ASUS TERMINATOR 1 A7VT User Guide

Barebone System Model A7VT

Terminator 1

User Guide

E1708

Second Edition V2 July 2004

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, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.

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 identification or explanation and to the owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.

Table of contents

Notices ........................................................................................... 6

Safety information .......................................................................... 7

About this guide .............................................................................. 8

System package contents ............................................................ 10

Chapter 1: System Introduction

1.1 Welcome! ............................................................................ 12

1.2 Front panel .......................................................................... 12

1.3 Rear panel ........................................................................... 14

1.4 Internal components ............................................................ 16

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

2.1 Preparation .......................................................................... 18

2.2 Before you proceed ............................................................. 18

2.3 Removing the cover ............................................................ 19

2.4 Detaching the drive frame ................................................... 20

2.5 Installing a CPU ................................................................... 22

2.6 Installing the fan and heatsink assembly ............................. 24

2.7 Installing system memory .................................................... 26

2.7.1 Memory configurations .......................................... 26

2.7.2 DIMM installation ................................................... 27

2.8 Installing an expansion card ................................................ 28

2.8.1 Expansion slots ..................................................... 28

2.8.2 Expansion card installation ................................... 29

2.8.3 Configuring an expansion card ............................. 29

2.8.4 Standard interrupt assignments ............................ 30

2.8.5 IRQ assignments for this motherboard ................. 30

2.9 Installing a CD-ROM drive ................................................... 31

2.10 Installing a hard disk drive ................................................... 33

2.11 Re-connecting cables .......................................................... 35

2.11.1 LED cables ............................................................ 35

2.11.2 UAEX module ........................................................ 36

2.12 Replacing the cover ............................................................. 37

2.13 Connecting external devices ............................................... 39

Table of contents

2.14 Power supply specifications ................................................ 40

2.14.1 Input Characteristics ............................................. 40

2.14.3 Over-Voltage Protection (OVP) ............................. 40

2.14.2 Output Characteristics ........................................... 40

Chapter 3: Starting up

3.1 Installing an operating system ............................................. 42

3.2 Support CD information ....................................................... 42

3.2.1 Running the support CD ........................................ 42

3.2.2 Utilities menu ......................................................... 43

3.2.3 ASUS Contact information .................................... 44

3.2.4 Other information .................................................. 45

3.3 Software information ........................................................... 47

3.3.1 ASUS PC Probe .................................................... 47

3.3.2 ASUS Update ........................................................ 51

Chapter 4: Motherboard Info

4.1 Introduction.......................................................................... 54

4.2 Motherboard layout ............................................................. 54

4.3 Jumpers............................................................................... 55

4.4 Connectors .......................................................................... 58

Chapter 5: BIOS Information

5.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ..................................... 66

5.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk ............................. 66

5.1.2 Updating the BIOS using the AwardBIOS

Flash Utility ............................................................ 67

5.1.3 Recovering the BIOS with CrashFree BIOS ......... 69

5.1.4 ASUS Update ........................................................ 70

5.2 BIOS Setup program ........................................................... 71

5.2.1 BIOS menu bar ..................................................... 72

5.2.2 Legend bar ............................................................ 72

5.3 Main Menu ........................................................................... 74

5.3.1 System Time ......................................................... 74

5.3.2 System Date .......................................................... 74

5.3.4 Legacy Diskette A.................................................. 74

Table of contents

5.3.5 Installed Memory ................................................... 74

5.3.6 Primary and Secondary Master/Slave ................... 75

5.4 Advanced Menu .................................................................. 76

5.4.1 CPU configuration ................................................. 77

5.4.2 Memory configuration ............................................ 78

5.4.3 Chipset configuration ............................................ 79

5.4.4 PCIPnP ................................................................. 81

5.4.5 Onboard device configuration .............................. 82

5.4.6 USB configuration ................................................ 84

5.5 Power Menu ........................................................................ 85

5.5.1 APM configuration ................................................. 86

5.5.2 Hardware monitor .................................................. 89

5.6 Boot Menu ........................................................................... 91

5.6.1 Boot Device Priority ............................................... 91

5.6.2 Removable drives ................................................. 92

5.6.3 Hard Disk Drives ................................................... 92

5.6.4 CD-ROM drives ..................................................... 93

5.6.5 Boot settings configuration .................................... 93

5.6.6 Security ................................................................. 95

5.7 Exit menu ............................................................................ 96

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.

WARNING! The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modifications 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.

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 the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified service technician or your retailer.

Operation safety

• Before installing devices into the system, carefully read all the documentation 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 qualified service technician or your retailer.

