Motherboard

A8V-VM
E2421 Second Edition January 2006
Copyright 2006 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, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing. ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL AS IS WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT. SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT. Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identification or explanation and to the owners benefit, without intent to infringe.

Table of contents

Notices.... vi Safety information...vii A8V-VM specifications summary...viii.
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 1.2 1.3 Welcome!... 1-2 Package contents... 1-2 Special features... 1-3 1.3.1 1.3.2 1.4 1.5 Product highlights.. 1-3 Innovative ASUS features.. 1-4
Before you proceed... 1-5 Motherboard overview... 1-6 1.5.1 1.5.2 1.5.3 Motherboard layout.. 1-6 Placement direction.. 1-6 Screw holes.. 1-7. Overview... 1-8 Installing the CPU... 1-8 Installing the heatsink and fan. 1-10 Overview... 1-12 Memory configurations.. 1-12 Installing a DIMM.. 1-15 Removing a DIMM... 1-15 Installing an expansion card.. 1-16 Configuring an expansion card. 1-16 PCI slots... 1-18 PCI Express x1 slot.. 1-18 PCI Express x16 slot... 1-18
Central Processing Unit (CPU).. 1-8 1.6.1 1.6.2 1.6.3
System memory... 1-12. 1.7.1 1.7.2 1.7.3 1.7.4
Expansion slots... 1-16 1.8.1 1.8.2 1.8.3 1.8.4 1.8.5
Jumpers... 1-19 1.10.1 Rear panel connectors.. 1-21 1.10.2 Internal connectors.. 1-22

1.10 Connectors... 1-21

Chapter 2: BIOS setup
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS... 2-2 2.1.1 2.1.2 2.1.3 2.1.4 2.1.5 2.2 2.2.1 2.2.2 2.2.3 2.2.4 2.2.5 2.2.6 2.2.7 2.2.8 2.2.9 2.3 2.3.1 2.3.2 2.3.3 2.3.4 2.3.5 2.4 2.4.1 2.4.2 2.4.3 2.4.4 2.4.5 2.5 2.5.1 2.5.2 Creating a bootable floppy disk. 2-2 ASUS EZ Flash utility.. 2-3 AFUDOS utility.. 2-4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility.. 2-6 ASUS Update utility.. 2-8 BIOS menu screen.. 2-12 Menu bar... 2-12 Navigation keys... 2-12. Menu items.. 2-13 Sub-menu items... 2-13 Configuration fields.. 2-13 Pop-up window.. 2-13. Scroll bar.. 2-13. General help... 2-13 System Time... 2-14 System Date... 2-14 Legacy Diskette A.. 2-14 Primary and Secondary IDE Master/Slave; First and Second SATA.. 2-15 System Information.. 2-16 JumperFree Configuration. 2-17. CPU Configuration.. 2-18 Chipset... 2-19 Onboard Devices Configuration.. 2-23. PCI PnP.. 2-24 Suspend Mode.. 2-26 Repost Video on S3 Resume.. 2-26
BIOS setup program... 2-11.

Main menu... 2-14.

Advanced menu.. 2-17

Power menu... 2-26

2.5.3 2.5.4 2.5.5 2.5.6 2.6 2.6.1 2.6.2 2.6.3 2.7 3.1 3.2 ACPI 2.0 Support.. 2-26 ACPI APIC Support.. 2-26 APM Configuration.. 2-27 Hardware Monitor.. 2-29. Boot Device Priority.. 2-30 Boot Settings Configuration.. 2-31 Security... 2-32.

Boot menu... 2-30

Exit menu... 2-34. Installing an operating system.. 3-2. Support CD information.. 3-2 3.2.1 3.2.2 3.2.3 3.2.4 3.2.5 Running the support CD... 3-2. Drivers menu... 3-3. Utilities menu... 3-4 Manual... 3-5. ASUS Contact information.. 3-6
Chapter 3: Software support

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 manufacturers 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.

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. 2. Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the standard package.
Conventions used in this guide
To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task. CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task. IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task. NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.

