Asus P5N7A-VM Hardware User Manual

Motherboard P5N7A-VM
ii E3921 First Edition August 2008 Copyright © 2008 ASUST eK 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 ASUST eK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”). Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless such repair , modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing. ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT W ARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANT ABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A P ARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT , SPECIAL, INCIDENT AL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DA T A, 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 . SPECIFICA TIONS AND INFORMA TION CONT AINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR INFORMA TIONAL USE ONL Y , AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE A T 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 THA T MA Y APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT . Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.
iii Contents Notices ......................................................................................................... vi Safety information ..................................................................................... vii About this guide ....................................................................................... viii P5N7A-VM specications summary ........................................................... x Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-2 1.2 Package contents ......................................................................... 1-2 1.3 Special features ............................................................................ 1-2 1.3.1 Product highlights ........................................................... 1-2 1.3.2 ASUS Special Features ................................................. 1-5 1.3.3 ASUS Stylish Features ................................................... 1-7 1.3.4 ASUS Intelligent Overclocking features .......................... 1-7 1.4 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 1-8 1.5 Motherboard overview ................................................................. 1-9 1.5.1 Placement direction ........................................................ 1-9 1.5.2 Screw holes .................................................................... 1-9 1.5.3 Motherboard layout ....................................................... 1-10 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................. 1-1 1 1.6.1 Installling the CPU ......................................................... 1-1 1 1.6.2 Installling the CPU heatsink and fan ............................. 1-14 1.6.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan ......................... 1-16 1.7 System memory ......................................................................... 1-18 1.7.1 Overview ....................................................................... 1-18 1.7.2 Memory congurations .................................................. 1-18 1.7.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 1-23 1.7.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 1-23 1.8 Expansion slots .......................................................................... 1-24 1.8.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 1-24 1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 1-24 1.8.3 Interrupt assignments ................................................... 1-25 1.8.4 PCI slots ........................................................................ 1-26 1.8.5 PCI Express x1 slot ....................................................... 1-26 1.8.6 PCI Express x16 slot ..................................................... 1-26 1.9 Jumper ........................................................................................ 1-27
iv Contents 1.10 Connectors ................................................................................. 1-28 1.10.1 Rear panel connectors .................................................. 1-28 1.10.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 1-30 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 2-2 2.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 2-2 2.1.2 Creating a bootable oppy disk ....................................... 2-5 2.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ................................................... 2-6 2.1.4 AFUDOS utility ................................................................ 2-7 2.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ...................................... 2-9 2.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................. 2-1 1 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen ........................................................ 2-12 2.2.2 Menu bar ....................................................................... 2-12 2.2.3 Navigation keys ............................................................. 2-12 2.2.4 Menu items ................................................................... 2-13 2.2.5 Sub-menu items ............................................................ 2-13 2.2.6 Conguration elds ....................................................... 2-13 2.2.7 Pop-up window ............................................................. 2-13 2.2.8 Scroll bar ....................................................................... 2-13 2.2.9 General help ................................................................. 2-13 2.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 2-14 2.3.1 System T ime ................................................................ 2-14 2.3.2 System Date ................................................................ 2-14 2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A ........................................................ 2-14 2.3.4 SA T A 1/2/4; ESA T A ....................................................... 2-15 2.3.5 Storage Conguration ................................................... 2-16 2.3.6 System Information ....................................................... 2-17 2.4 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 2-18 2.4.1 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 2-19 2.4.2 Jumperfree Conguration ............................................. 2-20 2.4.3 Chipset .......................................................................... 2-23 2.4.4 OnBoard Devices Conguration ................................... 2-25 2.4.5 USB Conguration ........................................................ 2-27 2.4.6 PCIPnP ......................................................................... 2-28
v Contents 2.5 Power menu ................................................................................ 2-29 2.5.1 Suspend Mode ............................................................. 2-29 2.5.2 ACPI 2.0 Support ........................................................ 2-29 2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support ...................................................... 2-29 2.5.4 APM Conguration ........................................................ 2-30 2.5.5 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 2-31 2.6 Boot menu .................................................................................. 2-33 2.6.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 2-33 2.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration .......................................... 2-34 2.6.3 Security ......................................................................... 2-35 2.7 T ools menu ................................................................................. 2-37 2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 .......................................................... 2-37 2.7.2 Express Gate ............................................................... 2-38 2.7.3 AI NET 2 ........................................................................ 2-38 2.8 Exit menu .................................................................................... 2-39 Chapter 3: Software support 3.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 3-2 3.2 Support DVD information ............................................................ 3-2 3.2.1 Running the support DVD ............................................... 3-2 3.2.2 Drivers menu ................................................................... 3-3 3.2.3 Utilities menu .................................................................. 3-4 3.2.4 Make Disk menu ............................................................. 3-6 3.2.4 Manual menu .................................................................. 3-7 3.2.5 ASUS Contact information .............................................. 3-7 3.2.6 Other information ............................................................ 3-8 3.3 Software information ................................................................. 3-10 ASUS Express Gate ..................................................................... 3-10 3.4 Creating a RAID driver disk ....................................................... 3-19 3.4.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS .... 3-19 3.4.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows ® ...................... 3-19
vi Notices Federal Communications Commission Statement This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: • This device may not cause harmful interference, and • This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However , there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. • Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver . • Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. Canadian Department of Communications Statement This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications. This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
vii Safety information Electrical safety • T o prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating the system. • When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device. • Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all power cables are unplugged. • Seek professional assistance before using an adpater or extension cord. These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit. • Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power company . • If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied service technician or your retailer . Operation safety • Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals that came with the package. • Before using the product, ensure that all cables are correctly connected and the power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately . • T o avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry . • Avoid dust, humidity , and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area where it may become wet. • Place the product on a stable surface. • If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied service technician or your retailer . This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment, Mercury-containing button cell battery) should not be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.
viii About this guide This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring 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. It also lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes description of the jumpers and connectors on the motherboard. • Chapter 2: 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 3: Software support This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package. Where to nd more information Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. 1. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information. 2. Optional documentation Y our product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty yers, that may have been added by your dealer . These documents are not part of the standard package.
ix Conventions used in this guide T o ensure that you perform certain tasks properly , take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. T ypography Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select. Italics Used to emphasize a word or a phrase. <Key> Key s encl osed i n the less- than a nd gre ater-t han s ign mea ns tha t you must p ress the enclo sed ke y. 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 connected with a plus sign ( ). Example: <Ctrl> <Alt> <D> Command Means that you must type the command exactly as shown. Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line: afudos /iP5N7AVM.ROM DANGER/W ARNING: 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. NOTE: T ips and additional information to help you complete a task. IMPORT ANT : Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.
x P5N7A-VM specications summary (continued on the next page) CPU LGA775 socket for Intel ® Core™2 Quad/Core™2 Extreme/Core™2 Duo/Pentium ® dual-core/Celeron ® dual-core/Celeron ® processors Compatible with Intel ® 05B/05A/06 processors Supports Intel ® next-generation 45nm multi-core CPUs Supports Intel ® Hyper-Threading T echnology *Refer to www .asus.com for Intel CPU support list Chipset NVIDIA GeForce 9300 System bus 1333/1066/800 MHz Memory Dual-channel memory architecture - 4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support unbuffered non-ECC DDR2 800/667 MHz memory modules - Supports up to 16 GB system memory • When installing total memory of 4GB capacity or more, Windows ® 32-bit operation system may only recognize less than 3GB. Hence, a total installed memory of less than 3GB is recommended. • Refer to www .asus.com or this user manual for the Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors Lists). Graphics Intergrated NVIDIA ® GeForce Series DirectX10 Shader Model 4.0 graphics processor Supports CUDA technology Supports PhysX technology Maximum shared memory of 512MB Hybrid SLI support (supports Windows ® Vista only) Supports HDMI interface with HDCP compliant with max. resolution up to 1920 x 1200 (1080p) @70Hz Supports DVI interface with HDCP compliant with max. resolution up to 1600 x 1200 @60Hz Supports D-Sub with max. resolution up to 2048 x 1536 @horizontal 1 15KHz/vertical 75Hz Supports DP with max. resolutions up to 2560 x 1600 @60Hz Note: The suggested system conguration when playing HD DVD and Blu-ray disc: DDR2 800 1GB x 2/Althon 64 x 2 4400 / Graphic shared memory 256 MB/Purevideo HD support. Expansion slots 1 x PCI Express TM x16 slot 1 x PCI Express TM x1 slot 2 x PCI slots LAN Gigabit LAN USB 12 x USB 2.0 ports (6 at mid-board, 6 at back panel)
xi P5N7A-VM specications summary Storage Southbridge - 5 x Serial A T A 3.0 Gb/s ports - 1 x External SA T A 3Gb/s port - Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 0 1, and JBOD conguration JMicron ® JMB368 P A T A controller supports: - 1 x UltraDMA 133/100 for up to 2 P A T A devices Audio Realtek ® ALC1200 8-channel High-Denition Audio CODEC ASUS Special Features EPU-4 Engine Express Gate ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ASUS Q-Fan 2 ASUS MyLogo 2 ASUS O.C. Prole AI NAP ASUS Q-connector ASUS Overclocking features Precision T weaker: - vDIMM: 64-step DRAM voltage control - vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.0625V increment Stepless Frequency Selection (SFS): - SB tuning from 133 to 600MHz at 1MHz increment Overclocking Protection: - ASUS CPU Parameter Recall (C.P .R.) Internal connectors 3 x U SB c onn ect ors su pp ort 6 a ddi tio nal USB po rts 1 x Floppy disk drive connector 1 x IDE connector 5 x Serial A T A connectors 1 x CPU fan connector 1 x Chassis fan connector 1 x Power fan connector 1 x LPT connector 1 x COM connector 1 x S/PDIF Out header 1 x Chassis intrusion connector 1 x Front panel audio connector 1 x CD audio in connector 1 x 24-pin A TX power connector 1 x 4-pin A TX 12 V power connector 1 x System panel connector (Q-Connector) (continued on the next page)
xii P5N7A-VM specications summary Rear panel connectors 1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port 1 x VGA port 1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port 1 x DisplayPort 1 x HDMI port 1 x DVI port 1 x External SA T A port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 8-channel audio ports BIOS features 8 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, Green, PnP , DMI v2.0, WfM2.0, ACPI v2.0a, SM BI OS 2.5 Manageability WO L, PXE, WO R b y R ing , PME W ake Up Accessories 2 x S A T A ca ble s 1 x 2-port SA T A power cable 1 x UltraDMA 133/100 cable 1 x I/O Shield 1 x 2 in 1 Q-connector User guide Support DVD contents Express Gate Drivers ASUS PC Probe II ASUS Update Image Editing suite Anti-virus software Form factor MicroA TX form factor: 9.6 in x 9.2 in (24.4 cm x 23.4 cm) *Specications are subject to change without notice.
1 Chapter 1: Product introduction This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports.
1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS ® P5N7A-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 . If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer . 1.2 Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items. Motherboard ASUS P5N7A-VM Cables Serial A T A signal cable for 2 devices Serial A T A power cable for 2 devices 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100 cable Accessories I/O shie ld 1 x ASUS Q-Connector Kit (USB, system panel; Retail version only) Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD Documentation User guide 1.3 Special features 1.3.1 Product highlights Green ASUS This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.
ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-3 NVIDIA GeForce 9300 Chipset The NVIDIA GeForce ® 9300 motherboard GPU is the industry’s rst desktop PC singlechip solution for Intel CPUs integrating multiple dedicated processors for DirectX 10 shader model 4.0 3D graphics and PureVideo ® HD processor , SLI technology , storage, communications audio, and system management processors. All these leading edge features are delivered in a small form factor for radically improved Vista Premium capable PCs. Hybrid SLI TM Hybrid SLI TM technology is a unique hybrid multi-GPU technology built upon NVIDIA. Hybrid SLI technology today includes two primary feaures: GeForce Boost and HybridPower TM . GeForce Boost turbo-charges performance of NVIDIA descrete graphics cards when combined with this series motherboard GPUs. HybridPower TM unleashed graphics performance when needed and enabled discrete GeForce GPU(s) to the motherboard GPU for a quiet, low power PC experience. Due to the chipset limitation, this motherboard does not support HybridPower . NVIDIA ® CUDA TM T echnology NVIDIA ® Compute Unied Device Architecture (CUDA TM ) T echnology , the world’s only C programming language environment, allows programmers to develop faster software applications through tapping on the multi-core parallel processing power of GPUs. With this technology , you can convert movies and videos to your iPod, Zune, and PSP much faster with CUDA-enabled applications. NVIDIA ® PhysX TM T echnology NVIDIA PhysX TM T echnology is a real-time physics engine that uses physics calculations to provide you with smoother PC and console gaming experience. NVIDIA PhysX TM , with its multi-core processing GPU and specically-designed hardware acceleration features, delivers rich and unparalleled levels of realism in your gaming environment. Gigabit LAN solution Gigabit LAN is the networking standard for the early future and is ideal for handling large amounts of data such as video, audio, and voice. See page 1-28 for details.
