Motherboard Crosshair II Formula
E3769 Third Edition V3 March 2008 Copyright © 2008 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
Contents Contents....................................................................................................... iii Notices........................................................................................................ viii Safety information....................................................................................... ix About this guide........................................................................................... x Crosshair II Formula specifications summary.......
Contents 2.5.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.5.6 Audio card, I/O shield, and LCD Poster installation................ 2-24 2.7.1 2.7.2 Rear panel connectors................................................... 2-26 2.8.3 Onboard switches.......................................................... 2-40 3.2.1 Using the dual function power switch............................... 3-2 BIOS setup 4.1.1 ASUS Update utility......................................................... 4-1 4.1.3 Updating the BIOS..................
Contents 4.4.1 System Time.................................................................. 4-22 4.4.3 Language....................................................................... 4-22 4.4.2 4.4.4 4.4.5 4.4.8 Installed Memory............................................................ 4-26 4.4.10 System Information........................................................ 4-26 AI NET2......................................................................... 4-27 4.5.
Contents Chapter 5: 5.1 5.2 Support DVD information............................................................. 5-1 5.2.1 Running the support DVD................................................ 5-1 5.2.3 Utilities menu................................................................... 5-3 5.2.2 5.2.4 5.2.5 5.2.6 5.2.7 5.3 5.2.8 Video menu...................................................................... 5-6 ASUS Contact information...............................................
Contents 6.2 NVIDIA® Hybrid SLI® Technology ................................................ 6-9 6.2.1 6.2.2 Appendix: A.1 System requirements ...................................................... 6-9 Enabling GeForce® Boost and HybridPower™.............. 6-10 Debug code table Debug code table..........................................................................
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.
Safety information Electrical safety • • • • • • To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating the system. When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.
About this guide This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the motherboard. How this guide is organized This guide contains the following parts: • • • • • • • Chapter 1: Product introduction This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports. Chapter 2: Hardware information This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components.
Conventions used in this guide To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task. CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task. IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task. NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
Crosshair II Formula specifications summary CPU AMD® Socket AM2+ for AMD Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors AMD Socket AM2 for Athlon 64 X2 / Athlon 64 FX / Athlon 64 / Sempron processors AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology Chipset NVIDIA® nForce® 780a SLI™ System Bus Up to 5200 MT/s; HyperTransport™ 3.
Crosshair II Formula specifications summary USB 12 x USB 2.0 ports (6 ports at midboard, 6 ports at back panel) ASUS ROG Overclocking Features Extreme Tweaker New 8+2 phase power design Intelligent overclocking tools: - CPU Level Up - AI Overclocking (intelligent CPU frequency tuner) - AI Booster Utility - O.C. Profile Overclocking protection: - COP EX (Component Overheat Protection -EX) - Voltiminder LED - ASUS C.P.R.
Crosshair II Formula specifications summary BIOS Features 8 MB AWARD BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, ������������������������������������������ SM BIOS 2.4, ACPI 2.0a Multi-Language BIOS Manageability WOL by PME, WOR by PME, Chassis Intrusion, PXE Accessories 3-Way SLI bridge ASUS SLI bridge LCD Poster ASUS Optional Fan SupremeFX II Audio Card HDMI/DVI adapter 3 in 1 ASUS Q-connector kit UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable Floppy disk drive cable Serial ATA cables Serial ATA power cables 2-port USB2.
This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports.
Chapter summary 1 1.1 Welcome!....................................................................................... 1-1 1.3 Special features............................................................................. 1-2 1.2 Package contents..........................................................................
1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS® Crosshair II Formula motherboard! The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards! Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in your package with the list below. 1.2 Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items. Motherboard ASUS Crosshair II Formula I/O module USB 2.
1.3 Special features 1.3.1 ROG Intelligent Performance & Overclocking features CPU Level Up Ever wish that you could have a more expansive CPU? Upgrade your CPU at no additional cost with ROG’s CPU Level Up! Simply choose a processor you want to OC to, and the motherboard will do the rest for you. See the new CPU speed and enjoy the performance instantly! Overclocking is never as easy as this. See pages 4-13 and 5-33 for details.
ASUS O.C. Profile Overclock immediately with OC profile presets. Much more than simple frequency settings, this profile contains comprehensive and detailed tuning to frequency, voltages, and even timings to give gamers a real professional level of overclocking configuration. See page 4-45 for details. C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) When the system hangs due to overclocking failure, there is no need to open the system chassis to clear CMOS data.
Onboard Switches With an easy press during overclocking, this exclusive onboard switch allows gamers to effortlessly fine-tune the performance without having to short the pins or moving jumpers. See page 2-40 for details. BIOS Wallpaper BIOS Wallpaper is designed to make BIOS with style. Unlike ordinary blue and white BIOS screen, this feature allows you to set any photos you like as a wallpaper for your BIOS. Now you have a unique BIOS screen like never before! See page 4-43 for details.
AI Audio 2 AI Audio 2 allows you to experience crisp, clear sounds by restoring and compensating for clarity and quality of compressed audio in all movies, music and games. It also provides stereo to multi-channel sound field expansion for realistic front and rear environments and virtualized surround sound for added vocal clarity when used in stereo speakers or headphones. See pages 5-12 for details.
1.3.3 Product highlights Republic of Gamers The Republic of Gamers consists only the best of the best. We offer the best hardware engineering, the fastest performance, the most innovating ideas, and we welcome the best gamers to join in. In the Republic of Gamers, mercy rules are only for the weak, and bragging rights means everything. We believe in making statements and we excel in competitions.
Native DDR2 1066 memory support This motherboard is the AMD® platform with native DDR2 1066 support. It provides faster data transfer rate and more bandwidth to increase memory computing efficiency, enhancing system performance in 3D graphics and other memory demanding applications. See page 2‑14 for details. DDR2 1066 is supported by some of the AM2+ CPUs only. Refer to www.asus. com for the supported CPU models.
Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s technology This motherboard supports the next-generation hard drives based on the Serial ATA (SATA) 3Gb/s storage specification, delivering enhanced scalability and doubling the bus bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and saves. See page 2-30 for details. PCIe 2.0 This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 device for twice the current speed and bandwidth. This enhances system performance while still providing backward compatibility to PCIe 1.0 devices.
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes description of the jumpers and connectors on the motherboard.
Chapter summary 2 2.1 Before you proceed...................................................................... 2-1 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU).................................................... 2-8 2.2 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 Motherboard overview.................................................................. 2-4 System memory.......................................................................... 2-14 Expansion slots...........................................................................
