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 qualified service technician or your retailer.

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This manual contains the following parts: Chapter 1: Product introduction This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports. Chapter 2: Hardware information This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard. Chapter 3: Powering up This chapter describes the power up sequence, the vocal POST messages, 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: Software support This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with the motherboard package. C h a p t e r 6 : N V I D I A S L I t e c h n o l o g y s u p p o r t This chapter tells how to install SLI-ready PCI Express graphics cards. Appendix: Installation options This appendix describes how to install optional accessories to your motherboard.
Where to find 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. Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the standard package.
Conventions used in this guide
To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. D A N G E R / W A R N I N G : Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task. C A U T I O N : Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task. I M P O R T A N T : Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task. N O T E : Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.

Typography

Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select Used to emphasize a word or a phrase Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign means that you must press the enclosed key Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or Return key <Key1+Key2+Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key names are linked with a plus sign (+) Example: <Ctrl+Alt+D>

Gold triangle

Installling the CPU
To install a CPU: Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.
A8N-SLI DELUXE CPU Socket 939
Before installing the CPU, make sure that the socket box is facing towards you and the load lever is on your left.
Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sideways, then lift it up to a 90-100 angle.

Socket Lever

Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90-100 angle, otherwise the CPU does not fit in completely.
Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with a small triangle. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it fits in place.
Gold triangle Small triangle
The CPU fits only in one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU!
When the CPU is in place, push down the socket lever to secure the CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab to indicate that it is locked.
Installing the heatsink and fan
The AMD Athlon 64FX or AMD Athlon 64 processor require a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.
Make sure that you use only qualified heatsink and fan assembly.
Follow these steps to install the CPU heatsink and fan. 1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, making sure that the heatsink fits properly on the retention module base.
The retention module base is already installed on the motherboard upon purchase. You do not have to remove the retention module base when installing the CPU or installing other motherboard components. If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, make sure that a Thermal Interface Material is properly applied to the CPU heatsink or CPU before you install the heatsink and fan assembly.

CPU Fan

CPU Heatsink

Retention Module Base

Retention bracket Retention bracket lock
Your boxed CPU heatsink and fan assembly should come with installation instructions for the CPU, heatsink, and the retention mechanism. If the instructions in this section do not match the CPU documentation, follow the latter.
Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base.
Align the other end of the retention bracket (near the retention bracket lock) to the retention module base. A clicking sound denotes that the retention bracket is in place.
Make sure that the fan and heatsink assembly perfectly fits the retention mechanism module base, otherwise you cannot snap the retention bracket in place.
Push down the retention bracket lock on the retention mechanism to secure the heatsink and fan to the module base.
When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN.

CPU_FAN

GND +12V Rotation
A8N-SLI DELUXE CPU fan connector

Configuring an expansion card
After installing the expansion card, configure the it by adjusting the software settings. 1. 2. 3. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See Chapter 4 for information on BIOS setup. Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.

Interrupt assignments

Standard interrupt assignments
IRQ 15 Priority Standard Function System Timer Keyboard Controller Re-direct to IRQ#9 Communications Port (COM1)* IRQ holder for PCI steering* Floppy Disk Controller Printer Port (LPT1)* System CMOS/Real Time Clock IRQ holder for PCI steering* IRQ holder for PCI steering* IRQ holder for PCI steering* PS/2 Compatible Mouse Port* Numeric Data Processor Primary IDE Channel Secondary IDE Channel
* These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices.
IRQ assignments for this motherboard
A PCI slot 1 PCI slot 2 PCI slot 3 Onboard USB 1.0 controller Onboard USB 2.0 controller Onboard LAN1 Onboard LAN2 Onboard PCI SATA RAID (SI) Onboard 1394a B C D E F G H shared shared shared shared shared shared shared shared shared
When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support Share IRQ or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise, conflicts will arise between the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable.

PCI slots

The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. The figure shows a LAN card installed on a PCI slot.
Two PCI Express x16 slots
This motherboard supports one PCI Express x16 graphics card or two SLI-ready PCI Express x16 graphic cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. The figure shows a graphics card installed on the PCI Express x16 slot. See Chapter 6 for details on the SLI technology feature.
In Normal mode, only the PCI Express blue slot can be used for PCI Express x16 graphics cards. The PCI Express black slot functions as a PCI Express x1 slot.

PCI Express x1 slot

This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. The figure shows a network card installed on the PCI Express x1 slot.

Jumpers

Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC) This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords.

