®
A7N266-VM
User Guide
About this guide
This user manual contains complete information for installing the ASUS
A7N266-VM motherboard.
How this guide is organized
• Chapter 1: Product introduction. A summary of product features and
special attributes of new technologies.
• Chapter 2: Hardware information. A list of hardware setup procedures
and descriptions of all jumpers and connectors on the motherboard.
• Chapter 3: Powering up. Describes the power up sequence with
information on BIOS beep codes.
• Chapter 4: BIOS setup. How to change system settings using onboard
BIOS firmware. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are supplied.
• Chapter 5: Software support. A summary of contents on the
motherboard support CD ROM.
• Appendix and Glossary. Optional components and technical definitions.
• Index
Conventions used in this guide
To make sure that you perform set-up tasks properly, take note of the following
symbols used throughout this manual.
WARNING! Information to prevent injury to yourself.
CAUTION! Information to prevent damage to the components.
IMPORTANT! Information that you MUST follow to complete a task.
NOTE! Tips and helpful information.
iii
Contents
About this guide .......................................................................................... iii
How this guide is organized ............................................................... iii
Conventions used in this guide .......................................................... iii
Safety information ...................................................................................... vi
FCC/CDC statements................................................................................. vii
ASUS contact information ......................................................................... viii
Chapter 1: Product introduction ............................................. 1
Welcome! .................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Package contents.............................................................................. 1
1.2 Core Specifications ........................................................................... 2
1.3 Special Features ............................................................................... 3
1.4 Motherboard Components................................................................. 4
1.4.1
Component Locations ......................................................... 5
Chapter 2: Hardware information ............................................ 7
2.1 Motherboard installation .................................................................... 7
2.1.1
2.1.2
Placement direction ............................................................. 7
Screw holes......................................................................... 7
2.2 Layout contents ................................................................................. 9
2.3 Before you proceed ......................................................................... 10
2.4 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ........................................................ 11
2.4.1
2.4.2
Overview ........................................................................... 11
Installing the CPU .............................................................. 12
2.5 System memory .............................................................................. 13
2.5.1
2.5.2
2.5.3
Overview ........................................................................... 13
Memory configurations ...................................................... 14
Installing a DIMM............................................................... 14
2.6 Expansion slots ............................................................................... 15
2.6.1
2.6.2
2.6.3
2.6.4
Installing an expansion card .............................................. 15
Configuring an expansion card .......................................... 16
PCI slots ............................................................................ 17
AGP slot ............................................................................ 18
2.7 Jumpers .......................................................................................... 19
2.8 Connectors...................................................................................... 23
Chapter 3: Powering up ......................................................... 33
3.1 Starting up for the first time.............................................................. 33
3.2 Powering off the computer............................................................... 34
Chapter 4: BIOS setup ........................................................... 35
4.1 Managing and Updating Your BIOS ................................................. 35
iv
Contents
4.1.1
4.1.2
Upon First Use of the Computer System ........................... 35
Updating BIOS Procedures ............................................... 37
4.2 BIOS Setup Program ...................................................................... 39
4.2.1
4.2.2
BIOS Menu Bar ................................................................. 40
Legend Bar........................................................................ 40
4.3 Main Menu ...................................................................................... 42
4.3.1
4.3.2
Primary & Secondary Master/Slave ................................... 43
Keyboard Features ............................................................ 47
4.4 Advanced Menu .............................................................................. 49
4.4.1 Summary of Warning Messages ......................................... 51
4.4.2
4.4.3
4.4.4
4.4.5
Chip Configuration ............................................................. 52
I/O Device Configuration ................................................... 54
PCI Configuration .............................................................. 56
Shadow Configuration ....................................................... 58
4.5 Power Menu .................................................................................... 59
4.5.1
4.5.2
Power Up Control .............................................................. 61
Hardware Monitor .............................................................. 62
4.6 Boot Menu....................................................................................... 63
4.7 Exit Menu ........................................................................................ 65
Chapter 5: Software support ................................................. 67
5.1 Install an operating system .............................................................. 67
5.2 Support CD information ................................................................... 67
5.3 A7N266-VM Motherboard Support CD ............................................ 68
5.3.1
5.3.2
5.3.3
5.3.4
5.3.5
5.3.6
Installation Menu ............................................................... 68
Installation Procedure ........................................................ 69
Installation of PCI Drivers: Win98 ...................................... 70
Installation of Audio Codec Drivers: Win98 ........................ 71
Installation of NVIDIA MCP MAC Driver: Win98 ................. 72
Installation of NVIDIA GeForce2 GPU Driver: Win98 ......... 72
5.4 ASUS PC Probe .............................................................................. 73
5.5 ASUS Live Update .......................................................................... 78
5.6 3Deep Color Tuner .......................................................................... 79
5.7 CyberLink PowerPlayer SE ............................................................. 81
5.8 CyberLink VideoLive Mail ................................................................ 83
Chapter 6: Appendix ............................................................... 85
6.1 Glossary .......................................................................................... 85
6.2 Troubleshooting............................................................................... 89
Index ........................................................................................ 91
v
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. Disconnect all power cables from the existing system before
you add a device.
• Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure
that all power cables are unplugged.
• Seek professional assistance before using an adpater or extension cord.
These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.
• Make sure that your power supply is set to the voltage available in your
area.
• If the power supply is broken, contact a qualified service technician or your
retailer.
Operational safety
• Before installing the motherboard and adding new devices, carefully read
all the manuals that came with the package.
• Before use ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power cables
are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact the dealer immediately.
• To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from
connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.
• Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product
in any area where it may become wet.
• Mount the motherboard inside a standard PC enclosure.
• If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified
service technician or the dealer.
vi
FCC/CDC statements
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This device complies with FCC Rules Part 15. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference, and
• This device must accept any interference received including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the
graphics card is required to assure compliance with FCC regulations.
Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to
operate this equipment.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise
emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference
Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
vii
ASUS contact information
ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (Asia-Pacific)
Marketing
Address:
Telephone:
Fax:
150 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 112
+886-2-2894-3447
+886-2-2894-3449
Email:
Technical Support
Tel (English):
Tel (Chinese):
Fax:
+886-2-2890-7123
+886-2-2890-7113
+886-2-2890-7698
Email:
Newsgroup:
WWW:
cscnews.asus.com.tw
www.asus.com.tw
FTP:
ftp.asus.com.tw/pub/ASUS
ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)
Marketing
Address:
6737 Mowry Avenue, Mowry Business Center, Building 2
Newark, CA 94560, USA
Fax:
+1-510-608-4555
Email:
Technical Support
Fax:
+1-510-608-4555
BBS:
Email:
WWW:
FTP:
+1-510-739-3774
www.asus.com
ftp.asus.com/pub/ASUS
ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Europe)
Marketing
Address:
Fax:
Harkortstr. 25, 40880 Ratingen, BRD, Germany
+49-2102-442066
Email:
[email protected] (for marketing requests only)
Technical Support
Hotline:
MB/Others: +49-2102-9599-0
Notebook: +49-2102-9599-10
+49-2102-9599-11
Fax:
Support (Email):
WWW:
www.asuscom.de/de/support (for online support)
www.asuscom.de
FTP:
ftp.asuscom.de/pub/ASUSCOM
viii
Chapter 1
Product introduction
ASUS A7N266-VM motherboard
Welcome!
Thank you for buying the ASUS A7N266-VM motherboard!
®
The A7N266-VM is powered by AMD® Athlon™, Athlon™ XP and Duron™
processors and supplies advanced features to ensure long-lasting, superlative
®
performance. The ASUS A7N266-VM motherboard is the prime choice for
home PCs and workstations.
~ Up to 1GB of system memory of the latest DDR RAM
~ High-resolution graphics via an AGP 4X slot
~ Digital Audio Interface for 3D sound
~ Onboard LAN PHY for instant networking (Optional)
~ Four USB ports plus one header for two more
~ UltraDMA100 data rates
The A7N266-VM is the perfect vehicle to get ahead in the world of power
computing!
1.1 Package contents
Check your A7N266-VM package for the following items.
ASUS A7N266-VM motherboard (MicroATX form factor: 9.6 in x 9.6 in)
ASUS A7N266-VM support CD
ASUS 2-port USB module
40-conductor IDE cable
Ribbon cable for a 3.5-inch floppy drive
COM 2 bracket
I/O shield (LAN model only)
Bag of extra jumper caps
User Guide
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
ASUS A7N266-VM motherboard user guide
1
1.2 Core Specifications
The A7N266-VM motherboard is designed and assembled according to the
highest standards. This ASUS motherboard represents the latest advances
and offers users the finest componentry available today...
AMD® Athlon™/ Athlon™ XP and Duron™ Socket A (462) Processor
North Bridge Chipset: the nVidia® 220D GeForce MX Integrated GPU/
North Bridge controller chipset. The controller supports a 64bit DDR
memory controller and up to 1 GB of 266/200MHz DDR SDRAM memory.
The 64bit memory controller provides a exceptional 2.1 GB/second system
memory bandwidth.
South Bridge Chipset: Features the brand new nVidia® nForce™
MCP-D integrated peripheral South Bridge controller operates at 800MB/
sec to communicate with the North Bridge for maximum bandwith required
for PCI, USB and support for Fast Ethernet devices. The chipset has an
integratedAPU (Audio Processing Unit) for Dolby™ digital encoding. The
controller supports standard UltraDMA/100/66/33 for burst mode data
transfer rates of up to 100MB/sec. Separate data paths for each IDE
channel are built-in for up to four IDE devices. The controller supports
six USB ports and is PCI rev 2.2 compliant. The MCP supplies an LPC
1.0 interface along withAT legacy functions, a clock synthesizer and meets
ACPI 1.0 and PCI Power Management 1.1 specifications.
PC2100 / PC1600 DDR Support: Equipped with two Double Data Rate Dual
Inline Memory Module (DDR DIMM) sockets to support up to 1GB of DDR
DRAM, the newest memory standard with the highest bandwidth and
lowest latency currently available. This new memory technology increases
performance by executing two actions per clock cycle, resulting in data
transfer rates of up to 2.1 GB/s for 133MHz DDR SDRAM and 1.6GB/s
for 100MHz DDR SDRAM.
UltraDMA/100 Support: Comes with an onboard PCI Bus Master IDE
controller with two connectors that support four IDE devices on two
channels. Supports UltraDMA100/66/33, PIO Modes 3 & 4, Bus Master
IDE DMA Mode 2, and Enhanced IDE devices, such as DVD-ROM, CD-
ROM, CD-R/RW, LS-120, and Tape Backup drives.
Multi-I/O Chipset: Offers complete support for a variety of I/O functions.
Provides two high-speed UART compatible serial ports and one parallel
port with EPP and ECP capabilities. UART2 can also be directed from
COM2 to the Infrared Module for wireless connections. The Super I/O
controller supports a floppy disk drive, PS/2 keyboard, and PS/2 mouse.
Connections: Parallel Port, PS/2 mouse Port, PS/2 keyboard, 2 USB ports,
Microphone, Line In Jack, Line Out Jack, Standard ATX power.
2
Chapter 1: Product introduction
Expansion: One AGP 4X, four USB ports, three PCI slots, S/PDIF digital
audio connector, front audio panel connector, infrared port.
1.3 Special Features
Temperature, Fan and Voltage Monitoring: CPU temperature is monitored
by ASUS ASIC through a thermal sensor mounted under the CPU. The
sensor signals the computer to prevent overheating and damage. The
CPU and system fans can be monitored for RPM and failure. System
voltage levels are monitored to ensure stable current to critical
motherboard components.
ACPI Ready: Advanced Configuration Power Interface (ACPI) provides more
Energy Saving Features for operating systems that support OS Direct
Power Management (OSPM).
Concurrent PCI: Concurrent PCI allows multiple PCI transfers from PCI
master busses to the memory and processor.
Auto Fan Off: The system fans powers off automatically even in sleep mode.
Dual Function Power Button: Push the power button for less than 4 seconds
when the system is operating places the system into sleep or soft-off
modes; press the power button for more than 4 seconds, and the system
enters the soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS setting.
Dolby™ Integrated Audio
nVidia® GeForce2 MX™ Integrated VGA technology
ASUS A7N266-VM motherboard user guide
3
1.4 Motherboard Components
Before installing theA7N266-VM motherboard, take time to familiarize yourself
with its configuration: understanding the motherboard makes upgrading easy.
Sufficient knowledge of specifications prevents accidental damage.