1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction Due to chipset limitation, DisplayPort on this motherboard only supports video signals. DisplayPort This motherboard introduces the new digital display interface standard - DisplayPort. This new design features a small and user-friendly connector . It delivers higher performances of resolution, refresh rate, and color depth and improves digital display connectivity . See page 1-30 for details. PCI Express 2.0 support The motherboard supports the latest PCI Express 2.0 devices for double speed and bandwidth which enhances system performance.See page 1-26 for details. Serial A T A 3Gb/s technology The motherboard supports SA T A hard drives based on the new SA T A 3Gb/s storage specication. It allows RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 0 1, and JBOD congurations for ve SA T A connectors. Multi-VGA output This motherboard supports multiple digital and analog display output interfaces - HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort, and D-Sub. With such diversity of display outputs, you are able to choose and upgrade display devices freely . S/PDIF digital sound ready This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio systems via optical S/PDIF-out (SONY -PHILIPS Digital Interface) jacks.It allows to transfer digital audio without converting to analog format and keeps the best signal quality . See pages 1-28 for details. High Denition Audio Enjoy high-end sound quality on your PC! The onboard 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC enables high-quality 192KHz/24-bit audio output, jack-sensing feature, and multi-streaming technology that simultaneously sends different audio streams to different destinations. Y ou can now talk to your partners on the headphone while playing multi-channel network games. See pages 1-28 and 1-29 for details.
ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-5 HDMI TM Interface High-Deniton Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is the rst and only industry-supported, uncompressed, all digital audio and video interface via a single cable and is HDCP compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-ray Disc and other protected content. DVI Interface DVI (Digital Visual Interface) provides high visual quality of digital display devices such as LCD monitor . The interface of this motherboard is HDCP complia nt, allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-ray Disc and other protected content. 1.3.2 ASUS Special Features ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the overclocking capability . AI Nap With AI Nap, the system can continue running at minimum power and noise when you are temporarily away . T o wake the system and return to the OS environment, simply click the mouse or press a key . Q-Fan 2 AS US Q-F an 2 te chn olo gy i nte lli gen tl y adj ust s bo th CPU fa n an d c has sis f an sp eed s a cco rd in g t o s ys te m l oad ing t o ens ure q ui et, co ol an d ef cie nt op era tio n.
1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction ASUS EZ DIY ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you easy ways to install computer components, update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings. ASUS Q-Connector ASUS Q-Connector allows you to easily connect or disconnect the chassis front panel cables to the motherboard. This unique module eliminates the trouble of connecting the system panel cables one at a time and avoiding wrong cable connections. See page 1-39 for details. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data from a USB ash disk containing the BIOS le. See page 2-9 for details. ASUS EZ Flash 2 EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility . Simply press the predened hotkey to launch the utility and update the BIOS without entering the OS. Update your BIOS easily without preparing a bootable diskette or using an OS-based ash utility . See page 2-6 for details. ASUS O.C. Prole The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Prole that allows users to conveniently store or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be stored in the CMOS or a separate le, giving users freedom to share and distribute their favorite settings.
ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-7 1.3.4 ASUS Intelligent Overclocking features C.P .R. (CPU Parameter Recall) The C.P .R. feature of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to the BIOS default settings in case the system hangs due to overclocking. When the system hangs due to overclocking, C.P .R. eliminates the need to open the system chassis and clear the RTC data. Simply shut down and reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically restores the CPU default setting for each parameter . See page 1-27 for details. • The actual boot time depends on the system conguration, hardware conguration, and product model. • ASUS Express Gate supports le uploading from SA T A HDDs, ODDs and USB drive and downloading to USB drives only . 1.3.3 ASUS Stylish Features ASUS MyLogo2™ This feature allows you to convert your favorite photo into a 256-color boot logo for a more colorful and vivid image on your screen. See page 2-34 for details. AI NET 2 AI NET 2 is a BIOS-based diagnostic tool that detects and reports Ethernet cable faults and shorts. With this utility , you can easily monitor the condition of the Ethernet cable(s) connected to the Marvell ® LAN (RJ-45) port. During the bootup process, AI NET 2 immediately diagnoses the LAN cable and reports shorts and faults up to 100 meters at 1 meter accuracy . See page 2-38 for details. Express Gate T aking only 5 seconds to go online from bootup, Express Gate is the one-stop gateway to instant fun! It’s a unique motherboard built-in OS. Y ou can utilize the most popular Instant Messengers (IM) like MSN, Skype, Google talk, QQ, and Y ahoo! Messenger to keep in touch with friends, or quickly check on the weather and e-mails just before leaving your house. What’s more, the user-friendly picture manager lets you view your pictures without entering Windows at anytime! See pages 2-38, and 3-10 to 3-18 for details.
1-8 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.4 Before you proceed T ake note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component. • Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, before handling components to avoid damaging them due to static electricity . • Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them. • Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the bag that came with the component. • Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the A TX power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply . Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or components. Onboard LED The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED. P5N7A-VM P5N7A-VM Onboard LED SB_PWR ON Standby Power OFF Powered Off
ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-9 1.5 Motherboard overview Before you install the motherboard, study the conguration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard ts into it. Ensure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard. 1.5.1 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the chassis in the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis as indicated in the image below . 1.5.2 Screw holes Place six (6) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis. Place this side towards the rear of the chassis P5N7A-VM
1-10 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.5.3 Motherboard layout Refer to 1.10 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors. P5N7A-VM 23.4cm (9.2in) SATA4 SATA1 SATA5 SATA6 SATA2 PWR_FAN CHA_FAN USB78 USB910 USB11 12 AAFP MCP 7A-S DDR2 DIMM_B1 (64 bit,240-pin module) DDR2 DIMM_B2 (64 bit,240-pin module) DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64 bit,240-pin module) DDR2 DIMM_A2 (64 bit,240-pin module) CR2032 3V Lithium Cell CMOS Power PCI2 PCI1 PCIEX16 PCIEX1_1 CD CHASSIS ATX12V FLOPP Y Super I/O CPU_FAN SB_PWR CLRTC SPDIF_OUT RTL 8211CL LGA775 PRI_IDE 8Mb BIOS LPT KB/MS_USB56 VGA_ DVI SPDI FO_ HDMI _ DP_ F_ ESA TA _ USB3 4 LAN1 _USB12 AUDI O COM1 P ANEL ALC1200 JMB 368 24.4cm (9.6in) EA TXPWR
ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-1 1 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA775 socket designed for the Intel ® Core ™ 2 Quad/Core ™ 2 Extreme/Core ™ 2 Duo/Pentium ® Extreme/Pentium ® D/ Pentium ® 4 processors. • Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that the PnP cap is on the socket and the socket contacts are not bent. Contact your retailer immediately if the PnP cap is missing, or if you see any damage to the PnP cap/socket contacts/motherboard components. ASUS will shoulder the cost of repair only if the damage is shipment/transit-related. • Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes with the cap on the LGA775 socket. • The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket contacts resulting from incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/ incorrect removal of the PnP cap. • Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU. • Connect the chassis fan cable to the CHA_F AN1 connector to ensure system stability . 1.6.1 Installling the CPU T o install a CPU: 1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. Before installing the CPU, ensure that the socket box is facing towards you and the load lever is on your left. P5N7A-VM P5N7A-VM CPU Socket 775
1-12 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 3. Lift the load lever in the direction of the arrow to a 135º angle. 4. Lift the load plate with your thumb and forenger to a 100º angle (A), then push the PnP cap from the load plate window to remove (B). T o prevent damage to the socket pins, do not remove the PnP cap unless you are installing a CPU. 2. Press the load lever with your thumb (A) and move it to the left (B) until it is released from the retention tab. Retention tab Load lever This side of the cam box should face you. PnP Cap A B Load plate A B
ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-13 The CPU ts in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and damaging the CPU! 6. Close the load plate (A), then push the load lever (B) until it snaps into the retention tab. A B The motherboard supports Intel ® LGA775 processors with the Enhanced Intel SpeedStep ® T echnology (EIST), and Hyper-Threading T echnology . 5. Position the CPU over the socket, ensuring that the gold triangle is on the bottom-left corner of the socket. The socket alignment key should t into the CPU notch. Alignment key Gold triangle mark
1-14 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.6.2 Installling the CPU heatsink and fan The Intel ® Core™ 2 Quad/Core™ 2 Duo/Pentium D/Pentium ® 4/Celeron ® processor require a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance. • Install the motherboard to the chassis before you install the CPU fan and heatsink assembly • When you buy a boxed Intel ® Core™ 2 Quad/Core™ 2 Duo/Pentium D/ Pentium ® 4/Celeron ® processor, the package includes the CPU fan and heatsink assembly . If you buy a CPU separately , ensure that you use only Intel ® -certied multi-directional heatsink and fan. • Y our Intel ® Core™ 2 Quad/Core™ 2 Duo/Pentium D/Pentium ® 4/Celeron ® LGA775 heatsink and fan assembly comes in a push-pin design and requires no tool to install. If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly , ensure that a Thermal Interface Material is properly applied to the CPU heatsink or CPU before you install the heatsink and fan assembly . T o install the CPU heatsink and fan: 1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, ensuring that the four fasteners match the holes on the motherboard. Fastener Motherboard hole Ensure that each fastener is oriented as shown, with the narrow groove directed outward.
ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-15 • Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector . • We recommend you to install the chassis fan for better thermal state. 3. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_F AN. 2. Push down two fasteners at a time in a diagonal sequence to secure the heatsink and fan assembly in place. A A B B B B A A P5N7A-VM P5N7A-VM CPU Fan Connector
1-16 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.6.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan T o uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan: 1. Disconnect the CPU fan cable from the connector on the motherboard. 2. Rotate each fastener counterclockwise. 3. Pull up two fasteners at a time in a diagonal sequence to disengage the heatsink and fan assembly from the motherboard. A A B B B B A A 4. Remove the heatsink and fan assembly from the motherboard.
ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-17 5. Rotate each fastener clockwise to ensure correct orientation when reinstalling. Narrow end of the groove Refer to the documentation in the boxed or stand-alone CPU fan package for detailed information on CPU fan installation. The narrow end of the groove should point outward after resetting. (The photo shows the groove shaded for emphasis.)