These connectors are set to S A T A by default. In SATA mode, you can connect Serial ATA boot or data hard disk drives to these connectors. If you intent to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, enable the RAID function of each port from the N V R A I D C o n f i g u r a t i o n sub-menu item in the BIOS. See section 4.4.3 Onboard Devices Configuration on pages 4-24 and 4-26 for details.
GND RSATA_RXN4 RSATA_RXP4 GND RSATA_TXN4 RSATA_TXP4 GND
GND RSATA_RXN2 RSATA_RXP2 GND RSATA_TXN2 RSATA_TXP2 GND GND RSATA_RXN1 RSATA_RXP1 GND RSATA_TXN1 RSATA_TXP1 GND
GND RSATA_RXN3 RSATA_RXP3 GND RSATA_TXN3 RSATA_TXP3 GND
SATA2 A8N-SLI DELUXE SATA connectors
Important notes on Serial ATA The actual data transfer rate depends on the speed of Serial ATA hard disks installed. See Appendix for instructions on how to install the Serial ATA extension module.
Serial ATA RAID connectors (7-pin SATA_RAID1, SATA_RAID2, SATA_RAID3, SATA_RAID4) Supported by the Silicon Image Sil3114 RAID controller, these connectors are for Serial ATA signal cables. These connectors support up to four Serial ATA hard disk drives that can be configured as a disk array through the onboard Silicon Image Sil3114 SATA RAID controller. Refer to Chapter 5 for details on how to set up Serial ATA RAID configurations.
By default, the RAID function of these connectors are enabled. Disable the S i l i c o n S A T A c o n t r o l l e r item in the BIOS, if you are not configuring a set with these connectors. See section 4.4.3 Onboard Devices Configuration on page 4-24 for details.

SATA_RAID4

SATA_RAID3
GND RSATA_TXP3 RSATA_TXN3 GND RSATA_RXP3 RSATA_RXN3 GND

SATA_RAID2

GND RSATA_TXP2 RSATA_TXN2 GND RSATA_RXP2 RSATA_RXN2 GND
GND RSATA_TXP4 RSATA_TXN4 GND RSATA_RXP4 RSATA_RXN4 GND

SATA_RAID1

GND RSATA_TXP1 RSATA_TXN1 GND RSATA_RXP1 RSATA_RXN1 GND
A8N-SLI DELUXE SATA RAID connectors
Before creating a RAID configuration, make sure that you have connected the Serial ATA cables to these connectors and have installed the Serial ATA hard disks drives; otherwise, you cannot enter the Silicon Image RAID utility and Serial ATA BIOS setup during POST. The RAID 5 driver is not Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL) certified. See Appendix for instructions on how to install the Serial ATA extension module.

ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Installing ASUS Update

To install ASUS Update: 1. 2. 3. Place the support CD in the optical drive. The D r i v e r s menu appears. Click the U t i l i t i e s tab, then click I n s t a l l A S U S U p d a t e X. V X. X X. X X See page 5-3 for the U t i l i t i e s screen menu. The ASUS Update utility is copied to your system.
Quit all Windows applications before you update the BIOS using this utility.
Updating the BIOS through the Internet
To update the BIOS through the Internet: 1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows desktop by clicking e. S t a r t > P r o g r a m s > A S U S > A S U S U p d a t e > A S U S U p d a t e The ASUS Update main window appears.
Select U p d a t e B I O S f r o m t h e I n t e r n e t option from the drop-down menu, then click t. Next
Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network traffic, or click A u t o S e l e c t t. Click N e x t t.
From the FTP site, select the BIOS version that you wish to download. Click Next. Follow the screen instructions to complete the update process.
The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself through the Internet. Always update the utility to avail all its features.
Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file
To update the BIOS through a BIOS file: 1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows desktop by clicking S t a r t > P r o g r a m s > A S U S > A S U S U p d a t e > e. A S U S U p d a t e The ASUS Update main window appears. Select U p d a t e B I O S f r o m a f i l e option from the drop-down menu, then click N e x t t.
Locate the BIOS file from the e. O p e n window, then click S a v e Follow the screen instructions to complete the update process.

BIOS setup program

This motherboard supports a programmable Low-Pin Count (LPC) chip that you can update using the provided utility described in section 4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS. Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconfiguring your system, or prompted to Run Setup. This section explains how to configure your system using this utility. Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you can change the configuration 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 reconfigure your system using the BIOS Setup program so that the computer can recognize these changes and record them in the CMOS RAM of the LPC chip. The LPC 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 first 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.

