ASUS Essentio Desktop PC CG8250 User Manual
E6196 First Edition November 2010 Copyright © 2010 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 Notices ............................................................................................................v Safety information.......................................................................................... vii Conventions used in this guide..................................................................... viii Where to find more information.................................................................... viii Package contents...............................................
Contents ASUS AI Manager........................................................................................ 6-7 Nero 9 ...................................................................................................... 6-10 Recovering your system.............................................................................6-11 Chapter 7 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting...........................................................................................
Notices REACH Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at ASUS REACH website at http://green.asus.com/english/REACH.htm Federal Communications Commission Statement This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
RF exposure warning This equipment must be installed and operated in accordance with provided instructions and the antenna(s) used for this transmitter must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. End-users and installers must be provide with antenna installation instructions and transmitter operating conditions for satisfying RF exposure compliance.
Safety information Disconnect the AC power and peripherals before cleaning. Wipe the Desktop PC using a clean cellulose sponge or chamois cloth dampened with solution of nonabrasive detergent and a few drops of warm water then remove any extra moisture with a dry cloth. • DO NOT place on uneven or unstable work surfaces. Seek servicing if the casing has been damaged. • DO NOT expose to dirty or dusty environments. DO NOT operate during a gas leak.
Conventions used in this guide To ensure 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.
Package contents ASUS Essentio Desktop PC Keyboard x1 Mouse x1 Power cord x1 Support DVD x1 Recovery DVD x1 Installation Guide Nero 9 burning software DVD x1 Installation Guide x1 Warranty card x1 • If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer. • The illustrated items above are for reference only. Actual product specifications may vary with different models.
Chapter 1 Getting started Welcome! Thank you for purchasing the ASUS Essentio CG8250 Desktop PC! The ASUS Essentio CG8250 Desktop PC provides cutting-edge performance, uncompromised reliability, and user-centric utilities. All these values are encapsulated in a stunningly futuristic and stylish system casing. Read the ASUS Warranty Card before setting up your ASUS Desktop PC. Getting to know your computer Illustrations are for reference only.
1. Power button. Press this button to turn on your computer. 2. Secure Digital™ / MultiMediaCard slot. Insert a Secure Digital™ card or MultiMediaCard into this slot. 3. CompactFlash® / Microdrive™ card slot. Insert your CompactFlash® / Microdrive™ card into this slot. 4. Memory Stick™ / Memory Stick Pro™ card slot. Insert your Memory Stick™ / Memory Stick Pro™ card into this slot. 5. Memory card reader LED.
1. Power connector. Plug the power cord to this connector. 2. Power switch. Switch to turn ON/OFF the power supply to your computer. 3. Air vents. These vents allow air ventilation. DO NOT block the air vents on the chassis. 4. PS/2 Keyboard / Mouse Combo port (purple/green). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard or mouse. 5. USB 2.0 ports. These Universal Serial Bus 2.0 (USB 2.0) ports connect to USB 2.0 devices such as a mouse, printer, scanner, camera, PDA, and others. 6. Optical S/PDIF_OUT port.
. Side Speaker Out port (gray). This port connects to the side speakers in an 8-channel audio configuration. 14. Rear Speaker Out port (black). This port connects to the rear speakers in a 4, 6, and 8-channel audio configuration. 15. Center/Subwoofer port (orange). This port connects to the center/subwoofer speakers. 16. Microphone port (pink). This port connects to a microphone. 17. Line Out port (lime). This port connects to a headphone or speaker.
Setting up your computer This section guides you through connecting the main hardware devices, such as the external monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cord, to your computer. Connecting an external monitor Using the ASUS Graphics Card (on selected models only) Connect your monitor to the display output port on the discrete ASUS Graphics Card. To connect an external monitor using the ASUS Graphics Card: 1. Connect a monitor to a display output port on the ASUS Graphics Card. 2.
Using the onboard display output ports Connect your monitor to the onboard display output port. To connect an external monitor using the onboard display output ports: 1. Connect a VGA monitor to the VGA port, or a DVI-D monitor to the DVI-D port, or an HDMI monitor to the HDMI port on the rear panel of your computer. 2. Plug the monitor to a power source. • If your computer comes with an ASUS Graphics Card, the graphics card is set as the primary display device in the BIOS.