Typography

Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select 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 If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key names are linked with a plus sign (+) Example: <Ctrl> + <Alt> + <Del> Means that you must type the command exactly as shown, then supply the required item or value enclosed in brackets Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line: awdflash A8VVM.ROM

Italics <Key>

<Key1> + <Key2> + <Key3> Command
A8V-VM specifications summary
CPU Chipset System Bus Memory Socket 939 for AMD Athlon 64FX/ Athlon 64X2/ Athlon 64/ Sempron processor Supports AMD Cool n Quiet! Technology Northbridge: VIA K8M890 Southbridge: VIA VT8251 2000/1600 MT/s Dual-channel memory architecture 4 x 184-pin DIMM sockets support unbuffered ECC/ non-ECC DDR 400/333/266 MHz memory modules Supports up to 4 GB system memory Integrated VIA DeltaChrome Graphics Processing Unit Supports Microsoft DirectX 9.0 (Refer to page 3-5) Maximum shared mamory of 256 MB 1 x PCI Express x16 slot 1 x PCI Express x1 slot 2 x PCI slots
Expansion slots Storage Audio USB LAN ASUS special features BIOS features Back Panel I/O Ports
VIA VT8251 South Bridge supports: - 2 x UltraDMA 133/100/66/33 - 4 x Serial ATA 3Gb/s devices with RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD ADI AD1986A SoundMAX 6-channel High Definition Audio CODEC Supports Jack Sensing Technology Supports S/PDIF out interface Supports up to eight USB 2.0 ports Realtek RTL8201CL 10/100M LAN PHY ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) ASUS MyLogo ASUS EZ Flash ASUS CrashFree BIOS Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.x Parallel port 1 x Serial port 1 x PS/2 keyboard port 1 x PS/2 mouse port 1 x RJ45 port 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 1 x 6-Channel Audio I/O port 1 x VGA port

(continued on the next page)
Internal I/O connectors 1 x 24-pin ATX power connector 1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector 2 x USB connectors for four additional USB 2.0 ports 1 x Front panel audio connector 1 x S/PDIF out connector CPU/Chassis fan connectors CD audio-in connector Chassis intrusion connector System panel connector Wfm2.0, DMI2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE, RPL Device drivers ASUS PC Probe II ASUS LiveUpdate Utility Anti-Virus software User guide 1 x UltraDMA cable 1 x FDD cable I/0 shield 1 x SATA power cable 1 x SATA signal cable ATX Form Factor: 9.6 in x 9.0 in (24.4 cm x 22.9 cm)
Manageability Support CD contents

Accessories

Form Factor
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.
This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports.

Product introduction

Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS A8V-VM 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.

Package contents

ASUS A8V-VM motherboard 1 x floppy disk drive cable 1 x Ultral DMA 133/100/66 cable 1 x SATA power cable 1 x SATA signal cable I/O shield ASUS motherboard support CD User guide
Check your motherboard package for the following items. Motherboard Cables Accessories Application CDs Documentation
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.

Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights
AMD Dual-Core Architecture
The motherboard supports AMD dual-core processors containing two physical CPU cores with discrete L2 cache structure for each core to meet demands for more powerful computing. See page 1-8 for details.
Latest processor and 64-bit computing technology
The AMD Athlon 64FX, Athlon 64, Athlon 64x2, and AMD Sempron desktop processors are based on AMDs 64-bit and 32-bit architecture, which represents the landmark introduction of the industrys first x86-64 technology. These processors provide a dramatic leap forward in compatibility, performance, investment protection, and reduced total cost of ownership and development. See page 1-8 for details.
Dual-channel DDR400 memory support
Employing the Double Date Rate (DDR) memory technology, the motherboard supports up to 4GB of system meomory using DDR400/333 DIMMs. The ultra-fast 400MHz memory bus delivers the required bandwidth for the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications See page 1-12 for details.
Integrated VIA DeltaChrome GPU
The VIA K8M890 integrates the VIA DeltaChrome graphics processing unit (GPU) that supports a maximum VGA shared memory of 256MB, Microsoft DirectX 9.0, OpenGL 1.4, and PCI Express interface. See page 2-21 and 3-5.

Onboard LED

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

SB_PWR

ON Standby Power

OFF Powered Off

A8V-VM Onboard LED

ASUS A8V-VM

Motherboard overview
Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard fits into it.
Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.
1.5.1 Placement direction
When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis as indicated in the image below.