2.1 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component. • Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, before handling components to avoid damaging them due to static electricity. • Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
2. Memory LED Refer to the illustration below for the LED location and the table below for LED definition. DDR_CRAZY DDR_HIGH DDR_NORMAL CROSSHAIR II FORMULA ® RESET CROSSHAIR II FORMULA DDR LED DDR2 Voltage 3. Normal (green) High (yellow) Crazy (red) 1.80–2.10 2.12–2.50 2.52– Southbridge / Bridge (PCIe) LEDs The Southbridge LED has two different voltage displays: SB Voltage or HT Voltage; you can select the voltage to display in BIOS. The Bridge (PCIe) LED displays BR Voltage.
4. Hard Disk LED The hard disk LED is designed to indicate the hard disk activity. It blinks when data is being written into or read from the hard disk drive. The LED does not light up when there is no hard disk drive connected to the motherboard or when the hard disk drive does not function. CROSSHAIR II FORMULA ® HD_LED RESET CROSSHAIR II FORMULA Hard Disk LED 5.
2.2 Motherboard overview Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard fits into it. Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 2.2.1 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in the correct orientation.
2.2.3 Motherboard layout 24.5cm (9.
2.2.5 Layout contents Slots Page 1. DDR2 DIMM slots 2-14 2. PCI slots 2-21 3. PCI Express x 1 slots 2-21 4. PCI Express x 16 slots 2-21 Slide switch Page 1. 2-23 Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC_SW) Rear panel connectors Page 1. PS/2 keyboard port (purple) 2-26 2. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port 2-26 3. VGA port 2-26 4. LAN 1/2 (RJ-45) port 2-26 5.* Line In port (light blue) 2-27 6.* Line Out port (lime) 2-27 7.* Microphone port (pink) 2-27 8.
Internal connectors Page 1. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) 2- 29 2. NVIDIA nForce 780a SLI Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1–4 [blue]; 7-pin SATA5–6 [black]) 2- 30 3. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) 2- 31 4. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78; USB910; USB1112) 2- 31 5. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2) 2- 32 6. Thermal sensor cable connectors (2-pin OPT_TEMP1/2/3) 2- 32 7.
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with an �������������������������������� AM2+/AM2������������������������ socket designed for AMD ���® Socket AM2+ Phenom™ ����������������������������������������������������������������� FX / Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processor or for Socket AM2 Athlon 64 X2 / Athlon 64 FX / Athlon 64 / Sempron processor. The AM2+/AM2 socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the AMD Opteron processor.
3. 4. Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with a small triangle. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it fits in place. Gold triangle Small triangle 5. 6. When the CPU is in place, push down the socket lever to secure the CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab to indicate that it is locked. Install a CPU heatsink and fan following the instructions that came with the heatsink package.
2.3.2 Installing the heatsink and fan The AMD® Phenom™ ����������������������������������������������������������������� FX / Phenom / Athlon™ 64 X2 / Athlon 64 FX / Athlon 64 / Sempron™ ��������������������������������������������������������������������� processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance. Make sure that you use only AMD-certified heatsink and fan assembly. To install the CPU heatsink and fan: 1.
2. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base. 3. Align the other end of the retention bracket (near the retention bracket lock) to the retention module base. A clicking sound denotes that the retention bracket is in place. Make sure that the fan and heatsink assembly perfectly fits the retention mechanism module base, otherwise you cannot snap the retention bracket in place. 4.
5. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. CPU FAN PWM CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWR GND CPU_FAN CROSSHAIR II FORMULA ® RESET CROSSHAIR II FORMULA CPU fan 2-12 • Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector. • This connector is backward compatiable with old 3-pin CPU fan.
2.3.3 Installing the optional fans Install the optional fan only if you are using a passive cooler or a water cooler. Installing the optional fan with an active CPU cooler will interfere with the airflow and destabilize the system. 1. Position the fan above the pipe and heatsink assembly. 2. Fit the fan to the grooved edge of the heatsink. 3. Carefully push down the fan until it snugly fits the heatsink, then connect the fan cable. 4. The photo shows the fan installed on the motherboard.
2.4 System memory 2.4.1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets.
2.4.2 Memory configurations You may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered ECC/non‑ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. Recommended Memory Configurations Sockets Mode DIMM_A1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 DIMM_B2 Populated – – – – – Populated – Dual-channel (1) Populated – Populated – Dual-channel (2) Populated Populated Populated Populated Single-Channel • You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B.
Crosshair II Formula Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-800MHz capability for AM2 CPU Size Vendor Chip No. CL SS/ DS Part No.
Crosshair II Formula Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-667MHz capability for AM2 CPU Size Vendor Chip No. CL SS/ DS Part No.
2.4.3 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. 2 To install a DIMM: 1. 2. 3. 3 Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the socket. Firmly insert the DIMM into the socket until the retaining clips snap back in place and the DIMM is properly seated.
2.5 Expansion slots In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub‑sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support. Make sure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 2.5.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
2.5.
2.5.4 PCI slots 2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slots The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. Refer to the figure below for the location of the slots. This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. Refer to the figure below for the location of the slots. 2.5.6 • Install the audio card prior to other compatible cards to the black PCIe x1 slot.
Primary PCI Express x16 slots The primary PCI Express x16 slots support PCI Express x16 graphics cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. Universal PCI Express x16 slots (max. x8 mode) This motherboard also supports universal PCI Express x16 slots with a maximum speed of 8 GB/s. The operating frequency of this slot changes, depending on the type of PCI Express card you install. Refer to the table below for details.
2.6 1. Slide switch Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC_SW) This jumper allows you to enable the clr CMOS switch. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The clr CMOS switch on the back I/O helps you easily to clear the system setup information such as system passwords. To erase the RTC RAM: 1. 2. Press down the clr CMOS switch on the back I/O. Hold down the key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-enter data.
2-24 2.7 Audio card, I/O shield, and LCD Poster installation 2.7.1 Audio card Installation 1. Take out the Audio card from the package. 2. Locate the audio slot on the motherboard. 3. Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card sits on the slot completely. 4. The photo below shows the audio card installed on the motherboard.
2.7.2 5. I/O shield and LCD Poster Installation 1. Install the I/O shield to the chassis 2. by snapping it in place from inside. 3. Thread the LCD Poster cable through the opening until its stopper snaps into place. Orient the motherboard and install it to the chassis. Make sure that the motherboard external ports fit the I/O openings. 4. Plug the LCD Poster cable into the onboard connector labeled LCD_CON. Place the LCD Poster on the chassis or to wherever you like.
Connectors 2.8.1 Rear panel connectors 5 Line in 2.8 Front-out 6 Mic in 7 Cen/Sub 8 3 4 9 Rear-out 2 10 Side-out 1 17 1. 2. 16 15 13 14 12 11 PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device via a coaxial S/PDIF cable. 3. ������� VGA port. This port is for a VGA monitor or other VGA-compatible devices. 4. LAN 1/2 (RJ-45) port.
5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Line In port (light blue). This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player, or other audio sources. Line Out port (lime). This port connects a headphone or a speaker. In 4-channel, 6-channel, and 8-channel configuration, the function of this port becomes Front Speaker Out. Microphone port (pink). This port connects a microphone. Center/Subwoofer port (orange). This port connects the center/subwoofer speakers. Rear Speaker Out port (black).