Connecting a USB keyboard and a USB mouse Connect a USB keyboard and a USB mouse to the USB ports on the rear panel of your computer. Connecting the power cord Connect one end of the power cord to the power connector on the rear panel of your computer and the other end to a power source.
Turning your computer ON/OFF This section describes how to turn on/off your computer after setting up your computer. Turning your computer ON To turn your computer ON: 1. Turn your monitor ON. 2. Turn the power switch ON, then press the power button on your computer. Power button ON OFF 3. Wait until the operating system loads automatically. Turning your computer OFF To turn your computer OFF: 1-8 1. Close all running applications. 2. Click 3. Click on the Windows® 7 desktop.
Chapter 2 Using Windows® 7 Starting for the first time When you start your computer for the first time, a series of screens appear to guide you in configuring the basic settings of your Windows® 7 operating system. To start for the first time: 1. Turn your computer on. Wait for a few minutes until the Set Up Windows screen appears. 2. From dropdown list, select your language, then click Next. 3.
Using Windows® 7 desktop Click the Start icon > Help and Support to obtain more information about Windows® 7. Using the Start menu The Start menu gives you access to programs, utilities, and other useful items on your computer. It also provides you with more information about Windows 7 through its Help and Support feature. Launching items from the Start menu To launch items from the Start menu: 1. From the Windows® taskbar, click the Start icon . 2.
Pinning items on the jumplists When you right-click an icon on the taskbar, a jumplist launches to provide you with quickaccess to the program’s or item’s related links.You may pin items on the jumplist such as favorite websites, often-visited folders or drives, or recently played media files. To pin items to the jumplist: 1. From the taskbar, right-click an icon. 2. From the jumplist, right-click the item that you want to pin, then select Pin to this list.
Using the notification area By default, the notification area shows these three icons: Action Center notification Click this icon to display all the alert messages/notifications and launch the Windows® Action Center. Network connection This icon displays the connection status and signal strength of the wired or wireless network connection. Volume Click this icon to adjust the volume.
Exploring files and folders To explore files and folders: 1. Launch Windows® Explorer. 2. From the navigation or view pane, browse for the location of your data. 3. From the breadcrumb bar, click the arrow to display the contents of the drive or folder. Customizing the file/folder view To customize the file/folder view: 1. Launch Windows Explorer. 2. From the navigation pane, select the location of your data. 3. From the toolbar, click the View icon 4.
Adding a new folder To add a new folder: 1. Launch Windows Explorer. 2. From the toolbar, click New folder. 3. Key in a name for the new folder. You may also right-click anywhere on the View pane, click New > Folder. Backing up your files Setting up a backup To set up a backup: > All Programs > Maintenance > Backup and Restore. 1. Click 2. Click Set up backup. Click Next. 3. Select your backup destination. Click Next. 4.
Protecting your computer Using Windows® 7 Action Center Windows® 7 Action Center provides you with alert notifications, security information, system maintenance information, and the option to automatically troubleshoot and fix some common computer problems. You may customize the notifications. For more details, refer to the previous section Customizing icons and notifications in this chapter. Launching Windows® 7 Action Center To launch Windows® 7 Action Center: 1.
Setting up a user’s password To set up a user’s password: 1. Select the user that you would like to set a password. 2. Select Create a password. 3. Key in a password and confirm it. Key in your password’s hint. 4. When done, click Create password. Activating the anti-virus software Trend Micro Internet Security is pre-installed on your computer. It is a third-party anti-virus software protecting your computer from virus. It is purchased separately.
Chapter 3 Connecting devices to your computer Connecting a USB storage device This desktop PC provides USB 2.0/1.1 ports on both the front and rear panels. The USB ports allow you to connect USB devices such as storage devices. To connect a USB storage device: • Insert the USB storage device to your computer. Front panel Rear panel To remove a USB storage device: 1. Click from the Windows notification area on your computer, then click Eject USB2.0 FlashDisk. 2.