1.5.2 Screw holes

Place six (6) 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

1.5.3 Motherboard layout

22.9cm (9.0in)

PS/2KBMS KBPWR

T: Mouse B: Keyboard

CPU_FAN

PARALLEL PORT
DDR DIMM_A1(64 bit,184-pin module)
DDR DIMM_A2(64 bit,184-pin module)
DDR DIMM_B1(64 bit,184-pin module)
DDR DIMM_B2(64 bit,184-pin module)

SOCKET 939

F_USB12

USBPW12 USBPW34

CHA_FAN

PRI_IDE

EATXPWR

ATX12V

Bottom:

USB3 RJ-45 USB4

Realtek

PCIEX1_1

A8V -VM

PCIEX16

CR2032 3V Lithium Cell CMOS Powe

SUPER I/O AAFP

VIA VT8251

PCI1 PCI2

SATA3 SATA4

SATA2 SATA1

4Mb Flash ROM USBPW78 USBPW56

CHASSIS

SPDIF_OUT

FLOPPY

SEC_IDE
Top:Line In Center:Line Out Below:Mic In

1.8.1 Installing an expansion card
To install an expansion card: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with it and make the necessary hardware settings for the card. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a chassis). Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screw for later use. Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is completely seated on the slot. Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier. Replace the system cover.
1.8.2 Configuring an expansion card
After installing the expansion card, configure it by adjusting the software settings. 1. 2. 3. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See Chapter 2 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.
Standard interrupt assignments
IRQ Priority Standard Function System Timer Keyboard Controller Programmable interrupt Communications Port (COM2)* IRQ holder for PCI steering* Floppy Disk Controller Printer Port (LPT1)* System CMOS/Real Time Clock IRQ holder for PCI steering* MIDI port* IRQ holder for PCI steering* PS/2 Compatible Mouse Port* Numeric Data Processor Primary IDE Channel Secondary IDE Channel - 1 10
* These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices.
IRQ assignments for this motherboard
A B C D E F G H PCI slot 1 shared PCI slot 2 shared PCI Express x16 slot shared PCI Express x1 slot 1 shared Onboard USB controller 0 shared Onboard USB controller 1 shared Onboard USB controller 2 shared Onboard USB controller 3 shared Onboard EHCI controller shared Onboard SATA Controller shared Onboard Audio Controller shared Onboard LAN shared Integrated graphics 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.
1.8.3 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.

CD (black)

Right Audio Channel Ground Ground Left Audio Channel
A8V-VM Internal Audio Connector
8. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port(s). Connect the S/PDIF module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.
The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.
A8V-VM Digital Audio Connector

SPDIFOUT GND

9. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports either High Definition Audio or AC `97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.
Azalia compliant Legacy AC 97 compliant definition definition
GND PRESENCE# SENSE1_RETUR SENSE2_RETUR AGND +5VA Back line out R Back line out L
A8V-VM Analog Front Panel Connector
We recommend that you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the motherboard highdefinition audio capability. If you want to connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector, make sure the Audio Controller item in the BIOS is set to [Enabled]. See page 2-22 for details.
10. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS) This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detection sensor or switch. Connect one end of the chassis intrusion sensor or switch cable to this connector. The chassis intrusion sensor or switch sends a high-level signal to this connector when a chassis component is removed or replaced. The signal is then generated as a chassis intrusion event. By default, the pins labeled Chassis Signal and Ground are shorted with a jumper cap. Remove the jumper caps only when you intend to use the chassis intrusion detection feature.
PORT1 L PORT1 R PORT2 R SENSE_SEND PORT2 L

(Default)

A8V-VM Chassis Intrusion Connector ASUS A8V-VM 1-29

Chassis Signal GND

+5VSB_MB
AGND +5VA Line out_R NC Line out_L
11. System panel connector (20-1 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

PLED+ PLED-

SPEAKER
+5V Ground Ground Speaker
IDE_LED+ IDE_LEDReset Ground PWR Ground

IDE_LED

RESET PWRSW
A8V-VM System Panel Connector

* Requires an ATX power supply.
The sytem panel connector is color-coded for easy connection. Refer to the connector description below for details.
Power LED (Green 3-pin PLED) This 3-pin connector is for the Power LED. Connect the 3-pin power LED cable from the system chassis to this connector. The LED lights up when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode. System warning speaker (Orange 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. Hard disk drive activity LED (Red 2-pin IDELED) 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 flashes when data is read from or written to the HDD. ATX power button/soft-off button (Yellow 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 turns the system OFF. Reset button (Blue 2-pin RESET) This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system reboot without turning off the system power(ATX power).
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