Lithium-Ion Battery Warning

CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturerís instructions.

VORSICHT: Explosionsgetahr bei unsachgemäßen Austausch der Batterie. Ersatz nur durch denselben oder einem vom Hersteller empfohlenem ähnljchen Typ. Entsorgung gebrauchter Batterien nach Angaben des Herstellers.

LASER PRODUCT WARNING

CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT

About this guide

Audience

This guide provides general information and installation instructions about the ASUS Terminator 1 barebone system. This guide is intended for experienced users and integrators with hardware knowledge of personal computers.

How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:

1. Chapter 1: System introduction

This chapter gives a general description of the ASUS Terminator 1. The chapter lists the system features including introduction on the front and rear panel, and internal components.

2. Chapter 2: Basic installation

This chapter provides step-by-step instructions on how to install components in the system.

3. Chapter 3: Starting up

This chapter helps you power up the system and install drivers and utilities from the support CD.

4. Chapter 4: Motherboard information

This chapter gives information about the motherboard that comes with the system. This chapter includes the motherboard layout, jumper settings, and connector locations.

5. Chapter 5: BIOS information

This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus and describes the BIOS parameters.

Conventions used in this guide

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 aid in completing a task.

Where to find more information

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

1. ASUS Websites

The ASUS websites worldwide provide 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 flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the standard package.

System package contents

Check your ASUS Terminator 1 package for the following items:

1. ASUS Terminator 1 barebone system with:

• ASUS A7VT motherboard

• Floppy disk drive

• Optical drive (optional)*

2. Power cable and plug

3. Support CD

4. User guide

* CD-ROM/CD-RW/DVD-ROM/DVD-RW

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

Chapter 1

This chapter gives a general description of the ASUS Terminator 1 A7VT barebone system. It includes introduction on the front and rear panel features, and the internal features.

ASUS Terminator 1 A7VT barebone system

System Introduction

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for choosing the ASUS Terminator 1!

The ASUS Terminator 1 is an all-in-one barebone system with a versatile home entertainment feature.

The system comes in a stylish mini-tower casing, and is powered by the ASUS A7VT motherboard that supports AMD Athlon™ and AMD Duron™ processors.

1.2 Front panel

The ASUS Terminator 1 barebone system is composed of the ASUS A7VT motherboard, a power supply, and a floppy disk drive in the ASUS TriOptix form factor chassis.

The CD-ROM drive is an optional item.

9 10

1. Optical drive. This is an optional IDE optical drive.

2. Empty 5.25-inch drive bay. This covered slot is for a second optical drive

or other 5.25-inch storage devices.

3. Floppy drive door. This drive is for a 1.44MB, 3.5-inch floppy disk.

Chapter 1: System introduction

4. Power button. Press this button to turn the system on.

5. Power LED. This LED lights up to indicate that the system is ON.

6. HDD LED. This LED lights up when data is being read from or written

to the hard disk drive

7. Front panel I/O door. Flip up this door to show the front panel input/output ports.

8. USB 2.0 ports. These Universal Serial Bus 2.0 (USB 2.0) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices such as a mouse, printer, scanner, camera, PDA, and others.

9. Headphone port. This port connects a headphone with a stereo mini-plug.

10. Microphone port. This Mic (pink) port connects a microphone.

ASUS Terminator 1 A7VT barebone system

1.3 Rear panel

The system rear panel includes the power socket and several I/O ports that allow convenient connection of devices.

10 11 12

115V/230V Voltage Selector

1. GAME/MIDI port. This port connects a joystick or game pad for

playing games, and MIDI devices for audio editing.

2. Serial port. This port connects a mouse, modem, or other devices

that conform with serial specification.

3. PS/2 mouse port. This green 6-pin connector is for a PS/2 mouse.

4. PS/2 keyboard port. This purple 6-pin connector is for a PS/2 keyboard.

5. VGA port. This port connects a VGA monitor.

6. Line Out port. This Line Out (lime) port connects a headphone or a

speaker. In 4/6-channel mode, the function of this port becomes Front Speaker Out.

7. Line In port. This Line In (light blue) port connects a tape player or

other audio sources. In 6-channel mode, the function of this port becomes Low Frequency Enhanced Output/Center.

Chapter 1: System introduction

8. Microphone port. This Microphone (pink) port connects a

microphone. In 4/6-channel mode, the function of this port becomes Surround Speaker.

The functions of the Line Out (lime), Line In (blue), and Mic (pink) ports on the rear panel change when you select the 4-channel or 6-channel audio configuration as shown in the following table.

