Asus P5N73 AM User Manual

P5N73-AM  
 
Contents  
Notices......................................................................................................... vi  
Safety information ..................................................................................... vii  
About this guide ....................................................................................... viii  
P5N73-AM specifications summary........................................................... x  
Chapter 1:  
Product introduction  
1.1  
1.2  
1.3  
Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-2  
Package contents......................................................................... 1-2  
Special features............................................................................ 1-2  
1.3.1  
Product highlights ........................................................... 1-2  
1.3.2  
ASUS Special features ................................................... 1-4  
1.4  
1.5  
Before you proceed ..................................................................... 1-5  
Motherboard overview................................................................. 1-6  
1.5.1  
1.5.2  
1.5.3  
Placement direction ........................................................ 1-6  
Screw holes .................................................................... 1-6  
Motherboard layout......................................................... 1-7  
1.6  
1.7  
Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 1-8  
1.6.1  
1.6.2  
1.6.3  
Installing the CPU ........................................................... 1-8  
Installing the CPU heatsink and fan...............................1-11  
Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan ......................... 1-13  
System memory ......................................................................... 1-15  
1.7.1  
1.7.2  
1.7.3  
1.7.4  
1.7.5  
Overview....................................................................... 1-15  
Memory configurations.................................................. 1-15  
DDR2 Qualified Vendors List ........................................ 1-16  
Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 1-20  
Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 1-21  
1.8  
Expansion slots.......................................................................... 1-21  
1.8.1  
1.8.2  
1.8.3  
1.8.4  
1.8.5  
1.8.6  
Installing an expansion card ......................................... 1-21  
Configuring an expansion card ..................................... 1-22  
Interrupt assignments ................................................... 1-22  
PCI slots........................................................................ 1-24  
PCI Express x1 slot....................................................... 1-24  
PCI Express x16 slots................................................... 1-24  
1.9  
Jumper ........................................................................................ 1-25  
Connectors ................................................................................. 1-26  
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors.................................................. 1-26  
1.10  
iii  
Contents  
1.10.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 1-27  
Chapter 2:  
BIOS setup  
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 2-2  
2.1.1  
2.1.2  
2.1.3  
2.1.4  
2.1.5  
2.1.6  
ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 2-2  
Creating a bootable floppy disk....................................... 2-5  
ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility................................................... 2-6  
Updating the BIOS.......................................................... 2-7  
Saving the current BIOS file............................................ 2-9  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility .................................... 2-10  
iv  
Contents  
Chpater 3:  
Software Support  
Appendix:  
CPU features  
Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology ...........................................A-4  
v
Notices  
Federal Communications Commission Statement  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the  
following two conditions:  
This device may not cause harmful interference, and  
This device must accept any interference received including interference that  
may cause undesired operation.  
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a  
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are  
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a  
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio  
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s  
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,  
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If  
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,  
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is  
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following  
measures:  
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.  
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the  
receiver is connected.  
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.  
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.  
vi  
Safety information  
Electrical safety  
To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the  
electrical outlet before relocating the system.  
When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the  
power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are  
connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system  
before you add a device.  
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 correct voltage in your area.  
If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using,  
contact your local power company.  
If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a  
qualified service technician or your retailer.  
Operation safety  
Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all  
the manuals that came with the package.  
Before using the product, make sure all cables are correctly connected and the  
power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer  
immediately.  
To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from  
connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.  
Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in  
any area where it may become wet.  
Place the product on a stable surface.  
If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified  
service technician or your retailer.  
This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical  
and electronic equipment, Mercury-containing button cell battery) should not  
be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic  
products.  
vii  
About this guide  
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring  
the motherboard.  
How this guide is organized  
This manual contains the following parts:  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new  
technology it supports. It also lists the hardware setup procedures that you  
have to perform when installing system components. It includes description of  
the jumpers and connectors on the motherboard.  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup  
menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.  
Chapter 3: Software support  
This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with the  
motherboard package.  
Appendix: CPU features  
This Appendix describes the CPU features that the motherboard supports.  
Where to find more information  
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and  
software updates.  
1.  
ASUS websites  
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and  
software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.  
2.  
Optional documentation  
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty  
flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not  
part of the standard package.  
viii  
Conventions used in this guide  
To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following  
symbols used throughout this manual.  
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself  
when trying to complete a task.  
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components  
when trying to complete a task.  
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a  
task.  
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a  
task.  
Typography  
Bold text  
Italics  
Indicates a menu or an item to select.  
Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.  
<Key>  
Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign  
means that you must press the enclosed key.  
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the  
Enter or Return key.  
<Key1>+<Key2>+<Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the  
key names are linked with a plus sign (+).  
Example: <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<D>  
Command  
Means that you must type the command exactly as  
shown, then supply the required item or value enclosed  
in brackets.  
Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line:  
format A:/S  
ix  
P5N73-AM specifications summary  
CPU  
LGA775 socket for Intel® Core™ 2 Quad / Core™ 2 Duo /  
Pentium® D / Pentium® 4 / Celeron® processors  
Compatible with Intel® 06 / 05B / 05A processors  
Supports Intel® next generation 45nm CPU  
Supports Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology (EIST)  
Supports Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology  
Chipset  
NVIDIA GeForce 7050 / nForce 610i (MCP73V)  
1333 / 1066 / 800 / 533 MHz  
Front Side Bus  
Memory  
Single-channel memory architecture  
2 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support unbufferred non-ECC  
DDR2-800 (overclocking) / 667 / 533 memory modules  
Supports up to 4 GB system memory  
* When installing total memory of 4GB capacity or more,  
Windows® 32-bit operation system may only recognize less than  
3GB. Hence, a total installed memory of less than 3GB is  
recommended.  
Expansion Slots  
Audio  
1 x PCI Express x16 slot  
1 x PCI Express x1 slot  
2 x PCI slots  
VIA VT1708B High Definition Audio 8-channel CODEC  
1 x CD Audio in  
1 x S/PDIF out connector  
Supports jack-dectect and Anti Pop Function  
Storage  
Southbridge:  
-
-
-
1 x Ultra DMA 133  
4 x Serial ATA 3Gb/s devices  
RAID 0, RAID 1, and JBOD configuration  
LAN  
USB  
Realtek RTL8201CP 10 / 100 Mbps LAN  
Supports up to 8 USB 2.0 ports (4 ports at mid-board, 4  
ports at rear panel  
VGA  
GeForce 7050 GPU supports maximum resolution of  
1920 x 1440 (@ 75Hz)  
ASUS Special Features  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2  
ASUS Q-Fan  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
ASUS MyLogo 2  
ASUS O.C. Profile  
BIOS features  
8 Mb Flash ROM, Award BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0,  
SM BIOS 2.5  
(continued on the next page)  
x
P5N73-AM specifications summary  
Rear panel  
1 x Parallel port  
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port  
4 x USB 2.0 / 1.1 ports  
1 x COM  
1 x VGA  
1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple)  
1 x PS/2 mouse port (green)  
8-channel audio I/O ports  
Internal connectors  
1 x Floppy disk drive connector  
1 x CD audio in connector  
1 x 24-pin ATX power connector  
1 x 4-pin ATX 12 V power connector  
2 x USB connectors for additional four USB 2.0 ports  
1 x S/PDIF out connector  
1 x Chassis intrusion connector  
1 x Front panel audio connector  
1 x CPU Fan connector  
1 x Chassis fan connector  
1 x Power fan connector  
1 x Speaker conncetor  
System panel connector  
Power Requirement  
ATX power supply (with 24-pin and 4-pin 12V plugs)  
ATX 12V 2.0 compliant  
Manageability  
WOL, PXE, WOR by Ring, PME Wake UP  
Support CD contents  
Drivers  
ASUS PC Probe II  
ASUS Update  
Anti-virus software  
Form factor  
MicroATX Form Factor: 9.6 in x 7.6 in (24.5 cm x 19.3 cm)  
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.  
xi  
xii  
This chapter describes the motherboard  
features and the new technologies  
it supports.  
Product  
1
introduction  
1.1  
Welcome!  
Thank you for buying an ASUS® P5N73-AM motherboard!  
The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it  
another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!  
Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the  
items in your package with the list below.  
1.2  
Package contents  
Check your motherboard package for the following items.  
Motherboard  
Cables  
ASUS P5N73-AM motherboard  
1 x Serial ATA cable  
1 x Serial ATA power cable  
1 x Ultra DMA 100 / 66 / 33 cable  
1 x Floppy disk drive cable  
Accessories  
I/O shield  
Application CDs  
Documentation  
ASUS motherboard support CD  
User guide  
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.  
1.3  
Special features  
1.3.1  
Product highlights  
Green ASUS  
This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction  
on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision  
of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard  
consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.  
LGA775 Intel® Quad-core Processor Ready  
This motherboard supports the latest powerful and energy efficient processors  
from Intel. Intel® Quad-core is based on the Intel Core Microarchitecture process  
technology that allows users to step up to new levels of gaming experience and  
multi-tasking performance.  
Combined with 1333 / 1066 / 800 of front side bus (FSB), this motherboard  
guarantees enhanced user experience in the digital home and office.  
1-2  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
Intel® Core™2 Processor Ready  
This motherboard supports the latest Intel® Core™2 processor in the LGA775  
package. With the new Intel® Core™ microarchitecture technology and 1333 / 1066 /  
800 MHz FSB, Intel® Core™2 processor is designed to provide powerful and energy  
efficient performance.  
NVIDIA® GeForce™ 7050 / nForce™ 610i  
The brand new NVIDIA® GeForce™ 7050 / nForce® 610i Media and  
Communications Processor (MCP) features CineFXTM 3.0 Engine. This unique  
combination of MCP creates a single motherboard featuring a world-class DX9,  
Shader Model 3.0 GPU for faster and smooter game-play, a high quality video  
processing engine for advancing quality of video and DVD playback.  
DDR2 memory support  
The motherboard supports DDR2 memory that features data transfer rates of  
533/667/800(overclocking) MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the  
latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications.  
Serial ATA 3 Gb/s technology  
This motherboard supports the next-generation hard drives based on the Serial  
ATA (SATA) 3 Gb/s storage specification, delivering enhanced scalability and  
doubling the bus bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and saves. It allows RAID  
0, RAID 1, and JBOD configurations for SATA connectors. Easily backup photos,  
videos and other entertainment contents to external devices. See page 1-29 for  
details.  
S/PDIF digital sound ready  
The motherboard supports the SONY-PHILIPS Digtal Interface function (S/PDIF-  
out) through the S/PDIF interface at mid-board. It allows to transfer digital audio  
without converting to analog format and keeps the best signal quality. See page  
1-30 for details.  
High Definition Audio  
Enjoy high-end sound quality on your PC! The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High  
Definition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality  
192KHz/24-bit audio output, jack-detect feature.  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
1-3  
1.3.2  
ASUS Special features  
ASUS Q-Fan technology  
The ASUS Q-Fan technology smartly adjusts the fan speeds according to the  
system loading to ensure quiet, cool, and efficient operation.  
See page 2-32 for details.  
ASUS MyLogo2™  
This feature allows you to convert your favorite photo into a 256-color boot logo for  
a more colorful and vivid image on your screen. See page 2-35 for details.  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply press the predefined  
hotkey to launch the utility and update the BIOS without entering the OS. Update  
your BIOS easily without preparing a bootable diskette or using an OS-based flash  
utility. See page 2-6 for details.  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2  
This feature allows you to restore the original BIOS data from the support CD in case  
when the BIOS codes and data are corrupted. This protection eliminates the need to  
buy a replacement BIOS chip. See page 2-10 for details.  
ASUS O.C. Profile  
The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Profile that allows users to conveniently  
store or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be stored in the  
CMOS or a separate file, giving users freedom to share and distribute their favorite  
settings.  
1-4  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.4  
Before you proceed  
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components  
or change any motherboard settings.  
Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any  
component.  
Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or to a metal  
object, such as the power supply case, before handling components to  
avoid damaging them due to static electricity  
Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.  
Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic  
pad or in the bag that came with the component.  
Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the 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.  
Onboard LED  
The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate  
that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder  
that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before  
removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below  
shows the location of the onboard LED.  
SB_PWR  
ON  
OFF  
Standby  
Power  
Powered  
Off  
P5N73-AM Onboard LED  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
1-5  
1.5  
Motherboard overview  
Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to  
ensure that the motherboard fits into it.  
Ensure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard.  
Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage motherboard  
components.  
1.5.1  
Placement direction  
When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the chassis in  
the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the  
chassis as indicated in the image below.  
1.5.2  
Screw holes  
Place six (6) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard  
to the chassis.  
Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.  
