ASUS Z8NR-D12 User Manual

Z8NR-D12

Motherboard

E4234

First Edition V1
January 2009

Copyright © 2009 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.

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

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

product is defaced or missing.

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

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

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

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

ii

Contents

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

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

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

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

Z8NR-D12 specications summary ........................................................... xi

Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

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

1.3 Serial number label ...................................................................... 1-2

1.4 Special features ............................................................................ 1-2

1.4.1 Product highlights ........................................................... 1-2

1.4.2 Innovative ASUS features ............................................... 1-4

Chapter 2: Hardware information

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

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

2.2.1 Placement direction ........................................................ 2-2

2.2.2 Screw holes .................................................................... 2-2

2.2.3 Motherboard layouts ....................................................... 2-3

2.2.4 Layout contents ............................................................... 2-4

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-6

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

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

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

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

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

2.4.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 2-13

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 2-13

2.5 Expansion slots .......................................................................... 2-14

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 2-14

2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 2-14

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments ................................................... 2-15

2.5.4 PCI Express x16 slot (x16 link) ..................................... 2-16

2.5.5 PCI Express x8 slots (x8 link; x4 link) ........................... 2-16

2.5.6 PCI slot ......................................................................... 2-16

iii

Contents

2.5.7 PIKE slot ....................................................................... 2-16

2.5.8 Installing ASUS PIKE RAID card .................................. 2-17

2.5.9 Installing i Button ........................................................... 2-17

2.6 Jumpers ...................................................................................... 2-18

2.7 Connectors ................................................................................. 2-23

2.7.1 Rear panel connectors .................................................. 2-23

2.7.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 2-24

Chatper 3: Powering up

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

3.2 Turning off the computer ............................................................. 3-2

3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function .................................... 3-2

3.2.2 Using the dual function power switch .............................. 3-2

Chapter 4 BIOS setup

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

4.1.1 AFUDOS utility ................................................................ 4-1

4.1.2 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ...................................... 4-3

4.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 4-4

4.2.1 BIOS menu screen .......................................................... 4-5

4.2.2 Menu bar ......................................................................... 4-5

4.2.3 Navigation keys ............................................................... 4-5

4.2.4 Menu items ..................................................................... 4-6

4.2.5 Sub-menu items .............................................................. 4-6

4.2.6 Conguration elds ......................................................... 4-6

4.2.7 Pop-up window ............................................................... 4-6

4.2.8 Scroll bar ......................................................................... 4-6

4.2.9 General help ................................................................... 4-6

4.3 Main menu .................................................................................... 4-7

4.3.1 System Time ................................................................... 4-7

4.3.2 System Date ................................................................... 4-7

4.3.3 Legacy Diskette A ........................................................... 4-7

4.3.4 SATA1–6 ......................................................................... 4-8

4.3.5 IDE Conguration .......................................................... 4-10

4.3.6 AHCI Conguration ........................................................4-11

4.3.7 System Information ....................................................... 4-12

iv

Contents

4.4 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 4-13

4.4.1 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 4-13

4.4.2 Chipset Conguration ................................................... 4-16

4.4.3 Legacy Device Conguration ........................................ 4-20

4.4.4 USB Conguration ........................................................ 4-20

4.4.5 PCIPnP ......................................................................... 4-21

4.4.6 Power On Conguration ................................................ 4-22

4.4.7 Event Log Conguration ............................................... 4-23

4.4.8 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 4-24

4.4.9 ACPI Conguration ....................................................... 4-25

4.4.10 PCI Express Conguration ............................................ 4-26

4.5 Server menu ............................................................................... 4-27

4.6 Boot menu .................................................................................. 4-29

4.6.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 4-29

4.6.2 Hard Disk Drives ........................................................... 4-30

4.6.3 Removable Drives ......................................................... 4-30

4.6.4 Boot Settings Conguration .......................................... 4-31

4.6.5 Security ......................................................................... 4-32

4.7 Exit menu .................................................................................... 4-34

Chapter 5: RAID conguration

5.1 Setting up RAID ............................................................................ 5-1

5.1.1 RAID denitions .............................................................. 5-1

5.1.2 Installing hard disk drives ................................................ 5-1

5.1.3 RAID controller selection ................................................ 5-2

5.1.4 Setting the RAID item in BIOS ........................................ 5-2

5.2 LSI Software RAID Conguration Utility .................................... 5-3

5.2.1 Creating a RAID set ........................................................ 5-4

5.2.2 Adding or viewing a RAID conguration ....................... 5-10

5.2.3 Initializing the virtual drives ............................................5-11

5.2.4 Rebuilding failed drives ................................................. 5-15

5.2.5 Checking the drives for data consistency ..................... 5-17

5.2.6 Deleting a RAID conguration ....................................... 5-20

5.2.7 Selecting the boot drive from a RAID set ...................... 5-21

5.2.8 Enabling WriteCache .................................................... 5-22

v

Contents

5.3 Intel® Matrix Storage Manager Option ROM Utility ................. 5-23

5.3.1 Creating a RAID set ...................................................... 5-24

5.3.2 Creating a Recovery set ............................................... 5-25

5.3.3 Deleting a RAID set ...................................................... 5-27

5.3.4 Resetting disks to Non-RAID ........................................ 5-28

5.3.5 Recovery Volume Options ............................................ 5-29

5.3.6 Exiting the Intel® Matrix Storage Manager .................... 5-30

5.3.7 Rebuilding the RAID ..................................................... 5-30

5.3.8 Setting the Boot array in the BIOS Setup Utility ............ 5-32

Chapter 6: Driver installation

6.1 RAID driver installation ............................................................... 6-1

6.1.1 Creating a RAID driver disk ............................................ 6-1

6.1.2 Installing the RAID controller driver ................................ 6-4

6.2 Intel® chipset device installation .............................................. 6-11

6.3 LAN driver installation ............................................................... 6-13

6.4 VGA driver installation............................................................... 6-16

6.5 Management applications and utilities installation ................ 6-18

6.5.1 Running the support DVD ............................................. 6-18

6.5.2 Drivers menu ................................................................. 6-18

6.5.3 Utilities menu ................................................................ 6-19

6.5.4 Make disk menu ............................................................ 6-19

6.5.5 Contact information ....................................................... 6-19

Appendix: Reference information

A.1 Z8NR-D12 model block diagram .................................................A-1

vi

Notices

Federal Communications Commission Statement

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

•

This device may not cause harmful interference, and

•

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

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

•

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•

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

•

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

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

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

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

Canadian Department of Communications Statement

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

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

vii

Safety information

Electrical safety

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

electrical outlet before relocating the system.

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

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

• Seek professional assistance before using an 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 x it by yourself. Contact a
qualied service technician or your retailer.

Operation safety

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

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

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

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

• Place the product on a stable surface.

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

service technician or your retailer.

viii

DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been
designed to enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. This symbol of the
crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical and electronic
equipment) should not be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for
disposal of electronic products.

DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste.
This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not
be placed in municipal waste.

About this guide

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

the motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This user guide contains the following parts:

• Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

• Chapter 2: Hardware information

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

• Chapter 3: Powering up

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

• Chapter 4: BIOS setup

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

• Chapter 5: RAID conguration

This chapter provides instructions for setting up, creating, and conguring

RAID sets using the available utilities.

• Chapter 6: Driver installation

This chapter provides instructions for installing the necessary drivers for
different system components.

• Appendix: Reference information

This appendix includes additional information that you may refer to when

conguring the motherboard.

Where to nd more information

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

1. ASUS websites

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

2. Optional documentation

Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty

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

part of the standard package.

ix

Conventions used in this guide

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

DANGER/WARNING:

when trying to complete a task.

CAUTION:

when trying to complete a task.

IMPORTANT:

task.

NOTE:

task.

Information to prevent damage to the components

Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a

Tips and additional information to help you complete a

Information to prevent injury to yourself

Typography

Bold text

Italics

<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater­ than sign means that you must press the
enclosed key.

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

<Key1+Key2+Key3> If you must press two or more keys
simultaneously, the key names are linked with
a plus sign (+).

Indicates a menu or an item to select.

Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.

Example: <Ctrl+Alt+D>

Command

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

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

x

Means that you must type the command

format A:/S

Z8NR-D12 specications summary

Model Name
Processor / System Bus

Core Logic

Form Factor
ASUS Features Smart Fan

Rack Ready (Rack
and Pedestal dual
use)

Rack Optimized
(Dedicated for Rack)

ASWM
PIKE
Flex-E

Memory Total Slots

Capacity

Memory Type

Memory Size

Expansion Slots
(follow SSI
Location #)

Storage SATA Controller

Total PCI/PCI-X/PCI-E
Slots

Slot Location 1
Slot Location 3
Slot Location 4
Slot Location 5
Slot Location 6

Additional Slot

SAS Controller

(continued on the next page)

Z8NR-D12
2 x Socket LGA1366
Quad-Core Intel® Xeon® W5500 Series

(130W)
Quad-Core Intel® Xeon® X5500 Series (95W)
Quad-Core Intel® Xeon® E5500 Series (80W)
Quad-Core Intel® Xeon® L5500 Series (60W)

QPI 4.8 / 5.86 / 6.4 GT/s
Intel® Tylersburg-24D I/O Hub

Intel® ICH10R I/O Controller
SSI EEB, 12" x 13"

�

�

�

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12 (3-channel per CPU, 6 DIMM per CPU)
Maximum up to 96GB (RDIMM)

Maximum up to 24GB (UDIMM)*
* Minimum: 1GB

DDR3 1066/1333 Reg. DIMM / Unbuffered
DIMM with ECC / non-ECC

1 GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB*

5

1 x PCI 32bit / 33MHz

1 x PCIe x8 (Gen2 x4 Link)
1 x PCIe x8 (Gen2 x4 Link)
1 x PCIe x8 (Gen2 x8 Link)
1 x PCIe x16 (Gen2 x16 Link for 1U Full-

Hight / Half-Length Card) (Auto switch to
x8 Link if slot 5 is occupied)

1 x PIKE Slot for Storage expansion
Intel® ICH10R:

6 x SATA2 300MB/s ports
Intel Matrix Storage (for Windows only)
(Support software RAID 0, 1, 10 & 5)
LSI® MegaRAID (for Linux/Windows)
(Support software RAID 0, 1, 10)

Optional:
ASUS PIKE 1064E 4-port SAS RAID card
ASUS PIKE 1068E 8-port SAS RAID card
ASUS PIKE 1078 8-port SAS HW RAID card

xi

Z8NR-D12 specications summary

Networking LAN
Graphic VGA
Onboard I/O

Connectors

Rear I/O
Connectors

Management
Solution

Monitoring CPU Temperature

Environment

PSU Connector

USB Connectors

Fan Header
SMBus
Chassis Intruder
Front LAN LED
Serial Port Header
External Serial Port
External USB Port
VGA Port
RJ-45
PS/2 KB/Mouse
Software
Out of Band Remote

Management

FAN RPM

®

LSI

MegaRAID 5 function is available only when you install an ASUS PIKE

RAID card with iBTN.

