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

Conventions used in this guide
To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task. CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task. IMPORTANT: Information that you MUST follow to complete a task. NOTE: Tips and additional information to aid in completing a task.
Where to find more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. 1. ASUS Websites The ASUS websites worldwide provide updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. The ASUS websites are listed in the ASUS Contact Information on page viii. 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.

ASUS contact information

ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (Asia-Pacific)
Address: General Tel: General Fax: General Email: 150 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 112 +886-2-2894-3447 +886-2-2894-3449 info@asus.com.tw

Technical Support

MB/Others (Tel): Notebook (Tel): Desktop/Server (Tel): Support Fax: Web Site: +886-2-2890-7121 (English) +886-2-2890-7122 (English) +886-2-2890-7123 (English) +886-2-2890-7698 www.asus.com.tw
ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)
Address: General Fax: General Email: 44370 Nobel Drive, Fremont, CA 94538, USA +1-502-933-8713 tmd1@asus.com

Table 2

Memory frequency/CPU FSB synchronization
This motherboard supports different memory frequencies depending on the CPU FSB (Front Side Bus) and the type of DDR DIMM. CPU FSB 800 MHz 533 MHz 400 MHz DDR DIMM Type PC3200 PC2700/PC2100 PC2100 Memory Frequency 400 MHz 333/266 MHz 266 MHz
When overclocking to 800MHz CPU FSB, the system supports only DDR400 (PC3200) DIMMs due to chipset limitation. The following FSB/DDR ratios are not supported: 400/333, 400/400, 533/400.

Table 3

Size 512MB 256MB 256MB 512MB 256MB 512MB 256MB 512MB 256MB 256MB 256MB 256MB 256MB 512MB 256MB 256MB 512MB 256MB 512MB 256MB 512MB 512MB 256MB
DDR400 Qualified Vendor List (QVL) (Overclocked Mode)
Vendor P/N Number M2G9J16AGATT9F081AA4T M2S9I08AFAPS9F0811A-T 77.10636.465 77.10736.464 TS32MLD64V4F3 TS64MLD64V4F3 TS32MLD64V4F3 TS64MLD64V4F3 MDOAD5F3G315B1ECZ MDOSS6F3G31JB1EAE MDOWB5F3G316B1EAE W9425GCDB-5 W9451GCDB-5 HYS64D16301GU-5-B HYS64D32300GU-5-B HYS64D64320GU-5-B M368L3223ETM-CCC M368L6432ETM-CCC HYMD232646B8J-D43 AA HYMD264646B8J-D43 AA MT16VDDT6464AG-40BC4 MT8VDDT3264AG-40BC4 DS/SS DS SS SS DS SS DS SS DS SS SS SS SS SS DS SS SS DS SS DS SS DS DS SS Component TMD7608F8E50D A2S56D30ATP K4H560838D-TCC4 K4H560838D-TCC4 K4H560838D-TCC4 K4H560838D-TCC4 V58C2256804SAT5 V58C2256804SAT5 ADD8608A8A-5B K4H560838D-TCC4 W942508BH-5 W942508BH-5 W942508BH-5 W942508BH-5 HYB25D256160BT-5B HYB25D256800BT-5B HYB25D256800BT-5B K4H560838E-TCCC K4H560838E-TCCC HY5DU56822BT-D43 HY5DU56822BT-D43 MT46V32M8TG-5BC MT46V32M8TG-5BC Max. DIMMs 2
TwinMOS TwinMOS Apacer Apacer Transcend Transcend Transcend Transcend A DATA A DATA A DATA Winbond Winbond Infineon Infineon Infineon SAMSUNG SAMSUNG Hynix Hynix MICRON MICRON
KINGSTON KVR400X64C25/256
Obtain DDR DIMMs only from ASUS qualified vendors for better system performance. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) for the latest QVL. FSB800 and DDR400 is not a default specification, take caution when overclocking your system.

1.9.2 Installing a DIMM

Make sure 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.
Follow these steps to install a DIMM. 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. 3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the socket until the retaining clips snap back in Unlocked Retaining Clip place and the DIMM is properly seated.

DDR DIMM notch

1.10 Expansion slots
The motherboard has five PCI slots and one Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) slot. To install and configure an expansion card: 1. Install an expansion card following the instructions that came with the chassis. NOTE: The AGP slot supports only +0.8V or 1.5V AGP cards. 2. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See Chapter 2 for BIOS information. 3. Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page. 4. Install the drivers and/or software applications for the expansion card according to the card documentation.

Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC1 jumper default position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!

CLRTC1

Clear CMOS

Normal (Default)

P4P8X Clear RTC RAM
There is no need to clear the RTC when the system hands due to overclocking. For system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature. Reboot the system and the BIOS will automatically reset the CPU parameters to its previous setting.
2. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW12, USBPW34, USBPW56, USBPW78) Set these jumpers to +5V to wake up the computer from S1 sleep mode (CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in low power mode) using the connected USB devices. Set to +5VSB to wake up from S3 and S4 sleep modes (no power to CPU, DRAM in slow refresh, power supply in reduced power mode). The USBPWR12 and USBPWR34 jumpers are for the rear USB ports. The USBPWR56 and USBPWR78 jumper is for the internal USB header that you can connect to the front USB ports.

USBPW12 USBPW34

+5V (Default)

P4P8X USB Device Wake Up

The USB device wake-up feature requires a power supply that can provide at least 500mA on the +5VSB lead when these jumpers are set to +5VSB. Otherwise, the system would not power up. The total current consumed must NOT exceed the power supply capability (+5VSB) whether under normal condition or in sleep mode.
3. Keyboard power (3-pin KBPWR) This jumper allows you to enable or disable the keyboard wake-up feature. Set this jumper to pins 2-3 (+5VSB) if you wish to wake up the computer when you press a key on the keyboard (the default value is [Disabled]). This feature requires an ATX power supply that can supply at least 1A on the +5VSB lead and a corresponding setting in the BIOS. (see section 2.5.1 Power Up Control)
P4P8X Keyboard Power Setting

1.12 Connectors

This section describes and illustrates the internal connectors on the motherboard. 1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY1) This connector supports the provided floppy drive ribbon cable. After connecting one end to the motherboard, connect the other end to the floppy drive. (Pin 5 is removed to prevent incorrect insertion when using ribbon cables with pin 5 plug).

ATXPWR1

+3.3VDC -12.0VDC COM PS_ON# COM COM COM -5.0VDC +5.0VDC +5.0VDC +3.3VDC +3.3VDC COM +5.0VDC COM +5.0VDC COM PWR_OK +5VSB +12.0VDC

+12V DC GND

P4P8X ATX Power Connector
6. SMBus connector (6-1 pin SMB1) This connector allows you to connect SMBus (System Management Bus) devices. Devices communicate with an SMBus host and/or other SMBus devices using the SMBus interface.

FLOATING SMBCLK

P4P8X SMBus Connector
7. CPU and chassis fan connectors (3-pin CPU_FAN1, CHA_FAN1, PWR_FAN1) The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350mA~740mA (8.88W max.) or a total of 1A~2.22A (26.64W 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. Lack of sufficient air flow within the system may damage the motherboard components. These are not jumpers! DO NOT place jumper caps on the fan connectors!

GND +12V Rotation

CHA_FAN1
PWR_FAN1 P4P8X 12-Volt Fan Connectors

Ground SMBDATA +3V

8. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin FP_AUDIO) This is an interface for the Intel front panel audio cable that allow convenient connection and control of audio devices. By default, the pins labeled LINE OUT_R/BLINE_OUT_R and the pins LINE OUT_L/BLINE_OUT_L are shorted with jumper caps. Remove the caps only when you are connecting the front panel audio cable.

AGND +5VA BLINE_OUT_R

FP_AUDIO
P4P8X Front Panel Audio Connector
9. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS1) This lead is for a chassis designed with intrusion detection feature. This requires an external detection mechanism such as a chassis intrusion sensor or microswitch. When you remove any chassis component, the sensor triggers and sends a high-level signal to this lead to record a chassis intrusion event.
By default, the pins labeled Chassis Signal and Ground are shorted with a jumper cap. If you wish to use the chassis intrusion detection feature, remove the jumper cap from the pins.

CHASSIS1

Chassis Signal GND +5VSB_MB

(Default)

P4P8X Chassis Alarm Lead
MIC2 MICPWR Line out_R NC Line out_L

BLINE_OUT_L

10. GAME/MIDI connector (16-1 pin GAME1) This connector supports an optional GAME/MIDI module. Connect the GAME/ MIDI cable to this connector. The GAME/MIDI port on the module connects a joystick or a game pad for playing games, and MIDI devices for playing or editing audio files.