Managing and updating your BIOS
The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup. 1. 2. 3. 4. ASUS EZ Flash (Updates the BIOS using a floppy disk during POST.) ASUS AFUDOS (Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a bootable floppy disk.) ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 (Updates the BIOS using a bootable floppy disk or the motherboard support CD when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted.) ASUS Update (Updates the BIOS in Windows environment.)
Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.
Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update or AFUDOS utilities.
2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk
1. Do either one of the following to create a bootable floppy disk. DOS environment a. Insert a 1.44MB floppy disk into the drive. b. At the DOS prompt, type format A:/S then press <Enter>. Windows XP environment a. Insert a 1.44 MB floppy disk to the floppy disk drive. b. Click Start from the Windows desktop, then select My Computer. c. Select the 3 1/2 Floppy Drive icon. d. Click File from the menu, then select Format. A Format 3 1/2 Floppy Disk window appears. e. Select Create an MS-DOS startup disk from the format options field, then click Start. Windows 2000 environment To create a set of boot disks for Windows 2000: a. Insert a formatted, high density 1.44 MB floppy disk into the drive. b. Insert the Windows 2000 CD to the optical drive. c. Click Start, then select Run.

Prepare the motherboard support CD or the floppy disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility. Make sure that you rename the original or updated BIOS file in the floppy disk to A8VVM.ROM.
Recovering the BIOS from a floppy disk
To recover the BIOS from a floppy disk: 1. 2. 3. Turn on the system. Insert the floppy disk with the original or updated BIOS file to the floppy disk drive. The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the floppy disk for the original or updated BIOS file.
Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery. Checking for floppy.
When found, the utility reads the BIOS file and starts flashing the corrupted BIOS file.
Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery. Checking for floppy. Floppy found! Reading file A8VVM.ROM. Completed. Start flashing.
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can cause system boot failure!
Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.
Recovering the BIOS from the support CD
To recover the BIOS from the support CD: 1. 2. 3. Remove any floppy disk from the floppy disk drive, then turn on the system. Insert the support CD to the optical drive. The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the floppy disk for the original or updated BIOS file.
When no floppy disk is found, the utility automatically checks the optical drive for the original or updated BIOS file. The utility then updates the corrupted BIOS file.
Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery. Checking for floppy. Floppy not found! Checking for CD-ROM. CD-ROM found! Reading file A8VVM.ROM. Completed. Start flashing.
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 file.
2.1.5 ASUS Update utility
The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows environment. The ASUS Update utility allows you to: Save the current BIOS file Download the latest BIOS file from the Internet Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS file Update the BIOS directly from the Internet, and View the BIOS version information.

This utility is available in the support CD that comes with the motherboard package.
ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Installing ASUS Update

To install ASUS Update: 1. 2. 3. Place the support CD in the optical drive. The Drivers menu appears. Click the Utilities tab, then click Install ASUS Update VX.XX.XX. See page 3-4 for the Utilities 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 Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update main window appears.
Select Update BIOS from the Internet option from the dropdown menu, then click Next.
Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network traffic, or click Auto Select. Click Next.
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. 2. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows desktop by clicking Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update main window appears. Select Update BIOS from a file option from the dropdown menu, then click Next.
Locate the BIOS file from the Open window, then click Open. Follow the screen instructions to complete the update process.

BIOS setup program

This motherboard supports a programmable firmware chip that you can update using the provided utility described in section 2.1 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 firmware hub. The firmware hub on the motherboard stores the Setup utility. When you start up the computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program. Press <Del> during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to enter the Setup utility; otherwise, POST continues with its test routines. If you wish to enter Setup after POST, restart the system by pressing <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del>, or by pressing the reset button on the system chassis. You can also restart by turning the system off and then back on. Do this last option only if the 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.

DDR Reference Voltage[Auto]
Allows you to select DDR reference voltage. Configuration options: [Auto] [2.6V] [2.5V]
Spread Spectrum[+/-1.00%]
Allows you to enable or disable clock generator spread spectrum.