14. HDMI port. This port is for a highdefinition multimedia interface (HDMI) connector. • This motherboard comes with dual-VGA outputs through the onboard VGA and HDMI ports. You can simultaneously connect two displays to these ports. • With the bundled HDMI-to-DVI adapter, this motherboard also supports DVI output. Before enabling the HybridPower™ function, ensure that you have connected your display to the onboard VGA port or the HDMI/DVI port at the rear panel.
2.8.2 1. Internal connectors IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) The onboard IDE connector is for the Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable. There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable: blue, black, and gray. Connect the blue connector to the motherboard’s IDE connector, then select one of the following modes to configure your device.
2. ������ NVIDIA® nForce 780a SLI Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1–4 [blue]; 7-pin SATA5–6 [black]) These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk and optical disk drives.
3. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) This connector is for the provided floppy 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 floppy disk drive. Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable connection when using a FDD cable with a covered Pin 5. FLOPPY CROSSHAIR II FORMULA ® PIN1 RESET NOTE:Orient the red markings on the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1.
IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2) This connector is for a IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IEEE 1394a module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. TPA2GND TPB2+12V GND 5. CROSSHAIR II FORMULA ® IE1394_2 TPA2+ GND TPB2+ +12V PIN 1 RESET CROSSHAIR II FORMULA IEEE 1394 connector Never connect a USB cable to the IEEE 1394a connector.
7. CPU, chassis, and optional fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN1–3, 3-pin PWR_FAN, 3‑pin OPT_FAN1–3) The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350 mA–1000 mA (24 W max.) or a total of 1 A–3.48 A (41.76 W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, making sure that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector. DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors.
8. 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.
10. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V) These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.
Power supply requirements Heavy Loading CPU Memory VGA SATA-HDD IDE-CDROM IDE-HDD USB Phenom 9600 1 GB*4 8800 Ultra*3 6 1 1 4 +12V_8Pin +12V_24pin Voltage (V) 12.14 12.21 Power (W) 137.425 167.399 Quantity 6 Current (A) 11.32 Power 13.71 +5V_24pin +3V_24pin +12V_VGA1 +12V_VGA2 +12V_VGA3 5.22 3.456 12.2 12.2 12.2 33.460 24.123 79.422 80.398 80.52 6.41 SATA-HDD IDE-CDROM IDE-HDD 10.45 Total Power 62.7 1 1 10 12.68 10 12.68 6.98 USB 6.51 4 6.59 Total PSU 6.6 Po_max(w) 2.
Light Loading CPU Memory VGA SATA-HDD IDE-CDROM IDE-HDD USB Sempron 1100+ 1 GB*2 8800 Ultra*1 2 1 0 4 +12V_8Pin +12V_24pin Voltage (V) 12.19 12.21 Power (W) 38.886 67.766 Quantity 2 Current (A) 3.19 Power 5.55 5.22 3.456 12.16 26.309 18.524 79.04 5.04 SATA-HDD IDE-CDROM IDE-HDD 10.45 1 0 10 0 10 Total Power 20.9 11. +5V_24pin +3V_24pin +12V_VGA1 +12V_VGA2 +12V_VGA3 12.68 5.36 USB 4 2.5 10 6.5 0 Total PSU 0 Po_max(w) 271.
12. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.
ASUS Q-Connector (system panel) You 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 QConnector. 1. Connect the front panel cables to the ASUS Q-Connector. Refer to the labels on the Q-Connector to know the detailed pin definitions, then match them to the respective front panel cable labels. 2.
2.8.3 Onboard switches Onboard switches allow you to fine-tune performance when working on a bare or open-case system. This is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings to enhance system performance. 1. Power-on switch Press the power-on switch to wake/power up the system. CROSSHAIR II FORMULA ® RESET CROSSHAIR II FORMULA Power on switch 2. Reset switch Press the reset switch to reboot the system.
This chapter describes the power up sequence, the vocal POST messages, and ways of shutting down the system.
Chapter summary 3.1 3.2 3 Starting up for the first time......................................................... 3-1 Turning off the computer..............................................................
3.1 Starting up for the first time 1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover. 3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis. 2. 4. 5. Be sure that all switches are off. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector. Turn on the devices in the following order: a. Monitor c. System power b. 6. 7.
3.2 Turning off the computer 3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function If you are using Windows® Vista™: 1. 2. Click the Start button then select Shut Down. The power supply should turn off after Windows® shuts down. If you are using Windows® XP: 1. Click the Start button then select Turn Off Computer. 3. The power supply should turn off after Windows® shuts down. 2. Click the Turn Off button to shut down the computer. 3.2.
This chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
Chapter summary 4.1 4 Managing and updating your BIOS............................................. 4-1 4.2 BIOS setup program..................................................................... 4-9 4.4 Main menu................................................................................... 4-22 4.3 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 Extreme Tweaker menu.............................................................. 4-13 Advanced menu..........................................................................
4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup. 1. ASUS Update (Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.) 3. Award BIOS Flash Utility (Updates the BIOS using a bootable USB flash disk or a DVD ROM.) ASUS EZ Flash 2 (Updates the BIOS using a floppy disk or USB flash disk.) 2.
Quit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility. Updating the BIOS through the Internet To update the BIOS through the Internet: 4-2 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. 3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network traffic, or click Auto Select.
4. 5. From the FTP site, select the BIOS version that you wish to download. Click Next. Follow the screen instructions to complete the update process. The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself through the Internet. Always update the utility to avail all its features. Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file To update the BIOS through a BIOS file: 1. 2. 3. 4. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate.
4.1.2 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 using a DOS‑based utility. The EZ Flash 2 utility is built-in the BIOS chip so it is accessible by pressing + during the Power-On Self Tests (POST). To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2: 1. 2. 3. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. Save the BIOS file to a USB flash disk, then restart the system.
4.1.3 Updating the BIOS The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) can be updated using the AwardBIOS Flash Utility. Follow these instructions to update the BIOS using this utility. 1. Download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS web site. Rename the file and save it to a CD ROM or a USB flash disk in FAT 16/12 format. Save only the updated BIOS file in the disk to avoid loading the wrong BIOS file. 2. 3. 4. 5. Copy the AwardBIOS Flash Utility (awdflash.
7. 8. Press when the utility prompts you to save the current BIOS file. The following screen appears. The utility verifies the BIOS file in the CD ROM or the USB flash disk and starts flashing the BIOS file. AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.18 (C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved For MCP72XE-CROSSHAIRII-00 DATE:02/15/2008 Flash Type - MXIC MX25L8005 SPI File Name to Program: 0109.