Location
Processor Support Socket A for AMD® Athlon™ and Duron™ Processors ....... 1
Chipsets nVidia® 220D North Bridge .............................................. 2
Realtek 8201L PHY controller ........................................ 3
2Mbit Programmable Flash EEPROM .......................... 13
Multi-I/O controller ......................................................... 15
Main Memory Maximum 1GB support
2 DDR DIMM Sockets ..................................................... 4
Expansion Slots 3 PCI Slots .................................................................... 16
1 Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) 4X Slot .................. 20
System I/O 2 IDE Connectors (UltraDMA100/66 Support) ................ 7
1 Floppy Disk Drive Connector ....................................... 8
1 System Panel Connector ............................................. 9
USB Headers (Ports 2/3, 4/5) ....................................... 11
1 COM2 Header ............................................................ 14
1 PS/2 Mouse Connector .................................(green) 21
1 PS/2 Keyboard Connector .......................... (purple) 31
1 Parallel Port ................................................................ 23
1 Serial Ports (COM1) ................................................... 29
USB Connectors (Ports 0/1).......................................... 30
Hardware Monitoring System Voltage Monitor (integrated in ASUS ASIC) ..... 10
Special Feature Onboard LED .................................................................. 6
Audio Features (on audio models only)
Audio Connectors.......................................................... 19
2-CH Audio Controller .................................................. 18
1 ASUS Front Audio Panel Connector .......................... 17
1 Line Out Connector ......................................... (lime) 27
1 Line In Connector ................................... (light blue) 26
1 Microphone Connector .................................... (pink) 25
Power ATX Power Supply Connector ......................................... 5
Form Factor Micro-ATX
NOTE: Software driver support for the 6-CH audio system is available
for downloading at the ASUS website: www.asus.com
4
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.4.1 Component Locations
1
2
3
4
5 6 7
20
19
18
17
16
15
22
14
13 12
11
10 9 8
21
23
24
31
30
29
28
27 26 25
ASUS A7N266-VM motherboard user guide
5
Chapter 2
Hardware information
ASUS A7N266-VM motherboard
2.1 Motherboard installation
The A7N266-VM uses the Micro-ATX form factor, measuring 24.5 cm
(9.6 in.) x 24.5 cm (9.6 in.) - a standard fit for most large chassis.
WARNING! Unplug the power cord before installing the motherboard.
Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard
components.
2.1.1 Placement direction
When installing the motherboard, take care to orient the chassis correctly:
The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis. Refer to the
image below. It may be more convenient to install major cables, the CPU
and modular components before fixing the motherboard inside the case frame.
2.1.2 Screw holes
Place eight (8) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the
motherboard to the chassis.
CAUTION! Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so may damage the
motherboard.
Place this side towards
the rear of the chassis
ASUS A7N266-VM motherboard user guide
7
24.5cm (9.64in)
USBPWR01
KBPWR1
A7N266-VM
PS/2
T: Mouse
B: Keyboard
Socket 462
Bottom:
USB1
USB2
Top:
RJ-45
COM1
CPU_FAN
CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
CLRTC
PLED
VGA
nVidia
220D
Chipset
Line
Out
Line
In
®
Mic
In
BSEL0
BSEL1
0
1
2
3
Accelerated Graphics Port
(AGP)
CD_IN1 AUDIO_COM1
nVidia
PCI 1
PCI 2
Audio
MCP-D
Codec
Chipset
ASUS
ASIC
with Hardware
Monitor
AAPANEL1
BUZZER
USB23
USBPWR23
USBPWR45
SMB
IR
PANEL
PCI 3
2Mb
BIOS
Super
I/O
USB45
COM2
SPDIF1
Optional components are grayed in the above motherboard layout.
8
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.2 Layout contents
CPU, Memory and Expansion Slots
1) Socket 462
2) DIMM 1/2
3) PCI 1/2/3
4) AGP 4x
p. 12 CPU Support
p. 14 System Memory Support
p. 18 32-bit PCI Bus Expansion Slots
p. 18 Accelerated Graphics Slot
Motherboard Settings (Switches and Jumpers)
1) BSEL0, BSEL1
2) KBPWR
p. 19 CPU:DRAM Frequency Setting (Various)
p. 20 Keyboard Wake Up (+5V / +5VSB)
3) USBPWR_01,_23,_45 p. 21 USB Device Wake-up (Disable/Enable)
4) CLRTC
p. 22 Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC)
Connectors
1) PS2KBMS
2) PS2KBMS
3) USB
p. 23 PS/2 Mouse Port (6 pin female)
p. 23 PS/2 Keyboard Port (6 pin female)
p. 24 Universal Serial Bus Ports 0, 1 (Two x 4 pin female)
p. 24 Serial Ports (One 9-pin, One 10-1 pin)
p. 25 Monitor Output Connector (Blue 15-pin)
p. 25 Parallel Port (25 pin female)
4) COM1 / COM2
5) VGA
6) PRINTER
7) GAME_AUDIO
8) AUDIO
p. 25 Game/MIDI Ports (Gold 15-pin) (Optional)
p. 26 Audio Connectors (Three 1/8” AUDIO) (Optional)
p. 26 IDE Activity LED (Two 40-1 pin)
9) IDELED
10) FLOPPY
p. 27 Floppy Disk Drive Connector (34-1 pin)
11) PRIMARY / SEC. IDE p. 27 IDE Connectors (Two 40-1 pin)
12) CPU_FAN
p. 28 CPU Fan Connector (3 pin)
13) AAPANEL
p. 28 ASUS Front Panel Audio Connector (10 pin)
p. 29 ATX Power Supply Connector (20 pin)
p. 29 SMBus Connector (6-1 pin)
14) ATXPWR
15) SMB
16) CD_IN1, AUX
17) SPDIF1
p. 30 Internal Audio Connectors (Two 4 pin) (Optional)
p. 30 Digital Audio Interfaces (4-1 pin SPDIF1) (Optional)
p. 31 USB Headers (Two 10-1 pin)
18) USB_23, _45
18) IR
p. 31 Infrared module connector (Two 5-1 pin)
p. 32 System Power LED Lead (3-1 pin)
p. 32 Keyboard Lock Switch Lead (2 pin)
p. 32 System Warning Speaker Lead (4 pin )
p. 32 System Message LED Lead (2 pin)
p. 32 System Management Interrupt Lead (2 pin)
p. 32 ATX Power Switch / Soft-Off Switch Lead (2 pin)
p. 32 Reset Switch Lead (2 pin)
20) PWR_LED (Panel)
21) KEYLOCK (Panel)
22) SPEAKER (Panel)
23) LED (Panel)
24) SMI (Panel)
25) PWR (Panel)
26) RESET (Panel)
ASUS A7N266-VM motherboard user guide
9
2.3 Before you proceed
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard
components or change any motherboard settings.
CAUTION!
1. Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any
component.
2. Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or to a
metal object, such as the power supply case, before handling
components to avoid damaging them due to static electricity.
3. Hold components by the edges and do not to touch the ICs on them.
4. Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded
antistatic pad or in the bag that came with the component.
5. Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the
ATX power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached
from the power supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage
to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or components.
NOTE! When lit, the onboard LED indicates that the system is ON, in
sleep mode or in soft-off mode, not powered OFF. See the illustration
below.
A7N266-VM
PLED
®
ON
OFF
Standby
Power
Powered
Off
A7N266-VM Onboard LED
10
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.4 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
2.4.1 Overview
The motherboard provides a Socket A (462) for CPU installation. AMD
processors offer gigahertz speeds to support all the latest computing platforms
and applications. The A7N266-VM supports Athlon™ XP processors with
“QuantiSpeed” data processing, large data caches, 3D enhancements and
266Mhz bus speeds.
A7N266-VM
CPU NOTCH
TO INNER
CORNER
LOCK
®
LEVER
CPU NOTCH
AMD™ CPU
A7N266-VM Socket 462
EachAMD CPU has a “marked” corner. This corner is usually indicated with
a notch, and/or a golden square or triangle. Refer to this indicator while
orienting the CPU. See the next page for installation details.
A fan and heatsink should be attached to the CPU to prevent overheating.
ASUS A7N266-VM motherboard user guide
11
2.4.2 Installing the CPU
Follow these steps to install a CPU:
1. Locate the Socket 462 and open it by
pulling the lever gently sideways away
from the socket. Then lift the lever
upwards. The socket lever must be fully
opened (90 to 100 degrees).
2. Insert the CPU with the correct
orientation. The notched or golden
corner of the CPU must be oriented
toward the inner corner of the socket
base nearest to the lever hinge.
CAUTION! The CPU should drop easily into place. Do not force the
CPU into the socket to avoid bending the pins. If the CPU does not fit,
check its alignment and look for bent pins.
4. Once completely inserted, press the CPU firmly and close the socket
lever until it snaps shut.
5. Place the CPU fan and heatsink on the CPU. The heatsink should entirely
cover the CPU. Carefully attach the heatsink locking brace to the plastic
clips on the socket base. With the added weight of the CPU fan and
heatsink locking brace, no extra force is required to keep the CPU in
place
CAUTION! Take care not to scrape the motherboard surface when
mounting a clamp-style processor fan, or else damage may occur. When
mounting a heatsink onto your CPU, make sure that exposed CPU
capacitors do not touch the heatsink, or damage may occur!
NOTE! Do not neglect to set the correct Bus Frequency and leave the
CPU Multiple setting at default to avoid start-up problems.
12
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.5 System memory
2.5.1 Overview
This motherboard uses only Double Data Rate (DDR) Synchronous Dynamic
Random Access Memory (SDRAM) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMMs).
These sockets support up to 1GB system memory using non-ECC PC200/
266 DIMMs.
Each DIMM socket/module is two-sided: each side defines one “row” of
memory. DIMMs come in combinations of single or double-sided types
ranging through 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB
to form a total memory size of 64MB to 1GB.
~ Two (2) sockets are available for both 266MHz-PC2100 or 200MHz-PC1600
DDR DIMMs to form a memory size of 64MB to 1GB.
A7N266-VM
104 Pins
®
80 Pins
A7N266-VM 184-Pin DDR
DIMM Sockets
CAUTION! DIMMs are keyed to fit into notches with only one direction.
DO NOT force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM.
•
•
DIMMs with more than 18 chips are not supported.
ASUS motherboards support SPD (Serial Presence Detect)DIMMs.
This is the memory of choice for best performance vs. stability
BIOS shows DDR SDRAM memory on bootup screen.
•
ASUS A7N266-VM motherboard user guide
13
2.5.2 Memory configurations
Install DIMMs in any of the following combinations.
DIMM Location
184-pin DIMM (DDR)
Total Memory
Socket 1 (Rows 0&1) 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB
Socket 2 (Rows 2&3) 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB
Total system memory (Max. 1GB)
x1
x1
=
2.5.3 Installing a DIMM
CAUTION! Make sure to unplug the power supply before adding or
removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so may cause
severe damage to both the motherboard and the components.
Installing a DIMM:
1. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward.
2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notches on the DIMM exactly
match the notches in the socket.
3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the socket until the retaining clips snap back
in place.
Unlocked Retaining Clip Locked Retaining Clip
14
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.6 Expansion slots
The motherboard has three PCI slots and one Accelerated Graphics Port
(AGP) slot.. The following sub-sections describe the slots and the expansion
cards that they support.
WARNING! Unplug your power supply when adding or removing
expansion cards or other system components. Failure to do so may cause
you physical injury and damage motherboard components.
2.6.1 Installing an expansion card
Follow these steps to install an expansion
card.
1. Before installing the expansion card, read
the documentation that came with it and
make the necessary hardware settings.
2. Remove the system unit cover (if your
motherboard is already installed in a
chassis).
3. Remove the bracket opposite the PCI slot.
Keep the screw for later use.
4. Align the card connector with the slot and
press firmly until the card is completely
seated on the slot.
5. Secure the card to the chassis with the
screw you removed earlier.
6. Replace the system cover.
7. Set up the BIOS if necessary.
8. Install the necessary software drivers for your expansion card.
ASUS A7N266-VM motherboard user guide
15
2.6.2 Configuring an expansion card
Some expansion cards need an IRQ to operate. Generally, an IRQ must be
exclusively assigned to one function at a time. In a standard design
configuration, 16 IRQs are available but most are already in use. Normally,
6 IRQs are free for expansion cards. If the motherboard has PCI audio
onboard, an additional IRQ will be used. If your motherboard also has MIDI
enabled, another IRQ will be used, leaving 4 IRQs free. Sometimes IRQs
are “shared” by more than one function; in this case, IRQ assignments are
swapped automatically or adjusted through the BIOS firmware.
IMPORTANT! When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the
drivers support “Share IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ
assignments. Otherwise, conflicts will arise between the three PCI groups,
making the system unstable and the card inoperative.
Standard Interrupt Assignments
IRQ
0
1
Priority
Standard Function
System Timer
Keyboard Controller
1
2
2
3*
4*
5*
6
7*
8
9*
10*
11*
12*
13
14*
15*
N/A
11
12
13
14
15
3
4
5
6
7
Programmable Interrupt
Communications Port (COM2)
Communications Port (COM1)
Sound Card (sometimes LPT2)
Floppy Disk Controller
Printer Port (LPT1)
System CMOS/Real Time Clock
ACPI Mode when used
IRQ Holder for PCI Steering
IRQ Holder for PCI Steering
PS/2 Compatible Mouse Port
Numeric Data Processor
Primary IDE Channel
8
9
10
Secondary IDE Channel
*These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices.
16
Chapter 2: Hardware information
Interrupt Request Table for this Motherboard
INT-A INT-B INT-C INT-D INT-E INT-F INT-G INT-H INT-I
PCI slot 1
PCI slot 2
PCI slot 3
Onboard USB0 —
Onboard USB1 —
Onboard Audio —
Onboard Modem—
used
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
used
—
—
—
—
used
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
used
—
— shared
— shared
used
—
—
—
—
—
—
used —
2.6.3 PCI slots
Three 32-bit PCI slots are available on this motherboard. The slots support
PCI cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that
comply with PCI specifications.
This figure shows a typical PCI card installed into a slot:
ASUS A7N266-VM motherboard user guide
17
2.6.4 AGP slot
This motherboard provides an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP 4X) slot to
support AGP graphics cards. Take note of the notches on the card golden
fingers to ensure that they fit the AGP slot on your motherboard. Below is an
example of a +1.5V AGP card.
A7N266-VM
®
Keyed for 1.5v
A7N266-VM Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)
CAUTION! To avoid damaging yourAGP graphics card, your computer’s
power supply should be unplugged before inserting your graphics card
into the slot.