Allows you to set the system time.
Allows you to set the system date.
Allows you to choose the BIOS language version from the options. Configuration options: [Franais] [German] [English]
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]
Sets the type of floppy drive installed. Configuration options: [Disabled] [360K, 5.25 in.] [1.2M , 5.25 in.] [720K , 3.5 in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.] [2.88M, 3.5 in.]
Primary and Secondary IDE Master/Slave
While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each IDE device. Select a device item then press <Enter> to display the IDE device information.
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Primary IDE Master PIO Mode UDMA Mode Primary IDE Master Access Mode UDMA Mode Capacity Cylinder Head Sector Transfer Mode [Auto] [Auto] [Auto] [Auto] [Auto] 13579 MB 63 UDMA 4 Select Menu Item Specific Help Press [Enter] to select

F1:Help ESC: Exit

: Select Item : Select Menu
-/+: Change Value Enter: Select Sub-menu
The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Capacity, Cylinder, Head, Sector and Transfer Mode). These values are not user-configurable. These items show N/A if no IDE device is installed in the system.

PIO Mode

Sets the PIO mode for the IDE device. Configuration options: [Auto] [Mode 0] [Mode 1] [Mode 2] [Mode 3] [Mode 4]

UDMA Mode

Disables or sets the UDMA mode. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto]
IDE Primary Master/Slave [Auto]; IDE Secondary Master/ Slave [Auto]
Select [Auto] to automatically detect an IDE hard disk drive. If automatic detection is successful, the BIOS automatically fills in the correct values for the remaining fields on this sub-menu. If the hard disk was already formatted on a previous system, the setup BIOS may detect incorrect parameters. Select [Manual] to manually enter the IDE hard disk drive parameters. If no drive is installed select [None]. Configuration options: [None] [Auto] [Manual]

Access Mode [Auto]

The default [Auto] allows automatic detection of an IDE hard disk drive. Select [CHS] for this item if you set the IDE Primary Master/Slave to [Manual]. Configuration options: [CHS] [LBA] [Large] [Auto]
Before attempting to configure a hard disk drive, make sure you have the correct configuration information supplied by the drive manufacturer. Incorrect settings may cause the system to fail to recognize the installed hard disk.

Capacity

Displays the auto-detected hard disk capacity. This item is not configurable.

Cylinder

Shows the number of the hard disk cylinders. This item is not configurable.
Shows the number of the hard disk read/write heads. This item is not configurable.

Sector

Shows the number of sectors per track. This item is not configurable.

Transfer Mode

Shows the Transfer mode. This item is not configurable.
After entering the IDE hard disk drive information into BIOS, use a disk utility, such as FDISK, to partition and format new IDE hard disk drives. This is necessary so that you can write or read data from the hard disk. Make sure to set the partition of the Primary IDE hard disk drives to active.
First, Second, Third, Fourth SATA Master
While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of Serial ATA devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each SATA device. Select a device item then press <Enter> to display the SATA device information.
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Primary IDE Master Extended Drive Access Mode Capacity Cylinder Head Precomp Landing Zone Sector [Auto] [Auto] xxxxx MB xxxxx xx xx xx xx Select Menu Item Specific Help Press [Enter] to select
The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Capacity, Cylinder, Head, Precomp, Landing Zone and Sector). These values are not user-configurable. These items show 0 if no SATA device is installed in the system.

Extended Drive

Selects the type of fixed disk connected to the system. Configuration options: [None] [Auto]

Access Mode

Sets the sector addressing mode. Configuration options: [Large] [Auto]

Precomp

Shows the number of precomp per track. This item is not configurable.

Landing Zone

Shows the number of landing zone per track. This item is not configurable.

HDD SMART Monitoring

Allows you to enable or disable the HDD Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology (SMART) feature. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Installed Memory

Shows the size of installed memory.

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 field values can cause the system to malfunction.
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Power Boot Exit Select Menu Item Specific Help Press Enter to Set

Resources Controlled By [Auto]
When set to [Auto], the BIOS automatically configures all the boot and Plug and Play compatible devices. Set to [Manual] if you want to assign the IRQ DMA and memory base address fields. Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual]
When the item Resources Controlled By is set to [Auto], the item IRQ Resources is grayed out and not user-configurable. Refer to the section IRQ Resources for information on how to enable this item.