2.4.2 CPU Configuration

The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects.
CPU Configuration Module Version:14.08 Physical Count: 1 Logical Count: 1 AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3200+ Revision: D0 Speed : 2000MHz Cache L1: 64KB Cache L2: 512KB Current FSB Multiplier: 10x GART Error Reporting MTRR Mapping [Disabled] Continuous] [
GART Error Reporting [Disabled]
This option should remain disabled for the normal operation. The driver developer may enable it for testing purpose. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
MTRR Mapping [Continuous]
This option determines the method used for programming CPU MTRRs when 4GB or more memory is present. Discrete leaves the PCI hole below the 4GB boundary undescribed. Continuous explicitly describes the PCI hole as non-cachable. Configuration options: [Continuous] [Discrete]

2.4.3 Chipset

The items in this menu show the chipset-related information.
Advanced Chipset Settings WARNING: Setting wrong values in below sections may cause system to malfunction. NorthBridge Configuration AGP Bridge K8M890 AGP/PCI EXPRESS Configuration SouthBridge VIA VT8251 Configuration AMD CoolN Quiet Configuration
NorthBridge Configuration
NorthBridge Chipset Memory Configuration ECC Configuration

Memory Configuration

Memory Configuration Memclock Mode [Auto] MCT Timing Mode [Auto] CMD-ADDR Timing Mode [2T]

Memclock Mode [Auto]

Allows you to set the memory clock mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [Limit]

MCT Timing Mode [Auto]

Allows you to set the MCT timing mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual]
The following items appear only when the MCT Timing Mode is set to Manual.
CAS Latency (CL) [Auto] Configiration options: [Auto] [2.0] [3.0] [2.5] TRAS [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [5CLK] [6CLK] [7CLK] [8CLK] [9CLK] [10CLK] [11CLK] [12CLK] [13CLK] [14CLK] [15CLK] TPR [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [2CLK] [3CLK] [4CLK] [5CLK] [6CLK] TRCD [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [2CLK] [3CLK] [4CLK] [5CLK] [6CLK]

2.5.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume [No]
Determines whether to invoke VGA BIOS post on S3/STR resume.
2.5.3 ACPI 2.0 Support [No]
Allows you to add more tables for Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) 2.0 specifications. Configuration options: [No] [Yes]
2.5.4 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller(APIC) mode under Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI). When set to Enabled, the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2.5.5 APM Configuration

Power Management/APM [Enabled] Power Button Mode [On/Off] Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off] Advanced Resume Events Controls Power On By Ring [Disabled] Power On By OnBoardLan [Disabled] Power On By PME# [Disabled] Power On By KBC [Enabled] Wake-Up Key [Any Key] Power On By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled] Power On By RTC Mouse [Disabled]
Power Management/APM [Enabled]
Enables or disables the Advanced Power Management feature. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
The following items appear only when the Power Management/APM feature is Enabled.
Power Button Mode[On/Off]
Allows the system to go into On/Off mode or suspend mode when the power button is pressed. Configuration options: [On/Off] [Suspend]
Restore On AC Power Loss[Power Off]
When set to Power Off, the system goes into off state after an AC power loss. When set to Power On, the system goes on after an AC power loss. When set to Last State, the system goes into either off or on state whatever was the system state before the AC power loss. Configuration options: [Power Off] [Power On] [Last State]
Power On By Ring [Disabled]
This allows either settings of [Enabled] [Disabled] for powering up the computer when the external modem receives a call while the computer is in Soft-off mode. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Power On By OnBoardLan [Disabled]
When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to turn on the system through a PCILAN or modem card. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Power On By PME# [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the onboard LAN to generate PME in SoftOFF mode. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Power On By KBC [Enabled]
This parameter allows you to use specific keys on the keyboard to turn on th system. When set to [enabled], the item Wake-up Key is enabled. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Wake-up Key[Any Key]

Appears only when Power On By KBC is set to [Enabled]. Configuration options: [Any key] [Specfic Key]
Power On By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]

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

Clear User Password

Select this item to clear the 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. Configuration options: [Setup] [Always]

ASUS A8V-VM 2-33

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.
Exit Options Exit & Save Changes Exit & Discard Changes Discard Changes Load Setup Defaults
Exit system setup after saving the changes. F10 key can be used for this operation.
Select one of the Item Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select Sub-screen Enter Go to F1 options from this menu or <F10> from the legend barGeneral Help to exit. F10 ESC Save and Exit Exit

Select Screen

Exit & Save Changes
Once you are finished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit menu to ensure the values you selected are saved to the CMOS RAM. 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 confirmation window appears. Select Ok to save changes and exit.
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 fields other than System Date, System Time, and Password, the BIOS asks for a confirmation 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 confirmation appears. Select Ok to discard any changes and load the previously saved values.

