R
TX97-X
®
Pentium ATX Motherboard
USER'S MANUAL
ASUS CONTACT INFORMATION
ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.
Marketing Info:
Address: 150 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
Telephone: 886-2-894-3447
Fax:
886-2-894-3449
Email:
Technical Support:
Fax:
886-2-895-9254
BBS:
886-2-896-4667
Email:
WWW:
Gopher: gopher.asus.com.tw
FTP:
ftp.asus.com.tw/pub/ASUS
ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL
Marketing Info:
Address: 721 Charcot Avenue, San Jose, CA 95131, USA
Telephone: 1-408-474-0567
Fax:
1-408-474-0568
Email:
Technical Support:
BBS:
1-408-474-0555
Email:
ASUS COMPUTER GmbH
Marketing Info:
Address: Harkort Str. 25, 40880 Ratingen, BRD, Germany
Telephone: 49-2102-445011
Fax:
49-2102-442066
Email:
Technical Support:
BBS:
49-2102-448690
Email:
ASUS TX97-X User's Manual
3
CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION...........................................................................7
How this manual is organized ..........................................................7
Item Checklist ..................................................................................7
II. FEATURES ....................................................................................8
Features of the ASUS TX97-X Motherboard ..................................8
Introduction to ASUS TX97 Series of motherboards ................9
Parts of the ASUS TX97-X Motherboard ................................ 11
III. INSTALLATION ........................................................................12
Map of the ASUS Motherboard .....................................................12
Installation Steps ............................................................................14
1. Jumpers ......................................................................................14
Jumper Settings ..................................................................15
Compatible Cyrix CPU Identification ................................19
2. System Memory (DIMM) .........................................................21
DIMM Memory Installation Procedures: ...........................22
3. Central Processing Unit (CPU) .................................................23
4. Expansion Cards .......................................................................24
Expansion Card Installation Procedure: .............................24
Assigning IRQs for Expansion Cards.................................24
Assigning DMA Channels for ISA Cards...........................25
5. External Connectors..................................................................26
Power Connection Procedures .................................................33
IV. BIOS SOFTWARE .....................................................................34
Support Software ...........................................................................34
Flash Memory Writer Utility .........................................................34
Main Menu .........................................................................34
Advanced Features Menu ...................................................35
Managing & Updating your Motherboard's BIOS ...................36
6. BIOS Setup ...............................................................................37
Load Defaults .....................................................................38
Standard CMOS Setup .............................................................38
Details of Standard CMOS Setup:......................................39
BIOS Features Setup ................................................................42
Details of BIOS Features Setup..........................................42
Chipset Features Setup .............................................................45
Details of Chipset Features Setup.......................................45
Power Management Setup........................................................48
Details of Power Management Setup .................................48
PNP and PCI Setup ..................................................................50
Details of PNP and PCI Setup ............................................50
Load BIOS Defaults .................................................................52
4
ASUS TX97-X User's Manual
CONTENTS
Load Setup Defaults .................................................................52
Supervisor Password and User Password ................................53
IDE HDD Auto Detection ........................................................54
Save and Exit Setup .................................................................55
Exit Without Saving .................................................................55
V. SUPPORT SOFTWARE ..............................................................56
ASUS TX97 Motherboard Series Support CD ..............................56
LANDesk Client Manager (LDCM) ..............................................56
Desktop Management Interface (DMI)..........................................58
Introducing the ASUS DMI Configuration Utility .............58
System Requirements .........................................................58
Using the ASUS DMI Configuration Utility ......................59
Notes:..................................................................................59
VI. ASUS PCI-SC200 SCSI Card....................................................61
SCSI BIOS and Drivers .................................................................61
The ASUS PCI-SC200 SCSI Interface Card .................................62
Setting Up the ASUS PCI-SC200 ............................................62
Setting the INT Assignment .....................................................63
Terminator Settings ..................................................................63
SCSI ID Numbers ....................................................................64
The Following Sections are Available with Optional Audio Only
Creative Labs ViBRA 16C Series .......................................................1
Audio Drivers Installation ..................................................................3
Manual Information ...................................................................3
ASUS Installation CD ................................................................3
ASUS Audio Driver CD Contents ........................................3
Win95 Audio Drivers ...........................................................................4
3D Sound....................................................................................5
Win3.x Audio Drivers ..........................................................................7
Configuration Manager ..............................................................7
Creative PnP Configuration Manager (CTCM) .........................7
ASUS 3D Sound ........................................................................8
Audio Software ..........................................................................9
3D Sound..................................................................................13
Environment Variables .............................................................15
SOUND Environment variable...........................................15
BLASTER Environment Variable ......................................15
MIDI Environment Variable ...............................................16
Maximum Recording Rates for the Audio Hardware .........16
Windows 95 Software .......................................................................... I
DOS & Windows 3.x Software ........................................................... I
ASUS TX97-X User's Manual
5
FCC & DOC COMPLIANCE
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This device complies with FCC Rules Part 15. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
•
•
This device may not cause harmful interference, and
This device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installa-
tion. 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 inter-
ference by one or more of the following measures:
•
•
•
Re-orient 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.
WARNING: The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics
card is required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modifica-
tions 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 Cana-
dian Department of Communications.
6
ASUS TX97-X User's Manual
I. INTRODUCTION
How this manual is organized
This manual is divided into the following sections:
I.
Introduction:
Manual information and checklist
II. Features:
III. Installation:
IV. BIOS Setup:
Information and specifications concerning this product
Instructions on setting up the motherboard.
BIOS software setup information.
V.
DMI Utility:
BIOS supported Desktop Management Interface
VI. ASUS PCI-SC200: Installation of an optional Fast-SCSI card.
VII. Windows 95:
VIII. DOS/Win3.1x:
Audio Software Section (optional)
Audio Software Section (optional)
Item Checklist
Please check that your package is complete. If you discover damaged or missing
items, please contact your retailer.