1-18 Chapter 1: Product Introduction Channel Sockets Channel A DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2 Channel B DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2 1.7 System memory 1.7.1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. The gure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets: P5N7A-VM P5N7A-VM 240-pin DDR2 DIMM Sockets DIMM_B2 DIMM_B1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_A1 128 Pins 1 12 Pins 1.7.2 Memory congurations Y ou may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, 2 GB, and 4 GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. Recommended Memory Congurations Mode Sockets DIMM_A1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 DIMM_B2 Single-Channel — — Populated — Populated — — — Dual-channel (1) Populated — Populated — Dual-channel (2) Populated Populated Populated Populated
ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-19 • Y ou may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel conguration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation. • Alwa ys ins tall DI MMs wi th the same C AS lat ency . For optimu m comp atibili ty , it i s reco mmended that you obt ain me mory m odul es fro m the s ame ve ndor . • When installing total memory of 4GB capacity or more, Windows ® 32-bit operation system may only recognize less than 3GB. Hence, a total inst alled memory of les s than 3GB is recom mend ed. • This motherboard does not support memory modules made up of 128 Mb chips. 64-bit Windows ® XP Professional x64 Edition Windows ® Vista x64 Edition Notes on memory limitations • Due to chipset limitation, this motherboard can only support up to 16 GB on the operating systems listed below . Y ou may install a maximum of 4 GB DIMMs on each slot. • Some old-version DDR2-800 DIMMs may not match Intel ® ’s On-Die-T ermination (ODT) requirement and will automatically downgrade to run at DDR2-667. If this happens, contact your memory vendor to check the ODT value. • Due to chipset limitation, DDR2-800 with CL=4 will be downgraded to run at DDR2-667 by default setting. If you want to operate with lower latency , adjust the memory timing manually . P5N7A-VM Motherboard Qualied V endors Lists (QVL) DDR2-667MHz capability Size V endor Part No. CL Chip Brand SS/ DS Chip No. DIMM support A* B* C* 2G Kingston KVR667D2N5/2G N/A Micron DS 7RE22 D9HNL • • 512MB Kingston KVR667D2N5/512 N/A Kingston SS SO1237650821 SBP D6408TR 4CGL25USL074905PECNB • • • 2G Kingston KVR667D2N5/2G N/A Elpida DS E1108ACBG-8E-E 0813A90CC • • 1G Kingston KVR667D2N5/1G N/A Kingston DS SO1280420822 SOP D6408TR 4CGL25USL156304PECXA • • • 512MB Qimonda HYS64T64000EU-3S-B2 5 Qimonda SS HYB18T512B00B2F3SFS S28171 • • • 1G Qimonda HYS64T128020EU-3S-B2 5 Qimonda DS HYB18T512B00B2F3SFS S28171 • • 1G Corsair XMS2-5400 4 Corsair DS Heat-Sink Package • • • (continued on the next page)
1-20 Chapter 1: Product Introduction (continued on the next page) 512MB Kingmax KLCC28F-A8KB5 N/A Kingmax SS KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX • • 1G Kingmax KLCD48F-A8KB5 N/A Kingmax DS KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX • • • 512MB Apacer AU512E667C5KBGC 5 Apacer SS AM4B5708GQJS7E06332F • 512MB Apacer 78.91G92.9K5 5 Apacer SS AM4B5708JQJS7E0751C • • • 1G Apacer 78.01G9O.9K5 5 Apacer SS AM4B5808CQJS7E0751C • • • 1G Apacer AU01GE667C5KBGC N/A Apacer DS AM4B5708GQJS7E0636B • • • 1G Apacer AU01GE667C5KBGC 5 Apacer DS AM4B5708MIJS7E0627B • • 1G Transcend 506010-4894 5 Elpida DS E5108AJBG-6E-E • • • 512MB ADA TA M2OAD5G3H3160Q1C52 N/A ADAT A SS AD29608A8A-3EG20813 • • 1G ADA TA M2OAD5G314170Q1C58 N/A ADA T A DS AD29608A8A-3EG80814 • • • 2G ADAT A M2OAD5H3J4170I1C53 N/A ADA T A DS AD20908A8A-3EG 30724 • • 512MB PSC AL6E8E63J-6E1 5 PSC SS A3R12E3JFF717B9A00 • • • 1G PSC AL7E8E63J-6E1 5 PSC DS A3R12E3JFF717B9A01 • • • 1G PSC AL7E8F73C-6E1 5 PSC SS A3R1GE3CFF734MAA0J • • 512MB Nanya NT512T64U88A1BY -3C N/A Nanya SS NT5TU64M8AE-3C • • • 1G Nanya NT1GT64U8HB0BY -3C 5 Nanya DS NT5TU64M8BE- 3C72155700CP • • • 1G GEIL GX21GB5300SX 3 GEIL DS Heat-Sink Package • • 2G GEIL GX24GB5300LDC 5 GEIL DS Heat-Sink Package • • • 2G(kit of 2) G.SKILL F2-5400PHU2-2GBNT 5- 5- 5- 15 G.SKILL DS D2 64M8CCF 0815 C7173S • • • 1G Super T alent T667UB1GV 5 Super T alent DS PG 64M8-800 0750 • • • 512MB T winmos 8D-A3JK5MPETP 5 PSC SS A3R12E3GEF633ACAOY • • • 4G Samsung M378T5263AZ3-CE6 N/A Samsung DS K4T2G084QA-HCE6 • • • 1G ELIXIR M2Y1G64TU8HA2B-3C 5 ELIXIR DS M2TU51280AE- 3C717095R28F • • • 1G ELIXIR M2Y1G64TU8HBOB-3C 5 ELIXIR DS N2TU51280BE- 3C639009W1CF • • 1G Leadmax LRMP512U64A8-Y5 N/A Hynix DS HY5PS12821CFP-Y5 C 702AA • • • Size V endor Part No. CL Chip Brand SS/ DS Chip No. DIMM support A* B* C* DDR2-667MHz capability DDR2-800 MHz capability Size Vendor Part No. CL Chip Brand SS/ DS Chip No. DIMM support A* B* C* 1G Kingston KHX6400D2LL/1G N/A Kingston DS Heat-Sink Package • • • 512MB Kingston KHX6400D2LLK2/1GN N/A Kingston SS Heat-Sink Package • • • 1G(Kit of 2) Kingston KHX6400D2K2/2G N/A Kingston DS Heat-Sink Package • • 512MB Kingston KVR800D2N6/512 N/A Elpida SS E5108AJBG-8E-E • • • 1G Kingston KVR800D2N6/1G N/A Elpida DS E5108AJBG-8E-E • • • 2G Kingston KVR800D2N5/2G N/A Elpida DS E1 108ACBG-8E-E • • •
ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-21 (continued on the next page) 2G Kingston KHX6400D2/2G N/A Kingston DS Heat-Sink Package • • 4G Kingston KVR800D2N6/4G N/A Elpida DS E2108ABSE-8G-E • • 512MB Kingston KVR800D2N5/512 N/A Kingston SS E5108AJBG-8E-E 0803A9082 • • • 512MB Samsung M378T6553GZS-CF7 6 Samsung SS K4T51083QG-HCF7 • • • 1G Samsung M378T2863QZS-CF7 6 Samsung SS K4T1G084QQ-HCF7 • • • 1G Samsung M378T2953GZ3-CF7 6 Samsung DS K4T51083QG-HCF7 • • • 2G Samsung M37875663QZ3-CF7 6 Samsung DS K4T1G084QQ-HCF7 • • 4G Samsung M378T5263AZ3-CF7 N/A Samsung DS K4T2G084QA-HCF7 • • 512MB Qimonda HYS64T64000EU-2.5-B2 6 Qimonda SS HYB18T512800B2F25F SS28380 • • • 1G Qimonda HYS64T128020EU- 2.5-B2 6 Qimonda DS HYB18T512800B2F25F SS28380 • • • 1G Corsair XMS2-6400 4 Corsair DS Heat-Sink Package • • • 1G Corsair XMS2-6400 5 Corsair DS Heat-Sink Package • • • 2G(Kit of 2) Corsair CM2X2048-6400C5DHX 5 Corsair DS Heat-Sink Package • • • 2G(Kit of 2) Corsair CM2X2048-6400C5 5 Corsair DS Heat-Sink Package • • • 2G(Kit of 2)(EPP) Crucial BL12864AL804.8FE5 4 N/A SS Heat-Sink Package • • • 2G(Kit of 2)(EPP) Crucial BL12864AA804.8FE5 N/A N/A SS Heat-Sink Package • • 512MB HY HYMP564U64CP8-S5 AB 5 Hynix SS HY5PS12821CFP-S5 • • • 1G HY HYMP512U64CP8-S5 AB 5 Hynix DS HY5PS12821CFPS5 • • • 512MB Kingmax KLDC28F-A8KI5 N/A Kingmax SS KKA8FF1XF-JFS-25A • • • 512MB Apacer 78.91G91.9K5 5 Apacer SS AM4B5708JQJS8E0751C • • 1G Apacer 78.01GA0.9K5 5 Apacer SS AM4B5808CQJS8E0749D • • • 2G Apacer 78.A1GA0.9K4 5 Apacer DS AM4B5808CQJS8E0740E • • • 2G Apacer 78.A1GA0.9K4 5 Apacer DS AM4B5808CQJS8E0747D • • 1G Transcend TS128MLQ64V8J 5 Mircon DS 7HD22D9GMH • • • 512MB T ranscend TS64MLQ64V8J512MB 5 Micron SS 7HD22 D9GMH • • • 1G T ranscend TS128MLQ64V8J 5 Transcend DS TQ123PJF8F0801 • • • 512MB ADAT A M2OAD6G3H3160Q1E58 N/A ADAT A SS AD29608A8A-25EG80812 • • • 512MB VDA T A M2GVD6G3H3160Q1E52 N/A VDAT A SS VD29608A8A-25EG20813 • • • 1G ADA T A M2OAD6G314170Q1E58 N/A ADA TA DS AD29608A8A-25EG80810 • • • 2G PSC AL8E8F73C-8E1 5 PSC DS A3R1GE3CFF734MAA0E • • • 2G PSC PL8E8F73C-8E1 N/A PSC DS SHG772-AA3G • • 2G PSC PL8E8G73E-8E1 N/A PSC DS XCP271A3G-A • • 1G GEIL GB24GB6400C4QC 4 GEIL DS GL2L64M088BA30EB • • • 1G GEIL GB22GB6400C5DC 5 GEIL DS GL2L64M088BA30EB • • 1G GEIL GB24GB6400C5QC 5 GEIL DS GL2L64M088BA30EB • • • Size Vendor Part No. CL Chip Brand SS/ DS Chip No. DIMM support A* B* C* DDR2-800 MHz capability
1-22 Chapter 1: Product Introduction SS - Single-sided/DS - Double - sided DIMM support: • A*: Supports one module inserted in any slot as Single-channel memory conguration. • B*: Supports one pair of modules inserted into either the yellow slots or the black slots as one pair of Dual-channel memory conguration. • C*: Supports four modules inserted into both the yellow and black slots as two pairs of Dual-channel memory conguration . Visit the ASUS website for the latest DDR2-667/800 MHz QVL. 1G GEIL GX22GB6400DC 5 GEIL DS Heat-Sink Package • • • 1G GEIL GE22GB800C4DC 4 GEIL DS Heat-Sink Package • • 1G GEIL GX22GB6400UDC 4 GEIL DS Heat-Sink Package • • • 1G GEIL GE22GB800C5DC 5 GEIL DS Heat-Sink Package • • • 1G GEIL GE24GB800C5QC 5 GEIL DS Heat-Sink Package • • 2G GEIL GB24GB6400C5DC 5 GEIL DS GL2L128M88BA25AB • • • 2G GEIL GX22GB6400LX 5 GEIL DS Heat-Sink Package • • 2G GEIL GX24GB6400DC 5 GEIL DS Heat-Sink Package • • • 2G GEIL GE28GB800C4QC 4 GEIL DS Heat-Sink Package • • • 2G GEIL GX22GB6400CUSC 4 GEIL DS Heat-Sink Package • • • 2G GEIL GE24GB800C4DC 4 GEIL DS Heat-Sink Package • • 1G Super T alent T800UB1GC4 4 Super T alent DS Heat-Sink Package • • 1G G.SKILL F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ 5 G.SKILL DS Heat-Sink Package • • • 1G G.SKILL F2-6400CL4D-2GBPK 4 G.SKILL DS Heat-Sink Package • • • 1G G.SKILL F2-6400CL4D-2GBHK 4 G.SKILL DS Heat-Sink Package • • • 2G G.SKILL F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ 5 G.SKILL DS Heat-Sink Package • • • 2G G.SKILL F2-6400CL4D-4GBPK 4 G.SKILL DS Heat-Sink Package • • • 4G G.SKILL F2-6400CL5Q-16GNQ 5 G.SKILL DS Heat-Sink Package • • • 512M B(Kit of 2) G.SKILL F2-6400CL5D-1GBNQ 5- 5- 5- 15 G.SKILL SS Heat-Sink Package • • 1G OCZ OCZ2VU8004GK 6 OCZ DS Heat-Sink Package • • 2G OCZ OCZ2P8004GK 5 OCZ DS Heat-Sink Package • • 1G Elixir M2Y1G64TU8HB0B-25C 5 Elixir DS N2TU51280BE- 25C802006Z1DV • • Size V endor Part No. CL Chip Brand SS/ DS Chip No. DIMM support A* B* C* DDR2-800 MHz capability
ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-23 1.7.3 Installing a DIMM Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. T o 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 place and the DIMM is properly seated. 1.7.4 Removing a DIMM Follow these steps to remove a DIMM. 1. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to unlock the DIMM. 2. Remove the DIMM from the socket. • A DDR2 DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it ts in only one direction. Do not force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM. • The DDR2 DIMM sockets do not support DDR DIMMs. DO not install DDR DIMMs to the DDR2 DIMM sockets. Support the DIMM lightly with your ngers when pressing the retaining clips. The DIMM might get damaged when it ips out with extra force. Unlocked retaining clip DDR2 DIMM notch 1 2 3 DDR2 DIMM notch 1 2 1
1-24 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.8 Expansion slots In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support. 1.8.1 Installing an expansion card T o install an expansion card: 1. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that comes with it and make the necessary hardware settings for the card. 2. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a chassis). 3. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screw for later use. 4. Align the card connector with the slot and press rmly until the card is completely seated on the slot. 5. Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier . 6. Replace the system cover . 1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card After installing the expansion card, congure it by adjusting the software settings. 1. T urn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any . See Chapter 2 for information on BIOS setup. 2. Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page. 3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card. Ensure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.
ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-25 1.8.3 Interrupt assignments IRQ Priority Standard function 0 1 System timer 1 2 Keyboard controller 2 – Re-direct to IRQ#9 3 1 1 IRQ holder for PCI steering* 4 12 Communications port (COM1)* 5 13 IRQ holder for PCI steering* 6 14 Floppy disk controller 7 15 Printer port (LPT1)* 8 3 System CMOS/Real T ime Clock 9 4 IRQ holder for PCI steering* 10 5 IRQ holder for PCI steering* 1 1 6 IRQ holder for PCI steering* 12 7 IRQ holder for PCI steering* 13 8 Numeric data processor 14 9 Primary IDE channel 15 10 Secondary IDE channel * These IRQs are usually available for PCI devices. PIRQ1 PIRQ2 PIRQ3 PIRQ4 PIRQ5 PIRQ6 PCI slot 1 shared shared sh ared shared — — PCI slot 2 shared shared sh ared shared — — PCI Express x16 slot — — — — shar ed — PCI Express x1 slot — — — — — shared IRQ assignments for this motherboard MCP _USB MCP _MAC MCP _AZA MCP _IGPU MCP _IDE MCP _USB2 MCP _AHCI Onboard USB controller shared — — — — — — Onboard USB 2.0 controller — — — — — shared — Onboard USB controller 1 shared — — — — — Onboard USB 2.0 controller 1 — — — — — shared — Onboard LAN — shared — — — — — Onboard SA T A controller — — — — — — shared Onboard HD Audido — — shared — — — — Onboard VGA — — — shared — — — Internal devices interrupt External devices interrupt
1-26 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.8.4 PCI slots The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specications. The gure shows a LAN card installed on a PCI slot. 1.8.5 PCI Express x1 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specications. The following gure shows a network card installed on the PCI Express x1 slot. 1.8.6 PCI Express x16 slot This motherboard supports one PCI Express x16 graphics card that complies with the PCI Express specications. The gure shows a graphics card installed on the PCI Express x16 slot.
ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-27 1.9 Jumper 1. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) This jumper allows you to clear the Real T ime Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. Y ou 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. T o erase the RTC RAM: 1. T urn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2. Remove the onboard battery . 3. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the cap on pins 2-3 for about 5~10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2. 4. Reinstall the battery . 5. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer . 6. Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-enter data. Y ou do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking. For system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P .R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature. Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS can automatically reset parameter settings to default values. Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLR TC jumper default position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure! P5N7A-VM P5N7A-VM Clear RTC RAM CLRTC Normal Clear RTC (Default) 1 2 2 3
1-28 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.10 Connectors 1.10.1 Rear panel connectors LAN port LED indications SPEED LED ACT/LINK LED LAN port Activity/Link LED Speed LED Status Description Status Description OFF No link OFF 10 Mbps connection ORANGE Linked ORANGE 100 Mbps connection BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1 Gbps connection 1 2 5 4 3 12 14 16 6 8 7 9 10 1 1 17 13 15 6. Rear Speaker Out port (black). This port connects the rear speakers in a 4-channel, 6-channel, or 8-channel audio conguration. 7. Center/Subwoofer port (orange). This port connects the center/subwoofer speakers. 8. Line In port (light blue). This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player , or other audio sources. 9. Line Out port (lime). This port connects a headphone or a speaker . In 4-channel, 6-channel, and 8-channel conguration, the function of this port becomes Front Speaker Out. 1. PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port (purple) . This port is for a PS/2 keyboard/mouse. 2. Optical S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device via an optical S/PDIF cable. 3. Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) port . This 15-pin port is for a VGA monitor or other VGA-compatible devices. 4. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices. 5. LAN (RJ-45) port. Supported by Gigabit LAN controller , this port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. Refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indications.
ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-29 Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel conguration Refer to the audio conguration table below for the function of the audio ports in 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel conguration. Port Headset 2-channel 4-channel 6-channel 8-channel Light Blue Line In Line In Line In Line In Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In Orange – – Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer Black – Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Gray – – – Side Speaker Out • This motherboard comes with dual-VGA output. If you connect 2 monitors to both VGA and DVI-D / HDMI out ports, each controller can drive same or different display contents to dif ferent resolutions and refresh rates. • Due to the chipset limitation, simultaneous output for DVI and HDMI is not supported. • T o play HD DVD or Blu-Ray Disc, ensure to use an HDCP compliant monitor . T o enable hot-plugging, set the SA T A Mode Select in the BIOS settings to [RAID Mode] or [AHCI Mode], and then reboot the system. See section 2.3.5 Storage Conguration for details. 14. DVI port. This port is for any DVI-D compatible device. DVI-D can’t be converted to output RGB Signal to CRT and isn’t compatible with DVI-I. 15. HDMI port. This port is for a High-Denition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connector , and is HDCP compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-Ray and other protected content. 12. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices. 13. External SA T A port . These port connect to an external a Serial A T A hard disk drive. T o congure a RAID0, RAID1, RAID 0 1, RAID 5, or JBOD set, connect external Serial A T A hard disk drives to the External SA T A port. 10. Microphone port (pink). This port connects a microphone. 1 1. Side Speaker Out port (gray). This port connects the side speakers in an 8-channel audio conguration.
1-30 Chapter 1: Product Introduction Playback of HD DVD and Blu-Ray Discs The speed and bandwidth of the CPU/Memory , DVD player , and drivers will affect the playback quality . Using the CPU/Memory of higher speed and bandwidth with the higher-version DVD player and drivers will upgrade the playback quality . 16. DisplayPort. This port connects a display monitor or a home-theater system. 1.10.2 Internal connectors 1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) This connector is for the oppy disk drive (FDD) signal cable. Insert one end of the cable to this connector , then connect the other end to the signal connector at the back of the oppy disk drive. 17. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices. • Due to chipset limitation, DisplayPort on this motherboard only supports video signals. • DisplayPort does not support HDMI/DVI on this motherboard. P5N7A-VM P5N7A-VM Floppy Disk Drive Connector PIN1 FLOPPY • Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable connection when using an FDD cable with a covered Pin 5. • The oppy disk drive cable is purchased separately .
ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-31 3. Digital audio co nne cto r (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT for ASUS HDMI VGA card) This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port(s). If you are using an ASUS HDMI-equipped graphics card, connect the HDMI card to this connector with a S/PDIF Out cable. The ASUS HDMI-equipped graphics card and the S/PDIF Out cable are purchased separately . 2. Serial port connectors (10-1 pin COM1) The connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module cable to the connector , then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. The serial port bracket (COM1) is purchased separately . P5N7A-VM P5N7A-VM COM Port Connector PIN1 COM1 P5N7A-VM P5N7A-VM Digital Audio Connector 5V SPDIFOUT GND SPDIF_OUT
1-32 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 4. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) The onboard IDE connector is for the Ultra DMA 133/100 signal cable. There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100 signal cable: blue, black, and gray . Connect the blue connector to the motherboard’s IDE connector , then select one of the following modes to congure your device. • Pin 20 on the IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole on the Ultra DMA cable connector . This prevents incorrect insertion when you connect the IDE cable. • Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for Ultra DMA 133/100 IDE devices. If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select,” ensure all other device jumpers have the same setting. Drive jumper setting Mode of device(s) Cable connector Single device Cable-Select or Master - Black T wo devices Cable-Select Master Black Slave Gray Master Master Black or gray Slave Slave P5N7A-VM P5N7A-VM IDE Connector PRI_IDE
ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-33 5. NVIDIA nForce 730i Serial A T A connectors (7-pin SA T A1 [red], SA T A2 [red], SA T A4 [red], SA T A5 [black], SA T A6 [black]) These connectors are for the Serial A T A signal cables for Serial A T A hard disk drives. • Connect the right-angle side of SA T A signal cable to SA T A device. Or you may connect the right-angle side of SA T A cable to the onboard SA T A port to avoid mechanical conict with huge graphics cards. • SA T A 5 and SA T A 6 connectors support AHCI mode and RAID mode only . Ensure to install the AHCI driver or RAID driver in the bundled support DVD before connecting devices to SA T A 5 and SA T A 6 connectors; otherwise, the devices will not work. right angle side P5N7A-VM P5N7A-VM SA T A Connectors
1-34 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 6. LPT connector (26-1 pin LPT) The LPT (Line Printing T erminal) connector supports devices such as a printer . LPT standardizes as IEEE 1394, which is the parallel port interface on IBM PC-compatible computers. 7. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB 910, USB1 1 12) These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specication that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed. Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard! Y ou can connect the front panel USB cable to the ASUS Q-Connector (USB, blue) rst, and then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector onboard if your chassis supports front panel USB ports. The USB module cable is purchased separately . P5N7A-VM P5N7A-VM USB 2.0 Connectors USB78 USB 5V USB_P8- USB_P8 GND NC USB 5V USB_P7- USB_P7 GND 1 USB910 USB 5V USB_P10- USB_P10 GND NC USB 5V USB_P9- USB_P9 GND 1 USB1 1 12 USB 5V USB_P12- USB_P12 GND NC USB 5V USB_P1 1- USB_P1 1 GND 1 P5N7A-VM P5N7A-VM Parallel Port Connector LPT STB# AFD PD0 ERR# PD1 INIT# PD2 SLIN# PD3 GND PD4 1 GND PD7 PD6 PD5 GND GND GND ACK# GND BUSY PE SLCT GND GND
ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-35 8. Optical drive audio co nne cto r (4-pin CD) These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner , or MPEG card. 9. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_F AN, 3-pin CHA_F AN, 3-pin PWR_F AN) The fan c onnect ors su pport co oling fans o f 350 mA~2000 mA (24 W max.) or a total of 1 A~7 A (84 W max.) at 12V . Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector . Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufcient air ow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. These are not jumpers! Do not place jumper caps on the fan connectors! The CPU fan and the chassis fan connectors support the ASUS Q-F AN 2 feature. P5N7A-VM P5N7A-VM Internal Audio Connector CD (black) Right Audio Channel Left Audio Channel Ground Ground P5N7A-VM P5N7A-VM CPU Fan Connector
1-36 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 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 pin 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. 1 1. Front panel audio co nne cto r (10-1 pin AAFP) This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector . • We reco mmend that yo u conn ect a h igh-de nitio n fr ont pa nel aud io mod ule to t his co nnector to av ail of the mo therbo ard’ s high -denit ion au dio cap abilit y . • If you want to connect a high-denition front panel audio module to this connector , set the Front Panel T ype item in the BIOS setup to [HD Audio]; if you want to connect an AC'97 front panel audio module to this connector , set the item to [AC97]. By default, this connector is set to [HD Audio] . See section 2.4.4 Onboard Devices Conguration for details. P5N7A-VM P5N7A-VM Intrusion Connector CHASSIS 5VSB_MB Chassis Signal GND (Default) P5N7A-VM P5N7A-VM Azalia Analog Front Panel Connector HP_HD MIC2_L HP_R HP_L MIC2_JD Jack_Sense MIC2_R PRESENSE# AGND AAFP Legacy AC’97-compliant pin definition NC MIC2_L Line out_R Line out_L NC NC MIC2_R NC AGND Azalia-compliant pin definition
ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-37 • For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit (PSU) that complies with A TX 12 V Specication 2.0 (or later version) and provides a minimum power of 400 W . • Do not forget to connect the 4-pin EA TX12V power plug; otherwise, the system will not boot. • Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when conguring a system with more power-consuming devices. The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate. • The A TX 12 V Specication 2.0-compliant (400W) PSU has been tested to support the motherboard power requirements with the following conguration: CPU: Intel ® Pentium ® Extreme 3.73GHz Memory: 512 MB DDR2 (x4) Graphics card: ASUS EAX1900XT Parallel A T A device: IDE hard disk drive Serial A T A device: SA T A hard disk drive (x2) Optical drive: DVD-RW 12. ATX po wer co nn ec tor s (24-pin EA TXPWR, 4-pin A TX12V) These connectors are for A TX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are designed to t these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down rmly until the connectors completely t. P5N7A-VM P5N7A-VM A TX Power Connector EA TXPWR 3 V olts 3 V olts Ground 5 V olts 5 V olts Ground Ground Power OK 5V Standby 12 V olts -5 V olts 5 V olts 3 V olts -12 V olts Ground Ground Ground PSON# Ground 5 V olts 12 V olts 3 V olts 5 V olts Ground GND 12V DC GND 12V DC A TX12V
1-38 Chapter 1: Product Introduction • System power LED (2-pin PLED) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector . The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system power , and blinks when the system is in sleep mode. • Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED) This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity LED cable to this connector . The IDE LED lights up or ashes when data is read from or written to the HDD. • System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER) This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker . The speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings. • A TX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWRSW) This connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power button turns the system on or puts the system in sleep or soft-off mode depending on the BIOS settings. Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds while the system is ON turns the system OFF . • Reset button (2-pin RESET) This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system reboot without turning off the system power . 13. System panel connector (20-8 pin P ANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. P5N7A-VM P5N7A-VM System Panel Connector P ANEL PLED- 5V Speaker SPEAKER PLED Ground Reset Reset Ground Ground PLED IDE_LED- IDE_LED IDE_LED PWR Ground PWRSW
ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-39 ASUS Q-Connector (system panel) Y ou can use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect chassis front panel cables in a few steps. Refer to the instructions below to install the ASUS Q-Connector . 1. Connect the front panel cables to the ASUS Q-Connector . Refer to the labels on the Q-Connector to know the detailed pin denitions, then match them to the respective front panel cable labels. 2. Install the ASUS Q-Connector to the system panel connector , ensuring the orientation matches the labels on the motherboard. Enable the front panel functions. The gure shows the Q-Connector properly installed on the motherboard.
1-40 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
2 Chapter 2: BIOS setup This chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
2-2 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup. 1. ASUS Update : Updates the BIOS in Windows ® environment. 2. ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS using a oppy disk or USB ash disk. 3. ASUS AFUDOS: Updates the BIOS using a bootable oppy disk. 4. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3: Updates the BIOS using a bootable oppy disk, USB ash disk or the motherboard support DVD when the BIOS le fails or gets corrupted. Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities. Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS le to a bootable oppy disk or USB ash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update or AFUDOS utilities. Installing ASUS Update T o install ASUS Update: 1. Place the support DVD in the optical drive. The Drivers menu appears. 2. Click the Utilities tab, then click Install ASUS Update . 3. The ASUS Update utility is copied to your system. 2.1.1 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 le • Download the latest BIOS le from the Internet • Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS le • Update the BIOS directly from the Internet, and • View the BIOS version information. This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package. ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-3 Quit all Windows ® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility . 3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network trafc, or click Auto Select. Click Next. Updating the BIOS through the Internet T o 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. 2. Select Update BIOS from the Internet option from the drop-down menu, then click Next.
