ASUS TERM P4 533A-X User Guide

®

Terminator P4 533A-X

Barebone System

User’s Guide

E15xx

Checklist

First edition V1
February 2004

Copyright © 2004 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”).

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 ae 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.

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.

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.

2

Table of contents

Notices ........................................................................................... 5

Safety information .......................................................................... 6

About this guide.............................................................................. 7

ASUS contact information .............................................................. 9

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

Chapter 1: System Introduction.......................................... 11

1.1 Front Panel Features........................................................... 12

1.2 Rear Panel Features ........................................................... 13

1.3 Internal Features ................................................................. 14

Chapter 2: Basic Installation............................................... 15

2.1 Remove the cover ............................................................... 16

2.2 Detach the drive frame ........................................................ 17

2.3 Install a CPU ....................................................................... 19

Features

2.4 Install the CPU cooling system............................................ 21

2.4.1 Regular heatsink and fan assembly ...................... 21

2.4.2 CPU heat pipe....................................................... 23

2.5 Install system memory......................................................... 25

2.6 Install a hard disk drive........................................................ 26

2.7 Install a CD-ROM drive ....................................................... 28

2.8 Install an expansion card..................................................... 30

2.9 Re-connect cables............................................................... 31

2.9.1 LED cables............................................................ 31

2.9.2 UAEX module........................................................ 32

2.10 Replace the cover ............................................................... 33

2.11 Connect External Devices ................................................... 35

2.12 Power Supply Specifications ............................................... 36

2.12.1 Input Characteristics ............................................. 36

2.12.2 Output Characteristics........................................... 36

2.12.3 Over-Voltage Protection (OVP) ............................. 36

Chapter 3: Motherboard Info............................................... 37

3.1 Introduction.......................................................................... 38

3.2 Motherboard components ................................................... 38

3.3 Motherboard layout ............................................................. 41

3

3.4 Central Processing Unit (CPU)............................................ 42

3.5 System memory .................................................................. 43

3.6 Expansion slots ................................................................... 44

3.6.1 Configuring an expansion card ............................. 44

3.6.2 Standard Interrupt Assignments............................ 44

3.6.3 IRQ assignments for this motherboard ................. 44

3.7 Jumpers............................................................................... 45

3.8 Connectors .......................................................................... 47

Chapter 4: BIOS Information............................................... 53

4.1 Managing and updating the BIOS ....................................... 56

4.1.1 Using the computer system for the first time......... 56

4.1.2 Updating BIOS procedures ................................... 58

4.2 BIOS Setup program ........................................................... 60

4.2.1 BIOS menu bar ..................................................... 61

4.2.2 Legend bar ............................................................ 61

4.3 Main Menu........................................................................... 63

4.3.1 Primary and Secondary Master/Slave................... 65

4.3.2 Keyboard Features................................................ 69

4.4 Advanced Menu .................................................................. 70

4.4.1 Chip Configuration ................................................ 72

4.4.2 I/O Device Configuration ....................................... 74

4.4.3 PCI Configuration.................................................. 76

4.5 Power Menu ........................................................................ 79

4.5.1 Power Up Control.................................................. 81

4.5.2 Hardware Monitor.................................................. 82

4.6 Boot Menu ........................................................................... 85

4.7 Exit Menu ............................................................................ 87

Chapter 5: Starting up ......................................................... 89

5.1 Install an operating system.................................................. 90

5.2 Support CD information....................................................... 90

5.2.1 Running the support CD........................................ 90

5.2.2 Installation menus ................................................. 91

5.2.3 Software and drivers description........................... 91

5.3 Software information ........................................................... 94

5.3.1 ASUS Update........................................................ 94

5.3.2 ASUS PC Probe.................................................... 96

4

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.

5

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.

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

• Seek professional assistance before using an adapter 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 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.

6

About this guide

Audience

This guide provides general information and installation instructions about
the ASUS Terminator P4 533A-X Barebone System. This guide is intended
for experienced users and integrators with hardware knowledge of
personal computers.

How this guide is organized

This document contains the following parts:

1. Chapter 1: System Introduction

This chapter gives a general description of the ASUS Terminator P4
533A-X barebone system. It includes introduction on the front and
rear panel features, and the internal features.

2. Chapter 2: Basic Installation

This chapter tells how to install components into the barebone system
through illustrated step-by-step instructions.

3. Chapter 3: Motherboard Information

This chapter gives information about the P4SC-EA motherboard that
came with the system.This chapter includes the motherboard layout,
jumper settings, and connector locations. It also includes information
on the USB/audio board located on the front panel.

4. Chapter 4: BIOS information

This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS
Setup menus. It includes detailed descriptions of the BIOS
parameters.

5. Chapter 5: Starting up

This chapter helps you power up your system and install drivers and
utilities that came with the support CD.

7

Safeguards

About this guide

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 Information 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. The ASUS websites are listed on
page 9.

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.

8

ASUS contact information

ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (Asia-Pacific)

Address 150 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 112
Telephone [phone]
Web site www.asus.com.tw

Technical Support

Telephone (MB/Component) [phone] (English)

(Notebook) [phone] (English)
(Server/PC) [phone] (English)
(Networking) [phone] (English)

Support fax [phone]

ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)

Address 44370 Nobel Drive, Fremont, CA 94538, USA
Fax [phone]
E-mail [e-mail]
Web site usa.asus.com

Technical Support

Telephone (General) [phone]

(Notebook) [phone]
Support fax [phone]
Support e-mail [e-mail]

ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Germany and Austria)

Address Harkort Str. 25, D-40880 Ratingen, Germany
Telephone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Online contact www.asuscom.de/sales

Technical Support

Telephone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Online support www.asuscom.de/support
Web site www.asuscom.de/news

ASUS COMPUTER (Middle East and North Africa)

Address P.O. Box 64133, Dubai, U.A.E.
Telephone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Web site www.ASUSarabia.com

9

System package contents

Check your ASUS Terminator P4 533A-X package for the following items:

1. Barebone system with pre-installed:

- ASUS P4SC-EA motherboard

- Switching power supply (PFC or non-PFC)

- 1.44MB floppy disk drive (optional)

- CD-ROM Drive (optional)

2. Support CD

3. User’s guide

NOTE

Optional items may not be present in your package.
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your dealer

immediately.

IMPORTANT

If you are assembling the system by yourself, make sure to prepare all
the components before starting. It saves you a lot of time not having to
hunt down components when you need them.

10

Chapter 1

This chapter gives a general description of
the ASUS Terminator P4 533A-X barebone
system. It includes introduction on the front
and rear panel features, and the internal
features.

ASUS Terminator P4 533A-X Barebone System

System Introduction

11

1.1 Front Panel Features

The ASUS Terminator P4 533A-X is a barebone system in an ASUS
TriOptix form factor chassis.

NOTE

The CD-ROM drive and the floppy disk drive are optional items.

CD-ROM drive (optional)
Floppy drive (optional)

Power Button

Power LED
HDD LED

Headphone jack

USB 2.0 ports

Microphone jack

Front panel I/O door

The lower part of the front panel is a door that covers accessible I/O
features including two USB 2.0 ports (Ports 2 and 3), a headphone jack,
and a microphone jack.

Open chassis 1 I/O door by pressing the dotted area of the door.
Open chassis 2 I/O door by flipping up the door.

12

Chapter 1: System Introduction

1.2 Rear Panel Features

The rear panel of the ASUS Terminator P4 533A-X barebone system
includes the standard PC99 I/O connectors for external devices and the
power supply socket.

The following figure shows the rear panel features.

Game/MIDI Connector

Serial Port (COM1)

PS/2 Mouse Connector

PS/2 Keyboard Connector

VGA Port

Parallel Connector

Line Out Connector

Line In Connector
Microphone Connector
LAN Connector (RJ-45)

USB Connectors (Ports 0&1)

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.

Power Socket

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

CAUTION!

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

115V/230V
Voltage Selector

ASUS Terminator P4 533A-X Barebone System

13

1.3 Internal Features

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.

NOTE

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

Game/MIDI/COM1
Extension Module

Two 5.25” Drive Bays
(Optional CD-ROM)

3.5” HDD
Drive Bay

3.5” Floppy Drive
(optional)

14

(optional)

Motherboard PFC Power SupplyModem Card

USB/audio
Board

Non-PFC
Power Supply

Chapter 1: System Introduction

Chapter 2

This chapter tells how to install components
into the barebone system through illustrated
step-by-step instructions.

ASUS Terminator P4 533A-X Barebone System

Basic Installation

15

2.1 Remove the cover

The chassis cover is secured by a thumbscrew located on the rear panel.
Follow these steps to remove the

chassis cover.

1. Turn the captive thumbscrew
counter-clockwise to release
the cover. You don’t have to
remove the thumbscrew from
the chassis.

Thumbscrew

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.

16

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

2.2 Detach 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

IMPORTANT

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

ASUS Terminator P4 533A-X Barebone System

17

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

NOTE

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

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

18

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

2.3 Install a CPU

The P4SC-EA motherboard comes with a surface mount 478-pin Zero
Insertion Force (ZIF) socket. This socket is specifically designed for the
Intel® Pentium® 4 478/Northwood Processor that supports the Intel
Threading Technology.

Follow these steps to install a CPU.

1. Locate the 478-pin CPU
socket on the motherboard.

478-pin CPU socket

®

Hyper-

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

Socket lever

IMPORTANT

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

90 -100

ASUS Terminator P4 533A-X Barebone System

19

3. Position the CPU above the
socket such that its marked
corner (gold mark) matches
the base of the socket lever.

4. Carefully insert the CPU into

Gold mark

the socket until it fits in place.

CAUTION

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,
press it firmly on the socket
while you push down the
socket lever to secure the
CPU. The lever clicks on the
side tab to indicate that it is
locked.

20

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

2.4 Install the CPU cooling system

The Intel® Pentium® 4 478/Northwood Processor requires a specially
designed cooling system to ensure optimum thermal condition and
performance.

You may install either a (1) regular heatsink and fan assembly, or (2) a
CPU heat pipe. The CPU heat pipe increases thermal stability and
reduces noise.

2.4.1 Regular heatsink and fan assembly

Follow these steps to install the
regular CPU heatsink and fan.