18
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.7 Jumpers
The jumpers on the motherboard allow you to change some feature
settings to suit your customized system configuration.
1) CPU:DRAM Frequency Setting (BSEL0, BSEL1)
This jumper sets the external CPU:DRAM frequency ratio for normal
operation. The default operates at 133:133 Mhz.
CPU DRAM
133 133
100 100
133 100
100 133
BSEL0
[1-2] (Default)
[1-2]
[2-3]
[2-3]
BSEL1
[1-2] (Default)
[2-3]
[1-2]
[2-3]
A7N266-VM
3 2 1
3 2 1
BSEL0
BSEL1
BSEL0
BSEL1
DRAM 133MHz
CPU 100MHz
DRAM 100MHz
CPU 133MHz
®
3 2 1
3 2 1
BSEL0
BSEL1
BSEL0
BSEL1
DRAM 100MHz
CPU 100MHz
DRAM 133MHz
CPU 133MHz
(Default)
A7N266-VM CPU
External Frequency Selection
ASUS A7N266-VM motherboard user guide
19
2) Keyboard Wake Up (3 pin KBPWR1)
This allows you to disable or enable the keyboard power up function. Retain
the default setting of [1-2] to use your keyboard by pressing <Spacebar> to
power up your computer. This feature requires an ATX power supply that
can supply at least 720mA on the +5VSB lead. (The computer will not power
ON if you set to [1-2] but do not have the correct ATX power supply.)
A7N266-VM
KBPWR1
1 2
2 3
+5V
+5VSB
(Default)
®
A7N266-VM Keyboard Power Setting
NOTE! This jumper must be set in conjunction with Wake On PS2 KB/
PS2 Mouse in 4.5.1 Power Up Control.
20
Chapter 2: Hardware information
3) USB Device Wake-up (2x3 pin USBPWR01, 23, 45)
Set these jumpers to +5V to allow wake up from the S1 sleep state (CPU
stopped; RAM refreshed; system running in low power mode) using the
connected USB devices. Set to +5VSB to allow wake up from S3 sleep state
(no power to CPU; RAM in slow refresh; power supply in reduced power
mode). The default setting for the three jumpers is 1-2 to select +5V (because
not all computers have the appropriate power supply).
The USBPWR01 jumper activates the rear panel USB ports. The USBPWR23
jumper activates the internal header, USB23
A7N266-VM
USBPWR01
1 2
2 3
+5V
+5VSB
(Default)
®
USBPWR45
USBPWR23
1 2
2 3
+5V
(Default)
+5VSB
A7N266-VM USB Device Wake Up
NOTE! This feature requires an ATX power supply that can supply at
least 2A on the +5VSB lead when these jumpers are set to +5VSB.
Otherwise, the system does not power up. The total current consumed
must NOT exceed the power supply capability (+5VSB) whether under
normal working conditions or in sleep mode.
ASUS A7N266-VM motherboard user guide
21
5) Clear RTC RAM (CLR_CMOS)
This jumper clears the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM of date, time, and system
setup parameters in CMOS. The RAM data in CMOS is powered by the
onboard button cell battery.
To erase the RTC RAM:
1.
2.
3.
Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.
Remove the battery.
Short the solder points momentarily with a paper clip or other
delicate metal instrument.
4.
5.
6.
Re-install the battery.
Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.
Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS
setup to re-enter data.
A7N266-VM
CLRTC
1 2
2 3
®
Normal
Clear CMOS
(Default)
A7N266-VM Clear RTC RAM
22
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.8 Connectors
This section describes and illustrates the internal connectors on the
motherboard.
WARNING! Some pins are used for connectors or power sources. These
are clearly distinguished from jumpers in the Motherboard Layout. Placing
jumper caps over these connector pins will cause damage to your
motherboard.
IMPORTANT! Ribbon cables should always be connected with the red
stripe to Pin 1 in the connector scoket.
1) PS/2 Mouse Port (Green 6-pin PS2KBMS)
The system automatically directs IRQ12 to the PS/2 mouse if one is detected.
If no mouse is detected, IRQ12 become available to expansion cards. See
PS/2 Mouse Function Control in 4.4 Advanced Menu.
PS/2 Mouse (6-pin female)
2) PS/2 Keyboard Port (Purple 6-pin PS2KBMS)
This connection is for a standard keyboard using an PS/2 plug (mini DIN).
This connector does not allow standard AT size (large DIN) keyboard plugs.
You may use a DIN to mini DIN adapter on standard AT keyboards.
PS/2 Keyboard (6-pin female)
ASUS A7N266-VM motherboard user guide
23
3) Universal Serial Bus Ports 0 and 1 (Black two x 4-pin USB)
Two USB ports are available for connecting USB devices.
Universal Serial Bus (USB)
4) Serial Ports (Teal/Turquoise, One 9-pin COM1, One 10-1 pin COM2)
One serial port can be used for pointing devices or other serial devices. The
other is available as an onboard header. To enable these ports, see Onboard
Serial Port 1 / Onboard Serial Port 2 in 4.4.2 I/O Device Configuration
for the settings.
COM 1
Serial Port (9-pin male)
A7N266-VM
COM2
PIN 1
®
A7N266-VM Serial COM2 Bracket
24
Chapter 2: Hardware information
5) Monitor Output Connector (Blue 15-pin VGA)
This connector supports output to a VGA compatible screen device.
VGA Monitor (15-pin female)
6) Parallel Port (Burgundy 25-pin PRINTER)
You can enable the parallel port and choose the IRQ through Onboard
Parallel Port (see 4.4.2 I/O Device Configuration).
NOTE! Serial printers must be connected to the serial port.
Parallel (Printer) Port (25-pin female)
7) Game/MIDI Ports (Gold 15-pin GAME_AUDIO) (Optional)
This connector supports a joystick or a game pad for playing games, and
MIDI devices for playing or editing audio files.
Joystick/MIDI (15-pin female)
ASUS A7N266-VM motherboard user guide
25
8) Audio Connectors (Three 1/8” AUDIO) (Optional)
The Line Out (lime) connects a headphone or speakers. The Line In (light
blue) connects a tape players or other audio sources. The Mic (pink) connects
a microphone.
NOTE! The functions of the audio connectors Line Out, Line In, and Mic
change when the 6-channel audio feature is enabled. Software driver
support for 6-channel audio is available at the Asus website:
www.asus.com
Line Out Line In Mic
1/8" Stereo Audio Connectors
9) IDE Activity LED (2-pin IDELED)
This connector supplies power to the cabinet’s IDE activity LED. Read and
write activity by devices connected to the Primary or Secondary IDE
connectors cause the IDE LED to light up.
A7N266-VM
IDELED
®
TIP: If the case-mounted LED does not
light, try reversing the 2-pin plug.
A7N266-VM IDE Activity LED
26
Chapter 2: Hardware information
10)Floppy Disk Drive Connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)
This connector supports the provided floppy drive ribbon cable. After
connecting the single end to the board, connect the two plugs on the other
end to the floppy drives. (Pin 5 is removed to prevent inserting in the
wrong orientation when using ribbon cables with pin 5 plugged).
A7N266-VM
®
NOTE: Orient the red markings on
the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1
PIN 1
A7N266-VM Floppy Disk Drive Connector
11) Primary (Blue) / Secondary (Black) IDE Connectors
(40-1 pin PRIMARY IDE and SECONDARY IDE)
The Primary and Secondary IDE connectors support the IDE hard disk ribbon
cables supplied with the motherboard. Connect the cable’s blue connector
to the motherboard’s primary IDE connector (recommended) or the secondary
IDE connector. Connect the opposite end of the cable to your UltraDMA100/
66 device (hard disk drive). If a second hard disk drive is connected,
youmay reset its jumper to Slave or Master/Slave mode. Non-UltraDMA100/
66 devices should be connected to the secondary IDE connector. BIOS
supports specific device bootup (see 4.6 Boot Menu.)
IMPORTANT! UltraDMA100 IDE devices require a 40-pin 80-conductor
cable and RAID arrays only operate with such cables.
A7N266-VM
NOTE: Orient the red markings
(usually zigzag) on the IDE
ribbon cable to PIN 1.
®
PIN 1
A7N266-VM IDE Connectors
ASUS A7N266-VM motherboard user guide
27
12) CPU Fan Connector (3 pin CPU_FAN)
Three fan connectors support cooling fans of 350mA (4.2 Watts) or less.
Orient the fans so that airflow flows across the onboard heat sinks instead of
expansion slots. The fan wiring and plug vary depending on the type
employed. Connect the fan cable to the connector, ensuring that the black
wire matches the ground pin. (Use the “Rotation” signal only with a specially
designed fan with a rotation signal. You can monitor the Rotations Per Minute
(RPM) using ASUS PC Probe (see 6. SOFTWARE REFERENCE).
WARNING! Make sure to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors.
Lack of sufficient airflow within the system could cause damage to the
motherboard. These are not jumpers, do not place jumper caps over
these connectors!
A7N266-VM
CPU_FAN
GND
+12V
Rotation
®
A7N266-VM 12-Volt Cooling Fan Power
13) ASUS Front Panel Audio Connector (10 pin AAPANEL)
This connector supports an optional front audio panel. Attach the Front Panel
audio cable to the AAPANEL connector for audio control.
A7N266-VM
AAPANEL1
MIC
MICPWR
LineOut_FR
NC
AGND
NC
LineOut_RR
®
LineOut_FL
LineOut_RL
A7N266-VM Audio Panel Connector
28
Chapter 2: Hardware information
14) Power Supply Connectors (20 pin block ATXPWR)
This connector supports an ATX 12V power supply. The plug from the power
supply fits in only one orientation. Push down firmly ensuring that the pins
are aligned.
IMPORTANT! Make sure that the ATX 12V power supply offers at least
10mA on the +5-volt standby lead (+5VSB). The system may become
unstable and may experience difficulty powering up if the power supply
is inadequate. For Wake-On-LAN support, the ATX power supply must
supply at least 720mA +5VSB.
A7N266-VM
ATXPWR
+3.3VDC
-12.0VDC
COM
+3.3VDC
+3.3VDC
COM
PS_ON#
COM
+5.0VDC
COM
®
COM
COM
+5.0VDC
COM
-5.0VDC
+5.0VDC
+5.0VDC
PWR_OK
+5VSB
+12.0VDC
A7N266-VM ATX Power Connector
15) SMBus Connector (6-1 pin SMB)
This connector supports SMBus (System Management Bus) devices. SMBus
devices communicate by means of the SMBus with an SMBus host and/or
other SMBus devices. SMBus is a multi-device bus that permits multiple
chips to connect to the same bus and enable each one to act as a master by
initiating data transfer.
A7N266-VM
SMB
®
1
A7N266-VM SMBus Connector
ASUS A7N266-VM motherboard user guide
29
16) Internal Audio Connectors (Two x 4 pin CD_IN1, AUX) (Optional)
These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources
as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card.
A7N266-VM
CD_IN1 AUX
(Black) (White)
®
Right Audio Channel
Ground
Left Audio Channel
A7N266-VM Internal Audio Connectors
17) Digital Audio Interfaces (4-1pin SPDIF1) (Optional)
These connectors supply an SPDIF audio cable that outputs digital audio.
A7N266-VM
SPDIF1
®
A7N266-VM Digital Audio Connector
30
Chapter 2: Hardware information
18) USB Headers (10-1 pin USB23, USB45)
If the USB port connectors on the back panel are inadequate, two USB
headers are available for four additional USB port connectors. Connect a 2-
port USB connector set to a USB header and mount the USB bracket to an
open slot in the chassis. (The USB connector set is optional and does not
come with the motherboard package.)
A7N266-VM
USB45
USB23
1
5
1
6
5
®
6
10
10
A7N266-VM Front Panel USB Headers
19) Infrared module connector (5-1 pin IR)
This connector supports an optional wireless transmitting and receiving
infrared module. This module mounts to a small opening on system chassis
that support this feature. You must also configure the UART2 Use As
parameter in BIOS to set UART2 for use with IR. See section “4.4.2 I/O
Device Configuration” for details.
Use the five pins as shown in Back View and connect a ribbon cable from the
module to the motherboard SIR connector according to the pin definitions.
A7N266-VM
Front View
Back View
IR
1
®
+5V
(NC)
IRTX
GND
IRRX
A7N266-VM Infrared Module Connector
ASUS A7N266-VM motherboard user guide
31
The following 20-pin PANEL illustration is for items 20-26.
A7N266-VM
Keyboard Lock
Power LED
Speaker
Connector
®
Reset SW
Message LED
SMI Lead
ATX Power
Switch*
Requires an ATX power supply.
A7N266-VM System Panel Connectors*
20) System Power LED Lead (3-1 pin PWR_LED)
This 3-1 pin connector supplies the system power LED. The LED lights up
when the system power is on, and the LED blinks when the system is in
sleep or soft-off mode.
21) Keyboard Lock Switch Lead (2 pin KEYLOCK)
This 2-pin connector supplies the case-mounted key switch for keyboard
locking.
22) System Warning Speaker Lead (4 pin SPEAKER)
This 4-pin connector supplies the case-mounted speaker to sound system
beeps and warnings.
23) System Message LED Lead (2 pin LED)
This 2-pin connector supports the system message LED to indicate receipt
of messages from a fax/modem. The normal status for this LED is ON,
when there is no incoming data signal. The LED blinks when data is received.
The system message LED feature requires an ACPI OS and driver support.