√
√
√
√
The ASUS TX97-X motherboard
1 IDE ribbon cable
1 floppy ribbon cable
Support drivers and utilities as follows (view FILELIST.TXT for details)
• LANDesk Client Manager (LDCM) Software
• Flash Memory Writer utility to update the FLASH BIOS
• Desktop Management Interface (DMI) utility
• Audio drivers and utilities (optional)
• Readme files for descriptions and use of the files
• Technical Support Form
√
This user's manual
Optional infrared module
Optional ASUS PCI-SC200 Fast-SCSI card
ASUS TX97-X User’s Manual
7
II. FEATURES
Features of the ASUS TX97-X Motherboard
The ASUS TX97-X is carefully designed for the demanding PC user who wants
many many features in a small package. This motherboard:
•
•
Intel Chipset: Features Intel's 430TX PCIset with I/O subsystems.
Multi-Processor/Multi-Speed Support: Intel Pentium® 75-200MHz (P55C-MMX™,
P54C/P54CS), Cyrix® P166+ (Rev 2.7 & later), AMD-K5™ (PR75-133MHz).
•
Easy Installation: Is equipped with BIOS that supports auto detection of hard
drives, PS/2 mouse, and Plug and Play devices to make setup of hard drives,
expansion cards, and other devices virtually automatic.
•
•
ISA and PCI Expansion Slots: Provides four 16-bit ISA slots, and four 32-bit
PCI slots.
Super Multi-I/O: Provides two high-speed UART compatible serial ports and
one parallel port with EPP and ECP capabilities. UART2 can also be directed
from COM2 to the Infrared Module for wireless connections. Two floppy drives
of either 5.25" or 3.5" (1.44MB or 2.88MB) are also supported without an exter-
nal card. Supports Japanese standard "Floppy 3 mode" (3.5" 1.2MB).
•
Desktop Management Interface (DMI): Supports DMI through BIOS which
allows hardware to communicate within a standard protocol creating a higher
level of compatibility. (Requires DMI-enabled components.) (See section V)
•
PCI Bus Master IDE Controller: Comes with an onboard Ultra DMA/33
Bus Master IDE controller with two connectors that supports four IDE devices
in two channels up to 33MB/sec IDE transfers and supports Enhanced IDE de-
vices. This controller supports PIO Modes 3 and 4 and Bus Master IDE DMA
Mode 2. BIOS now supports IDE CD-ROM or SCSI bootup.
•
•
Level 2 Cache: 512KB Pipelined Burst SRAM onboard.
Versatile Memory Support: Is equipped with three DIMM sockets to support
(8, 16, 32, 64, or 128MB) 168-pin SDRAM memory modules up to 256MB.
•
OptionalPS/2Mouse, USB, IrDAConnector: Supportsanoptionalcableandbracket
set to mount the connectors to an unused expansion slot on the system chassis. A
second IrDA connector is available for a standard individual infrared cable set.
•
•
•
NCR SCSI BIOS: Has firmware to support optionalASUS SCSI controller cards.
Audio Ready: Optional Creative Labs 16C Series Audio with 3D sound.
Optional IrDA Connector: This motherboard supports an optional infrared
port module for wireless interface.
8
ASUS TX97-X User’s Manual
II. FEATURES
Introduction to ASUS TX97 Series of motherboards
Performance:
•
SDRAM Optimized Performance - ASUS TX97 series of motherboards sup-
port the new generation memory - Synchronous Dynamic Random Access
Memory (SDRAM) which increases the data transfer rate from 264MB/s max
using EDO memory to 528MB/s max.
•
Double the IDE Transfer Speed - ASUS TX97 series of motherboards with
Intel 430TX PCIset improves IDE transfer rate using Bus Master UltraDMA/33
IDE which can handle data transfer up to 33MB/s. The best of all is that this
new technology is compatible with existing ATA-2 IDE specs so there is no
need to upgrade current hard drives or cables.
•
Concurrent PCI - Concurrent PCI allows multiple PCI transfers from PCI master
busses to memory to CPU.
•
ACPI Ready - ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) is also
implemented on all ASUS 430TX series of motherboards. ACPI provide more
Energy Saving Features for the future operating systems (OS) supporting OS
Direct Power Management (OSPM) functionality. With these features imple-
mented in the OS, PCs can be ready around the clock everyday, yet satisfy all
the energy saving standards. To fully utilize the benefits of ACPI, an ACPI-
supported OS such as in the next release of Windows 95 must be used.
•
PC ’97 Compliant - Both the BIOS and hardware levels of ASUS TX97 series
of motherboards meet PC ’97 compliancy. The new PC 97 requirements for
systems and components are based on the following high-level goals: Support
for Plug and Play compatibility and power management for configuring and
managing all system components, and 32-bit device drivers and installation pro-
cedures for both Windows 95 and Windows NT.
Intelligence:
•
Fan Status Monitoring and Alarm - To prevent system overheat and system
damage, the CPU fan and system fans are monitored for RPM and failure. Each
fan can be set for its normal RPM range and alarm thresholds.
•
Temperature Monitoring and Alert - To prevent system overheat and system
damage, there is a heat sensor under the CPU and on the motherboard itself to
monitor CPU and system temperature to make sure the system is operating at a
safe heat level to avoid any failures triggered by extremely high temperature.
ASUS TX97-X User’s Manual
9
II. FEATURES
Voltage Monitoring and Alert - System voltage levels are monitored to ensure
stable current to critical motherboard components. Voltage specifications are
more critical for future processors, so monitoring is necessary to ensure proper
system configuration and management.
•
•
System ResourcesAlert - Today’s operating systems such as Windows 95, Win-
dows NT, and OS/2, require much more memory and hard drive space to present
enormous user interfaces and run large applications. The system resource moni-
tor will warn the user before the system resources are used up to prevent pos-
sible application crashes. Suggestions will give the user information on manag-
ing their limited resources more efficiently.
•
•
Virus Write Protection - Normally, viruses can destroy data on storage media
such as hard drivers, floppy diskettes, and MO. Some new-generation viruses
will not only destroy data on storage media, but also clear BIOS data which is
usually unprotected. ASUS TX97 series of motherboards were designed to co-
operate with BIOS, chipset, and flash EPROM to disable write permission when
the system’s initialization stage is completed upon boot-up.