4.1.4 Saving the current BIOS file You can use the AwardBIOS Flash Utility to save the current BIOS file. You can load the current BIOS file when the BIOS file gets corrupted during the flashing process. Make sure that the CD ROM or the USB flash disk has enough disk space to save the file. To save the current BIOS file using the AwardBIOS Flash Utility: 1. 2. Follow steps 1 to 6 of the previous section. Press when the utility prompts you to save the current BIOS file. The following screen appears.
4.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can update a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD that contains the updated BIOS file. • ����������������������������������������������������������������������� Prepare the motherboard support DVD containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility.
4.2 BIOS setup program This motherboard supports a programmable Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) chip that you can update using the provided utility described in section “4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS.” Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconfiguring your system, or prompted to “Run Setup.” This section explains how to configure your system using this utility.
4.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Menu bar Configuration fields General help Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Extreme Tweaker Main Advanced Power Boot System Time 15 : 30 : 36 System Date Thu, Feb 21 2008 Language [English] Legacy Diskette A: [1.44M, 3.5 in.
4.2.3 Legend bar At the bottom of the Setup screen is a legend bar. The keys in the legend bar allow you to navigate through the various setup menus. The following table lists the keys found in the legend bar with their corresponding functions.
4.2.7 Pop-up window Select a menu item then press to display a pop-up window with the configuration options for that item. Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Extreme Tweaker Main Advanced Power Boot Tools System Time 15 : 30 : 36 System Date Thu, Feb 21 2008 Language [English] Legacy Diskette A: Legacy Diskette A: Primary IDE Master [None] Disabled [None] ..... [ ] Primary IDE Slave 720K , 3.5 in. ..... [ ] SATA 1 [None] 1.44M, 3.5 in. .....
4.3 Extreme Tweaker menu The Extreme Tweaker menu items allow you to configure overclocking-related items. Take caution when changing the settings of the Extreme Tweaker menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Extreme Tweaker x x x x Main Advanced Power CPU Level Up [Auto] AI Tuning Overclock Options N.O.S.
AI Tuning [Auto] Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU internal frequency. Select any one of the preset overclocking configuration options: Manual Auto Standard AI Overclock AI N.O.S. CPU Level Up Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters. Loads the optimal settings for the system. Loads the standard settings for the system. Loads overclocking profiles with optimal parameters for stability when overclocking.
K8<->NB HT Width [Auto] Configuration options: [↓ 8 ↑8] [↓16 ↑16] [Auto] PCIE Clock [100] Allows you to set the PCIEX16_1/2/3 overclocking frequency. Use the <+> and <-> keys or ������������������������������������������������������������������������ the numeric keypad to enter the desired value. ���������������������� The values range from 100 to 200.
Memory DCT Mode [Unganged Mode] This item appears only when you use an AM2+ CPU. Configuration options: [Ganged Mode] [Unganged Mode] Memory Hole Remapping [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the remapping of the overlapped PCI memory above the total physical memory. Enable this option only when you install 64bit operating system.
Tref [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [7.8 us] [3.
Write Data Timing Control [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [No Delay] [1/96 MEMCLK delay] [2/96 MEMCLK delay] [3/96 MEMCLK delay]–[46/96 MEMCLK delay] [47/96 MEMCLK delay] DQS Receiver Enable Timing [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [0 ps] [50 ps] [100 ps] [150 ps]–[8650 ps] [8700 ps] Output Driver Control CKE Drive Strength [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1.00x] [1.25x] [1.50x] [2.00x] CS/ODT Drive Strength [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1.00x] [1.25x] [1.50x] [2.
Refer to the CPU documentation before setting the CPU voltage. Setting a high voltage may damage the CPU permanently, and setting a low voltage may make the system unstable. VDDNB Voltage [Auto] Allows you to select the VDDNB voltage. Configuration options: [Auto] [+100mvV] [+150mvV] [+200mvV] [+250mvV] [+300mvV] [+350mvV] [+450mvV] DDR2 Voltage [Auto] Allows you to select the Memory voltage.
DDR2 Controller Ref Voltage [Auto] Allows you to manually set the memory voltage, or you can set to [Auto] for the safe mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [DDR2_REF] [DDR2_REF-30mv] [DDR2_REF-20mv] [DDR2_REF-10mv] [DDR2_REF+10mv] [DDR2_REF+20mv] [DDR2_REF+30mv] DDR2 Channel A/Channel B Ref Voltage [Auto] Allows you to manually set the memory voltage, or you can set to [Auto] for the safe mode.
Spread Spectrum Control Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Extreme Tweaker Spread Spectrum Control CPU Spread Spectrum PCIE Spread Spectrum SATA Spread Spectrum Select Menu [Disabled] [Disabled] [Down Spread] Item Specific Help CPU Spread Spectrum [Disabled] Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] PCIE Spread Spectrum [Disabled] Configuration options: [Disabled] [Down Spread] SATA Spread Spectrum [Down Spread] Configuration options: [Disabled] [Down Spread] ASUS Crosshair II Formula 4-21
4.4 Main menu When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic system information. Refer to section 4.2.1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen items and how to navigate through them.
4.4.5 Primary IDE Master/Slave While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each IDE device. Select a device item then press to display the device information.
Access Mode [Auto] The default [Auto] allows automatic detection of an IDE hard disk drive. Select [CHS] for this item if you set the IDE Primary Master/Slave to [Manual]. Configuration options: [CHS] [LBA] [Large] [Auto] Before attempting to configure a hard disk drive, make sure you have the correct configuration information supplied by the drive manufacturer. Incorrect settings may cause the system to fail to recognize the installed hard disk. Capacity Displays the auto-detected hard disk capacity.
4.4.6 SATA 1–4 While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of Serial ATA devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each SATA device. Select a device item then press to display the SATA device information.
Sector Shows the number of sectors per track. This item is not configurable. After entering the IDE hard disk drive information into BIOS, use a disk utility, such as FDISK, to partition and format new IDE hard disk drives. This is necessary so that you can write or read data from the hard disk. Make sure to set the partition of the Primary IDE hard disk drives to active. 4.4.
4.5 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Extreme Tweaker ������� Main Advanced Power Boot Tools AI NET 2 PCIPnP Onboard Device Configuration USB Configuration IDE Function Setup MCP Storage Config LCD Poster and Onboard LED Control F1:Help ESC: Exit 4.5.1 ↑↓ : Select Item →←: Select Menu Exit Select Menu Item Specific Help Press [Enter] to set.
4.5.2 PCIPnP Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced PCIPnP Plug & Play O/S Select Menu [No] Item Specific Help ������������������������������ Resources Controlled By [Auto] x IRQ Resources ** PCI Express relative items ** Maximum payload Size [4096] Select Yes if you are using a Plug and Play capable operating system. Select No if you need the BIOS to configure non-boot devices. Plug & Play O/S [No] When set to [No], the BIOS configures all the devices in the system.
4.5.