24) System Management Interrupt Lead (2 pin SMI)
This 2-pin connector permits switching to suspend mode, or “Green” mode,
in which system activity is instantly decreased to save power and to expand
the life of certain system components. Attach the case-mounted suspend
switch this 2-pin connector.
25) ATX Power Switch / Soft-Off Switch Lead (2 pin PWR)
The system power is controlled by a momentary switch attached to this
connector. Pressing the button switches the system between ON and SLEEP,
or ON and SOFT OFF, depending on the BIOS or OS settings. Pressing the
button while in the ON mode for more than 4 seconds turns the system off.
26) Reset Switch Lead (2 pin RESET)
This 2-pin connector supports the case-mounted reset switch for rebooting
the system without turning off the power switch.
32
Chapter 2: Hardware information
Chapter 3
Powering up
ASUS A7N266-VM motherboard
3.1 Starting up for the first time
1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover.
2. Be sure that all switches are off.
3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the
system chassis.
4. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge
protector.
5. Turn on the devices in the following order:
a. Monitor
b. External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain)
c. System power (if you are using an ATX power supply, you need to
switch on the power supply as well as press the ATX power switch
on the front of the chassis).
6. After applying power, the power LED on the system front panel case
lights up. For ATX power supplies, the system LED lights up when you
press the ATX power switch. If your monitor complies with “green”
standards or if it has a “power standby” feature, the monitor LED may
light up or switch between orange and green after the system LED
turns on. The system then runs the power-on tests. While the tests are
running, the BIOS beeps or additional messages appear on the
screen. If you do not see anything within 30 seconds from the time you
turned on the power, the system may have failed a power-on test.
Check the jumper settings and connections or call your retailer for
assistance.
Award BIOS Beep Codes
Beep
Meaning
One short beep when
displaying logo
No error during POST
Long beeps in an endless loop
No DRAM installed or detected
One long beep followed by
three short beeps
Video card not found or video card
memory bad
High frequency beeps when
system is working
CPU overheated;
System running at a lower frequency
7. At power on, hold down <Delete> to enter BIOS Setup. Follow the
instructions in Chapter 4.
ASUS A7N266-VM motherboard user guide
33
3.2 Powering off the computer
You must first exit the operating system and shut down the system before
switching off the power. For ATX power supplies, you can press the ATX
power switch after exiting or shutting down the operating system. If you
use Windows 95/98/2000/XP, click the Start button, click Shut Down, then
click the OK button to shut down the computer. The power supply should
turn off after Windows shuts down.
The message “You can now safely turn off your computer” does not
appear when shutting down with ATX power supplies.
34
Chapter 3: Powering up
Chapter 4
BIOS setup
ASUS A7N266-VM motherboard
4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS
4.1.1 Using the computer system for the first time
It is recommended that you save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS
along with a Flash Memory Writer utility (AFLASH.EXE) to a bootable floppy
disk in case you need to reinstall the BIOS later. AFLASH.EXE is a Flash
Memory Writer utility that updates the BIOS by uploading a new BIOS file to
the programmable flash ROM on the motherboard. This file works only in
DOS mode. To determine the BIOS version of your motherboard, check the
last four numbers of the code displayed on the upper left-hand corner of your
screen during bootup. Larger numbers represent a newer BIOS file.
1. Type FORMAT A:/S at the DOS prompt to create a bootable system disk.
DO NOT copy AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS to the disk.
2. Type COPY D:\AFLASH\AFLASH.EXE A:\ (assuming D is your CD-ROM
drive) to copy AFLASH.EXE to the boot disk you created.
NOTE! AFLASH works only in DOS mode. It does not work in the DOS
prompt within Windows, and does not work with certain memory drivers
that may be loaded when you boot from the hard drive. It is recommended
that you reboot using a floppy disk.
3. Reboot the computer from the floppy disk.
NOTE! BIOS setup must specify “Floppy” as the first item in the boot
sequence.
4. In DOS mode, type A:\AFLASH <Enter> to run AFLASH.
IMPORTANT! If the word “unknown” appears after Flash Memory:, the
memory chip is either not programmable or is not supported by the ACPI
BIOS and therefore, cannot be programmed by the Flash Memory Writer
utility.
ASUS A7N266-VM motherboard user guide
35
5. Select 1. Save Current BIOS to File from the Main menu and press
<Enter>. The Save Current BIOS To File screen appears.
6. Type a filename and the path, for example, A:\XXX-XX.XXX, then
press <Enter>.
36
Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
4.1.2 Updating BIOS procedures
CAUTION! Update the BIOS only if you have problems with the
motherboard and you are sure that the new BIOS revision will solve your
problems. Careless updating may result to more problems with the
motherboard!
1. FTP) (see ASUS CONTACT INFORMATION on page x for details) and
save to the boot floppy disk you created earlier.
2. Boot from the floppy disk.
3. At the “A:\” prompt, type AFLASH and then press <Enter>.
4. At the Main Menu, type 2 then press <Enter>. The Update BIOS Including
Boot Block and ESCD screen appears.
5. Type the filename of your new BIOS and the path, for example, A:\XXX-
XX.XXX, then press <Enter>.
To cancel this operation, press <Enter>.
6. When prompted to confirm the BIOS update, press Y to start the
update.
ASUS A7N266-VM motherboard user guide
37
7. The utility starts to program the new BIOS information into the Flash
ROM. The boot block is updated automatically only when necessary.
This minimizes the possibility of boot problems in case of update failures.
When the programming is done, the message “Flashed Successfully”
appears.
8. Follow the onscreen instructions to continue.
WARNING! If you encounter problems while updating the new BIOS,
DO NOT turn off the system because this may cause boot problems.
Just repeat the process, and if the problem persists, load the original
BIOS file you saved to the boot disk. If the Flash Memory Writer utility is
not able to successfully update a complete BIOS file, the system may not
boot. If this happens, call the ASUS service center for support.
38
Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
4.2 BIOS Setup program
This motherboard supports a programmable EEPROM 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.
Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you may want to
change the configuration of your computer in the future. For example, you
may want to enable the security password feature or make changes to the
power management settings. This requires you to reconfigure your system
using the BIOS Setup program so that the computer can recognize these
changes and record them in the CMOS RAM of the EEPROM.
The EEPROM on the motherboard stores the Setup utility. When you start
up the computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this
program. Press <Delete> during the Power-On Self Test (POST) to enter the
Setup utility, otherwise, POST continues with its test routines.
If you wish to enter Setup after POST, restart the system by pressing <Ctrl>
+ <Alt> + <Delete>, or by pressing the reset button on the system chassis.
You can also restart by turning the system off and then back on. Do this last
option only if the first two failed.
The Setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. It is a
menu-driven program, which means you can scroll through the various sub-
menus and make your selections among the predetermined choices.
NOTE! Because the BIOS software is constantly being updated, the
following BIOS setup screens and descriptions are for reference purposes
only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.
ASUS A7N266-VM motherboard user guide
39
4.2.1 BIOS menu bar
The top of the screen has a menu bar with the following selections:
MAIN
Use this menu to make changes to the basic system
configuration.
ADVANCED Use this menu to enable and make changes to the
advanced features.
POWER
BOOT
EXIT
Use this menu to configure and enable Power Management
features.
Use this menu to configure the default system device used
to locate and load the Operating System.
Use this menu to exit the current menu or to exit the Setup
program.
To access the menu bar items, press the right or left arrow key on the keyboard
until the desired item is highlighted.
4.2.2 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.
Navigation Key(s)
<F1> or <Alt + H>
Function Description
Displays the General Help screen from any-
where in the BIOS Setup
<Esc>
Jumps to the Exit menu or returns to the main
menu from a sub-menu
Left or Right arrow
Up or Down arrow
- (minus key)
Selects the menu item to the left or right
Moves the highlight up or down between fields
Scrolls backward through the values for the
highlighted field
+ (plus key) or spacebar Scrolls forward through the values for the high-
lighted field
<Enter>
Brings up a selection menu for the highlighted
field
<Home> or <PgUp>
<End> or <PgDn>
<F5>
Moves the cursor to the first field
Moves the cursor to the last field
Resets the current screen to its Setup Defaults
Saves changes and exits Setup
<F10>
40
Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
General help
In addition to the Item Specific Help window, the BIOS setup program also
provides a General Help screen. You may launch this screen from any menu
by simply pressing <F1> or the <Alt> + <H> combination. The General Help
screen lists the legend keys and their corresponding functions.
Saving changes and exiting the Setup program
See “4.7 Exit Menu” for detailed information on saving changes and exiting
the setup program.
Scroll bar
When a scroll bar appears to the right of a help window, it indicates that
there is more information to be displayed that will not fit in the window. Use
<PgUp> and <PgDn> or the up and down arrow keys to scroll through the
entire help document. Press <Home> to display the first page, press <End>
to go to the last page. To exit the help window, press <Enter> or <Esc>.
Sub-menu
Note that a right pointer symbol (as shown on
the left) appears to the left of certain fields. This
pointer indicates that you can display a sub-
menu from this field. A sub-menu contains
additional options for a field parameter. To
display a sub-menu, move the highlight to the
field and press <Enter>. The sub-menu appears.
Use the legend keys to enter values and move
from field to field within a sub-menu as you would
within a menu. Use the <Esc> key to return to
the main menu. Take some time to familiarize
yourself with the legend keys and their
corresponding functions. Practice navigating through the various menus and
sub-menus. If you accidentally make unwanted changes to any of the fields,
use the set default hot key <F5> to load the Setup default values. While
moving around through the Setup program, note that explanations appear in
the Item Specific Help window located to the right of each menu. This window
displays the help text for the currently highlighted field.
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4.3 Main Menu
When you enter the Setup program, the following screen appears.
System Time [XX:XX:XX]
Sets the system to the time that you specify (usually the current time). The
format is hour, minute, second. Valid values for hour, minute and second are
Hour: (00 to 23), Minute: (00 to 59), Second: (00 to 59). Use the <Tab> or
<Shift> + <Tab> keys to move between the hour, minute, and second fields.
System Date [XX/XX/XXXX]
Sets the system to the date that you specify (usually the current date). The
format is month, day, year. Valid values for month, day, and year are Month:
(1 to 12), Day: (1 to 31), Year: (up to 2084). Use the <Tab> or <Shift> +
<Tab> keys to move between the month, day, and year fields.
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]
Sets the type of floppy drive installed. Configuration options: [None] [360K,
5.25 in.] [1.2M , 5.25 in.] [720K , 3.5 in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.] [2.88M, 3.5 in.]
Floppy 3 Mode Support [Disabled]
This is required to support older Japanese floppy drives. The Floppy 3 Mode
feature allows reading and writing of 1.2MB (as opposed to 1.44MB) on a
3.5-inch diskette. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
4.3.1 Primary and Secondary Master/Slave
Type [Auto]
Select [Auto] to automatically detect an IDE hard disk drive. If automatic
detection is successful, Setup automatically fills in the correct values for the
remaining fields on this sub-menu. If automatic detection fails, this may be
because the hard disk drive is too old or too new. If the hard disk was already
formatted on an older system, Setup may detect incorrect parameters. In
these cases, select [User Type HDD] to manually enter the IDE hard disk
drive parameters. Refer to the next section for details.
CAUTION! 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.
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[User Type HDD]
Manually enter the number of cylinders, heads and sectors per track for the
drive. Refer to the drive documentation or on the drive label for this information.
NOTE! 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.
If no drive is installed or if you are removing a drive and not replacing it,
select [None].
Other options for the Type field are:
[CD-ROM] - for IDE CD-ROM drives
[LS-120] - for LS-120 compatible floppy disk drives
[ZIP] - for ZIP-compatible disk drives
[MO] - for IDE magneto optical disk drives
[Other ATAPI Device] - for IDE devices not listed here
After making your selections on this sub-menu, press the <Esc> key to return
to the Main menu. When the Main menu appears, the hard disk drive field
displays the size for the hard disk drive that you configured.
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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
Translation Method [LBA]
Select the hard disk drive type in this field. When Logical Block Addressing
(LBA) is enabled, the 28-bit addressing of the hard drive is used without
regard for cylinders, heads, or sectors. Note that LBA Mode is necessary for
drives with more than 504MB storage capacity. Configuration options: [LBA]
[LARGE] [Normal] [Match Partition Table] [Manual]
Cylinders
This field configures the number of cylinders. Refer to the drive documentation
to determine the correct value. To make changes to this field, set the Type
field to [User Type HDD] and the Translation Method field to [Manual].
Head
This field configures the number of read/write heads. Refer to the drive
documentation to determine the correct value. To make changes to this field,
set the Type field to [User Type HDD] and the Translation Method field to
[Manual].
Sector
This field configures the number of sectors per track. Refer to the drive
documentation to determine the correct value. To make changes to this field,
set the Type field to [User Type HDD] and the Translation Method field to
[Manual].
CHS Capacity
This field shows the drive’s maximum CHS capacity as calculated by the
BIOS based on the drive information you entered.
Maximum LBA Capacity
This field shows the drive’s maximum LBA capacity as calculated by the
BIOS based on the drive information you entered.
Multi-Sector Transfers [Maximum]
This option automatically sets the number of sectors per block to the highest
number that the drive supports. Note that when this field is automatically
configured, the set value may not always be the fastest value for the drive.
You may also manually configure this field. Refer to the documentation that
came with the hard drive to determine the optimum value and set it manually.
To make changes to this field, set the Type field to [User Type HDD].