CPU Slow Down - When CPU fans or system fans are malfunctioning, the
system will deactivate the CPU Clock line to decrease CPU utilization to the
speed upon detection of system overheat. This will prevent CPU damage from
system overheat. The CPU utilization will restore normal operations when tem-
perature falls below a safe level.
•
•
Auto Fan Off - The system fans will power off automatically even in sleep
mode. This function reduces both energy consumption and system noise, and
is a important feature to implement silent PC systems.
Dual Function Power Button (requires ATX power supply) - The system can
be in one of two states, one is Sleep mode and the other is the Soft-Off mode.
Pushing the power button for less than 4 seconds places the system into Sleep
mode. When the power button is pressed for more than 4 seconds, it enters the
Soft-Off mode.
•
•
Remote Ring On (requiresATX power supply) - This allows a computer to be
turned on remotely through a modem. With this benefit on-hand, any user can
access vital information from their computer from anywhere in the world!
Message LED - Chassis LEDs now act as information providers. Through the
way a particular LED illuminates, the user can determine the stage the computer
is in. A simple glimpse provides useful information to the user.
10
ASUS TX97-X User’s Manual
II. FEATURES
Parts of the ASUS TX97-X Motherboard
512KB Pipelined
Burst L2 Cache
CPU Thermal
Sensor
CPU ZIF
Socket 7
3 DIMM Sockets
T: PS/2 Mouse
B: PS/2 Keyboard
T: USB Port 1
B: USB Port 2
COM 1
T: Parallel Conn.
B: Serial Conn.
COM 2
Intel's 430TX
PCIset
(Optional)
T:Joystick/Midi
B:1/8” Output/
Input/Mic
4 PCI Slots
4 ISA Slots
Hardware Programmable
Monitor
Flash ROM
ASUS TX97-X User’s Manual
11
III. INSTALLATION
Map of the ASUS Motherboard
CPU Voltage
VID0
Board Power Input
Top: Mouse
for ATX Power Supply
PS/2
Bottom: Keyboard
VID1
VID2
Top: USB 1
Bottom: USB 2
USB
Multi-I/O (En/Dis)
SIO
BUS FREQ.
BF0
BF1
BF2
CPU ZIF Socket 7
Sony
CD In
Mitsumi
CD In
Intel
430TX
PCIset
Panasonic
CD In
Creative® Modem
Connector
PCI Slot 1
BUS FREQ
FS0
FS1
FS2
PCI Slot 2
Intel PIIX4
PCIset
R
VOLCTL
Volume Control
PCI Slot 3
AUDIO (Dis/En)
PCI Slot 4
ISA Slot 1
CR2032
3 Volt
Lithium Cell
Chasis open
alarm lead
ISA Slot 2
ISA Slot 3
ISA Slot 4
Block Program (Dis/En)
BBLKW
Flash ROM
for BIOS
Infrared Con. (IrDA)
Panel Connections
IDE LED
NOTE: The items in Outline are available only with the optional onboard Audio.
12
ASUS TX97-X User’s Manual
III. INSTALLATION
Jumpers
1) SIO
p. 15 Multi-I/O Selection (Enable/Disable)
2) BBLKW
3) AUDIO
p. 15 Flash ROM Boot Block Program (Disable/Enable)
p. 16 Onboard Audio (Disable/Enable)
4) VOLCTL
5) RTCLR
p. 16 Digital Volume Level Control (Up/Down)
p. 17 Real Time Clock RAM (Operation/Clear Data)
p. 18 CPU External Clock (BUS) Frequency Selection
p. 18 CPU:BUS Frequency Ratio
6) FS0, FS1, FS2
7) BF0, BF1
8) VID0, VID1, VID2
p. 19 CPU Voltage Regulator Output Selection
Expansion Slots
1) DIMM Sockets
2) CPU ZIF Socket 7
3) ISA Slots
p. 21 168-Pin DIMM Memory Expansion Sockets
p. 23 Central Processing Unit (CPU) Socket
p. 24 16-bit ISA Bus Expansion Slots
4) PCI Slots
p. 24 32-bit PCI Bus Expansion Slots
Connectors
1) PS2KEYBOARD
2) PS2MOUSE
3) PRINTER
p. 26 PS/2 Keyboard Connector (6-pin Female)
p. 26 PS/2 Mouse Connector (6-pin Female)
p. 27 Parallel (Printer) Port Connector (25-pin Female)
p. 27 Serial Port COM1 & COM2 (Two 9-pin Female)
p. 27 Audio Port -Line Out, Line In, Mic (Three 1/8” Female)
p. 28 Joystick/Midi Connector (15-pin Female)
p. 28 Universal Serial BUS Ports 1 & 2 (Two 4-pin Female)
p. 28 Floppy Drive Connector (34-pin Block)
4) COM1, COM2
5) AUDIO (optional)
6) GAME (optional)
7) USB
8) FLOPPY
9) FANPWR1, 2, 3
10) CHASSIS
p. 29 1Chassis,2CPU,3PowerSupplyFanPowerLead(3-pinBlock)
p. 29 Chassis Open Alarm Lead (3-pin Block)
11) Primary / Second IDE
12) IDELED
p. 30 Primary / Secondary IDE Connector (40-pin Blocks)
p. 30 IDE LED Activity Light
13) MSG LED (PANEL)
14) SMI (PANEL)
p. 31 System Message LED (2-pins)
p. 31 SMI Switch Lead (2-pins)
15) PWR SW (CON1)
16) RESET (PANEL)
p. 31 ATX Power & Soft-Off Switch Lead (2-pins)
p. 31 Reset Switch Lead (2-pins)
17) KEYLOCK (PANEL) p. 31 Keyboard Lock Switch Lead (5-pins)
18) SPEAKER (PANEL) p. 31 Speaker Output Connector (4-pins)
19) IR
p. 32 Infrared Port Module Connector
20) ATXPWR
p. 32 Motherboard Power Connector (20-pin Block)
ASUS TX97-X User’s Manual
13
III. INSTALLATION
Installation Steps
Before using your computer, you must complete the following steps:
1. Set Jumpers on the Motherboard
2. Install DRAM Modules
3. Install the Central Processing Unit (CPU)
4. Install Expansion Cards
5. Connect Ribbon Cables, Cabinet Wires, and Power Supply
6. Setup the BIOS Software
1. Jumpers
Several hardware settings are made through the use of jumper caps to connect jumper
pins (JP) on the motherboard. See "Map of the Motherboard" on page 4 for loca-
tions of jumpers. The jumper settings will be described numerically such as [----],
[1-2], [2-3] for no connection, connect pins 1&2, and connect pins 2&3 respec-
Pin 1
Pin 1
tively. Pin 1 for our motherboards is always on top
or on the left
when
holding the motherboard with the keyboard connector away from yourself. A "1" is
written besides pin 1 on jumpers with three pins. The jumpers will also be shown
graphically such as
to connect pins 1&2 and
to connect pins 2&3.
