYMP564U72AP8-Y4 – • •

1024MB Hynix HY5PS12821AFP-Y4(ECC) – DS HYMP512U72AP8-Y4 – • •

256MB ELPIDA E2508AB-6E-E – SS EBE25UC8ABFA-6E-E – • •

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

1024MB ELPIDA Engineering Sample – DS EBE11UD8AEFA-6E-E – • •

512MB crucial Heat-Sink Package – DS BL6464AA664.16FB – • • •

1024MB crucial Heat-Sink Package – DS BL12864AA664.16FA – • •

512MB crucial Heat-Sink Package – DS BL6464AL664.16FB – • • •

1024MB crucial Heat-Sink Package – DS BL12864AL664.16FA – • • •

512MB crucial Heat-Sink Package – DS BL6464AA663.8FA – •

1024MB crucial Heat-Sink Package – DS BL12864AA663.16FA – • • •

512MB Kingmax E5108AE-6E-E – SS KLCC28F-A8EB5 – • •

1024MB Kingmax E5108AE-6E-E – DS KLCD48F-A8EB5 – • •

512MB Apacer E5108AE-6E-E – SS 78.91092.420 – •

1024MB Apacer E5108AE-6E-E – DS 78.01092.420 –

512MB A-DATA E5108AE-6E-E – SS M20EL5G3H3160B1C0Z – •

512MB TwinMOS E5108AE-GE-E – SS 8G-25JK5-EBT –

512MB GEIL Heat-Sink Package – SS GX21GB5300UDC –

(continued on the next page)

Side(s) Part No. CL DIMM socket

brand

support

(Optional)

A* B* C*

ASUS P5W 2-17

DDR2-667

Size Vendor Chip No. Chip

512MB GEIL Heat-Sink Package – SS GX21GB5300DC –

256MB NANYA NT5TU32M16AG-3C – SS NT256T64UH4A0FY-3C –

512MB NANYA NT5TU64M8AE-3C – SS NT512T64U88A0BY-3C –

512MB NANYA NT5TU64M8BE-3B – SS NT512T64U88B0BY-3C –

1024MB NANYA NT5TU64M8BE-3B – DS NT1GT64U8HB0BY-3C –

512MB Elixir N2TU51280AF-3C – SS M2U51264TU88A0F-3C –

1024MB Elixir N2TU51280AF-3C – DS M2U1G64TU8HA2F-3C –

512MB OCZ Heat-Sink Package – SS OCZ26671024EBDCPE-K –

1024MB OCZ Heat-Sink Package – DS OCZ26672048EBDCPE-K –

1024MB PQI E5108AE-5C-E – DS MEAD-403LA –

512MB WINTEC 4UAI2D9CRZ – SS 39127282 –

1024MB WINTEC 4WAIID9CWX – DS 39137282 –

512MB MDT 18D51280D-30518 – SS M512-667-8 –

1024MB MDT 18D51280D-30528 – DS M924-667-16 –

512MB Kingbox DD2640800-667 – SS – –

1024MB Kingbox DD2640800-667 – DS – –

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

DIMM support:

A - Supports one module inserted into either slot, in Single-channel memory conguration.

B - Supports one pair of modules inserted into either the orange slots or the black slots as

one pair of Dual-channel memory conguration.

C - Supports two pairs of modules inserted into both the orange and black slots as two pairs

of Dual-channel memory conguration.

Visit the ASUS website for the latest DDR2-667 with lower latency Qualied

Vendors List.

Side(s) Part No. CL DIMM socket

brand

support

(Optional)