1. Position the fan heatsink
assembly on top of the
installed CPU with the
heatsink fins directed towards
the rear I/O ports, and that the
fan cable is nearest the CPU
fan connector (marked
CPU_FAN1) on the
motherboard.

2. Align one retention bracket
with the rail on the side of the
fan. Orient the bracket with the
locking lever beside the DIMM
sockets.

3. Snap the hook of the retention
bracket into the hole of the
retention module.

Locking lever

Retention bracket
hooked to the hole of
the retention module

ASUS Terminator P4 533A-X Barebone System

21

4. Carefully press down the
locking lever on the other side
of the bracket and hook its end
into the hole of the retention
module to secure the fan
heatsink assembly in place.

5. Follow steps 2 to 4 to install
the second bracket.

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

CPU fan connector
(CPU_FAN1)

NOTE

Your boxed Intel Pentium 4 478/Northwood Processor package may
come with installation instructions for the CPU and fan heatsink
assembly. If the instructions in this section do not match the
documentation for the CPU or fan heatsink, follow the latter.

22

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

2.4.2 CPU heat pipe

Heat pipe

Heat pipe fins

CPU cooling plate

Retention Bracket

Lock levers

Follow these steps to install the CPU heat pipe.

1. After installing the CPU,
position the heat pipe such that
the heat pipe fins matches the
chassis fan, and the cooling
plate flat on the CPU.

Front hooks

2. When the heat pipe is in place, secure it with the retention bracket.
Insert the front hooks of the bracket into the holes of the CPU
retention module.

Retention module hole

ASUS Terminator P4 533A-X Barebone System

23

3. Press down the lock levers to
hook them into the other two
retention module holes.

4. Make sure that the heat pipe is
securely installed as shown.

5. Connect the chassis fan cable
to the motherboard connector
labeled CPU_FAN1.

CPU_FAN1 connector

The chassis fan cable is originally connected to the connector labeled

CHA_FAN1.

24

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

2.5 Install system memory

The motherboard comes with two Double Data Rate (DDR) Dual Inline
Memory Module (DIMM) sockets. These sockets support up to 2GB
system memory using unbuffered ECC or non-ECC PC2700/1600/2100
DIMMs.

Follow these steps to install a DDR
DIMM.

1. Locate the two DIMM sockets
on the motherboard.

DDR DIMM sockets

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.

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

DIMM notch

Socket break

CAUTION

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.

ASUS Terminator P4 533A-X Barebone System

25

2.6 Install a hard disk drive

The chassis has one 3.5-inch hard disk drive (HDD) bay right under the

5.25-inch bay. The following figures show the internal and external views
of the HDD bay location.

Internal View

5.25-inch Drive Bay

3.5-inch HDD Drive Bay

Follow these steps to install an IDE
HDD.

1. Place the chassis upright.

2. With the HDD label side up,
carefully insert the drive into
the 3.5-inch bay.

External View

HDD label side

3. Push the drive into the bay
until its screw holes align with
the holes on the bay marked
HDD.

4. Secure the drive with two
screws on each side of the
bay.

HDD screws

26

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

5. Connect a power cable from
the power supply to the power
connector at the back of the
HDD. Use the cable with the
white connector labeled P3.

6. Connect one end of the IDE
hard disk ribbon cable to the
IDE interface at the back of
the HDD, matching the red
stripe on the cable with Pin 1
on the IDE interface.

7. Connect the other end of the
IDE ribbon cable to the
primary IDE connector (blue
connector labeled PRI_IDE1)
on the motherboard.

Red Stripe to Pin 1

IDE Ribbon Cable

Power Cable (P3)

Primary IDE connector
(PRI_IDE1)

ASUS Terminator P4 533A-X Barebone System

27

2.7 Install a CD-ROM drive

A CD-ROM drive is an optional item in this barebone system. Refer to the
instructions in this section if you acquired a model without a CD-ROM.

Follow these steps to install a
CD-ROM drive.

1. Place the chassis upright.

2. Insert the CD-ROM drive into
the upper 5.25-inch drive bay.

3. Carefully push the CD-ROM
drive into the bay until its
screw holes align with the
holes (marked 1) on the bay
as shown.

4. Secure the CD-ROM with two
screws on each side of the
bay.

5.25-inch drive bay

CD-ROM screws

28

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

5. Connect a power cable from
the power supply to the power
connector at the back of the
CD-ROM. Use the cable with
the white connector labeled
P1.

6. Connect one end of the IDE
ribbon cable to the IDE
interface at the back of the
CD-ROM, matching the red
stripe on the cable with Pin 1
on the IDE interface.

CD-ROM Audio Cable

IDE Ribbon Cable

7. Connect one end of the
CD-ROM audio cable to the
4-pin connector at the back of
the CD-ROM.

8. Connect the other end of the
IDE ribbon cable to the
secondary IDE connector
(black connector labeled
SEC_IDE1) on the
motherboard.

Red Stripe to Pin 1

Power Cable (P1)

Secondary IDE connector
(SEC_IDE1)

9. Connect the other end of the
audio cable to the black 4-pin
connector labeled CD on the
motherboard.

CD-ROM Connector
(CD1)

ASUS Terminator P4 533A-X Barebone System

29

2.8 Install an expansion card

The motherboard has one 32-bit PCI slot and one Accelerated Graphic
Port (AGP) slot.

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.

PCI Slot (PCI1)Metal Bracket

AGP Slot (AGP1)

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

NOTE

If your system came with the optional modem card, the PCI slot is
already occupied.

30

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

2.9 Re-connect cables

You may have disconnected some cables when you were installing
components. You must re-connect these cables before you replace the
chassis cover.

2.9.1 LED cables

Power Switch

Power LED

HDD LED

PANEL1 Connector

Speaker

Power LED

Connector

Speaker

Ground

+5V

Ground

Reset

Ground

Ground

Reset SW

ATX Power
Switch*

PANEL1

PLED

+5VSB

+5 V

Message LED

SMI Lead

*

Requires an ATX power supply.

MLED

ExtSMI#

PWR

Ground

IDE_LED1

Connect the power switch and power LED cables to their respective

•

leads in the PANEL1 connector on the motherboard.

• Connect the HDD LED cable to the 2-pin lead marked IDE_LED1.

ASUS Terminator P4 533A-X Barebone System

31

2.9.2 UAEX module

The system front I/O panel includes the UAEX module that contain the
front panel I/O ports and the connectors to the motherboard.

UAEX module

MIC

LOUT

MIC2

LO2

Connect to MIC_LOUT1 connector
on the motherboard

UAEX

®

T: Port0

B: Port1

USB

USB2P

Connect to USB_34 connector
on the motherboard

Connector locations on the motherboard

32

USB_34

MIC_LOUT1 connector
(for Microphone/Line Out Cable)

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

2.10 Replace the cover

After you have installed all the internal components and you have
connected all the necessary cables, you are now ready to put the system
back together.

Follow these steps to re-assemble
the system.

1. With the chassis lying on its
side, hook the swivel edge of
the drive frame to the main
chassis.

2. Sway the drive frame inward
until it fits completely. The
protruding tabs on both ends
of the drive frame should snap
perfectly to the chassis edge.

Protruding Tab

3. Turn the chassis upright.

4. Place the cover over the
chassis leaving about two
inches from the rear panel.

ASUS Terminator P4 533A-X Barebone System

33

5. Fit the rail tabs on the sides
and bottom of the cover to the
edges of the chassis.

Rail Tabs

6. Push the cover towards the
rear until it fits. The locking tab
snaps into the hole on the
chassis indicating that the
cover is in place.

Locking Tab

IMPORTANT

Firmly push the cover to ensure that it is fully engaged to the chassis.

7. Lock the cover with the captive
thumbscrew on the rear panel.

34

Locking Tab Hole

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

2.11 Connect External Devices

The figure below shows the specific connectors and devices that you can
connect to the rear panel ports.

Serial

PS/2 KB

VGA

Line Out

Line In

Mic

RJ-45

Game/MIDI

PS/2 Mouse

Parallel

AC

USB

ASUS Terminator P4 533A-X Barebone System

35

2.12 Power Supply Specifications

2.12.1 Input Characteristics

Input Voltage Range Min Nom Max

Range 1 90V 115V 135V
Range 2 180V 230V 265V

Input Frequency Range 47 Hz to 63 Hz
Maximum Input ac Current 4A max. at 115Vac

2A max. at 230Vac, maximum load

Inrush Current 90A max. at 115Vac,

full load cold start at 25°C

Efficiency 70% min. at nominal input,

maximum load

2.12.2 Output Characteristics

Output
Voltage Min Max Min Max Max

+5V 0.5A 4.0A -5% +5% 50mVp-p

+12V 0.45A 9.5A -5% +5% 120mVp-p

-12V 0A 0.2A -10% +10% 120mVp-p

+5VSB 0.05A 1.5A -5% +5% 50mVp-p

+3V3 1A 8.0A -5% +5% 50mVp-p

Load Range Regulation Ripple

2.12.3 Over-Voltage Protection (OVP)

Output Voltage Maximum Voltage

+5V 6.5V

+12V 15.6V

+3.3V 4.3V

36

NOTE

The power supply will shut down and latch off for shorting +5V, +12V,

-12V, or +3.3V. By shorting +5VSB, the power supply can latch down or
automatically recover when the fault condition is removed

Chapter 2: Basic Installation

Chapter 3

This chapter gives information about the
ASUS P4SC-EA motherboard that came
with the system.This chapter includes the
motherboard layout, jumper settings, and
connector locations. It also includes
information on the USB/audio board located
on the front panel.

IMPORTANT

The ASUS Terminator P4 533A-X barebone
system is designed to support a motherboard
that measures 23 cm (9.06 in) x 22.4 cm (8.82
in). It is not recommended to install any
motherboard of other sizes. If you need to
replace the original motherboard that came
with the system, make sure that it fits into the
chassis and that the I/O connectors
correspond to the openings on the rear panel.

ASUS Terminator P4 533A-X Barebone System

Motherboard Info

37

3.1 Introduction

The ASUS P4SC-EA motherboard comes already installed in the ASUS
Terminator P4 533A-X barebone system. For future upgrades or system
reconfiguration, this chapter provides technical information about the
motherboard.