2 x Intel® 82574L + 1 x Management LAN
Aspeed AST2050 8MB
24-pin ATX power connector + 2 x 8-pin ATX

12V power connector
3 (support 4 USB ports and 1 internal Type A

USB connector)
8 * 4Pin (With PWM control)
2
1
2
1
1
2
1
2
1
ASWM
Optional ASMB4-iKVM for KVM-over-IP

support

�
�

Operation temperature: 10°C ~ 35°C
Non operation temperature: -40°C ~ 70°C
Non operation humidity: 20% ~ 90% (Non
condensing)

*Specications are subject to change without notice.

xii

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

Product

introduction

1

Chapter summary

1

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

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

1.3 Serial number label ...................................................................... 1-2

1.4 Special features ............................................................................ 1-2

ASUS Z8NR-D12

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® Z8NR-D12 motherboard!

The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it
another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!

Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the
items in your package with the list below.

1.2 Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

Standard Gift Box Pack Standard Bulk Pack
Z8NR-D12 Z8NR-D12

Cables

Accessories IO shield

Application CD Support CD

Documentation User Guide

Packing Qty.

Optional items Description

PIKE 1064E LSI 4 port SAS RAID card
PIKE 1068E LSI 8 port SAS RAID card
PIKE 1078 LSI 8 port SAS RAID card with Hardware RAID 5, 6, 50, 60

PIKE 6480 Marvell 8 port SAS RAID card
ASMB4-iKVM Remote Management solution provides KVM over IP solution.
ASUS MIO audio card Discrete 8 channel audio card provides clearest high quality

SATA signal cable

FDD cable

sounds

6 --

1 --

1 1

1 1

1 1

1 pcs per carton 10 pcs per carton

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

ASUS Z8NR-D12 1-1

1.3 Serial number label

Before requesting support from the ASUS Technical Support team, you must take
note of the motherboard's serial number containing 12 characters

shown as the gure below. With the correct serial number of the product, ASUS

Technical Support team members can then offer a quicker and satisfying solution
to your problems.

xxM0Axxxxxxx

Z8NR-D12

xxM0Axxxxxxx

Made

in

China

合格

1.4 Special features

1.4.1 Product highlights

Latest processor technology

This motherboard supports the latest Intel Xeon 5500 series processors in LGA
1366 package with integrated memory controller to support 3-channel (6 DIMM per
CPU) DDR3 memory. Intel Xeon 5500 series processor supports Intel QuickPath
Interconnect (QPI) with a system bus of up to 6.4GT/s and a max bandwidth of up
to 25.6GB/s. Intel Xeon 5500 series processor is the one of the most powerful and

energy-efcient CPUs in the world.

Intel® Turbo Boost

Intel® Turbo Boost dynamically reroute power to improve performance. The
processor will automatically overclock as long as the CPU temperature is allowed.

Intel® Hyper Threading

The thread-level parallelism on each processor makes more efcient use of the

processor resources, higher processing throughout and improved performance on
today’s multi-threaded software.

DDR3 memory support

The Z8NR-D12 supports UDIMM and RDIMM DDR3 memory that features data
transfer rates of 1333/1066 MHZ to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of
server and workstation applications. The 3-channel DDR3 architecture boosts
system performance, eliminating bottlenecks with peak bandwidth of up to 32GB/s.
Furthermore, the supply voltage for the memory is reduced from 1.8 V for DDR2 to
just 1.5V for DDR3. This voltage reduction limits the power consumption and heat
generation of DDR3 which makes it an ideal memory solution.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction

Intel® EM64T

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

and more efcient computing.

PCIe 2.0

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

82574L LAN Solution

The motherboard comes with dual Gigabit LAN controllers and ports which provide
a total solution for your networking needs. The onboard Intel 82574L Gigabit LAN
controllers use the PCI Express interface and could achieve network throughput
close to Gigabit bandwidth.

Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology (EIST)

The Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology (EIST) intelligently manages the
CPU resources by automatically adjusting the CPU voltage and core frequency
depending on the CPU loading and system speed or power requirement.

Serial ATA II technology

The motherboard supports the Serial ATA II 3 Gb/s technology through ICH10R

Serial ATA interfaces. The Serial ATA II specication provides twice the bandwidth

of the current Serial ATA products with a host of new features, including Native
Command Queuing (NCQ), Power Management (PM) Implementation Algorithm,

and Hot Swap. Serial ATA allows thinner, more exible cables with lower pin count

and reduced voltage requirements.

USB 2.0 technology

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

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

1.1 to a fast 480 Mbps on USB 2.0. USB 2.0 is backward compatible with USB 1.1.

All High-quality Conductive Polymer Capacitors

This motherboard uses all high-quality conductive polymer capacitors onboard for
durability, improved lifespan, and enhanced thermal capacity.

ASUS Z8NR-D12 1-3

Temperature, fan, and voltage monitoring

The CPU temperature is monitored by the W83795AG chip to prevent overheating
and damage. The system fan rotations per minute (RPM) is monitored for timely
failure detection. The chip monitors the voltage levels to ensure stable supply of
current for critical components.

1.4.2 Innovative ASUS features

ASUS EPU

With current trends leaning towards power efciency, the Z8NR-D12 is equipped

with the ASUS exclusive EPU technology to provide total system power saving by
detecting current CPU loadings and intelligently moderating power in real-time.

ASUS Smart Fan II technology

The ASUS Smart Fan technology smartly adjusts the fan speeds according to the

system loading to ensure quiet, cool, and efcient operation.

PIKE (Proprietary I/O Kit Expansion)

PIKE is an on-demand upgrade kit for users. This ASUS unique feature enables
users to choose their preferred I/O solutions. ASUS provides multiple SAS
solutions for different segments and purposes and PIKE saves lots of validation
efforts and hardware cost for end users. Moreover, the special patent design offers
multiple I/O solutions without occupying the Slot 6 in 1U system.

ASUS Flex-E Technology

ASUS Flex-E Technology allows PCIE slots to automatically switch congurations
for Graphic Card and Storage Utilization. ASUS Flex-E Technology offers two kinds
of congurations, PCI-E x8 Link on both Slot 5 and 6 or PCI-E x16 Link on the Slot 6.

The PCI-E signal of the Slot 6 would switch to x16 Link automatically when the Slot
5 is not occupied.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

Hardware

information

2

Chapter summary

2

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

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

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-6

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

2.5 Expansion slots .......................................................................... 2-14

2.6 Jumpers ...................................................................................... 2-18

2.7 Connectors ................................................................................. 2-23

ASUS Z8NR-D12

2.1 Before you proceed

Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change
any motherboard settings.

• Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any
component.

• Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal
object, such as the power supply case, before handling components to
avoid damaging them due to static electricity.

• Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.

• Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic
pad or in the bag that came with the component.

• Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the power supply
is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure
to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or
components.

ASUS Z8NR-D12 2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview

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

To optimize the motherboard features, we highly recommend that you install it in an

SSI EEB compliant chassis.

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

2.2.1 Placement direction

When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the chassis in the
correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis
as indicated in the image below.

2.2.2 Screw holes

Place nine (9) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard
to the chassis.

DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.

Place this side towards

the rear of the chassis

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.2.3 Motherboard layouts

ASUS Z8NR-D12 2-3

2.2.4 Layout contents

Slots / Sockets Page

1. CPU sockets 2-6

2. DDR3 DIMM sockets 2-11

3. PCI Express x16 slot (x16 link) 2-16

4. PCI Express x8 slots (x8 link; x4 link) 2-16

5. PCI slot 2-16

6. PIKE slot 2-16

Jumpers Page

1. Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC1) 2-18

2. VGA controller setting (3-pin VGA_SW1) 2-19

3. LAN controller setting (3-pin LAN_SW1, LAN_SW2) 2-19

4. iBTN RAID setting (3-pin IBTN_SEL1) 2-20

5. RAID conguration utility selection (3-pin RAID_SEL1) 2-20

6. Force BIOS recovery setting (3-pin RECOVERY1) 2-21

7. Fan controller setting (3-pin FAN_SEL1) 2-22

8. DDR3 voltage setting (4-pin LVDDR3_SEL1/2) 2-22

Rear panel connectors Page

1. PS/2 mouse port (green) 2-23

2. RJ-45 port for iKVM 2-23

3. PS/2 keyboard port (purple) 2-23

4. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2 2-23

5. Serial (COM1) port 2-23

6. Video Graphics Adapter port 2-23

7. LAN 1 (RJ-45) ports 2-23

8. LAN 2 (RJ-45) ports 2-23

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Internal connectors Page

1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY1) 2-24

2. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1–4 [red], SATA5–6 [black]) 2-24

3. SAS connectors (7-pin SAS1–4 [red], SAS5–8 [blue]) 2-25

4. Hard disk activity LED connector (4-pin HDLED1) 2-25

5. Serial General Purpose Input/Output connector (6-1 pin SGPIO1) 2-26

6. Serial General Purpose Input/Output connectors
(6-1 pin SGPIO2/3)

7. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB34, USB56; 4-pin USB7) 2-27

8. CPU and system fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN1/2,
REAR_FAN1/2, FRNT_FAN1/2/3/4)

9. Serial port connectors (10-1 pin COM2) 2-28

10. Power supply SMBus connector (5-pin PSUSMB1) 2-28

11. SSI power connectors (24-pin ATXPWR1, 8-pin ATX12V1/2) 2-29

12. Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) connector
(14-pin BMC_FW1)

13. System panel connector (20-1 pin PANEL1 [white]) 2-30

14. Auxiliary panel connector (20-pin AUX_PANEL1 [black]) 2-31

2-26

2-27

2-29

ASUS Z8NR-D12 2-5

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with two surface mount LGA1366 sockets designed for
the Intel® Xeon® Dual/Quad Core processor.