Configuration options: [Disabled] [2 Sectors] [4 Sectors] [8 Sectors] [16
Sectors] [32 Sectors] [Maximum]
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SMART Monitoring [Disabled]
This field allows you to enable or disable the S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring,
Analysis and Reporting Technology) system that utilizes internal hard disk
drive monitoring technology. This parameter is normally disabled because
the resources used in the SMART monitoring feature may decrease system
performance. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
PIO Mode [4]
This option lets you set a PIO (Programmed Input/Output) mode for the IDE
device. Modes 0 through 4 provide successive increase in performance.
Configuration options: [0] [1] [2] [3] [4]
Ultra DMA Mode [Disabled]
Ultra DMA capability allows improved transfer speeds and data integrity for
compatible IDE devices. Set to [Disabled] to suppress Ultra DMA capability.
To make changes to this field, set the Type field to [User Type HDD].
Configuration options: [0] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [Disabled]
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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
4.3.2 Keyboard Features
Boot Up NumLock Status [On]
This field enables users to activate the Number Lock function upon system
boot. Configuration options: [Off] [On]
Keyboard Auto-Repeat Rate [12/Sec]
This controls the speed at which the system registers repeated keystrokes.
Options range from 6 to 30 characters per second. Configuration options: [6/
Sec] [8/Sec] [10/Sec] [12/Sec] [15/Sec] [20/Sec] [24/Sec] [30/Sec]
Keyboard Auto-Repeat Delay [1/4 Sec]
This field sets the time interval for displaying the first and second characters.
Configuration options: [1/4 Sec] [1/2 Sec] [3/4 Sec] [1 Sec]
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Language [English]
This field displays the BIOS language version.
Supervisor Password [Disabled] / User Password [Disabled]
These fields allow you to set passwords. To set a password, highlight the
appropriate field and press <Enter>. Type in a password then press <Enter>.
You can type up to eight alphanumeric characters. Symbols and other
characters are ignored. To confirm the password, type the password again
and press <Enter>. The password is now set to [Enabled]. This password
allows full access to the BIOS Setup menus. To clear the password, highlight
this field and press <Enter>. The same dialog box as above appears. Press
<Enter>. The password is set to [Disabled].
A note about passwords
The BIOS Setup program allows you to specify passwords in the Main
menu. The passwords control access to the BIOS during system startup.
Passwords are not case sensitive, meaning, passwords typed in either
uppercase or lowercase letters are accepted. The BIOS Setup program
allows you to specify two different passwords: a Supervisor password
and a User password. If you did not set a Supervisor password, anyone
can access the BIOS Setup program. If you did, the Supervisor password
is required to enter the BIOS Setup program and to gain full access to
the configuration fields.
Forgot the password?
If you forget your password, you can clear it by erasing the CMOS Real
Time Clock (RTC) RAM. The RAM data containing the password
information is powered by the onboard button cell battery. See section
“2.7Switches and jumpers” for information on how to erase the R TC
RAM.
Halt On [All Errors]
This field specifies the types of errors that will cause the system to halt.
Configuration options: [All Errors] [No Error] [All but Keyboard] [All but Disk]
[All but Disk/Keyboard]
Installed Memory [XXX MB]
This field automatically displays the amount of conventional memory detected
by the system during the boot process.
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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
4.4 Advanced Menu
CPU Speed
This field displays the internal frequency of your CPU.
CPU/PCI Frequency (MHz) [100/33]
This feature tells the clock generator which frequency to send to the system
bus and PCI bus. The bus frequency (external frequency) multiplied by the
bus multiple equals the CPU speed. Increasing the ratio will increase the
CPU Speed. The range may not be modified in BIOS, but only changes
according to BSEL jumper settings.
CPU/Memory Frequency Ratio [Auto]
This field determines whether the memory clock frequency is set to be in
synchronous or asynchronous mode with respect to the memory frequency.
The options that appear in the popup menu vary according to the status of
the CPU/PCI Frequency (MHz) field. The range may not be modified in
BIOS, but only changes according to BSEL jumper settings.
CPU Level 1 Cache, CPU Level 2 Cache [Enabled]
These fields allow you to choose from the default of [Enabled] or choose
[Disabled] to turn on or off the CPU Level 1 and Level 2 built-in cache.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
CPU Level 2 Cache ECC Check [Enabled]
This function controls the ECC capability in the CPU level 2 cache.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
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CPU Fast Decode [Disabled]
This field functions as a supplemntary speed enhancement device for
streamlining CPU calculations. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
BIOS Update [Enabled]
This field functions as an update loader integrated into the BIOS to supply
the processor with the required data. When set to [Enabled], the BIOS loads
the update on all processors during system bootup. Configuration options:
[Disabled] [Enabled]
PS/2 Mouse Function Control [Auto]
The default setting [Auto] allows the system to detect a PS/2 mouse at
startup. If a mouse is detected, the BIOS assigns IRQ12 to the PS/2
mouse. Otherwise, IRQ12 can be used for expansion cards. When you set
this field to [Enabled], BIOS always reserves IRQ12, whether or not a PS/2
mouse is detected at startup. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Auto]
USB Legacy Devices Support [Disabled]
This motherboard supports Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices. The default
of [Disabled] allows the system to detect a USB device at startup. The other
two fields [Primary] and [Secondary] are used to activate which ports are
activated: USB01 and USB23 or USB45. Users should select [Disabled] or
[Primary] to activate a USB-type keyboard connection to a new system.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Primary] [Secondary] [USB Floppy Zip]
OS/2 Onboard Memory > 64M [Disabled]
When using OS/2 operating systems with installed DRAM of greater than
64MB, you need to set this option to [Enabled]. Otherwise, leave to the default
setting [Disabled]. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
4.4.1 Summary of Warning Messages
(Jumperless Operation only)
The system may crash or hang up due to conflicts between settings and
CPU compatibility: checksum errors, improper frequency settings, change
of CPU and improper CPU speed settings. The system starts up in safe
mode running at a bus speed of 100MHz and enters the BIOS Setup. Each
time a system hangup occurs, BIOS interrupts the bootup process with a
specific warning message. These messages always appear on the right
side of the BIOS screen in red print:
1. Cause for Hangup: Checksum Error Warning
“The CMOS checksum is incorrect. Please reload the cmos default
value.” To solve this problem, clear the CMOS RTC memory (see pages
22 and 59) and then reenter the default values in the BIOS Exit menu
and restart the system.
2. Cause for Hangup: Improper System Frequency
“Last time you failed to change the frequency of the system. It may place
the system into an unstable state. Now the system is in safe mode at the
slowest CPU speed. Please set the system frequency again.” To solve
this problem, a slower frequency is more likely to obtain stable start-ups.
CPU Upgrade/Reinstallation
To ensure that the system can enter BIOS Setup after replacing the processor,
the system starts up running at a bus speed of 100MHz and a fail-safe CPU
internal frequency. Then it automatically enters the Advanced menu with a
popup display of all the possible CPU internal frequencies for the particular
CPU presently installed:
3. Cause for Hangup: Improper CPU Speed 1
“During the last bootup, your system hung for an improper CPU Speed
setting. Your system is now working in safe mode. To optimize the system
performance and stability, make sure the CPU speed conforms to the
specifications of your CPU.”
4. Cause for Hangup: Improper CPU Speed 2
“Since you are using a new CPU or have reinstalled your CPU, the system
boots up at the slowest CPU bus frequency to make sure the system can
enter setup menu. Now, you can adjust the CPU speed as you wish. If
the speed is adjusted too high, the system may hang. Please turn off the
system and then restart to set the CPU speed.”
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4.4.2 Chip Configuration
(Scroll down to view all items on the menu.)
SDRAM Configuration [By SPD]
This sets the optimal timing. The default setting is [By SPD], which
automatically configures the timing by reading the contents in the SPD (Serial
Presence Detect) device. The EEPROM on the memory module stores critical
parameter information about the module, such as memory type, size, speed,
voltage interface, and module banks. Configuration options: [User Defined]
[By SPD]
NOTE: The subfield below only be used if the SDRAM Configuration can
be changed to [User Defined].
SDRAM CAS Delay [Auto (Normal)]
Sets the latency between the SDRAM active command and the read/
write command. Configuration options: [Auto (Normal)] [2.0T (Normal)]
[2.5T (Normal)] [Auto (TURBO)] [2.0T (TURBO)] [2.5T (TURBO)]
Clock Spread Spectrum Mode [Center Spread]
Not available in this model. Configuration options: [Center Spread] [Spread
Down] [Disabled]
VGA Shared Memory Size [32MB]
This feature sets the size of mapped memory for VGA monitor data.
Configuration options: [8MB] [16MB] [32MB]
Graphics Aperture Size [64MB]
This feature sets the size of mapped memory for AGP graphic data.
Configuration options: [32MB] [64MB] [128MB] [256MB] [512MB]
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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
Internal Graphic Over-clocking [Disable]
This feature permits the grapical processor to participate in over-clocking.
Configuration options: [Disable] [Enable]
Internal VGA LCD TV Display Type [NTSC-M]
The system automatically detects and sets up screen-type compatibility.
Configuration options: [NTSC-M] [NTSC-J] [PAL-M] [PAL-BDGHI]
[PAL-N] [PAL-NC]
Video Memory Cache Mode [UC]
USWC (uncaheable, speculative write combining) is a new cach technology
for the processor’s video memory. It can greatly improve the display speed
by caching the display data. Set this to UC (uncacheable) if the display card
cannot support this feature; otherwise, the system may not boot up.
Configuration options: [UC] [USWC]
Onboard VGA BIOS Update [Enabled]
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
MCP IDE Controller [Both]
Configuration options: [Both] [Primary] [Secondary] [Disabled]
MCP USB Controller [Enabled]
Both USB controllers are enabled by default. Refer to USB Legacy
Keyboard support for specifying which ports are used to enable USB keyboard
support. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
MCP Audio Controller [Auto]
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
MCP MAC Controller [Enabled]
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto]
MCP DOLBY DIGITAL Controller [Auto]
Only available on motherboards featuring the MCP-D chipset. Configuration
options: [Disabled] [Auto]
PCI 2.1 Support [Enabled]
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
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4.4.3 I/O Device Configuration
Onboard FDC Swap A & B [No Swap]
This field allows you to reverse the hardware drive letter assignments of
your floppy disk drives. Configuration options: [No Swap] [Swap AB]
Floppy Disk Access Control [R/W]
Set this field to read and write the floppy disk (R/W). Change to [Read Only]
for reading disks.
Onboard Serial Port 1 [3F8H/IRQ4]
Onboard Serial Port 2 [2F8H/IRQ3]
These fields allow you to set the addresses for the onboard serial connectors.
Serial Port 1 and Serial Port 2 must have different addresses. Configuration
options: [3F8H/IRQ4] [2F8H/IRQ3] [3E8H/IRQ4] [2E8H/IRQ10] [Disabled]
UART2 Use Standard Infrared [Disabled]
This field can activate the onboard standard infrared feature and sets the
second serial UART to support the infrared module connector on the
motherboard. See IrDA-Compliant Infrared Module Connector in 3.8
Connectors. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Onboard Parallel Port [378H/IRQ7]
This field sets the address of the onboard parallel port connector. If you
disable this field, the Parallel Port Mode and ECP DMA Select configurations
are not available. Configuration options: [Disabled] [378H/IRQ7] [278H/IRQ5]
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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
Parallel Port Mode [ECP+EPP]
This field allows you to set the operation mode of the parallel port. [Normal]
allows normal-speed operation but in one direction only; [EPP] allows
bidirectional parallel port operation; [ECP] allows the parallel port to operate
in bidirectional DMA mode; [ECP+EPP] allows normal speed operation in a
two-way mode. Configuration options: [Normal] [EPP] [ECP] [ECP+EPP]
ECP DMA Select [3]
This field allows you to configure the parallel port DMA channel for the selected
ECP mode. This selection is available only if you select [ECP] or [ECP+EPP]
in Parallel Port Mode above. Configuration options: [1] [3] [Disabled]
Onboard Game Port [200H-207H]
This field sets the I/O address to the game port. Configuration options: [200H-
207H] [208H-20FH] [Disabled]
Onboard MIDI [Disabled]
This field sets the I/O address for MIDI. Configuration options: [330H-331H]
[300H-301H] [Disabled]
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4.4.4 PCI Configuration
Slot 1, Slot 2, Slot 3 [Auto]
These fields automatically assign the IRQ for each PCI slot. The default
setting for each field is [Auto], which utilizes auto-routing to determine IRQ
assignments. Configuration options: [Auto] [NA] [3] [4] [5] [7] [9] [10] [11] [12]
[14] [15]
PCI/VGA Palette Snoop [Disabled]
Some non-standard VGA cards, such as graphics accelerators or MPEG
video cards, may not show colors properly. Setting this field to [Enabled]
corrects this problem. If you are using standard VGA cards, leave this field
to the default setting [Disabled]. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
PCI Latency Timer [32]
Leave this field to the default setting [32] for best performance and stability.
Primary VGA BIOS [AGP VGA Card]
This field allows you to select the primary graphics card. Select the [Onboard
VGA Card] option for optimal graphical support. Configuration options: [AGP
VGA Card] [Onboard VGA]
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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
PCI DMA Resource Exclusion
DMA x Reserved for Legacy Drive [No/ICU]
These fields indicate whether or not the DMA channel displayed for each
field is being used by a legacy (non-PnP) ISA card. The default setting
indicates either that the DMA channel displayed is not used or an ICU is
being used to determine if an ISA device is using the channel instead.