A* B* C*

2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware information

DDR2-533

Size Vendor Chip No. Chip

256 MB KINGSTON E5116AF-5C-E – SS KVR533D2N4/256 –

512 MB KINGSTON HYB18T512800AF37 – SS KVR533D2N4/512 – • • •

1024 MB KINGSTON 5YDIID9GCT – DS KVR533D2N4/1G – • • •

512 MB SAMSUNG K4T51083QB-GCD5 – SS M378T6553BG0-CD5 – •

256 MB SAMSUNG K4T56083QF-GCD5 – SS M378T3253FG0-CD5 – • •

512 MB SAMSUNG K4T56083QF-GCD5 – DS M378T6453FG0-CD5 –

512 MB SAMSUNG K4T56083QF-GCD5(ECC) – DS M391T6453FG0-CD5 – •

1024 MB SAMSUNG K4T51083QB-GCD5(ECC) – DS M391T2953BG0-CD5 – •

256 MB MICRON 4DBIIZ9BQT – SS N/A – • •

512 MB Inneon HYB18T512800AF3(ECC) – SS HYS72T64000HU-3.7-A –

512 MB Inneon HYB18T512800AC37 – SS HYS64T64000GU-3.7-A – • • •

256 MB Inneon HYB18T512160AF-3.7 – SS HYS64T32000HU-3.7-A – • • •

512 MB Inneon HYB18T512800AF37 – SS HYS64T64000HU-3.7-A – • • •

1024 MB Inneon HYB18T512800AF37 – DS HYS64T128020HU-3.7-A – • • •

2048 MB Inneon HYB18T1G800AF-3.7 – DS HYS64T256020HU-3.7-A –

256 MB Inneon HYB18T5121608BF-3.7 – SS HYS64T32000HU-3.7-B – • •

512 MB Inneon HYB18T512800BF37 – SS HYS64T64000HU-3.7-B – • •

1024 MB Inneon HYB18T512800BF37 – DS HYS64T128020HU-3.7-B –

512 MB Hynix HY5PS12821F-C4 – SS HYMP564U648-C4 – • •

512 MB Hynix HY5PS12821F-C4(ECC) – SS HYMP564U728-C4 –

1024 MB Hynix HY5PS12821F-C4 – DS HYMP512U648-C4 – • • •

1024 MB Hynix HY5PS12821F-C4(ECC) – DS HYMP512U728-C4 – • •

1024 MB Hynix HY5PS12821F-E3(ECC) – DS HYMP512U728-C4 –

512 MB Hynix HY5PS12821FP-C4(ECC) – SS HYMP564U728-C4 – • • •

1024 MB Hynix HY5PS12821FP-C4 – DS HYMP512U648-C4 –

512 MB Hynix HY5PS12821AFP-C3 – SS HYMP564U64AP8-C3 – • • •

1024 MB Hynix HY5PS12821AFP-C3 – DS HYMP512U64AP8-C3 – •

512 MB ELPIDA E5108AB-5C-E(ECC) – SS EBE51ED8ABFA-5C-E – • • •

512 MB ELPIDA E5108AB-5C-E – SS EBE51UD8ABFA-5C – • •

512 MB ELPIDA E5108AB-5C-E – SS EBE51UD8ABFA-5C-E – • • •

1024 MB ELPIDA E5108AB-5C-E – DS EBE11UD8ABFA-5C-E –

2048 MB ELPIDA E1108AA-5C-E – DS EBE21EE8AAFA-5C-E –

256 MB CORSAIR MIII0051832M8CEC – SS VS256MB533D2 –

512 MB CORSAIR MI110052432M8CEC – DS VS512MB533D2 –

256 MB Apacer E5116AB-5C-E – SS 78.81077.420 – • • •

256 MB KINGMAX E5116AB-5C-E – SS KLBB68F-36EP4 – • •

512 MB KINGMAX E5108AE-5C-E – SS KLBC28F-A8EB4 – •

1024 MB KINGMAX E5108AE-5C-E – DS KLBD48F-A8EB4 – • •

512 MB KINGMAX KKEA88E4AAK-37 – SS KLBC28F-A8KE4 – • •

1024 MB KINGMAX 5MB22D9DCN – DS KLBD48F-A8ME4 – •

512 MB Transcend K4T51083QB-GCD5 – SS TS64MLQ64V5J – •

1024 MB Transcend K4T51083QB-GCD5 – DS TS128MLQ64V5J – • •

256 MB CENTURY K4T56083QF-GCD5 – SS 25V6S8SSD5F4-K43 –

512 MB CENTURY E5108AB-5C-E – SS 25V2H8EL5CB4-J43 –

1024 MB CENTURY E5108AB-5C-E – DS 25V0H8EL5CB4-J45 –

1024 MB CENTURY E5108AB-5C-E – DS 25VOH8EL5C –

256 MB elixir N2TU51216AF-37B – SS M2U25664TUH4A0F-37B –

512 MB elixir N2TU51280AF-37B – SS M2U51264TU88A0F-37B –

256 MB Aeneon AET960UD00-37C88X – SS AET560UD00-370A98X –

Side(s) Part No. CL DIMM socket

brand

support

(Optional)

A* B* C*

(continued on the next page)

ASUS P5W 2-19

DDR2-533

Size Vendor Chip No. Model Side(s) Part No. CL DIMM socket

512 MB Aeneon AET960UD00-37C88X – SS AET660UD00-370A98X –

512 MB Aeneon AET93F370AG0513 – SS AET660UD00-370A98X –

256 MB Aeneon AET94F370A – SS AET560UD00-370A98Z –

256 MB Aeneon AET94F370A – SS AET560UD00-370A98X –

512 MB Aeneon AET93F370A – SS AET660UD00-370A98Z –

512 MB Aeneon AET93F370A – SS AET660UD00-370A98X –

512 MB Aeneon AET93F370 – SS AET660UD00-370A98X –

1024 MB Aeneon AET93F370A – DS AET760UD00-370A98X –

256 MB NANYA NT5TU32M16AF-37B – SS NT256T64UH4A0F-37B –

512 MB NANYA NT5TU64M8AF-37B – SS NT512T64U88A0F-37B –

512 MB NANYA NT5TU64M8AF-37B(ECC) – SS NT512T72U89A0F-37B –

1024 MB NANYA NT5TU64M8AF-37B – DS NT1GT64U8HA0F-37B –

1024 MB PQI 64MX8D2-E – DS MEAB-323LA –

512 MB PQI 64MX8D2-E – SS MEAB-423LA –

512 MB TwinMOS K4T51083QB-GCD5 – SS 8D-22JB5-K2T –

256 MB SimpleTech 858S032F25A – SS SVM-42DR2/256 –

512 MB SimpleTech 858S064F25A – SS SVM-42DR2/512 –

1024 MB Patriot Heat-Sink Package – SS PDC21G5600+XBLK –

512 MB MDT 18D51280D-3.70S20 – SS M512-533-8 –

1024 MB MDT 18D51280D-3.70448 – DS M924-533-16 –

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

DIMM support:

A - Supports one module inserted into either slot, in Single-channel memory conguration.

B - Supports one pair of modules inserted into either the orange slots or the black slots as

one pair of Dual-channel memory conguration.

C - Supports two pairs of modules inserted into both the orange and black slots as two pairs

of Dual-channel memory conguration.

support

(Optional)

A* B* C*

Visit the ASUS website for the latest DDR2-533 with lower latency Qualied

Vendors List.

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.4.3 Installing a DIMM

Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other
system components. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the
motherboard and the components.

To install a DIMM:

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

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

1

socket.

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

• 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.

• The DDR2 DIMM sockets do not support DDR DIMMs. Do not install DDR
DIMMs to the DDR2 DIMM sockets.

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM

To remove a DIMM:

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

3

DDR2 DIMM notch

Unlocked retaining clip

2

2

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

DDR2 DIMM notch

1

2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.

ASUS P5W 2-21

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 the it by adjusting the software

settings.

1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See
Chapter 4 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.

2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments

IRQ Priority Standard function

0 1 System Timer

1 2

2 – Redirect to IRQ#9

3 11 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*

4 12 Communications Port (COM1)*

5 13 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*

6 14 Floppy Disk Controller

7 15 Printer Port (LPT1)*

8 6 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 Primary IDE Channel

15 10 Secondary IDE Channel

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

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

PCI slot 1 – – – – shared – –
PCI slot 2 – – – – – – shared –
PCI slot 3 – – – – – – – shared
Onboard IDE (JMicron®) – shared – – – – – –
Onboard 1394 – – – – – shared – –
Onboard LAN1 – – – shared – – – –
Onboard LAN2 shared – – – – – – –
PCIE x16 1 shared – – – – – – –
PCIE x16 2 shared – – – – – – –
PCIE x1 shared – – – – – – –
PCIE x1 – – shared – – – – –
USB controller 1 – – – – shared – – –
USB controller 2 – shared – – – – – –
USB controller 3 – – shared – – – – –
USB controller 4 – – – shared – – – –
USB 2.0 controller – – – – shared – – –
Serial ATA – – – – – – – shared
IDE – – – – – – shared –
HD Audio – – – shared – – – –

Keyboard Controller

A B C D E F G H

ASUS P5W 2-23

2.5.4 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. The gure shows a LAN

card installed on a PCI slot.

2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slot

This motherboard supports PCI Express
x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other
cards that comply with the PCI Express

specications. The following gure

shows a network card installed on the
PCI Express x1 slot.