2-4 Chapter 2: BIOS setup Updating the BIOS through a BIOS le T o update the BIOS through a BIOS le: 1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows ® desktop by clicking Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate . The ASUS Update main window appears. 2. Select Update BIOS from a le option from the drop-down menu, then click Next. 4. From the FTP site, select the BIOS version that you wish to download. Click Next. 5. 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. 3. Locate the BIOS le from the Open window , then click Open. 4. Follow the screen instructions to complete the update process. P5N7AVM P5N7AVM.rom
ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-5 2.1.2 Creating a bootable oppy disk 1. Do either one of the following to create a bootable oppy disk. DOS environment a. Insert a 1.44MB oppy 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 oppy disk to the oppy 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 eld, then click Start. Windows ® Vista environment a. Insert a formatted, high density 1.44 MB oppy disk to the oppy disk drive. b. Click from the Windows ® desktop, then select Computer. c. Right-click Floppy Disk Drive then click Format to display the Format 3 1/2 Floppy dialog box. d. Select the Create an MS-DOS startup disk check box. e. Click Start . 2. Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS le to the bootable oppy disk.
2-6 Chapter 2: BIOS setup T o update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2: 1. Visit the ASUS website (www .asus.com) to download the latest BIOS le for the motherboard. 2. Save the BIOS le to a oppy disk or a USB ash disk, then restart the system. 2.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go through the long process of booting from a oppy disk and using a DOS-based utility . The EZ Flash 2 utility is built-in the BIOS chip so it is accessible by pressing <Alt> <F2> during the Power-On Self T ests (POST). (2) Enter BIOS setup program. Go to the T ools menu to select EZ Flash2 and press <Enter> to enable it. Y ou can switch between drives by pressing <T ab> before the correct le is found. Then press <Enter>. 4. When the correct BIOS le is found, EZ Flash 2 performs the BIOS update process and automatically reboots the system when done. 3. Y ou can launch the EZ Flash 2 by two methods. (1) Insert the oppy disk/USB ash disk that contains the BIOS le to the oppy disk drive or the USB port. Press <Alt> <F2> during POST to display the following. • This function can support devices such as USB ash disk, or oppy disk with F A T 32/16 format and single partition only . • Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure! ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.25 Current ROM Update ROM A: C: Note FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L8005 PATH: C:\ BOARD: P5N7A-VM VER: 0210 (H:00 B:14) DATE: 07/18/2008 BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown [Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info [Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [Esc] Exit
ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-7 2.1.4 AFUDOS utility The AFUDOS utility allows you to update the BIOS le in DOS environment using a bootable oppy disk with the updated BIOS le. This utility also allows you to copy the current BIOS le that you can use as backup when the BIOS fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. Copying the current BIOS T o copy the current BIOS le using the AFUDOS utility: Main lename Extension name 1. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support DVD to the bootable oppy disk you created earlier . 2. Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the prompt type: afudos /o[lename] where the [lename] is any user-assigned lename not more than eight alphanumeric characters for the main lename and three alphanumeric characters for the extension name. A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom • Ensure that the oppy disk is not write-protected and has at least 1024KB free space to save the le. • The succeeding BIOS screens are for reference only . The actual BIOS screen displays may not be same as shown. The utility returns to the DOS prompt after copying the current BIOS le. 3. Press <Enter>. The utility copies the current BIOS le to the oppy disk. A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom AM I F irm war e Up dat e U ti li ty - V ers io n 1.1 9(A SU S V2. 07( 03. 11 .2 4BB )) Cop yrig ht ( C) 20 02 A meri can Meg atre nds, Inc. All rig hts r eser ved. Reading ash ..... done Write to le...... ok A:\> Updating the BIOS le T o update the BIOS le using the AFUDOS utility: 1. Visit the ASUS website (www .asus.com) and download the latest BIOS le for the motherboard. Save the BIOS le to a bootable oppy disk.
2-8 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support DVD to the bootable oppy disk you created earlier . 3. Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the prompt type: afudos /i[lename] where [lename] is the latest or the original BIOS le on the bootable oppy disk. A:\>afudos /iP5N7AVM.ROM Write the BIOS lename on a piece of paper . Y ou need to type the exact BIOS lename at the DOS prompt. 5. The utility returns to the DOS prompt after the BIOS update process is completed. Reboot the system from the hard disk drive. A:\>afudos /iP5N7AVM.ROM AM I F irm war e Up dat e U ti li ty - V ers io n 1.1 9(A SU S V2. 07( 03. 11 .2 4BB )) Cop yrig ht ( C) 20 02 A meri can Meg atre nds, Inc. All rig hts r eser ved. WARNING!! Do not turn off power during ash BIOS Reading le ....... done Reading ash ...... done Advance Check ...... Erasing ash ...... done Writing ash ...... done Verifying ash .... done Please restart your computer A:\> A:\>afudos /iP5N7AVM.ROM AM I F irm war e Up dat e U ti li ty - V ers io n 1.1 9(A SU S V2. 07( 03. 11 .2 4BB )) Cop yrig ht ( C) 20 02 A meri can Meg atre nds, Inc. All rig hts r eser ved. WARNING!! Do not turn off power during ash BIOS Reading le ....... done Reading ash ...... done Advance Check ...... Erasing ash ...... done Writing ash ...... 0x0008CC00 (9%) 4. The utility veries the le and starts updating the BIOS. Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure!
ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-9 • Prepare the motherboard support DVD, the oppy disk, or the USB ash disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility . • For the P5N7A-VM motherboard, this utility will not function when you use a P A T A optical drive. • Always connect the SA T A cable to the SA T A1/SA T A 2 connector; otherwise, the utility will not function. 2.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS le when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. Y ou can update a corrupted BIOS le using the motherboard support DVD, the oppy disk or the USB ash disk that contains the updated BIOS le. Recovering the BIOS from a oppy disk T o recover the BIOS from a oppy disk: 1. T urn on the system. 2. Insert the oppy disk with the original or updated BIOS le to the oppy disk drive. 3. The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the oppy disk for the original or updated BIOS le. Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery... Checking for oppy... When found, the utility reads the BIOS le and starts ashing the corrupted BIOS le. Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery... Checking for oppy... Floppy found! Reading le “ P5N7AVM.ROM”. Completed. Start ashing... DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can cause system boot failure! 4. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.
2-10 Chapter 2: BIOS setup Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery... Checking for oppy... Floppy not found! Checking for DVD-ROM... DVD-ROM found! Reading le “ P5N7AVM.ROM”. Completed. Start ashing... When no oppy disk is found, the utility automatically checks the optical drive for the original or updated BIOS le. The utility then updates the corrupted BIOS le. The recovered BIOS may not be the latest BIOS version for this motherboard. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS le. • Only the USB ash disk with F A T 32/16 format and single partition can support ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3. The device size should be smaller than 8GB. • DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can cause system boot failure! Recovering the BIOS from the USB ash disk T o recover the BIOS from the USB ash disk: 1. Insert the USB ash disk that contains BIOS le to the USB port. 2. T urn on the system. 3. The utility will automatically checks the devices for the BIOS le When found, the utility reads the BIOS le and starts ashing the corrupted BIOS le. 4. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process. Recovering the BIOS from the support DVD T o recover the BIOS from the support DVD: 1. Remove any oppy disk from the oppy disk drvie, then turn on the system. 2. Insert the motherboard support DVD to the optical drive. 3. The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the DVD for the BIOS le. 4. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process. Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery... Checking for oppy...
ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-1 1 2.2 BIOS setup program This motherboard supports a programmable Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) 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, reconguring your system, or prompted to “Run Setup”. This section explains how to congure your system using this utility . Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you can change the conguration of your computer in the future. For example, you can enable the security password feature or change the power management settings. This requires you to recongure your system using the BIOS Setup program so that the computer can recognize these changes and record them in the CMOS RAM of the SPI chip. The SPI 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-T est (POST) to enter the Setup utility . Otherwise, POST continues with its test routines. If you wish to enter Setup after POST , reboot the system by doing any of the following procedures: • Restart using the OS standard shut-down procedure. • Press <Ctrl> <Alt> <Del> simultaneously . • Press the reset button on the system chassis. • Press the power button to turn the system off then back on. • The default BIOS settings for this motherboard apply for most conditions to ensure optimum performance. If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS settings, load the default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability . Select the Load Default Settings item under the Exit Menu. See section “2.8 Exit Menu.” • The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only , and may not exactly match what you see on your screen. • Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS le for this motherboard. Using the power button, reset button, or the <Ctrl> <Alt> <Del> keys to force reset from a running operating system can cause damage to your data or system. We recommend to always shut-down the system properly from the operating system. 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.
2-12 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.2.2 Menu bar The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items: Main For changing the basic system conguration Advanced For changing the advanced system settings Power For changing the advanced power management (APM) conguration Boot For changing the system boot conguration T ools For Conguring options for special functions Exit For selecting the exit options and loading default settings. T o select an item on the menu bar , press the right or left arrow key on the keyboard until the desired item is highlighted. 2.2.3 Navigation keys At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that particular menu. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings. 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen Some of the navigation keys differ from one screen to another . Select Screen Select Item - Change Field Tab Select Field F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit System Time [01:19:01] System Date [Sat 01/05/2002] Legacy Diskette A [Disabled] SATA 1 [WDC WD800JD-00LSA0] SATA 2 [Not Detected] ESATA [Not Detected] SATA 4 [Not Detected] Storage Coniguration System Information Use [ENTER], [TAB] or [SHIFT-TAB] to select a eld. Use [ ] or [-] to congure system Time. Navigation keys General help Menu bar Sub-menu items Conguration elds Menu items
ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-13 2.2.4 Menu items The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items. The other items (Advanced, Power , Boot, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items. 2.2.5 Sub-menu items A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen means that the iteam has a sub-menu. T o display the sub-menu, select the item and press <Enter>. 2.2.6 Conguration elds These elds show the values for the menu items. If an item is user- congurable, you can change the value of the eld opposite the item. Y ou cannot select an item that is not user-congurable. A congurable eld is enclosed in brackets, and is highlighted when selected. T o change the value of a eld, select it then press <Enter> to display a list of options. Refer to “2.2.7 Pop-up window .” 2.2.7 Pop-up window Select a menu item then press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the conguration options for that item. 2.2.8 Scroll bar A scroll bar appears on the right side of a menu screen when there are items that do not t on the screen. Press the Up/Down arrow keys or <Page Up> /<Page Down> keys to display the other items on the screen. 2.2.9 General help At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected item. Main menu items Scroll bar Pop-up window System Time [06:22:54] System Date [Fri 03/09/2007] Legac y Disket te A [1 .4 4 M , 3. 5 in] SATA 1 [N ot Det ect ed ] SATA 2 [N ot Det ect ed ] ESATA [N ot Det ect ed ] SATA 4 [N ot Det ect ed ] Storage Conguration System Information Use [ENTER], [TAB], or [SHIFT-TAB] to select a eld. Use [ ] or [-] to congure system Time.
2-14 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.3 Main menu When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic system information. 2.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx] Allows you to set the system time. 2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx] Allows you to set the system date. 2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A [1.44m, 3.5 in.] Sets the type of oppy drive installed. Conguration 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.] Refer to section 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen items and how to navigate through them. Select Screen Select Item - Change Field Tab Select Field F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Use [ENTER], [TAB] or [SHIFT-TAB] to select a eld. Use [ ] or [-] to congure system Time. System Time [ 22:59:35] System Date [Fri 01/04/2002] Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.] SATA 1 [WDC WD800JD-00LSA0] SATA 2 [Not Detected] ESATA [Not Detected] SATA 4 [Not Detected] Storage Coniguration System Information
ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-15 2.3.4 SA T A 1/2/4; ESA T A 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. The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Device, V endor , Size, LBA Mode, Block Mode, PIO Mode, Async DMA, Ultra DMA, and SMART monitoring). These values are not user-congurable. These items show N/A if no IDE device is installed in the system. LBA/Large Mode [Auto] Enables or disables the LBA mode. Setting to [Auto] enables the LBA mode if the device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously formatted with LBA mode disabled. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto] Block (Multi-Sector T ransfer) M [Auto] Enables or disables data multi-sectors transfers. When set to Auto, the data transfer from and to the device occurs multiple sectors at a time if the device supports multi-sector transfer feature. When set to [Disabled], the data transfer from and to the device occurs one sector at a time. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto] PIO Mode [Auto] Selects the PIO mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4] DMA Mode [Auto] Selects the DMA mode. Conguration options: [Auto] Select Screen Select Item - Change Option F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Third IDE Master Device : Hard Disk Vendor : WDC WD800JD-00LSA0 Size : 80.0GB LBA Mode : Supported Block Mode : 16 Sectors PIO Mode : 4 Async DMA : MultiWord DMA-2 Ultra DMA : Ultra DMA-5 SMART Monitoring: Supported LBA/Large Mode [Auto] Block(Multi-sector Transfer) [Auto] PIO Mode [Auto] DMA Mode [Auto] SMART Monitoring [Auto] 32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled] Select the type of device connected to the system.