The USB 2.0/GAME module is purchased separately.
GAME1 P4P8X Game Connector
MIDI_IN J2B2 J2CY MIDI_OUT J2CX J2B1 +5V
11. Internal audio connectors (4-pin CD1, AUX1, MODEM) These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card. The MODEM connector allows the onboard audio to interface with a voice modem card with a similar connector. It also allows the sharing of mono_in (such as a phone) and a mono_out (such as a speaker) between the audio and a voice modem card.
Modem-Out Ground Ground Modem-In
+5V J1B2 J1CY GND GND J1CX J1B1 +5V
Right Audio Channel Ground Ground Left Audio Channel

CD1(Black) AUX1(White)

P4P8X Internal Audio Connectors
12. USB header (10-1 pin USB56, USB78) If the USB ports on the rear panel are inadequate, two USB headers are available for additional USB ports. The USB header complies with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed. This speed advantage over the conventional 12 Mbps on USB 1.1 allows faster Internet connection, interactive gaming, and simultaneous running of high-speed peripherals. Connect an optional USB 2.0/GAME module to this header. The module has two USB 2.0 ports that support the next generation USB peripherals such as high resolution cameras, scanners, and printers.
You must install the driver before you can use the USB 2.0 capability.
USB+5V USB_P6USB_P6+ GND NC
USB56 P4P8X USB 2.0 Header
13. WiFi connector (63-pin WIFI) This slot supports the ASUS proprietary WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) module.

USB+5V USB_P5USB_P5+ GND

P4P8X Wi-Fi Slot

USB+5V USB_P7USB_P7+ GND

USB+5V USB_P8USB_P8+ GND NC
14. System panel connector (20-pin PANEL1) This connector accommodates several system front panel functions.

Speaker Connector

+5V Ground Ground Speaker ExtSMI# Ground PWR Ground

Power LED

PLED+ IDE_LED+ IDE_LEDPLED-
Reset SW ATX Power Switch*

IDE_LED

SMI Lead
* Requires an ATX power supply.
P4P8X System Panel Connectors
System Power LED Lead (3-1 pin PLED) This 3-1 pin connector connects to the system power LED. The LED lights up when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.
Hard disk activity LED (2-pin IDELED) This 2-pin connector supplies power to the hard disk activity LED. The read and write activities of any device connected to the primary or secondary IDE connector cause this LED to light up.
System Warning Speaker Lead (4-pin SPEAKER) This 4-pin connector connects to the case-mounted speaker and allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.
System Management Interrupt Lead (2-pin SMI) This 2-pin connector allows you to manually place the system into a suspend mode, or green mode, where system activity is instantly decreased to save power and to expand the life of certain system components. Attach the casemounted suspend switch to this 2-pin connector.

ATX Power Switch / Soft-Off Switch Lead (2-pin PWR) This connector connects a switch that controls the system power. Pressing the power switch turns the system between ON and SLEEP, or ON and SOFT OFF, depending on the BIOS or OS settings. Pressing the power switch while in the ON mode for more than 4 seconds turns the system OFF.
Reset Switch Lead (2-pin RESET) This 2-pin connector connects to the case-mounted reset switch for rebooting the system without turning off the system power.

Reset Ground

Chapter 2
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.

BIOS information

Managing and updating your BIOS
The original BIOS file for this motherboard is in the support CD. Copy the original BIOS to a bootable floppy disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future.
2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk
1. Do either one of the following to create a bootable floppy disk. DOS environment Insert a 1.44 MB floppy disk into the drive. At the DOS prompt, type: format A:/S <Enter> Windows environment a. From your Windows desktop, click on Start, point to Settings, then click on Control Panel. b. Double-click on Add/Remove Programs icon from the Control Panel window. c. Click on the Startup Disk tab, then on Create Disk. button. d. Insert a 1.44 MB floppy disk when prompted. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the process. 2. Copy the original (or the latest) motherboard BIOS to the bootable floppy disk.
2.1.2 Using AFUDOS to update the BIOS
Update the BIOS using the AFUDOS.EXE utility in DOS environment. 1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for your motherboard. Save the BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk.
Write down the BIOS file name to a piece of paper. You need to type the exact BIOS file name at the prompt.
2. Copy the AFUDOS.EXE utility from the support CD to the bootable floppy disk that contains the BIOS file. 3. Boot the system from the floppy disk.
4. At the DOS prompt, type the command line: afudos /i<filename> where filename means the latest (or original) BIOS file that you copied to the bootable floppy disk. The screen displays the status of the update process.
The BIOS information on the screen is for reference only. What you see on your screen may not be exactly the same as shown.
A:\>afudos /ip4p8x.rom AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.10 Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved. Reading file.. done Erasing flash. done Writing flash. 0x0008CC00 (9%)

Jumperfree Configuration CPU Configuration Chipset Onboard Devices Configuration PCI PnP USB Configuration

Configure CPU.