Place this side towards  
the rear of the chassis  
1-6  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.5.3  
Motherboard layout  
19.3cm (7.6in)  
PS/2KBMS  
T: Mouse  
CPU_FAN  
B: Keyboard  
ATX12V  
CHA_FAN  
COM1  
LGA775  
PWR_FAN  
VGA1  
8Mb  
BIOS  
USB34  
LAN1_USB12  
MCP73V  
AUDIO  
RTL  
8201CP  
CR2032 3V  
Lithium Cell  
CMOS Power  
PCIEX1_1  
PCIEX16  
CLRTC  
SATA1  
SATA4  
PCI1  
SATA2  
SATA3  
SB_PWR  
VIA  
VT1708B  
PCI2  
CHASSIS  
SPEAKER  
SPDIF_OUT  
AAFP  
FLOPPY  
F_PANEL  
USB78  
USB56  
CD  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
1-7  
1.6  
Central Processing Unit (CPU)  
The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA775 socket designed for the  
Core™2 Duo / Core™2 Quad / Pentium® D / Pentium® 4 and Celeron® processors.  
Your boxed Intel® Core™2 Duo / Core™2 Quad / Pentium® D / Pentium®  
4 or Celeron® LGA775 processor package should come with installation  
instructions for the CPU, fan and heatsink assembly. If the instructions in  
this section do not match the CPU documentation, follow the latter.  
Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that the PnP cap is on the  
socket and the socket pins are not bent. Contact your retailer immediately  
if the PnP cap is missing, or if you see any damage to the PnP cap / socket  
pins/motherboard components. ASUS will shoulder the cost of repair only if  
the damage is shipment/transit-related.  
Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process Return  
Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests only if the motherboard comes  
with the cap on the LGA775 socket.  
The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket pins resulting  
from incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/loss/incorrect  
removal of the PnP cap.  
1.6.1  
Installling the CPU  
To install a CPU:  
1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.  
P5N73-AM CPU Socket 775  
Before installing the CPU, ensure that the socket box is facing towards you and  
the load lever is on your left.  
1-8  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
2.  
Press the load lever with your thumb (A) and move it to the left (B) until it is  
released from the retention tab.  
PnP Cap  
Retention tab  
Load lever  
A
B
This side of the cam box  
should face you.  
To prevent damage to the socket pins, do not remove the PnP cap unless you  
are installing a CPU.  
3.  
Lift the load lever in the direction of  
the arrow to a 135º angle.  
4.  
Lift the load plate with your thumb  
and forefinger to a 100º angle (A),  
then push the PnP cap from the load  
B
plate window to remove (B).  
A
Load plate  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
1-9  
5.  
Position the CPU over  
the socket, ensuring that  
the gold triangle is on  
the bottom-left corner of  
the socket. The socket  
alignment key should fit into  
the CPU notch.  
Alignment key  
Gold triangle mark  
6.  
Close the load plate (A), then push  
the load lever (B) until it snaps into  
the retention tab.  
A
B
The CPU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the  
socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and damaging the CPU!  
The motherboard supports Intel® LGA775 processors with the Enhanced Intel  
SpeedStep® Technology (EIST), and Hyper-Threading Technology.  
1-10  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.6.2  
Installling the CPU heatsink and fan  
The Intel® Core™ 2 Quad / Core™ 2 Duo / Pentium® D / Pentium® 4 / Celeron® processor  
require a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal  
condition and performance.  
Install the motherboard to the chassis before you install the CPU fan and  
heatsink assembly  
When you buy a boxed Intel® Core™ 2 Quad / Core™ 2 Duo / Pentium® D /  
Pentium® 4 / Celeron® processor, the package includes the CPU fan and  
heatsink assembly. If you buy a CPU separately, ensure that you use only  
Intel®-certified multi-directional heatsink and fan.  
Your Intel® Core™ 2 Quad / Core™ 2 Duo / Pentium® D / Pentium® 4 /  
Celeron® LGA775 heatsink and fan assembly comes in a push-pin design  
and requires no tool to install.  
If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, ensure that a  
Thermal Interface Material is properly applied to the CPU heatsink or CPU  
before you install the heatsink and fan assembly.  
To install the CPU heatsink and fan:  
1.  
Place the heatsink on top of the  
installed CPU, ensuring that the  
four fasteners match the holes on  
the motherboard.  
Fastener  
Motherboard hole  
Ensure that each fastener is oriented as shown, with the narrow groove directed  
outward.  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
1-11  
2.  
Push down two fasteners at a time  
in a diagonal sequence to secure  
the heatsink and fan assembly in  
place.  
B
B
A
A
A
B
B
A
3.  
When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable  
to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN.  
P5N73-AM CPU Fan Connector  
Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring  
errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector.  
We recommend you to install the chassis fan for better thermal state.  
1-12  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.6.3  
Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan  
To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan:  
1.  
Disconnect the CPU fan cable  
from the connector on the  
motherboard.  
2.  
Rotate each fastener  
counterclockwise.  
3.  
Pull up two fasteners at a time  
in a diagonal sequence to  
B
B
disengage the heatsink and fan  
assembly from the motherboard.  
A
A
A
B
B
A
ASUS P5N73-AM  
1-13  
4.  
Remove the heatsink and fan  
assembly from the motherboard.  
5.  
Rotate each fastener clockwise to  
reset the orientation.  
Narrow end of the groove  
The narrow end of the  
groove should point outward  
after resetting. (The photo  
shows the groove shaded  
for emphasis.)  
1-14  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.7  
System memory  
1.7.1  
Overview  
The motherboard comes with two Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory  
Modules (DIMM) sockets.  
A DDR2 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR DIMM but has a  
240-pin footprint compared to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. DDR2 DIMMs are notched  
differently to prevent installation on a DDR DIMM socket.  
The figure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets:  
P5N73-AM 240-pin DDR2 DIMM Sockets  
Color  
Yellow  
Black  
Sockets  
DIMM1  
DIMM2  
1.7.2  
Memory configurations  
You may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB and 2 GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR2  
DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.  
This motherboard only supports single-channel configuration.  
Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum  
compatibility, it is recommended that you obtain memory modules from the  
same vendor. Refer to the DDR2 Qualified Vendors List on next page for  
details.  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
1-15  
1.7.3  
DDR2 Qualified Vendors List  
The following table lists the memory modules that have been tested and qualified  
latest DDR2 DIMM modules for this motherboard.  
DDR2 800 Qualified Vendors List  
DIMM support  
SS/  
DS  
Size  
Vendor  
Model  
CL  
Brand  
Component  
A*  
B*  
1G  
Kingston  
Kingston  
Kingston  
Kingston  
Kingston  
Kingston  
Samsung  
Samsung  
Qimonda  
Qimonda  
Corsair  
HY  
KVR800D2N5/1G  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
6
Samsung  
Kingston  
Kingston  
Promos  
Kingston  
Promos  
Samsung  
Samsung  
Qimonda  
Qimonda  
Corsair  
Hynix  
DS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
K4T51083QC-ZCE7  
1G  
KHX6400D2LL/1G  
Heat-Sink Package  
512MB  
512MB  
1G  
KHX6400D2LLK2/1GN  
KVR800D2N5/512  
Heat-Sink Package  
V59C1512804QCF25SY032406PECPA  
Heat-Sink Package  
KHX6400D2K2/2G  
1G  
KVR800D2N5/1G  
V59C1512804QCF25S0061904PECJA  
K4T51083QC-ZCE7  
512MB  
1G  
KR M378T6553CZ3-CE7  
KR M378T2953CZ3-CE7  
HYS64T64000EU-2.5-B2  
HYS64T128020EU-2.5-B2  
XMS2-6400  
K4T51083QC-ZCE7  
512MB  
1G  
HYB18T512800B2F25FSS28380  
HYB18T512800B2F25FSS28380  
Heat-Sink Package  
6
1G  
4
512MB  
512MB  
512MB  
1G  
HYMP564U64AP8-S6 AA  
HYMP564U64BP8-S5 AB  
HYMP564U64CP8-S5 AB  
HYMP512U64AP8-S6 AA  
HYMP512U64BP8-S5 AB  
HYMP512U64CP8-S5 AB  
78.A1GA0.9K4  
N/A  
N/A  
5
HY5PS12821AFP-S6  
HY  
Hynix  
HY5PS12821BFP-S5  
HY  
Hynix  
HY5PS12821CFP-S5  
HY  
N/A  
5
Hynix  
HY5PS12821AFP-S6  
1G  
HY  
Hynix  
HY5PS12821BFP-S5  
1G  
HY  
5
Hynix  
HY5PS12821CFPS5  
2G  
Apacer  
ADATA  
VDATA  
VDATA  
PSC  
5
Apacer  
ADATA  
VDATA  
VDATA  
PSC  
AM4B5808CQJS8E0740E  
AD29608A8A-25EG80720  
VD29608A8A-25EG30648  
VD29608A8A-25EG30647  
A3R1GE3CFF734MAA0E  
A3R1GE3CFF734MAA0E  
AET93F25DB 0621  
512MB  
512MB  
1G  
M20AD6G3H3160I1E58  
M2GVD6G3H3160I1E53  
M2GVD6G3I4170I1E53  
AL7E8F73C-8E1  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
5
1G  
2G  
PSC  
AL8E8F73C-8E1  
5
PSC  
512MB  
1G  
AENEON  
AENEON  
MDT  
AET660UD00-25DB98X  
AET760UD00-25DB97X  
MDT 512MB  
N/A  
5
AENEON  
AENEON  
MDT  
AET93R25DB 0640  
512MB  
1G  
5
18D51280D-2.50726F  
18D51280D-2.50726E  
DDRII6408-8E 7212  
MDT  
MDT 1024MB  
5
MDT  
512MB  
1G  
SIS  
SLY264M8-JGE-3  
N/A  
N/A  
5
SIS  
SIS  
SLY264M8-JGE-3  
SIS  
DDRII6408-8E 7301  
512MB  
1G  
TAKEMS  
TAKEMS  
VERITECH  
OCZ  
TMS51B264C081-805EP  
TMS1GB264C081-805EP  
GTU512HLTXX4EG  
OCZ2RPR8002GK  
takeMS  
takeMS  
Veritech  
OCZ  
MS18T51280-2.5P0710  
MS18T51280-2.5P0716  
VTD264M8PC4G03A169045648  
Heat-Sink Package  
5
512MB  
1G  
N/A  
4
1G  
OCZ  
OCZ2P800R22GK  
4
OCZ  
Heat-Sink Package  
1G  
OCZ  
OCZ2VU8004GK  
6
OCZ  
Heat-Sink Package  
(continued on the next page)  
1-16  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
DDR2 667 Qualified Vendors List  
DIMM support  
SS/  
DS  
Size  
Vendor  
Model  
CL  
Brand  
Component  
A*  
B*  
256MB  
256MB  
512MB  
1G  
Kingston  
Kingston  
Kingston  
Kingston  
Kingston  
Samsung  
Samsung  
Samsung  
Samsung  
Samsung  
Qimonda  
Qimonda  
Qimonda  
Corsair  
Corsair  
Corsair  
Corsair  
HY  
KVR667D2N5/256  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
5
Kingston  
Infineon  
Elpida  