2.5.6 Two PCI Express x16 slots

This motherboard supports two ATI
CrossFire™ PCI Express x16 graphics
cards that comply with the PCI Express

specications.

The gure shows two graphics cards

installed on the PCI Express x16 slots.

See Chapter 6 for details on the
CrossFire™ technology feature.

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information

• We recommend that you install a graphics card on the primary (orange)
PCI Express slot and install other PCI Express devices on the black PCI
Express x16 slot.

• In CrossFire™ mode, each PCI Express x16 slot works at x8 bandwidth.

• In CrossFire™ mode, install the ATI CrossFire™ Edition (Master) graphics
card on the primary (orange) PCI Express slot.

• Refer to the table below for possible PCI Express Card congurations.

PCI Express x16 slot congurations

PCIEX16_1 (orange) slot PCIEX16_2 (black) slot

Card type Speed Card type Speed

Non-CrossFire™

mode

PCIe x16 graphics card x16 NA NA

PCIe x16 graphics card x8 Other PCIe x16

PCIe x16 graphics card x8 Other PCIe card x8, x4, x1**

graphics card

x8** (dual

screen)

Dual
graphics cards
in CrossFire™

mode*

ASUS P5W 2-25

ATI® CrossFire™ Edition

graphics card

* Install two ATI graphics cards from the same GPU family that support

CrossFire™ mode.

** The speed of the primary PCIe x16 slot (PCIEX16_1) changes to x8 mode

after you install any device in the secondary PCIe x16 (PCIEX16_2) slot.

x8 ATI graphics card x8

2.6 Jumpers

P5W

®

P5W Clear RTC RAM

CLRTC

Normal Clear RTC

(Default)

1 2 2 3

1. Clear RTC RAM (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. Remove the onboard battery.

3. 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.

4. Reinstall the battery.

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

6. 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!

You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking.
For system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
feature. Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS can automatically reset
parameter settings to default values.

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2. ASUS EZ-Backup RAID mode selection (RAID_SEL)

P5W

®

P5W RAID Setting

RAID_SEL

RAID1

(Default)

1

BIG

mode1[Fast mode]

1

RAID0

[Safe mode]

This jumper allows you to select the ASUS EZ-Backup RAID mode. Keeping
the default setting RAID 1 allows you to build a RAID 1 set without any
jumper or BIOS setting. Install the ASUS EZ-Backup Manager utility from the
support CD and install two Serial ATA hard disk drives on the EZ_RAID1 and
EZ_RAID2 connectors on the motherboard, and you are ready to mirror your
data.

For detailed information about ASUS EZ-Backup, see section “5.4.4 Silicon
Image® RAID conguration.”

ASUS P5W 2-27

2.7 Connectors

1

16

4 2 3 5 6

12 10 11 13 14 15

8 9 7

2.7.1 Rear panel connectors

1. PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse.

2. Serial port.

devices.

3. IEEE 1394a port.

connectivity for audio/video devices, storage peripherals, PCs, or portable
devices.

4. LAN1 (RJ-45) port.

Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. Refer to the table below
for the LAN port LED indications.

5. LAN2 (RJ-45) port.

Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. Refer to the table below
for the LAN port LED indications.

This 9-pin COM1 port is for pointing devices or other serial

The 6-pin IEEE 1394a port provides high-speed

This Marvell® LAN port allows Gigabit connection to a

This Marvell® LAN port allows Gigabit connection to a

LAN port LED indications

LED

LAN port

SPEED

LED

Activity/Link Speed LED
Status Description Status Description

OFF No link OFF 10 Mbps connection

ORANGE Linked ORANGE 100 Mbps connection

BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1 Gbps connection

ACT/LINK

6. Center/Subwoofer port (yellow orange). This port connects the center/

subwoofer speakers.

7. Rear Speaker Out port (black).

This port connects the rear speakers in

a 4/8-channel audio conguration, and the side speakers in a 6-channel
conguration.

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware information

8. Line In port (light blue). This port connects a 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 Headset

2-channel

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

Gray – – – Side Speaker Out

Black – Rear Speaker Out Side Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out

Orange – – Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer

12. USB 2.0 ports 1, 2, 3 and 4.

4-channel 6-channel 8-channel

These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports
are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4 support
S5 wake-up by USB. For the location of these ports, see page 2-4.

13. External SATA port.

This port connects to an external SATA box or a Serial

ATA port multiplier.

The external SATA port supports
external Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s devices.
Longer cables support higher power
requirements to deliver signal up
to two meters away, and enables
improved hot-swap function.

ASUS P5W 2-29

14. Optical S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device

via an optical S/PDIF cable.

15. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port.

This port connects an external audio output device

via a coaxial S/PDIF cable.

16. PS/2 keyboard port (purple).

The following items are only for the optional Wireless LAN module.

This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.7.2 Internal connectors

P5W

®

P5W Floppy disk drive connector

NOTE: Orient the red markings on

the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1.

PIN 1

FLOPPY

P5W

®

P5W IDE connector

NOTE: Orient the red markings

(usually zigzag) on the IDE
ribbon cable to PIN 1.

PRI_EIDE

PIN 1

1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)

This connector is for the provided oppy disk drive (FDD) signal cable. Insert

one end of the cable to this connector, then connect the other end to the

signal connector at the back of the oppy disk drive.

Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable connection when
using a FDD cable with a covered Pin 5.

2. JMicron® IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_EIDE [black])

This connector is for Ultra ATA 133/100/66 signal cables. The JMicron® IDE
connector supports up to two IDE hard disk drives for easier data storage.

This connector does not support ATAPI devices.

ASUS P5W 2-31

3. Intel® ICH7R IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)

P5W

®

P5W IDE connector

NOTE: Orient the red markings

(usually zigzag) on the IDE
ribbon cable to PIN 1.

PRI_IDE

The onboard IDE connector is for the Ultra DMA (133/)100/66 signal cable.
There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable:
blue, black, and gray. Connect the blue connector to the motherboard’s IDE

connector, then select one of the following modes to congure your device.

• Pin 20 on the IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole on the
Ultra DMA cable connector. This prevents incorrect insertion when you
connect the IDE cable.

• Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for Ultra DMA 100/66 IDE devices.

• Install devices on this connector (PRI_IDE) rst, then install on the

JMicron® IDE connector, PRI_EIDE (see item #2 on the previous page for
the location of the PRI_EIDE connector .