for Open
Jumpers with two pins will be shown as
for Short (On) and
(Off). For manufacturing simplicity, the jumpers may be sharing pins from other
groups. Use the diagrams in this manual instead of following the pin layout on the
board. Settings with two jumper numbers require that both jumpers be moved to-
gether. To connect the pins, simply place a plastic jumper cap over the two pins as
diagramed.
WARNING: Computer motheboards and components contain very delicate
Integrated Circuit (IC) chips. To protect the motherboard and other compo-
nents against damage from static electricity, you should follow some precau-
tions whenever you work on your computer.
1. Unplug your computer when working on the inside.
2. Hold components by the edges and try not to touch the IC chips, leads, or
circuitry.
3. Use a grounded wrist strap before handling computer components.
4. Place components on a grounded antistatic pad or on the bag that came with
the component whenever the components are separated from the system.
14
ASUS TX97-X User’s Manual
III. INSTALLATION
Jumper Settings
1. Onboard Multi-I/O Selection (SIO)
You can selectively disable each onboard Multi-I/O item (floppy, serial, paral-
lel, and IrDA) through Chipset Features Setup of BIOS SOFTWARE or dis-
able all Multi-I/O items at once with the following jumper in order to use your
own Multi-I/O card.
Multi-I/O
Enable
Disable
SIO
[1-2] (Default)
[2-3]
SIO
SIO
1
1
2
3
2
3
Enable (Default)
Disabled
Multi I/O Setting (Enable / Disable)
2. Flash ROM Boot Block Programming (BBLKW)
This sets the operation mode of the boot block area of the Programmable Flash
ROM to allow programming in the Enabled position. This is required only if
prompted by the Flash Memory Writer Utility as shown in BIOS SOFTWARE.
Programming
Disabled/Protect
Enabled
BBLKW
[1-2] (Default)
[2-3]
BBLKW
BBLKW
1
2
3
1
2
3
Disabled / Protected
(Default)
Enabled
Boot Block Programming (Disable / Enable)
ASUS TX97-X User’s Manual
15
III. INSTALLATION
3. Onboard Audio Selection (AUDIO) (with optional onboard Audio)
This jumper allows you to Disable the onboard audio chipset inorder to use your
own audio card. Otherwise, leave on default of Enabled.
Onboard Audio
Enabled
Disabled
AUDIO
[2-3] (Default)
[1-2]
AUDIO
AUDIO
1
2
3
1
2
3
Disable
Enable
(Default)
Onboard Audio (Disable / Enable)
4. Onboard Digital Audio Control (VOLCTL) (with optional onboard Audio)
This jumper allows you to adjust the audio volume digitally using case mounted
momentary buttons.
Audio Control
Volume Up
Volume Down
VOLCTL
[1-2] (momentary)
[4-5] (momentary)
VOLCTL
Ground
Volume Up
Ground
Volume Down
Ground
1
2
3
4
5
Onboard Digital Audio Control
16
ASUS TX97-X User’s Manual
III. INSTALLATION
5. Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM (RTCLR)
The CMOS RAM is powered by the onboard button cell battery. To clear the
RTC data: (1) Turn off your computer, (2) Move this jumper to “Clear Data,”
(3) Move the jumper back to “Operation,” (4) Turn on your computer, (5) Hold
down <Delete> during bootup and enter BIOS setup to re-enter user preferences.
Battery Test Jumper (RTCLR)
You can test the battery’s current by removing this jumper and attaching a cur-
rent meter to pins 1&2. WARNING: You must unplug the power cord to
your power supply to ensure that there is no power to your motherboard.
The CMOS RAM containing BIOS setup information may be cleared by
this action. You should enter BIOS to “Load Setup Defaults” and re-enter
any user information after removing and reapplying this jumper.
RTC RAM
Operation
Clear Data
RTCLR
[1-2] (Default)
[2-3] (momentarily)
RTCLR
RTCLR
Battery Test
Operation (Default)
Clear Data
RTC RAM (Operation / Clear Data)
ASUS TX97-X User’s Manual
17
III. INSTALLATION
6. CPU External (BUS) Frequency Selection (FS0, FS1, FS2)
These jumpers tell the clock generator what frequency to send to the CPU. These
allow the selection of the CPU’s External frequency (or BUS Clock). The BUS Clock
times the BUS Ratio equals the CPU's Internal frequency (the advertised CPU speed).
7. CPU to BUS Frequency Ratio (BF0, BF1)
These jumpers set the frequency ratio between the Internal frequency of the CPU
and the External frequency (called the BUS Clock) within the CPU. These must
be set together with the above jumpers CPU External (BUS) Frequency Selection.
FS2
FS1
FS0
FS2
FS1
FS0
FS2
FS1
FS0
FS2
FS1
FS0
1
1
1
1
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
50MHz
60MHz
66MHz
55MHz
CPU External Clock (BUS) Frequency Selection
BF1
BF0
BF1
BF0
BF1
BF0
BF1
BF0
1
1
1
1
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
Intel P54C
Intel P55C
Cyrix M1
1.5 x
3.5 x
3.0 x
2.0 x
2.0 x
2.0 x
3.0 x
3.0 x
3.0 x
2.5 x
2.5 x
2.0 x
CPU : BUS Frequency Ratio
Set the jumpers by the Internal speed of the Intel, AMD, or Cyrix CPU as follows:
(BUS Freq.)