2-16 Chapter 2: BIOS setup SMART Monitoring [Auto] Enables or disables the S.M.A.R.T . (Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting T echnology) capability of your hard drive. This features allows your system to report read/write errors of the hard drive and to issue warnings when a third party hardware monitor utility is installed. Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] 32Bit Data T ransfer [Enabled] Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer . Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] OnChip S-A T A Controller [Enabled] Allows you to disable or set the OnChip S-A T A devices. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] SA T A Mode select [SA T A Mode] Allows you to select the SA T A Mode. Conguration options: [SA T A Mode] [RAID Mode] [AHCI Mode] Hard Disk Write Protect [Disabled] Disables or enables device write protection. This will be ef fective only if device is accessed throuh BIOS. Conuration option: [Disabled] [Enabled] IDE Detect Time Out (Sec) [5] Selects the time out value for detecting A T A/A T API devices. Conguration options: [0] [5] [10] [15] [20] [25] [30] [35] Storage Conguration OnChip S-ATA Controller [Enabled] SATA Mode select [SATA Mode] Hard Disk Write Protect [Disabled] IDE Detect Time Out (Sec) [5] ATA(PI) 80Pin Cable Detection [Host] 2.3.5 Storage Conguration The items in this menu allow you to set or change the congurations for the IDE devices installed in the system. Select an item then press <Enter> if you want to congure the item. Options Disabled Compatiable Enhanced
ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-17 2.3.6 System Information This menu gives you an overview of the general system specications. The BIOS automatically detects the items in this menu. AMI BIOS Displays the auto-detected BIOS information. Processor Displays the auto-detected CPU specication. System Memory Displays the auto-detected system memory . Select Screen Select Item F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main AMIBIOS Version : 0210 Build Date : 07/18/08 Processor Type : Inter (R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6300 @ 1.86GHz Speed : 1866 MHz Count : 2 System Memory Installed Size: 512MB Usable Size : 256MB A T A(PI) 80Pin Cable Detection [Host] Selects the mechanism for detecting 80Pin A T A(PI) cable. Conguration options: [Host & Device] [Host] [Device]
2-18 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.4 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. T ake caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect eld values can cause the system to malfunction. v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit CPU Conguration JumperFree Conguration Chipset Onboard Devices Conguration USB Conguration PCIPnP Select Screen Select Item - Change Field Tab Select Field F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit Congure CPU.
ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-19 2.4.1 CPU Conguration The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. Select Screen Select Item - Change Option F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc. Congure advanced CPU settings Module Versin:3F.0E Manufacturer:Intel Brand String:Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6300 @ 1.86 GHz Frequency :1.86GHz FSB Speed :1067 MHz Cache L1 :64 KB Cache L2 :2048 KB Ratio Status:Unlocked (Min:06, Max:07) Ratio Actual Value :7 CPUID :6F2 Ratio CMOS Setting [Auto] C1E Support [Enabled] Max CPUID Value Limit: [Disabled] Intel(R) Virtualization Tech [Enabled] CPU TM Function: [Enabled] Execute-Disable Bit Capability [Enabled] Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM) Tech [Enabled] Sets the ratio between CPU Core Clock and the FSB Frequency. NOTE: If an invalid ratio is set in CMOS then actual and setpoint values may differ. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Ratio CMOS Setting [Auto] Allows you to set the ratio between CPU core clock and the FSB frequency . Conguration options: [Auto] C1E Support [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable Inter CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E) function, a CPU power-saving function in system halt state. When enable, the CPU core frequency and voltage will be reduced during the system halt state to decrease power consumption. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Max CPUID V alue Limit [Disabled] Allows you to determine whether to limit CPUID maximum value. Set this item to [Disabled] for Windows XP operating system; set this item to [Enabled] for legacy operating system such as Windows NT4.0. (Default: Disabled) Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Intel(R) Virtualization T ech [Enabled] Allows you to enables or disables Intel ® Virtualization T echnology . Virtualization enhanced by Intel ® Virtualization T echnology allows a platform to run multiple operating systems and applications in independent partitons. With virtualization, one computer system can function as multiple virtual systems. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] If an invalid ratio is set in CMOS, the actual value may be different from the set value.
2-20 Chapter 2: BIOS setup CPU TM Function [Enabled] Enables or disables Intel ® CPU Thermal Monitor (TM) function, a CPU overheating protection function. When enabled, the CPU core frequency and voltage are reduced when the CPU overheats. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Execute-Disable Bit Capability [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable Intel ® Execute Disable Bit Capability . This function enhance protection of your computer , reducing exposure to viruses and malicious buffer overow attacks when working with its supporting software and system. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Intel(R) SpeedStep(TM) T ech [Disabled] Allows you to use the Enhanced Intel ® SpeedStep TM T echnology . When set to [Enabled], you can adjust the system power settings in the operating system to use the EIST feature. S et thi s i tem t o [ Dis abl ed] if you do not want to use the EIST . Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] The following item appears only when you installed an Intel ® Pentium ® 4 or later CPU that supports the Enhanced Intel SpeedStep ® T echnology (EIST). Advanced Congure System Frequency/Voltage Current FSB Speed 1067MHz Current Memory Speed 800MHz Target Memory Speed 800MHz System Clock Mode [Auto] iGPU OvereClock Mode [Auto] Memory Over voltage [Auto] Chipset Over voltage [Auto] CPU Voltage [Auto] Memory Timings [Auto] 2.4.2 Jumperfree Conguration [Auto] Set FSB & Memor clock automatically. [Linked] Allows Memory and FSB to overclock proportionally. [Unlink] Enter FSB and Memory clock manually. [Proled] Set FSB and System Clock Mode [Auto] Allows you to select the system clock mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [Linked] [Unlinked] [Proled]
ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-21 The following two items appear when the System Clock Mode item is set to [Linked]. FSB - Memory Ratio [Auto] Allows you to select the FSB - Memory ratio. Conguration options: [Auto] [1:1] [5:4] [3:2] [Sync Mode] FSB Clock (MHz) [1066] Allows you to set the FSB frequency ranging from 400-2500 (MHz). Conguration options: [Min.=400] [Max.=2500] The following two items appear when the System Clock Mode item is set to [Unlinked]. FSB Clock (MHz) [1066] Allows you to set the FSB frequency ranging from 400 to 2500 (MHz). Conguration options: [Min.=400] [Max.=2500] Memory Clock (MHz) [666] Allows you to set the memory frequency ranging from 400 to 1400 (MHz). Conguration options: [Min.=400] [Max.=1400] The following item appears when the System Clock Mode item is set to [Proled]. Overclock Profile [Auto] Allows you to select the overclock prole. Conguration options: [Auto] [Overclock 5%] [Overclock 10%] [Overclock 15%] [Overclock 20%] [Overclock 30%] [TEST MODE] iGPU OverClocking Mode [Auto] Allows selection of GPU overclocking options to achieve desired GPU frequency . Select either one of the preset overclocking conguration options: [Auto] - allows you to set overclocking parameters automatically . [Manual] - allows you to individually set overclocking parameters. The following two items appear only when the iGPU Overclocking Mode item is set to [Manual]. iGPU OverClock [450] Allows you to enter an integer value from 450MHz to 999MHz to overclock for GPU. Conguration options: [Min.=450] [Max.=999] Shader OverClock [1200] Allows you to enter an integer value from 1200MHz to 2000MHz to overclock for shader . Conguration options: [Min.=1200] [Max.=2000]
2-22 Chapter 2: BIOS setup Memory Over V oltage [Auto] Allows you to set the Memory Over V oltage. Use /- to adjust the voltage. The increment is 0.00625V . The standard value is 1.85000V . Conguration options: [Auto] [Min = 1.850000V] [Max = 2.24375V] Chipset Over V oltage [Auto] Allows you to set the Chipset Over V oltage. Conguration options: [Auto] [ 50 mV] [ 100mV] [ 150mV] CPU V oltage [Auto] Allows you to set the CPU V oltage. Use /- to adjust the voltage. The increment is 0.00625V . The standard value varys depending on the CPU. Conguration options: [Auto] [Min = 0.850000V] [Max = 1.55000V] Memory Timings [Auto] Allows you to set the Memory timings. Conguration options: [Auto] [Manual] The following items appear only when the Memory Timings item is set to [Manual]. tCL (CAS Latency) [Auto] Allows you to set CAS# latency . Conguration options: [Auto] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] tRCD [Auto] Allows you to set tRCD. Conguration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] tRP [Auto] Allows you to set tRP . Conguration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] tRAS [Auto] Allows you to set tRAS. Conguration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] Command Per Clock (CMD) [Auto] Allows you to set the Command Per Clock (CMD). Conguration options: [Auto] [1T] [2T] tRRD [Auto] Allows you to set tRRD. Conguration options:[Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] tRC [Auto] Allows you to set tRC. Conguration options:[Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] tWR [Auto] Allows you to set tWR. Conguration options:[Auto] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]
ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-23 tWTR [Auto] Allows you to set tWTR. Conguration options:[Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] Burst Length [Auto] Allows you to set the burst length. Conguration options:[Auto] [4] 2.4.3 Chipset The Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu. Advanced Chipset Settings WARMING: Setting wrong values in below sections may cause system to malfunction. MCP7A Conguration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Options for NorthBridg MCP7A Conguration MCP7A Chipset Conguration Hybrid SLI Mode [Disabled] Primary Graphics Adapter [PCIE VGA Card Firs] iGPU and Ext-VGA Selection [Disable iGPU if Ex] iGPU Frame Buffer Detect [Auto] iGPU Frame Buffer Size [32MB] ADD2 Card Type [ADD2] Retrain PCIE devices to Gen2 [Yes] Realtek GigaBit LAN [Auto] LAN Boot ROM [Disabled] Options PCI VGA Card First Internal VGA First PCIE VGA Card First Hybrid SLI support [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the Hybrid SLI. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Primary Graphics Adapter [PCIE VGA Card First] Display Device Priority , from high to low . Conguration options: [PCI VGA Card First] [Internal VGA First] [PCIE VGA Card First]
2-24 Chapter 2: BIOS setup iGPU and Ext-VGA Selection [Disable iGPU if Ex] Allows you to select the internal VGA card or the external VGA card to display . Conguration options: [Disable iGPU if External VGA Card Exist] [Both Exist and iGPU by Frame Buffer Detect] iGPU Frame Buffer Detect [Auto] Allows you to disable the iGPU Frame Buffer Detect or set it to auto mode. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Autuo] iGPU Frame Buffer Size [32 MB] Allows you to set the iGPU Frame Buffer Size. This item becomes user congurable when the iGPU Frame Buffer Detect item is set to [Auto]. Conguration options: [32 MB] [64 MB] [128 MB] [256 MB] [512MB] [Disabled] ADD2 Card T ype [ADD2] Allows you to select the ADD2 card type. Conguration options: [ADD2] [ADD2-R] Retrain PCIE devices to Gen2 [Y es] Allows you to enable or disable all capable devices populated in PCIE slots to retrain to Gen2 speed. Conguration options: [Y es] [No] Realtek GigaBit LAN [Auto] Allows you to disable Realtek GigaBit LAN or set it to auto mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] LAN Boot ROM [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the LAN boot ROM. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-25 2.4.4 OnBoard Devices Conguration Onboard Device Conguraiton Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Parallel Port Address [378] Parallel Port Mode [Normal] Parallel Port IRQ [IRQ7] AZALIA Audio [Auto] Front Panel Type [HD Audio] SPDIF Mode Setting [SPDIF Output] Allows BIOS to Select Serial Port1 Base Addreses. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address. Conguration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4] [2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3] Parallel Port Address [378] Allows you to select the Parallel Port base addresses. Conguration options: [Disabled] [378] [278] [3BC] Parallel Port Mode [Normal] Allows you to select the Parallel Port mode. Conguration options: [Normal] [Bi-Directional] [EPP] [ECP] EPP V ersion [1.9] Allows you to select the parallel port EPP version.Conguration options: [1.9] [1.7] Parallel Port IRQ [IRQ7] Allows you to select the parellet port IRQ.Conguration options: [IRQ5] [IRQ7] The following item appears only when the Parallel Port Mode item is set to [ECP]. ECP Mode DMA Channel [DMA3] Allows you to set the parallel port ECP DMA.Conguration options: [DMA0] [DMA1] [DMA3] The following item appears only when the Parallel Port Mode item is set to [EPP].