• Your boxed Intel® Xeon® LGA1366 processor package should come with
installation instructions for the CPU and heatsink. If the instructions in this
section do not match the CPU documentation, follow the latter.

• Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that the PnP cap is on
the socket and the socket contacts are not bent. Contact your retailer
immediately if the PnP cap is missing, or if you see any damage to the PnP
cap/socket contacts/motherboard components. ASUS will shoulder the cost
of repair only if the damage is shipment/transit-related.

• Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return

Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes

with the cap on the LGA1366 socket.

• The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts
resulting from incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/
incorrect removal of the PnP cap.

2.3.1 Installing the CPU

To install a CPU:

1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.

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

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information

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

Retention tab

A

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

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

4. Lift the load plate with your thumb

and forenger to a 100º angle.

5. Remove the PnP cap from the CPU
socket.

B

Load lever

Load plate

4

3

PnP cap

ASUS Z8NR-D12 2-7

6. Position the CPU over the socket,
ensuring that the gold triangle is on
the bottom-left corner of the socket,

and then t the socket alignment key

into the CPU notch.

The CPU ts in only one correct

orientation. DO NOT force the
CPU into the socket to prevent
bending the connectors on the
socket and damaging the CPU!

7. Apply some Thermal Interface
Material to the exposed area of
the CPU that the heatsink will be
in contact with, ensuring that it is
spread in an even thin layer.

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

DO NOT eat the Thermal Interface
Material. If it gets into your eyes or
touches your skin, ensure that you
wash it off immediately and seek
professional medical help.

Gold
triangle
mark

CPU notch

Alignment key

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

directly.

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

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware information

A

B

2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan

The Intel® Xeon™ processors require an Intel certied heatsink and fan assembly
to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.

When you buy a boxed Intel CPU, the package includes the heatsink, fan, retention
brackets, screws, thermal grease, installation manual, and other items that are
necessary for CPU installation.

• Ensure that you have applied the thermal grease to the top of the CPU
before installing the heatsink and fan.

• Refer to the installation manual that came with the CPU package for details
on heatsink/fan assembly and installation.

To install the CPU heatsink and fan:

1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, ensuring that the four screws
on the heatsink align with the nuts on the support plate.

2. Use a Phillips screwdriver to tighten the four heatsink screws in a diagonal
sequence.

ASUS Z8NR-D12 2-9

3. Connect the fan cable to the nearest 4-pin fan connector.

FAN
connector

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

4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 to install the other heatsink if you have installed a second
CPU, then connect the fan cable to the nearest 4-pin fan connector.

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.4 System memory

2.4.1 Overview

The motherboard comes with twelve (12) Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline
Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets.

The gure illustrates the location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets:

Recommended CPU1 memory conguration

Mode

2 DIMMs

3 DIMMs

4 DIMMs

6 DIMMs

Sockets

DIMM_C1 DIMM_C2 DIMM_B1 DIMM_B2 DIMM_A1 DIMM_A2

- - Populated - Populated -

Populated - Populated - Populated -

Populated - Populated - Populated Populated

Populated Populated Populated Populated Populated Populated

Recommended CPU2 memory conguration

Mode

2 DIMMs

3 DIMMs

4 DIMMs

6 DIMMs

ASUS Z8NR-D12 2-11

Sockets

DIMM_D1 DIMM_D2 DIMM_E1 DIMM_E2 DIMM_F1 DIMM_F2

Populated - Populated - - -

Populated - Populated - Populated -

Populated Populated Populated - Populated -

Populated Populated Populated Populated Populated Populated

Due to Intel CPU spec denition, the system will not boot if only one DIMM is

installed in DIMM slot A2, B2, or C2 for CPU1, or D2, E2 or F2 for CPU2. Follow

the table above for recommended memory conguration.

2.4.2 Memory congurations

You may install 512 MB, 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB and 8GB registered DIMMs or
Unbuffered DIMM with ECC / non- ECC into the DIMM sockets.

• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum
compatibility, we recommend that you obtain memory modules from the

same vendor. Refer to the Qualied Vendors List on the ASUS web site.

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

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

• This motherboard does not support memory modules made up of 256 Mb
chips.

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.4.3 Installing a DIMM

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

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

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

Unlocked retaining clip

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

a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM.

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

2

DIMM notch

1

1

Locked Retaining Clip

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM

Follow these steps to remove a DIMM.

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

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

1

2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.

ASUS Z8NR-D12 2-13

2

1

DIMM notch

2.5 Expansion slots

In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections
describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support.

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

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card

To install an expansion card:

1. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with
it and make the necessary hardware settings for the card.

2. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a
chassis).

3. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screw
for later use.

4. Align the card connector with the slot and press rmly until the card is

completely seated on the slot.

5. Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier.

6. Replace the system cover.

2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card

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

settings.

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

2. Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page.

3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments

Standard Interrupt assignments

IRQ Priority Standard function

0 1 System Timer

1 2 Keyboard Controller

2 - Programmable Interrupt

3* 11 Communications Port (COM2)

4* 12 Communications Port (COM1)

5* 13 --

6 14 Floppy Disk Controller

7* 15 --

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.

ASUS Z8NR-D12 2-15

2.5.4 PCI Express x16 slot (x16 link)

The onboard PCI Express x16 slots provides x16 link to the 5500 IOH. This slot
supports VGA cards and various server class high performance add-on cards. The
slot switches to x8 link automatically if the slot location 5 is occupied.

2.5.5 PCI Express x8 slots (x8 link; x4 link)

The onboard PCI Express x8 andd x4 slots provide x8 link and x4 link to the 5500
IOH. These slots are designed for various server class high performance add-on

cards like SCSI RAID card, ber-channel card, etc.

2.5.6 PCI slot

The PCI slot supports cards such as a LAN card, USB card, and other cards that

comply with PCI 2.3 specications.

2.5.7 PIKE slot

The PIKE slot allows you to choose and change your preferred SAS solution easily.
Install an optional ASUS PIKE RAID card based on your needs.

PCI slot

PCIE x8 slot (Gen2 x4 link)

PCIE x8 slot (Gen2 x4 link)

PCIE x8 slot (Gen2 x8 link)

PCIE x16 slot (Gen2 x16 link)

The PIKE Interface is for ASUS PIKE RAID card only.

2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware information

PIKE Interface

2.5.8 Installing ASUS PIKE RAID card

Follow the steps below to install an optional ASUS RAID card on your motherboard.

1. Locate the PIKE RAID card slot on
the motherboard.

2. Align the golden ngers of the RAID

card with the PIKE RAID card slot.

3. Insert the RAID card into the PIKE
RAID card slot. Ensure that it is
completely seated on the PIKE
RAID card slot.

2.5.9 Installing i Button

Follow the steps below to install an optional i Button on your motherboard.

1. Locate the I Button slot on the
motherboard.

2. Snap the I Button in place.

ASUS Z8NR-D12 2-17

2.6 Jumpers

1. 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 onboard button cell battery
powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup information such
as system passwords.

To erase the RTC RAM:

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

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

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

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

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

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

2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2. VGA controller setting (3-pin VGA_SW1)

This jumper allows you to enable or disable the onboard VGA controller. Set
to pins 1–2 to activate the VGA feature.

3. LAN controller setting (3-pin LAN_SW1, LAN_SW2)

These jumpers allow you to enable or disable the onboard Intel

®

WG82574L

Gigabit LAN1/2 controller. Set to pins 1–2 to activate the Gigabit LAN feature.

ASUS Z8NR-D12 2-19

4. iBTN RAID setting (3-pin IBTN_SEL1)

This jumper allows you to select the RAID conguration utility to use when

you create disk arrays. Place the jumper caps on pins 1–2 if you install a
PIKE RAID card to the motherboard and want to use the LSI Logic MPT
Setup Utility (default). Or you can place the jumper caps on pins 2–3 to create
the LSI Mega RAID 5 by supported Intel® ICH10R SATA controller.

• LSI Logic MPT Setup Utility is available only when you install a PIKE RAID
card.

• LSI Mega RAID 5 fucntion is available only when you place the iBTN to
I_BTN1 slot and install an optional ASUS PIKE RAID card.

5. RAID conguration utility selection (3-pin RAID_SEL1)

This jumper allows you to select the RAID conguration utility to use when

you create disk arrays. Place the jumper caps over pins 1–2 if you want to

use the LSI Logic Embedded SATA RAID Setup Utility (default); otherwise,

place the jumper caps to pins 2–3 to use the Intel® Matrix Storage Manager.

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware information

6. Force BIOS recovery setting (3-pin RECOVERY1)

This jumper allows you to quickly update or recover the BIOS settings when it
becomes corrupted.

To update the BIOS:

1. Prepare a oppy disk that contains the original or latest BIOS for the

motherboard (XXXXXX.ROM) and the AFUDOS.EXE utility.

2. Set the jumper to pins 2–3.

3. Insert the oppy disk then turn on the system to update the BIOS.

4. Shut down the system.

5. Set the jumper back to pins 1–2.

6. Turn on the system.

Use the AFUDOS uitility version 2.38 to ash the BIOS.