Drive jumper setting Mode of

Cable connector

device(s)

Single device Cable-Select or Master - Black

Two devices Cable-Select Master

Black

Slave Gray

Master Master Black or gray

Slave Slave

If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select,” make sure all other device
jumpers have the same setting.

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware information

4. Intel® ICH7R Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1 [red],

P5W

®

P5W SATA connectors

SATA1

GND

RSATA_TXP3

RSATA_TXN3

GND

RSATA_RXP3

RSATA_RXN3

GND

GND

RSATA_TXP1

RSATA_TXN1

GND

RSATA_RXP1

RSATA_RXN1

GND

SATA3

GND

RSATA_TXP4

RSATA_TXN4

GND

RSATA_RXP4

RSATA_RXN4

GND

SATA4

SATA3 [black], SATA4 [black], )

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

If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, RAID 1,

and RAID 5 conguration with the Intel® Matrix Storage Technology through

the onboard Intel® ICH7R RAID controller. You may create a RAID 10 set

through a cross-RAID conguration with the onboard Intel® ICH7R RAID

controller and ASUS EZ-Backup. Refer to Chapter 5 for details on how to set

up Serial ATA RAID congurations.

•

These connectors are set to Standard IDE mode by default. In Standard
IDE mode, you can connect Serial ATA boot/data hard disk drives to these
connectors. If you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these

connectors, set the Congure SATA As item in the BIOS to [RAID]. See
section “4.3.6 IDE Conguration” for details.

•

For RAID 5, use at least three hard disk drives.

•

For RAID 10 (cross-RAID conguration), use three hard disk drives on

these connectors, and one hard disk drive on EZ_RAID1. See section

“5.4.5 Cross-RAID conguration” for details.

• Use two Serial ATA hard disk drives for each RAID 0 or RAID 1 set.

ASUS P5W 2-33

Important notes on Serial ATA

•

You must install Windows® 2000 Service Pack 4 or the Windows® XP
Service Pack 1 before using Serial ATA hard disk drives. The Serial ATA
RAID feature (RAID 0/RAID 1/RAID 5/RAID 10) is available only if you are
using Windows® 2000/XP/Server 2003 or later version.

•

When using the connectors in Standard IDE mode, connect the primary
(boot) hard disk drive to the SATA1 connector.

P5W

®

P5W SATA RAID connector

SATA_RAID1

GND

RSATA_TXP2

RSATA_TXN2

GND

RSATA_RXP2

RSATA_RXN2

GND

•

To build RAID 1, we recommend that you install the hard disk drives on
the ASUS EZ-Backup connectors (EZ_RAID1 and EZ_RAID2) to enjoy the

instant setup; otherwise, you may also install on the ICH7R connectors.

• You may install an extra hard disk drive on.the JMicron Serial ATA
connector after using up the Intel® ICH7R and ASUS EZ-Backup
connectors

Serial ATA hard disk drive connection

Connector Color Setting Use

SATA1 Red Master Boot disk

SATA 3/SATA4 Black Slave Data disk

5. JMicron® JMB363 Serial ATA connector (7-pin SATA_RAID1 [black])

This connector is for a Serial ATA signal cable for a Serial ATA hard disk drive

that you can combine with an external Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s device to congure

a RAID 0, and RAID 1 set through the onboard Jmicron® JMB363 SATA RAID
controller. Refer to Chapter 5 for details on how to set up Serial ATA RAID

congurations.

The JMicron® JMB363 Controller item in the BIOS is set to [Basic] by default,
allowing you to enable the hot-plug function for the external device. Set to [Raid]
to use the connector to build a RAID set. See section “4.4.6 Onboard Device

Conguration” for details.

2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware information

6. ASUS EZ-Backup Serial ATA connectors

P5W

®

P5W EZ_RAID connectors

EZ_RAID1

GND

RSATA_TXP2

RSATA_TXN2

GND

RSATA_RXP2

RSATA_RXN2

GND

GND

RSATA_TXP1

RSATA_TXN1

GND

RSATA_RXP1

RSATA_RXN1

GND

EZ_RAID2

P5W

®

P5W Internal audio connector

CD

Right Audio Channel

Left Audio Channel

Ground

Ground

(7-pin EZ_RAID1 [orange], EZ_RAID2 [orange])

These connectors are for the ASUS EZ-Backup feature. Connect Serial
ATA signal cables that support Serial ATA hard disk drives to build a RAID
0 or RAID 1 set easily. Refer to Chapter 5 for details on how to build an
EZ-Backup RAID set.

You may create a RAID 10 set through a cross-RAID conguration by installing

three hard disk drives on the ICH7R Serial ATA connectors, and one hard disk

drive on EZ_RAID1. See section “5.4.5 Cross-RAID conguration for details.

7. Internal audio connector (4-pin CD)

This connector allows you to receive stereo audio input from a CD-ROM.

ASUS P5W 2-35

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

P5W

®

P5W Analog front panel connector

AAFP

Legacy AC ‘97 audio
pin definition

SENSE2_RETUR

PORT1 L

PORT2 R

PORT2 L

SENSE1_RETUR

SENSE_SEND

PORT1 RPRESENCE#

GND

NC

MIC2_L

Line out_R

Line out_L

NC

NC

MIC2_RNC

AGND

HD Audio-compliant
pin definition

This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that
supports either HD Audio or legacy AC’97 audio standard.

• We recommend that you connect a high-denition front panel audio module
to this connector to avail the motherboard high-denition audio capability.

• By default, this connector is set to HD Audio. If you want to connect a
legacy AC `97 front panel audio module to this connector, set the Front
Panel Support Type item in the BIOS Setup to [AC97]. See page 4-28 for
details.

2-36 Chapter 2: Hardware information

9. USB connector (10-1 pin USB56, USB78)

P5W

®

P5W USB 2.0 connectors

USB56

USB+5V

USB_P6-

USB_P6+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P5-

USB_P5+

GND

1

USB78

USB+5V

USB_P8-

USB_P8+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P7-

USB_P7+

GND

1

P5W

®

P5W IEEE 1394a connector

IE1394_1

1

GND

+12V

TPB1-

GND

TPA1-

+12V

TPB1+

GND

TPA1+

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

Only USB34 on the rear panel can support S5 wake-up by keyboard/mouse
function.

10. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_1 [Red])

This connector is for an additional IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IEEE 1394a
module cable (red) to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening
at the back of the system chassis.

Never connect a USB port module cable to the IEEE 1394 connector. Doing so
will damage the motherboard!