(Freq. Ratio)
CPU Model
Intel Pentium
Intel Pentium
Intel Pentium
Intel Pentium
Intel Pentium
Intel Pentium
Intel Pentium
Intel Pentium
Freq.
Ratio
BUS Freq. FS2 FS1 FS0
BF1 BF0
[2-3] [1-2]
[2-3] [2-3]
[2-3] [2-3]
[1-2] [2-3]
[1-2] [2-3]
[1-2] [1-2]
[1-2] [1-2]
[1-2] [1-2]
200MHz 3.0x
166MHz 2.5x
150MHz 2.5x
133MHz 2.0x
120MHz 2.0x
100MHz 1.5x
66MHz
66MHz
60MHz
66MHz
60MHz
66MHz
60MHz
50MHz
[2-3] [2-3] [1-2]
[2-3] [2-3] [1-2]
[2-3] [2-3] [2-3]
[2-3] [2-3] [1-2]
[2-3] [2-3] [2-3]
[2-3] [2-3] [1-2]
[2-3] [2-3] [2-3]
[2-3] [1-2] [2-3]
90MHz
75MHz
1.5x
1.5x
AMD-K5-PR133 100MHz 1.5x
AMD-K5-PR120 90MHz 1.5x
AMD-K5-PR100 100MHz 1.5x
66MHz
60MHz
66MHz
60MHz
50MHz
[2-3] [2-3] [1-2]
[2-3] [2-3] [2-3]
[2-3] [2-3] [1-2]
[2-3] [2-3] [2-3]
[2-3] [1-2] [2-3]
[1-2] [1-2]
[1-2] [1-2]
[1-2] [1-2]
[1-2] [1-2]
[1-2] [1-2]
AMD-K5-PR90 90MHz
AMD-K5-PR75 75MHz
1.5x
1.5x
*Cyrix 166+
133MHz 2.0x
66MHz
[2-3] [2-3] [1-2]
[1-2] [2-3]
*NOTE: Only Cyrix Revision 2.7 or later is supported on this motherboard. See next page for revision
identification. Bootup screen will show 6x86-P166+ with the Cyrix 166+ installed on this
motherboard.
18
ASUS TX97-X User’s Manual
III. INSTALLATION
Compatible Cyrix CPU Identification
The only Cyrix CPU that is supported on this motherboard is
labeled Cyrix 6x86 P166+ but must be Revision 2.7 and later.
Look on the underside of the CPU for the serial number. The
number should read G8DC6620A or larger.
8. Voltage Regulator Output Selection (VID0, 1, 2)
These jumpers set the voltage supplied to the CPU. Current Intel CPU's marked
"Pentium" has only a Single Power Plane and uses the standard 3.38 volts (STD)
or 3.5 volts (VRE). Currently Intel’s new Pentium P55C MMX 200MHz with
Dual Power Planes is supported at 2.8Volts. The voltage regulators will automati-
cally detect and switch between Single Power Plane and Dual Power Planes.
Intel P54C Pentium Intel P55C Pentium
AMD-K5
(PR75-133MHz)
Cyrix 6x86 166+
Rev2.7 (133MHz)
(75-200MHz)
MMX (150-200MHz)
Type
Setting
Voltage VID2
VID1
[2-3]
[1-2]
[2-3]
[2-3]
[1-2]
[1-2]
[1-2]
VID0
AMD K5
AMD K5
P55C
AMD K5
(Reserved) (Reserved) 3.1V
AMD 3
AMD 1
P55C
2.5V
2.7V
2.8V
2.9V
[1-2]
[1-2]
[2-3]
[1-2]
[1-2]
[2-3]
[1-2]
[1-2]
[1-2]
[2-3]
[2-3]
[2-3]
[2-3]
[2-3]
AMD 2
P54C/CS
P54C/CS
STD
VRE
3.4V
3.5V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
1
1
1
1
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2.5Volt
2.8Volt
2.9Volt
2.7Volt
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
1
1
1
2
3
2
3
2
3
3.1Volt
3.5Volt
3.4Volt
Voltage Regulator Output Selection
ASUS TX97-X User’s Manual
19
III. INSTALLATION
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20
ASUS TX97-X User’s Manual
III. INSTALLATION
2. System Memory (DIMM)
This motherboard has three sockets to support 3.3Volt (power level) Unbuffered
Synchronous DRAMs (SDRAM) DIMMs of either 8, 16, or 32, 64, or 128MB.
Maximum memory of DIMMs must be 256MB or less.
IMPORTANT: Memory speed setup is required through "Auto Configura-
tion" in BIOS Chipset Setup of the BIOS SOFTWARE.
Install memory in any combination as follows:
DIMM
Socket 1 SDRAM 8MB, 16MB, 32MB
SDRAM 64MB, 128MB - Slot 3 must be empty
Type
168-pin DIMM Memory Modules
Total Memory
x1
x1
x1
=
Socket 2 SDRAM 8MB, 16MB, 32MB
SDRAM 64MB, 128MB - Slot 3 must be empty
Socket 3 SDRAM 8MB, 16MB, 32MB - Slot 1 or 2 must
not have 64 or 128MB SDRAM
Total System Memory (Max 256MB)
NOTE:
•
•
•
Maximum memory size is 256MB total for all sockets.
Socket 3 will not support 64MB or 128MB DIMMs with 64Mbit SDRAM cells.
If Socket 1 and/or Socket 2 has 64MB or 128MB DIMM’s with 64Mbit SDRAM
cells, Socket 3 must be empty.
ASUS TX97-X User’s Manual
21
III. INSTALLATION
DIMM Memory Installation Procedures:
Insert the module(s) as shown. Because the number of pins are different on either
side of the breaks, the module will only fit in the orientation as shown. DRAM
SIMM modules have the same pin contact on both sides. SDRAM DIMM modules
have different pint contact on each side and therefore have a higher pin density.