SS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
D3216TLSAKL3U  
KVR667D2N5/256  
HYB18T256800AF3SW65 33154  
E5108AGBG-6E-E  
KVR667D2N5/512  
KVR667D2N5/1G  
Kingston  
Elpida  
D6408TEBGGL3U  
1G  
KVR667D2N5/1G  
E5108AGBG-6E-E  
512MB  
512MB  
512MB  
1G  
KR M378T6553CZ0-CE6  
KR M378T6453FZ0-CE6  
M378T6553CZ3-CE6  
M378T2953CZ3-CE6  
KR M378T2953CZ0-CE6  
HYS64T64000EU-3S-B2  
HYS64T128020EU-3S-B2  
HYS64T256020EU-3S-B  
VS512MB667D2  
Samsung  
Samsung  
Samsung  
Samsung  
Samsung  
Qimonda  
Qimonda  
Qimonda  
Corsair  
Corsair  
Corsair  
Corsair  
Hynix  
K4T51083QC  
K4T56083QF-ZCE6  
K4T51083QC-ZCE6  
K4T51083QC-ZCE6  
1G  
K4T51083QC-ZCE6  
512MB  
1G  
HYB18T512B00B2F3SFSS28171  
HYB18T512B00B2F3SFSS28171  
HTB18T1G800BF-3S3VV10907  
64M8CFEGPS0900647  
MIII0052532M8CEC  
5
2G  
5
512MB  
512MB  
1G  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
4
VS512MB667D2  
VS1GB667D2  
MID095D62864M8CEC  
Heat-Sink Package  
1G  
XMS2-5400  
256MB  
512MB  
512MB  
1G  
HYMP532U64CP6-Y5 AB  
HYMP564U64AP8-Y4 AA  
HYMP564U64AP8-Y5 AA  
HYMP512U64AP8-Y5 AB  
HYMP512U64CP8-Y5 AB  
KLCC28F-A8EB5  
5
HY5PS121621CFP-Y5  
HY5PS12821AFP-Y4  
HY5PS12821AFP-Y5  
HY5PS12821AFP-Y5  
HY5PS12521CFP-Y5  
E5108AE-6E-E  
HY  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
5
Hynix  
HY  
Hynix  
HY  
Hynix  
1G  
HY  
Hynix  
512MB  
512MB  
1G  
Kingmax  
Kingmax  
Kingmax  
Apacer  
Apacer  
Apacer  
Apacer  
Apacer  
Apacer  
Apacer  
ADATA  
ADATA  
ADATA  
ADATA  
ADATA  
VDATA  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
5
Elpida  
KLCC28F-A8KB5  
Kingmax  
Kingmax  
Elpida  
KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX  
KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX  
E5108AE-6E-E  
KLCD48F-A8KB5  
512MB  
512MB  
512MB  
512MB  
1G  
78.91092.420  
AU512E667C5KBGC  
AU512E667C5KBGC  
78.91G92.9KC  
Apacer  
Apacer  
Apacer  
Apacer  
Elpida  
AM4B5708MIJS7E0627B  
AM4B5708GQJS7E06332F  
AM4B5708GQJS7E0706F  
AM4B5708GQJS7E0636B  
E5108AE-6E-E  
5
5
AU01GE667C5KBGC  
78.01092.420  
N/A  
5
1G  
1G  
AU01GE667C5KBGC  
M20EL5G3H3160B1C0Z  
M20AD5G3H3166I1C52  
M20AD5G3H3166I1C52  
M2OAD5G3I4176I1C52  
M2OAD5H3J4170I1C53  
M2GVD5G3H31A4I1C52  
5
Apacer  
Elpida  
AM4B5708MIJS7E0627B  
E5108AE-6E-E  
512MB  
512MB  
512MB  
1G  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
ADATA  
ADATA  
ADATA  
ADATA  
VDATA  
AD29608A8A-3EG20648  
AD29608A8A-3EG20718  
AD29608A8A-3EG20645  
AD20908A8A-3EG 30724  
VD29608A8A-3EC20615  
2G  
512MB  
(continued on the next page)  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
1-17  
DDR2 667 Qualified Vendors List  
DIMM support  
SS/  
DS  
Size  
Vendor  
Model  
CL  
Brand  
Component  
A*  
B*  
512MB  
512MB  
1G  
VDATA  
VDATA  
VDATA  
VDATA  
VDATA  
PSC  
M2YVD5G3H31P4I1C52  
M2GVD5G3H166I1C52  
M2GVD5G3I41P6I1C52  
M2GVD5G3I41C4I1C52  
M2GVD5G3I4176I1C52  
AL6E8E63B-6E1K  
AL6E8E63J-6E1  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
5
VDATA  
VDATA  
VDATA  
VDATA  
VDATA  
PSC  
SS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
VD29608A8A-3EG20627  
VD29608A8A-3EG20637  
VD29608A8A-3EG20627  
VD29608A8A-3EC20620  
VD29608A8A-3EG20641  
A3R12E3GEF637BLC5N  
A3R12E3JFF717B9A00  
A3R12E3GEF637BLC5N  
A3R12E3JFF717B9A01  
A3R1GE3CFF734MAA0J  
A3R1GE3CFF733MAA00  
NT5TU32M16AG-3C  
NT5TU64M8AE-3C  
1G  
1G  
512MB  
512MB  
1G  
PSC  
5
PSC  
PSC  
AL7E8E63B-6E1K  
AL7E8E63J-6E1  
5
PSC  
1G  
PSC  
5
PSC  
1G  
PSC  
AL7E8F73C-6E1  
5
PSC  
2G  
PSC  
AL8E8F73C-6E1  
5
PSC  
256MB  
512MB  
1G  
Nanya  
NT256T64UH4A1FY-3C  
NT512T64U88A1BY-3C  
E0736001024667  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
5
Nanya  
Nanya  
Kingtiger  
ELIXIR  
Hynix  
Nanya  
Kingtiger  
ELIXIR  
Leadmaax  
MDT  
KTG667PS6408NST-C6 GDBTX  
M2TU51280AE-3C717095R28F  
HY5PS12821CFP-Y5 C 702AA  
18D51280D-30648  
1G  
M2Y1G64TU8HA2B-3C  
LRMP512U64A8-Y5  
MDT 512MB  
1G  
N/A  
4
512MB  
1G  
MDT  
MDT  
MDT 1024MB  
4
MDT  
18D51280D-30726E  
1G  
MDT  
MDT 1024MB  
4
MDT  
18D51200D-30646  
1G  
MDT  
MDT 1024MB  
4
MDT  
18D51280D-30646E  
512MB  
1G  
Twinmos  
PQI  
8D-A3JK5MPETP  
5
PSC  
A3R12E3GEF633ACAOY  
HY5PS12821BFP-E3 A  
AET93R300B 0634  
DDR2-667U 1G  
N/A  
5
Hynix  
512MB  
1G  
AENEON  
AENEON  
TAKEMS  
TAKEMS  
TAKEMS  
TAKEMS  
TAKEMS  
VERITECH  
GEIL  
AET660UD00-30DB97X  
AET760UD00-30DB97X  
TMS51B264C081-665QI  
TMS51B264C081-665AP  
TMS1GB264C081-665QI  
TMS1GB264C081-665AE  
TMS1GB264C081-665AP  
GTP512HLTM45EG  
GX21GB5300DC  
AENEON  
AENEON  
takeMS  
takeMS  
takeMS  
takeMS  
takeMS  
VERITECH  
GEIT  
5
AET93R300B 0639  
512MB  
512MB  
1G  
5
MS18T51280-3  
5
MS18T51280-3S0627D  
MS18T51280-3  
5
1G  
5
MS18T51280-3SEA07100  
MS18T51280-3SP0717A  
VTD264M8PC6G01A164129621  
Heat-Sink Package  
1G  
5
512MB  
512MB  
1G  
N/A  
4
TEAM  
TVDD1.02M667C4  
CENTURY 512MB  
CENTURY 1G  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
TEAM  
Nanya  
Nanya  
KINGBOX  
KINGBOX  
T2D648PT-6  
512MB  
1G  
Century  
Century  
KINGBOX  
KINGBOX  
NT5TU64M8AE-3C  
NT5TU64M8AE-3C  
512MB  
1G  
512MB 667MHz  
EPD264082200-4  
DDRII 1G 667MHz  
EPD264082200-4  
(continued on the next page)  
1-18  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
DDR2 533 Qualified Vendors List  
DIMM support  
SS/  
DS  
Size  
Vendor  
Model  
CL  
Brand  
Component  
A*  
B*  
256MB  
512MB  
1G  
Kingston  
Kingston  
Kingston  
Samsung  
Samsung  
HY  
KVR533D2N4/256  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
4
Elpida  
SS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
SS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
SS  
SS  
SS  
SS  
DS  
DS  
DS  
SS  
E5116AF-5C-E  
KVR533D2N4/512  
Infineon  
Kingston  
Samsung  
Samsung  
Hynix  
HYB18T512800AF3733336550  
D6408TLRAGL37U  
K4T56083QF-GCD5  
K4T51083QB-GCD5  
HY5PS121621CFP-C4  
HY5PS12821CFP-C4  
D9BOM  
KVR533D2N4/1G  
256MB  
512MB  
256MB  
1G  
M378T3253FG0-CD5  
M378T6553BG0-CD5  
HYMP532U64CP6-C4 AB  
HYMP512U64CP8-C4 AB  
MT 16HTF6464AG-53EB2  
MT 16HTF6464AG-53EB2  
MT 16HTF12864AY-53EA1  
VS512MB533D2  
4
HY  
4
Hynix  
512MB  
512MB  
1G  
Micron  
4
Micron  
Micron  
4
Micron  
Z9BQT  
Micron  
4
Micron  
D9CRZ  
512MB  
512MB  
1G  
Corsair  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
N/A  
4
Corsair  
Corsair  
Corsair  
Elpida  
MIII0052532M8CEC  
MI110052532M8CEC  
64M8CFEGQIB0900718  
E5108AB-5C-E  
Corsair  
VS512MB533D2  
Corsair  
VS1GB533D2  
512MB  
512MB  
256MB  
512MB  
512MB  
2G  
Elpida  
EBE51UD8ABFA-5C-E  
KLBC28F-A8KB4  
Kingmax  
Kingmax  
Kingmax  
ADATA  
Kingmax  
Elpida  
KKEA88B4IAK-37  
KLBB68F-36EP4  
E5116AB-5C-E  
KLBC28F-A8EB4  
Elpida  
E5108AE-5C-E  
M2OAD2G3H3166I1B52  
M20AD2H3J4170I1B53  
MEAB-323LA  
ADATA  
ADATA  
PQI  
AD29608A8A-37DG20719  
AD20908A8A-37DG30721  
D2-E04180W025  
ADATA  
512MB  
512MB  
512MB  
512MB  
1G  
PQI  
AENEON  
AENEON  
AENEON  
AENEON  
AENEON  
AENEON  
AENEON  
REMAXEL  
TAKEMS  
TAKEMS  
TAKEMS  
TAKEMS  
TAKEMS  
TAKEMS  
TAKEMS  
VERITECH  
AET660UD00-370A98X  
AET660UD00-370A88S  
AET660UD00-370B97X  
AET760UD00-370A98S  
AET760UD00-370B97X  
AET760UD00-370B97S  
AET860UD00-370A08X  
RML1040EG38D6F-533  
TMS25B264B161-534KQ  
TMS51B264C081-534QI  
TMS51B264C081-534AP  
TMS51B264C081-534AE  
TMS1GB264C081-534AE  
TMS1GB264C081-534QI  
TMS1GB264C081-534AP  
GTP512HLTM46DG  
AENEON  
AENEON  
AENEON  
AENEON  
AENEON  
AENEON  
AENEON  
Elpida  
AET93F370A 0518  
AET82F370A 0550  
AET93R370B 0640  
AET92F370A 0606  
AET93R370B 0640  
AET92R370B 0644  
AET03F370AFVV26176G 0542  
E5108AG-5C-E  
N/A  
4
1G  
1G  
4
2G  
N/A  
4
512MB  
256MB  
512MB  
512MB  
512MB  
1G  
4
takeMS  
takeMS  
takeMS  
takeMS  
takeMS  
takeMS  
takeMS  
VERITECH  
MS18T51216-3.70711  
MS18T51280-3.7  
4
4
MS18T51280-3.7P0704D  
MS18T51280-3.7EA07100  
MS18T51280-3.7EA0651D  
MS18T51280-3.7  
4
4
1G  
4
1G  
4
MS18T51280-3.7P0645D  
VTD264M8PC6G01A164129621  
512MB  
N/A  
(continued on the next page)  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
1-19  
SS - Single-sided / DS - Double - sided  
DIMM support:  
A*: Supports one module inserted into any slot as Single-channel memory  
configuration.  
B*: Supports two modules inserted into both slots as Single-channel  
memory configuration.  
Visit the ASUS website for the latest DDR2-533/667/800 MHz QVL.  
1.7.4  
Installing a DIMM  
Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other  
system components. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the  
motherboard and the components.  
2
To install a DIMM:  
DDR2 DIMM notch  
3
1.  
2.  
3.  
Unlock a DIMM socket by  
pressing the retaining clips  
outward.  
Align a DIMM on the socket  
such that the notch on the DIMM  
matches the break on the socket.  
1
Firmly insert the DIMM into the  
socket until the retaining clips  
snap back in place and the DIMM  
is properly seated.  
Unlocked retaining clip  
A DDR2 DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction. Do  
not force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM.  
The DDR2 DIMM sockets do not support DDR DIMMs. DO not install DDR  
DIMMs to the DDR2 DIMM sockets.  
1-20  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.7.5  
Removing a DIMM  
Follow these steps to remove a DIMM.  
1.  
Simultaneously press the retaining  
clips outward to unlock the DIMM.  
2
Support the DIMM lightly with  
your fingers when pressing the  
retaining clips. The DIMM might  
get damaged when it flips out with  
extra force.  
1
DDR2 DIMM notch  
1
2.  
Remove the DIMM from the socket.  
1.8  
Expansion slots  
In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections  
describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support.  
Ensure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards.  
Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard  
components.  
1.8.1  
Installing an expansion card  
To install an expansion card:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with  
it and make the necessary hardware settings for the card.  
Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a  
chassis).  
Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screw  
for later use.  
Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is  
completely seated on the slot.  
5.  
6.  
Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier.  