IRQ Resources

This sub-menu is activated only when the R e s o u r c e s C o n t r o l l e d B y item is set to Manual.
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced IRQ Resources IRQ-3 assigned to IRQ-4 assigned to IRQ-5 assigned to IRQ-7 assigned to IRQ-9 assigned to IRQ-10 assigned to IRQ-11 assigned to IRQ-12 assigned to IRQ-14 assigned to IRQ-15 assigned to [PCI [PCI [PCI [PCI [PCI [PCI [PCI [PCI [PCI [PCI Device] Device] Device] Device] Device] Device] Device] Device] Device] Device] Select Menu Item Specific Help Legacy ISA for devices compliant with the original PC AT bus specification, PCI/ISA PnP for devices compliant with the Plug and Play standard whether designed for PCI or ISA bus architecture

IRQ-xx assigned to

When set to [PCI Device], the specific IRQ is free for use of PCI/PnP devices. When set to [Reserved], the IRQ is reserved for legacy ISA devices. Configuration options: [PCI Device] [Reserved]
PCI/VGA Palette Snoop [Disabled]
When set to [Enabled], the pallete snooping feature informs the PCI devices that an ISA graphics device is installed in the system so that the latter can function correctly. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Onboard Devices Configuration
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced Onboard Device Configuration Select Menu Item Specific Help [Enabled] [Disabled] [Enabled] [Disabled] [Enabled] [Enabled] [Enabled] [3F8/IRQ4] [378/IRQ7] [ECP+EPP] [3] [201] [Disabled] 10 -/+: Change Value Enter: Select Sub-menu F5: Setup Defaults F10: Save and Exit
IDE Function Setup NVRAID Configuration USB Configuration Onboard NV LAN Onboard LAN Boot ROM Onboard Marvell LAN Onboard LAN2 Boot ROM AC97 Audio PCI IEEE 1394a Silicon SATA Controller Serial Port1 Address Parallel Port Address Parallel Port Mode ECP MOde Use DMA Game Port Address Midi Port Address x Midi Port IRQ F1:Help ESC: Exit : Select Item : Select Menu

IDE Function Setup

This sub-menu contains IDE function-related items. Select an item then press <Enter> to edit.
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced Onboard Device Configuration OnChip IDE Channel0 OnChip IDE Channel1 IDE DMA transfer access Serial Port 1, 2 SATA DMA transfer Serial Port 3, 4 SATA2 DMA transfer IDE Prefetch Mode [Enabled] [Enabled] [Enabled] [Enabled] [Enabled] [Enabled] [Enabled] [Enabled] Select Menu Item Specific Help

Q-Fan Controller [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the Q-Fan controller. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
VCORE Voltage, +12V Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5VCC Voltage
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard voltage regulators. These items are not user-configurable.
CPU Temperature, M/B Temperature
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the motherboard and CPU temperatures. These items are not user-configurable.
CPU Fan Speed CHA1 Fan Speed CHIP Fan Speed
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the Chassis, CPU, and Chip fan speeds in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the motherboard, the field shows 0. These items are not user-configurable.

Q-Fan1 Stop Temperature

Allows you to set the temperature threshold before the CPU fan stops. Configuration options: [16C] [18C] [20C] [22C]

Q-Fan1 Start Temperature

Allows you to set the temperature that when detected starts the CPU fan. Configuration options: [23C] [25C] [27C] [29C]
Q-Fan1 Full Speed Temperature
Allows you to set the temperature threshold before the CPU fan rotates at full speed. Configuration options: [51C] [54C] [57C] [60C] [63C] [66C] [69C] [72C] [75C] [78C] [81C]

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.
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Power Boot Exit Select Menu Item Specific Help
Boot Device Priority Removable Drives Hard Disk Drives CDROM Drives Boot Settings Configuration Security

Boot Device Priority

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Power Boot Device Priority Select Menu Item Specific Help Select your boot device priority

1st 2nd 3rd 4th

Boot Boot Boot Boot
Device Device Device Device
[Removable] [Hard Disk] [CDROM] [Disabled]
1st ~ xxth Boot Device [Removable]
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. Configuration options: [Removable] [Hard Disk] [CDROM] [Legacy LAN] [Disabled]

Support CD information

The support CD that came with the motherboard package contains the drivers, software applications, and utilities that you can install to avail all motherboard features.
The contents of the support CD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the ASUS website(www.asus.com) for updates.