HDMI Audio [Auto] Allows you to enable or disable the HDMI audio function. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] Intergade HDA Codec [HDMI] Configuration options: [HDMI] [SPDIF] Onboard LAN/LAN2 Device [Enabled] Enables or disables the onboard NVIDIA® LAN controller. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Onboard LAN/LAN2 Boot ROM [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the onboard LAN boot ROM.
4.5.5 IDE Function Setup This sub-menu contains IDE function-related items. Select an item then press to edit. Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced Select Menu IDE Function Setup OnChip IDE Channel0 IDE DMA transfer access SATA Controller IDE Prefetch Mode [Enabled] [Enabled] [Enabled] [Enabled] Item Specific Help OnChip IDE Channel0 [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the onchip IDE channel 0 controller.
If you want to create a RAID 0, 1, 0+1, 5 or JBOD configuration from the Serial ATA hard disk drives, set this item to [RAID]. If you want to use the Serial ATA hard disk drives as Parallel ATA physical storage devices, keep the default setting [IDE]. If you want the Serial ATA hard disk drives to use the Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI), set this item to [AHCI]. Use SATA 1–4 connectors for IDE mode. SATA 5–6 connectors support AHCI mode and RAID mode only.
LCD Poster Backlight [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the LCD Poster backlight after POST. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] LCD Poster Mode [Current Time] Allows you to select the LCD Poster mode. Configuration options: [Current Time] [User String] The following item becomes configurable when you set LCD Poster Mode to [User String]. LCD Poster String Allows you to enter a string that will be displayed on the LCD Poster.
4.6 Power menu The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) and the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an item then press to display the configuration options. Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Extreme Tweaker ������������������ Main Advanced ACPI Suspend Type ACPI APIC support APM Configuration Hardware Monitor F1:Help ESC: Exit 4.6.
4.6.
Alarm Time (hh:mm) [ X: X: X] To set the time of alarm: 1. 2. 3. 4. Highlight this item and press to display a pop-up menu for the hour field. Key-in a value (Min=0, Max=23), then press . Press to move to the minutes field then press . Key-in a minute value (Min=0, Max=59), then press .
Voltage Monitor Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Power Select Menu Voltage Monitor Vcore Voltage [ 1.32V] ����������������������� VDDNB Voltage [ 1.52V] DDR2 Voltage [ 1.96V] �������������������� SB Voltage [ 1.26V] HT Voltage [ 1.50V] VDDA Voltage [ 2.46V] BR Voltage [ 1.21V] DDR Term Voltage [ 0.99V] 3.3V Voltage [ 2.89V] 5V Voltage [ 4.66V] 12V Voltage [11.64V] F1:Help ESC: Exit ↑↓ : Select Item →←: Select Menu Item Specific Help Press [Enter] to set.
OPT1/2/3 Cable Overheat Protection [90] Allows you to set the temperature over which the system automatically shuts down when any of the thermal sensor cables connected to the motherboard detects device overheat to protect the device from damage.
CPU FAN Duty Cycle [100%] Allows you to set the fan duty cycle. This item becomes configurable when you set the CPU FAN Control item to [Duty Cycle Mode]. Configuration options: [60%] [70%] [80%] [90%] [100%] CHA_FAN3/1&2 Control [Duty Cycle Mode] Allows you to select the fan control mode. Configuration options: [Duty Cycle Mode] [Q-FAN Mode] CHA_FAN3/1&2 Duty Cycle [100%] Allows you to set the fan duty cycle. This item becomes configurable when you set the CHA_FAN3/1&2 Control item to [Duty Cycle Mode].
CPU Fan Speed warning [800 RPM] Allows you to set the CPU fan warning speed function, which gives off a warning when the CPU fan speed is too low. If you set this item to [Disabled], the system will not warn you even if no fan is installed or if the fan is not functioning properly. Configuration options: [Disabled] [800 RPM] [1200 RPM] [1600 RPM] 4.7 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press to display the sub-menu.
4.7.2 Removable Drives Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Extreme Tweaker Advanced Power Boot Tools Removable Drives Exit Select Menu Item Specific Help 1. Floppy Disks Use <↑> or <↓> to select a device, then press <+> to move it up, or <-> to move it down the list. Press to exit this menu. 1. Floppy Disks Allows you to assign a removable drive attached to the system. 4.7.
4.7.
Typematic Delay (Msec) [250] Allows you to set the delay before keystrokes begin to repeat. Configuration options: [250] [500] [750] [1000] OS Select for DRAM > 64MB [Non-OS2] Set this item to OS2 only when you are running on an OS/2 operating system with an installed RAM of greater than 64 MB. Configuration options: [Non-OS2] [OS2] Full Screen LOGO [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature.
Supervisor Password User Password These fields allow you to set passwords: To set a password: 1. 2. 3. Select an item then press . Type in a password using a combination of a maximum of eight (8) alpha‑numeric characters, then press . When prompted, confirm the password by typing the exact characters again, then press . The password field setting is changed to Set. To clear the password: 1. Select the password field and press twice.
4.8 Tools menu The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select an item then press to display the sub-menu. Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Extreme Tweaker Main Advanced Power Boot Tools ASUS O.C. Profile ASUS EZ Flash 2 Exit Select Menu Item Specific Help Press [Enter] to select F1:Help ESC: Exit 4.8.1 ↑↓ : Select Item →←: Select Menu -/+: Change Value Enter: Select SubMenu F5: Setup Defaults F10: Save and Exit ASUS O.C.
Load from File Allows you to load the previous BIOS file saved in the hard disk/floppy disk/ USB flash disk with the FAT32/16/12 format. Follow the instructions below to load the BIOS file. 1. Insert the storage devices that contains the “xxx.CMO” file. 3. Enter BIOS setup program. Go to the “Tools” menu to select “Load from File.” Press then the setup screen will appear. 2. 4. 5. Turn on the system. Press to switch between drives before the correct “xxx.CMO” file is found.
ASUSTek O.C. Profile Utility B327 Current CMOS BOARD: CROSSHAIR II FORMULA VER: 0114 DATE: 02/27/2008 Update CMOS BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown PATH: A:\ A: CMOS backup is done! Press any key to Exit. Note [Enter] Select [Tab] Switch [S] Save [ESC]: Exit [Up/Down/Home/End] Move The BIOS file will be saved as “xxx.CMO“. 4.8.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press , a confirmation message appears.
4.9 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. Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Extreme Tweaker ����������������������������������������� Main ���������������������������������� Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit & Save Changes Exit & Discard Changes Load Setup Default Discard Changes Exit Select Menu Item Specific Help This option save data to CMOS and exiting the setup menu.
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.
Chapter summary 5 5.1 Installing an operating system.................................................... 5-1 5.3 Software information.................................................................... 5-9 5.2 5.4 5.5 Support DVD information............................................................. 5-1 RAID configurations................................................................... 5-34 Creating a RAID driver disk........................................................