88 Pins 60 Pins 20 Pins
Lock
168 Pin DIMM Memory Sockets
The Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM) memory modules must be 3.3Volt Un-
buffered Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) or Extended Data Output (EDO) . You
can identify the type of DIMM module by the illustration below:
DRAM Key Position
Voltage Key Position
Reserved
5.0V
RFU
Unbuffered
Buffered
3.3V
168-PIN DRAM DIMM Notch Key Definitions
The notch on the DIMM module will shift between left, center, or right to identify
the type and also to prevent the wrong type to be inserted into the DIMM slot on the
motherboard. You must ask your retailer for the specifications before purchasing.
Four clock signals are supported on this motherboard.
22
ASUS TX97-X User’s Manual
III. INSTALLATION
3. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The motherboard provides a 321-pin ZIF Socket 7 that is backwards compatible
with ZIF Socket 5 processors. The CPU that came with the motherboard should
have a fan attached to it to prevent overheating. If this is not the case then purchase
a fan before you turn on your system. Apply thermal jelly to the CPU top and then
install the fan onto the CPU.
WARNING: Without a fan circulating air on the CPU and heat sinks, the
CPU and/or heat sinks can overheat and cause damage to both the CPU and the
motherboard. (See "CPU Cooling Fan Connector” at the end of this section.)
To install a CPU, first turn off your system and remove its cover. Locate the ZIF
socket and open it by first pulling the lever sideways away from the socket then
upwards to a 90-degree right angle. Insert the CPU with the correct orientation as
shown. Use the notched corner of the CPU with the white dot as your guide. The
white dot should point towards the end the of the lever. Notice that there is a blank
area where one hole is missing from that corner of the square array of pin holes and
a "1" printed on the motherboard next to that corner. Because the CPU has a corner
pin for three of the four corners, the CPU will only fit in the one orientation as
shown. The picture is for reference only; you should have a CPU fan that will cover
the face of the CPU. With the added weight of the CPU fan, no force is required to
insert the CPU. Once completely inserted, hold down on the fan and close the
socket's lever.
IMPORTANT: You must set jumpers for "CPU to BUS Frequency Ratio" and
jumpers for "BUS Frequency Selection" depending on the CPU that you install.
Lever Lock
Blank
White Dot
1
1
ZIF Socket 7 with Pentium Processor
ASUS TX97-X User’s Manual
23
III. INSTALLATION
4. Expansion Cards
WARNING: Make sure that you unplug your power supply when adding or
removing expansion cards or other system components. Failure to do so may
cause severe damage to both your motherboard and expansion cards.
Expansion Card Installation Procedure:
1. Read your expansion card documentation on any hardware and software set-
tings that may be required to setup your specific card.
2. Set any necessary jumpers on your expansion card.
3. Remove your computer system's cover.
4. Remove the bracket on the slot you intend to use. Keep the bracket for pos-
sible future use.
5. Carefully align the card’s connectors and press firmly.
6. Secure the card on the slot with the screw you removed in step 4.
7. Replace the computer system's cover.
8. Setup the BIOS if necessary (such as "IRQ xx Used By ISA: Yes" in PNPAND
PCI SETUP)
9. Install the necessary software drivers for your expansion card.
Assigning IRQs for Expansion Cards
Some expansion cards need to use an IRQ to operate. Generally an IRQ must be
exclusively assigned to one use. In an standard design there are 16 IRQs available
but most of them are already in use by parts of the system which leaves 6 free for
expansion cards.
Both ISA and PCI expansion cards may need to use IRQs. System IRQs are avail-
able to cards installed in the ISA expansion bus first, and any remaining IRQs are
then used by PCI cards. Currently, there are two types of ISA cards. The original
ISA expansion card design, now referred to as “Legacy” ISA cards, requires that
you configure the card’s jumpers manually and then install it in any available slot on
the ISA bus. You may use Microsoft's Diagnostic (MSD.EXE) utility included in
the Windows directory to see a map of your used and free IRQs. For Windows 95
users, the "Control Panel" icon in "My Computer," contains a "System" icon which
gives you a "Device Manager" tab. Double clicking on a specific device give you
"Resources" tab which shows the Interrupt number and address. Make sure that no
two devices use the same IRQs or your computer will experience problems when
those two devices are in use at the same time.
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ASUS TX97-X User’s Manual
III. INSTALLATION
To simplify this process this motherboard has complied with the Plug and Play (PNP)
specification which was developed to allow automatic system configuration when-
ever a PNP-compliant card is added to the system. For PNP cards, IRQs are as-
signed automatically from those available.
If the system has both Legacy and PNP ISA cards installed, IRQs are
assigned to PNP cards from those not used by Legacy cards. The PCI and PNP
configuration of the BIOS setup utility can be used to indicate which IRQs are being
used by Legacy cards. For older Legacy cards that does not work with the BIOS,
you can contact your vendor for an ISA Configuration Utility.
An IRQ number is automatically assigned to PCI expansion cards after those used
by Legacy and PNP ISA cards. In the PCI bus design, the BIOS automatically
assigns an IRQ to a PCI slot that has a card in it that requires an IRQ. To install a
PCI card, you need to set something called the INT (interrupt) assignment. Since all
the PCI slots on this motherboard use an INTA #, be sure that the jumpers on your
PCI cards are set to INT A.
Assigning DMA Channels for ISA Cards
Some ISA cards, both Legacy and PNP may also need to use a DMA (Direct Memory
Access) channel. DMA assignments for this motherboard are handled the same way
as the IRQ assignment process described above. You can select a DMA channel in
the PCI and PNP configuration section of the BIOS Setup utility.
IMPORTANT: Choose "Yes" for those IRQ's and DMA's you wish to reserve
for Legacy (Non-PnP) ISA expansion cards in “IRQ xx Used By ISA” and “DMA
x Used By ISA” of the PNP and PCI Setup in the BIOS SOFTWARE section,
otherwise conflicts may occur.
ASUS TX97-X User’s Manual
25
III. INSTALLATION
5. External Connectors
WARNING: Some pins are used for connectors or power sources. These are
clearly separated from jumpers in "Map of the Motherboard." Placing jumper
caps over these will cause damage to your motherboard.