Running the support CD

Place the support CD to the optical drive. The CD automatically displays the D r i v e r s menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer.
Click an icon to display support CD/motherboard information

Click an item to install

If A u t o r u n is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support CD to locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-click the A S S E T U P. E X E to run the CD. ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe 5-1

Drivers menu

The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices.
Nvidia Chipset Driver Program
Installs the NVIDIA Chipset drivers for the NVIDIA nForce 4 SLI chipset.
Make NVIDIA RAID Driver Disk
Creates the NVIDIA driver disk for Serial ATA and RAID features.
Marvell Yukon Gigabit Ethernet Driver
Installs the Marvell Yukon Gigabit Ethernet driver.

Realtek ALC850 Driver

Installs the Realtek ALC850 audio controller and application.
Silicon Image RAID Driver
Displays the README file of the Silicon Image SATA Link Sil 3114 driver driver installation.
Make Silicon SATA RAID Driver Disk
Creates the Silicon Image SATA Link Sil 3114 driver disk for Serial ATA RAID.

USB 2.0 Driver

Installs the Universal Serial Bus 2.0 (USB 2.0) driver.
The screen display and drivers option may not be the same for different operating system versions.

Utilities menu

The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports.
NVIDIA Chipset nTune Utility
Installs the NVIDIA nTune utility that allows easy and safe system tuning for optimum performance.

ASUS PC Probe

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

ASUS Update

Allows you to download the latest version of the BIOS from the ASUS website.
Before using the ASUS Update, make sure that you have an Internet connection so you can connect to the ASUS website.

Filelist

Displays the contents of the support CD and a brief description of each in text format.

Software information

Most of the applications in the support CD have wizards that will conveniently guide you through the installation. View the online help or readme file that came with the software application for more information.
The ASUS MyLogo2 utility lets you customize the boot logo. The boot logo is the image that appears on screen during the Power-On Self-Tests (POST). The ASUS MyLogo2 is automatically installed when you install the A S U S U p d a t e utility from the support CD. See section 5.2.3 Utilities menu for details.
Before using the ASUS MyLogo2, use the Award BIOS Flash utility to make a copy of your original BIOS file, or obtain the latest BIOS version from the ASUS website. See section 4.1.2 Updating the BIOS. Make sure that the BIOS item F u l l S c r e e n L o g o is set to [Enabled] if you wish to use ASUS MyLogo2. See section 4.6.2 Boot Settings Configuration. You can create your own boot logo image in GIF, JPG, or BMP file formats.
To launch the ASUS MyLogo2: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Launch the ASUS Update utility. Refer to section 4.1.5 ASUS Update utility for details. t. Select O p t i o n s from the drop down menu, then click N e x t Check the option L a u n c h M y L o g o t o r e p l a c e s y s t e m b o o t S, t. l o g o b e f o r e f l a s h i n g B I O S then click N e x t Select U p d a t e B I O S f r o m a f i l e from the drop down menu, then click N e x t t. When prompted, locate the new BIOS file, then click N e x t The t. ASUS MyLogo2 window appears. From the left window pane, select the folder that contains the image you intend to use as your boot logo.
When the logo images appear on the right window pane, select an image to enlarge by clicking on it.
Adjust the boot image to your desired size by selecting a value on the R a t i o box.
When the screen returns to the ASUS Update utility, flash the original BIOS to load the new boot logo.
10. After flashing the BIOS, restart the computer to display the new boot logo during POST.
The Marvell Virtual Cable Tester (VCT) is a cable diagnostic utility that reports LAN cable faults and shorts using the Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) technology. The VCT detects and reports open and shorted cables, impedance mismatches, pair swaps, pair polarity problems, and pair skew problems of up to 100 meters at one meter accuracy. The VCT feature reduces networking and support costs through a highly manageable and controlled network system. This utility can be incorporated in the network systems sofware for ideal field support as well as development diagnostics.

Using the Virtual Cable Tester
To use the the Marvell Virtual Cable Tester utility: 1. 2. Launch the VCT utility from the Windows desktop by clicking r. Start > All Programs > Marvell > Virtual Cable Tester Click V i r t u a l C a b l e T e s t e r from the menu to display the screen below.
Click the R u n button to perform a cable test.
The VCT only runs on systems with Windows XP or Windows 2000 operating systems. The R u n button on the Virtual Cable Tester main window is disabled if no problem is detected on the LAN cable(s) connected to the LAN port(s). If you want the system to check the LAN cable before entering the OS, enable the P O S T C h e c k L A N c a b l e item in the BIOS. See section 4.4.5 LAN Cable Status for details.