3.2 Motherboard components

21 3 64 5 7

16 17

8

9

1115 1013 1214

38

2325 24 1822 21 20 19

Chapter 3: Motherboard information

1

ATX 12V connector. This power connector connects the 4-pin 12V

plug from the ATX 12V power supply.

2

Super I/O chipset. This Low Pin Count (LPC) interface provides

the commonly used Super I/O functionality. The chipset supports a
high-performance floppy disk controller for a 360K/720K/1.44M/

2.88M floppy disk drive, a multi-mode parallel port, two standard
compatible UARTs, a Standard Infrared (SIR), one MPU-401 UART
mode compatible MIDI/game port, and a Flash ROM interface.

3

Flash ROM. This 2Mb firmware contains the programmable BIOS

program.

4

CPU socket. A 478-pin surface mount, Zero Insertion Force (ZIF)

socket for the Intel

®

Pentium® 4 478/Northwood Processor with
533/400 MHz system bus that allows 4.3GB/s and 3.2GB/s data
transfer rates, respectively.

5

DDR DIMM sockets. These two 184-pin DIMM sockets support up

to 2GB using unbuffered ECC or non-ECC PC2700/2100/1600
DDR DIMMs.

6

Floppy disk connector. This connector connects the provided

ribbon cable for the floppy disk drive. One side of the connector is
slotted to prevent incorrect insertion of the floppy disk cable.

7

8

9

10

ATX power connector. This 20-pin connector connects to an ATX

12V power supply. The power supply must have at least 1A on the
+5V standby lead (+5VSB).

North bridge controller. This SiS651 controller integrates a high
performance host interface for the Intel

®

Pentium® 4 processor, a

memory controller, an AGP interface, and SiS MuTIOL technology.
IDE connectors. These dual-channel bus master IDE connectors

support up to four Ultra DMA133/100/66, PIO Modes 3 & 4 IDE
devices. Both the primary (blue) and secondary (black) connectors
are slotted to prevent incorrect insertion of the IDE ribbon cable.

South bridge controller. Referred to as the SiS962L

UA MuTIOL

Media I/O, this controller integrates the audio controller with AC’97
Interface, Ethernet MAC, Dual Universal Serial Bus Host
controllers, IDE Master/Slave controllers, and the MuTIOL Connect
to PCI Bridge.

ASUS Terminator P4 533A-X Barebone System

39

11

AGP slot. This Accelerated Graphic Port (AGP) slot supports AGP

4X mode cards for 3D graphical applications.

12

13

14

15

16
17

18

ASUS ASIC. This chip performs multiple system functions that

include hardware and system monitoring, IRQ routing, etc.
PCI slot. This 32-bit PCI 2.2 expansion slot supports bus master

PCI cards like SCSI or LAN cards with 133MB/s maximum
throughput.

LAN controller. The VIA VT6103 chipset allows for 10BASE-T/
100BASE-TX networking.

Audio CODEC. This ADI AD1980 is an AC ’97 CODEC that allows
6-channel audio playback.

PS/2 mouse port. This green 6-pin connector is for a PS/2 mouse.
Parallel port. This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a

scanner, or other devices.
USB 2.0 ports 0 and 1. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus

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

19

20

21
22

23

24
25

LAN activity LEDs. These LEDs indicate an active network

connection.
RJ-45 port. This port allows connection to a Local Area Network

(LAN) through a network hub.

Microphone jack. This Mic (pink) jack connects a microphone.
Line In jack. This Line In (light blue) jack connects a tape player or

other audio sources.
Line Out jack. This Line Out (lime) jack connects a headphone or

a speaker.

Video port. This port connects a VGA monitor.
PS/2 keyboard port. This purple 6-pin connector is for a PS/2

keyboard.

40

Chapter 3: Motherboard information

3.3 Motherboard layout

23cm (9.06in)

PS/2

T:Mouse
B:Keyboard

VGA1

Line

Out

Line

In

Mic

In

RJ-45

LANLED

USB

T:Port2
B:Port1

PARALLEL PORT

USBPWR_12

CD1

IOC_MB

ATX12V1

Audio

Codec

MODEM1

LAN

CHIP

AUX1

MDC1

Super
I/O

MIC_LOUT1

Flash

FLOPPY1

BIOS

DDR DIMM2 (64/72-bit, 184-pin module)
DDR DIMM1 (64/72-bit, 184-pin module)

P4SC-EA

Socket 478

HOST/
Memmory
Controller

®

Accelerated Graphics Port

PCI Slot 1

ASUS

Mozart

(AGP)

USBPWR_34

CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

USB_34

USBPWR_56

SiS
651

CHA_FAN1

USB_56

962L

Chipset

CLRTC1

CPU_FAN1

SEC_IDE1

SiS

UA

BUZZER1

IDE_LED1

ATX Power Connector

22.4cm (8.82in)

PRI_IDE1

PANEL1

ASUS Terminator P4 533A-X Barebone System

41

3.4 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a surface mount 478-pin Zero Insertion
Force (ZIF) socket. This socket is specifically designed for the Intel
Pentium® 4 478/Northwood Processor. The processor features the Intel
NetBurst™ micro-architecture, Hyper-Threading Technology, 533/400MHz
system bus, and data transfer rates up to 4.3GB/s.

Refer to sections “2.3 Install a CPU” and “2.4 Install the CPU cooling
system” for installation instructions.

P4SC-EA

Gold Arrow

®

®

®

P4SC-EA Socket 478

Notes on Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology

1. Hyper-Threading Technology is supported under Windows XP
and later versions only. If you are using legacy operating
systems, disable the Hyper-Threading Techonology item in BIOS
to ensure system stability and performance.

2. It is recommended that you install WinXP Service Pack 1.

3. Make sure to enable the Hyper-Threading Technology item in
BIOS before installing a supported operating system.

4. For more information on Hyper-Threading Technology, visit

www.intel.com/info/hyperthreading.

To use the Hyper-Threading Technology on this motherboard:

1. Install a Pentium 4 CPU that supports Hyper-Threading Technology.

2. Power up the system and enter BIOS Setup. Under the Boot Menu,
make sure that the item Hyper-Threading Technology is set to
Enabled. The item appears only if you installed a CPU that supports
Hyper-Threading Techonology.

3. Reboot the computer.

42

Chapter 3: Motherboard information

3.5 System memory

The motherboard has two Double Data Rate (DDR) DIMM sockets that
supports up to 2GB unbuffered non-ECC PC2700/2100/1600 DDR
DIMMs.

NOTE

Install only the above specified DDR DIMMs on this motherboard.

A DDR DIMM has the same physical dimensions as an SDR DIMM, but it
has a 184-pin footprint compared to the 168-pin of the SDR DIMM. Also, a
DDR DIMM is single notched while an SDR DIMM is double notched.

P4SC-EA

®

P4SC-EA 184-Pin DDR DIMM Sockets

80 Pins104 Pins

Memory configurations

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

Use the following combinations to install DDR DIMMs.

DIMM Location 184-pin DDR DIMM Total Memory

Socket 1 (Rows 0&1) 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB x1 =
Socket 2 (Rows 2&3) 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB x1 =

Total system memory (Max. 2GB) =

NOTE

Refer to section “2.5 Install system memory” for instructions on
installing DDR DIMMs.

ASUS Terminator P4 533A-X Barebone System

43

3.6 Expansion slots

In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The motherboard
has one PCI slot and one AGP slot.

3.6.1 Configuring an expansion card

After physically installing the expansion card, configure the card 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 below.

3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.

3.6.2 Standard Interrupt Assignments

IRQ Priority Standard Function

0 1 System Timer
1 2 Keyboard Controller
2 N/A Programmable Interrupt
3* 11 Communications Port (COM2)
4* 12 Communications Port (COM1)
5* 13 Sound Card (sometimes LPT2)
6 14 Floppy Disk Controller
7* 15 Printer Port (LPT1)
8 3 System CMOS/Real Time Clock
9* 4 ACPI Mode when used
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.

3.6.3 IRQ assignments for this motherboard

ABCDEFGH

PCI slot — used ——————
AGP slot ——used —————
Onboard Audio —————used ——
Onboard LAN ——————used —

44

Chapter 3: Motherboard information

3.7 Jumpers

This section describes and illustrates the jumpers on the motherboard.

1. USB device wake-up (3-pin USB_PWR12, USB_PWR34,
USB_PWR56)

Set these jumpers to +5V to wake up the computer from S1 sleep
mode (CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in low power
mode) using the connected USB devices. Set to +5VSB to wake up
from S3 sleep mode (no power to CPU, DRAM in slow refresh, power
supply in reduced power mode).

The USB_PWR12 jumper is for the rear USB ports. The
USB_PWR34 and USB_PWR56 jumpers are for the internal USB
headers that connect to the front USB ports and USB-CF slot.

NOTES

1. This feature requires a power supply that can provide at least 1A
on the +5VSB lead when these jumpers are set to +5VSB.
Otherwise, the system does not power up.

2. The total current consumed must NOT exceed the power supply
capability (+5VSB) whether under normal condition or in sleep
mode.

3. Make sure to set the jumpers to +5VSB if you wish to wake up
the system from S3 sleep mode.

1
22

P4SC-EA

®

P4SC-EA USB Device Wake Up

USBPWR_12

(Default)

12

USBPWR_34

+5V

(Default)

12

USBPWR_56

+5V

(Default)

3
+5VSB+5V

23

+5VSB

23

+5VSB

ASUS Terminator P4 533A-X Barebone System

45

2. Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC1)

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 RAM
data in CMOS, that include system setup information such as system
passwords, is powered by the onboard button cell battery.

To erase the RTC RAM:

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

2. Remove the battery.

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

4. Re-install 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.

P4SC-EA

®

P4SC-EA Clear RTC RAM

CLRTC1

2
1
Normal

(Default)

3
2

Clear CMOS

46

Chapter 3: Motherboard information

3.8 Connectors

This section describes and illustrates the connectors on the motherboard.