IMPORTANT: Ribbon cables should always be connected with the red stripe
on the Pin 1 side of the connector. The four corners of the connectors are la-
beled on the motherboard. Pin 1 is the side closest to the power connector on
hard drives and floppy drives. IDE ribbon cable must be less than 18in. (46cm),
with the second drive connector no more than 6in. (15cm) from the first con-
nector.
1. PS/2 Keyboard Connector (6-pin Female)
This connection is for a standard keyboard using an PS/2 plug (mini DIN). This
connector will not allow standard AT size (large DIN) keyboard plugs. You
may use a DIN to mini DIN adapter on standard AT keyboards.
PS/2 Keyboard (6-pin Female)
2. PS/2 Mouse Connector (6-pin Female)
The system will direct IRQ12 to the PS/2 mouse if one is detected. If not de-
tected, expansion cards can use IRQ12. See "PS/2 Mouse Control" in BIOS
Features Setup of the BIOS SOFTWARE.
PS/2 Mouse (6-pin Female)
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ASUS TX97-X User’s Manual
III. INSTALLATION
3. Parallel Printer Connector (25-pin Female)
You can enable the parallel port and choose the IRQ through "Onboard Parallel
Port" in Chipset Features Setup of the BIOS SOFTWARE. NOTE: Serial printers
must be connected to the serial port.
Parallel (Printer) Port (25-pin Female)
4. Serial Port COM1 and COM2 Connectors (Two 9-pin Male)
The two serial ports can be used for pointing devices or other serial devices. See
"Onboard Serial Port" in Chipset Features Setup of the BIOS SOFTWARE.
COM 1
COM 2
Serial Ports (9-pin Male)
5. Audio Port Connectors (Three 1/8” Female) (with optional onboard Audio)
Line Out can be connected to headphones or preferably powered speakers.
Line In allows tape players or other audio sources to be recorded by your com-
puter or played through the Line Out. Mic allows microphones to be connected
for inputing voice.
Line Out Line In Mic
1/8" Stereo Audio Connectors
ASUS TX97-X User’s Manual
27
III. INSTALLATION
6. Joystick/Midi Connector (15-pin Female) (with optional onboard Audio)
You may connect game joysticks or game pads to this connector for playing
games. Connect Midi devices for playing or editing audio.
Joystick/Midi (15-pin Female)
7. Universal Serial BUS Ports 1 & 2 (Two 4-pin Female Sockets)
Two USB ports are available for connecting USB devices.
USB 1
Univeral Serial Bus (USB) 2
8. Floppy drive connector (34-pin block )
This connector supports the provided floppy drive ribbon cable. After connect-
ing the single end to the board, connect the two plugs on the other end to the
floppy drives. (Pin 5 is removed to prevent inserting in the wrong orienta-
tion when using ribbon cables with pin 5 plugged).
NOTE: Connect the Red stripe to Pin 1
Floppy Drive Connector
Pin 1
Floppy Drive Connector
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ASUS TX97-X User’s Manual
III. INSTALLATION
9. Chassis Fan, CPU Cooling Fan, & Power Supply Fan Connectors (FANPWR)
These connectors support cooling fans of 500mAMP (6WATT) or less. Orien-
tate the fans so that the heat sink fins allow airflow to go across the onboard heat
sink(s) instead of the expansion slots. Depending on the fan manufacturer, the
wiring and plug may be different. The red wire should be positive, while the
black should be ground. Connect the fan's plug to the board taking into consid-
eration the polarity of the this connector. NOTE: The “Rotation” signal is to
be used only by a specially designed fan with rotation signal.
WARNING: The CPU and/or motherboard will overheat if there is no air-
flow across the CPU and onboard heatsinks. Damage may occur to the
motherboard and/or the CPU fan if these pins are incorrectly used. These
are not jumpers, do not place jumper caps over these pins.
Chassis Fan Power
CPU Fan Power
Power Supply Fan
Air Flow
Air Flow
Orientate the fins so that air flow
runs across motherboard's heatsinks.
12Volt Chassis, CPU, Power Supply Fan Power
10. Chassis Open Alarm Lead (CHASSIS)
This lead is for an open chassis monitor. A high level signal to the CHASSIS
lead will indicate to the system that the chassis has been opened.
+5V GND
CHASSIS
Chassis open alarm lead
ASUS TX97-X User’s Manual
29
III. INSTALLATION
11. Primary / Secondary IDE connectors (Two 40-pin Block)
These connectors support the provided IDE hard disk ribbon cable.
After connecting the single end to the board, connect the two plugs at the other
end to your hard disk(s). If you install two hard disks, you must configure the
second drive to Slave mode by setting its jumper accordingly. Please refer to the
documentation of your hard disk for the jumper settings. BIOS now supports
SCSI device or IDE CD-ROM bootup (see "HDD Sequence SCSI/IDE First" &
"Boot Sequence" in the BIOS Features Setup of the BIOS SOFTWARE) (Pin
20 is removed to prevent inserting in the wrong orientation when using
ribbon cables with pin 20 plugged).
TIP: You may configure two hard disks to be both Masters using one ribbon
cable on the primary IDE connector and another ribbon cable on the secondary
IDE connector. You may install one operating system on an IDE drive and
another on a SCSI drive and select the boot disk through BIOS Features Setup.
NOTE: Connect the Red stripe to Pin 1
Secondary IDE Connector
Pin 1
Primary IDE Connector
IDE (Hard Driver) Connectors
12. IDE activity LED (IDE LED)
This connector supplies power to the cabinet’s IDE activity LED. Read and
write activity by devices connected to the Primary or Secondary IDE connectors
will cause the LED to light up.
TIP: If the case-mounted LED does not light,
try reversing the 2-pin plug.
IDE_LED
IDE Activity LED
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ASUS TX97-X User’s Manual
III. INSTALLATION
13. Message LED Lead (PANEL)
This indicates whether a message has been received from a fax/modem. The
LED will remain lit when there is no signal and blink when there is data transfer
or waiting in the inbox).