Audio configurations

The Realtek ALC850 AC 97 audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the ultimate audio experience on your PC. The software provides Jack-Sensing function (Line-In, Line-Out, Mic-In), S/PDIF out support and interrupt capability. The ALC850 also includes the Realtek proprietary UAJ (Universal Audio Jack) technology for three ports (Line-In, Line-Out and Mic-In), eliminating cable connection errors and giving users plug and play convenience. Follow the installation wizard to install the R e a l t e k A L C 0 A u d i o D r i v e r a n d A p p l i c a t i o n from the support CD that came with the motherboard package. If the Realtek audio software is correctly installed, you will find the SoundEffect icon on the taskbar. From the taskbar, double-click on the S o u n d E f f e c t icon to display the R e a l t e k A u d i o C o n t r o l P a n e ll.

Realtek SoundEffect icon

The Jack-sensing and UAJ technology features are supported on the Line-In, Line-Out, and Mic jacks only.

Sound Effect options

The Realtek ALC850 Audio CODEC allows you to set your listening environment, adjust the equalizer, set the karaoke, or select pre-programmed equalizer settings for your listening pleasure.
To set the sound effect options: 1. 2. 3. 4. From the Realtek Audio Control Panel, click the S o u n d E f f e c t button. Click the shortcut buttons to change the acoustic environment, adjust the equalizer, or set the karaoke to your desired settings. The audio settings take effect immediately after you click on the buttons. Click the Exit (X ) button on the upper-right hand corner of the window X to exit.

After installing the hard disk drives, make sure to set the necessary RAID items in the BIOS before setting your RAID configuration. To set the BIOS RAID items: 1. 2. Boot the system and press <Del> during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to enter the BIOS Setup Utility. From the A d v a n c e d > O n b o a r d D e v i c e s C o n f i g u r a t i o n menu item in the BIOS set the S i l i c o n I m a g e C o n t r o l l e r item to RAID Mode. See section 4.4.6 Onboard Devices Configuration for details. Save your changes and Exit Setup.
Launching the Silicon Image Array Management Software
Launch the Silicon Image Array Management software from Windows XP by clicking the S t a r t button and selecting A l l P r o g r a m s > S i l i c o n I m a g e > Sam
For details on the Silicon Image SATARaid RAID configuration, refer to the Sil3114 Users Manual in your motherboard support CD. You can only set the SATALink RAID 5 and JBOD configuration using the SATALink SATA RAID Management Software. Make sure to install the Silicon Image SATA Link Sil 3114 driver and the Silicon Image RAID 5 Array Management Utility from the support CD before using RAID 5 configuration.
Entering the Silicon Image BIOS RAID Configuration Utility
To enter the Silicon Image BIOS RAID configuration utility: 1. 2. Boot up your computer. During POST, press <Ctrl+S> or <F4>.
RAID Configuration Utility - Silicon Image Inc. Copyright (C) 2004 MAIN MENU Create RAID set Delete RAID set Rebuild Raid1 set Resolve Conflicts Low Level Format Logical Drive Info HELP Press Enter to create RAID set
PHYSICAL DRIVE XXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXMB XXXXXXMB XXXXXXMB XXXXXXMB
LOGICAL DRIVE STXXXXXXXXX STXXXXXXXXX STXXXXXXXXX STXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXMB XXXXXXMB XXXXXXMB XXXXXXMB

:Select Menu

ESC:Previous Menu

Enter:Select

Ctrl-E:Exit
The Main Menu on the upper left corner allows you to select an operation to be performed. The Main Menu options include the following: C r e a t e R A I D s e t - creates a new legacy RAID set or allocates spare drives. D e l e t e R A I D s e t - deletes a RAID set or deallocates a spare drive. R e b u i l d R A I D 1 s e t - rebuilds a RAID 1 set (e.g. swapped drives). R e s o l v e C o n f l i c t s - automatically restores disrupted drives on a RAID set. L o w L e v e l F o r m a t - creates a pattern of reference marks on a drive. Formatting the disks erases all data previously stored in the drive. L o g i c a l D r i v e I n f o -shows the current configuration of each RAID set. On the upper right corner of the screen is the Help message box. The message describes the function of each menu item. 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. The following lists the keys found in the legend box and their corresponding functions. , , ESC Enter Ctrl-E : : : : Select/Move to the next item Previous Menu Select Exit