Replace the system cover.  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
1-21  
1.8.2  
Configuring an expansion card  
After installing the expansion card, configure it by adjusting the software settings.  
1.  
Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See  
Chapter 2 for information on BIOS setup.  
2.  
Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page.  
3.  
Install the software drivers for the expansion card.  
1.8.3  
Interrupt assignments  
Standard interrupt assignments  
IRQ  
0
Standard Function  
High precision event timer  
1
Standard 101/102-key or Microsoft PS/2 keyboard  
Communicators Port (COM1)  
4
6
Standard floppy disk controller  
8
High precision event timer  
9
Microsoft ACPI-Compliant System  
PS/2 Compatible Mouse  
12  
13  
11  
20  
21  
21  
22  
22  
23  
Numeric data processor  
NVIDIA nForce PCI System Management  
Standard OpenHCD USB Host Controller  
Microsoft UAA Bus Driver for High Definition Audio  
Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller  
NVIDIA GeForce 7050 / nForce 610i  
Standard Enhanced PCI to USB Host Controller  
NVIDIA Network Bus Enumerator  
* These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices.  
1-22  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
IRQ assignments for this motherboard  
External devices interrupt  
PIRQ1 PIRQ2 PIRQ3 PIRQ4 PIRQ5  
PIRQ6  
PIRQ7 PIRQ8  
PCI slot 1  
shared  
shared  
PCI slot 2  
Onboard USB controller  
Onboard USB 2.0 controller  
Onboard IDE controller  
Onboard HD Audio  
PCI Express x16 slot  
PCI Express x1 slot  
Onboard SATA controller  
Onboard LAN  
shared  
shared  
shared  
Onboard VGA  
Internal devices interrupt  
MCP  
_USB  
MCP  
_MAC  
MCP  
_AZA  
MCP  
_IGPU  
MCP  
_IDE  
MCP  
_USB2  
MCP  
_AHCI  
PCI slot 1  
PCI slot 2  
Onboard USB controller  
Onboard USB 2.0 controller  
Onboard IDE controller  
Onboard HD Audio  
PCI Express x16 slot  
PCI Express x1 slot  
Onboard SATA controller  
Onboard LAN  
shared  
shared  
shared  
shared  
shared  
Onboard VGA  
shared  
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 two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card  
inoperable.  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
1-23  
1.8.4  
PCI slots  
The PCI slots support cards such as  
a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card,  
and other cards that comply with PCI  
specifications. The figure shows a LAN  
card installed on a PCI slot.  
If you install a PCI graphics  
card, we recommend that  
you remove the onboard  
graphics card driver.  
1.8.5  
PCI Express x1 slot  
This motherboard supports PCI Express  
x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other  
cards that comply with the PCI Express  
specifications. The following figure  
shows a network card installed on the  
PCI Express x1 slot.  
1.8.6  
PCI Express x16 Slot  
This motherboard supports one PCI  
Express x16 graphics card. The figure  
shows a graphics card installed on the  
PCI Express x16 slot.  
1-24  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.9  
Jumper  
1.  
Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC)  
This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in  
CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup  
parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button  
cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup  
information such as system passwords.  
To erase the RTC RAM:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.  
Remove the onboard battery.  
Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the cap on pins  
2-3 for about 5~10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2.  
4.  
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.  
Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC jumper  
default position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!  
CLRTC  
1 2  
2 3  
Normal  
Clear RTC  
(Default)  
P5N73-AM Clear RTC RAM  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
1-25  
1.10 Connectors  
1.10.1  
Rear panel connectors  
4 5  
1
2
3
6
7
8
12  
14  
11  
10  
9
13  
1.  
2.  
PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse.  
Parallel port. This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a scanner, or other  
devices.  
3.  
LAN (RJ-45) port. Supported by 10/100 LAN controller, this port allows  
100Mb connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub.  
Refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indications.  
LAN port LED indications  
100M LED 10M LED  
100M LED  
10M LED  
Description  
Status  
OFF  
Description  
No link  
Status  
OFF  
No link  
Linked  
ORANGE  
BLINKING  
Linked  
GREEN  
BLINKING  
Data activity  
Data activity  
LAN port  
4.  
5.  
6.  
Rear Speaker Out port (black). This port connects the rear speakers in a  
4-channel, 6-channel, or 8-channel audio configuration.  
Center/Subwoofer port (orange). This port connects the center/subwoofer  
speakers.  
Line In port (light blue). This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player, or  
other audio sources.  
7.  
Line Out port (lime). This port connects a headphone or a speaker. In  
4-channel, 6-channel, and 8-channel configuration, the function of this port  
becomes Front Speaker Out.  
8.  
9.  
Microphone port (pink). This port connects a microphone.  
Side Speaker Out port (gray). This port connects the side speakers in an  
8-channel audio configuration.  
1-26  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
Refer to the audio configuration table below for the function of the audio ports in  
2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration.  
Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration  
Port  
Headset  
4-channel  
6-channel  
8-channel  
2-channel  
Light Blue  
Lime  
Line In  
Line In  
Line In  
Front Speaker Out  
Mic In  
Line In  
Line Out  
Front Speaker Out  
Front Speaker Out  
Mic In  
Pink  
Mic In  
Mic In  
Orange  
Black  
Center/Subwoofer  
Rear Speaker Out  
Center/Subwoofer  
Rear Speaker Out  
Side Speaker Out  
Rear Speaker Out  
Gray  
10. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports  
are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.  
11. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports  
are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.  
12. VGA port. This port is for a VGA monitor or other VGA-compatible devices.  
13. Serial port. This 9-pin COM1 port is for pointing devices or other serial  
devices.  
14. PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.  
1.10.2  
Internal connectors  
1.  
Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)  
This connector is for the provided floppy disk drive (FDD) signal cable. Insert  
one end of the cable to this connector, then connect the other end to the  
signal connector at the back of the floppy disk drive.  
Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable connection when  
using an FDD cable with a covered Pin 5.  
FLOPPY  
PIN1  
NOTE: Orient the red markings on  
the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1.  
P5N73-AM Floppy Disk Drive Connector  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
1-27  
2.  
IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)  
The onboard IDE connector is for Ultra DMA 100/66/33 signal cable. There  
are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 100/66/33 signal cable: blue, black,  
and gray. Connect the blue connector to the motherboard’s IDE connector,  
then select one of the following modes to configure your device(s).  
P5N73-AM IDE Connector  
Drive jumper setting  
Mode of  
Cable connector  
device(s)  
Single device  
Two devices  
Cable-Select or Master  
Cable-Select  
-
Black  
Black  
Master  
Slave  
Master  
Slave  
Gray  
Master  
Slave  
Black or gray  
Pin 20 on the IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole on the  
Ultra DMA cable connector. This prevents incorrect insertion when you  
connect the IDE cable.  
Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for Ultra DMA 100/66/33 IDE devices.  
If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select”, ensure that all other device  
jumpers have the same setting.  
1-28  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
3.  
Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA4)  
These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk  
drives.  
P5N73-AM SATA Connectors  
4.  
Speaker connector (4-pin SPEAKER)  
This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The  
speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.  
SPEAKER  
1
P5N73-AM Speaker Out Connector  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
1-29  
5.  
CPU, Chassis and Power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin  
CHA_FAN, 3-pin PWR_FAN)  
The fan connectors support cooling fans of a total of 1A~2.2A (26.4W max.)  
at +12V. Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard,  
ensuring that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the  
connector.  
Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air  
flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. These are  
not jumpers! DO NOT place jumper caps on the fan connectors.  
P5N73-AM CPU Fan Connector  
6.  
Digital Audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)  
This connector is for the S/PDIF audio module to allow digital sound output.  
Connect one end of the S/PDIF audio cable to this connector and the other  
end to the S/PDIF module.  
SPDIF_OUT  
P5N73-AM Digital Audio Connector  
The S/PDIF out module is purchased separately.  
1-30  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
7.  
ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR and 4-pin ATX12V)  
These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs  
are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper  
orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.  
Do not forget to connect the 4-pin ATX +12 V power plug; otherwise, the  
system will not boot.  
Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when  
configuring a system with more power-consuming devices. The system  
may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.  
Ensure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least the minimum  
power required by your system.  
If you intent to use a PSU with 20-pin and 4-pin power plugs, ensure that  
the 20-pin power plug can provide at least 15A on +12V and that the PSU  
has a minimum power rating of 350 W. The system may become unstable  
or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.  
You must install a PSU with a higher power rating if you intend to install  
additional devices.  
ATX12V  
EATXPWR  
+3 Volts  
Ground  
+5 Volts  
+5 Volts  
+5 Volts  
-5 Volts  
Ground  
Ground  
Ground  
PSON#  
Ground  
-12 Volts  
+3 Volts  
+12V DC  
GND  
+12V DC  
GND  
+12 Volts  
+12 Volts  
+5V Standby  
Power OK  
Ground  
+5 Volts  
Ground  
+5 Volts  
Ground  
+3 Volts  
+3 Volts  
P5N73-AM ATX Power Connector  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
1-31  
8.  
Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD)  
This connector allows you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources  
such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card.  
CD  
(black)  
P5N73-AM Internal Audio Connector  
Enable the CD-IN function in the audio utility when using this connector.  
9.  
USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78)  
These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable  
to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the  
back of the system chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0  
specification that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed.  
P5N73-AM USB 2.0 Connectors  
Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the  
motherboard!  
The USB module is purchased separately.  
1-32  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
10. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)  
This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that  
supports either HD Audio or legacy AC’97 audio standard.  
Legacy AC’97-compliant  
pin definition  
Azalia-compliant  
pin definition  
AAFP  
P5N73-AM Azalia Analog Front Panel Connector  
We recommend that you connect a high-definition front panel audio  
module to this connector to avail of the motherboard’s high-definition audio  
capability.  
By default, this connector is set to AC97 Audio. If you want to connect a  
High Definition front panel audio module to this connector, set the Front  
Panel Support Type item in the BIOS to [HD Audio]. See section “2.4.5  
Onboard Device Configuration” for details.  
11. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)  
This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detection sensor or switch.  
Connect one end of the chassis intrusion sensor or switch cable to this  
connector. The chassis intrusion sensor or switch sends a high-level signal to  
this connector when a chassis component is removed or replaced. The signal  
is then generated as a chassis intrusion event.  
By default, the pins labeled “Chassis Signal” and “Ground” are shorted with  
a jumper cap. Remove the jumper caps only when you intend to use the  
chassis intrusion detection feature.  
CHASSIS  
(Default)  
P5N73-AM Intrusion Connector  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
1-33  
12. System panel connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL)  
This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.  
F_PANEL  
PWRBTN  
RESET  
PLED  
+HDLED  
P5N73-AM System Panel Connector  
System power LED (2-pin PLED)  
This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis  
power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when  
you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.  
Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin +HDLED)  
This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity  
LED cable to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or flashes when data is  
read from or written to the HDD.  
ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWRBTN)  
This connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power button  
turns the system on or puts the system in sleep or soft-off mode depending  
on the BIOS settings. Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds  
while the system is ON turns the system OFF.  
Reset button (2-pin RESET)  
This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system  
reboot without turning off the system power.  
1-34  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
This chapter tells how to change  
the system settings through the BIOS  
Setup menus. Detailed descriptions  
of the BIOS parameters are also  
provided.  
BIOS setup  
2
2.1  
Managing and updating your BIOS  
The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic  
Input/Output System (BIOS) setup.  
1.  
ASUS Update: Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.  
2.  
ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS using a floppy disk/ USB flash disk or  
the motherboard support CD / DVD.  
3.  
4.  
AwardBIOS Flash Utility: Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a bootable  
floppy disk.  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2: Updates the BIOS using a bootable floppy disk, or  
the motherboard support DVD when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted.  
Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.  
Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk in  
case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard  
BIOS using the ASUS Update or AwardBIOS Flash utilities.  
2.1.1  
ASUS Update utility  
The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the  
motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. The ASUS Update utility allows you  
to:  
Save the current BIOS file  
Download the latest BIOS file from the Internet  
Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS file  
Update the BIOS directly from the Internet, and  
View the BIOS version information.  
This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard  
package.  
ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an  
Internet Service Provider (ISP).  
Installing ASUS Update  
To install ASUS Update:  
1.  
2.  
Place the support CD / DVD in the optical drive. The Drivers menu appears.  
Click the Utilities tab, then click Install ASUS Update VX.XX.XX. See page  
3-4 for the Utilities screen menu.  
3.  
The ASUS Update utility is copied to your system.  
2-2  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
Quit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility.  
Updating the BIOS through the Internet  
To update the BIOS through the Internet:  
1.  
Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start  
> Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update  
main window appears.  
2.  
Select Update BIOS from  
the Internet option from the  
drop-down menu, then click Next.  
3.  