2-26 Chapter 2: BIOS setup AZALIA Audio [Auto] Allows you to enable or disable the AZALIA Audio. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto] Front Panel T ype [HD Audio] Allows you to set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97 or high-denition audio depending on the audio standard that the front panel audio module supports. Conguration options: [AC97] [HD Audio] SPDIF Mode Setting [SPDIF Output] Allows you to select the SPDIF mode. If the VGA card has HDMI output and need to use SPDIF signal from SPDIF out header , you need to change to [HDMI Output] mode for HDMI audio output. Conguration options: [HDMI Output] [SPDIF Output]
ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-27 2.4.5 USB Conguration The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options. The USB Devices Enabled item shows auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the item shows None. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced USB Conguration USB Devices Enabled: None USB Functions [Enabled] USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled] Legacy USB Support [Auto] USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed] Options Disabled Enhanced USB Functions [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the USB functions. The following sub-items appear when this item is set to [Enabled]. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the USB 2.0 controller . Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Legacy USB Support [Auto] Allows you to enable or disable support for legacy USB devices. Setting to [Auto] allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is detected, the legacy USB support is disabled. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto] USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed] Allows you to set the USB 2.0 controller mode to HiSpeed (480 Mbps) or FullSpeed (12 Mbps). This item appears only when you enable the USB 2.0 Controller item. Conguration options: [FullSpeed ] [HiSpeed ]
2-28 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.4.6 PCIPnP The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices. T ake caution when changing the settings of the PCI PnP menu items. Incorrect eld values can cause the system to malfunction. Select Screen Select Item - Change Option F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc. Advanced PCI/PnP Settings WARNING: Setting wrong values in below sections may cause system to malfunction. Plug And Play O/S [No] NO: lets the BIOS congure all the devices in the system. YES: lets the operating system congure Plug and Play (PnP) devices not required for boot if your system has a Plug and Play operating system. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Plug And Play O/S [No] When set to [No], BIOS congures all the devices in the system. When set to [Y es] and if you install a Plug and Play operating system, the operating system congures the Plug and Play devices not required for boot. Conguration options: [No] [Y es]
ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-29 2.5 Power menu The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options. Select Screen Select Item - Change Option F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. Suspend Mode [Auto] ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled] ACPI APIC Support [Enabled] APM Conguration Hardware Monitor Select the ACPI state used for System Suspend. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit 2.5.1 Suspend Mode [Auto] Allows you to select the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) state to be used for system suspend. Conguration options: [S1 (POS) Only] [S3 Only] [Auto] [S1 (POS) Only] - Enables the system to enter the ACPI S1 (Power on Suspend) sleep state. In S1 sleep state, the system appears suspended and stays in a low power mode. The system can be resumed at any time. [S3 Only] - Enables the system to enter the ACPI S3 (Suspend to RAM) sleep state (default). In S3 sleep state, the system appears to be off and consumes less power than in the S1 state. When signaled by a wake-up device or event, the system resumes to its working state exactly where it was left off. [Auto] - Detected by OS. 2.5.2 ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled] Allows you to add additional tables as per Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) 2.0 specications. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) support in the Application-Specic Integrated Circuit (ASIC). When set to Enabled, the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
2-30 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.5.4 APM Conguration Select Screen Select Item - Change Option F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off] APM Resume Event Conguration Power On PCI Wake [Disabled] Power On PCIE Wake# [Disabled] Power On LAN(MAC) [Disabled] Power On Ring [Disabled] Power On PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled] Power On RTC Alarm [Disabled] BIOS SETUP UTILITY Power Restore On AC Power Loss [Power Off] When set to Power Off, the system goes into of f 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 the system state was before the AC power loss. Conguration options: [Power Off] [Power On] [Last State] Power On PCI W ake [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the PME to generate a wake event. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Power On PCIE W ake# [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the PCIE PME to generate a wake event. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Power On LAN(MAC) [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the LAN(MAC) to generate a wake event. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Power On Ring [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable RI to generate a wake event. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Power On PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable PS/2 Keyboard to generate a wake event. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Options Power On Power Off Last State
ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-31 2.5.5 Hardware Monitor v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc. Select Screen Select Item - Change Field F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit CPU Temperature v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Power Hardware Monitor CPU Temperature [30ºC/86ºF] MB Temperature [36ºC/96.5ºF] CPU Fan Speed [2311RPM] CPU Q-Fan Control [Disabled] Chassis Fan Speed [N/A] Chassis Q-Fan Control [Disabled] Chassis Fan Speed [N/A] VCORE Voltage [ 1.264V] 3.3V Voltage [ 3.248V] 5V Voltage [ 4.992V] 12V Voltage [12.152V] CPU T emperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] MB T emperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the motherboard and CPU temperatures. Select [Ignored] if you do not wish to display the detected temperatures. CPU Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the motherboard, the eld shows N/A. CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the CPU Q-Fan controller . Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Power On 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, R TC Alarm Minute, and RTC Alarm Second appear with set values. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
2-32 Chapter 2: BIOS setup CPU Fan Prole [Optimal] Allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU Q-Fan. When set to [Optimal], the CPU fan automatically adjusts depending on the CPU temperature. Set this item to [Silent Mode] to minimize fan speed for quiet CPU fan operation, or [Performance Mode] to achieve maximum CPU fan speed. Conguration options: [Optimal] [Silent Mode] [Performance Mode] Chassis Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the chassis fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the motherboard, the eld shows N/A. Chassis Q-Fan Control [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the Chassis Q-Fan controller . Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The CPU Fan Prole item appears when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control feature. Chassis Fan Prole [Optimal] Allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the chassis Q-Fan. When set to [Optimal], the chassis fan automatically adjusts depending on the chassis temperature. Set this item to [Silent Mode] to minimize fan speed for quiet chassis fan operation, or [Performance Mode] to achieve maximum chassis fan speed. Conguration options: [Optimal] [Silent Mode] [Performance Mode] Power Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the power fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the motherboard, the eld shows N/A. Vcore V oltage, 3.3V V oltage, 5V V oltage, 12V V oltage The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard voltage regulators. Select [Ignored] if you do not want to detect this item. The Chassis Fan Prole item appears when you enable the Chassis Q-Fan Control feature.
ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-33 2.6 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu. Select Screen Select Item Enter Go to Sub Screen F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. Boot Device Priority Boot Settings Conguration Security Species the Boot Device Priority sequence. A virtual oppy disk drive (Floppy Drive B:) may appear when you set the CD-ROM drive as the rst boot device. 2.6.1 Boot Device Priority 1st ~ xxth Boot Device [xxx Drive] These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices. The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices installed in the system. Conguration options: [1st FLOPPY DRIVE] [Hard Drive] [A T API CD_ROM] [Disabled] Select Screen Select Item - Change Option F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. Boot Device Priority 1st Boot Device [1st FLOPPY DRIVE] 2nd Boot Device [HDD:PM-WDC WD800JD] 3rd Boot Device [ATAPI CD-ROM] Species the boot sequence from the availabe devices. A device enclosed in parenthesis has been disabled in the corresponding menu. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot
2-34 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration Boot Settings Conguration Quick Boot [Enabled] Full Screen Logo [Enabled] AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS] Bootup Num-Lock [On] Wait for ‘F1’ if Error [Enabled] Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled] Allows BIOS to skip certain tests while booting. This will decrease the time needed to boot the system. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature. Quick Boot [Enabled] Enabling this item allows the BIOS to skip some power on self tests (POST) while booting to decrease the time needed to boot the system. When set to [Disabled], BIOS performs all the POST items. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Full Screen Logo [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS] Sets the display mode for option ROM. Conguration options: [Force BIOS] [Keep Current] Bootup Num-Lock [On] Allows you to select the power-on state for the NumLock. Conguration options: [Off] [On] W ait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled] When set to Enabled, the system waits for the F1 key to be pressed when error occurs. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled] When set to Enabled, the system displays the message “Press DEL to run Setup” during POST . Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-35 2.6.3 Security The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options. Select Screen Select Item Enter Change F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. Security Settings Supervisor Password :Not Installed User Password :Not Installed Change Supervisor Password Change User Password <Enter> to change password. <Enter> again to disabled password. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot If you forget your BIOS password, you can clear clear it by erasing the CMOS Real T ime Clock (RTC) RAM. See section “1.9 Jumper” for information on how to erase the RTC RAM. Change Supervisor Password Select this item to set or change the supervisor password. The Supervisor Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this item shows Installed. T o set a Supervisor Password: 1. Select the Change Supervisor Password item and press <Enter>. 2. From the password box, type a password composed of at least six letters and/or numbers, then press <Enter>. 3. Conrm the password when prompted. The message “Password Installed” appears after you successfully set your password. T o change the supervisor password, follow the same steps as in setting a user password. T o 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.
2-36 Chapter 2: BIOS setup <Enter> to change password. <Enter> again to disabled password. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Security Settings Supervisor Password :Installed User Password :Installed Change Supervisor Password User Access Level [Full Access] Change User Password Clear User Password Password Check [Setup] User Access Level [Full Access] This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items. Conguration options: [No Access] [View Only] [Limited] [Full Access] No Access prevents user access to the Setup utility . View Only allows access but does not allow change to any eld. Limited allows changes only to selected elds, such as Date and T ime. Full Access allows viewing and changing all the elds in the Setup utility . Change User Password Select this item to set or change the user password. The User Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this item shows Installed. T o set a User Password: 1. Select the Change User Password item and press <Enter>. 2. On the password box that appears, type a password composed of at least six letters and/or numbers, then press <Enter>. 3. Conrm the password when prompted. The message “Password Installed” appears after you set your password successfully . T o change the user password, follow the same steps as in setting a user password. 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. Conguration options: [Setup] [Always]
ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-37 2.7 Tools menu The T ools menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu. Select Screen Select Item - Change Field Enter Go to Sub Screen F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. ASUS EZ Flash 2 Express Gate [Enabled] Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds] Reset User Data [No] AI Net 2 Press ENTER to run the utility to select and update BIOS. This utility doesn't support : 1.NTFS format 2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Enter>, a conrmation message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Y es] or [No], then press <Enter> to conrm your choice. Please see section 2.1.3 for details. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.25 Current ROM Update ROM A: C: Note FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L8005 PATH: C:\ BOARD: P5N7A-VM VER: 0210 (H:00 B:14) DATE: 07/18/2008 BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown [Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info [Up/Down/Home/End] Move [B] Backup [Esc] Exit
2-38 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.7.2 Express Gate [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Express Gate feature. The ASUS Express Gate feature is a unique instant-on environment that provides quick access to the Internet browser and Skype. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds] Allows you to set the countdown duration that the system waits at the Express Gate’s rst screen before starting Windows or other installed OS. Choose [Prompt User] to stay at the rst screen of Express Gate for user action. Conguration options: [Prompt User] [1 Second] [3 Seconds] [5 Seconds] [10 Seconds] [15 Seconds] [20 Seconds] [30 Seconds] Reset User Data [No] Allows you to clear Express Gate’s user data. Conguration options: [No] [Reset] When setting this item to [Reset], the user data is cleared the next time you enter the Express Gate. User data includes the Express Gate’s settings as well as any personal information stored by the web browser such as bookmarks, cookies, or browsing history . This is useful in the rare case where corrupt settings prevent the Express Gate environment from launching properly . 2.7.3 AI NET 2 AI NET 2 Pair Status Length Check Realtek Phy LAN cable [Disabled] Check Realtek Phy LAN cable during POST. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Tools Check Realtek Phy LAN cable [Disabled] Allows you enable or disable checking Realtek Phy LAN cable during POST . Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] • The rst time wizard runs again when you enter the Express Gate environment after clearing its settings. • When changing any of the Express Gate settings, ensure to save the settings to the BIOS.
ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-39 2.8 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 & 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. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc. Exit & Discard Changes Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you made to the Setup program. If you made changes to elds other than System Date, System T ime, and Password, the BIOS asks for a conrmation before exiting. Discard Changes This option allows you to discard the selections you made and restore the previously saved values. After selecting this option, a conrmation appears. Select 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 conrmation 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. Exit & Save Changes Once you are nished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit menu to ensure the values you selected are saved to the CMOS RAM. An onboard backup battery sustains the CMOS RAM so it stays on even when the PC is turned off. When you select this option, a conrmation window appears. Select OK to save changes and exit. Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options from this menu or <F10> from the legend bar to 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.
2-40 Chapter 2: BIOS setup
3 Chapter 3: Software support This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.
3-2 Chapter 3: Software support If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer , browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the le ASSETUP .EXE from the BIN folder . Double-click the ASSETUP .EXE to run the DVD. 3.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows ® 32-bit XP/64-bit XP/32-bit Vista/64-bit V ista operating systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware. 3.2 Support DVD information The support DVD that came with the motherboard package contains the drivers, software applications, and utilities that you can install to avail all motherboard features. 3.2.1 Running the support DVD Place the support DVD to the optical drive. The DVD automatically displays the Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer . • 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. • Ensure that you install Windows ® XP Service Pack 2 or later versions before installing the drivers for better compatibility and system stability . The contents of the support DVD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) for updates. Click an item to install Click an icon to display support DVD/motherboard information
ASUS P5N7A-VM 3-3 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. ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Anti-Virus and Drivers Utility Launches the ASUS installation wizard for anti-virus and drivers utility . Norton Internet Security 2008 Installs the Norton Internet Security 2008. NVIDIA nForce Chipset Driver Installs the NVIDIA nForce chipset driver . Realtek Audio Driver Installs the Realtek audio driver and application. ASUS EPU-4 Engine Installs the ASUS EPU-4 Engine driver .
3-4 Chapter 3: Software support 3.2.3 Utilities menu The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports. Click to display the next page Click to return to the previous page ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Utilities Launches the ASUS InstallAll installation wizard for utilities. ASUS Update The ASUS Update utility allows you to update the motherboard BIOS in a Windows ® environment. This utility requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
ASUS P5N7A-VM 3-5 ASUS PC Probe II 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 AI Nap Installs the ASUS AI Nap application. ADOBE Acrobat Reader 8 Installs the Adobe ® Acrobat ® Reader that allows you to open, view , and print documents in Portable Document Format (PDF). ASUS Express Gate Installer Installs the ASUS Express Gate. Ulead Burn. Now Installs the Ulead Burn.Now application for Audio DVD, CD and data disc creation. Corel MediaOne Plus Installs theCorel MediaOne Plus application to easily manage, edit, share and protect your multimedia data. Ulead PhotoImpact 12 SE Installs the PhotoImpact image editing software. CyberLink PowerBackup Installs the CyberLink PowerBackup to back up and restore your data easily . WinZip 1 1 Installs the WinZip utility for easy le-compression and protection. Microsoft DirectX 9.0c Installs the Microsoft ® DirectX 9.0c driver . The Microsoft DirectX ® 9.0c is a multimedia technology that enhances computer graphics and sound. DirectX ® improves the multimedia features of you computer so you can enjoy watching TV and movies, capturing videos, or playing games in your computer . Visit the Microsoft website (http://www .microsoft.com) for updates.