ASUS P5W 2-37

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

P5W

®

P5W Fan connectors

CPU_FAN

CHA_FAN1

PWR_FAN2

GND

Rotation

+12V

CPU_FAN

CHA_FAN2

PWR_FAN2

CHA_FAN1

GND

Rotation

+12V

GND

CPU FAN PWR

CPU FAN IN

CPU FAN PWM

GND

Rotation

+12V

PWR_FAN1

PWR_FAN1

CHA_FAN2

GND

Rotation

+12V

P5W

®

P5W Chassis intrusion connector

CHASSIS

+5VSB_MB

Chassis Signal

GND

(Default)

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 pins 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.

12. CPU, Chassis, and Power Fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin
PWR_FAN1, 3-pin PWR_FAN2, 3-pin CHA_FAN1, 3-pin CHA_FAN2)

The fan connectors support cooling fans of 2A (24W 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.

2-38 Chapter 2: Hardware information

For the side
chassis

For the front
chassis

For the rear
chassis

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!

If you install two VGA cards, we recommend that you plug the rear chassis fan
cable to the motherboard connector labeled PWR_FAN1 or PWR_FAN2 for
better thermal environment.

Suggestions for installing the chassis fan:

• If you install a fan at the back of the chassis, plug the fan cable to
PWR_FAN2 or PWR_FAN1.

• If you install a fan on the side of the chassis, plug the fan cable to
CHA_FAN1.

• If you install a fan in front of the chassis, plug the fan cable to CHA_FAN2.

ASUS P5W 2-39

13. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V)

P5W

®

P5W ATX power connectors

EATXPWRATX12V

+3 Volts
+3 Volts
Ground
+5 Volts

+5 Volts

Ground

Ground
Power OK
+5V Standby
+12 Volts

-5 Volts

+5 Volts

+3 Volts

-12 Volts
Ground

Ground

Ground

PSON#

Ground

+5 Volts

+12 Volts
+3 Volts

+5 Volts

Ground

+12V DC GND

+12V DC GND

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.

Important notes on motherboard power requirements

•

For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply
unit (PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specication 2.0 (or later version)

and provides a minimum power of 400 W.

•

Do not forget to connect the 4-pin EATX12 V power plug; otherwise, the

system will not boot up.

•

To support an Intel® Dual-Core CPU up to 965 Extreme Edition, make sure
that the PSU can provide at least DC 16A (peak 22A) on the +12V_2 lead.
The vendors list on the next page is provided for your reference

2-40 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Power Supply Unit reference vendors list

Vendor Model Max. Power (W)

FSP 400-60THN 400

Seasonic SS-600HT 600

Seasonic SS-400FT 400

Acbel ATX-550CA-AB8FM 550

THERMALTAKE HPC-420-302 DF 400

AUSU S-30EP 300

Bestec ATX0400D5W 400

Silverstone SST ST56ZF 560

Enermax Eg701AX-VE 600

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. Refer to the Power wattage
tables below and on the next page for details.

Power wattage

Loading Heavy Normal Light

CPU Extreme Edition 965 Prescott 672 Conroe E6700

DDR2 800 1G*4 1G*2 512M*2

VGA ATI 1900XTX*2 NVIDIA 6800GTX*1 NVIDIA 6600*1

HDD IDE*2 IDE*1 IDE*1

SATA*5 SATA*3 SATA*2

CD-ROM 2 2 1

USB 7 6 4

PCI-E 1 1 1

PCI 2 2 1

Wi-Fi AP Solo™ Enabled Enabled Enabled

DH Remote Enabled Enabled Enabled

Required +12V
current

Required wattage >=525W >=300W >=160W

+12V-V2 +12V-V1 +12V-V2 +12V-V1 +12V-V2 +12V-V1

>12A >18A >12A >8A >12A >6A

ASUS P5W 2-41

14. System panel connector (20-pin PANEL)

P5W

®

P5W System panel connector

* Requires an ATX power supply.

PANEL

PLED-

PWR

+5V

Speaker

Ground

RESET

Ground

Reset

Ground

Ground

PWRSW

PLED+

IDE_LED-

IDE_LED+

IDE_LED

PLED SPEAKER

This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

•

System power LED (2-pin PLED)

This 3-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.

2-42 Chapter 2: Hardware information

ASUS Q-Connector (system panel)

You can use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect chassis front panel
cables in a few steps. Refer to the instructions below to install the ASUS Q­Connector.

1. Connect the front panel cables to the
ASUS Q-Connector.

Refer to the labels on the Q-Connector

to know the detailed pin denitions, then

match them to the respective front panel
cable labels.

2. Install the ASUS Q-Connector to the
system panel connector, making sure
the orientation matches the labels on the
motherboard.

3. The front panel functions are now enabled.

The gure shows the Q-Connector properly

installed on the motherboard.

ASUS P5W 2-43

2-44 Chapter 2: Hardware information

This chapter describes the power up
sequence, the vocal POST messages,
and ways of shutting down the system.

Powering up

3

Chapter summary

3

3.1 Starting up for the rst time ........................................................ 3-1

3.2 Turning off the computer .............................................................

3-2

ASUS P5W

3.1 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 withATX 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

Beep Description Error

One beep Keyboard controller error

Two continuous beeps followed by two short
beeps

Two continuous beeps followed by four short
beeps

7. At power on, hold down the <Delete> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the
instructions in Chapter 4.

ASUS P5W 3-1

Refresh Time error
No master drive detected

Floppy controller failure

Hardware component failure

3.2 Turning off the computer

3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function

If you are using Windows® 2000:

1. Click the Start button then click Shut Down...

2. Make sure that the Shut Down option button is selected, then click the OK
button to shut down the computer.

®

3. The power supply should turn off after Windows

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

3.2.2 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 “4.5 Power Menu”
in Chapter 4 for details.

shuts down.

®

shuts down.

3-2 Chapter 3: Powering up

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

4

Chapter summary

4

4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 4-1

4.2 BIOS setup program ..................................................................

4.3 Main menu ..................................................................................

4.4 Advanced menu .........................................................................

4.5 Power menu ................................................................................

4.6 Boot menu ..................................................................................

4.7 Tools menu .................................................................................

4.8 Exit menu ....................................................................................

4-10

4-13

4-18

4-32

4-38

4-43

4-46

ASUS P5W

4.1 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.)

ASUS EZ Flash 2 (Updates the BIOS in DOS using a oppy disk/USB ash

2.
disk, or the motherboard support CD.)

ASUS AFUDOS (Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a bootable oppy

3.
disk.)

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 (Updates the BIOS using a bootable oppy disk/

4.