Connecting microphone and speakers This desktop PC comes with microphone ports and speaker ports on both the front and rear panels. The audio I/O ports located on the rear panel allow you to connect 2-channel, 4-channel, 6-channel, and 8-channel stereo speakers.
Connecting 4-channel Speakers Connecting 6-channel Speakers ASUS CG8250 3-3
Connecting 8-channel Speakers 3-4 Chapter 3: Connecting devices to your computer
Connecting multiple external displays Your desktop PC may come with VGA, HDMI, or DVI ports and allows you to connect multiple external displays. When a graphics card is installed in your computer, connect the monitors on the output ports of the graphics card. Setting up multiple displays When using multiple monitors, you are allowed to set display modes. You can use the additional monitor as a duplicate of your main display, or as an extension to enlarge your Windows desktop.
3. Turn on your computer. 4. Do any of the following to open the Screen Resolution setting screen: • Click > Control Panel > Appearance and Personalization > Display > Change display settings. • Right click anywhere on your Windows desktop. When the pop-up menu appears, click Personalize > Display > Change display settings. 5. Select the display mode from the Multiple displays: drop-down list.
Connecting an HDTV Connect a High Definition TV (HDTV) to the HDMI port of your computer. • You need an HDMI cable to connect the HDTV and the computer. The HDMI cable is purchased separately. • To get the best display performance, ensure that your HDMI cable is less than 15 meters.
Chapter 4 Using your computer Proper posture when using your Desktop PC When using your Desktop PC, maintaining the proper posture is necessary to prevent strain to your wrists, hands, and other joints or muscles. This section provides you with tips on avoiding physical discomfort and possible injury while using and fully enjoying your Desktop PC.
Using the memory card reader Digital cameras and other digital imaging devices use memory cards to store digital picture or media files. The built-in memory card reader on the front panel of your system allows you to read from and write to different memory card drives. 1 To use the memory card: 1. Insert the memory card into the card slot. • A memory card is keyed so that it fits in only one direction. DO NOT force a card into a slot to avoid damaging the card.
Using the optical drive 2 1 3 Inserting an optical disc To insert an optical disc: 1. While your system is on, press the eject button below the drive bay cover to open the tray. 2. Place the disc to the optical drive with the label side facing up. 3. Push the tray to close it. 4. Select a program from the AutoPlay window to access your files.
Using the multimedia keyboard (on selected models only) The keyboard varies with models. The illustrations on this section are for reference only. ASUS SK-2045 keyboard 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 1 2 19 ` 20 3 4 21 5 22 Keys 1. 2. Description Launches Windows® gadgets. Activates Windows® Flip 3D. Keys Description 12. Press to launch Microsoft® MSN or, if not installed, connects to the MSN download page. 13. Press to launch Windows® Search screen. 3.
ASUS-Razer Arctosa Gaming keyboard Keys Description 1. Plays or pauses playback in a media player. 2. Goes to the previous track in a media player. 4. Goes to the next track in a media player. 6. 7. 8. 2 3 4 5 6 Stops playback in a media player. 3. 5. 1 8 7 Decreases the system volume. Increases the system volume. Turns the volume’s mute mode on/off. Switches profiles working with F1 ~ F10 keys. • The special function keys work on Windows® XP / Vista / 7 operating systems.
BTC 6200C keyboard 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 ` Keys Description Keys 1. Enters into sleep mode. Press any key to wake up your computer and return to the previous working status. 8. 2. Returns to the last page you viewed. 9. Description Increases the system volume. Turns the volume’s mute mode on/off. 3. Goes to the next page you viewed before. 10. Goes to the previous track in a media player. 4. Launches the default homepage in Windows® Internet Explorer. 11.
ASUS PRIMAX/KB2621 keyboard Keys 1. 2. 3. Description 1 2 3 5 6 Decreases the system volume. Turns the volume’s mute mode on/off. Increases the system volume. 4. Goes to the previous track in a media player. 5. Plays or pauses playback in a media player. 6. Goes to the next track in a media player. 4 The special function keys only work on Windows® Vista / Windows® 7 operating systems.