Select Screen Select Item Enter Go to Sub-screen F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit
2.4.1 JumperFree Configuration
Configure System Frequency/Voltage AI Overclock Tuner CPU Ratio [Standard] [12]
AI Overclock Tuner [Standard]
Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU internal frequency. Select either one of the preset overclocking options. Configuration options: [Manual] [Standard] [Overclock 5%] [Overclock 10%] [Overclock 20%] [Overclock 30%]
Selecting a very high CPU frequency may cause the system to become unstable! If this happens, revert to the default setting.
If you are using an unlocked CPU, the item CPU Ratio appears under the AI Overclock Tuner item. You may select your desired ratio from the available options.

CPU Ratio [12]

This field sets the ratio between the CPU Core Clock and the Front Side Bus (FSB) Frequency.
If an invalid ratio is set in CMOS, the actual and setpoint values may differ.
When you set the AI Overclocking Tuner item to [Manual], the related overclocking items appear.
CPU External Frequency (MHz) [XXX] (value is auto-detected)
Indicates the frequency sent by the clock generator to the system bus and PCI bus. The bus frequency (external frequency) multiplied by the bus multiple equals the CPU speed. The value of this item is auto-detected by BIOS and is not manually configurable. The values range from 100 to 400. Refer to the following table for the correct Front Side Bus and CPU External Frequency settings.

DRAM Frequency [Auto]

Allows you to set the DDR operating frequency. Configuration options: [266 MHz] [333 MHz] [400 MHz] [Auto]
AGP/PCI Frequency (MHz) [Auto]
Allows you to adjust to a higher AGP/PCI frequency for better system performance and overclocking capability. Configuration options: [Auto] [66.66/33.33] [72.73/ 36.36] [80.00/40.00]

Allows you to select the specified time at which the system goes on suspend. Configuration options: [Disabled] [1 Min] [2 Min] [4 Min] [8 Min] [10 Min] [20 Min] [30 Min] [40 Min] [50 Min] [60 Min]
Throttle Slow Clock Ratio [50%]
Allows you to select the duty cycle in throttle mode. Configuration options: [87.5%] [75.0%] [62.5%] [50%] [37.5%] [25%] [12.5%]
System Thermal [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the system thermal feature to generate a power management event. Configuration options: [Disabled] [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 RTC Alarm [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable RTC to generate a wake event. When this item is set to Enabled, the items RTC Alarm Date, RTC Alarm Hour, RTC Alarm Minute, and RTC Alarm Second appear with set values. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Power On By External Modem [Disabled]
This allows either settings of [Enabled] or [Disabled] for powering up the computer when the external modem receives a call while the computer is in Soft-off mode. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
The computer cannot receive or transmit data until the computer and applications are fully running. Thus, connection cannot be made on the first try. Turning an external modem off and then back on while the computer is off causes an initialization string that turns the system power on.
Power On By PCI Devices [Disabled]
When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to turn on the system through a PCI LAN 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 PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]
When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to use the PS/2 mouse to turn on the system. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]
When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to use the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2.5.7 Hardware Monitor

Hardware Monitor CPU Temperature MB Temperature Power Temperature CPU Fan Speed Chassis Fan Speed Power Fan Speed VCORE Voltage 3.3V Voltage 5V Voltage 12V Voltage [44C/111F] [36C/96.5F] N/A [2250RPM] N/A N/A [1.550V] [3.386V] [4.890V] [11.900V] CPU temperature
CPU Temperature [xxxC/xxxF] MB Temperature [xxxC/xxxF] Power Temperature [xxxC/xxxF]
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the motherboard, CPU, and power supply temperatures.
CPU Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [N/A] Chassis Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [N/A]
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU and chassis fan speeds in rotations per minute (RPM). If any of the fans is not connected to the motherboard, the specific field shows N/A.
VCORE Voltage, +3.3V Voltage, +5V Voltage, +12V Voltage
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard voltage regulators.
If any of the monitored items is out of range, the following error message appears: Hardware Monitor found an error. Enter Power setup menu for details. You will then be prompted to Press F1 to continue or DEL to enter SETUP.