ASUS Z8NR-D12 2-21

7. Fan control setting (3-pin FAN_SEL1)

This jumper allows you to switch for fan pin selection. Set to pins 1–2 when
using 4-pin fans or pins 2–3 when using 3-pin fans.

• If you use a 4-pin fan but set the jumper to pin 2-3, the fan you installed
may not work.

• If you use a 3-pin fan but set the jumper for a 4-pin fan, the fan controll will
not work and the fan you installed will always run at full speed.

8. DDR3 voltage setting (4-pin LVDDR3_SEL1/2)

These jumpers allow you to select DDR3 DIMM voltage settings. Place
the jumper caps on pins 1–2 if you want to control DDR3 voltage by BIOS
settings (default). Place the jumper caps on pins 2–3 to force the DDR3
DIMMs to run at +1.2V. Or you can place the jumper caps on pins 3–4 to
force the DDR3 DIMMs to run at +1.35V.

2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.7 Connectors

2.7.1 Rear panel connectors

1. PS/2 mouse port (green)

2. RJ-45 port for iKVM

. This port is for a PS/2 mouse.

. This RJ-45 port functions only when you install the

ASUS ASMB4 iKVM management card.

3. PS/2 keyboard port (purple)

4. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2

. This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.

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

are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

5. Serial (COM1) port

. This 9-pin communication port is for pointing devices or

other serial devices.

6. Video Graphics Adapter port

. This port is for a VGA monitor or other VGA-

compatible devices.

7. LAN 1 (RJ-45) port

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

8. LAN 2 (RJ-45) port

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

LAN port LED indications

Activity/Link LED Speed LED

Status Description Status Description

OFF No link OFF 10 Mbps connection

ORANGE Linked ORANGE 100 Mbps connection

BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1 Gbps connection

ACT/LINK

LED

LAN port

SPEED

LED

ASUS Z8NR-D12 2-23

2.7.2 Internal connectors

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

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

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

connector at the back of the oppy disk drive.

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

2. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1–4 [red], SATA5–6 [black])

These connectors, controlled by southbridge ICH10R, are for the Serial ATA
signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk drives.

Ensure to install the ICH10R RAID driver from the support DVD during OS

installation after conguring a RAID set using the SATA connectors.

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information

3. SAS connectors (7-pin SAS1–4 [red]; 7-pin SAS5–8 [blue])

This motherboard comes with eight (8) Serial Attached SCSI (SAS)
connectors, the next-generation storage technology that supports both Series
SCSI and Serial ATA (SATA). Each connector supports one device.

• These connectors function only when you install a PIKE RAID card.

• Connect the SAS hard disk drives to SAS connectors 1–4 (red) when
installing a 4-port PIKE RAID card.

• Ensure to install the PIKE RAID driver during OS installation after

conguring a RAID set using the SAS connectors.

4. Hard disk activity LED connector (4-pin HDLED1)

This connector is used to connect to a hard disk drive active LED connector
on the SCSI or RAID card.

ASUS Z8NR-D12 2-25

5. Serial General Purpose Input/Output connector (6-1 pin SGPIO1)

This connector is used for the SGPIO peripherals for the LSI embedded SATA
RAID or Intel Matrix RAID.

6. Serial General Purpose Input/Output connectors (6-1 pin SGPIO2/3)

These connector is used for the SAS chip SIO interface that controls the LED
pattern generation, device information and general purpose data.

These connectors functions only when you install a PIKE SAS RAID card.

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information

7. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB34, USB56; 4-pin USB7)

The USB34 and USB56 connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB
module cable to the connectors, and then install the module to a slot opening
at the back of the system chassis. The USB7 connector is for a A-type internal

USB 2.0 device. The USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specication that

supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed.

The USB port module is purchased separately.

8. CPU and system fan connectors
(4-pin CPU_FAN1/2, REAR_FAN1/2, FRNT_FAN1/2/3/4)

The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350 mA–740 mA (8.88 W max.)
or a total of 3.15 A–6.66 A (53.28 W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cables
to the fan connectors on the motherboard, making sure that the black wire of
each cable matches the ground pin of the connector.

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

not jumpers! DO NOT place jumper caps on the fan connectors!

ASUS Z8NR-D12 2-27

9. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM2)

This connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module
cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back
of the system chassis.

The serial port module is purchased separately.

10. Power supply SMBus connector (5-pin PSUSMB1)

This connector is for the power supply SMB cable, if your power supply
supports the SMBus function.

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware information

11. SSI power connectors (24-pin ATXPWR1, 8-pin ATX12V1/2)

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

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

• For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use an SSI

12 V-compliant power supply unit (PSU) for LGA1366-socket Intel® Xeon
processors.

• DO NOT forget to connect the 24+8+8-pin power plugs; otherwise, the

system will not boot up.

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

a system with more power consuming devices. The system may become
unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.

• You must install a PSU with a higher power rating if you intend to install
additional devices.

12. Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) connector (14-pin BMC_FW1)

This is an interface used to plug in an ASMB4-SOL or ASMB4-iKVM
management device.

The ASMB4 management device is purchased separately.

ASUS Z8NR-D12 2-29

13. System panel connector (20-pin PANEL1 [white])

This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

1. System power LED (3-pin PLED)

This 3-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis
power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up
when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in
sleep mode.

2. Message LED (2-pin MLED)

This 2-pin connector is for the message LED cable that connects to
the front message LED. The message LED is controlled by Hardware
monitor to indicate an abnormal event occurance.

3. System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)

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

4. Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED)

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

Activity LED cable to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or ashes

when data is read from or written to the HDD.

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

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

6. Reset button (2-pin RESET)

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

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware information

14. Auxiliary panel connector (20-pin AUX_PANEL1 [black])

This connector is for additional front panel features including front panel SMB,
locator LED and switch, chassis intrusion, and LAN LEDs.

1. Front panel SMB (6-1 pin FPSMB)

These leads connect the front panel SMBus cable.

2. LAN activity LED (2-pin LAN1_LED, LAN2_LED)

These leads are for Gigabit LAN activity LEDs on the front panel.

3. Chassis intrusion (4-1 pin CHASSIS)

These leads are for the intrusion detection feature for chassis with
intrusion sensor or microswitch. When you remove any chassis
component, the sensor triggers and sends a high-level signal to these
leads to record a chassis intrusion event. The default setting is short
CASEOPEN and GND pin by jumper cap to disable the function.

4. Locator LED (2-pin LOCATORLED1 and 2-pin LOCATORLED2)

These leads are for the locator LED1 and LED2 on the front panel.
Connect the Locator LED cables to these 2-pin connector. The LEDs will
light up when the Locator button is pressed.

5. Locator Button/Swich (2-pin LOCATORBTN)

These leads are for the locator button on the front panel. This button
queries the state of the system locator.

ASUS Z8NR-D12 2-31

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware information

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

Powering up

3

Chapter summary

3

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

3.2 Turning off the computer ............................................................. 3-2

ASUS Z8NR-D12

3.1 Starting up for the rst time

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

2. Be sure that all switches are off.

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

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

5. Turn on the devices in the following order:

a. Monitor

b. System power

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

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

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

AMI BIOS

BIOS Beep Description

One short beep VGA detected

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

One continuous beep followed by three
short beeps

One continuous beep followed by four
short beeps

Quick boot set to disabled
No keyboard detected

No memory detected

No VGA detected

Hardware component failure

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

ASUS Z8NR-D12 3-1

3.2 Turning off the computer

3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function

If you are using Windows® 2003:

1. Click the

2. Ensure that the
button to shut down the computer.

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

If you are using Windows® XP:

1. Click the

2. Click the

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

button then click

Start

Shut Down

button then select

Start

Turn Off

button to shut down the computer.

Shut Down

option button is selected, then click the OK

Turn Off

...

Computer.

3.2.2 Using the dual function power switch

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

3-2 Chapter 3: Powering up

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

BIOS setup

4

Chapter summary

4

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

4.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 4-4

4.3 Main menu .................................................................................... 4-7

4.4 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 4-13

4.5 Server menu ............................................................................... 4-27

4.6 Power menu ................................................................................ 4-29

4.7 Exit menu .................................................................................... 4-34

ASUS Z8NR-D12

4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS

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

1.

AFUDOS utility

ash drive.)

2.

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

when the BIOS le fails or gets corrupted.)

Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.

Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS le to a bootable USB ash

drive in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original
motherboard BIOS using the AFUDOS utility.

4.1.1 AFUDOS utility

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

corrupted during the updating process.

Copying the current BIOS

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

• Ensure that the USB ash drive is not write-protected and has at least 2048

• The succeeding BIOS screens are for reference only. The actual BIOS

(Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a bootable USB

(To recover the BIOS using a USB ash drive

KB free space to save the le.

screen displays may not be the same as shown.

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

the bootable USB ash drive.

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

afudos /o[lename]

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

characters for the extension name.

A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom

Main lename Extension name

3. Press <Enter>. The utility copies the current BIOS le to the USB ash drive.

A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom

AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB))
Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reading ash ..... done

Write to le...... ok

A:\>

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

ASUS Z8NR-D12 4-1

Updating the BIOS le

To update the BIOS le using the AFUDOS utility:

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

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

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

the bootable USB ash drive.

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

afudos /i[lename]

where [lename] is the latest or the original BIOS le on the bootable USB
ash drive, and then press <Enter>.

A:\>afudos /iZ8NRD12.ROM

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

A:\>afudos /iZ8NRD12.ROM
AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB))
Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.

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

Reading le ....... done

Reading ash ...... done

Advance Check ......

Erasing ash ...... done

Writing ash ...... 0x0008CC00 (9%)

DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent
system boot failure!

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

A:\>afudos /iZ8NRD12.ROM
AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB))
Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.

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

Reading le ....... done

Reading ash ...... done

Advance Check ......