5.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows® XP/64-bit ������������������������������������������ XP/Vista/64-bit Vista����������� operating systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware. 5.2 • 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.
5.2.2 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 Drivers Launches the ASUS InstAll driver installation wizard. AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Driver Installs the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ technology driver. NVIDIA Chipset Driver Program Installs the NVIDIA® chipset drivers for the NVIDIA® nForce® 780a SLI™ chipset.
5.2.3 Utilities menu The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports. Click to display the next screen Click to display the previous screen ASUS InstAll-Installation Wizard for Utilities Installs all of the utilities through the Installation Wizard. Marvell Yukon VCT Application Installs the Marvell® Yukon VCT application.
ASUS AI Suite Installs the ASUS AI Suite. ASUS Update The ASUS Update utility allows you to update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. This utility requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP). ASUS Cool ‘n’ Quiet Utility Installs the ASUS Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ software. Adobe Acrobat Reader V7.0 Installs the Adobe® Acrobat® Reader that allows you to open, view, and print documents in Portable Document Format (PDF). Microsoft DirectX 9.
5.2.4 Make Disk menu The Make Disk menu contains items to create the NVIDIA® nForce® 780a SLI™ SATA/RAID/AHCI driver disk. Click to display the next screen Click to display the previous screen NVIDIA 32/64 bit XP/Vista SATA/RAID/AHCI Driver Allows you to create a NVIDIA® 32/64 bit XP/Vista™ SATA/RAID/AHCI driver disk.
5.2.5 Manuals menu The Manuals menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to open the folder of the user manual. Most user manual files are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the Adobe® Acrobat® Reader from the Utilities menu before opening a user manual file. 5.2.6 Video menu Click the Video tab to display a list of video clips. Click the Extreme OC Clip item to watch how an overclocking guru breaks 3DMark world record with an ROG motherboard.
5.2.7 ASUS Contact information Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can also find this information on the inside front cover of this user guide. 5.2.8 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 specified information. Motherboard Info Displays the general specifications of the motherboard.
Browse this DVD Displays the support DVD contents in graphical format. Technical support form Displays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to fill out when requesting technical support. Filelist Displays the contents of the support DVD and a brief description of each in text format.
5.3 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 file that came with the software application for more information. 5.3.1 ASUS MyLogo3™ The ASUS MyLogo3™ utility lets you customize the boot logo. The boot logo is the image that appears on screen during the Power‑On Self-Tests (POST).
7. When the logo images appear on the right window pane, select an image to enlarge by clicking on it. 8. Adjust the boot image to your desired size by selecting a value on the Ratio box. 9. When the screen returns to the ASUS Update utility, flash the original BIOS to load the new boot logo. 10. After flashing the BIOS, restart the computer to display the new boot logo during POST.
5.3.2 AI NET 2 The AI NET 2 features the Marvell® Virtual Cable Tester™ (VCT). VCT is a cable diagnostic utility that reports LAN cable faults and shorts using the Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) technology. The VCT detects and reports open and shorted cables, impedance mismatches, pair swaps, pair polarity problems, and pair skew problems of up to 64 ns at one meter accuracy. The VCT feature reduces networking and support costs through a highly manageable and controlled network system.
5.3.3 AI Audio 2 (SoundMAX® High Definition Audio utility) The ADI AD1988 High Definition Audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability through the SoundMAX® audio utility with AudioESP™ software to deliver the ultimate audio experience on your PC. The software implements high quality audio synthesis/rendering, 3D sound positioning, and advanced voice-input technologies.
A. SoundMAX BlackHawk (AI Audio 2) If you are using Windows Vista™ operating system, from the taskbar, double-click on the SoundMAX® BlackHawk icon to display the SoundMAX® control panel. Enabling AI Audio 2 Click the power button to activate digital signal processing. AI Audio 2, with the new SoundMAX® BlackHawk by Sonic Focus, brings you more multimedia enjoyment.
Playback Settings To configure the playback settings, click the Playback button on the control panel. You can adjust the volume of the Speakers and SPDIF Interface or mute the audio. Preset settings Click and expand the drop-down menu to select your preferred Digital Signal Processing (DSP) preset. Move the sliders to customize the values of Voice Clarity, Dynamics, Brilliance, and Deep Bass of each preset. Click Save to save the changes to the current preset.
Recording Settings To change the recording settings, click the Recording button on the control panel. You can adjust the speaker delay of Microphone or Line In by moving the slider rightward or leftward. Record testing Click the tab to perform test recording and play the test sample through the speakers or the SPDIF interface. Port settings Click the tab to display the rear panel ports for Microphone or Line In.
Speakers Allows you to adjust the Speaker Trim and Speaker Delay. Bass Allows you to do the Bass management. Preferences Displays the preference options for this utility, version information, AudioESP, etc.
B. SoundMAX If you are using Windows XP operating system, from the taskbar, double-click on the SoundMAX® icon to display the SoundMAX® Control Panel. Audio Setup Wizard By clicking the icon from the SoundMAX® control panel, you can easily configure your audio settings. Simply follow the succeeding screen instructions and begin enjoying High Definition Audio.
Jack configuration This screen helps you configure your computer’s audio ports, depending on the audio devices you have installed. Adjust speaker volume This screen helps you adjust speaker volume. Click the Test button to hear the changes you have made. Adjust microphone volume This screen helps you adjust microphone volume. You will be asked to read pre-written text to allow the AudioWizard to adjust the volume as you speak.
Audio preferences Click the icon to go to the Preferences page. This page allows you to change various audio settings. General options Click the General tab to choose your playback and recording devices, enable/ disable the AudioESP™ feature, and enable/disable digital output. Listening Environment options Click the Listening Environment tab to set up your speaker, acoustic environment, and enable/disable the Virtual Theater Surround function.
Microphone options Click the Microphone tab allows you to optimize your microphone input settings.
5.3.4 ASUS PC Probe II PC Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects and alerts you of any problem with these components. PC Probe II senses fan rotations, CPU temperature, and system voltages, among others. Because PC Probe II is software-based, you can start monitoring your computer the moment you turn it on. With this utility, you are assured that your computer is always at a healthy operating condition.
Button Function Opens the Configuration window Opens the Report window Opens the Desktop Management Interface window Opens the Peripheral Component Interconnect window Opens the Windows Management Instrumentation window Opens the hard disk drive, memory, CPU usage window Shows/Hides the Preference section Minimizes the application Closes the application Sensor alert When a system sensor detects a problem, the main window right handle turns red, as the illustrations below show.
Hardware monitor panels The hardware monitor panels display the current value of a system sensor such as fan rotation, CPU temperature, and voltages. The hardware monitor panels come in two display modes: hexagonal (large) and rectangular (small). When you check the Enable Monitoring Panel option from the Preference section, the monitor panels appear on your computer’s desktop.