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.
Boot Settings Boot Device Priority Boot Settings Configuration Security
Specifies the Boot Device Priority sequence.
2.6.1 Boot Device Priority
Boot Device Priority 1st Boot Device 2nd Boot Device 3rd Boot Device [First Floppy Drive] [PM-ST320413A] [PS-ASUS CD-S340] Specifies the boot sequence from the available devices. A device enclosed in parenthesis has been disabled in the corresponding type menu. Select Screen Select Item Change Option General Help Save and Exit Exit

Security Settings Supervisor Password User Password Change Supervisor Password Boot Sector Virus Protection [Disabled] Not Installed Not Installed
<Enter> to change password. <Enter> again to disable password.
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 have set a password, this item shows Installed. To set a Supervisor Password: 1. Select the Change Supervisor Password item and press Enter. 2. On the password box that appears, type a password composed of letters and/ or numbers, then press Enter. Your password should have at least six characters. 3. Confirm the password when prompted. The message Password Installed appears after you have successfully set your password. The Supervisor Password item now shows Installed. 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. After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to change other security settings.
Security Settings Supervisor Password User Password Change Supervisor Password User Access Level Change User Password Clear User Password Password Check Boot Sector Virus Protection Installed Not Installed [Full Access] [Setup] [Disabled]
User Access Level (Full Access]
This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items. Configuration 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 field. Limited allows change to only selected fields, such as Date and Time. Full Access allows viewing and changing all the fields 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 have 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 letters and/ or numbers, then press Enter. Your password should have at least six characters. 3. Confirm the password when prompted. The message Password Installed appears after you have successfully set your password. The User Password item now shows Installed. To change the user password, follow the same steps as in setting a user password.

Clear User Password

Select this item if you wish 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]

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

Support CD information

The contents of the support CD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the ASUS website for updates.
The support CD that came with the motherboard contains useful software and several utility drivers that enhance the motherboard features.
3.2.1 Running the support CD
To begin using the support CD, simply insert the CD into your CD-ROM drive. The CD automatically displays the Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer.

Click an item to install

Click an icon to display more information
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. Double-click 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.
Intel Chipset Inf Update program
This item installs the Intel Chipset INF Update Program that enables Plug-n-Play INF support for Intel chipset components. This utility installs to the target system the Windows INF files that outline to the operating system how the chipset components will be configured. Refer to the online help or readme file that came with the utility.
SoundMAX Audio Driver and Application
This item installs the AC97 audio driver and applications to activate the 6-channel audio feature. After installing the driver and SoundMAX Integrated Audio icon applications, the SoundMAX Integrated Audio icon appears on the taskbar. Double-click the icon to display the SoundMAX Control Panel from which you can adjust to 6-channel audio settings.

USB 2.0 Driver

This item installs the USB 2.0 driver.

3COM Gigabit LOM Driver

This item installs the 3COM Gigabit LAN On Motherboard (LOM) Ethernet driver to support 10/100/1000 Mbps networking.

3.2.3 Utilities menu

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

ASUS PC Probe

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

Install ASUS Update

This program 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. Installing ASUS Update also installs ASUS Mylogo.
Microsoft Direct X Driver
This item installs the Microsoft Direct X driver.

PC-CILLIN 2002

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

Adobe Acrobat Reader

This item installs the Adobe Acrobat Reader V5.0. The Acrobat Reader software is for viewing files saved in Portable Document Format (PDF).

ASUS Screen Saver

This item installs the ASUS screen saver.

E-Color 3Deep

This item installs the 3Deep software. 3Deep is the first application that gives online gamers the competitive edge in multi-player skirmishes. This application removes dark washed-out graphics to deliver true vibrant colors.
3.2.4 ASUS Contact Information
Clicking the ASUS Contact Information tab displays as stated. You may also find this information on page viii of this user guide.