1. IDE connectors (40-1 pin PRI_IDE1, SEC_IDE1)

This connector supports the provided UltraDMA/133/100/66 IDE hard
disk ribbon cable. Connect the cable’s blue connector to the primary
(recommended) or secondary IDE connector, then connect the gray
connector to the UltraDMA/133/100/66 slave device (hard disk drive)
and the black connector to the UltraDMA/133/100/66 master device.
It is recommended that you connect non-UltraDMA/133/100/66
devices to the secondary IDE connector. If you install two hard disks,
you must configure the second drive as a slave device by setting its
jumper accordingly. Refer to the hard disk documentation for the
jumper settings. BIOS supports specific device bootup. If you have
more than two UltraDMA/133/100/66 devices, purchase another
UltraDMA/133/100/66 cable. You may configure two hard disks to be
both master devices with two ribbon cables – one for the primary IDE
connector and another for the secondary IDE connector.

NOTES

Pin 20 on each IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole on
the UltraDMA cable connector. This prevents incorrect orientation when
you connect the cables.

For UltraDMA/133/100/66 IDE devices, use an 80-conductor IDE cable.

P4SC-EA

NOTE: Orient the red markings

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

®

PRI_IDE1

P4SC-EA IDE Connectors

SEC_IDE1

PIN 1

ASUS Terminator P4 533A-X Barebone System

47

2. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY1)

This connector supports the provided floppy drive ribbon cable. After
connecting one end to the motherboard, connect the other end to the
floppy drive. (Pin 5 is removed to prevent incorrect insertion when
using ribbon cables with pin 5 plug).

FLOPPY1

P4SC-EA

PIN 1

®

NOTE: Orient the red markings on
the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1.

P4SC-EA Floppy Disk Drive Connector

3. Hard disk activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED1)

This connector supplies power to the hard disk activity LED. The read
or write activities of any device connected to the primary or
secondary IDE connector cause this LED to light up.

P4SC-EA

TIP: If the case-mounted LED does not

light, try reversing the 2-pin plug.

®

IDE_LED1

48

P4SC-EA IDE Activity LED

Chapter 3: Motherboard information

4. ATX power connectors (20-pin ATXPWR, 4-pin ATX +12V)

These connectors connect to an ATX 12V power supply. The plugs
from the power supply are designed to fit these connectors in only one
orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the
connectors completely fit.

In addition to the 20-pin ATXPWR connector, this motherboard
requires that you connect the 4-pin ATX +12V power plug to provide
sufficient power to the CPU.

ATXPWR1

P4SC-EA

®

P4SC-EA ATX Power Connectors

+12.0Volts

+5V Standby

Power Good

Ground

+5.0 Volts

Ground

+5.0 Volts

Ground
+3.3 Volts
+3.3 Volts

ATX12V1

+5.0 Volts
+5.0 Volts

-5.0 Volts
Ground
Ground
Ground
Power Supply On
Ground

-12.0Volts
+3.3Volts

+12V DCCOM

+12V DCCOM

IMPORTANT

If you will need to replace the power supply in the future, make sure
that your new ATX 12V power supply can provide 8A on the +12V lead
and at least 1A on the +5-volt standby lead (+5VSB). The minimum
recommended wattage is 230W, or 300W for a fully configured system.
The system may become unstable and may experience difficulty
powering up if the power supply is inadequate.

ASUS Terminator P4 533A-X Barebone System

49

5. CPU, Chassis, and Power Fan Connectors
(3-pin CPU_FAN1, CHA_FAN1)

The three fan connectors support cooling fans of 350mA (4.2 Watts)
or a total of 1A (12W) at +12V. Orient the fans so that the heat sink
fins allow air flow to go across the onboard heat sinks instead of the
expansion slots. The fan wiring and plug may vary depending on the
fan manufacturer. Connect the fan cable to the connector matching
the black wire to the ground pin.

CHA_FAN1

P4SC-EA

CPU_FAN1

®

P4SC-EA 12V Fan Connectors

+12V

GND

Rotation

+12V

GND

Rotation

IMPORTANT

Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Lack of
sufficient air flow within the system may damage the motherboard
components. These are not jumpers! DO NOT place jumper caps on
the fan connectors!

50

Chapter 3: Motherboard information

6. USB 2.0 headers (10-1 pin USB_34, USB_56)

The USB_34 header is connected to the USB2P connector in the
UAEX extension module on the front panel for two additional USB 2.0
ports.

The USB_56 header (pins 6 to 10) allows you to connect an
additional USB device.

P4SC-EA

USB Power

USBP2–

USBP2+

GND

®

USB_34 USB_56

15
610

NC

USB Power

USBP2–

USBP2+

GND

15
610

NC

P4SC-EA USB Ports

GND

USBP3–

USBP3+

USB Power

GND

USBP3–

USBP3+

USB Power

7. Internal audio connectors (4-pin AUX1, CD1, MODEM1)

These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound
sources such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card. The MODEM
connector allows the onboard audio to interface with a voice modem
card with a similar connector. It also allows the sharing of mono_in
(such as a phone) and a mono_out (such as a speaker) between the
audio and a voice modem card.

AUX1 (White)

P4SC-EA

®

Right Audio Channel

Left Audio Channel

P4SC-EA Internal Audio Connectors

CD1 (Black)

Ground

Left Audio Channel
Ground
Right Audio Channel

Modem-In
(to Modem)

Ground
Modem-Out

(from Modem)

MODEM1

ASUS Terminator P4 533A-X Barebone System

51

8. Front panel audio connectors (5-1 pin MIC_LOUT1)

This connector connects to a front panel audio module using an audio
cable. If your chassis has this audio module, you may conveniently
connect a microphone and a speaker/headphone on the front panel.

MIC_LOUT1

P4SC-EA

Head set Left channel

GNDHead set Right channel

®

1
1

MIC SignalMIC PWR

P4SC-EA Front Panel Audio Connectors

9. IO extension module connector (22-pin IOC_MB)

This connector is for the CGAEX extension module.

P4SC-EA

®

COM1

IOC_DC

CGAEX

GAME

®

52

P4SC-EA IOC_MB Connector

Chapter 3: Motherboard information

10. System panel connector (20-pin PANEL1)

This connector accommodates several system front panel functions.

Speaker

Power LED

Connector

P4SC-EA

®

P4SC-EA System Panel Connectors

PLED

+5VSB

+5 V

Message LED

SMI Lead

*

Requires an ATX power supply.

MLED

Ground

ExtSMI#

PWR

Speaker

Ground

+5V

Ground

Reset

Ground

Ground

Reset SW

ATX Power
Switch*

• System Power LED Lead (3-1 pin PLED)

This 3-1 pin connector connects to the system power LED. The LED
lights up when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the
system is in sleep mode.

• System Warning Speaker Lead (4-pin SPEAKER)

This 4-pin connector connects to the case-mounted speaker and
allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.

• System Message LED Lead (2-pin MLED)

This 2-pin connector is for the system message LED that indicates
receipt of messages from a fax/modem. The normal status for this
LED is OFF, when there is no incoming data signal. The LED blinks
when data is received. The system message LED feature requires
an ACPI OS and driver support.

• System Management Interrupt Lead (2-pin SMI)

This 2-pin connector allows you to manually place the system into a
suspend mode, or “green” mode, where system activity is instantly
decreased to save power and to expand the life of certain system
components. Attach the case-mounted suspend switch to this 2-pin
connector.

ASUS Terminator P4 533A-X Barebone System

53

• ATX Power Switch / Soft-Off Switch Lead (2-pin PWR)

This connector connects a switch that controls the system power.
Pressing the power switch turns the system between ON and SLEEP,
or ON and SOFT OFF, depending on the BIOS or OS settings.
Pressing the power switch while in the ON mode for more than 4
seconds turns the system OFF.

• Reset Switch Lead (2-pin RESET)

This 2-pin connector connects to the case-mounted reset switch for
rebooting the system without turning off the system power.

54

Chapter 3: Motherboard information

Chapter 4

This chapter tells how to change system
settings through the BIOS Setup menus. It
includes detailed descriptions of the BIOS
parameters.

ASUS Terminator P4 533A-X Barebone System

BIOS Information

55

4.1 Managing and updating the BIOS

4.1.1 Using the computer system for the first time

It is recommended that you save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS
along with a Flash Memory Writer utility (AFLASH.EXE) to a bootable
floppy disk in case you need to reinstall the BIOS later. AFLASH.EXE is a
Flash Memory Writer utility that updates the BIOS by uploading a new
BIOS file to the programmable flash ROM on the motherboard. This file
works only in DOS mode. To determine the BIOS version of your
motherboard, check the last four numbers of the code displayed on the
upper left-hand corner of your screen during bootup. Larger numbers
represent a newer BIOS file.

1. Type FORMAT A:/S at the DOS prompt to create a bootable system
disk. DO NOT copy AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS to the disk.

2. Type COPY D:\AFLASH\AFLASH.EXE A:\ (assuming D is your
CD-ROM drive) to copy AFLASH.EXE to the boot disk you created.

NOTE

AFLASH works only in DOS mode. It does not work in the DOS prompt
within Windows, and does not work with certain memory drivers that
may be loaded when you boot from the hard drive. It is recommended
that you reboot using a floppy disk.

3. Reboot the computer from the floppy disk.

NOTE

BIOS setup must specify “Floppy” as the first item in the boot sequence.

56

Chapter 4: BIOS information

4. In DOS mode, type A:\AFLASH <Enter> to run AFLASH.

IMPORTANT

If the word “unknown” appears after Flash Memory:, the memory chip is
either not programmable or is not supported by the ACPI BIOS and
therefore, cannot be programmed by the Flash Memory Writer utility.

5. Select 1. Save Current BIOS to File from the Main menu and press
<Enter>. The Save Current BIOS To File screen appears.

6. Type a filename and the path, for example, A:\XXX-XX.XXX, then
press <Enter>.

ASUS Terminator P4 533A-X Barebone System

57

4.1.2 Updating BIOS procedures

CAUTION!

Update the BIOS only if you have problems with the motherboard and
you are sure that the new BIOS revision will solve your problems.
Careless updating may result to more problems with the motherboard!

1. Download an updated ASUS BIOS file from the Internet (WWW or
FTP) (see ASUS CONTACT INFORMATION on page x for details)
and save to the boot floppy disk you created earlier.