Erasing ash ...... done

Writing ash ...... done

Verifying ash .... done

Please restart your computer

A:\>

4-2 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.1.2 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility

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

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

Prepare a USB ash drive containing the updated motherboard BIOS before

using this utility.

To recover the BIOS using ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

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

2. Turn on the system.

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

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

DO NOT shut down or reset the system while recovering the BIOS! Doing so
would cause system boot failure!

The recovered BIOS may not be the latest BIOS version for this motherboard.

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

ASUS Z8NR-D12 4-3

4.2 BIOS setup program

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

using the provided utility described in section

.

BIOS

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

your system using this utility.

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

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

security password feature or change the power management settings. This

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

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

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

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

otherwise, POST continues with its test routines.

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

the rst two failed.

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

4.1 Managing and updating your

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

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

• Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS le

for this motherboard.

4-4 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.7 Exit Menu

Load Setup Defaults

.

item under the

4.2.1 BIOS menu screen

Menu bar

Main Advanced Server Boot Exit

System Time [13:44:30]
System Date [Tue, 11/04/2008]
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]

SATA 1 : [ST3160812AS]
SATA 2 : [Not Detected]
SATA 3 : [Not Detected]
SATA 4 : [Not Detected]
SATA 5 : [Not Detected]
SATA 6 : [TSSTcorp CDDVDW TS]

IDE Conguration
AHCI Conguration
System Information

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

Sub-menu items

Conguration eldsMenu items

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

General help

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

Use [+] or [-] to
congure system Date.

←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item

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

Navigation keys

4.2.2 Menu bar

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

Main For changing the basic system conguration

Advanced For changing the advanced system settings

Server For changing the advanced server settings
Boot For changing the system boot conguration

Exit For selecting the exit options and loading default settings

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

4.2.3 Navigation keys

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

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

ASUS Z8NR-D12 4-5

4.2.4 Menu items

The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic items for that menu.

For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items.

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

4.2.5 Sub-menu items

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

4.2.6 Conguration elds

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

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

Refer to 4.2.7 Pop-up window.

4.2.7 Pop-up window

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

conguration options for that item.

4.2.8 Scroll bar

A scroll bar appears on the right side of

Advanced

CPU Bridge Chipset Conguration

USB Functions [12 USB Ports]
USB Port Congure [8X4 USB Ports]
USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]
HDA Controller [Enabled]
SMBUS Controller [Enabled]

SLP_S4# Min. Assertion Width [1 to 2 seconds]

PCIE Ports Conguration
PCIE Port 0 [Auto]
PCIE Port 1 [Auto]
PCIE Port 2 [Auto]
PCIE Port 3 [Auto]
PCIE Port 4 [Auto]
PCIE Port 5 [Auto]
PCIE High Priority Port [Disabled]

a menu screen when there are items that

do not t on the screen. Press the Up/

Down arrow keys or <Page Up> /<Page
Down> keys to display the other items on
the screen.

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

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Disabled

2 USB Ports
4 USB Ports
6 USB Ports
8 USB Ports
10 USB Ports
12 USB Ports

Scroll bar

Pop-up window

Options

Disabled
2 USB Ports
4 USB Ports
6 USB Ports
8 USB Ports
10 USB Ports
12 USB Ports

←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item

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

4.2.9 General help

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

4-6 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.3 Main menu

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

Refer to section 4.2.1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen
items and how to navigate through them.

Main Advanced Server Boot Exit

System Time [13:44:30]
System Date [Tue, 11/04/2008]
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]

SATA 1 : [ST3160812AS]
SATA 2 : [Not Detected]
SATA 3 : [Not Detected]
SATA 4 : [Not Detected]
SATA 5 : [Not Detected]
SATA 6 : [TSSTcorp CDDVDW TS]

IDE Conguration
AHCI Conguration
System Information

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

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

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

Use [+] or [-] to
congure system Date.

←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item

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

4.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx]

Allows you to set the system time.

4.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]

Allows you to set the system date.

4.3.3 Legacy Diskette A [1.44 MB 3.5 in.]

Sets the type of oppy drive installed.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [360 KB, 5.25 in.] [1.2 MB, 5.25 in.]

[720 KB, 3.5 in.] [1.44 MB, 3.5 in] [2.88 MB, 3.5 in]

ASUS Z8NR-D12 4-7

4.3.4 SATA1–6

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

Main

SATA 1

Device :Hard Disk
Vendor :ST3160812AS
Size :160.0GB
LBA Mode :Supported
Block Mode:16Sectors
PIO Mode :4
Async DMA :MultiWord DMA-2
Ultra DMA :Ultra DMA-6
S.M.A.R.T.:Supported

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

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

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

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

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

Type [Auto]

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

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

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

Conguration options: [Not Installed] [Auto] [CD/DVD] [ARMD]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Select the type
of device connected
to the system.

←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item

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

LBA/Large Mode [Auto]

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

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

Block (Multi-Sector Transfer) M [Auto]

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

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

4-8 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

PIO Mode [Auto]

Allows you to select the data transfer mode.

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

DMA Mode [Auto]

Sets the DMA mode.

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

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

S.M.A.R.T. [Auto]

Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology.

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

32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]

Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS Z8NR-D12 4-9

4.3.5 IDE Conguration

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

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

congure the item.

Main

IDE Conguration

SATA Conguration [Compatible]
Congure SATA as [IDE]

Hard Disk Write Protect [Disabled]
IDE Detect Time Out (Sec) [35]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Options

Disabled
Compatible
Enhanced

SATA Conguration [Compatible]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Compatible] [Enhanced]

Configure SATA as [IDE]

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

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

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

to internally optimize the order of commands.

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

Matrix Storage Technology conguration from the Serial ATA hard disk

drives, set this item to [RAID].

®

Hard Disk Write Protect [Disabled]

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

Conguration option: [Disabled] [Enabled]

IDE Detect Time Out (Sec) [35]

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

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

4-10 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.3.6 AHCI Conguration

This menu is the section for AHCI conguration.

Main

AHCI Settings

AHCI CD/DVD Boot Time out [35]

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

AHCI CD/DVD Boot Time out [35]

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

SATA Port1–6 [XXXX]

Displays the status of auto-detection of SATA devices.

Main

SATA Port1

Device :Not Detected

SATA Port0 [Auto]
SMART Monitoring [Enabled]

SATA Port0 [Auto]

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

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

SMART Monitoring [Enabled]

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

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

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

Select the type
of device connected
to the system.

ASUS Z8NR-D12 4-11

4.3.7 System Information

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

automatically detects the items in this menu.

Main

AMIBIOS

Version : 0208
Build Date: 12/09/08

Processor

Speed : 2666MHz
Count : 1

System Memory

Usable Size : 1023MB

System Memory Information

AMIBIOS

Displays the auto-detected BIOS information.

Processor

Displays the auto-detected CPU specication.

System Memory

Displays the auto-detected system memory.

System Memory Information

Displays system memory information.

Main

AMIBIOS

CPU1 Memory Conguration
CPU2 Memory Conguration

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

CPU1/2 Memory Configuration

Allows you to check information of installed memory (6 DIMMs per CPU).

4-12 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.4 Advanced menu

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

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

eld values can cause the system to malfunction.

Main Advanced Server Boot Exit

CPU Conguration
Chipset Conguration
Legacy Device Conguration
USB Conguration
PCIPnP Conguration
Power On Conguration
Event Log Conguration
Hardware Monitor
ACPI Conguration
PCI Express Conguration

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

4.4.1 CPU Conguration

The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS
automatically detects. Some items may not appear if your CPU does not support
the related functions.

Advanced

Congure advanced CPU settings

Module Version:3F.11

Manufacturer:Intel
Brand String:Genuine Intel(R) CPU @ 0000 @ 2.67GHz
Frequency :2.66GHz
BCLK Speed :133MHz
Cache L1 :128 KB
Cache L2 :1024 KB
Cache L3 :8192 KB
Ratio Status:Unlocked (Min:12, Max:20)
Ratio Actual Value :20
CPUID :106A2

Ratio CMOS Setting: [Auto]
C1E Support [Enabled]
Hardware Prefetcher [Enabled]
Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch [Enabled]
Intel(R) Virtualization Tech [Enabled]
CPU TM Function [Enabled]

Scroll down for more items.

Execute-Disable Bit Capability [Enabled]
Intel(R) HT Technology [Disabled]
Active Processor Cores [All]
A20M [Disabled]
DCU Mode [32KB 8-way without]
DCA Prefetch Delay [32]
Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM) Tech [Enabled]
Intel(R) TurboMode tech [Enabled]
Intel(R) C-STATE Tech [Enabled]
C3 State [ACPI C2]
C6 State [Enabled]
C7 State [Enabled]
C State package limit setting [Auto]
C1 Auto Demotion [Enabled]
C3 Auto Demotion [Enabled]

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

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

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Congure CPU.

←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item

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

Sets the ratio between
CPU Core Clock and the
FSB Frequency.
Note:If an invalid
ratio is set in CMOS
then actual and
setpoint values may
differ.

←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item

F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

ASUS Z8NR-D12 4-13

Ratio CMOS Setting [Auto]

Allows you to adjust the ratio between CPU Core Clock and BCLK Frequency.
Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the value.

Conguration options: [Auto] [12.0] [13.0] [14.0] [15.0] [16.0] [17.0] [18.0] [19.0]

[20.0]

C1E Support [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable Enhanced Halt State support.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Hardware Prefetcher [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Hardware Prefetcher function.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch function.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Intel(R) Virtualization Tech [Enabled]

The Intel® Virtualization Technology allows a hardware platform to run multiple
operating systems separately and simultaneously, enabling one system to virtually

function as several systems. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

CPU TM Function [Enabled]

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

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Execute-Disable Bit Capability [Enabled]

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

Setting this item to [Disabled] forces the XD feature ag to always return to zero (0).
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Intel(R) HT Technology [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Intel Hyper-Threading Technology function.
When disabled, only one thread per activated core is enabled.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Active Processor Cores [All]

Allows you to choose the number of CPU cores to activate in each processor

package. Conguration options: [All] [1] [2]

4-14 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

A20M [Disabled]

Legacy OSes and APs may need A20M enabled.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

DCU Mode [32KB 8-way without ECC]

Select the mode for the Data Cache.