Configuration options: [No/ICU] [Yes]
PCI UMB Resource Exclusion
TSM MEM Block BASE [No/ICU]
This field allows yout to set the base address and block size of an onboard
legacy ISA device that uses any memory segment within the C800 and DFFF
address range. With such a device, select a base address from the options.
If an ICU is already in use, then leave the TSM MEM Block BASE to its
default setting of [No/ICU]. Configuration options: [No/ICU] [C800] [CC00]
[D000] [D400] [D800] [DC00]
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4.4.5 Shadow Configuration
Video ROM BIOS Shadow [Enabled]
This field allows you to change the video BIOS location from ROM to RAM.
Relocating to RAM enhances system performance, as information access is
faster than the ROM. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
C8000-DFFFF Shadow [Disabled]
These fields are used for shadowing other expansion card ROMs. If you
install other expansion cards with ROMs on them, you will need to know
which addresses the ROMs use to shadow them specifically. Shadowing a
ROM reduces the memory available between 640K and 1024K by the amount
used for this purpose. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
4.5 Power Menu
The Power menu allows you to reduce power consumption. This feature
turns off the video display and shuts down the hard disk after a period of
inactivity.
ACPI Suspend To RAM [Disabled]
This field allows you to enable or disable the ACPI Suspend-to-RAM
feature. To support this feature, the +5VSB of the power supply should
have the capacity to provide more than 720mA current. Configuration
options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Video Off Option [Suspend -> Off ]
This field determines when to activate the video off feature for monitor power
management. Configuration options: [Always On] [Suspend -> Off]
Video Off Method [DPMS OFF]
This field defines the video off features. The DPMS (Display Power
Management System) feature allows the BIOS to control the video display
card if it supports the DPMS feature. [Blank Screen] only blanks the screen
(use this for monitors without power management or “green” features. If set
up in your system, your screen saver will not display with [Blank Screen]
selected). [V/H SYNC+Blank] blanks the screen and turns off vertical and
horizontal scanning. Configuration options: [Blank Screen] [V/H SYNC+Blank]
[DPMS Standby] [DPMS Suspend] [DPMS OFF] [DPMS Reduce ON]
HDD Power Down [Disabled]
Shuts down any IDE hard disk drives in the system after a period of inactivity
as set in this user-configurable field. This feature does not affect SCSI hard
drives. Configuration options: [Disabled] [1 Min] [2 Min] [3 Min]...[15 Min]
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PWR Button < 4 Secs [Soft Off]
When set to [Soft off], theATX switch can be used as a normal system power-
off button when pressed for less than 4 seconds. [Suspend] allows the button
to have a dual function where pressing less than 4 seconds will place the
system in sleep mode. Regardless of the setting, holding the ATX switch for
more than 4 seconds will power off the system. Configuration options: [Soft
off] [Suspend]
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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
4.5.1 Power Up Control
AC PWR Loss Restart [Disabled]
This allows you to set whether you want your system to reboot after the
power has been interrupted. [Disabled] leaves your system off and [Enabled]
reboots your system. [Previous State] sets your system back to the state it is
before the power interruption. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
[Previous State]
Power Up On PCI Card [Disabled]
When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to turn on the system
through a PCI modem. This feature requires an ATX power supply that
provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled]
[Enabled]
Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]
This parameter enables the use of specific keys on the keyboard to turn on
the system. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at
least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Space Bar]
[Ctrl-Esc] [Power Key]Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Space Bar]
Power On By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]
This parameter supports using the mouse to turn on the system. This
feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the
+5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Space Bar] [Ctrl-Esc]
[Power Key]
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4.5.2 Hardware Monitor
MB Temperature [xxxC/xxxF]
CPU Temperature [xxxC/xxxF]
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the MB (motherboard),
CPU, and JTPWR (power supply) temperatures.
CPU Fan Speed [xxxxRPM]
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the speeds of the CPU
fan, chassis fan, and chassis fan measured in rotations per minute (RPM).
VCORE Voltage
+3.3V Voltage, +5V Voltage, +12V Voltage
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output
through the onboard voltage regulators.
NOTE: If any of the monitored items is out of range, the following error
message appears: “Hardware Monitor found an error. Enter Power setup
menu for details”. You will then be prompted to “Press F1 to continue or DEL
to enter SETUP”.
NOTE! If any of the monitored items is out of range, the following error
message appears: “Hardware Monitor found an error. Enter Power setup
menu for details”. You will then be prompted to “Press F1 to continue or
DEL to enter SETUP”.
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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
4.6 Boot Menu
Boot Sequence
The Boot menu allows you to select among the four possible types of boot
devices listed using the up and down arrow keys. By using the <+> or <Space>
key, you can promote devices and by using the <-> key, you can demote
devices. Promotion or demotion of devices alters the priority which the system
uses to search for a boot device on system power up. Configuration fields
include Removable Devices, IDE Hard Drive, ATAPI CD-ROM, and Other
Boot Device.
Removable Device [Legacy Floppy]
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Legacy Floppy] [LS120] [ZIP]
[ATAPI MO] [USB FDD] [USB ZIP]
IDE Hard Drive
This field allows you to select which IDE hard disk drive to use in the boot
sequence. Pressing [Enter] will show the product IDs of all connected IDE
hard disk drives.
ATAPI CD-ROM
This field allows you to select which ATAPI CD-ROM drive to use in the boot
sequence. Pressing [Enter] will show the product IDs of all your connected
ATAPI CD-ROM drives.
Other Boot Device Select [INT18 Device (Network)]
Configuration options: [Disabled] [SCSI Boot Device] [INT18 Device
(Network)]
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Boot Virus Detection [Enabled]
This field allows you to set boot virus detection, ensuring a virus-free boot
sector. The system halts and displays a warning message when it detects a
virus. If this occurs, you can either allow the operation to continue or use a
virus-free bootable floppy disk to restart and investigate your system.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Quick Power On Self Test [Enabled]
This field speeds up the Power-On-Self Test (POST) routine by skipping
retesting a second, third, and fourth time. Configuration options: [Disabled]
[Enabled]
Boot Up Floppy Seek [Enabled]
When enabled, the BIOS will seek the floppy disk drive to determine whether
the drive has 40 or 80 tracks. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Interrupt Mode [APIC]
Configuration options: [APIC] [PIC]
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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
4.7 Exit Menu
When you have made all of your selections from the various menus in the
Setup program, save your changes and exit Setup. Select Exit from the
menu bar to display the following menu.
NOTE! Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select
one of the options from this menu or <F10> from the legend bar to exit.
Exit Saving Changes
Once you are finished making your selections, choose this option from the
Exit menu to ensure the values you selected are saved to the CMOS RAM.
The CMOS RAM is sustained by an onboard backup battery and stays on
even when the PC is turned off. When you select this option, a confirmation
window appears. Select [Yes] to save changes and exit.
NOTE! If you attempt to exit the Setup program without saving your
changes, the program prompts you with a message asking if you want to
save your changes before exiting. Pressing <Enter> saves the changes
while exiting.
Exit Discarding Changes
Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you made
to the Setup program. If you made changes to fields other than system date,
system time, and password, the BIOS asks for a confirmation before exiting.
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Load Setup Defaults
This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters
on the Setup menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a
confirmation window appears. Select [Yes] to load default values. Select Exit
Saving Changes or make other changes before saving the values to the
non-volatile RAM.
Discard Changes
This option allows you to discard the selections you made and restore the
previously saved values. After selecting this option, a confirmation appears.
Select [Yes] to discard any changes and load the previously saved values.
Save Changes
This option saves your selections without exiting the Setup program. You
can then return to other menus and make further changes. After you select
this option, a confirmation window appears. Select [Yes] to save any changes
to the non-volatile RAM.
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Chapter 4: BIOS Setup
Chapter 5
Software support
ASUS A7N266-VM motherboard
5.1 Install an operating system
This motherboard supports Windows 98/ME/ and 2000/XP operating system
(OS).Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates so you
can maximize the features of your hardware.
5.1.1 Windows 98 first time installation
When you start Windows for the first time after installing the motherboard,
Windows 98 detects all Plug-n-Play devices devices. Follow the Add New
Hardware wizard to install the necessary device drivers. When prompted to
restart, select No. Refer to the following sections in this chapter to install the
software and drivers contained in the support CD.
NOTE! Because motherboard settings and hardware options vary, use
the setup procedures presented in this chapter for general reference only.
Refer to your OS documentation for more information.
5.2 Support CD information
The support CD that came with the motherboard contains useful software
and several utility drivers that enhance the motherboard features.
NOTE! The contents of the support CD are subject to change at any
time without notice. Visit the ASUS website for updates.
5.2.1 Running the support CD
To begin using the support CD, simply insert the CD into your CD-ROM
drive. The CD automatically displays the welcome screen and the installation
menus if Autorun is enabled in your computer.
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5.3 A7N266-VM Motherboard Support CD
NOTE: The support CD contents are subject to change without notice.
To begin using your support CD disc, just insert it into your CD-ROM drive
and the support CD installation menu should appear. If the menu does not
appear, double-click or run D:\ASSETUP.EXE (assuming that your CD-ROM
drive is drive D:).
5.3.1 Installation Menu
•
•
NVIDIA nForce Drivers: Installs the video drivers. The Windows ME™
OS must be used with these drivers. The nVidia drivers do not support
Windows NT OS. (Remember to uninstall all other INF drivers before
installing nVidia drivers on a previously used system.) If using Win98, it
is necessary to install three system drivers manually. (See page 70.)
NVIDIA Audio Driver: Installs the audio codec driver.
NOTE: If using Win98, it is necessary to install the audio driver manually.
(See page 71.for installation information.)
•
•
•
•
•
Audio hotfix: Installs support for the Audio system. NOTE: install the
Microsoft Direct X Driver before running the Audio hotfix.
ASUS PC Probe Vx.xx: Installs a smart utility to monitor your computer’s
fan, temperature, and voltages.
Install ASUS Update Vx.xx: Instals a program that can help you update
BIOS or download a BIOS image file.
Microsoft DirectX Driver: Installs basic drivers to enable compatibility
with audio and other special functions.
PC-CILLIN 2000: Installs the latest anti-virus protection application.
NOTE: The contents of the menu items available may vary depending
on the type of OS in use on the PC system.
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Chapter 5: Software support
• Adobe Acrobat Reader Vx.xx: Installs the Adobe Acrobat Reader
software necessary to view user’s manuals saved in PDF format. Updated
or other language versions of this motherboard's manual is available in
PDF format at any of our web sites.
• Cyberlink Video and Audio Applications: Installs Cyberlink
PowerPlayer SE and Cyberlink VideoLive Mail.
• ASUS Screen Saver: Installs a nifty ASUS screen saver.
( CLICK RIGHT ARROW TO ACCESS NEXT PAGE )
• E-Color 3Deep: Installs graphical driver and an application for tuning
the quality of color output from CRT and LCD monitors.
• Show Motherboard Information: Allows you to view information about
your motherboard, such as product name, BIOS version, and CPU.
• Browse Support CD: Allows you to view the contents of the CD.
• ReadMe: Allows you to view the support CD file list and contact
information.
• Exit: Exits the CD installation menu.
( CLICK LEFTARROW TO RETURN )
5.3.2 Installation Procedure
On the Installation Items Menu, click on the name of the driver or program
group to begin installation. Follow the instructions that appear on the setup
screens. All drivers and programs install automatically. Refer to the Software
Reference section for software operating instructions.
NOTE: Software driver support for the 6-CH audio system is available
for downloading at the ASUS website: www.asus.com
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5.3.3 Installation of PCI Drivers: Win98
Use the Device Manager to uninstall all previously installed system drivers
to prevent conflict with the installation and operation of nVidia® drivers.
Three nVidia® drivers need to be installed to operate with the Win98:
1. PCI System Management Bus.
2. PCI Standard Host CPU Bridge.
3. PCI Standard RAM Controller.
ITEM 1: PCI System Management Bus
1. Go to the “Device Manager.”
2. Select “PCI System Management Bus” in “Other Devices.”
3. Click on “Properities.”
4. Click on “Driver.”
5. Select “Update Driver.”
6. Select “Search for a better driver than the one your device is using
now” option.
7. Click on “Specify the location” and then type or browse for the path on
the CD ROM Drive:\Drivers\Chipset\Nvidia\win9x\SMbus. This installs
the driver.
8. Click “Next.”
9. The “PCI System Management” is detected.
10. Continue to install more drivers.
ITEM 2: PCI Standard Host CPU Bridge (GART driver)
1. Go to the “Device Manager.”
2. Select “PCI standard Host CPU Bridge” in “System Devices.”
3. Click on “Properities.”
4. Click on “Driver.”
5. Select “Update Driver.”
6. Select “Search for a better driver than the one your device is using
now” option.
7. Click on “Specify the location” and then type or browse for the path on
the CD ROM Drive:\Drivers\Chipset\Nvidia\win9x\Gart. This installs
the driver.
8. Click “Next.”
9. You should see that the “AGP Host to the PCI Bridge” is detected.
10. Continue to install the next driver.
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ITEM 3: PCI Standard Ram Controller
1. Go to the “Device Manager.”
2. Select PCI standard RAM Controller in “System Devices”
3. Click on “Properities.”
4. Click on “Driver.”
5. Select “Update Driver.”
6. Select “Search for a better driver than the one your device is using
now” option.
7. Click on “Specify the location” and then type or browse for the path on
the CD-ROM Drive:\Drivers\Chipset\Nvidia\win9x\MemoryController.