Chapter 5 Connecting to the Internet Wired connection Use an RJ-45 cable to connect your computer to a DSL/cable modem or a local area network (LAN). Connecting via a DSL/cable modem To connect via a DSL/cable modem: 1. Set up your DSL/cable modem. Refer to the documentation that came with your DSL/cable modem. 2. Connect one end of an RJ-45 cable to the LAN (RJ-45) port on the rear panel of your computer and the other end to a DSL/cable modem. Modem RJ-45 cable 3.
Connecting via a local area network (LAN) To connect via a LAN: 1. Connect one end of an RJ-45 cable to the LAN (RJ-45) port on the rear panel of your computer and the other end to your LAN. RJ-45 cable 2. Turn on your computer. 3. Configure the necessary Internet connection settings. LAN Contact your network administrator for details or assistance in setting up your Internet connection.
Chapter 6 Using the Utilities The Support DVD and Recovery DVD may not be included in the package. You may use the Recovery Partition feature to create the Support DVD and Recovery DVD. For details, refer to Recovering your system in this chapter. ASUS AI Suite II ASUS AI Suite II is an all-in-one interface that integrates several ASUS utilities and allows users to launch and operate these utilities simultaneously. Installing AI Suite II To install AI Suite II: 1.
The Tool menu The Tool menu includes the EPU, Probe II, and Sensor Recorder panels. Launching EPU EPU is an energy-efficient tool that provides you with a total power-saving solution. It detects the current loading and intelligently adjusts the power usage in real-time. When you select the Auto mode, the system changes modes automatically according to the current system status. It allows you to customize each mode through configuring the settings such as CPU frequency, vCore Voltage, and Fan Control.
Launching and configuring Probe II Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects and alerts you of any problem with these components. Probe II senses fan rotations, CPU temperature, and system voltages, among others. With this utility, you are assured that your computer is always at a healthy operating condition. To launch Probe II: • Click� Tool > Probe II on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Launching and configuring Sensor Recorder Sensor Recorder allows you to monitor the changes in the system voltage, temperature, and fan speed, as well as recording the changes. To launch Sensor Recorder: • Click Tool > Sensor Recorder on the AI Suite II main menu bar. To configure Sensor Recorder: • Click the Voltage/Temperature/Fan Speed tabs and select the sensors that you want to monitor. • The History Record tab allows you to record the changes in the sensors that you enable.
The Monitor menu The Monitor menu includes the Sensor and CPU Frequency panels. Launching Sensor The Sensor panel ������������������������������������������������������������������������ displays the current value of a system sensor such as fan rotation, CPU temperature, and voltages. To launch Sensor: • Click Monitor > Sensor on the AI Suite II main menu bar.
Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file To update the BIOS through a BIOS file: 1. From the ASUS Update screen, select Update BIOS from file, then click Next. 2. Locate the BIOS file from the Open window, click Open, and click Next. 3. Click Yes if you want to change the boot logo, which is the image appearing on screen during the Power‑On Self-Tests (POST).������������������ Otherwise, click No. 4. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the update process.
ASUS AI Manager ASUS AI Manager is a utility which gives you quick and easy access to frequently-used applications. Installing AI Manager To install AI Manager: 1. Place the support DVD in the optical drive. If Autorun is enabled, the Drivers installation wizard appears. If Autorun is disabled, double-click the setup.exe file from the ASUS AI Manager folder in the support DVD. 2. Click the Utilities tab, then click ASUS AI Manager. 3. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation.
AI Disk AI Disk allows you to easily clear temporary IE files, IE cookies, IE URLs, IE history, or the Recycle Bin. Click the AI Disk icon on the quick bar to display the full AI Disk window and select the items you want to clear. Click Apply when done. AI Security AI Security enables you to set a password to secure your devices, such as USB flash disks and CD/DVD disks, from unauthorized access. To lock a device: 1. When using AI Security for the first time, you are asked to set a password.