USB ash disk or the motherboard support CD 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 in

case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard
BIOS using the ASUS Update or AFUDOS utilities.

4.1.1 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 CD 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 CD in the optical drive. The Drivers menu appears.

2. Click the
screen menu.

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

ASUS P5W 4-1

Utilities tab, then click ASUS Update. See page 5-3 for the Utilities

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
> Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update main
window appears.

®

desktop by clicking Start

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

4-2 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest

you to avoid network trafc, or

click Auto Select. Click Next.

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

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

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

®

desktop by clicking Start

3. Locate the BIOS le from the Open

window, then click Save.

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

ASUS P5W 4-3

4.1.2 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. Windows

XP users: Select Create an MS-DOS startup disk from the

format options eld, then click Start.

Windows® 2000 environment

To create a set of boot disks for Windows® 2000:

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

b. Insert the Windows

c. Click

Start, then select Run.

d. In the Open eld, type

assuming that D is your optical drive letter.

e. Press <Enter>, then follow screen instructions to continue.

format A:/S then press <Enter>.

®

2000 CD to the optical drive.

D:\bootdisk\makeboot a:

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

disk.

4-4 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.1.3 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.

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

(1)

oppy disk drive or the USB port.

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

FLASH TYPE: Winbond W39V080A 8Mb LPC

PATH: C:\

(2) Enter BIOS setup program. Go to the

ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility B312

Current ROM

BOARD: P5W
VER: 0014
DATE: 05/19/2006

A:

C:

Note

[Enter] Select [S] Save [ESC] Exit

[Tab] Switch [Up/Down/Home/End] Move

[0100]

WIN98SE <DIR>

NETTERM <DIR>
DRIVERS <DIR>
RECYCLED <DIR>
WUTEMP <DIR>
NEWFOL~1 <DIR>
INSTALL <DIR>
TEST_REB <DIR>

MSDOWNLD.TMP

Update ROM

BOARD: Unknown
VER: Unknown
DATE: Unknown

<DIR>

Tools menu to select EZ Flash2

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 USB ash disk, hard disk, or
oppy disk with FAT 32/16/12 format only.

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

ASUS P5W 4-5

4.1.4 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.

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 1.2
MB 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 CD 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 le name 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.

4-6 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

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.

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 CD 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 /iP5W.rom

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

A:\>afudos /iP5W.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!

ASUS P5W 4-7

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 /iP5W.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:\>

4-8 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.1.5 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 CD, the oppy disk, or
the USB ash disk that contains the updated BIOS le.

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

containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility.

Recovering the BIOS from the support CD

To recover the BIOS from the support CD:

1. Turn on the system.

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

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

for the BIOS le.

BIOS ROM checksum error
Detecting IDE ATAPI device...

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.

Recovering the BIOS from a oppy/USB ash disk

To recover the BIOS from a oppy/USB ash disk:

1. Download the latest BIOS from the ASUS website (www.asus.com). Rename

the BIOS le as

P5WDH.ROM

.

2. Insert the oppy/USB ash disk that contains BIOS le to the FDD/USB port.

3. Turn on the system.

4. 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.

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

• Only the USB ash disk with FAT 32/16/12 format and single partition can
support ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3. The device size should be smaller than

8GB.

• Flash time takes around one (1) minute.

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

ASUS P5W 4-9

4.2 BIOS setup program

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

using the provided utility described in section

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 or the
rmware hub.

The rmware hub 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>+<Del>, 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.

“4.1 Managing and updating your

• 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 “4.8 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.

4-10 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.2.1 BIOS menu screen

Menu bar

System Time [06:22:54]
System Date [Fri 05/04/2006]
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in]
Language [English]

Primary IDE Master [ST320413A]
Primary IDE Slave [ASUS CD-S520/A]
Third IDE Master [Not Detected]
Third IDE Slave [Not Detected]
Fourth IDE Master [Not Detected]
Fourth IDE Slave [Not Detected]
IDE Conguration

System Information

Sub-menu items

Conguration eldsMenu items

General help

Use [ENTER], [TAB],
or [SHIFT-TAB] to
select a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to
congure system.

Navigation keys

4.2.2 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

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.

4.2.3 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.

ASUS P5W 4-11

4.2.4 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 05/04/2006]
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in]
Language [English]

Primary IDE Master [ST320413A]
Primary IDE Slave [ASUS CD-S520/A]
Third IDE Master [Not Detected]
Third IDE Slave [Not Detected]
Fourth IDE Master [Not Detected]
Fourth IDE Slave [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.

4.2.5 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>.

4.2.6 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 “4.2.7 Pop-up window.”

4.2.7 Pop-up window

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

conguration options for that item.

4.2.8 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.

4.2.9 General help

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

4-12 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

Pop-up window

Scroll bar

4.3 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 “4.2.1 BIOS menu screen” for information on the menu screen
items and how to navigate through them.

System Time [06:22:54]
System Date [Fri 05/04/2006]
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in]
Language [English]

Primary IDE Master [ST320413A]
Primary IDE Slave [ASUS CD-S520/A]
Third IDE Master [Not Detected]
Third IDE Slave [Not Detected]
Fourth IDE Master [Not Detected]
Fourth IDE Slave [Not Detected]
IDE Conguration

System Information

Use [ENTER], [TAB],
or [SHIFT-TAB] to
select a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to
congure system.

4.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx]

Allows you to set the system time.

4.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]

Allows you to set the system date.

4.3.3 Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]

Sets the type of oppy drive installed. Conguration options: [Disabled]
[360K, 5.25 in.] [1.2M , 5.25 in.] [720K , 3.5 in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.] [2.88M, 3.5 in.]

4.3.4 Language [English]

Allows you to choose the BIOS language version from the options.
Conguration options: [English] [Français] [Deutsch] [Japanese]
[Chinese (GB)] [Chinese BIG5]

ASUS P5W 4-13

4.3.5 Primary, Third, and Fourth IDE Master/Slave

The BIOS automatically detects the connected 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.

Primary IDE Master

Device : Hard Disk
Vendor : ST320413A
Size : 20.0GB
LBA Mode : Supported
Block Mode : 16 Sectors
PIO Mode : 4
Async DMA : MultiWord DMA-2
Ultra DMA : Ultra DMA-5
SMART Monitoring: Supported

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

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

N/A if no IDE device is installed in the system.

Type [Auto]

Selects the type of IDE drive. Setting to [Auto] allows automatic selection of the

appropriate IDE device type. Select [CDROM] if you are specically conguring a

CD-ROM drive. Select [ARMD] (ATAPI Removable Media Device) if your device is
either a ZIP, LS-120, or MO drive.