Conguration options: [32KB 8-way without ECC] [16KB 4-way with ECC]

DCA Prefetch Delay [32]

This programs the time delay in bus clocks from snoop to prefetch.

Conguration options: [8] [16] [32] [40] [48] [56] [64] [72] [80] [88] [96] [104] [112]

[120]

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

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

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Intel(R) C-STATE Tech [Enabled]

The Intel® C-State Technology allows the CPU to save more power under idle
mode. Enable this item only when you install a C-State Technology-supported

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

C3 State [ACPI C2]

Allows you to select the CPU action under C3 state.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [ACPI C2] [ACPI C3]

C6/7 State [Enabled]

Allows you to select the CPU action under C6 and C7 state.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

C State package limit setting [Auto]

This item appears only when you set the Intel(R) C-STATE Tech item to [Enabled].
We recommend that you set this item to [Auto] for BIOS to automatically detect the
C-State mode supported by your CPU.

Conguration options: [Auto] [C1] [C3] [C6] [C7]

C1 Auto Demotion [Enabled]

When enabled, CPU will conditionally demote C3/C6/C7 requests to C1 based on

on-core auto-demote information. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS Z8NR-D12 4-15

C3 Auto Demotion [Enabled]

When enabled, CPU will conditionally demote C6/C7 requests to C3 based on on-

core auto-demote information. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

4.4.2 Chipset Conguration

The Chipset conguration menu allows you to change advanced chipset settings.

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

Advanced

Advanced Chipset Settings

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

CPU Bridge Conguration
North Bridge Conguration
South Bridge Conguration
Intel VT-d Conguration

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

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Congure North Bridge
features.

←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item

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

CPU Bridge Chipset Conguration

Advanced

CPU Bridge Chipset Conguration

CPU REVISION :B0
Current CSI Frequency :6.400GT
Current Memory Frequency :1066 Mhz

CSI Links Speed [Full-Speed]
CSI Frequency [Auto]
CSI Isochronous [Disabled]
CSI L0s [Disabled]
CIS L1 [Disabled]

Memory Frequency [Auto]
Memory Mode [Independent]
Memory ECC Function [Enabled]
Double Rate Refresh [Auto]
Demand Scrubbing [Disabled]
Patrol Scrubbing [Disabled]
NUMA Aware [Auto]
Page Policy [Closed]

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

Scroll down for more items.

Adaptive Page [Disabled]
Data Scramble [Enabled]
Split Below 4GB [Disabled]
Channel Interleaving [6:1]
Rank Interleaving [4:1]

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

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

To transition the CSI
links to full-speed
or leave them in
slow-mode.

←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item

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

4-16 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

CSI Links Speed [Full-Speed]

Allows you to set the speed of CSI Links.

Conguration options: [Slow-Mode] [Full-Speed]

CSI Frequency [Auto]

Allows you to set the CSI frequency.

Conguration options: [Auto] [4.800GT] [5.866GT] [6.400GT]

CSI Isochronous [Disabled]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

CSI L0s [Disabled]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

CSI L1 [Disabled]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Memory Frequency [Auto]

You may allow the system to detect DDR3 memory frequency via SPD or designate

a specic frequency.
Conguration options: [Auto] [Force DDR-800] [Force DDR-1066]

[Force DDR-1333]

Memory Mode [Independent]

Allows you to set Memory channel mode.

Conguration options: [Independent] [Channel Mirroring] [Lockstep] [Sparing]

Memory ECC Function [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the memory ECC function.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Double Rate Refresh [Auto]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

Demand Scrubbing [Disabled]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Patrol Scrubbing [Disabled]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

NUMA AWare [Auto]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

ASUS Z8NR-D12 4-17

Page Policy [Closed]

Conguration options: [Closed] [Open]

Adaptive Page [Disabled]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Data Scramble [Enabled]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Split Below 4GB [Disabled]

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

Channel Interleaving [6:1]

Conguration options: [1:1] [2:1] [4:1] [6:1]

Rank Interleaving [4:1]

Conguration options: [1:1] [2:1] [4:1]

North Bridge Chipset Conguration

Advanced

NorthBridge Chipset Conguration

NB Revision :B2
Current CSI Frequency :6.400GT

Crystal Beach / DMA [Disabled]

Crystal Beach / DMA [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Crystal Beach / DMA function.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Crystal Beach / DMA
conguration

South Bridge Chipset Conguration

Advanced

CPU Bridge Chipset Conguration

USB Functions [7 USB Ports]
USB Port Congure [6+6 USB Ports]

USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]

HDA Controller [Enabled]

SLP_S4# Min. Assertion Width [1 to 2 seconds]

4-18 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Options

Disabled
2 USB Ports
4 USB Ports
6 USB Ports
7 USB Ports

USB Functions [7 USB Ports]

Allows you to congure the amount of USB ports to be enabled.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [2 USB Ports] [4 USB Ports] [6 USB Ports]

[7 USB Ports]

USB Port Congure [6+6 USB Ports]

Conguration options: [6+6 USB Ports] [8+4 USB Ports]

USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the USB 2.0 controller. This item cannot be

congurable if you set the

USB Functions

item to [7 USB Ports].

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

HDA Controller [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the High Denition Audio controller.
Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

SLP_S4# Min. Assertion Width [1 to 2 seconds]

Conguration options: [4 to 5 seconds] [3 to 4 seconds] [2 to 3 seconds]
[1 to 2 seconds]

Intel VT-d Conguration

Advanced

Intel VT-d [Disabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Disabled
Enabled

Options

Intel VT-d [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Intel Virtualization Technology for
Directed I/O. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS Z8NR-D12 4-19

4.4.3 Legacy Device Conguration

Advanced

Legacy Device Conguration

Onboard Floppy Controller [Enabled]
Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]
Serial Port2 Address [2F8/IRQ3]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Allows BIOS to Enable
or Disable Floppy
Controller.

Onboard Floppy Controller [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the onboard oppy controller.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]

Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3]

Serial Port2 Address [2F8/IRQ3]

Allows you to select the Serial Port2 base address.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3]

4.4.4 USB Conguration

Advanced

USB Conguration

Module Version - 2.24.3-13.4

USB Devices Enabled :

None

Legacy USB Support [Enabled]
USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]
BIOS EHCI Hand-Off [Enabled]
Hotplug USB FDD Support [Auto]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Enables support for
legacy USB. AUTO
option disables
legacy support if
no USB devices are
connected.

The following item appears only when you set USB Function to [Enabled].

Legacy USB Support [Enabled]

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

USB support is disabled. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]

The following item appears only when you set USB Function to [Enabled].

USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]

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

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

4-20 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

BIOS EHCI Hand-Off [Enabled]

Enables or disables the BIOS EHCI hand-off support.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Hotplug USB FDD Support [Auto]

Allows you to congure the Hotplug USB FDD support.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]

4.4.5 PCIPnP

The PCIPnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP
devices.

Take caution when changing the settings of the PCI/PnP Conguration menu
items. Incorrect eld values can cause the system to malfunction.

Advanced

Advanced PCI/PnP Settings

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

Plug And Play O/S [No]

PCI Option ROM Scan Order [Bus 0 First]
Onboard Option ROM Priority [High]

Onboard LAN1 Boot [PXE]
Onboard LAN2 Boot [PXE]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

NO: lets the BIOS
congure all the
devices in the system.
YES: lets the
operating system
congure Plug and
Play (PnP) devices not
required for boot if
your system has a Plug
and Play operating
system.

Plug And Play O/S [No]

When set to [No], BIOS congures all the devices in the system. When set to

[Yes] and if you install a Plug and Play operating system, the operating system

congures the Plug and Play devices not required for boot.
Conguration options: [No] [Yes]

PCI Option ROM Scan Order [Bus 0 First]

Allows you to congure the scanning order of PCI option ROM.
Conguration: [Bus 0 First] [Bus N First]

Onboard Option ROM Priority [High]

Allows you to congure the priority of onboard option ROM.
Conguration: [Normal] [High]

Onboard LAN1/2 Boot [PXE]

Allows you to congure the onboard LAN1/2 boot mode.
Conguration: [Disabled] [PXE] [iSCSI]

ASUS Z8NR-D12 4-21

4.4.6 Power On Conguration

Advanced

APM Conguration

Restore on AC Power Loss [Last State]

Resume On Ring [Disabled]
Resume On PME#(Wake On LAN) [Disabled]
Resume On RTC Alarm [Disabled]

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

Restore on AC Power Loss [Last State]

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

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

Resume On Ring [Disabled]

When set to [Enabled], the system will generate a wake event when the external
modem receives a call while the computer is in Soft-off mode.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Options

Power Off
Power On
Last State

←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item

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

Resume On PME#(Wake On LAN) [Disabled]

When set to [Enabled], the system enables the LAN devices to generate a wake
event while the computer is in Soft-off mode.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Resume On RTC Alarm [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable RTC to generate a wake-up event.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The following items appear only when the

Resume On RTC Alarm

to [Enabled].

RTC Alarm Date [15]

To set the alarm date, highlight this item and press the <+> or <-> key to
make the selection.

System Time [12:30:30]

Use the <ENTER>, <TAB> or <SHIFT-TAB> key to select a eld. Use the <+>
or <-> key to congure alarm time.

4-22 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

item is set

4.4.7 Event Log Conguration

Advanced

Event Logging details

View Event Log
Mark all events as read
Clear Event Log

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

View Event Log

Press the <ENTER> key to view unread system event log.

Make all events as read

Press the <ENTER> key to mark all events as read. Select [Ok] to conrm the

change.

Clear Event Log

Press the <ENTER> key to clear all system events. Select [Ok] to conrm the

change.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

View all unread events
on the Event log.