Select the ASUS FTP site nearest  
you to avoid network traffic, or  
click Auto Select. Click Next.  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
2-3  
4.  
5.  
From the FTP site, select the BIOS  
version that you wish to download.  
Click Next.  
Follow the screen instructions to  
complete the update process.  
The ASUS Update utility is  
capable of updating itself  
through the Internet. Always  
update the utility to avail all its  
features.  
Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file  
To update the BIOS through a BIOS file:  
1.  
Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start  
> Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update main  
window appears.  
2.  
Select Update BIOS from a file  
option from the drop-down menu,  
then click Next.  
3.  
Locate the BIOS file from the Open  
window, then click Open.  
P5N73-AM.bin  
4.  
Follow the screen instructions to  
complete the update process.  
P5N73-AM  
2-4  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
2.1.2  
Creating a bootable floppy disk  
1.  
Do either one of the following to create a bootable floppy disk.  
DOS environment  
a. Insert a 1.44MB floppy disk into the drive.  
b. At the DOS prompt, type format A:/S then press <Enter>.  
Windows® XP environment  
a. Insert a 1.44 MB floppy disk to the floppy disk drive.  
b. Click Start from the Windows® desktop, then select My Computer.  
c. Select the 3 1/2 Floppy Drive icon.  
d. Click File from the menu, then select Format. A Format 3 1/2 Floppy  
Disk window appears.  
e. Windows® XP users: Select Create an MS-DOS startup disk from the  
format options field, then click Start.  
Windows® Vista environment  
a. Insert a formatted, high density 1.44 MB floppy disk to the floppy disk  
drive.  
b. Click  
from the Windows® desktop, then select Computer.  
c. Right-click Floppy Disk Drive then click Format to display the  
Format 3 1/2 Floppy dialog box.  
d. Select the Create an MS-DOS startup disk check box.  
e. Click Start.  
2.  
Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS file to the bootable floppy  
disk.  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
2-5  
2.1.3  
ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility  
The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go  
through the long process of booting from a floppy disk and using a DOS-based  
utility. The EZ Flash 2 utility is built-in the BIOS chip so it is accessible by pressing  
<Alt> + <F2> during the Power-On Self Tests (POST).  
To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:  
1.  
the motherboard.  
2.  
3.  
Save the BIOS file to a floppy disk, then restart the system.  
You can launch the EZ Flash 2 by two methods.  
(1) Insert the floppy disk/USB flash disk that contains the BIOS file to  
the floppy disk drive or the USB port.  
Press <Alt> + <F2> during POST to display the following.  
ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility B328  
FLASH TYPE: MXIC MX25L8005 8Mb SPI  
Current ROM  
Update ROM  
BOARD: Unknown  
VER: Unknown  
DATE: Unknown  
BOARD: P5N73-AM  
VER: 0107  
DATE: 05/29/2008  
PATH: C:\M2NPVOC  
WIN98ESE  
NETTERM  
<DIR>  
A:  
C:  
<DIR>  
<DIR>  
<DIR>  
<DIR>  
<DIR>  
<DIR>  
<DIR>  
<DIR>  
DRIVERS  
RECYCLED  
WUTEMP  
NEWFOL~1  
INSTALL  
TEST-REB  
MSDOWNLD.TMP  
Note  
[Enter] Select  
[S] Save  
[ESC]Exit  
[Tab] Switch  
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move  
(2) Enter BIOS setup program. Go to the Tools menu to select EZ  
Flash 2 and press <Enter> to enable it.  
You can switch between drives by pressing <Tab> before the  
correct file is found. Then press <Enter>.  
4.  
When the correct BIOS file is found, EZ Flash 2 performs the BIOS update  
process and automatically reboots the system when down.  
This function can support devices such as USB flash disk, hard disk,  
or floppy disk with FAT32/16/12 format only.  
Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to  
prevent system boot failure!  
2-6  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
2.1.4  
Updating the BIOS  
The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) can be updated using the AwardBIOS  
Flash Utility. Follow these instructions to update the BIOS using this utility.  
1.  
Download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS web site. Rename the file to  
P5N73-AM.BIN and save it to a floppy disk, CD ROM or a USB flash disk in  
FAT 16/12 format.  
Save only the updated BIOS file in the floppy disk to avoid loading the wrong  
BIOS file.  
2.  
Copy the AwardBIOS Flash Utility (awdflash.exe) from the Software folder  
of the support DVD to the floppy disk, CD ROM or a USB flash disk with the  
latest BIOS file.  
3.  
Boot the system in DOS mode using the bootable floppy disk, CD ROM or a  
USB flash disk you created earlier.  
4.  
Under the DOS mode, use <X:> (X stands for the name of the disk  
assignment) to switch to the folder of the floppy disk, CD ROM or USB flash  
disk you saved the BIOS file and the Award BIOS Flash Utility.  
5.  
At the prompt, type  
AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.17  
awdflash then press  
<Enter>. The Award BIOS  
Flash Utility screen  
appears.  
(C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved  
For 690G-SB600-P5N73-AM_H-00 DATE: 12/12/2006  
Flash Type - Winbond W39V080A (8Mb)  
File Name to Program:  
Message: Please input File Name!  
6.  
Type the BIOS file  
name in the File Name  
to Program field, then  
press <Enter>.  
AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.17  
(C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved  
For 690G-SB600-P5N73-AM_H-00  
DATE: 12/12/2006  
Flash Type - Winbond W39V080A (8Mb)  
File Name to Program: P5N73-AM.bin  
Message: Please input File Name!  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
2-7  
7.  
8.  
Press <N> when the utility prompts you to save the current BIOS file. The  
following screen appears.  
The utility verifies the BIOS  
AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.17  
(C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved  
file in the floppy disk, CD  
ROM or a USB flash disk  
and starts flashing the  
BIOS file.  
For 690G-SB600-P5N73-AM_H-00  
Flash Type - Winbond W39V080A (8Mb)  
File Name to Program: P5N73-AM.bin  
DATE: 12/12/2006  
Programming Flash Memory - OFE00 OK  
Write OK  
No Update  
Write Fail  
Warning: Don’t Turn Off Power Or Reset System!  
Do not turn off or reset the system during the flashing process!  
9.  
The utility displays a  
Flashing Complete  
AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.17  
(C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved  
message indicating that  
you have successfully  
flashed the BIOS file.  
Remove the floppy disk  
then press <F1> to restart  
the system.  
For 690G-SB600-P5N73-AM_H-00  
Flash Type - Winbond W39V080A (8Mb)  
DATE: 12/12/2006  
File Name to Program: P5N73-AM.bin  
Flashing Complete  
Press <F1> to Continue  
Write OK  
F1 Reset  
No Update  
Write Fail  
2-8  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
2.1.5  
Saving the current BIOS file  
You can use the AwardBIOS Flash Utility to save the current BIOS file. You can  
load the current BIOS file when the BIOS file gets corrupted during the flashing  
process.  
Ensure that the floppy disk, CD ROM or a USB flash disk has enough disk  
space to save the file.  
To save the current BIOS file using the AwardBIOS Flash Utility:  
1.  
Follow steps 1 to 6 of the  
previous section.  
AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.17  
(C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved  
For 690G-SB600-P5N73-AM_H-00  
DATE: 12/12/2006  
2.  
Press <Y> when the utility  
prompts you to save the  
current BIOS file. The  
Flash Type - Winbond W39V080A (8Mb)  
File Name to Program: 0121.bin  
Save current BIOS as:  
following screen appears.  
Message:  
3.  
Type a filename for the  
current BIOS file in the  
AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.17  
(C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved  
Save current BIOS as field, For 690G-SB600-P5N73-AM_H-00  
then press <Enter>.  
DATE: 12/12/2006  
Flash Type - Winbond W39V080A (8Mb)  
File Name to Program: 0113.bin  
Checksum: D800H  
Save current BIOS as: 0112.bin  
Message: Please Wait!  
4.  
The utility saves the  
AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.17  
(C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved  
current BIOS file to the  
floppy disk, then returns to  
the BIOS flashing process.  
For 690G-SB600-P5N73-AM_H-00  
DATE: 12/12/2006  
Flash Type - Winbond W39V080A (8Mb)  
File Name to Program: 0113.bin  
Now Backup System BIOS to  
File!  
Message: Please Wait!  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
2-9  
2.1.6  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility  
The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore  
the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can  
update a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or the floppy disk  
that contains the updated BIOS file.  
Prepare the motherboard support DVD, or the floppy disk containing the  
updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility.  
Ensure that you rename the original or updated BIOS file in the floppy disk  
or the USB flash disk to P5N73-AM.bin.  
Recovering the BIOS from a floppy disk  
To recover the BIOS from a floppy disk:  
1.  
Turn on the system.  
2.  
Insert the floppy disk with the original or updated BIOS file to the floppy disk  
drive.  
3.  
The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the  
floppy disk for the original or updated BIOS file.  
Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...  
Checking for floppy...  
When found, the utility reads the BIOS file and starts flashing the corrupted  
BIOS file.  
Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...  
Checking for floppy...  
Floppy found!  
Reading file “P5N73-AM.bin”. Completed.  
Start flashing...  
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can  
cause system boot failure!  
4.  
Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.  
2-10  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
Recovering the BIOS from the support DVD  
To recover the BIOS from the support DVD:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Remove any floppy disk from the floppy disk drive, then turn on the system.  
Insert the support DVD to the optical drive.  
The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the  
floppy disk for the original or updated BIOS file.  
Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...  
Checking for floppy...  
When no floppy disk is found, the utility automatically checks the optical drive  
for the original or updated BIOS file. The utility then updates the corrupted  
BIOS file.  
Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...  
Checking for floppy...  
Floppy not found!  
Checking for DVD-ROM...  
DVD-ROM found!  
Reading file “P5N73-AM.bin”. Completed.  
Start flashing...  
4.  
Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.  
The recovered BIOS may not be the latest BIOS version for this motherboard.  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
2-11  
2.2  
BIOS setup program  
This motherboard supports a programmable Low-Pin Count (LPC) chip that you  
can update using the provided utility described in section “2.1 Managing and  
updating your BIOS.”  
Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, 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 can change the  
configuration of your computer in the future. For example, you can enable the  
security password feature or change the power management settings. This  
requires you to 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  
LPC chip.  
The LPC chip on the motherboard stores the Setup utility. When you start up the  
computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program. Press  
<Del> during the Power-On Self-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. Being a  
menu-driven program, it lets you scroll through the various sub-menus and make  
your selections from the available options using the navigation keys.  
The default BIOS settings for this motherboard apply for most conditions  
to ensure optimum performance. If the system becomes unstable after  
changing any BIOS settings, load the default settings to ensure system  
compatibility and stability. Select the Load Default Settings item under the  
Exit Menu. See section “2.8 Exit Menu.”  
The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes  
only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.  
this motherboard.  
2-12  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
2.2.1  
BIOS menu screen  
Menu items  
Menu bar  
Configuration fields  
General help  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Power Boot Tools Exit  
Main  
Advanced  
System Time  
System Date  
15 : 26 : 45  
Select Menu  
Mon, Apr  
9 2007  
Item Specific Help  
Legacy Diskette A:  
[1.44M, 3.5 in.]  
Change the day, month,  
year and century.  
Primary IDE Master  
Primary IDE Slave  
SATA1  
[None]  
[None]  
[None]  
[None]  
SATA2  
SATA3  
SATA4  
HDD SMART Monitoring  
[ST380817AS]  
[None]  
[Disabled]  
Installed Memory  
Usable Memory  
512MB  
447MB  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item -/+: Change Value  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
→←: Select Menu Enter: Select SubMenu  
Sub-menu items  
Legend bar  
2.2.2  
Menu bar  
The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:  
Main  
For changing the basic system configuration  
Advanced  
Power  
For changing the advanced system settings  
For changing the advanced power management (APM)  
configuration  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
For changing the system boot configuration  
For changing the system tools configuration  
For selecting the exit options and loading default  
settings  
To select an item on the menu bar, press the right or left arrow key on the keyboard  
until the desired item is highlighted.  
The BIOS setup screens shown in this chapter are for reference purposes  
only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.  
information.  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
2-13  
2.2.3  
Legend bar  
At the bottom of the Setup screen is a legend bar. The keys in the legend bar allow  
you to navigate through the various setup menus. The following table lists the keys  
found in the legend bar with their corresponding functions.  
Navigation Key  
<F1>  
Function  
Displays the General Help screen  
<F5>  
Loads setup default values  
<Esc>  
Exits the BIOS setup or returns to the main menu from a sub-menu  
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  
Scrolls forward through the values for the highlighted field  
Brings up a selection menu for the highlighted field  
Saves changes and exit  
Left or Right arrow  
Up or Down arrow  
Page Down or – (minus)  
Page Up or + (plus)  
<Enter>  
<F10>  
2.2.4  
Menu items  
The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu.  