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

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]

Block (Multi-sector Transfer) [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]

4-14 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

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]

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]

4.3.6 IDE Conguration

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

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

congure the item.

IDE Conguration

Congure SATA As [Standard IDE]
Onboard IDE Operate Mode [Enhanced Mode]
Enhanced Mode Support On [S-ATA]

IDE Detect Time Out (Sec) [35]

When in AHCI/
RAID mode SATA
controller is
forced to Native
mode.

Congure SATA As [Standard IDE]

Sets the conguration for the Serial ATA connectors supported by the Southbridge

chip.

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.

If you want to create a RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, or the Intel

Storage Technology conguration from the Serial ATA hard disk drives, set this item

to [RAID].

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

If you want the Serial ATA hard disk drives to use the Advanced Host Controller
Interface (AHCI), set this item to [AHCI].

ASUS P5W 4-15

®

Matrix

For details on AHCI, go to:
www.intel.com/support/chipsets/imst/sb/CS-012304.htm
www.intel.com/support/chipsets/imst/sb/CS-012305.htm

The SATA controller is set to Native mode when this item is set to [RAID] or [AHCI]

The Onboard IDE Operate Mode and sub-menu items appear only when the

Congure SATA As item is set to [Standard IDE].

Onboard IDE Operate Mode [Enhanced Mode]

Allows selection of the IDE operation mode depending on the installed operating
system (OS). Set to [Enhanced Mode] if you are using native OS including
Windows® 2000/XP or later version. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Compatible
Mode] [Enhanced Mode]

If you are using a Serial ATA optical drive, set this item to [Compatible Mode]
before creating a boot disk using the support CD.

Enhanced Mode Support On [S-ATA]

Allows you to use native OS on Serial ATA and Parallel ATA ports. It is
recommend that you do not change the default setting for better OS
compatibility. In this setting, you may use legacy OS on the Parallel ATA ports
only if you do not install any Serial ATA device.

The P-ATA+S-ATA and P-ATA options are for advanced users only. If you
set to any of these options and encountered problems, revert to the default
setting S-ATA.

Conguration options: [S-ATA+P-ATA] [S-ATA only] [P-ATA only]

Combined Mode Option [Primary P-ATA + S-ATA]

Allows you to select the IDE ports to use. Conguration options: [Primary

P-ATA+S-ATA] [S-ATA only] [P-ATA only]

The S-ATA and P-ATA options are for advanced users only. If you set to
any of these options and encounter problems, revert to the default setting
[Primary P-ATA+S-ATA]. Conguration options: [Primary P-ATA+S-ATA]
[S-ATA] [P-ATA]

The Combined Mode Option item appears only when the Onboard IDE
Operate Mode item is set to [Compatible Mode].

Onboard Serial-ATA BOOTROM [Enabled]

Enables or disables the onboard Serial ATA boot ROM.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The Onboard Serial-ATA BOOTROM appears only when the Congure SATA
As item is set to [RAID].

4-16 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

ALPE and ASP [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Agressive Link Power Management (ALPE)

and Aggressive Slumber/Partial (ASP) management features. Conguration

options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The ALPE and ASP and its sub-menu item appear only when the Congure

SATA As item is set to [AHCI].

IDE Detect Time Out [35]

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

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

4.3.7 System Information

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

automatically detects the items in this menu.

AMIBIOS
Version : 0124
Build Date : 05/25/06

Processor
Type : Genuine Intel(R) CPU 3.80GHz
Speed : 3800 MHz
Count : 1

System Memory
Size : 512MB
Appropriated : 0MB
Available : 512MB

AMI BIOS

Displays the auto-detected BIOS information.

Processor

Displays the auto-detected CPU specication.

System Memory

Displays the auto-detected system memory.

ASUS P5W 4-17

4.4 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.

JumperFree Conguration

LAN Cable Status
USB Conguration

CPU Conguration
Chipset
Onboard Devices Conguration
PCIPnP
DH Feature page

Adjust system
frequency/voltage.

4.4.1 JumperFree Conguration

Congure System Frequency/Voltage

AI Overclocking [Auto]

Performance Mode [Auto]

AI Overclocking [Auto]

Allows you to select the overclocking options to achieve the desired CPU internal

frequency. Select either one of the preset overclocking congiuration options.

Select the targe CPU
frequency, and the
relevant parameters
will be auto-adjusted.
Frequencies higher
than CPU manufacturer
recommends are not
guaranteed to be
stable. If the system
becomes unstable,
return to the default.

Manual - allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.
Auto - loads the optimal settings for the system.
Overclock Prole - loads overclocking proles with optimal

parameters for stability when overclocking.

AI NOS - the ASUS AI Non-delay Overclocking System feature

intelligently determines the system load and automatically boost
the performance for the most demanding tasks.

4-18 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

The following items appear only when you set the AI Overclocking item to
[Manual].

CPU Frequency [XXX]

Displays the frequency sent by the clock generator to the system bus and PCI bus.
The value of this item is auto-detected by the BIOS. Use the <+> and <-> keys to
adjust the CPU frequency. You can also type the desired CPU frequency using the
numeric keypad. The values range from 100 to 450. Refer to the table below for
the correct Front Side Bus and CPU External Frequency settings.

FSB/CPU External Frequency Synchronization

Front Side Bus CPU External Frequency

FSB 1066 266 MHz
FSB 800 200 MHz

DRAM Frequency [Auto]

Allows you to set the DDR operating frequency.

Conguration options: [Auto] [DDR2-300MHz] [DDR2-400MHz]

Available DRAM frequency options in various FSB settings

 FSB Congurationoptions

Auto DDR2- DDR2- DDR2- DDR2- DDR2- DDR2- DDR2-

400 533 667 711* 800* 889* 1067*

FSB 1066 • • • • • • • •
FSB 800 • • • • •

* Provided for overclocking purpose only.

Selecting a very high DRAM frequency may cause the system to become
unstable! If this happens, revert to the default setting.

Performance Mode [Auto]

Allows enhanced system performance. Setting to [Turbo] may cause the system to

become unstable. If this happens, revert to the default setting [Auto]. Conguration

options: [Auto] [Standard] [Turbo]

ASUS P5W 4-19

PCI Express Frequency [Auto]

Allows you to set the PCI Express frequency. This item is set to [Auto] by default.