Software information

3.3.1 SoundMAX 4 XL software
The ADI AD1985 AC 97 audio CODEC provides 6-channel audio capability through the SoundMAX4 XL with AudioESP software to deliver the ultimate audio experience on your PC. The software implements high quality audio synthesis/rendering, 3D sound positioning, and advanced voice-input technologies. Follow the installation wizard install the SoundMAX Audio Driver and Application from the support CD that came with the motherboard package to activate the 6-channel audio feature.
You must use 4-channel or 6-channel speakers for this setup. SoundMAX 4 XL requires Microsoft Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP. Make sure that one of these operating systems is installed before installing SoundMAX.

Case Studies

INTEL 2.8GHZ PENTIUM 4 & ASUS P4P8X
s we study the overclocking capabilities of Intel CPUs, things start to get more interesting as we approach 3GHz processors and 800MHz frontside bus speeds. Our last step before we reach the 3GHz CPU level is the 2.8GHz Pentium 4. For this case study we decided to use the same ASUS P4P8X motherboard we used in the last article. The 2.8GHz Pentium 4 is based on the same Northwood core as previous Intel CPUs and includes many of the same features (such as a 0.13-micron design and 512KB of L2 cache). Like the 2.6GHz P4, the 2.8GHz P4 supports a 533MHz FSB,
board to 800MHz. Nonetheless, well stick with Intels officially supported specs and use it with our 2.8GHz P4 at 533MHz. On the southbridge, Intels ICH5 controls most of the systems I/O functions. The ICH5 includes support for two SATA drives and eight USB 2.0 ports. A 3Com Ethernet controller supports Gigabit Ethernet and an ADI AD1985 AC97 Codec delivers 6-channel sound. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 lets you restore your BIOS to its original factory default settings if you muck something up beyond repair. Like most motherboards, the P4P8X includes dual-channel memory architec-
eliminate as many bottlenecks as possible and the 80GB 7200rpm SATA hard drive provides our test system with good hard drive performance. A Lite-On 48X/24X/ 48X/16X DVD/CD-RW drive and an ALPS floppy drive comprise the remaining storage options. A 400-watt Antec power supply provides power to the system. Overclocking We configured everything properly for a 2.8GHz P4 and took some baseline benchmarks using PCMark2002 and 3DMark2001 SE. The 2.8GHz P4 did not provide significantly better performance over its 2.66GHz sibling. 3DMark scores increased just 36 points from 10194 to 10230. Our PCMark2002 CPU score showed more improvement jumping from 6572 to 6885 while Memory scores were up slightly from 7262 to 7301. PCMark2002 HDD scores, however, were a little lower with the 2.8GHz P4 at the helm dropping slightly from 1240 to 1222. In fact, 3DMark2001 at 2.81GHz, the 2.66SE Increase GHz P4 we previously examined scored points higher in 3DMark. After recording the boring baseline scores, we were ready to move on and start overclocking. To enter the AMI (American Megatrends Inc.) BIOS setup utility (v08.00.09), we pressed DEL during the POST. From the main menu, we used the Left/Right arrow keys to select the Advanced tab. We then used the Up/Down arrow keys to select JumperFree Configuration in the Advanced Menu and pressed ENTER. The 2.8GHz P4 has its multiplier locked at 21X, so we had to adjust the motherboards frontside bus. Before we could adjust the FSB, however, we needed to select AI Overclock Tuner and use the + and keys to change the value to Manual. Once set to Manual, we had access to other options including CPU External Frequency. We selected this option and used the + and keys to change the value from its default 133MHz to 140MHz. Again, because the P4 uses a quad-pumped FSB, this is effectively the
Intel 2.8GHz Pentium 4 ASUS P4P8X
Stock Performance Overclocked Performance Clock Speed 2.8GHz 3.27GHz Frequency 133MHz 155MHz Multiplier VCore 1.525 1.525 CPU 6885 7953