Monitoring sensor alert The monitor panel turns red when a component value exceeds or is lower than the threshold value. Refer to the illustrations below. Small display Large display WMI browser Click to display the WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation) browser. This browser displays various Windows® management information. Click an item from the left panel to display on the right panel. Click the plus sign (+) before WMI Information to display the available information.
PCI browser Click to display the PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) browser. This browser provides information on the PCI devices installed on your system. Click the plus sign (+) before the PCI Information item to display available information. Usage The Usage browser displays real-time information on the CPU, hard disk drive space, and memory usage. Click to display the Usage browser. CPU usage The CPU tab displays realtime CPU usage in line graph representation.
Memory usage The Memory tab shows both used and available physical memory. The pie chart at the bottom of the window represents the used (blue) and the available physical memory. Configuring PC Probe II Click to view and adjust the sensor threshold values. The Config window has two tabs: Sensor/Threshold and Preference. The Sensor/ Threshold tab enables you to activate the sensors or to adjust the sensor threshold values.
5.3.5 ASUS AI Suite ASUS AI Suite allows you to launch AI Gear 2, AI Booster 2, CPU Level Up, Q-Fan Plus, AI N.O.S., and AI Nap utilities easily. Installing AI Suite To install AI Suite on your computer: 1. 2. 3. Place the support DVD to the optical drive. The Drivers installation tab appears if your computer has an enabled Autorun feature. Click the Utilities tab, then click AI Suite. Follow the screen instructions to complete installation.
Other feature buttons Click on right corner of the main window to open the monitor window. Displays the CPU/ system temperature, CPU/memory/PCIE voltage, and CPU/ chassis fan speed Displays the FSB/CPU frequency Click on right corner of the expanded window to switch the temperature from degrees Centigrade to degrees Fahrenheit.
5.3.6 ASUS AI Gear 2 ASUS AI Gear 2 provides four system performance options that allows you to select the best performance setting for your computing needs. This easy-to-use utility adjusts the processor frequency and vCore voltage to minimize system noise and power consumption. After installing AI Suite from the bundled support DVD, you can launch AI Gear 2 by double-clicking the AI Suite icon on your Windows® taskbar and then click the AI Gear 2 button on the AI Suite main window.
5.3.7 ASUS AI Nap This feature allows you to minimize the power consumption of your computer whenever you are away. Enable this feature for minimum power consumption and a quieter system operation. After installing AI Suite from the bundled Support DVD, launch the utility by doubleclicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows® taskbar and click the AI Nap button on the AI Suite main window. Click Yes on the confirmation screen.
5.3.8 ASUS Q-Fan Plus The ASUS Q-Fan Plus feature allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU/chassis/optional/power fans for more efficient system operation. After installing AI Suite from the bundled Support DVD, launch the utility by doubleclicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows® taskbar and click the Q-Fan Plus button on the AI Suite main window. Click the Fan Name drop-down list button to display the fans and select a fan from the list.
5.3.9 ASUS AI Booster 2 The ASUS AI Booster 2 application allows you to overclock the CPU speed in WIndows® environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS. After installing AI Suite from the bundled Support DVD, launch the utility by doubleclicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows® taskbar and click the AI Booster 2 button on the AI Suite main window. The options on the taskbar allow you to apply the default settings or adjust system overclocking performance and CPU frequency/ratio.
5.3.10 CPU Level Up The CPU Level Up application allows you to overclock immediately with OC profile presets in WIndows® environment without the hassle of entering BIOS. This application provides comprehensive and detailed tuning to frequencies, voltagies, and even timings to create a real professional level of overclocking configurations.
5.4 RAID configurations The motherboard comes with the NVIDIA® nForce® 780a SLI™ Southbridge RAID controller that allows you to configure IDE and Serial ATA hard disk drives as RAID sets. 5.4.1 RAID definitions RAID 0 (Data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and write data in parallel, interleaved stacks. Two hard disks perform the same work as a single drive but at a sustained data transfer rate, double that of a single disk alone, thus improving data access and storage.
5.4.2 NVIDIA® RAID configurations The motherboard includes a high performance SATA RAID controller integrated in the NVIDIA® southbridge chipset. It supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5 and JBOD for six independent Serial ATA channels. Installing Serial ATA (SATA) hard disks The motherboard supports Ultra DMA 133/100/66 and Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal performance, install identical drives of the same model and capacity when creating a disk array.
Make sure to re-enter your NVRAID settings after the CMOS is cleared; otherwise, the system will not recognize your RAID setup. For detailed descriptions on the NVIDIA® RAID configuration, refer to the NVIDIA RAID User Guide found in your motherboard support DVD. Entering the NVIDIA® RAID utility To enter the NVIDIA® RAID utility: 1. 2. Boot up your computer. During POST, press to display the main menu of the utility.
Creating a RAID Volume To create a RAID volume: 1. From the NVIDIA® RAID utility Define a New Array menu, select RAID Mode then press . The following submenu appears. Use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID mode then press . 2. Press select the Striping Block then press .
NVIDIA RAID Utility Oct 5 2004 - Array List Boot Id Status Vendor Array Model Name No 4 Healthy NVIDIA MIRROR [Ctrl-X]Exit 6. [↑↓]Select [B]Set Boot XXX.XXG [N]New Array [ENTER]Detail A new set of navigation keys is displayed on the bottom of the screen. Press to save settings and exit. Rebuilding a RAID array To rebuild a RAID array: 1. From the Array List menu, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID array then press . The RAID Array details appear.
2. A new set of navigation keys is displayed on the bottom of the screen. Press to rebuild a RAID array. The following screen appears. Array 1 : NVIDIA MIRROR XXX.XXG - Select Disk Inside Array RAID Mode: Mirroring Striping Width: 1 Striping Block: 64K Adapt Channel M/S Index Disk Model Name Capacity 2 1 1 0 Master Master 0 1 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX.XXGB XXX.XXGB [↑↓] Select [F6] Back 3.
Deleting a RAID array To delete a RAID array: 1. From the Array List menu, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID array then press . The RAID Array details appear. Array 1 : NVIDIA MIRROR XXX.XXG - Array Detail RAID Mode: Mirroring Striping Width: 1 Adapt Channel M/S Index Disk Model Name Capacity 2 1 1 0 Master Master 0 1 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX.XXGB XXX.XXGB [R] Rebuild 2.
Clearing a disk data To clear disk data: 1. From the Array List menu, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID array then press . The RAID Array details appear. Array 1 : NVIDIA MIRROR XXX.XXG - Array Detail RAID Mode: Mirroring Striping Width: 1 Adapt Channel M/S Index Disk Model Name Capacity 2 1 1 0 Master Master 0 1 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX.XXGB XXX.XXGB [R] Rebuild 2.