2. Boot from the floppy disk.

3. At the “A:\” prompt, type AFLASH and then press <Enter>.

4. At the Main Menu, type 2 then press <Enter>. The Update BIOS
Including Boot Block and ESCD screen appears.

5. Type the filename of your new BIOS and the path, for example,
A:\XXX-XX.XXX, then press <Enter>.

To cancel this operation, press <Enter>.

6. When prompted to confirm the BIOS update, press Y to start the
update.

58

Chapter 4: BIOS information

7. The utility starts to program the new BIOS information into the Flash
ROM. The boot block is updated automatically only when necessary.
This minimizes the possibility of boot problems in case of update
failures. When the programming is done, the message

Successfully”

appears.

“Flashed

8. Follow the onscreen instructions to continue.

WARNING!

If you encounter problems while updating the new BIOS, DO NOT turn
off the system because this may cause boot problems. Just repeat the
process, and if the problem persists, load the original BIOS file you
saved to the boot disk. If the Flash Memory Writer utility is not able to
successfully update a complete BIOS file, the system may not boot. If
this happens, call the ASUS service center for support.

ASUS Terminator P4 533A-X Barebone System

59

4.2 BIOS Setup program

This motherboard supports a programmable Flash ROM that you can
update using the provided utility described in section

updating your BIOS.”

Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard,
reconfiguring your system, or prompted to “Run Setup”. This section
explains how to configure your system using this utility.

Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you may want to
change the configuration of your computer in the future. For example, you
may want to enable the security password feature or make changes to the
power management settings. This requires you to reconfigure your system
using the BIOS Setup program so that the computer can recognize these
changes and record them in the CMOS RAM of the Flash ROM.

The Flash ROM 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 <Delete> during the Power-On Self Test (POST) to
enter the Setup utility, otherwise, POST continues with its test routines.

“4.1 Managing and

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

The Setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. It is
a menu-driven program, which means you can scroll through the various
sub-menus and make your selections among the predetermined choices.

NOTE

Because the BIOS software is constantly being updated, the following
BIOS setup screens and descriptions are for reference purposes only,
and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.

60

Chapter 4: BIOS information

4.2.1 BIOS menu bar

The top of the screen has a menu bar with the following selections:
MAIN Use this menu to make changes to the basic system

configuration.

ADVANCED Use this menu to enable and make changes to the

advanced features.

POWER Use this menu to configure and enable Power Management

features.

BOOT Use this menu to configure the default system device used

to locate and load the Operating System.

EXIT Use this menu to exit the current menu or to exit the Setup

program.

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

4.2.2 Legend bar

At the bottom of the Setup screen is a legend bar. The keys in the legend
bar allow you to navigate through the various setup menus. The following
table lists the keys found in the legend bar with their corresponding
functions.

Navigation Key(s) Function Description

<F1> or <Alt + H> Displays the General Help screen from anywhere in the

BIOS Setup

<Esc> Jumps to the Exit menu or returns to the main menu from

a sub-menu

Left or Right arrow Selects the menu item to the left or right
Up or Down arrow Moves the highlight up or down between fields

- (minus key) Scrolls backward through the values for the highlighted

field

+ (plus key) or spacebar Scrolls forward through the values for the highlighted field
<Enter> Brings up a selection menu for the highlighted field
<Home> or <PgUp> Moves the cursor to the first field
<End> or <PgDn> Moves the cursor to the last field
<F5> Resets the current screen to its Setup Defaults
<F10> Saves changes and exits Setup

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General help

In addition to the Item Specific Help window, the BIOS setup program also
provides a General Help screen. You may launch this screen from any
menu by simply pressing <F1> or the <Alt> + <H> combination. The
General Help screen lists the legend keys and their corresponding
functions.

Saving changes and exiting the Setup program

See

“4.7 Exit Menu”

the setup program.

for detailed information on saving changes and exiting

Scroll bar

When a scroll bar appears to the right of a help window, it indicates that
there is more information to be displayed that will not fit in the window. Use
<PgUp> and <PgDn> or the up and down arrow keys to scroll through the
entire help document. Press <Home> to display the first page, press
<End> to go to the last page. To exit the help window, press <Enter> or
<Esc>.

Sub-menu

Note that a right pointer symbol (as shown on the
left) appears to the left of certain fields. This pointer
indicates that you can display a sub-menu from this
field. A sub-menu contains additional options for a
field parameter. To display a sub-menu, move the
highlight to the field and press <Enter>. The sub­menu appears. Use the legend keys to enter values
and move from field to field within a sub-menu as
you would within a menu. Use the <Esc> key to
return to the main menu.

Take some time to familiarize yourself with the legend keys and their
corresponding functions. Practice navigating through the various menus
and sub-menus. If you accidentally make unwanted changes to any of the
fields, use the set default hot key <F5> to load the Setup default values.
While moving around through the Setup program, note that explanations
appear in the Item Specific Help window located to the right of each menu.
This window displays the help text for the currently highlighted field.

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4.3 Main Menu

When you enter the Setup program, the following screen appears.

System Time [XX:XX:XX]

Sets the system to the time that you specify (usually the current time). The
format is hour, minute, second. Valid values for hour, minute and second
are Hour: (00 to 23), Minute: (00 to 59), Second: (00 to 59). Use the <Tab>
or <Shift> + <Tab> keys to move between the hour, minute, and second
fields.

System Date [XX/XX/XXXX]

Sets the system to the date that you specify (usually the current date). The
format is month, day, year. Valid values for month, day, and year are
Month: (1 to 12), Day: (1 to 31), Year: (up to 2084). Use the <Tab> or
<Shift> + <Tab> keys to move between the month, day, and year fields.

Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]

Sets the type of floppy drive installed. Configuration options: [None] [360K,

5.25 in.] [1.2M , 5.25 in.] [720K , 3.5 in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.] [2.88M, 3.5 in.]

Floppy 3 Mode Support [Disabled]

This is required to support older Japanese floppy drives. The Floppy 3
Mode feature allows reading and writing of 1.2MB (as opposed to 1.44MB)
on a 3.5-inch diskette. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

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Supervisor Password [Disabled] / User Password [Disabled]

These fields allow you to set passwords. To set a password, highlight the
appropriate field and press <Enter>. Type in a password then press
<Enter>. You can type up to eight alphanumeric characters. Symbols and
other characters are ignored. To confirm the password, type the password
again and press <Enter>. The password is now set to [Enabled]. This
password allows full access to the BIOS Setup menus. To clear the
password, highlight this field and press <Enter>. The same dialog box as
above appears. Press <Enter>. The password is set to [Disabled].

A note about passwords

The BIOS Setup program allows you to specify passwords in the Main
menu. The passwords control access to the BIOS during system
startup. Passwords are not case sensitive, meaning, passwords typed
in either uppercase or lowercase letters are accepted. The BIOS Setup
program allows you to specify two different passwords: a Supervisor
password and a User password. If you did not set a Supervisor
password, anyone can access the BIOS Setup program. If you did, the
Supervisor password is required to enter the BIOS Setup program and
to gain full access to the configuration fields.

Forgot the password?

If you forget your password, you can clear it by erasing the CMOS
Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM. The RAM data containing the password
information is powered by the onboard button cell battery. See section
“3.7 Jumpers” for information on how to erase the RTC RAM.

Halt On [All Errors]

This field specifies the types of errors that will cause the system to halt.
Configuration options: [All Errors] [No Error] [All but Keyboard] [All but
Disk] [All but Disk/Keyboard]

Installed Memory [XXX MB]

This field automatically displays the amount of conventional memory
detected by the system during the boot process.

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4.3.1 Primary and Secondary Master/Slave

Type [Auto]

Select [Auto] to automatically detect an IDE hard disk drive. If automatic
detection is successful, Setup automatically fills in the correct values for
the remaining fields on this sub-menu. If automatic detection fails, this may
be because the hard disk drive is too old or too new. If the hard disk was
already formatted on an older system, Setup may detect incorrect
parameters. In these cases, select [User Type HDD] to manually enter the
IDE hard disk drive parameters. Refer to the next section for details.

CAUTION

Before attempting to configure a hard disk drive, make sure you have
the correct configuration information supplied by the drive manufacturer.
Incorrect settings may cause the system to fail to recognize the installed
hard disk.

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[User Type HDD]

Manually enter the number of cylinders, heads and sectors per track for
the drive. Refer to the drive documentation or on the drive label for this
information.

NOTE

After entering the IDE hard disk drive information into BIOS, use a disk
utility, such as FDISK, to partition and format new IDE hard disk drives.
This is necessary so that you can write or read data from the hard disk.
Make sure to set the partition of the Primary IDE hard disk drives to
active.

If no drive is installed or if you are removing a drive and not replacing it,
select [None].

Other options for the Type field are:

[CD-ROM] - for IDE CD-ROM drives
[LS120] - for LS-120 compatible floppy disk drives
[ZIP] - for ZIP-compatible disk drives
[MO] - for IDE magneto optical disk drives
[Other A TAPI Device] - for IDE devices not listed here

After making your selections on this sub-menu, press the <Esc> key to
return to the Main menu. When the Main menu appears, the hard disk
drive field displays the size for the hard disk drive that you configured.

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Translation Method [LBA]

Select the hard disk drive type in this field. When Logical Block Addressing
(LBA) is enabled, the 28-bit addressing of the hard drive is used without
regard for cylinders, heads, or sectors. Note that LBA Mode is necessary
for drives with more than 504MB storage capacity. Configuration options:
[LBA] [LARGE] [Normal] [Match Partition Table] [Manual]

Cylinders

This field configures the number of cylinders. Refer to the drive
documentation to determine the correct value. To make changes to this
field, set the Type field to [User Type HDD] and the Translation Method
field to [Manual].

Head

This field configures the number of read/write heads. Refer to the drive
documentation to determine the correct value. To make changes to this
field, set the Type field to [User Type HDD] and the Translation Method
field to [Manual].

Sector

This field configures the number of sectors per track. Refer to the drive
documentation to determine the correct value. To make changes to this
field, set the Type field to [User Type HDD] and the Translation Method
field to [Manual].