To add an application: 1. Click Add, then locate the application you want to add to My Favorites. 2. Click Open on the file location window. The application is added to My Favorites list. Right click on the application icon to launch, delete, or rename the selected application. You can also double click to launch the selected application. Support Click any links on the Support window to go to the ASUS website, technical support website, download support website, or contact information.
Nero 9 Nero 9 allows you to create, copy, burn, edit, share, and update different kinds of data. Installing Nero 9 To install Nero 9: 1. Insert the Nero 9 DVD into your optical drive. 2. If Autorun is enabled, the main menu appears automatically. If Autorun is disabled, double-click the SeupX.exe file from the main directory of your Nero 9 DVD. 3. From the main menu, click Nero 9 Essentials. 4. Select the language you want to use for Installation Wizard. Click Next. 5. Click Next to continue. 6.
Recovering your system Using the Recovery Partition The Recovery Partition quickly restores your Desktop PC’s software to its original working state. Before using the Recovery Partition, copy your data files (such as Outlook PST files) to USB storage devices or to a network drive and make note of any customized configuration settings (such as network settings).
Using the Recovery DVD (on selected models) Prepare 1~3 blank writable DVDs as instructed to create the Recovery DVD. Remove the external hard disk drive before performing system recovery on your Desktop PC. According to Microsoft, you may lose important data because of setting up Windows on the wrong disk drive or formatting the incorrect drive partition. To use the Recovery DVD: 1. Insert the Recovery DVD into the optical drive. Your Desktop PC needs to be powered ON. 2.
Chapter 7 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting This chapter presents some problems you might encounter and the possible solutions. ? ? My computer cannot be powered on and the power LED on the front panel does not light up • Check if your computer is properly connected. • Check if the wall outlet is functioning. • Check if the Power Supply Unit is switched on. Refer to the section Turning your computer ON/OFF in Chapter 1. My computer hangs.
? ? ? ? No display on the monitor. • Check if the monitor is powered on. • Ensure that your monitor is properly connected to the video output port on your computer. • If your computer comes with a discrete graphics card, ensure that you connect your monitor to a video output port on the discrete graphics card. • Check if any of the pins on the monitor video connector is bent. If you discover bent pins, replace the monitor video connector cable.
? The picture on the HDTV is stretched. • It is caused by the different resolutions of your monitor and your HDTV. Adjust the screen resolution to fit your HDTV. To change the screen resolution: 1. Do any of the following to open the Screen Resolution setting screen: • Click > Control Panel > Appearance and Personalization > Display > Change display settings. • R ight click anywhere on your Windows desktop. When the pop-up menu appears, click Personalize > Display > Change display settings. 2.
Power Problem No power (The power indicator is off) Possible Cause Action Incorrect power voltage • S et your computer’s power voltage switch to your area’s power requirements. • Adjust the voltage settings. Ensure that the power cord is unplugged from the power outlet. Your computer is not turned on. Press the power key on the front panel to ensure that your computer is turned on. Your computer’s power cord is not properly connected. • E nsure that the power cord is properly connected.
LAN Problem Cannot access the Internet Possible Cause Action The LAN cable is not connected. Connect the LAN cable to your computer. LAN cable problems Ensure the LAN LED is on. If not, try another LAN cable. If it still does not work, contact the ASUS service center. Your computer is not properly connected to a router or hub. Ensure that your computer is properly connected to a router or hub. Network settings Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for the correct LAN settings.
System Problem System speed is too slow The system often hangs or freezes. 7-6 Possible Cause Action Too many programs are running. Close some of the programs. Computer virus attack • U se an anti-virus software to scan for viruses and repair your computer. • Reinstall the operating system. Hard disk drive failure • Send the damaged hard disk drive to ASUS Service Center for servicing. • Replace with a new hard disk drive.
CPU Problem Too noisy right after turning on the computer. Computer is too noisy when in use. Possible Cause Action Your computer is booting up. It is normal. The fan runs on its full speed when the computer is powering on. The fan slows down after entering the OS. The BIOS settings have been changed. Restore the BIOS to its default settings. Old BIOS version Update the BIOS to the latest version. Visit the ASUS Support site at http://support.asus.com to download the latest BIOS versions.