Conguration options: [Auto] [90] [91] ~ [150]

PCI Clock Synchronization Mode [Auto]

Allows you to synchronize the PCI frequency with the PCI Express or CPU frequency.
Conguration options: [To CPU] [33.33MHz] [Auto]

The following items also appear when the AI Overclocking item is set to [AI
NOS].

Memory Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to select the DDR2 reference voltage.

Conguration options: [Auto] [1.80V] [1.90V] [1.95V] [2.00V] [2.05V] [2.10V] [2.15V]

[2.20V] [2.25V] [2.30V] [2.35V] [2.40V]

Refer to the DDR2 documentation before adjusting the memory voltage. Setting a
very high memory voltage may damage the memory module(s)!

CPU VCore Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to select the CPU VCore voltage. Conguration options: [Auto]
[1.7000V] [1.6875V] [1.6750V] [1.6625V] [1.6500V] [1.6375V] [1.6250V] [1.6125V]
[1.6000V] [1.5875V] [1.5750V] [1.5625V] [1.5500V] [1.5375V] [1.5250V] [1.5125V]
[1.5000V] [1.4875V] [1.4750V] [1.4625V] [1.4500V] [1.4375V] [1.4250V] [1.4125V]
[1.4000V] [1.3875V] [1.3750V] [1.3625V] [1.3500V] [1.3375V] [1.3250V] [1.3125V]
[1.3000V] [1.2875V] [1.2750V] [1.2625V] [1.2500V] [1.2375V] [1.2250V] [1.2125V]
[1.2000V]

Refer to the CPU documentation before setting the CPU Vcore voltage. Setting
a high Vcore voltage may damage the CPU!

FSB Termination Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to select the front side bus termination voltage.

Conguration options: [Auto] [1.20V] [1.30V] [1.40V] [1.50V]

Setting a high FSB termination voltage may damage the chipset and CPU.

4-20 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

MCH Chipset Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to select the chipset voltage of the memory controller hub (MCH).

Conguration options: [Auto] [1.50V] [1.55V] [1.60V] [1.65V]

Setting a high MCH chipset voltage may damage the chipset!

ICH Chipset Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to select the chipset voltage of the I/O controller hub (ICH).

Conguration options: [Auto] [1.05V] [1.20V]

Setting a high ICH chipset voltage may damage the chipset!

The following item appears only when the AI Overclocking item is set to

[Overclock Prole].

Overclock Options [Overclock 5%]

Allows you to overclock the CPU speed through the available preset values.

Conguration options: [Overclock 5%] [FSB888/DDR2-667]
[Overclock 10%] [FSB960/DDR2-800]
[Overclock 15%] [FSB1200/DDR2-800]
[Overclock 20%] [FSB1280/DDR2-800]
[Overclock 30%] [FSB1333/DDR2-667]

[FSB1333/DDR2-834]

The following item appears only when the AI Overclocking item is set to
[AI NOS].

N.O.S. Mode [Auto]

Sets the Non-Delay Overclocking System mode. Select either of the following

conguration options:

Auto - loads the optimum sensitivity and overclocking percentage

setting.

Manual - allows you to manually set overclocking congurations.

The following items appear if the NOS Mode item is set to [Manual]

Sensitivity [Sensitive]

Allows you to choose the sensitivity of the AI NOS sensor. Setting this item to

[Sensitive] will trigger AI NOS with less CPU loading. Conguration options:

[Normal] [Sensitive] [Less-Sensitive]

ASUS P5W 4-21

Target Frequency [Overclock 3%]

Allows you to set the maximum overclock percentage for the selected NOS Mode.

Conguration options: [Overclock 3%] [Overclock 5%] [Overclock 7%] [Overclock
10%] [Overclock 15%] [Overclock 20%] [Overclock 30%]

Selecting a very high frequency may cause the system to become unstable. If
this happens, revert to the default setting.

4.4.2 LAN Cable Status

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

POST Check LAN Cable [Disabled]

LAN Cable Status
Pair Status Length

1-2 Normal N/A
3-6 Normal N/A
4-5 Normal N/A
7-8 Normal N/A

1-2 Open 0.0M
3-6 Open 0.0M
4-5 Open 0.0M
7-8 Open 0.0M

Check PCI Marvell
LAN cable during
POST.

POST Check 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

fault or short is detected. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

4-22 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.4.3 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.

USB Conguration

Module Version - 2.24.0-10.4

USB Devices Enabled: None

USB Function [8 USB Ports]
Legacy USB Support [Auto]
USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]
USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]
BIOS EHCI Hand-off [Disabled]

The Module Version and USB Devices Enabled items show the
auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the item shows None.

Enables USB host
controllers.

USB Function [8 USB Ports]

Disables the USB host controllers or species the .
Conguration options: [Disabled] [2 USB ports] [4 USB ports] [6 USB ports] [8

USB ports]

Legacy USB Support [Auto]

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 [Enabled]

Allows you to disable the USB 2.0 controller, or specify the number of ports to

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

USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]

Allows you to set the USB 2.0 controller mode to HiSpeed (480 Mbps) or

FullSpeed (12 Mbps). Conguration options: [HiSpeed ] [FullSpeed ]

BIOS EHCI Hand-off [Disabled]

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

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

ASUS P5W 4-23

4.4.4 CPU Conguration

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

Congure Advanced CPU settings

Manufacturer: Intel
Brand String: Genuine Intel(R) CPU 3.80GHz
Frequency : 3800 MHz
FSB Speed : 800 MHz

Cache L1 : 16 KB
Cache L2 : 2048 KB
Cache L3 : 0 KB

Ratio Status: Unlocked (Max:19, Min:14)
Ratio Actual Value : 19

Ratio CMOS Setting: [ 28]

AI CPU Lock Free [Auto]
Microcode Updation [Enabled]
Max CPUID Value Limit: [Disabled]
Execute Disable Function [Disabled]
CPU Internal Thermal Control [Auto]

Virtualization Technology [Enabled]

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.

Ratio CMOS Setting [ 28]

Sets the ratio between the CPU core clock and the Front Side Bus frequency. The
BIOS auto-detects the default value of this item. Use the <+> or <-> keys to adjust
the values.

You can only adjust the Ratio CMOS if you installed an unlocked CPU. Refer to
the CPU documentation for details.

The AI CPU Lock Free item appears only when you install a CPU that supports
the lock free feature. Only some latest CPUs support this feature.

AI CPU Lock Free [Auto]

Disables or sets the AI CPU Lock Free feature.

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

Microcode Updation [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the microcode updation.

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]

4-24 Chapter 4: BIOS setup