CHS Capacity

This field shows the drive’s maximum CHS capacity as calculated by the
BIOS based on the drive information you entered.

Maximum LBA Capacity

This field shows the drive’s maximum LBA capacity as calculated by the
BIOS based on the drive information you entered.

Multi-Sector Transfers [Maximum]

This option automatically sets the number of sectors per block to the
highest number that the drive supports. Note that when this field is
automatically configured, the set value may not always be the fastest
value for the drive. You may also manually configure this field. Refer to the
documentation that came with the hard drive to determine the optimum
value and set it manually. To make changes to this field, set the Type field
to [User Type HDD]. Configuration options: [Disabled] [2 Sectors] [4
Sectors] [8 Sectors] [16 Sectors] [32 Sectors] [Maximum]

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SMART Monitoring [Disabled]

This field allows you to enable or disable the S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring,
Analysis and Reporting Technology) system that utilizes internal hard disk
drive monitoring technology. This parameter is normally disabled because
the resources used in the SMART monitoring feature may decrease
system performance. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

PIO Mode [4]

This option lets you set a PIO (Programmed Input/Output) mode for the
IDE device. Modes 0 through 4 provide successive increase in
performance. Configuration options: [0] [1] [2] [3] [4]

Ultra DMA Mode [4]

Ultra DMA capability allows improved transfer speeds and data integrity for
compatible IDE devices. Set to [Disabled] to suppress Ultra DMA
capability. To make changes to this field, set the Type field to [User Type
HDD]. Configuration options: [0] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [Disabled]

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4.3.2 Keyboard Features

Boot Up NumLock Status [On]

This field enables users to activate the Number Lock function upon system
boot. Configuration options: [Off] [On]

Keyboard Auto-Repeat Rate [12/Sec]

This controls the speed at which the system registers repeated keystrokes.
Options range from 6 to 30 characters per second. Configuration options:
[6/Sec] [8/Sec] [10/Sec] [12/Sec] [15/Sec] [20/Sec] [24/Sec] [30/Sec]

Keyboard Auto-Repeat Delay [1/4 Sec]

This field sets the time interval for displaying the first and second
characters. Configuration options: [1/4 Sec] [1/2 Sec] [3/4 Sec] [1 Sec]

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4.4 Advanced Menu

CPU Speed [Manual]

This parameter allows you select the CPU internal frequency. You can
select either one of the preset speeds, [2200 MHz] or [2933 MHz], or
select [Manual] if you wish to adjust the setting of the next item, CPU
Frequency Multiple. Configuration options: [Manual] [1733MHz]

CAUTION

Be careful when setting the CPU internal frequency. Selecting a
frequency higher than what the CPU manufacturer recommends may
cause the system to hang or crash!

CPU Frequency Multiple (when CPU Speed is set to [Manual])

This field is for unlocked processors only. If your processor frequency
multiple is locked, you cannot access this field. This field sets the
frequency multiple between the CPU’s internal frequency (CPU speed)
and external frequency.

CPU External Frequency (MHz)

This feature tells the clock generator what frequency to send to the system
bus and PCI bus. The bus frequency (external frequency) multiplied by the
bus multiple equals the CPU speed.

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Memory Frequency [Auto]

This field determines whether the memory clock frequency is set to be in
synchronous or asynchronous mode with respect to the system frequency.
The options that appear in the popup menu vary according to the CPU/PCI
Frequency (MHz). Configuration options: [Auto] [1:1] [3:4] [3:5]

CPU Level 2 Cache [Enabled]

These fields allow you to choose from the default of [Enabled] or choose
[Disabled] to turn the CPU Level 2 built-in cache on or off. Configuration
options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

BIOS Update [Enabled]

This field functions as an update loader integrated into the BIOS to supply
the processor with the required data. When set to [Enabled], the BIOS
loads the update on all processors during system bootup. Configuration
options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

PS/2 Mouse Function Control [Auto]

The default setting [Auto] allows the system to detect a PS/2 mouse at
startup. If a mouse is detected, the BIOS assigns IRQ12 to the PS/2
mouse. Otherwise, IRQ12 can be used for expansion cards. When you set
this field to [Enabled], BIOS reserves IRQ12, whether or not a PS/2 mouse
is detected at startup. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Auto]

USB Legacy Support [Auto]

This motherboard supports Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices. The
default of [Auto] allows the system to detect a USB device at startup. If
detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If not detected, the
USB controller legacy mode is disabled.

When you set this field to [Disabled], the USB controller legacy mode is
disabled whether or not you are using a USB device. Configuration
options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]

OS/2 Onboard Memory > 64M [Disabled]

When using OS/2 operating systems with installed DRAM of greater than
64MB, you need to set this option to [Enabled]. Otherwise, leave to the
default setting [Disabled]. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

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4.4.1 Chip Configuration

SDRAM Configuration [By SPD]

This parameter allows you to set the optimal timings for items 2–5,
depending on the memory modules that you are using. The default setting
is [By SPD], which configures items 2–5 by reading the contents in the
SPD (Serial Presence Detect) device. The EEPROM on the memory
module stores critical information about the module, such as memory type,
size, speed, voltage interface, and module banks.
Configuration options: [User Defined] [By SPD]

NOTE

The SDRAM parameters (items 2~5) become configurable only when
you set the SDRAM Configuration to [User Defined].

SDRAM CAS Latency [2.5T]

This item controls the latency between the SDRAM read command and
the time the data actually becomes available. Configuration options: [2.5T]
[2T] [1.5T] [3T]

SDRAM RAS to CAS Delay [3T]

This item controls the latency between the SDRAM active command and
the read/write command. Configuration options: [3T] [2T] [4T]

SDRAM RAS Precharge Time [3T]

This item controls the idle clocks after issuing a precharge command to
the SDRAM. Configuration options: [3T] [2T] [4T]

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SDRAM RAS Active T ime [6T]

This item controls the number of SDRAM clocks used for SDRAM parameters.
Configuration options: [6T] [7T] [5T] [4T]

SDRAM Command Lead-off Time [Auto]

This item allows you to select the SDRAM lead-off time. Configuration
options: [Auto] [2T] [1T]

Graphics Aperture Size [64MB]

This item allows you to select the size of mapped memory for AGP graphic
data. Configuration options: [4MB] [8MB] [16MB] [32MB] [64MB] [128MB]
[256MB]

AGP Capability [4X Mode]

When set to [4X Mode], this item allows 1066MB/s video data transfers
through the AGP 4X interface card. When set to [1X Mode], the AGP interface
only provides a peak data throughput of 266MB/s even if you are using an
AGP 4X card. Configuration options: [1X Mode] [2X] Mode] [4X Mode]

AGP Fast Write Capability [Enabled]

This item allows you to enable or disable the AGP fast write feature. The AGP
fast write is a data transfer protocol that combines PCI and AGP protocols to
support continuous data transfer directly from the chipset to the AGP.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Onboard VGA Shared Memory Size [32M]

This item allows you to set the memory space reserved for the VGA frame
buffer (display memory) within the system main memory. If you have installed a
3D graphics device, select at least 16MB VGA shared memory size. Note that
the more system memory you share with VGA, the less memory space is left
for other system devices. Configuration options: [4M] [8M] [16M] [32M] [64M]

Video Memory Cache Mode [UC]

USWC (uncacheable, speculative write combining) is a new cache
technology for the video memory of the processor . It can greatly improve the
display speed by caching the display data. You must set this to UC
(uncacheable) if your display card does not support this feature, otherwise the
system may not boot. Configuration options: [UC] [USWC]

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Memory Hole At 15M-16M [Disabled]

This field allows you to reserve an address space for ISA expansion cards.
Setting the address space to a particular setting makes that memory space
unavailable to other system components. Expansion cards can only access
memory up to 16MB. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

PCI 2.1 Support [Enabled]

This field allows you to enable or disable the PCI 2.1 features. Keep the
default setting [Enabled] if you installed PCI 2.1 compliant cards. Set to
[Disabled] if you installed any card that is not PCI 2.1 compliant.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Onboard PCI IDE [Both]

This field allows you to enable either the primary IDE channel or
secondary IDE channel, or both. You can also set both channels to
[Disabled]. Configuration options: [Both] [Primary] [Secondary] [Disabled]

IDE Bus Master Support [Enabled]

This field allows you to enable or disable the IDE bus master feature.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

4.4.2 I/O Device Configuration

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Floppy Disk Access Control [R/W]

When set to [Read Only], this parameter protects files from being copied to
floppy disks by allowing reads from, but not writes to, the floppy disk drive.
The default setting [R/W] allows both reads and writes. Configuration
options: [R/W] [Read Only]

Onboard Serial Port 1 [3F8H/IRQ4]

This field allows you to set the I/O address and IRQ assignment for the
onboard serial connector. Configuration options: [3F8H/IRQ4] [2F8H/IRQ3]
[3E8H/IRQ4] [2E8H/IRQ10] [Disabled]

Onboard Parallel Port [378H/IRQ7]

This field sets the address of the onboard parallel port connector. If you
disable this field, the Parallel Port Mode and ECP DMA Select
configurations are not available. Configuration options: [Disabled] [378H/
IRQ7] [278H/IRQ5]

Parallel Port Mode [ECP+EPP]

This field allows you to set the operation mode of the parallel port.
[Normal] allows normal-speed operation but in one direction only; [EPP]
allows bidirectional parallel port operation; [ECP] allows the parallel port to
operate in bidirectional DMA mode; [ECP+EPP] allows normal speed
operation in a two-way mode. Configuration options: [Normal] [EPP] [ECP]
[ECP+EPP]

ECP DMA Select [3]

This field allows you to configure the parallel port DMA channel for the
selected ECP mode. This selection is available only if you select [ECP] or
[ECP+EPP] in Parallel Port Mode above. Configuration options: [1] [3]

Onboard Game Port [200H-207H]

This field allows you to set the I/O address for the onboard game port.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [200H-207H] [208H-20FH]

Onboard MIDI I/O [Disabled]

This field allows you to set the I/O address for the MIDI device.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [330H-331H] [300H-301H]

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4.4.3 PCI Configuration

Slot 1 IRQ [Auto]

This field automatically assigns an IRQ for the PCI slot. The default setting
is [Auto], which utilizes auto-routing to determine IRQ assignments.
Configuration options: [Auto] [NA] [3] [4] [5] [7] [9] [10] [11] [12] [14] [15]

PCI/VGA Palette Snoop [Disabled]

Some non-standard VGA cards, like graphics accelerators or MPEG video
cards, may not show colors properly. Setting this field to [Enabled] corrects
this problem. If you are using standard VGA cards, leave this field to the
default setting [Disabled]. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

PCI Latency Timer [32]

Leave this field to the default setting [32] for best performance and
stability.