←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item

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

ASUS Z8NR-D12 4-23

4.4.8 Hardware Monitor

Advanced

Hardware Monitor

CPU1 Temperature [41.5ºC/106.5ºF]
CPU2 Temperature [0 ºC/ 32 ºF]
Front Fan1 Speed [ N/A ]
Front Fan2 Speed [ N/A ]
Front Fan3 Speed [ N/A ]
Front Fan4 Speed [ N/A ]
Front Fan5 Speed [ N/A ]
Front Fan6 Speed [ N/A ]
Rear Fan1 Speed [ N/A ]
Rear Fan2 Speed [ N/A ]
Smart Fan Control [Generic Mode]
VCORE1 Voltage [ 1.052 V]

VCORE2 Voltage [ N/A ]

+1.5V_P1DDR3 Voltage [ 1.508 V]

+1.5V_P2DDR3 Voltage [ N/A ]

+1.5V_ICH Voltage [ 1.520 V]
P1VTT Voltage [ 1.022 V]
P2VTT Voltage [ 1.022 V]

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

Scroll down for more items.

+1.1V_IOH Voltage [ 0.204 V]
+12V Voltage [12.000 V]
+5V Voltage [ 5.196 V]
+3.3V Voltage [ 3.246 V]
+5VSB Voltage [ 5.132 V]
+3VSB Voltage [ 3.198 V]
VBAT Voltage [ 3.126 V]

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

CPU1/2 Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]

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

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

CPU1 Temperature

←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item

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

Front Fan1–6 Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A]
Rear Fan1–2 Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A]

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

motherboard, the eld shows [N/A].

Smart Fan Control [Generic Mode]

Allows you to congure the ASUS Smart Fan feature that smartly adjusts the fan
speeds for more efcient system operation.
Conguration options: [Full Speed Mode] [Whisper Mode] [Generic Mode] [High

Density Mode]

VCORE1/2 Voltage, +1.5V_P1/2DDR3 Voltage, +1.5V_ICH Voltage,
P1/2VTT Voltage, +1.1V_IOH Voltage, +12V Voltage, +5V Voltage,
+3.3V Voltage, +5VSB Voltage, +3VSB Voltage, VBAT Voltage

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

4-24 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.4.9 ACPI Conguration

Advanced

ACPI Settings

Advanced ACPI Conguration
Chipset ACPI Conguration
General WHEA Conguration

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Advanced ACPI
Conguration
settings.

Use this section to
congure additional
ACPI options.

Advanced ACPI Conguration

Advanced

Advanced ACPI Conguration

ACPI 2.0 Support [Enabled]
ACPI APIC support [Enabled]
BIOS-->AML ACPI table [Enabled]
Headless mode [Disabled]

ACPI 2.0 Support [Enabled]

Species the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) version
supported. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]

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

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

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

BIOS-->AML ACPI table [Enabled]

Allows you to include the BIOS-->AML exchange table pointer to (X)RSDT pointer

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

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Add additional tables
as per ACPI 2.0
specications.

Headless mode [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Headless operation mode through ACPI.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Chipset ACPI Conguration

Advanced

South Bridge ACPI Conguration

Energy Lake Feature [Disabled]
APIC ACPI SCI IRQ [Disabled]
USB Device Wakeup From S3/S4 [Disabled]
High Performance Event Timer [Disabled]

ASUS Z8NR-D12 4-25

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Enabled
Disabled

Options

Energy Lake Feature [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Energy Lake feature.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

APIC ACPI SCI IRQ [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the APIC ACPI SCI IRQ feature.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

USB Device Wakeup From S3/S4 [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the USB device wakeup from S3/S4 feature.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

High Performance Event Timer [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the High Performance Event Timer feature.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

General WHEA Conguration

Advanced

General WHEA Conguration

WHEA Support [Enabled]

WHEA Support [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Windows Hardware Error Architecture (WHEA)

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

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Enable or disable
Windows Hardware
Error Architecture.

4.4.10 PCI Express Conguration

Advanced

PCI Express Conguration

Active State Power-Management [Disabled]

Active State Power-Management [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable PCI Express L0s and L1 link power states.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

4-26 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Enable/Disable
PCI Express L0s and
L1 link power
states.

4.5 Server menu

The Server menu items allow you to customize the server features.

Main Advanced Server Boot Exit

Remote Access Conguration

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

Remote Access Conguration

The items in this menu allows you to congure the Remote Access features. Select
an item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Congure Remote
Access.

←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item

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

Server

Congure Remote Access type and parameters

Remote Access [Enabled]

Serial port number [COM2]

Base Address, IRQ [2F8h, 3]

Serial Port Mode [57600 8,n,1]
Flow Control [Hardware]
Redirection After BIOS POST [Disabled]
Terminal Type [VT-UTF8]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Select Remote Access
type.

Remote Access [Enabled]

Enables or disables the remote access feature.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The following items appear only when

Remote Access

is set to [Enabled].

Serial port number [COM2]

Selects the serial port for console redirection.

Conguration options: [COM1] [COM2]

Base Address. IRQ [2F8h, 3]

This item is not user-congurable and changes with the conguration of Serial port

number.

ASUS Z8NR-D12 4-27

Serial port Mode [57600 8,n,1]

Sets the Serial port mode.

Conguration options: [115200 8,n,1] [57600 8,n,1] [38400 8,n,1] [19200 8,n,1]

[09600 8,n,1]

Flow Control [Hardware]

Allows you to select the ow control for console redirection.
Conguration options: [None] [Hardware] [Software]

Redirection After BIOS POST [Disabled]

Sets the redirection mode after the BIOS Power-On Self-Test (POST). Some
operating system may not work when set to [Always].

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Boot Loader] [Always]

Terminal Type [VT-UTF8]

Allows you to select the target terminal type.

Conguration options: [ANSI] [VT100] [VT-UTF8]

VT-UTF8 Combo Key Support [Enabled]

This item appears only when you set the

Terminal Type

item to [ANSI] or
[VT100] and allows you to enable or disable the VT-UTF8 combo key support
for ANSI or VT100 terminals.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

4-28 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.6 Boot menu

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

Main Advanced Server Boot Exit

Boot Settings

Boot Device Priority
Hard Disk Drives
Removable Drives

Boot Settings Conguration
Security

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

4.6.1 Boot Device Priority

Boot

Boot Device Priority

1st Boot Device [Removable Dev.]
2nd Boot Device [ATAPI CD-ROM]
3rd Boot Device [Hard Drive]
4th Boot Device [Network:IBA GE Slo]
5th Boot Device [Network:IBA GE Slo]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Species the Boot
Device Priority
sequence.

A virtual oppy disk
drive (Floppy Drive B:
) may appear when you
set the CD-ROM drive
as the rst boot
device.

←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item

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

Species the Boot
Device Priority
sequence.

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

←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item

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

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

1st ~ xxth Boot Device [XXXXXXX]

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

Conguration options: [xxxxx Drive] [Disabled]

ASUS Z8NR-D12 4-29

4.6.2 Hard Disk Drives

Boot

Hard Disk Drives

1st Boot Device [SATA:SS-ST3160812A]
2nd Boot Device [USB:JetFlash TS256]

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

1st ~ xxth Drive [XXXXXXX]

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

Conguration options: [xxxxx Drive] [Disabled]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Species the boot
sequence from the
available devices.

←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item

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

4.6.3 Removable Drives

Boot

Removable Drives

1st Drive [1st FLOPPY DRIVE]

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Species the boot
sequence from the
available devices.

←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item

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

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

1st ~ xxth Drive [XXXXXXX]

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

Conguration options: [xxxxx Drive] [Disabled]

4-30 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.6.4 Boot Settings Conguration

Boot

Boot Settings Conguration

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

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

Quick Boot [Enabled]

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

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Full Screen Logo [Enabled]

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

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

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

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

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

←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item

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

AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS]

Allows you to set the display mode for Options ROM.

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

Bootup Num-Lock [On]

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

Conguration options: [Off] [On]

Wait For ‘F1‘ If Error [Enabled]

When set to [Enabled], the system waits for the <F1> key to be pressed when error

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

Hit ‘DEL‘ Message Display [Enabled]

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

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

Interrupt 19 Capture [Enabled]

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

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS Z8NR-D12 4-31

4.6.5 Security

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

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

Boot

Security Settings

Supervisor Password : Not Installed
User Password : Not Installed

Change Supervisor Password
Change User Password

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

Change Supervisor Password

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

a password, this item shows Installed.

To set a Supervisor Password:

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

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

3. Conrm the password when prompted.

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

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

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

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

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

←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item

Enter Change
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

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

4-32 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

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

Main Advanced Server Power Boot Tools Exit

Supervisor Password : Installed
User Password : Not Installed

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

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

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

User Access Level [Full Access]

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

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

No Access prevents user access to the Setup utility.
View Only allows access but does not allow change to any eld.
Limited allows changes only to selected elds, such as Date and Time.
Full Access allows viewing and changing all the elds in the Setup utility.

Change User Password

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

To set a User Password:

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

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

3. Conrm the password when prompted.

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

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

Password Check [Setup]

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

Setup and booting the system. Conguration options: [Setup] [Always]

ASUS Z8NR-D12 4-33

4.7 Exit menu

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

Main Advanced Server Boot Exit

Exit Options

Exit & Save Changes
Exit & Discard Changes
Discard Changes

Load Setup Defaults

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

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

Exit & Save Changes

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

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

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

save changes and exit.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Exit system setup
after saving the
changes.

F10 key can be used
for this operation.

←→ Select Screen
↑↓ Select Item

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

to

YES

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

Exit & Discard Changes

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

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

Discard Changes

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

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

to discard any changes and load the previously saved values.

YES

Load Setup Defaults

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

Setup menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a conrmation

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

4-34 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

to load default values. Select

YES

Exit & Save Changes

This chapter provides instructions for

setting up, creating, and conguring

RAID sets using the available utilities.