Audio ports function variation

Port Headphone/2-Channel 4-Channel 6-Channel

Light Blue Line In Line In LFE Output*/Center

Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out

Pink Mic In Surround Surround

* LFE Output: Low Frequency Enhanced Output

Windows® 98 SE only supports 4.1-channel speaker setting.

9. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub.

10. USB 2.0 ports. These Universal Serial Bus 2.0 (USB 2.0) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices such as a mouse, printer, scanner, camera, PDA, and others.

11. Parallel port. This 25-pin port connects a printer, scanner, or other devices.

12. Power socket. This socket connects the power cable and plug.

13. Voltage selector. This switch allows you to select the appropriate

voltage supply in your area.

Voltage Selector

The switching power supply that came with the system has a voltage selector switch below the power socket. Use this switch to select the appropriate voltage according to the voltage supply in your area.

If the voltage supply in your area is 100-127V, set the switch to 115V.

If the voltage supply in your area is 200-240V, set the switch to 230V.

Setting the switch to 115V in a 230V environment will seriously damage the system!

ASUS Terminator 1 A7VT barebone system

1.4 Internal components

The figure below shows the internal view of the system when you remove the cover and flip out the drive frame. The standard components already installed in the system and the locations of the available drive bays are pointed out.

The system may come with either a PFC (Power Factor Correction) or non-PFC power supply.

1. Game/MIDI/COM1 extension module

2. Motherboard

3. Two 5.25” drive bays (Optional CD-ROM)

4. 3.5” HDD drive bay

5. 3.5” floppy drive

6. PFC/Non-PFC power supply

7. USB/audio board

Chapter 1: System introduction

Chapter 2

This chapter gives step-by-step instructions on how to install components into the barebone system.

ASUS Terminator 1 A7VT barebone system

Basic Installation

2.1 Preparation

Before you proceed, make sure that you have all the components that you plan to install in the system.

Basic components to install

1. Central processing unit (CPU)

2. DDR Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM)

3. Expansion card(s)

4. Hard disk drive

5. Second optical drive

Tool

Phillips (cross) screw driver

2.2 Before you proceed

Take note of the following precautions before you install components into the system.

• 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.

The motherboard comes with an onboard standby power LED. This LED lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode or in soft-off mode, and not powered OFF. Unplug the power cable from the power outlet and make sure that the standby power LED is OFF before installing any system component.

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

2.3 Removing the cover

The chassis cover is secured by a screw located on the rear panel.

Follow these steps to remove the chassis cover.

1. Turn the screw counterclockwise to release the cover. Set the screw aside.

Screw

2. Place your hands on both corners of the front panel, just beside the CD-ROM frame. Push on the CD-ROM area with your thumbs until the cover tilts forward.

TIP

Another way to release the cover is to place your hands underneath the front panel edge, then push the inner chassis with your thumbs while pulling the panel with your other fingers.

3. While supporting the front panel with one hand, place your other hand on the top rear edge of the cover and carefully lift the cover from the chassis.

ASUS Terminator 1 A7VT barebone system

2.4 Detaching the drive frame

Follow these steps to detach the drive frame.

1. Place the chassis on a flat surface and turn it on its side.

2. The power socket and voltage selector switch are attached to a metal module secured to the rear panel by a screw. Remove the screw to release the power socket module.

Power socket module

Power socket module screw

You must release the power socket module from the rear panel before detaching the drive frame to avoid breaking the power cable.

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

3. Place your thumb on the right edge of the power socket module, then slide the module to the right until it is completely detached from the rear panel.

4. Unlatch the drive frame by pulling it outward.

Drive frame

Swivel edge

The drive frame has a swivel (hinge-like) edge that is attached to the main chassis. You do not have to completely detach the drive frame from the chassis when installing components.

5. Carefully lay the drive frame alongside the main chassis frame.

ASUS Terminator 1 A7VT barebone system

2.5 Installing a CPU

The motherboard comes with a surface mount 462-pin Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) socket designed for the AMD Athlon™ and AMD Duron™ processors.

Take note of the marked corner (with gold triangle) on the CPU. This mark should match a specific corner on the socket to ensure correct installation.

Gold triangle

CPU installation

To install the CPU.

1. Locate the 462-pin ZIF socket on the motherboard.

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

2. Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sideways, then lift it up to a 90°-100° angle.

Socket lever

Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to a 90°-100° angle; otherwise, the CPU does not fit in completely.

3. Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the base of the socket lever.

90°-100° angle

4. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it fits in place.

The CPU fits only in one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU!

5. When the CPU is in place, push down the socket lever to secure the CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab to indicate that it is locked.