For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items.  
The other items (Advanced, Power, Boot, and Exit) on the menu bar have their  
respective menu items.  
2.2.5  
Sub-menu items  
A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen means that the iteam has a  
sub-menu. To display the sub-menu, select the item and press <Enter>.  
2.2.6  
Configuration fields  
These fields show the values for the menu items. If an item is user-configurable,  
you can change the value of the field opposite the item. You cannot select an item  
that is not user-configurable.  
A configurable field is enclosed in brackets, and is highlighted when selected. To  
change the value of a field, select it then press <Enter> to display a list of options.  
Refer to “2.2.7 Pop-up window.”  
2-14  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
2.2.7  
Pop-up window  
Select a menu item then press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the  
configuration options for that item.  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Main  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
System Time  
System Date  
Language  
21 : 38 : 36  
Wed, Jan 9 2008  
[English]  
Select Menu  
Item Specific Help  
ecifies the capacity and  
sical size of diskette  
ve A.  
Legacy Diskette A:  
Legacy Diskette A:  
Primary IDE Mas
Primary IDE Sla
SATA1  
Disabled  
720K , 3.5 in.  
..... [ ]  
..... [ ]  
..... [ ]  
SATA2  
1.44M, 3.5 in.  
SATA3  
SATA4  
HDD SMART Monit
Installed Memor
Usable Memory  
↑↓ :Move ENTER:Accept ESC:Abort  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
→←: Select Menu  
Pop-up menu  
2.2.8  
General help  
At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected  
item.  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
2-15  
2.3  
Main menu  
When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving  
you an overview of the basic system information.  
Refer to section “2.2.1 BIOS menu screen” for information on the menu screen  
items and how to navigate through them.  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Main  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
System Time  
System Date  
Language  
20 : 7 : 38  
Wed, Jan 9 2008  
[English]  
Select Menu  
Item Specific Help  
Legacy Diskette A:  
[1.44M, 3.5 in.]  
Change the internal  
time.  
Primary IDE Master  
Primary IDE Slave  
SATA1  
[None]  
[None]  
[None]  
[None]  
[None]  
[None]  
[Disabled]  
SATA2  
SATA3  
SATA4  
HDD SMART Monitoring  
Installed Memory  
Usable Memory  
512MB  
512MB  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
→←: Select Menu  
2.3.1  
System Time [xx:xx:xx]  
Allows you to set the system time.  
2.3.2  
System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]  
Allows you to set the system date.  
2.3.3  
Language [English]  
Sets the language in BIOS. Configuration options: [English] [Chinese]  
2.3.4  
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]  
Sets the type of floppy drive installed. Configuration options: [Disabled]  
[720K , 3.5 in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.]  
2-16  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
2.3.5  
Primary IDE Master/Slave  
While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE devices.  
There is a separate sub-menu for each IDE device. Select a device item then  
press <Enter> to display the IDE device information.  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Main  
Select Menu  
Primary IDE Master  
PIO Mode  
UDMA Mode  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
Item Specific Help  
Press [Enter] to  
select  
Primary IDE Master  
Access Mode  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
Capacity  
0 GB  
Cylinder  
Head  
0
0
0
Sector  
Transfer Mode  
None  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
→←: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Capacity,  
Cylinder, Head, Sector and Transfer Mode). These values are not user-  
configurable. These items show N/A if no IDE device is installed in the system.  
PIO Mode [Auto]  
Sets the PIO mode for the IDE device. Configuration options: [Auto] [Mode 0]  
[Mode 1] [Mode 2] [Mode 3] [Mode 4]  
UDMA Mode [Auto]  
Disables or sets the UDMA mode. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto]  
Primary IDE Master/Slave [Auto]  
Select [Auto] to automatically detect an IDE hard disk drive. If automatic detection  
is successful, the BIOS automatically fills in the correct values for the remaining  
fields on this sub-menu. If the hard disk was already formatted on a previous  
system, the setup BIOS may detect incorrect parameters. Select [Manual] to  
manually enter the IDE hard disk drive parameters. If no drive is installed select  
[None]. Configuration options: [None] [Auto] [Manual]  
Access Mode [Auto]  
The default [Auto] allows automatic detection of an IDE hard disk drive.  
Select [CHS] for this item if you set the Primary IDE Master/Slave to [Manual].  
Configuration options: [CHS] [LBA] [Large] [Auto]  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
2-17  
Before attempting to configure a hard disk drive, ensure you have the correct  
configuration information supplied by the drive manufacturer. Incorrect settings  
may cause the system to fail to recognize the installed hard disk.  
Capacity  
Displays the auto-detected hard disk capacity. This item is not configurable.  
Cylinder  
Shows the number of the hard disk cylinders. This item is not configurable.  
Head  
Shows the number of the hard disk read/write heads. This item is not configurable.  
Sector  
Shows the number of sectors per track. This item is not configurable.  
Transfer Mode  
Shows the Transfer mode. This item is not configurable.  
After entering the IDE hard disk drive information into BIOS, use a disk utility,  
such as FDISK, to partition and format new IDE hard disk drives. This is  
necessary so that you can write or read data from the hard disk. Ensure to set  
the partition of the Primary IDE hard disk drives to active.  
2-18  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
2.3.6  
SATA 1~4  
While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of Serial ATA  
devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each SATA device. Select a device item  
then press <Enter> to display the SATA device information.  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Main  
SATA 1  
Select Menu  
Extended IDE Drive  
Access Mode  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
Item Specific Help  
Slects the type of fixed  
disk connected to the  
system.  
Capacity  
0 MB  
Cylinder  
Head  
Landing Zone  
Sector  
0
0
0
0
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
→←: Select Menu  
The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Capacity,  
Cylinder, Head, Precomp, Landing Zone and Sector). These values are not user-  
configurable. These items show 0 if no SATA device is installed in the system.  
Extended IDE Drive [Auto]  
Selects the type of fixed disk connected to the system.  
Configuration options: [None] [Auto]  
Access Mode [Auto]  
Sets the sector addressing mode. Configuration options: [Large] [Auto]  
Before attempting to configure a hard disk drive, ensure that you have the  
correct configuration information supplied by the drive manufacturer. Incorrect  
settings may cause the system to fail to recognize the installed hard disk.  
Capacity  
Displays the auto-detected hard disk capacity. This item is not configurable.  
Cylinder  
Shows the number of the hard disk cylinders. This item is not configurable.  
Head  
Shows the number of the hard disk read/write heads. This item is not configurable.  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
2-19  
Landing Zone  
Shows the number of landing zone per track. This item is not configurable.  
Sector  
Shows the number of sectors per track. This item is not configurable.  
After entering the IDE hard disk drive information into BIOS, use a disk utility,  
such as FDISK, to partition and format new IDE hard disk drives. This is  
necessary so that you can write or read data from the hard disk. Ensure to set  
the partition of the Primary IDE hard disk drives to active.  
2.3.7  
HDD SMART Monitoring [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the HDD Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting  
Technology (SMART) feature. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
2.3.8  
Installed Memory [xxx MB]  
Shows the size of installed memory.  
2.3.9  
Usable Memory [XXX MB]  
Shows the size of usable memory.  
2-20  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
2.4  
Advanced menu  
The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other  
system devices.  
Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect  
field values can cause the system to malfunction.  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Main  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Select Menu  
Jumperfree  
Item Specific Help  
CPU Configuration  
Chipset  
PCIPnP  
Onboard Device Configuration  
USB Configuration  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
→←: Select Menu  
2.4.1  
JumperFree  
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Advanced  
JumperFree  
Select Menu  
FSB - Memory Clock Mode  
FSB - Memory Ratio  
FSB (QDR), MHz  
[Auto]  
Auto  
Item Specific Help  
System clock mode  
[Auto]  
x
x
Auto  
Actual FSB (QDR), MHz  
MEM (DDR), MHz  
1066.7  
Auto  
800.0  
x
Actual FSB (DDR), MHz  
Set FSB and memory  
speed automatically.  
[Linked]  
Memory Timing Setting  
1.8VDual Over Voltage Control [Default]  
1.35V Over Voltage Control  
VCORE Over Voltage Control  
[Disabled]  
[Disavled]  
FSB - Memory Clock Mode [Auto]  
Allows you to select the FSB memory clock mode. Configuration options: [Auto]  
[Linked] [Unlinked]  
FSB - Memory Ratio [Auto]  
Allows you to select the FSB memory ratio. This item becomes user-  
configurabled when the FSB - Memory Clock Mode item is set to [Linked].  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1:1] [5:4] [3:2] [Sync Mode]  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
2-21  
FSB (QDR), MHz [Auto]  
Allows you to adjust CPU FSB frequency from 400 to 2400. You may enter a  
new value or use +/- keys to adjust. This item becomes user-configurabled  
when the FSB - Memory Clock Mode item is set to [Linked] or [Unlinked].  
The Actual FSB (QDR) reflects the actual frequency that takes effect on a  
reboot.  
MEM (DDR), MHz [Auto]  
Allows you to adjust the memory frequency from 400 to 1400. You may enter  
a new value or use +/- keys to adjust. This item becomes user-configurabled  
when the FSB - Memory Clock Mode item is set to [Unlinked].  
The actual MEM (DDR) reflects the actual frequency that takes effect on a  
reboot.  
Memory Timing Setting  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Advanced  
Memory Timing Setting  
Select Menu  
Item Specific Help  
Memory Timing Setting  
[Optimal]  
Auto  
X tCL (CAS Latency)  
Select [Expert] to  
enter timings manually  
X tRCD  
Auto  
X tRP  
Auto  
X tRAS  
Auto  
X Command Per Clock (CMD)  
Auto  
** Advanced Memory Setting **  
X rRRD  
X tRC  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
Auto  
X tWR  
X tWTR  
X tREF  
Memory Timing Setting [Optimal]  
Allows you to set the memory timing setting. Configuration options: [Optimal]  
[Expert]  
The following items become user-configurable when the Memory Timing  
Setting item is set to [Expert].  
tCL (CAS Latency) [Auto]  
Allows you to set tCL (CAS Latency). Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3]  
[4] [5] [6].  
2-22  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
tRCD [Auto]  
Allows you to set RAS to CAS delay for a RD/WR command to the same  
bank. Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]  
tRP [Auto]  
Allows you to set the row precharge time Precharge-to-Active or Auto-  
Refresh of the same bank. Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]  
[7]  
tRAS [Auto]  
Allows you set the minimum RAS active time. Configuration options: [Auto]  
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]...[31]  
Command Per Clock (CMD) [Auto]  
Allows you to command timing setting (per clock unit). Configuration options:  
[Auto] [1 clock] [2 clock]  
**Advanced Memory Settings**  
tRRD [Auto]  
Allows you to set tRRD. Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]  
[6]...[15].  
tRC [Auto]  
Allows you set the RAS to RAS or auto refresh time of the same bank.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]...[31]  
tWR [Auto]  
Allows you set the tWR. Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]  
tWTR [Auto]  
Allows you set the tWTR. Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]  
[7]...[15]  
tREF [Auto]  
Allows you set the tREF. Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2]  
1.8VDual Over Voltage Control Default]  
Allows you to adjust the +1.8V dual over voltage. Configuration options: [Default]  
[+6.25mV] [+12.50mV] [+18.75mV]...[+393.75mV]  
1.35V Over Voltage Control [Disabled]  
Allows you to adjust the +1.35V over voltage. Configuration options: [Enabled]  
[Disable]  
VCORE Over Voltage Control [Disabled]  
Allows you to adjust the VCORE over voltage. Configuration options: [Disabled]  
[+50 mV] [+100 mV] [+150 mV]  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
2-23  
2.4.2  
CPU Configuration  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Advanced  
Select Menu  
CPU Configuration  
Item Specific Help  
CPU Type  
Inter(R) Core(TM)2 CPU  
6300 @ 1.86GHz  
1.86GHz  
Thermal Monitor 1 (On-  
die throtting)  
CPU Speed  
Cache RAM  
2048K  
CPU Internal Thermal Control  
Limit CPUID MaxVal  
[Auto]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[7.0]  
Thermal Monitor 2  
(Ratio & VID  
transition)  
Enhanced C1 (C1E)  
Execute Disable Bit  
Virtualization Technology  
CPU Multiplier  
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech. [Enabled]  
CPU Internal Thermal Control [Auto]  
Allows you to set the CPU internal thermal control to auto mode or disable it.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled]  
Limit CPUID MaxVal [Disabled]  
Enables or disables the Limit CPUID MaxVal technology.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Enhanced C1 (C1E) [Disabled]  
Enables or disables the Enhanced C1 (C1E) technology. The process lowers the  
core to bus ratio and VID when physical process enters an enhance C1 state.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
Execute Disable Bit [Enabled]  
Enables or disables Intel® Execute Disable Bit function. This function enhance  
protection of your computer, reducing exposure to viruses and malicious  
buffer overflow attacks when working with its supporting software and system.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Virtualization Technology [Enabled]  
Enables or disables the Virtualization technology. When enabled, a VMM can  
utilize the additional hardware capabilities provided by Vanderpool Technology.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
CPU Multiplier [7.0]  
Allows you to select the ratio between CPU Core Clock and the FSB Frequency.  