Load Setup Defaults

This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a confirmation window appears. Select Ok to load default values. Select Exit & Save Changes or make other changes before saving the values to the non-volatile RAM.
2-34 Chapter 2: BIOS setup
This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with the motherboard package.

Software support

Installing an operating system

This motherboard supports Windows 2000/2003 Server/XP/64-bit XP operating systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware.
Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Use the setup procedures presented in this chapter for reference only. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed information. Make sure that you install Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 or the Windows XP Service Pack2 or later versions before installing the drivers for better compatibility and system stability.

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.
3.2.1 Running the support CD
Place the support CD to the optical drive. The CD automatically displays the Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer.
Click an icon to display support CD/motherboard information

Click an item to install

If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support CD to locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Doubleclick the ASSETUP.EXE to run the CD.

3.2.2 Drivers menu

The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices.

AMD CoolnQuiet Drivers

Installs AMD CoolnQuiet Drivers.
VIA ChipSet HyperionPro Driver
Installs VIA ChipSet HyperionPro Driver.
Make VIA RAID Driver Disk
Allows you to create a VIA RAID driver disk.

VIA Onboard VGA Driver

Installs VIA Onboard VGA Driver.

ADI Audio Driver

Installs ADI Audio Driver.

VIA Ethernet Driver

Installs VIA Ethernet Driver.

USB2.0 Driver

Installs USB2.0 Driver.

3.2.3 Utilities menu

The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports.

ASUS CoolnQuiet Utility

Launches the ASUS Cool n Quiet! Technology driver installation wizard.

ASUS PC Probe II

Network Cable

3 Cat5..$1.Cat5. $2.Cat5.$2.Cat5.$3.Cat5.$4.Cat5.$7.Cat5.$14.Cat5$23.95

Samsung 22X DVDRW.$49.00

3Com 3c900B Nic.$6.00 Aircruiser PCI Router.$39.00 Intel Gigabit Nic.$29.00 Linksys A+G Wireless.$29.00 MSI Wireless G/Btooth.$39.00 SMC Gigabit PCI 64bit.$25.00 Zyxel Wireless G$29.00
256MB.$25.00 512MB.$29.00 1GB.$49.00
LiteON 22X DVDRW.$39.00 LG 22X DVDRW.$49.00 LiteON Combo Drive.$29.00 Sony DVD Player.$35.00 Pioneer IDE DVDRW.$35.00

PCMCIA USB

512MB.$29.00 1GB.$39.00 2GB.$79.00
Linksys A+G WPC55AG.$39.00 Trendnet USB Wireless G.$39.00 Encore USB G Adapter.$29.00

PC100 / 133 Notebook

Molex to 2 SATA.$4.95 Molex to SATA.$3.00 Molex to SATA & Molex.$3.00 Molex Splitter.$3.00 Molex to Floppy.$2.50
Used 128MB$5.00 Used 256MB$20.00 1GB DDR.$59.00 512MB DDR2.$39.00 1GB DDR2$39.00 2GB DDR2$79.00
Seagate 250GB.$69.00 Seagate 250GB.$69.00 WD 250GB.$65.00 Seagate 320GB.$79.00 Seagate 500GB.$85.00 Seagate 1TB.$145.00

Router / Switch

BNC$9.HDMI to HDMI.$19.99 DVI-I to DVI-I.$19.99 HDMI to DVI-D.$19.Male/Male VGA.$8.Male/Female VGA $8.95
WD 40GB.$25.00 WD 80GB.$55.00 WD 250GB.$69.00 WD 320GB.$85.00
ActionTec Wireless.$29.00 Linksys WAP54GP.$169.00 Linksys WRT54G2.$39.00 Netgear WNR834M$65.00 Zyxel 964 Wired.$29.00 Zyxel P-320 Wireless.$39.00 Belkin Wireless G Router.$39.00
64MB DDR$5.00 126MB DDR.$10.00 256MB DDR.$15.00 *Call for current Prices*
36 Rounded HDD.$6.Rounded HDD.$3.Rounded Floppy.$5.95 SATA Internal.$4.00