5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk A floppy 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™ operating system, use either a floppy disk or a USB device with the RAID driver. 5.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS To create a RAID/SATA driver disk without entering the OS: 1. Boot your computer. 3. Set the optical drive as the primary boot device. 2. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
To install the RAID driver in Windows® Vista™: 1. 2. Insert the floppy disk/USB device with RAID driver into the floppy disk drive/USB port. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation. Due to chipset limitation, the Serial ATA ports supported by the NVIDIA chipset does not support Serial Optical Disk Drives (Serial ODD) under DOS.
5-44 Chapter 5: Software support
This chapter tells how to install SLI‑ready PCI Express graphics cards and how to use the SLI™ and Hybrid SLI® features.
Chapter summary 6.1 6.2 NVIDIA® SLI™ technology............................................................. 6-1 NVIDIA® Hybrid SLI® technology..................................................
6.1 NVIDIA® SLI™ technology The motherboard supports the NVIDIA® SLI™ (Scalable Link Interface) technology that allows you to install up to three identical PCI Express™ x16 graphics cards. Follow the installation procedures in this section. 6.1.1 • • • • Requirements In Dual SLI mode, you should have two identical SLI-ready graphics cards that are NVIDIA® certified. In 3-way SLI mode, you should have three identical SLI-ready graphics cards that are NVIDIA® certified.
6.1.2 Graphics card setup Installing three SLI-ready graphics cards • Install only identical SLI-ready graphics cards that are NVIDIA®-certified. Different types of graphics cards will not work together properly. • The following pictures are for reference only. The graphics cards and the motherboard layout may vary with models, but the installation steps remain the same. To install the graphics cards: 1. Prepare three graphics cards.
2. Insert the first graphics card into the PCIEX16_1 slot (blue), the second into the PCIEX16_2 slot (white), and the third into the PCIEX16_3 slot (blue). Make sure that the cards are properly seated on the slots. 3. Align and firmly insert the 3-way SLI bridge connector to the goldfingers on each graphics card. Make sure that the connector is firmly in place.
4. Connect auxiliary power source from the power supply to the three graphics cards separately. 5. Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to the graphics card/s. We recommend that you install an additional chassis fan for better thermal environment.
Installing two SLI-ready graphics cards 1. 2. 3. 4. Insert one graphics card into the PCIEX16_1 slot (blue) and the other into the PCIEX16_3 slot (blue). Make sure that the cards are properly seated on the slots. Align and insert the SLI connector to the goldfingers on each graphics card. Make sure that the connector is firmly in place. Connect auxiliary power source from the power supply to the two graphics cards separately. Connect a VGA or a DVI cable to the graphics card/s.
6.1.3 Installing the device drivers Refer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to install the device drivers. 6.1.4 • Make sure that your PCI Express graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA ® SLI™ technology. Download the latest driver from the NVIDIA website (www.nvidia.com). • If you want to create a 3-way SLI configuration, make sure you install the 3-way SLI driver under Windows® Vista OS. The NVIDIA 3-way SLI technology is supported by Windows® Vista only.
B2. From the Personalization window, select Display Settings. B3. From the Display Settings dialog box, click Advanced Settings. B4. Select the NVIDIA GeForce tab, and then click Start the NVIDIA Control Panel.
B5. The NVIDIA Control Panel window appears. Enabling SLI configuration When installing two graphics gards: From the NVIDIA Control Panel window, select Set SLI Configuration. Click Enable SLI and set the display for viewing SLI rendered content. When done, click Apply. When installing three graphics gards: 1. 2. From the NVIDIA Control Panel window, select Set SLI Configuration, and then click Enable 3-way NVIDIA SLI. When done, click Apply.
6.2 NVIDIA® Hybrid SLI® Technology The motherboard supports the NVIDIA® Hybrid SLI® technology that ������������� includes two primary features: GeForce® Boost and HybridPower™. GeForce® Boost enhances the performance of NVIDIA discrete Graphics Process Units (dGPU) when they work with the onboard motherboard GPU (mGPU). HybridPower™ unleashes the graphics performance of the dGPU and enables low-power operation when the performance of the dGPU is not needed.
6.2.2 Enabling GeForce® Boost and HybridPower™ • • Before enabling GeForce Boost and HybridPower, make sure that you have installed a dGPU recommended for GeForce Boost on your motherboard. Make sure that you have connected your display to the dGPU. Otherwise, the motherboard cannot detect your display and no image appears. To enable GeForce Boost 1.
To enable HybridPower 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Follow Step 1 to 7 on the previous page to complete the hardware and driver installation. If the driver is correctly installed, you will find the Hybrid SLI icon on the taskbar. The Hybrid SLI icon indicates that the system is in Performance mode and that rendering is being done by the dGPU. The mGPU is being used only to drive the display. Click the Hybrid SLI icon and select Save Power.
6-12 Chapter 6: NVIDIA® SLI™ technology support
The Appendix includes the debug code table for the LCD Poster.
Chapter summary A.1 A Debug Code Table.........................................................................
A.1 Debug code table Code CPU INIT DET CPU Description CPU Initiation Test CMOS R/W functionality. Early chipset initialization: -Disable shadow RAM CHIPINIT -Disable L2 cache -Program basic chipset registers Detect memory DET DRAM -Auto-detection of DRAM size, type and ECC. -Auto-detection of L2 cache Expand compressed BIOS code to DRAM DC FCODE EFSHADOW Call chipset hook to copy BIOS back to E000 & F000 shadow RAM. Initialize IO devices. INIT IO Initialize Hardware Monitor. INIT HWM 1.
8254TEST 8259MSK1 8259MSK2 8259TEST COUNTMEM MP INIT USB INIT TEST MEM SHOW MP PNP LOGO ONBD IO EN SETUP MSINSTAL CHK ACPI EN CACHE SET CHIP AUTO CFG INIT FDC DET IDE COM/LPT DET FPU CPU CHG EZ FLASH CPR FAIL FAN FAIL UCODEERR FLOPYERR KB ERROR HD ERR CMOS ERR MS ERROR SMARTERR HM ERROR AINETERR CASEOPEN PASSWORD A-2 Test 8254 Test 8259 interrupt mask bits for channel 1. Test 8259 interrupt mask bits for channel 2. Test 8259 functionality.
USB FINAL INIT ROM NUM LOCK UPDT DMI INT 19H Initialize PnP boot devices 1. USB final Initialization 2. NET PC: Build SYSID structure 3. Switch screen back to text mode 4. Set up ACPI table at top of memory. 5. Invoke ISA adapter ROMs 6. Assign IRQs to PCI devices 7. Initialize APM 8. Clear noise of IRQs. Initialize device option ROMs. 1. Program daylight saving 2. Update keyboard LED & typematic rate 1. Build MP table 2. Build & update ESCD 3. Set CMOS century to 20h or 19h 4.
A-4 Appendix: Debug Code Table