3-6 Chapter 3: Software support 3.2.4 Make Disk menu The Make Disk menu allows you to make a RAID driver disk. NVIDIA 32/64bit XP AHCI Driver Allows you to create the NVIDIA 32/64-bit XP AHCI Driver disk for Windows ® XP Operating System (OS). NVIDIA 32/64bit Vista AHCI Driver Allows you to create the NVIDIA 32/64-bit Vista AHCI Driver disk for Windows ® Vista Operating System (OS). NVIDIA 32/64bit XP SA T A RAID Driver Allows you to create the NVIDIA 32/64-bit XP SA T A RAID Driver disks for Windows ® XP Operating System (OS). NVIDIA 32/64bit Vista SA T A RAID Driver Allows you to create the NVIDIA 32/64-bit Vista SA T A RAID Driver disk for Windows ® Vista Operating System (OS).
ASUS P5N7A-VM 3-7 3.2.4 Manual menu The Manual menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to open the folder of the user manual. Most user manual les are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the Adobe ® Acrobat ® Reader from the Utilities menu before opening a user manual le. 3.2.5 ASUS Contact information Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. Y ou can also nd this information on the inside front cover of this user guide.
3-8 Chapter 3: Software support 3.2.6 Other information The icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the motherboard and the contents of the support DVD. Click an icon to display the specied information. Motherboard Info Displays the general specications of the motherboard. Browse this DVD Displays the support DVD contents in graphical format.
ASUS P5N7A-VM 3-9 T echnical support Form Displays the ASUS T echnical Support Request Form that you have to ll out when requesting technical support. Filelist Displays the contents of the support DVD and a brief description of each in text format.
3-10 Chapter 3: Software support 3.3 Software information Most of the applications in the support DVD have wizards that will conveniently guide you through the installation. View the online help or readme le that comes with the software application for more information. ASUS Express Gate ASUS Express Gate is an instant-on environment that gives you quick access to the Internet. Within a few seconds of powering on your computer , you will be at the Express Gate menu where you can start the web browser , Skype, or other Express Gate softwares. Installing ASUS Express Gate • ASUS Express Gate supports installation on SA T A HDDs in IDE mode only . • ASUS Express Gate supports HDDs connected to motherboard chipset- controlled onboard SA T A ports only . All onboard extended SA T A ports and external SA T A ports are NOT supported. See chapter 1 for the exact location of onboard SA T A ports. • ASUS Express Gate supports installation on USB HDDs and Flash drives, but the software performance may be slower than installed on SA T A HDDs. T o install Express Gate on your computer 1. Place the support CD/DVD to the optical drive. The Drivers installation tab appears if your computer has enabled Autorun feature. 2. Click the Utilities tab, then click ASUS Express Gate Installer . 3. Select the language for installation and click OK. 4. The InstallShield Wizard for Express Gate appears. Click Next to continue.
ASUS P5N7A-VM 3-1 1 The First Screen Express Gate’s rst screen appears within a few seconds after you power on the computer . From here, you can immediately start the web browser or Skype. Y ou can also choose to continue booting normally (e.g. to your installed OS such as Windows), enter BIOS setup, or power off. If you don’t make any selection, Express Gate will automatically exit and boot to your normal OS after a certain amount of time. The timer countdown is shown on-screen inside the “boot to OS” button. As you move the mouse or type a key , the countdown stops and the timer disappears, so you can take your time to make a selection. The Express Gate Environment The very rst time you enter the Express Gate environment (by launching either web or Skype from the rst screen), a rst time wizard will guide you through basic Express Gate congurations. Basic congurations include language, date and time and screen resolution. 5. Select the target disk volume for you to install Express Gate. If you have multiple volumes and OS installed in your hard drive, it is recommended to install Express Gate in V olume C . Click Next to continue. 6. Follow the screen instructions to complete installation.
3-12 Chapter 3: Software support Knowing the Express Gate hot-keys Here is a list of common-used hot-keys for Express Gate. In the First Screen: Key Function P AUSE/BREAK Power-off ESC Continue to boot OS DEL Enter BIOS setup F8 Enter Boot selection pop-up In the Express Gate Environment: Key Function <Alt> <T ab> Switch between softwares <Ctrl> <Alt> <Del> Bring up Power-Off dialog box <Ctrl> <Alt> <Print Screen> Save screen snapshot as picture to le Once inside the Express Gate environment, click on the icons on the LaunchBar , by default at bottom of the screen, to launch or switch between softwares. Y ou can re-arrange, re-size and move windows. Bring a window to the foreground by clicking within it or by clicking on its corresponding software icon. Re-size a window by dragging any of its four corners. Move a window by dragging its title bar . Besides using the LaunchBar , you can also switch between softwares by pressing <Alt> <T ab> on the keyboard. Y ou can also right-click anywhere on the desktop to bring up a menu of softwares. The red triangle on an software icon in the LaunchBar denotes that the software is already running. This means that you can switch to it without any delay . In the rare case where an software stops responding, right-click on its icon to force close it.
ASUS P5N7A-VM 3-13 • Screen Settings: Choose the most optimal screen resolution for your display . • V olume Control : Control the volume for your speaker output, microphone input, etc. The rst-time Wizard will run again when you enter the Express Gate environment after clearing its settings. Using the Conguration Panel Use the conguration panel to change various Express Gate settings. Click on an icon to open a particular conguration tool. The following tools are available: • Date and Time : set current date and time as well as time zone. • Input Method : choose your preferred input language and method. • Language and Keyboard : choose your language and keyboard preferences. • LaunchBar Settings : customize your LaunchBar (where it docks, whether it auto-hides, etc.) • Network : Specify how your computer connects to the Internet. Enable the network port. LAN1 refers to the RJ-45 network port on your computer . Also specify whether to use DHCP (most common) or static IP . For PPPoE and wireless (optional), set the login credentials (user name, password, SSID, etc.) as well. • Environment Settings : This function allows you to clear the Express Gate settings, as well as any personal information stored by the web browser (Bookmarks, Cookies, History , etc.). The user data will be reset to the original default conguration. After you click Restore System , a conrmation dialog box will open. If you click “Y es” in the conrmation dialog box, your system will immediately restart and then re-enter Express Gate to nish clearing the settings. This is also useful in the rare case where settings might become corrupted.
3-14 Chapter 3: Software support ASUS Express Gate supports le uploading from SA T A HDDs, ODDs and USB drive and downloading to USB drives only . Using the LaunchBar The LaunchBar has several system icons that show you various system statuses and let you congure individual Express Gate settings. The LaunchBar can be congured to auto-hide, if you want more screen space for the softwares. It can also be congured to dock on any of the four sides of the screen. Starts the Web Browser for quick access to the World Wide W eb. Opens the Online Games web page. Starts the Photo Manager album / organizer tool. Starts the Chat instant messaging tool. Start the Skype software, which lets you call other people on Skype for free, as well as of fering affordable, high quality voice communications to phones all over the world. Opens Conguration Panel , which lets you specify network settings and other preferences. In the rare case that one of the above softwares stops responding, you can right- click on its icon and then select Close to force it to close. The smaller icons on the right side of the LaunchBar are: Click on this icon to open the File Manager window , which lets you conveniently access the les on a USB drive. If a USB device is detected, the icon contains a green arrow . Shows network status; click to congure network. Shows mute status; click to change volume. Click to choose input language and method as well as keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl-Space by default).
ASUS P5N7A-VM 3-15 Network Power off Enter OS Cancel and return to Express Gate Restart Check to save user prole Open Conguration Panel Click to change LaunchBar options (auto-hide, docking position, etc). Click to show the “ASUS Utility” panel (if supported). Click to show “About Express Gate.” Click to open Express Gate Help. Click to bring up power options window to boot to OS, restart or power down. This window is also shown when you press Ctrl-Alt-Del on the keyboard. How Do I Get on to the Internet If Internet doesn’t seem to be working in the Express Gate environment, check the following: 2. Open Network. 1. Open the Conguration Panel.
3-16 Chapter 3: Software support 3. Make the proper network congurations. Each network interface is enabled immediately when you check the box next to it. • If you use a network cable connected to a home router (which is then connected to your DSL/cable modem), enable LAN1. • The most common scenario is for your computer to automatically obtain network settings (i.e. DHCP). If this is the case, you don’t need to click Setup for any LAN port. If this is not the case, click Setup to congure the static IP settings manually . • If you use a network cable connected directly to your DSL/cable modem (no router in between), click Setup for xDSL/cable dial-up. This method is also referred to as PPPoE. Choose whether the DSL/cable modem is connected to your computer’s LAN port. Then enter the username and password for your dial-up account. Click OK to enable xDSL/cable dial-up and establish the PPPoE connection. When PPPoE is enabled, the port it uses will automatically be unchecked and grayed out.
ASUS P5N7A-VM 3-17 Using the Photo Manager Express Gate provides a easy-to-use Photo Manager that allows you to view pictures stored in your hard drive or external storage devices (such as USB dongles, card readers, or optical disks). Y ou can view pictures in thumbnail view; in an enlarged view individually; in a lename/data list view; or play them in a slideshow with background music and fancy transition effects. JPEG, GIF , BMP , and PNG formats are supported. Refer to the on-line Help for detailed software operation. Shows the image folder(s) found in your hard drive or external devices Shows user- created image album(s) Image control bar View mode selection Help Photo slideshow ASUS Express Gate supports HDDs connected to motherboard chipset- controlled onboard SA T A ports only . All onboard extended SA T A ports and external SA T A ports are NOT supported. Using the Online Games Express Gate introduces a Splashtop Gaming portal site, which provides many interesting games in different categories. The game titles are updated from time to time. Enjoying these great games is just as easy as it gets! Search a game See the most popular games See the latest games See games in different categories Game list Y ou have to enable the network connection to run the Online Games feature.
3-18 Chapter 3: Software support Conguring Express Gate in BIOS Setup Enter BIOS setup by pressing DEL key after powering on or by clicking on the BIOS setup icon on Express Gate’s rst screen. Express Gate conguration options are under the T ools menu. Refer to section 2.7.2 Express Gate for details. ASUS EZ Flash 2 Express Gate [Enabled] Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds] Reset User Data [No] Press ENTER to run the utility to select and update BIOS. This utility doesn’t support: 1. NTFS format Updating Express Gate Y ou may update your existing Express Gate software to new versions. New versions of the Express Gate software will be released regularly , adding renements or new applications. Y ou can nd original version of the software on the support DVD or download new versions from the ASUS support website. T o update Express Gate 1. Double-click the Express Gate setup le to start software update. 2. A software update conrmation dialog box appears. Click Y es to continue. 3. The InstallShield Wizard for Express Gate appears. Click Next to continue. 4. Follow the screen instructions to complete installation. Repairing Express Gate In case Express Gate cannot start normally , you can repair Express Gate by reinstalling the software or using the repairing utility . T o repair Express Gate • Click Start > All Programs > Express Gate > Express Gate Installer > Repair this software . OR • Double click the Express Gate setup le, choose Repair , and click Next to continue.
ASUS P5N7A-VM 3-19 3.4 Creating a RAID driver disk A oppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows ® XP operating system on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set. For Windows ® Vista TM operating system, use either the motherboard support DVD or a USB device with the RAID driver . 3.4.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS T o create a RAID driver disk without entering the OS: 1. Boot your computer . 2. Press <Del> during POST to enter the BIOS setup utility . 3. Set the optical drive as the primary boot device. 4. Insert the support DVD into the optical drive. 5. Save changes and exit BIOS. 6. Press any key when the system prompts “Press any key to boot from the optical drive.” 7. When the menu appears, press <1> to create a RAID driver disk. 8. Insert a formatted oppy disk into the oppy drive then press <Enter>. 9. Follow succeeding screen instructions to complete the process. 3.4.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows ® T o create a RAID driver disk in Windows ® : 1. Start Windows ®. 2. Place the motherboard support DVD into the optical drive. 3. Go to the Make Disk menu, then click NVIDIA 32/64bit XP SA T A RAID Driver to create a NVIDIA ® 32/64 bit XP SA T A RAID driver disk. 4. Insert a oppy disk/USB device into the oppy disk drive/USB port. 5. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the process. Write-protect the oppy disk to avoid computer virus infection.
3-20 Chapter 3: Software support T o install the RAID driver in Windows ® XP: 1. During the OS installation, the system prompts you to press the F6 key to install third-party SCSI or RAID driver . 2. Press <F6> then insert the oppy disk with RAID driver into the oppy disk drive. 3. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation. T o install the RAID driver in Windows ® Vista TM : 1. Insert the motherboard support DVD or a USB device with RAID driver into the optical drive/USB port. 2. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation. Due to chipset limitation, the Serial A T A ports supported by the NVIDIA chipset does not support Serial Optical Disk Drives (Serial ODD).