Desktop Computers Laptop

WD 120GB IDE.$99.00 WD 80GB IDE..$69.00 WD 250GB IDE.$109.00 Hitachi 160GB SATA.$79.00 Hitachi 320GB SATA.$99.00
10 A to B.$6.A to Mini B.$5.USB Extension.$7.Active Extension$18.00

Dell Precision 690 Tower

Dual Intel 2.3 Ghz Quad Core CPUs Two 250GB Hard Drives, 4GB Ram DVD Burner, CDRW, Floppy Drive, USB 2.0 Windows 7 PRO! 1 Year Warranty! 1 Year Warranty!
PCI ATA/133 Raid.$25.00 VIA SATA + IDE.$25.00
Asus A8N-SLI 939.$69.00 Asus A8V-VM 939.$89.00 Asus K8N4-E 754.$69.00 Asus M2N68 AM2.$79.00

SATA USB

Dell Precision 17 Laptops
Intel Core 2 Duo, 80GB Hard Drive DVD / CDRW Drive, USB 2.0, 1GB RAM, Wireless Internet , Windows XP Pro! 2.3 GHz $549
Adaptec AUA-5020.$29.Port SATA PCI.$29.Port USB PCI.$15.Port USB PCI.$19.Port USB PCMCIA.$19.00

Firewire

4 Port Firewire PCI.$19.Port Firewire PCMCIA.$29.00
Asus P5GC-MX.$79.00 Intel D915PGN$79.00 Asus P5Q SEII.$129.00 Intel D925XCV$79.00 Intel D955XCS$99.00 Supermicro C2SBE.$189.00

1 Year Warranty!

LPT/Serial
Serial & LPT PCI.$25.00
ATI Radeon 7500.$45.00 EVGA 6200.$69.00 Trident Blade 4X.$6.00
Mid Tower Case w 300W PS AMD Phenom II Black Edition ASUS Mainboard 2Gb PC6400 DDR2 memory Seagate 500 GB Hard drive Samsung DVDRW SATA Drive w Lightscribe Integrated HD Sound Network Card Windows XP Pro or Win 7 Home Premium 23 in 1 Multi-Function Card Reader 3 year warranty* Monitor not included

Dialup

Creative V.92 Modem.$15.00

2WIRE Wireless ModemOUT

Asus 8600GT 512.$189.00 ATI Radeon 7500 512$75.00 ATI X300SE 128.$29.00 GeForce 95000GT$119.00

Benwin USB.$12.00

Clearance HP Multimedia Keyboard Combo
Serving Kansas City for 15 Years
More systems available. Come in and Check us out! Dell Precision 17 Laptops
Intel Core 2 Duo, 80GB Hard Drive DVD / CDRW Drive, USB 2.0, 1GB RAM, Wireless Internet , Windows XP Pro! 2.3 GHz $Year Warranty!
Dual Intel 2.3 Ghz Quad Core CPUs Two 250GB Hard Drives, 4GB Ram, DVDRW, Floppy Drive, USB 2.0 Windows 7 PRO! 1 Year Warranty! 1 Year Warranty!

10% OFF!

Virus Removal - $90 Data Recovery (Hard Drives & Flash Media) $120 Laptop Repair (All Makes & Models)- Call for Estimate PC Repair (Parts not included) - $90 System Setup - $100 Express Services Available
Bring in this Advertisement for 10% OFF your next In Store Service
More systems available. Come in and Check us out! Dell Precision 17 Laptops Dell Precision 690 Tower
Intel Core 2 Duo, 80GB Hard Drive DVD / CDRW Drive, USB 2.0, 1GB RAM, Wireless Internet , Windows XP Pro! 2.3 GHz $Year Warranty! Dual Intel 2.3 Ghz Quad Core CPUs Two 250GB Hard Drives, 4GB Ram, DVDRW, Floppy Drive, USB 2.0 Windows 7 PRO! 1 Year Warranty! 1 Year Warranty!
*All Service Prices Shown are Typical Costs. Not all problems are the same and parts may also be required.*