PCMark2002

Memory 7301 7808

HDD 1222 1238

3DMark 2001 SE 10230 10568
which means its compatible with the 865P version of Intels Springdale chipset. Motherboard Intel intends its 865, or Springdale, series for desktop systems that dont require the more advanced (and expensive) features found on Intels 875 Canterwood chipset. The 875 series includes support for ECC DDR SDRAM and Intels PAT (Performance Acceleration Technology). Essentially, 875 chips that are incapable of running PAT become 865 chips and sell at a reduced price. The ASUS P4P8X features the 865P chipset. Unlike the 865G and 865PE chipsets, the 865P doesnt support an 800MHz FSB. Thats no big deal since Intel designed the 2.8GHz P4 were looking at here to run on a 533MHz FSB. Although it doesnt officially support an 800MHz FSB, the specifications for the P4P8X found at many online retailers suggest you can overclock the FSB speed of the
ture. The four memory slots are divided into two groups of two (one group for each channel). To take advantage of the technology, you need to install two identical memory modules into the proper slot on each channel. Slots are color-coded blue and black, so you simply need to install two modules in the same color slot. Dual-channel memory can increase data transfer speeds to as much as 5.4GBps. System Specifications Although were swapping motherboards and processors like mad, weve tried to keep the rest of our test system the same for our Intel case studies. Although the P4P8X only supports PC2700 DDR SDRAM, it will still run the 1GB of PC3200 DDR SDRAM at PC2700 speeds. The faster memory will certainly come in handy as we start using more advanced motherboards. An ATI Radeon 8500 provides decent video performance. We wanted to try to

Advanced menu in the BIOS setup utility once again and this time selected CPU Vcore Voltage. We used the + and keys to set the core voltage to 1.6 volts. Unfortunately, this seemed to make things worse, causing the system to reboot after 3DMark crashed. Once again, we entered the setup utility and tried increasing the core voltage to 1.65 volts. At this point the system refused to even boot. Final Word When all was said and done, we had managed to overclock our 2.8GHz P4 to 3.27GHz, an increase of more than 16%. Once again, PCMark2002 proved an excellent gauge for raw CPU performance. CPU scores in PCMark2002 increased more than 15% from 6885 to 7953. PCMark2002 Memory scores showed better improvement than weve seen so far, increasing a little less than 7% from 7301 to 7808. The HDD scores also jumped a little more than were accustomed to and increased 16 points from 1222 to 1238 (which was still shy of the 1240 the 2.66GHz posted when running at its default speed). In PCMark2002, the 2.8GHz should see improvements over the 2.66GHz P4. The 2.66GHz P4 managed a 7576 CPU score and a 7649 Memory score when overclocked to 3.11GHz. The 2.8GHz P4, by comparison, managed a 7953 CPU score and a 7808 Memory score when overclocked to 3.27GHz The higher PCMark2002 scores, however, didnt translate into significantly higher 3DMark scores. The 2.66GHz P4 managed a maximum 3DMark score of 10518 when overclocked to 3.11GHz. The 2.8GHz showed only slight improvement turning in a 10568 3DMark score when running at 3.27GHz. The extra 260MHz bought us just 50 extra points in 3DMark. Next well see how far we can push a 3.06GHz CPU on a 533MHz FSB.

by Chad Denton

Game Port Connectors
BIOS (Award) SATA Connector

Northbridge (Intel 865P)

Front USB Headers Audio Codec
Southbridge (Intel ICH5) Ethernet Controller

ATX PSU Connector

same as increasing a 533MHz FSB to 560MHz. It also increases the processors clock speed from 2.8GHz to 2.95GHz. We pressed F10 to save our settings, exited the setup utility, and rebooted. The faster clock speed resulted in a 208-point jump in 3DMark scores with a 10438. We used the same procedure listed above to increase the FSB speed 5MHz from 140MHz to 145MHz. This pushed the processors clock speed north of 3GHz at 3.06GHz. We actually saw 3DMark scores fall slightly to 10350. We increased the FSB once again to 150MHz resulting in a 3.15GHz P4. 3DMark scores rebounded to 10444. Not satisfied, we pushed the FSB to 155MHz and the P4 to 3.27GHz. Again, 3DMark scores responded positively, increasing to 10568. At this point, PCMark2002 CPU scores had shot up more than 1000 points to 7953 and Memory scores had increased more than 500 points to 7808. HDD scores were up slightly to 1222.

If youre reading these case studies sequentially, youve probably noticed the pattern we have set. We listed the PCMark2002 scores, so that means efforts to overclock this processor any further werent successful. When we increased the FSB to 160MHz and the P4 to 3.37GHz, the system would crash while running 3DMark. At this point we usually try to play with the CPUs core voltage to see if we can stabilize the CPU. We entered the
Overclock Comparison 3DMark2001 SE
Intel 3.06GHz Pentium 4 (533MHz FSB) Stock Performance 10268 Overclocked Performance Intel 2.8GHz Pentium 4 (533MHz FSB) Stock Performance 10230 Overclocked Performance 10568 Intel 2.66GHz Pentium 4 (533MHz FSB) Stock Performance 10194 Overclocked Performance 10518