Primary VGA BIOS [PCI VGA Card]

This field allows you to select the primary graphics card. Configuration
options: [PCI VGA Card] [AGP VGA Card] [Onboard VGA]

Onboard VGA [Enabled]

This field allows you to enable or disable the onboard VGA feature.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

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USB Function [Enabled]

This motherboard supports Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices. Keep the
default setting [Enabled] if you connect USB devices. Select [Disabled] if
you do not wish to use the USB feature. Configuration options: [Disabled]
[Enabled]

USB 2.0 Function [Enabled]

This motherboard supports USB 2.0 specification. Keep the default setting
[Enabled] if you connect USB 2.0 devices. Otherwise, select [Disabled].
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Onboard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]

This field allows you to enable or disable the option ROM on the onboard
LAN chipset. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

4.4.3.1 Onboard PCI Devices Control

Onboard LAN [Enabled]

This field allows you to enable or disable the onboard LAN controller. Keep
the default enabled if you wish to use the onboard LAN feature. Set to
[Disabled] if you installed a PCI LAN card. Configuration options:
[Disabled] [Enabled]

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Onboard AC97 Audio Controller [Auto]
Onboard AC97 Modem Controller [Auto]

[Auto] allows the BIOS to detect whether you are using any modem/audio
device. If a modem/audio device is detected, the onboard modem/audio
controller is enabled; if no modem/audio device is detected, the controller
is disabled. If there are conflicts with the onboard modem/audio controller,
set the appropriate field to [Disabled]. Configuration options: [Disabled]
[Auto]

4.4.3.2 PCI IRQ Resource Exclusion

IRQ XX Reserved [No/ICU]

These fields indicate whether or not the displayed IRQ for each field is
being used by a legacy (non-PnP) ISA card. The setting [No/ICU] for an
IRQ field indicates that you are using the ISA Configuration Utility (ICU),
and that this particular IRQ is NOT required by a legacy ISA card. Set the
IRQ field to [Yes] if you install a legacy ISA card that requires a unique IRQ
and you are NOT using ICU. Configuration options: [No/ICU] [Yes]

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4.5 Power Menu

The Power menu allows you to reduce power consumption. This feature
turns off the video display and shuts down the hard disk after a period of
inactivity.

Power Management [User Defined]

This field allows you to activate or deactivate the automatic power saving
features. When set to [Disabled], the power management features do not
function regardless of the other settings on this menu. The [User Defined]
option allows you to set the period of inactivity before the system enters
suspend mode. Refer to “Suspend Mode” later in this section.

When set to [Max Saving], system power is conserved to its greatest
amount. This setting automatically puts the system into suspend mode
after a brief period of system inactivity. [Min Saving] allows the least power
saving as the system enters suspend mode only after a long period of
inactivity. Configuration options: [User Defined] [Disabled] [Min Saving]
[Max Saving]

IMPORTANT

You should install the Advanced Power Management (APM) utility to
keep the system time updated even when the computer enters suspend
mode. In Windows 3.x and Windows 95, you need to install Windows
with the APM feature. In Windows 98 or later, APM is automatically
installed as indicated by a battery and power cord icon labeled “Power
Management” in the Control Panel. Select the item “Advanced” in the
Power Management Properties dialog box.

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Video Off Option [Suspend -> Off ]

This field determines when to activate the video off feature for monitor
power management. Configuration options: [Always On] [Suspend -> Off]

Video Off Method [DPMS OFF]

This field defines the video off features. The Display Power Management
System (DPMS) feature allows the BIOS to control the video display card if
it supports the DPMS feature. [Blank Screen] only blanks the screen. Use
this for monitors without power management or “green” features.

NOTE

Even if installed, your screen saver does not display when you select
[Blank Screen] for the above field.

[V/H SYNC+Blank] blanks the screen and turns off vertical and horizontal
scanning. Configuration options: [Blank Screen] [V/H SYNC+Blank]
[DPMS Standby] [DPMS Suspend] [DPMS OFF] [DPMS Reduce ON]

HDD Power Down [Disabled]

Shuts down any IDE hard disk drives in the system after a period of
inactivity as set in this user-configurable field. This feature does not affect
SCSI hard drives. Configuration options: [Disabled] [1 Min] [2 Min] [3
Min]...[15 Min]

ACPI Suspend To RAM [Enabled]

This field allows you to enable or disable the ACPI Suspend-to-RAM
feature. To support this feature, the +5VSB of the power supply should
have the capacity to provide more than 720mA current. Configuration
options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Suspend Mode [Disabled]

Sets the time period before the system goes into suspend mode.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [1~2 Min] [2~3 Min] [4~5 min] [8~9 Min]
[20 Min] [30 Min]

PWR Button < 4 Secs [Soft Off]

When set to [Soft off], the ATX switch can be used as a normal system
power-off button when pressed for less than 4 seconds. [Suspend] allows
the button to have a dual function where pressing less than 4 seconds
puts the system in sleep mode. Regardless of the setting, holding the ATX
switch for more than 4 seconds powers off the system. Configuration
options: [Soft off] [Suspend]

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4.5.1 Power Up Control

AC PWR Loss Restart [Disabled]

This allows you to set whether or not to reboot the system after power
interruptions. [Disabled] leaves your system off while [Enabled] reboots the
system. [Previous State] sets the system back to the state it was before
the power interruption. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
[Previous State]

Wake/Power Up On Ext. Modem [Disabled]

This allows either settings of [Enabled] or [Disabled] for powering up the
computer when the external modem receives a call while the computer is
in Soft-off mode. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

NOTE

The computer cannot receive or transmit data until the computer and
applications are fully running. Thus, connection cannot be made on the
first try. Turning an external modem off and then back on while the
computer is off causes an initialization string that turns the system
power on.

Power Up On PCI Device [Disabled]

When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to turn on the system
through a PCI modem. This feature requires an ATX power supply that
provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled]
[Enabled]

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Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Space Bar]

This parameter allows you to use specific keys on the keyboard to turn on
the system. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at
least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Space Bar]
[Ctrl-Esc] [Power Key]

Automatic Power Up [Disabled]

This allows an unattended or automatic system power up. You may
configure your system to power up at a certain time of the day by selecting
[Everyday] or at a certain time and day by selecting [By Date].
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Everyday] [By Date]

NOTE

The Automatic Power Up feature does not work if the system is
powered down by an operating system, such Windows 98, that has
Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) support enabled.
Refer to the Glossary for a description of ACPI specification.

4.5.2 Hardware Monitor

System Type

Set this item to Regular if you installed the regular heatsink and fan
assembly. Select the option Heat Pipe if you installed the CPU heat pipe.
Refer to section “2.4 Install the CPU cooling system” for more information
on the CPU heatsink and CPU heat pipe. Configuration options: [Regular]
[Heat Pipe]

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NOTE
When set to the option Heat Pipe, the items PWR Q-Fan Function,
PWR Temperature Threshold, and PWR Fan Lowest Level Voltage

do not appear.

CPU Q-Fan Function [Enabled]

This item allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Q-Fan feature that
smartly adjusts the CPU fan speed for more efficient system operation.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

CPU Temperature Threshold [55°C]

This item allows you to set the highest temperature for the CPU so that
when exceeded by the actual CPU temperature, Q-Fan supplies more
power to the CPU fan. When the CPU temperature goes below the setting,
Q-Fan automatically reverts to the normal power supplied to the fan.
Configuration options: [50°C] [55°C] [60°C] [65°C] [70°C]

NOTE
The CPU Temperature Threshold item does not appear when the CPU
Q-FAN function item is set to Disabled.

CPU Fan Lowest Level Voltage [6V]

This item allows you to set the lowest voltage applied to the CPU fan.
Configuration options: [4V] [5V] [6V] [7V] [8V] [9V]

NOTE

The CPU Fan Lowest Level Voltage item does not appear when the

CPU Q-FAN function item is set to Disabled.

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PWR Q-Fan Function [Enabled]

This item allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Q-Fan feature that
smartly adjusts the power fan speed for more efficient system operation.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

PWR Temperature Threshold [60°C]

This item allows you to set the highest temperature for the power supply
so that when exceeded by the actual power temperature, Q-Fan supplies
more power to the power supply fan. When the CPU temperature goes
below the setting, Q-Fan automatically reverts to the normal power
supplied to the fan. Configuration options: [50°C] [55°C] [60°C] [65°C]
[70°C]

PWR Fan Lowest Level Voltage [3V]

This item allows you to set the lowest voltage applied to the CPU fan.
Configuration options: [3V] [4V] [5V] [6V] [7V] [8V] [9V]

Power Temperature [xxxC/xxxF]
CPU Temperature [xxxC/xxxF]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the
power supply and CPU temperatures in these fields.

CPU Fan Speed [xxxxRPM]
Chassis Fan Speed [xxxxRPM]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the CPU and chassis
fan speeds in rotations per minute (RPM).

VCORE Voltage, +3.3V Voltage, +5V Voltage, +12V Voltage

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output
through the onboard voltage regulators.

NOTE

If any of the monitored items is out of range, the following error
message appears: “Hardware Monitor found an error. Enter Power
setup menu for details”. You will then be prompted to “Press F1 to
continue or DEL to enter SETUP”.

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4.6 Boot Menu

Boot Sequence

The Boot menu allows you to select among the four possible types of boot
devices listed using the up and down arrow keys. By using the <+> or
<Space> key, you can promote devices and by using the <-> key, you can
demote devices. Promotion or demotion of devices alters the priority which
the system uses to search for a boot device on system power up.
Configuration fields include Removable Devices, IDE Hard Drive, ATAPI
CD-ROM, and Other Boot Device.