8. Click “Next.”
9. You should see two “NVIDIA nForce 220D Memory Controller” and one
“NVIDIA nForce 220D Memory Controller (DDR)” detected..
5.3.4 Installation of Audio Codec Drivers: Win98
It is advisal to use the Device Manager to uninstall all previously installed
audio drivers to prevent conflict with the installation and operation of nVidia®
drivers.
1. Go to the "Add Hardware Wizard" and search for devices.
2. Select: "No, the device is not in the list."
3. "Do you want Windows to search for your new hardware?" Select, "No, I
want to select the hardware from a list."
4. Select: "Sound, video and game controllers."
5. Then select the first generic item in the list, like "Generic USB device."
6. Click "Have Disk" and browse the CD-ROM drive:
\Drivers\Chipset\Nvidia\103\Win9XME
7. Click "OK" and select either the "NVIDIA Codec Interface" or the "nForce
MCP Audio Processing unit (Dolby® Digital)." Repeat the process above
for the second driver.
8. After all drivers are installed, restart the PC.
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5.3.5 Installation of NVIDIA MCP MAC Driver: Win98
1. Go to the Device Manager.
2. Select “PCI Ethernet controller” in “Other Devices.”
3. Click on “Properities.”
4. Click on “Driver.”
5. Select “Update Driver.”
6. Select “Search for a better driver than the one your device is using now”
option.
7. Click on “Specify the location” and then type or browse for the path on the
CD-ROM Drive:\Drivers\Chipset\Nvidia\103\win9xme. This installs the
driver.
8. Click “Next.”
9. You should see that the “NVIDIA nForce MCP networking Adaptor” is
detected.
10. You do not need to restart if you need to install more drivers.
11. Continue to install other drivers if needed.
5.3.6 Installation of NVIDIA GeForce2 GPU Driver: Win98
1. Go to the Device Manager.
2. Select “Standard PCI Graphics Adapter(VGA)” in “Display Adapter.”
3. Click on “Properities.”
4. Click on “Driver.”
5. Select “Update Driver.”
6. Select “Search for a better driver than the one your device is using now”
option.
7. Click on “Specify the location” and then type or browse for the path on the
CD-ROM Drive:\Drivers\Chipset\Nvidia\103\win9xme. This installs the
driver.
8. Click “Next.”
9. You should see that the “NVIDIAGeForece2 Integrated GPU” is detected.
10. You do not need to restart if you need to install more drivers.
11. Continue to install other drivers if needed.
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Chapter 5: Software support
5.4 ASUS PC Probe
ASUS PC Probe is a convenient utility to continuously monitor your
computer system’s vital components, such as fan rotations, Voltages, and
temperatures. It also has a utility that lets you review useful information about
your computer, such as hard disk space, memory usage, and CPU type,
CPU speed, and internal/external frequencies through the DMI
Explorer.
5.4.1 Starting ASUS PC Probe
WhenASUS PC Probe starts, a splash screen appears allowing you to select
whether or not to show the screen the next time you open PC Probe. To
bypass this startup screen, clear the Show up in next execution check
box.
To start ASUS PC Probe, click the Windows Start button, point to Programs,
and then ASUS Utility, and then click Probe Vx.xx.
The PC Probe icon
will appear on the taskbar’s system tray indicating
that ASUS PC Probe is running. Clicking the icon will allow you to see the
status of your PC.
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5.4.2 Using ASUS PC Probe
Monitoring
Monitor Summary
Shows a summary of the items being
monitored.
Temperature Monitor
Shows the PC’s temperature.
Temperature Warning
threshold adjustment
(Move the slider up to increase the
threshold level or down to decrease
the threshold level)
Fan Monitor
Shows the PC’s fan rotation.
Fan Warning
threshold adjustment
(Move the slider up to increase the
threshold level or down to decrease
the threshold level)
Voltage Monitor
Shows the PC’s voltages.
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Chapter 5: Software reference
Settings
Lets you set threshold levels and
polling intervals or refresh times of
the PC’s temperature, fan rotation,
and voltages.
CPU Cooling System Setup
Lets you select when to enable
software CPU cooling. When When
CPU Overheated is selected, the
CPU cooling system is enabled
whenever the CPU temperature
reaches the threshold value.
History
Lets you record the current
monitoring activity of a certain
component of your PC for future
reference.
Information
Hard Drives
Shows the used and free space of
the PC’s hard disk drives and the file
allocation table or file system used.
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Memory
Shows the PC’s memory load,
memory usage, and paging file
usage.
Device Summary
Shows a summary of devices in your
PC.
DMI Explorer
Shows information pertinent to the
PC, such as CPU type, CPU speed,
and internal/external frequencies,
and memory size.
Utility
Lets you run programs outside of the
ASUS Probe modules. To run a
program, click Execute Program.
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Chapter 5: Software reference
5.4.3 ASUS PC Probe Task Bar Icon
Right-clicking the PC Probe
icon will bring up a menu to
open or exit ASUS PC Probe
and pause or resume all
system monitoring.
When the ASUS PC Probe
senses a problem with your
PC, portions of the ASUS PC
Probe icon changes to red, the
PC speaker beeps, and the
ASUS PC Probe monitor is
displayed.
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5.5 ASUS Live Update
ASUS LiveUpdate is a utility that allows you to update your motherboard’s
BIOS and drivers. The use of this utility requires that you are properly
connected to the Internet through an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
1. Start ASUS Update. Launch the
utility from your Windows Start
menu:Programs/AsusUpdate.
2. Select an update method.
3. If you selected “downloading from
the Internet,” you will need to select
an Internet site. Choose the site that
is closest to you or clickAuto Select.
4. From the FTP site, select the BIOS
version that you wish to download.
Click Next.
5. Follow the instructions on the
succeeding screens to complete the
update process. If you selected the
option to update the BIOS from a file,
a window pops up prompting you to
locate the file. Select the file, click
Save, then follow the screen
instructions to complete the update
process.
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Chapter 5: Software reference
5.6 3Deep Color Tuner
The 3-Deep color tuner is designed to match your CRT or LCD color
monitor to maximize the color quality of all graphical applications. Users
may also tune their internet applications to match “true” internet source colors
with the color displayed on the monitor.
Simply run the setup program from the start menu and follow the instructions
on the various setup/test screens.
5.6.1 3Deep Color Tuning
1. Select the type of monitor
connected to the computer, either
CRT or LCD.
2. Follow the instructions to manually
adjust the brightness level of the
monitor.
3. Select the faintest of the three
colors: blue, red and green.
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4. Select the color squares which
most closely blend and match with
the background.
5. The next step repeats
the color matching
process to achieve
full color quality.
6. The tuning process is complete. Click on the bottom left button to
connect to the internet and follow the instructions.
5.6.2 The 3Deep Control Panel
Using the Windows Start button, activate the 3Deep Control Panel
program from the 3Deep Applications group on the Main Program menu.
The control panel offers access to the
Color Wizard tuning program, a Game
Gamma setting and a Tweak slider for
brightness adjustment.
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Chapter 5: Software reference
5.7 CyberLink PowerPlayer SE
CyberLink PowerPlayer SE is an intelligent software player that can
automatically detect and playback all kinds of video/audio files, CD and MP3
files as well. This is the only software you need for all types of video and
audio files. No need to waste time identifying your file types.
5.7.1 Starting CyberLink PowerPlayer SE
To start CyberLink Power Player, click the Windows Start button, point to
Programs, and then CyberLink PowerPlayer SE, and then click
PowerPlayer.
5.7.2 CyberLink PowerPlayer Control Panel
Minimize
Zoom
Eject
Help
About
Power Off
Stop
Backward Scan
Forward Scan
Step Frame
Backstep Frame
Previous
Next
Play
Stop
Configuration
i-Power!
Increase Volume
CD Mode
Shuffle
Mute
Decrease Volume
Karaoke
Next angle Next audio stream Next subtitle
Add bookmark
Capture frame
Go-Up
Repeat
Menu
Go to bookmark
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5.8 CyberLink VideoLive Mail
CyberLink’s VideoLive Mail Plus Ver 3.0 (a.k.a. VLM 3) is a convenient and
excellent way to create professional quality video mails from PC video/audio
input devices and to send the mails to any recipients via VLM 3’s built-in e-
mail system through the Internet. VLM 3’s mails comprise video, sound, or
snapshot information; and thus may convey the most profound information
to target audiences. It is very convenient for mail recipients who do not need
to install additional software component in order to view VLM 3 mails.
VLM 3 works as a very applicant sales tool. It efficiently delivers profound
and live product information to your target customers without costing a fortune.
VLM 3 also helps corporate managers easily give vivid speeches and
broadcast through corporate E-mail system. For personal or home users,
VLM 3 easily records live video clips allowing users to send them to friends
or family members across the Internet.
VLM 3 loads video messages from PC cameras, digital camcorders, analog
camcorder via video capture cards, or from an existing AVI video clips, and
captures audio messages from PC microphones. Video and audio messages
are encoded at a very high compressed rate in a real-time mode. From data
input, data conversion, to sending video mails via Internet, or saving data to
disks, the whole procedure is done in an easy and continuous process.
VLM 3’s video clip compression rate is up to 1:900, and its playback rate is
up to 30 frame per second. VLM 3 provides CIF (352 x 288 pixel) display
resolution, and support true color configuration. A one-minute video mail
with QCIF (176 x 144) resolution takes up less than 500KB of memory, making
it easy to transmit and save mail. Users may always adjust resolution and
recording parameters for different purpose.
VLM 3 supports all the hardware devices that are compliant with Video for
Windows standard. Video for Windows is a well-accepted and well-tested
standard. Thus, users do not have to worry about compatibility issues.
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5.8.1 Starting VideoLive Mail
To start VideoLive Mail, click the Windows Start button, point to Programs,
and then CyberLink VideoLive Mail, and then click VideoLive Mail x.x.
VLM 3’s Setup Wizard will start and guide you through configuring the video
and audio input peripherals and to setup the e-mail environment.
1. Setup Wizard first will prompt a dialog to confirm that you want to configure
the hardware and E-mail setting. Click Yes to continue the system parameter
configuration.
2. The e-mail configuration screen appears. You will need to enter your
name and the e-mail address. Click Next to continue.
3. The Internet e-mail configuration screen appears. You may choose to use
the VLM 3 built-in E-mail functionality (SMTP mail), or use MAPI compliant
e-mail system. Consult your ISP or MIS staff for the E-mail server IP address
if you are not sure. Click Next to continue.
4. Then the Video Configuration screen shows up. You may have to specify
the video driver for VLM 3, if there are several video-input devices installed.
Then configure the number of video frames to be captured per second. Note
that the more frames you choose, the bigger the file size will be. Click Next
to continue.
5. Then the Setup Wizard will then search for the GSM CODECS module for
audio compression, and prompt you with the result. Click Next to continue.
6. Setup Wizard then tests the audio volume during playing and recording.
Click Next when ready.
7. Configuration done. Click Finish to complete the environmental setting
procedure.
5.8.2 CyberLink VideoLive Mail User Interface
Exit
Minimize
Help
Video Mail Wizard
Start Playback
Save Video File
Snapshot to File
Stop Recording / Playback
Start Recording
Pause
Send Mail
Video Configuration
Load Video File
Send Mail
Increase MIC volume
Decrease MIC volume
Increase speaker volume
Decrease speaker volume
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Chapter 5: Software reference
Chapter 6
Appendix
ASUS A7N266-VM motherboard
6.1 Glossary
1394
1394 is the IEEE designation for a high performance serial bus tht offers data transfers
at 100/200/400 Mbps. This serial bus defines both a back plane physical layer and a
point-to-point cable-connected virtual bus. The primary application of the cable version
is the integration of I/O connectivity at the back panel of personal computers using a
low-cost, scalable, high-speed serial interface. The 1394 standard also provides new
services such as live connect/disconnect capability for external devices including disk
drives, printers and hand-held peripherals such as scanners and cameras. This is a
new standard to complement the slower USB interface and to compete with the more
expensive SCSI interface.
AC97 (Audio Codec '97)
AC '97 is the next step in enabling PCs with audio quality comparable to consumer
electronics devices. The specification defines new cost-effective options to help
integrate the components necessary to support next-generation auto-intensive PC
applications such as DVD, 3-D multiplayer gaming and interactive music. The
specification also defines new extensions supporting modem and docking to help both
desktop and mobile manufacturers adopt these new technologies more quickly and
cost-effectively. This specification uses software emulation to compete with the PCI
SoundBlaster specification.
ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface)
The ACPI specification defines a cross-platform interface designed to support many
operating systems. ACPI defines a flexible and abstract hardware interface that
provides a standard way to integrate power management features throughout a PC
system, including hardware, operating system and application software. This enables
the system to automatically turn ON and OFF peripherals such as CD-ROMs, network
cards, hard disk drives, and printers, as well as consumer devices connected to the PC
such as VCRs, TVs, phones, and stereos. With this technology, peripherals will also be
able to activate the PC. For example, inserting a tape into a VCR can turn on the PC,
which could then activate a large-screen TV and high-fidelity sound system.
AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port)
An interface specification that enables high-performance 3D graphics on mainstream
PCs. AGP was designed to offer the necessary bandwidth and latency to perform
texture mapping directly from system memory.
Bus
Bus Frequency
Bandwidth
Data Transfer Rate
PCI
33MHz
66MHz
66MHz
66MHz
33MHz
66MHz
133MHz
266MHz
133MByte/sec
266MByte/sec
512MByte/sec
1024MByte/sec
AGP 1X
AGP 2X
AGP 4X
Backup. A copy of a file, directory, or volume on a separate storage device from the
original. This copy is for the purpose of data retrieval in case the original is accidentally
erased, damaged, or destroyed.