Configuration options: [6.0] [7.0]  
2-24  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep(tm) Tech [Enabled]  
Enables or disables the Enhanced Intel SpeedStep technology to adjust CPU  
speed according to CPU workload. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
2.4.3  
Chipset  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Chipset  
Advanced  
Select Menu  
Item Specific Help  
Frame Buffer Size  
Primary Display Adapter  
[128MB]  
[PCI-E]  
DRAM timing and control  
Frame Buffer Size [128M]  
Allows you to set the frame buffer size. Configuration options: [16M] [32M] [64M]  
[128M] [256M]  
Primary Display Adapter [PCI-E]  
Allows you to select the graphics controller to use as the primary boot device.  
Conffiguration options: [PCI] [Onboard] [PCI-E]  
2.4.4  
PCIPnP  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Advanced  
PCIPnP  
[No]  
Select Menu  
Plug & Play O/S  
Item Specific Help  
Select Yes if you are  
using a Plug and Play  
capable operating  
system Select No if  
you need the BIOS to  
configure non-boot  
devices  
Plug & Play O/S [No]  
When set to [No], the BIOS configures all the devices in the system. When set to  
[Yes] and if you install a Plug and Play operating system, the operating system  
configures the Plug and Play devices not required for boot.  
Configuration options: [No] [Yes]  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
2-25  
2.4.5  
Onboard Device Configuration  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Advanced  
Onboard Device Configuration  
Select Menu  
Item Specific Help  
IDE Function Setup  
Serial-ATA configuration  
HD Audio Controller  
Front Panel Support Type  
Onboard nVidia LAN  
Onboard LAN Boot ROM  
Serial Port1 Address  
Parallel Port Address  
Parallel Port Mode  
EPP Mode Select  
[Auto]  
[HD Audio]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
[3F8/IRQ4]  
[378/IRQ7]  
[ECP]  
x
EPP1.7  
[3]  
ECP Mode Use DMA  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
→←: Select Menu  
IDE Function Setup  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Advanced  
IDE Function Setup  
Select Menu  
OnChip IDE Channel0  
IDE DMA transfer access  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
Item Specific Help  
Serial-ATA Controller  
IDE Prefetch Mode  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
OnChip IDE Channel 0 [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the OnChip IDE channel 0 controller.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
IDE DAM transfer access [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable IDE DMA transfer access .  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Serial-ATA Controller [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the Serial-ATA controller.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
IDE Prefetch Mode [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the IDE prefetch mode.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
2-26  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
Serial-ATA configuration  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Advanced  
Serial-ATA configuration  
Select Menu  
SATA Operation Mode  
X SATA 1  
X SATA 2  
X SATA 3  
X SATA 4  
[IDE]  
Item Specific Help  
Disabled  
Disabled  
Disabled  
Disabled  
SATA Operation Mode [IDE]  
Allows you to select SATA operation mode. Configuration options: [IDE]  
[RAID] [AHCI].  
The following items become user-configurable when the SATA Operation Mode  
item is set to [RAID].  
SATA 1/2/3/4 [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable SATA 1/2/3/4.  
Configuration options: [Disable] [Enabled]  
HD Audio Controller [Auto]  
Allows you to enable or disable the HD Audio controller.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled]  
Front Panel Support Type [HD Audio]  
Allows you to set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC`97  
or high-definition audio depending on the audio standard that the front panel audio  
module supports. Configuration options: [AC97] [HD Audio]  
Onboard nVidia LAN [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the onboard nVidia LAN device support.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the onboard LAN boot ROM.  
Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]  
Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]  
Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address. Configuration options:  
[Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4] [2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3] [Auto]  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
2-27  
Parallel Port Address [378/IRQ7]  
Allows you to select the Parallel Port address. Configuration options: [Disabled]  
[378/IRQ7] [278/IRQ5] [3BC/IRQ7]  
Parallel Port Mode [ECP]  
Allows you to select the Parallel Port mode. Configuration options: [SPP] [EPP]  
[ECP] [ECP+EPP] [Normal]  
The “EPP Mode Select” item becomes user-configurable when the Parallel Port  
Mode item is set to [EPP] or [ECP+EPP]  
EPP Mode Select [EPP1.7]  
Allows you to select EPP mode. Configuration options: [EPP1.9] [EPP1.7]  
The “ECP Mode Use DMA” item becomes user-configurable when the Parallel  
Port Mode item is set to [ECP] or [ECP+EPP]  
ECP Mode Use DMA [3]  
Allows you to select ECP mode use DMA. Configuration options: [1] [3]  
2.4.6  
USB Configuration  
The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an  
item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options.  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Advanced  
USB Configuration  
Select Menu  
USB Controller  
USB 2.0 Controller  
USB Legacy support  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
Item Specific Help  
Enable or Disable USB  
1.1 and 2.0 Controller  
USB Controller [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the USB controller.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the USB 2.0 controller.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
USB Legacy Support [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable support for USB devices on legacy operating  
systems (OS). Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
2-28  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
2.5  
Power menu  
The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced  
Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) and the Advanced Power Management  
(APM). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options.  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Main  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Select Menu  
ACPI Suspend Type  
ACPI APIC support  
APM Configuration  
HardWare Monitor  
[S1&S3]  
Enabled  
Item Specific Help  
Select the ACPI state  
used for System  
Suspend.  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
→←: Select Menu  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
2.5.1  
ACPI Suspend Type [S1&S3]  
Allows you to select the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI)  
state to be used for system suspend. Configuration options: [S1(POS)] [S3(STR)]  
[S1&S3]  
2.5.2  
ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface  
(ACPI) support in the Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). When set  
to Enabled, the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
2-29  
2.5.3  
APM Configuration  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Power  
APM Configuration  
Select Menu  
Item Specific Help  
Restore on AC Power Loss  
PWR Button < 4 secs  
[Power-Off]  
[Instant-Off]  
Press [Enter] to  
Power On By PCI/PCIE Devices [Disabled]  
Power On By External Modems [Disabled]  
select whether or not  
to restart the system  
after AC power loss  
Power On by RTC Alarm  
Date (of Month) Alarm  
Alarm Time (hh:mm)  
HPET Support  
Power On By Keyboard  
Power On By PS/2 Mouse  
[Disabled]  
0
0 :0 : 0  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
x
x
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
→←: Select Menu  
Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off]  
When set to Power Off, the system goes into off state after an AC power loss.  
When set to Power On, the system goes on after an AC power loss. When set to  
Configuration options: [Power Off] [Power On] [Last State]  
PWR Button < 4 secs [Instant-Off]  
Allows you to set the event after the power button is pressed for more than 4  
seconds. Configuration options: [Suspend] [Instant-Off]  
Power On By PCI/PCIE Devices [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the PME to wake up from S5 by PCI/PCIE devices  
& NV Onboard LAN. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Power On By External Modems [Disabled]  
This allows either settings of [Enabled] or [Disabled] for powering up the computer  
when the external modem receives a call while the computer is in Soft-off mode.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
The computer cannot receive or transmit data until the computer and  
applications are fully running. Thus, connection cannot be made on the first  
try. Turning an external modem off and then back on while the computer is off  
causes an initialization string that turns the system power on.  
2-30  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the power on by RTC alarm.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
The following items become user-configurable when the Power On By RTC  
Alarm item is set to [Enabled].  
Date (of Month) Alarm [0]  
To set the date of alarm, highlight this item and press <Enter> to display the  
Date of Month Alarm pop-up menu. Key-in a value within the specified range  
then press <Enter>. Configuration options: [Min=0] [Max=31]  
Alarm Time (hh:mm) [0:0:0]  
To set the time of alarm:  
1. Highlight this item and press <Enter> to display a pop-up menu for the  
hour field.  
2. Key-in a value (Min=0, Max=23), then press <Enter>.  
3. Press <TAB> to move to the minutes field then press <Enter>.  
4. Key-in a minute value (Min=0, Max=59), then press <Enter>.  
5. Press <TAB> to move to the seconds field then press <Enter>.  
6. Key-in a value (Min=0, Max=59), then press <Enter>.  
HPET Support [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable HPET (Hardware Precision Efficient Timer)  
support. The HPET support increases the performance of Vista Multimedia player.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Power On By Keyboard [Disabled]  
Allows you to set power on by keyboard. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Ctrl-  
ESC] [Space Bar] [Power Key]  
Power On By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable PS/2 mouse power on the system.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
2-31  
2.5.4  
Hardware Monitor  
The items in this sub-menu displays the hardware monitor values automatically  
detected by the BIOS. It also allows you to change CPU Q-Fan feature-related  
parameters. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options.  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Power  
Hardware Monitor  
Select Menu  
Q-Fan Function  
CPU Fan Profile  
CPU Temperature  
MB Temperature  
[Disabled]  
Item Specific Help  
x
Performance Mode  
44ºC/111ºF  
Enable or Disable Q  
FAN function  
35ºC/95ºF  
CPU Fan Speed  
Chassis Fan Speed  
Power Fan Speed  
2721 RPM  
0 RPM  
3375 RPM  
Vcore  
[1.35V]  
[12.14V]  
[3.26V]  
[5.12V]  
[600 RPM]  
Vcc 12V  
Vcc 3.3V  
Vcc 5V  
CPU Fan Speed Warning  
Q-Fan Function [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the Q-Fan function.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
The following item becomes user-configurable when the Q-Fan Function item  
is set to [Enabled].  
CPU Fan Profile [Performance Mode]  
Allows you to adjust the CPU target temperature.  
Configuration options: [Optimal] [Silent Mode] [Performance Mode]  
CPU/MB Temperature  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the motherboard  
and CPU temperatures. These items are not user-configurable.  
CPU/Chassis/Power Fan Speed [xxxxRPM]  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU,  
and Chassis fan speeds in rotations per minute (RPM). If any of the fans is not  
connected to the motherboard, the field shows 0. These items are not user-  
configurable.  
Vcore, Vcc 12, Vcc 3.3V, 5V [xxxV]  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through  
the onboard voltage regulators. Configuration options: [xxx] [Ignored]  
CPU Fan Speed warning [600 RPM]  
Sets the CPU fan speed warning feature. Configuration options: [Disabled]  
[600RPM] [1200RPM] [1600RPM]  
2-32  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
2.6  
Boot menu  
The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item  
then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Main  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Boot Device Priority  
Removable Drives  
Select Menu  
Boot Settings Configuration  
Item Specific Help  
Security  
Select Boot Device  
Priority  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
→←: Select Menu  
2.6.1  
Boot Device Priority  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Power  
Select Menu  
Boot Device Priority  
Item Specific Help  
1st Boot Device  
[Removable]  
2nd Boot Device  
3rd Boot Device  
4th Boot Device  
[Hard Disk]  
[CDROM]  
Select Your Boot  
Device Priority  
[Disabled]  
1st ~ 4th Boot Device [Removable]  
These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices.  
The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of  
devices installed in the system.  
Configuration options: [Removable] [Hard Disk] [CDROM] [Disabled]  
2.6.2  
Removable Drives  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Boot  
Removable Drives  
Select Menu  
Item Specific Help  
1. Floppy Disks  
1. Floppy Disks  
Allows you to assign a removable drive attached to the system.  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
2-33  
2.6.4  
Boot Settings Configuration  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Boot  
Boot Settings Configuration  
Select Menu  
Quick Boot  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
[On]  
Item Specific Help  
Boot Up Floppy Seek  
Bootup Num-Lock  
Allows the system to  
skip certain tests  
while booting. This  
willdecrease the time  
needed to boot the  
system.  
Typematic Rate Setting  
Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec)  
Typematic Delay (Msec)  
Full Screen LOGO  
[Disabled]  
6
x
x
250  
[Enabled]  
[All Errors]  
Halt On  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
→←: Select Menu  
Quick Boot [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the system quick boot feature. When Enabled,  
the system skips certain tests while booting. Configuration options: [Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Boot Up Floppy Seek [Disabled]  
Enables or disables the chassis open status feature. Setting to Enabled, clears the  
chassis open status. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Bootup Num-Lock [On]  
Allows you to select the power-on state for the NumLock.  
Configuration options: [Off] [On]  
Typematic Rate Setting [Disabled]  
Allows you to set the keystroke rate. Enable this item to configure the Typematic  
Rate (Chars/Sec) and the Typematic Delay (Msec).  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
The items Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec) and Typematic Delay (Msec) become  
user-configurable only when the item Typematic Rate Setting is enabled.  
Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec) [6]  
Allows you to select the rate at which a character repeats when you hold a  
key. Configuration options: [6] [8] [10] [12] [15] [20] [24] [30]  
Typematic Delay (Msec) [250]  
Allows you to set the delay before keystrokes begin to repeat. Configuration  
options: [250] [500] [750] [1000]  
2-34  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
Full Screen LOGO [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Ensure that the above item is set to [Enabled] if you want to use the ASUS  
MyLogo2™ feature.  
Halt On [All Errors]  
Allows you to error report type. Configuration options: [All Errors] [No Errors] [All,  
But Diskette]  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
2-35  
2.6.5  
Security  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Boot  
Select Menu  
Item Specific Help  
Security  
Supervisor Password  
User Password  
Password Check  
Clear  
Clear  
[Setup]  
Supervisor Password  
User Password  
These fields allow you to set passwords:  
To set a password:  
1.  
Select an item then press <Enter>.  
2.  
Type in a password using a combination of a maximum of eight (8) alpha-  
numeric characters, then press <Enter>.  
3.  
When prompted, confirm the password by typing the exact characters again,  
then press <Enter>. The password field setting is changed to Set.  
To clear the password:  
1.  
Select the password field and press <Enter> twice. The following message  
appears:  
PASSWORD DISABLED !!!  
Press any key to continue...  
2.  
Press any key to continue. The password field setting is changed to Clear.  
A note about passwords  
The Supervisor password is required to enter the BIOS Setup program  
preventing unauthorized access. The User password is required to boot the  
system preventing unauthorized use.  
Forgot your 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. If you need to erase the CMOS  
RAM, refer to section “1.9 Jumper” for instructions.  
Password Check  
This field requires you to enter the password before entering the BIOS setup or the  
system. Select [Setup] to require the password before entering the BIOS Setup.  
Select [System] to require the password before entering the system.  
Configuration options: [Setup] [System]  
2-36  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
2.7  
Tools menu  
The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select  
an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Main  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
Select Menu  
Item Specific Help  
Press [Enter] to Run  
ASUS EX Flash 2  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
→←: Select Menu  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Enter>, a confirmation  
message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No],  
then press <Enter> to confirm your choice. Please see page 2-6, section 2.1.3 for  
details.  
ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility B328  
FLASH TYPE: MXIC MX25L8005 8Mb SPI  
Current ROM  
Update ROM  
BOARD: Unknown  
VER: Unknown  
DATE: Unknown  
BOARD: P5N73-AM  
VER: 0107  
DATE: 05/29/2008  
PATH: C:\M2NPVOC  
WIN98ESE  
NETTERM  
<DIR>  
A:  
C:  
<DIR>  
<DIR>  
<DIR>  
<DIR>  
<DIR>  
<DIR>  
<DIR>  
<DIR>  
DRIVERS  
RECYCLED  
WUTEMP  
NEWFOL~1  
INSTALL  
TEST-REB  
MSDOWNLD.TMP  
Note  
[Enter] Select  
[S] Save  
[ESC]Exit  
[Tab] Switch  
[Up/Down/Home/End] Move  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
2-37  
2.8  
Exit menu  
The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the  
BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items.  
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility  
Main  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Tools  
Exit  
Select Menu  
Exit & Save Changes  
Exit & Discard Changes  
Load Setup Default  
Discard Changes  
Item Specific Help  
This option save data  
to CMOS and exiting  
the setup memu.  
F1:Help  
ESC: Exit  
↑↓ : Select Item  
-/+: Change Value  
Enter: Select SubMenu  
F5: Setup Defaults  
F10: Save and Exit  
→←: Select Menu  
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 & Save 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. An onboard  
backup battery sustains the CMOS RAM so it stays on even when the PC is turned  
off. When you select this option, a confirmation window appears. Select YES to  
save changes and exit.  
If you attempt to exit the Setup program without saving your changes, the  
program prompts you with a message asking if you want to save your changes  
before exiting. Press <Enter> to save the changes while exiting.  
Exit & Discard Changes  
Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you made to  
the Setup program. If you made changes to fields other than System Date, System  
Time, and Password, the BIOS asks for a confirmation before exiting.  
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 & Save 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.  
2-38  
Chapter 2: BIOS setup  
This chapter describes the contents of  
the support DVD that comes with the  
motherboard package.  
Software  
3
support  
3.1  
Installing an operating system  
This motherboard supports Windows® 32-bit XP / 32-bit Vista / 64-bit XP /  
64-bit Vista Operating Systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and  
corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware.  
Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Use the setup  
procedures presented in this chapter for reference only. Refer to your OS  
documentation for detailed information.  
Ensure that you install the Windows® XP Service Pack 1 or later versions  
before installing the drivers for better compatibility and system stability.  
3.2  
Support DVD information  
The support DVD that came with the motherboard package contains the drivers,  
software applications, and utilities that you can install to avail all motherboard  
features.  
The contents of the support DVD are subject to change at any time without  
3.2.1  
Running the support DVD  
Place the support DVD to the optical drive. The DVD automatically displays the  
Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer.  
Click an icon to  
display support  
DVD/motherboard  
information  
Click an item to install  
If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support  
DVD to locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-click the  
ASSETUP.EXE to run the DVD.  
3-2  
Chapter 3: Software support  
3.2.2  
Drivers menu  
The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed  
devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices.  
ASUS InstAll-Drivers Installation Wizard  
Installs the ASUS InstAll-Drivers Installation Wizard.  
NVIDIA nForce Chipset Driver  
Installs the NVIDIA® nForce™ Chipset Driver.  
VIA Audio Driver  
Install the VIA audio driver.  
The screen display and driver options may vary depending on the operating  
system.  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
3-3  
3.2.3  
Utilities menu  
The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard  
supports.  
Click to display  
the next page  
Click to return  
to the previous  
page  
ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Utilities  
Launches the ASUS InstallAll installation wizard for utilities.  
ASUS Update  
The ASUS Update utility allows you to update the motherboard BIOS in a  
Windows® environment. This utility requires an Internet connection either through a  
network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).  
3-4  
Chapter 3: Software support  
ASUS PC Probe II  
This smart utility monitors the fan speed, CPU temperature, and system voltages,  
and alerts you of any detected problems. This utility helps you keep your computer  
in healthy operating condition.  
ADOBE Acrobat Reader 8  
Installs the Adobe® Acrobat® Reader that allows you to open, view, and print  
documents in Portable Document Format (PDF).  
Anti-Virus Utility  
The anti-virus utility detects and protects your computer from viruses that destroys  
data.  
Anti-Virus Utility Download  
Downloads the anti-virus utility.  
Ulead Burn. Now  
Installs the Ulead Burn.Now application for Audio CD, DVD and data disc creation.  
Ulead PhotoImpact 12 SE  
Installs the PhotoImpact image editing software.  
CyberLink PowerBackup  
Installs the CyberLink PowerBackup to back up and restore your data easily.  
WinZip 11  
Installs the WinZip utility for easy file-compression and protection.  
Microsoft DirectX 9.0c  
Installs the Microsoft® DirectX 9.0c driver. The Microsoft DirectX® 9.0c is a  
multimedia technology that enhances computer graphics and sound. DirectX®  
improves the multimedia features of you computer so you can enjoy watching  
TV and movies, capturing videos, or playing games in your computer. Visit the  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
3-5  
3.2.4  
Make Disk menu  
The Make Disk menu allows you to make a RAID driver disk.  
NVIDIA 32/64 bit XP AHCI Driver  
Allows you to create an NVIDIA® 32/64-bit XP AHCI disk.  
NVIDIA Vista32/64 AHCI Driver  
Allows you to create an NVIDIA® 32/64-bit Vista AHCI disk.  
NVIDIA 32/64 bit XP SATA RAID Driver  
Allows you to create an NVIDIA® 32/64-bit XP SATA RAID disk.  
NVIDIA 32/64 bit Vista SATA RAID Driver  
Allows you to create an NVIDIA® 32/64-bit Vista SATA RAID disk.  
3-6  
Chapter 3: Software support  
3.2.5  
Manual menu  
The Manual menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to  
open the folder of the user manual.  
Most user manual files are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the  
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader from the Utilities menu before opening a user manual  
file.  
3.2.6  
ASUS Contact information  
Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can also find  
this information on the inside front cover of this user guide.  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
3-7  
3.2.7  
Other information  
The icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the  
motherboard and the contents of the support DVD. Click an icon to display the  
specified information.  
Motherboard Info  
Displays the general specifications of the motherboard.  
Browse this DVD  
Displays the support DVD contents in graphical format.  
3-8  
Chapter 3: Software support  
Technical Support Form  
Displays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to fill out when  
requesting technical support.  
Filelist  
Displays the contents of the support DVD and a brief description of each in text  
format.  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
3-9  
3.3  
Creating a RAID driver disk  
A floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows® 32-bit XP /  
64-bit XP OS on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set.  
To create a RAID driver disk:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Place the motherboard support DVD into the DVD-ROM drive.  
Select Make Disk tab.  
From the Make Disk menu, select the RAID driver disk you want to create or  
browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the driver disk utility.  
For detailed descriptions on the NVIDIA® RAID configuration, refer to the  
“NVIDIA® MediaShield RAID User’s Manual” found in your motherboard support  
DVD .  
4.  
5.  
6.  
Insert floppy disk to floppy disk drive.  
Follow the succeeding screen information to complete the process.  
Write-protect the floppy disk to avoid computer virus infection.  
To install the RAID driver:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
During the OS installation, the system prompts you to press the F6 key to  
install third-party SCSI or RAID driver.  
Press <F6> then insert the floppy disk with RAID driver into the floppy disk  
drive.  
Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.  
Due to chipset limitation, the Serial ATA ports supported by the NVIDIA chipset  
does not support Serial Optical Disk Drives (Serial ODD) under DOS.  
3-10  
Chapter 3: Software support  
The Appendix describes the CPU  
features that the motherboard supports.  
CPU features  
A
A.1  
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep®  
Technology (EIST)  
The motherboard comes with a BIOS file that supports EIST. You can  
support/download/) if you need to update the BIOS. See Chapter 2 for  
details.  
A.1.1  
System requirements  
Before using EIST, check your system if it meets the following requirements:  
Intel® Pentium® 4 processor with EIST support  
BIOS file with EIST support  
Operating system with EIST support (Windows® XP SP2/Linux 2.6 kernel or  
later versions)  
A.1.2  
Using the EIST  
To use the EIST feature:  
1.  
Turn on the computer, then enter the BIOS Setup.  
2.  
Go to the Advanced Menu, highlight CPU Configuration,  
then press <Enter>.  
3.  
Set the Intel(R) SpeedStep Technology item to [Automatic],  
then press <Enter>.  
4.  
Press <F10> to save your changes and exit the BIOS setup.  
5.  
After the computer restarts, right click on a blank space on the desktop, then  
select Properties from the pop-up menu.  
6.  
7.  
When the Display Properties window  
appears, click the Screen Saver tab.  
Click the Power button on the  
Monitor power section to open the  
Power Options Properties window.  
A-2  
Appendix: CPU features  
8.  
On the Power schemes section,  
click , then select any option  
except Home/Office Desktop or  
Always On.  
9.  
Click Apply, then click OK.  
10. Close the Display Properties  
window.  
After you adjust the power scheme,  
the CPU internal frequency slightly  
decreases when the CPU loading is  
low.  
The screen displays and procedures may vary depending on the operating  
system.  
A-3  
ASUS P5N73-AM  
A.2  
Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology  
The motherboard supports Intel® Pentium® 4 LGA775 processors with  
Hyper-Threading Technology.  
Hyper-Threading Technology is supported under Windows® XP and Linux  
2.4.x (kernel) and later versions only. Under Linux, use the Hyper-  
Threading compiler to compile the code. If you are using any other  
operating systems, disable the Hyper-Threading Techonology item in the  
BIOS to ensure system stability and performance.  
Installing Windows® XP Service Pack 1 or later version is recommended.  
Ensure to enable the Hyper-Threading Technology item in BIOS before  
installing a supported operating system.  
For more information on Hyper-Threading Technology, visit  
Using the Hyper-Threading Technology  
To use the Hyper-Threading Technology:  
1.  
Install an Intel® Pentium® 4 CPU that supports Hyper-Threading Technology.  
2.  
Power up the system and enter the BIOS Setup. Under the Advanced Menu,  
ensure that the item Hyper-Threading Technology is set to Enabled.  
The BIOS item appears only if you installed a CPU that supports  
Hyper-Threading Technology.  
3.  
Restart the computer.  
A-4  
Appendix: CPU features  

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