Removable Device [Legacy Floppy]

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Legacy Floppy] [LS120] [ZIP]
[ATAPI MO] [USB FDD] [USB ZIP/FLASH]

IDE Hard Drive

This field allows you to select which IDE hard disk drive to use in the boot
sequence. Pressing [Enter] will show the product IDs of all connected IDE
hard disk drives.

ATAPI CD-ROM

This field allows you to select which ATAPI CD-ROM drive to use in the
boot sequence. Pressing [Enter] will show the product IDs of all your
connected ATAPI CD-ROM drives.

Other Boot Device Select [INT18 Device (Network)]

Configuration options: [Disabled] [SCSI Boot Device] [INT18 Device
(Network)]

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Plug & Play O/S [No]

This field allows you to use a Plug-and-Play (PnP) operating system to
configure the PCI bus slots instead of using the BIOS. When [Yes] is
selected, interrupts may be reassigned by the OS. If you installed a non­PnP OS or if you want to prevent reassigning of interrupt settings, keep
the default setting [No]. Configuration options: [No] [Yes]

Boot Virus Detection [Enabled]

This field allows you to set boot virus detection, ensuring a virus-free boot
sector. The system halts and displays a warning message when it detects
a virus. If this occurs, you can either allow the operation to continue or use
a virus-free bootable floppy disk to restart and investigate your system.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Quick Power On Self Test [Enabled]

This field speeds up the Power-On-Self Test (POST) routine by skipping
retesting a second, third, and fourth time. Configuration options: [Disabled]
[Enabled]

Boot Up Floppy Seek [Enabled]

When enabled, the BIOS will seek the floppy disk drive to determine
whether the drive has 40 or 80 tracks. Configuration options: [Disabled]
[Enabled]

Full Screen Logo [Enabled]

This allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Interrupt Mode [APIC]

The Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC) setting allows
you to distribute interrupt routings other than the 16 IRQs. The
Programmable Interrupt Controller (PIC) setting allows you to use the 16
IRQs only. Configuration options: [PIC] [APIC]

Hyper-Threading Technology [Enabled]

This item allows you to enable or disable the processor Hyper-Threading
Technology. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

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NOTE

The item Hyper-Threading Technology appears only if you installed
an Intel Pentium 4 CPU that supports this feature.

Chapter 4: BIOS information

4.7 Exit Menu

When you have made all of your selections from the various menus in the
Setup program, save your changes and exit Setup. Select Exit from the
menu bar to display the following menu.

NOTE

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

Exit & Save Changes

Once you are finished making your selections, choose this option from the
Exit menu to ensure the values you selected are saved to the CMOS RAM.
The CMOS RAM is sustained by an onboard backup battery and stays on
even when the PC is turned off. When you select this option, a
confirmation window appears. Select [Yes] to save changes and exit.

NOTE

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

Exit & Discard Changes

Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you
made to the Setup program. If you made changes to fields other than
system date, system time, and password, the BIOS asks for a confirmation
before exiting.

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Load Setup Defaults

This option allows you to load the default values for each of the
parameters on the Setup menus. When you select this option or if you
press <F5>, a confirmation window appears. Select [Yes] to load default
values. Select Exit Saving Changes or make other changes before saving
the values to the non-volatile RAM.

Discard Changes

This option allows you to discard the selections you made and restore the
previously saved values. After selecting this option, a confirmation
appears. Select [Yes] to discard any changes and load the previously
saved values.

Save Changes

This option saves your selections without exiting the Setup program. You
can then return to other menus and make further changes. After you select
this option, a confirmation window appears. Select [Yes] to save any
changes to the non-volatile RAM.

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Chapter 5

This chapter helps you power up your
system and install drivers and utilities that
came with the support CD.

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Starting up

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5.1 Install an operating system

The P4SC-EA motherboard supports Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP
operating systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and
corresponding updates so you can maximize the features of your
hardware.

NOTE

Because motherboard settings and hardware options vary, use the
setup procedures presented in this chapter for general reference only.
Refer to your OS documentation for more information.

5.2 Support CD information

The support CD that came with the motherboard contains useful software
and several utility drivers that enhance the motherboard features.

NOTE

The contents of the support CD are subject to change at any time
without notice. Visit the ASUS website for updates.

5.2.1 Running the support CD

To begin using the support CD, simply insert the CD into your CD-ROM
drive. If Autorun is enabled in your computer, the software and drivers
menu automatically appears on your screen.

If the installation menu did not appear automatically, locate and double­click on the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder in the support CD to
display the menu.

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5.2.2 Installation menus

The support CD menu is composed of two screens. Click on the Right

Arrow

menu screen. To return to the first menu screen, click on the Left Arrow on
the lower right corner of the second screen.

on the lower right corner of the first screen to display the second

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5.2.3 Software and drivers description

The menu lists the drivers and applications that are available for this
motherboard. Simply click on a specific item then follow the installation
wizard to install it.

SiS 650/651/740 Display Driver

Click this item to load the installation wizard and install the SiS 650/651/
740 display driver.

SiS AGP Driver

Click this item to load the installation wizard and install the SiS AGP driver.

AD1980 SoundMAX Audio Driver

This item installs the AD1980 audio driver.

SiS PCI LAN Driver

This item installs the SiS PCI LAN driver.

Bluetooth Driver

This item installs the Bluetooth driver.

ASUS PC Probe

This smart utility monitors the fan speed, CPU temperature, and system
voltages, and alerts you on any detected problems. This utility helps you
keep your computer at a healthy operating condition.

ASUS Update

This item installs the ASUS Update. This program allows you to download
the latest version of the BIOS from the ASUS website.

Microsoft Direct X Driver

This item installs the Microsoft Direct X driver.

PC-CILLIN 2002

This item installs the PC-cillin 2002 anti-virus software. View the PC-cillin
online help for detailed information.

ADOBE Acrobat Reader

This item installs the Adobe Acrobat Reader. The Acrobat Reader software
is for viewing files saved in Portable Document Format (PDF).

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Install Cyberlink Video and Audio Applications

This item installs the Cyberlink PowerPlayer SE and Cyberlink VideoLive
Mail.

ASUS Screen Saver

This item installs the ASUS screen saver.

E-Color 3Deep

This item installs the E-Color 3Deep software.

Show Motherboard Information

Click this item to display the general specifications for the P4SC-EA
motherboard.

Browse Support CD

Click this item to display the ASUS Terminator series support CD contents.

Readme

This item displays the contents of the support CD and a brief description of
each in text format.

Exit

Click this item to exit the support CD.

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5.3 Software information

Most of the applications in the support CD have wizards that will
conveniently guide you through the installation. View the online help or
readme file that came with the software for more information.

5.3.1 ASUS Update

The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to update the motherboard
BIOS and drivers. This utility requires an Internet connection either
through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Follow these steps to use the ASUS Update.

1. Launch the utility from your
Windows Start menu:

Programs/AsusUpdate Vx.xx.xx/
AsusUpdate

The ASUS Update initial screen
appears.

2. Select your desired update
method, then click Next.

3. If you selected updating/
downloading from the Internet,
select the ASUS FTP site nearest
you to avoid network traffic, or
choose Auto Select. Click Next.

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

5. Follow the instructions on the
succeeding screens to complete
the update process.

If you selected the option to update
the BIOS from a file, a window pops
up prompting you to locate the file.
Select the file, click Save, then follow
the screen instructions to complete
the update process.

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5.3.2 ASUS PC Probe

ASUS PC Probe is a convenient utility to continuously monitor your
computer system’s vital components, such as fan rotations, voltages, and
temperatures. It also has a utility that lets you review useful information
about your computer, such as hard disk space, memory usage, and CPU
type, CPU speed, and internal/external frequencies through the DMI
Explorer.

Starting ASUS PC Probe

When ASUS PC Probe starts, a splash screen appears allowing you to
select whether to show the screen again when you open PC Probe or not.
To bypass this startup screen, clear the Show up in next execution
check box.

To launch ASUS PC Probe, click the Windows Start button, point to
Programs, and then ASUS Utility, and then click Probe Vx.xx.

The PC Probe icon
that ASUS PC Probe is running. Clicking the icon allows you to see the
status of your PC.

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appears on the taskbar system tray indicating

Chapter 5: Starting up

Using ASUS PC Probe

Monitoring

Monitor Summary

Shows a summary of the items
being monitored.

Temperature Monitor

Shows the PC temperature (for
supported processors only).

Temperature Warning

threshold adjustment

(Move the slider up to increase the

threshold level or down to decrease

the threshold level)

Fan Monitor

Shows the PC fan rotation.

Fan Warning

threshold adjustment

(Move the slider up to increase the

threshold level or down to decrease

the threshold level)

Voltage Monitor

Shows the PC voltages.

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Settings

Lets you set threshold levels and
polling intervals or refresh times of
the PC’s temperature, fan rotation,
and voltages.

Lets you select when to enable software CPU

cooling. When When CPU Overheated is selected,

the CPU cooling system is enabled whenever the

CPU temperature reaches the threshold value.

CPU Cooling System Setup

History

Lets you record the monitoring
activity of a certain component of
your PC for future reference.

Fan Control

Lets you enable/disable Smart Fan
Control. Smart Fan Control adjusts
the fan speed automatically based
on the current CPU temperature
and predefined threshold.

Hard Drives

Shows the used and free space of
the PC’s hard disk drives and the
file allocation table or file system
used.

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Chapter 5: Starting up

Memory

Shows the PC memory load,
memory usage, and paging file
usage.

Device Summary

Shows a summary of devices
present in your PC.

DMI Explorer

Shows information pertinent to the
PC, such as CPU type, CPU
speed, and internal/external
frequencies, and memory size.

Utility

Lets you run programs outside of
the ASUS Probe modules. To run a
program, click Execute Program.
NOTE: This feature is currently
unavailable.

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ASUS PC Probe Task Bar Icon

Right clicking the PC Probe
icon brings up a menu to
open or exit ASUS PC Probe
and pause or resume all
system monitoring.

When the ASUS PC Probe
senses a problem with your PC,
portions of the ASUS PC Probe
icon change to red, the PC
speaker beeps, and the ASUS
PC Probe monitor appears.

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Chapter 5: Starting up