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)
BIOS is a set of routines that affect how the computer transfers data between computer
components, such as memory, disks, and the display adapter. The BIOS instructions
are built into the computer’s read-only memory. BIOS parameters can be configured by
the user through the BIOS Setup program. The BIOS can be updated using the
provided utility to copy a new BIOS file into the EEPROM.
Bit (Binary Digit)
A bit is he basic unit of digital data used by the computer. A bit equals either: 0 or 1.
Boot
Boot means to start the computer operating system by loading it into system memory.
When the manual instructs you to “boot” your system (or computer), it means to turn ON
your computer. “Reboot” means to restart your computer. When using Windows 95 or
later, selecting “Restart” from “Start | Shut Down...” will reboot your computer.
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Bus Master IDE
PIO (Programmable I/O) IDE requires that the CPU be involved in IDE access and
waiting for mechanical events. Bus master IDE transfers data to/from the memory
without interrupting the CPU. Bus master IDE driver and bus master IDE hard disk
drives are required to support bus master IDE mode.
Byte (Binary Term)
One byte is a group of eight contiguous bits. A byte is used to represent a single
alphanumeric character, punctuation mark, or other symbol.
Cache Memory. A type of RAM that allows a faster from the CPU than a regular RAM.
The cache memory eliminates the CPU wait state. When the CPU reads data from the
main memory, a copy of this data is stored in the cache memory. The next time the
same address, the data is transferred from the cache memory instead of from the main
memory.
CODEC (Compressor/Decompressor). A software component that translates video or
audio between its uncompressed form and the compressed form in which it is stored.
COM Port
COM is a logical device name used by to designate the computer serial ports. Pointing
devices, modems, and infrared modules can be connected to COM ports. Each COM
port is configured to use a different IRQ and address assignment.
Concurrent PCI
Concurrent PCI maximizes system performance with simultaneous CPU, PCI and ISA
bus activities. It includes multi-transaction timing, enhanced write performance, a
passive release mechanism and support for PCI 2.1 compliant delayed transactions.
Concurrent PCI provides increased bandwidth, reduced system latencies, improves
video and audio performance, and improves processing of host based applications.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The CPU, sometimes called “Processor,” actually functions as the “brain” of the
computer. It interprets and executes program commands and processes data stored in
memory. Currently, there are socket 370 (for Pentium III FC-PGA and Celeron-PPGA),
socket 7 (for Pentium, AMD, Cyrix, IBM), slot 1 (for Pentium II and III), slot 2 (for Xeon),
and slot A (for AMD) processors.
Device Driver
A device driver is a special set of instructions that allows the computer’s operating
system to communicate with devices such as VGA, audio, printer, or modem.
DOS (Disk Operating System)
DOS is the foundation on which all other programs and software applications operate,
including Windows. DOS is responsible for allocating system resources such as
memory, CPU time, disk space, and access to peripheral devices. For this reason, DOS
constitutes the basic interface between you and your computer.
DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)
A type of RAM that requires refresh cycles to prevent the loss of the data stored in it.
There are several different types of DRAM such as, EDO DRAM (Extended Data Output
DRAM), SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM), and RDRAM (Rambus DRAM) and DDR
DRAM, (Double-Data Rate DRAM).
Flash ROM
non-volatile memory device that retains its data even when power is removed. This
device is similar to EPROM, but unlike EPROM which can be erased only using an
ultra-violet light, flash ROM can be electrically erased. Flash ROM is normally used for
system BIOS, which initiates hardware devices and sets up necessary parameters for
the OS. Since the flash ROM contents can be modified, users can easily update the
BIOS..
IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics)
IDE devices integrate the drive control circuitry directly on the drive itself, eliminating the
need for a separate adapter card (in the case for SCSI devices). UltraDMA/33 IDE
devices can achieve up to 33MB/Sec transfer.
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I/O (Input/Output)
The data transfers from the input devices like a keyboard, mouse, or scanner, to the
output devices like a printer or the monitor screen.
I/O Address
The specific memory location for a particular device. Two devices cannot share the
same I/O address space.
IrDA (Infrared Data Association)
An internaltional organization that creates and promotes inter-operable, low cost,
infrared data interconnection standards that support a walk-up, point-to-point model.
The IrDA protocol is designed to support transmission of data between two devices over
short-range point-to-point infrared at speeds between 9.6Kbps and 4Mbps.
ISP (Internet Service Provider)
A company that provides customer access to the Internet and the World Wide Web for a
fee. The ISP also provides Internet utilities and services like e-mail, newsgroup,
weather reports, and a host of others. The user can connect to the ISP using a modem
installed in the computer and connected to a phone line.
LPT Port (Line Printer Port)
Logical device name reserved by DOS for the computer parallel ports. Each LPT port is
configured to use a different IRQ and address assignment.
MMX
A set of 57 new instructions designed to accelerate multimedia and communications
applications, such as 3D video, 3D sound, video conference.
Modem
A device that allows a computer to talk to another computer through the phone system.
Network
An interconnected computer system linked by telephone wires, or other means.
OnNow
The OnNow design initiative is a comprehensive, system-wide approach to system and
device power control. OnNow is a term for PC that is always ON but appears OFF and
responds immediately to user or other requests. The OnNow design initiative involves
changes that will occur in the Microsoft Windows operating system, device drivers,
hardware, and applications, and also relies on the changes defined in the Advanced
Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) specification.
PC100/133
This is an industry-standard designation for memory capacity as a measure of the
speed of the memory bus. New platform requirements ensure that memory does not
become a bottleneck to system performance.
PCI Bus (Peripheral Component Interconnect Local Bus)
PCI bus is a standard specification that defines a 32-bit data bus interface.
PCI Bus Master
The PCI Bus Master can perform data transfer without local CPU help and the CPU can
be treated as one of the Bus Masters. PCI 2.1 supports concurrent PCI operation to
allow the local CPU and bus master to work simultaneously.
POST (Power On Self Test)
Powering on the computer initiates the POST, a series of software-controlled diagnostic
tests. The POST checks system memory, the motherboard circuitry, the display, the
keyboard, the diskette drive, and other I/O devices.
PS/2 Port
PS/2 ports are based on IBM Micro Channel Architecture. This type of architecture
transfers data through a 16-bit or 32-bit bus. A PS/2 mouse and/or keyboard may be
used on ATX motherboards.
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RDRAM (Rambus DRAM)
Developed by Rambus, Inc., this type of memory can deliver up to 1.6GB of data per
second. RDRAM is the first interface standard that can be directly implemented on high
performance VLSI components such as, CMOS DRAMs, memory controllers, and
graphics/video ICs.
RAM (Random Access Memory). The computer’s primary storage area used to write,
store, and retrieve information and program instructions which are passed to the CPU
for processing. The information in RAM can be repeatedly re-written with new data.
Compared to other storage media like magnetic tape, floppy disk, and hard disk, RAM
has an extraordinarily fast access rate. RAM, however, is volatile, which means that the
data stored in it are lost when the system power is turned off, or if power glitches occur.
See also DRAM and SDRAM.
ROM (Read Only Memory)
ROM is nonvolatile memory used to store permanent programs (called firmware) used
in certain computer components. Flash ROM (or EEPROM) can be reprogrammed with
new programs (or BIOS).
SCSI (Small Computer System Interface)
High speed multi-threaded I/O interface defined by the X3T9.2 committee of the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for connecting many peripheral devices.
The standard started from 10MBytes/sec to 160MBytes/sec available today.
SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM)
A type of DRAM with access signals that are synchronized with the CPU clock,
eliminating the delay associated with data transfers between the CPU and memory.
SDRAM takes memory access away from the CPU control; internal registers in the
memory accept the request, and lets the CPU do something else while the data
requested is assembled for the next time the CPU talks to the memory.
SPD for SDRAM module
Serial Presence Detect (SPD) is most like an ID detect for SDRAM module, it using a
EEPROM component on DIMM module for storing module configuration information
inside. The Serial Presence Detect function is implemented using a 2048 bit EEPROM
component. This nonvolatile storage device contains data programmed by the DIMM
manufacturer that identifies the module type and various SDRAM organization and
timing parameters.
System Disk
A system disk contains the core file of an operating system that boots up the operating
system.
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol). The communications
protocol used by the UNIX system and the Internet. TCP checks for lost packets, puts
the data from multiple packets into the correct order, and requests that missing or
damaged packets be resent.
USB (Universal Serial Bus)
A 4-pin serial cable bus that allows up to 127 plug and play computer peripherals such
as keyboard, mouse, joystick, scanner, printer, modem, and monitor to share a
bandwidth through a host scheduled token based protocol. This allows attaching or
detaching while the host and other peripherals are in operation. Supports synchronous
and asynchronous transfer types over the same set of wires up to 12Mbit/sec. USB 2.0
provides twice the transfer rate compared to USB 1.0 and competes with the 1394
standard.
Wake-On-LAN
Computer will automatically wake-up upon receiving a wake-up packet through a
Network interface when it is under power soft-off, suspend or sleep mode.
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Chapter 6: Appendix
6.2 Troubleshooting
1. Windows 2000™ system fails to run the FIFA 2000™ video game: the
program exits after start up. However, the FIFA 2002™ version of the
video game functions flawlessly.
2. If the NEC® FDA-5101 USB keyboard is used to install Windows XP™,
the keyboard cannot be detected during the installation process.
3. If installing a PCI card with a game port, the PCI game port cannot be
used due to a limitation of the nVidia® chipset. However, the game port
on the MB will always function.
4. This motherboard does not support PCI VGA cards due to an nVidia®
chipset limitation.
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Chapter 6: Appendix
Index
ASUS A7N266-VM motherboard
Index
C
Central Processing Unit (CPU) 11
installation 12
Symbols
3Deep Color Tuner
Using 79
Level 1/Level 2 Cache 49
Speed 49
Upgrade/Reinstallation 51
Chip Configuration 52
Clear RTC RAM jumper 22
Connectors
A
Accelerated Graphics Port
AGP Capability 53
ASUS PC Probe
Using 73
Audio 27
Chassis Fan 28
CPU Fan 28
ASUS Update
Floppy Disk Drive 9, 27, 30
Game/MIDI 25
HDD LED 23
Using 78
ATAPI CD-ROM 63
Audio setting 19
Audio setting jumper 19
Automatic Power Up 63
IDE 27
infrared module 31
Internal Audio 9, 30
Panel 32
B
Parallel Port 25
PS/2 Keyboard 23
PS/2 Mouse 23
Serial Port 24
SMBus 29
USB 24
BIOS
Advanced Menu 49
Beep Codes 33
Boot Menu 63
Boot Sequence 63
Exit Menu 65
CyberLink
Legend Bar 40
PowerPlayer SE 81
VideoLive Mail v, 82
CyberLink PowerPlayer SE
Using 81
CyberLink VideoLive Mail
Using v, 82
Main Menu 42
Menu Bar 40
Power Menu 59
Setup Defaults, loading 66
Setup Program 39
Sub-menu launching 41
Updating 35
D
BIOS Beep Codes 33
Boot Device
DIMM
installing 14
Selection 63
Boot Up NumLock Status 47
Boot Virus Detection 64
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E
L
Expansion card
installation 15
LAN
Jumper Setting 21
Expansion slots 15
Legacy Diskette 42
LiveUpdate 79
Using 79
F
Floppy 3 Mode 42
Floppy Disk Drive Connector
9, 27, 30
M
Motherboard
IRQ Table 17
layout 9
H
placement 7
screws 7
Mouse
Hard Disk Drives (HDDs)
CHS Capacity 45
Cylinders 45
Connector 23
Multi-Sector Transfers 45
Heads 45
LBA Capacity 45
Primary/Secondary Master 43
Primary/Secondary Slave 43
Sectors 45
O
Onboard LED 11
Operating system
installation 67
Types 43
Hardware Monitor 62
I
P
IDE Activity LED 26
IDE Connectors 27
Parallel Port 54
Modes 55
Parallel Port Connector 25
Password
J
Supervisor 48
User 48
PC Probe
Jumpers
Audio setting 19
Cleaer RTC RAM 22
Keyboard Wake Up 20
USB device wake-up 21
Using 73
PCI Configuration 56
PCI Latency Timer 56
PCI/VGA Palette Snoop 56
PIO Mode 46
Power On Self Test 64
PowerPlayer SE
Using 81
K
Keyboard
Auto-Repeat Delay 47
Auto-Repeat Rate 47
Connector 23
PS/2 Keyboard 23
PS/2 Keyboard Port 2
Features 47, 51
Keyboard Wake Up jumper 20
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Index
PS/2 Mouse 23
Function Control 50
PS/2 Mouse Port 2
V
Video ROM BIOS Shadow 58
VideoLive Mail v, 82
Using v, 82
R
RTC RAM
Clearing 9, 22
S
SDRAM
Configuration 52
Serial Ports 54
Connectors 24, 25
slots
AGP 17
PCI 17
SMART Monitoring 46
SMBus Connector 29
Support CD 67
Welcome screen 67
System Date 42
System memory
configurations 13
System Time 42
U
UART2 54, 56
Ultra DMA Mode 46
Universal Serial Bus (USB) 24
Ports 24
USB device wake up 21
USB Legacy Support 50, 52
Using
3Deep Color Tuner 79
ASUS Update 78
LiveUpdate 79
PC Probe 73
PowerPlayer SE 81
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Index
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