RAID

conguration

5

Chapter summary

5

5.1 Setting up RAID ............................................................................ 5-1

5.2 LSI Software RAID Conguration Utility .................................... 5-3

5.3 Intel® Matrix Storage Manager Option ROM Utility ................. 5-23

ASUS Z8NR-D12

5.1 Setting up RAID

The motherboard comes with the Intel® ICH10R southbridge controller that
supports the following SATA RAID solutions:

•

LSI Software RAID Conguration Utility

RAID 10 support (for both Linux and Windows OS).

•

Intel Matrix Storage Manager

support (for Windows OS only).

with RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10, and RAID 5

(default) with RAID 0, RAID 1, and

5.1.1 RAID denitions

(Data striping)

RAID 0

data in parallel, interleaved stacks. Two hard disks perform the same work as a
single drive but at a sustained data transfer rate, double that of a single disk alone,
thus improving data access and storage. Use of two new identical hard disk drives
is required for this setup.

(Data mirroring)

RAID 1

drive to a second drive. If one drive fails, the disk array management software
directs all applications to the surviving drive as it contains a complete copy of

the data in the other drive. This RAID conguration provides data protection and

increases fault tolerance to the entire system. Use two new drives or use an
existing drive and a new drive for this setup. The new drive must be of the same

size or larger than the existing drive.

RAID 10

data) having to be calculated and written. With the RAID 10 conguration you get
all the benets of both RAID 0 and RAID 1 congurations. Use four new hard disk

drives or use an existing drive and three new drives for this setup.

RAID 5

drives. Among the advantages of RAID 5 conguration include better HDD
performance, fault tolerance, and higher storage capacity. The RAID 5 conguration

is best suited for transaction processing, relational database applications,
enterprise resource planning, and other business systems. Use a minimum of three
identical hard disk drives for this setup.

is data striping and data mirroring combined without parity (redundancy

stripes both data and parity information across three or more hard disk

optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and write

copies and maintains an identical image of data from one

5.1.2 Installing hard disk drives

The motherboard supports SATA hard disk drives for RAID set conguration. For

optimal performance, install identical drives of the same model and capacity when
creating a disk array.

ASUS Z8NR-D12 5-1

5.1.3 RAID controller selection

You can choose either the LSI Software RAID Conguration Utility or the Intel

Matrix Storage Manager as the default utility to create RAID set(s). See

conguration utility selection

on page 2-20 for details.

5. RAID

5.1.4 Setting the RAID item in BIOS

You must enable the RAID function in the BIOS Setup before creating RAID set(s)
using SATA HDDs. To do this:

1. Enter the BIOS Setup during POST.

2. Go to the

3. Set the

4. Save your changes, and then exit the BIOS Setup.

Refer to Chapter 4 for details on entering and navigating through the BIOS
Setup.

menu >

Main

Congure SATA as

IDE Conguration

, and then press <Enter>.

item to [RAID].

5-2 Chapter 5: RAID conguration

5.2 LSI Software RAID Conguration

Utility

The LSI MegaRAID software RAID conguration utility allows you to create RAID 0,
RAID 1, or RAID 10 set(s) from SATA hard disk drives connected to the SATA
connectors supported by the motherboard southbridge chip.

To enter the LSI MegaRAID software RAID conguration utility

1. Turn on the system after installing all the SATA hard disk drives.

2. During POST, the LSI MegaRAID software RAID conguration utility

automatically detects the installed SATA hard disk drives and displays any
existing RAID set(s). Press <Ctrl> + <M> to enter the utility.

LSI MegaRAID Software RAID BIOS Version A.08 09161344R
LSI SATA RAID Found at PCI Bus No: Dev No:1F
Device present at Port 0 ST3160812AS 152114MB
Device present at Port 1 ST3160812AS 152114MB
Device present at Port 2 ST3160812AS 152114MB
Device present at Port 3 ST3160812AS 152114MB
Press Ctrl-M or Enter to run LSI Software RAID Setup Utility.

• The LSI MegaRAID software RAID conguration utility automatically
congures to RAID 1 when the SATA to RAID Mode is enabled.

• The RAID setup screens shown in this section are for reference only and
may not exactly match the items on your screen due to the controller
version difference.

• When you create RAID sets with the LSI MegaRAID software RAID

conguration utility, the boot priority of the SATA optical drive has to be

manually adjusted. Otherwise, the system will not boot from the connected
SATA ODD.

3. The utility main window appears. Use the arrow keys to select an option from
the

Management Menu

and then press <Enter>. Refer to the Management

Menu descriptions on the next page.

At the bottom of the screen is the legend box. The keys on the legend box

allow you to navigate through the setup menu options or execute commands.
The keys on the legend box vary according to the menu level.

LSI Software RAID Conguration Utility Ver A.60 Jul 30, 2008

Management Menu

Congure

Initialize
Objects
Rebuild
Check Consistency

Use Cursor Keys to Navigate Between Items And Press Enter To Select An Option

ASUS Z8NR-D12 5-3

BIOS Version A.08.09161344R

Congure VD(s)

Menu Description

Congure

Allows you to create RAID 0, RAID 1 or RAID 10 set using the Easy

Conguration or the New Conguration command. This menu also
allows you to view, add, or clear RAID congurations or select the

boot drive

Initialize

Objects

Allows you to initialize the virtual drives of a created RAID set
Allows you to initialize virtual drives or change the virtual drive

parameters

Rebuild

Check Consistency

Allows you to rebuild failed drives

Allows you to check the data consistency of the virtual drives of a
created RAID set

5.2.1 Creating a RAID set

The LSI Software RAID Conguration Utility allows you to create a RAID 0, RAID 1,
or RAID 10 set using two types of congurations:

In

Easy Conguration

In

New Conguration

, the virtual drive parameters are set automatically.

, you manually set the virtual drive parameters.

Using Easy Conguration

To create a RAID set using the

Easy Conguration

Easy

option

and

New

.

1. From the

Management Menu

, select

Congure > Easy Conguration

, and

then press <Enter>.

LSI Software RAID Conguration Utility Ver A.60 Jul 30, 2008

Management Menu

Congure

Initialize
Objects
Rebuild
Check Consistency

Denes Physical Arrays. An Array Will Automatically Become A VD

Use Cursor Keys to Navigate Between Items And Press Enter To Select An Option

5-4 Chapter 5: RAID conguration

BIOS Version A.08.09161344R

Conguration Menu

Easy Conguration

New Conguration
View/Add Conguration
Clear Conguration
Select Boot Drive

2. The

ARRAY SELECTION MENU

displays the available drives connected to
the SATA ports. Use the up/down arrow key to select the drives you want to
include in the RAID set, and then press <Space>. When selected, the drive
indicator changes from

READY

to

ONLIN A[X]-[Y]

, where X is the array

number, and Y is the drive number.

LSI Software RAID Conguration Utility Ver A.60 Jul 30, 2008

Management Menu

Congure

Initialize
Objects
Rebuild
Check Consistency

Port # 1 DISK 77247MB HDS728080PLA380 PF20A60A

SPACE-Sel,ENTER-EndArray,F10-Congure,F2-Drive Info,F3-Virtual Drives,F4-HSP

• The information of the selected hard disk drive displays at the bottom of the
screen.

• You need at least two identical hard disk drives when creating a RAID 1 set
and at least four identical hard disk drives when creating a RAID 10 set.

BIOS Version A.08.09161344R

Easy Conguration - ARRAY SELECTION MENU

PORT #

0

ONLIN A00-00

1

ONLIN A00-01

2

READY

READY

3

3. Select all the drives required for the RAID set, and then press <F10> to

congure array setting.

4. Press <Space> to select the congurable array.

LSI Software RAID Conguration Utility Ver A.60 Jul 30, 2008

Management Menu

Congure

Initialize
Objects
Rebuild
Check Consistency

BIOS Version A.08.09161344R

Easy Conguration - ARRAY SELECTION MENU

SPAN-1

Select Congurable Array(s)

A-0

PORT #

DNLIN A00-00

0

DNLIN A00-01

1

Cursor Keys, SPACE-(De)Select F2-ChIdInfo F3-SlotInfo F10-Congure Esc-Quit

ASUS Z8NR-D12 5-5

5. Press <F10> again, the virtual drive information appears including a
menu that allows you to change the virtual drive parameters.

Drive

LSI Software RAID Conguration Utility Ver A.60 Jul 30, 2008

LD RAID Size #Stripes StripSz Status

0 1 77247MB 2 64 KB ONLINE

Management Menu

Congure

Initialize
Objects
Rebuild
Check Consistency

Cursor Keys, SPACE-(De)Select F2-ChIdInfo F3-SlotInfo F10-Congure Esc-Quit

BIOS Version A.08.09161344R

Virtual Drive(s) Congured

Easy Conguration - ARRAY SELECTION MENU

Virgual Drive 0

RAID = 1

Size = 77247MB
DWC = Off

RA = On
Accept

SPAN = NO

Choose RAID Level For This VD

PORT #

DNLIN A00-00

0

DNLIN A00-01

1

Virtual

6. Select

RAID

7. Select the

LSI Software RAID Conguration Utility Ver A.60 Jul 30, 2008

Management Menu

Congure

Initialize
Objects
Rebuild
Check Consistency

Cursor Keys, SPACE-(De)Select F2-ChIdInfo F3-SlotInfo F10-Congure Esc-Quit

from the

RAID

LD RAID Size #Stripes StripSz Status

0 1 77247MB 2 64 KB ONLINE

Virtual Drive

level from the menu, and then press <Enter>.

BIOS Version A.08.09161344R

Virtual Drive(s) Congured

Easy Conguration - ARRAY SELECTION MENU

Virtual Drive 0

RAID = 1

Size = 77247MB
DWC = Off

RA = On
Accept

SPAN = NO

Choose RAID Level For This VD

sub-menu, and then press <Enter>.

PORT #

DNLIN A00-00

0

DNLIN A00-01

1

RAID Level

RAID 0

RAID 1

5-6 Chapter 5: RAID conguration