Gold triangle

ASUS Terminator 1 A7VT barebone system

2.6 Installing the fan and heatsink assembly

The processor requires a heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and system performance.

Make sure that you properly install the CPU heatsink and fan to avoid thermal problems.

Follow these steps to install the CPU heatsink and fan.

1. Position the fan and heatsink assembly on top of the installed CPU such that the heatsink fins are perpendicular to the DDR sockets and PCI slots.

2. Align one end of the heatsink bracket to the protruding tabs on the CPU socket. Hook the holes of the bracket to the protruding tabs, making sure that they fit properly.

3. Using a flat screwdriver, carefully hook the other end of the heatsink bracket to the tabs on the base of the CPU socket. This secures the fan and heatsink assembly.

Socket tabs matched to the holes on the heatsink bracket

Heatsink bracket

Socket tabs

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

4. Connect the CPU fan cable from the assembly to the fan connector labeled CPU_FAN1.

CPU fan connector (CPU_FAN1)

ASUS Terminator 1 A7VT barebone system

2.7 Installing system memory

The motherboard comes with two Double Data Rate (DDR) Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM) sockets. These sockets support up to 2 GB system memory using unbuffered ECC or non-ECC PC2700/2100 DIMMs.

80 Pins104 Pins

A7VT

A7VT 184-Pin DDR DIMM sockets

DIMM2 DIMM1

2.7.1 Memory configurations

You may install any DDR DIMMs with 64 MB, 128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB, and 1 GB densities into the DIMM sockets.

Memory frequency/CPU FSB synchronization

CPU FSB DDR DIMM Type Memory Frequency

100 MHz PC2700/PC2100/PC1600 266/266/200 MHz

133MHz PC2700/PC2100/PC1600 333/266/200 MHz

166 MHz PC2700/PC2100/PC1600 333/266/200 MHz

• When using 100 MHz CPU FSB, any DDR DIMM you installed may run only at a maximum of 266 MHz due to chipset limitation.

• If you are using CPU FSB other than 100 MHz and installed 400 MHz DDR DIMMs, the memory frequency downgrades to 333 MHz.

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

2.7.2 DIMM installation

Follow these steps to install a DDR DIMM.

1. Locate the two DIMM sockets on the motherboard.

2. Unlock a socket by pressing the retaining clips outward.

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

DDR DIMM sockets

DIMM notch

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

A DDR DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction. DO NOT force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM.

Socket break

ASUS Terminator 1 A7VT barebone system

2.8 Installing an expansion card

In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The motherboard has one 32-bit PCI slot and one Accelerated Graphic Port (AGP) slot. The following sub-sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support.

2.8.1 Expansion slots

PCI slot

The PCI slot supports PCI slots such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications

AGP slot

The AGP slot supports AGP 4x cards. When you buy an AGP card, make sure that you ask for one with 1.5V specification.

Install only +1.5V AGP cards. The motherboard does not support 3.3V AGP cards.

Make sure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage the motherboard.

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

2.8.2 Expansion card installation

Follow these steps to install a PCI or AGP card.

1. Place the chassis on its side.

2. Remove the metal bracket opposite the slot that you wish to use.

3. Align the card golden fingers to the slot and its metal bracket to the slot opening on the chassis.

4. Press the card firmly until it is properly seated on the slot.

5. Secure the card to the chassis with a bracket screw.

Metal bracket

PCI slot (PCI1)

AGP slot (AGP1)

2.8.3 Configuring an expansion card

After installing the expansion card, configure it by adjusting the software settings.

1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See Chapter 5 for information on BIOS setup.

2. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.

ASUS Terminator 1 A7VT barebone system

2.8.4 Standard interrupt assignments

IRQ Priority Standard Function

0 1 System Timer

1 2 Keyboard Controller

2 N/A Programmable Interrupt

3* 11 USB Universal Host Controller

4* 12 Communications Port (COM1)

5* 13 USB Enhanced Host Controller

6 14 Standard Floppy Disk Controller

7* 15 Printer Port (LPT1)

8 3 System CMOS/Real Time Clock

9* 4 ACPI Mode when used

10* 5 Multimedia Device

11* 6 Network Controller

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.

2.8.5 IRQ assignments for this motherboard

ABCDEF G H

PCI slot — used — — — — — — AGP slot used — — — — — — — USB 1.1 UHCI 1 — — — — shared — — — USB 1.1 UHCI 1 — — — — — used — — USB 1.1 UHCI 1 — — — — — — shared — USB 2.0 EHCI — — — — — — — used Onboard Audio — — — — — — shared — Onboard LAN — — — — shared — — —

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

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