14. SMI Suspend Switch Lead (PANEL)
This allows the user to manually place the system into a suspend mode or "Green"
mode where system activity will be instantly decreased to save electricity and
expand the life of certain components when the system is not in use. This 2-pin
connector (see the figure below) connects to the case-mounted suspend switch.
If you do not have a switch for the connector, you may use the "Turbo Switch"
since it does not have a function. SMI is activated when it detects a short to
open moment and therefore leaving it shorted will not cause any problems. May
require one or two pushes depending on the position of the switch. Wake-up can
be controlled by settings in the BIOS but the keyboard will always allow wake-
up (the SMI lead cannot wake-up the system). If you want to use this connector,
"Suspend Switch" in the Power Management Setup of the BIOS SOFTWARE
section should be on the default setting of Enable.
15. ATX Power Switch / Soft Power Switch (PANEL)
The system power is controlled by a momentary switch connected to this lead.
Pushing the button once will switch the system between ON and SLEEP. Push-
ing the switch while in the ON mode for more than 4 seconds will turn the
system off. The system power LED shows the status of the system's power.
16. Reset Switch Lead (PANEL)
This 2-pin connector connects to the case-mounted reset switch for rebooting
your computer without having to turn off your power switch This is a preferred
method of rebooting in order to prolong the life of the system's power supply.
17. Keyboard Lock Switch Lead & System Power LED (PANEL)
This 5-pin connector connects to the case-mounted keyboard lock switch for
locking the keyboard and also to connect the system power LED. The system
power LED lights when the system is powered on and blinks in sleep mode.
18. Speaker Connector (PANEL)
This 4-pin connector connects to the case-mounted speaker.
+5V
NC
GND
Message
LED
System
+5V
GND
Power LED
LOCK
GND
SMI Lead
Keyboard Lock
GND
GND
ATX Power
Switch
+5V
Speaker
Connector
GND
GND
SPKR
Reset SW
GND
System Panel Connections
ASUS TX97-X User’s Manual
31
III. INSTALLATION
19. IrDA / Fast IR-Compliant infrared module connector (IR)
This connector supports the optional wireless transmitting and receiving infra-
red module. This module mounts to a small opening on system cases that sup-
port this feature. You must also configure the setting through "UART2 Use
Infrared" in Chipset Features Setup to select whether UART2 is directed for
use with COM2 or IrDA. Use the five pins as shown on the Back View and
connect a ribbon cable from the module to the motherboard according to the pin
definitions.
Front View
Back View
+5V
FIRRX
GND
IRRX
IRTX
+5V
NC
IRTX
GND
IRRX
For the infrared feature to be available,
you must connect an optional Infrared
(IrDA) module to the motherboard.
Infrared Module Connector
20. ATX Power Supply Connector (20-pin block)
This connector connects to a ATX power supply. The plug from the power
supply will only insert in one orientation because of the different hole sizes.
Find the proper orientation and push down firmly making sure that the pins are
aligned.
IMPORTANT: Make sure that the ATX power supply can take at least
10mAmp load on the 5Volt standby lead (5VSB). You may experience diffi-
culty in powering on your system without this.
5.0V
5.0V
-5.0V
GND
GND
12.0V
5VSB
PW-0K
GND
5.0V
GND
PS-ON
GND
-12.0V
GND
5.0V
GND
3.3V
3.3V
3.3V
ATX Power Connector
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ASUS TX97-X User’s Manual
III. INSTALLATION
Power Connection Procedures
1. After all jumpers and connections are made, close the system case cover.
2. Make sure that all switches are in the off position as marked by
.
3. Connect the power supply cord into the power supply located on the back of
your system case as instructed by your system user's manual.
4. Connect the power cord into a power outlet that is equipped by a surge protector.
5. You may then turn on your devices in the following order:
a. Your monitor
b. External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain)
c. Your system power. For ATX power supplies, you need to switch
on the power supply as well as press the ATX power switch on the
front of the case.
6. The power LED on the front panel of the system case will light. For ATX
power supplies, the system LED will light when the ATX power switch is
pressed. The monitor LED may light up after the system's if it complies with
"Green" standards or if it has a power standby feature. The system will then
run power-on tests. While the tests are running, additional messages will ap-
pear on the screen. If you do not see anything within 30 seconds from the time
you turn on the power, the system may have failed a power-on test. Recheck
your jumper settings and connections or call your retailer for assistance.
7. During power-on, hold down the <Delete> key to enter BIOS setup. Follow
the next section "BIOS SOFTWARE" for instructions.
* Powering Off your computer: You must first exit or shut down your operat-
ing system before switching off the power switch. For ATX power supplies,
you can press the ATX power switch after exiting or shutting down your oper-
ating system. For Windows 95 users, you can select shut down the computer
from the "Start" button and the system will give three quick beeps after about
30 seconds and power off after windows shut down. NOTE: The message:
"It's now safe to turn off your computer" will not be shown in Windows 95
when using shut down with ATX power supplies.
ASUS TX97-X User's Manual
33
IV. BIOS SOFTWARE
Support Software
FILELIST.TXT - View this file to see the files included in the support software.
PFLASH.EXE - This is the Flash Memory Writer utility that updates the BIOS by
uploading a new BIOS file to the programmable flash ROM chip on the mother-
board. To determine the BIOS version, check the last four numbers of the code
displayed on the upper left-hand corner of your screen during bootup. Larger num-
bers represent a newer BIOS file.
NOTE: A binary BIOS file is no longer included with the support software.
Save the motherboard's BIOS file to a floppy diskette as soon as your system is
operational. See "Flash Memory Writer Utility" in this section to “Save
Current BIOS to File.”
Flash Memory Writer Utility
ASUSTeK PNP BIOS
FLASH MEMORY WRITER V1.5
Copyright (C) 1995, ASUSTeK COMPUTER Inc.
Flash Type -- SST 29EE010
Current BIOS Revision: #401A0-xxxx
Choose one of the following:
1. Save Current BIOS To File
2. Update BIOS Main Block From File
3. Advanced Features
Enter Choice: [1]
Press ESC To Exit
xxxx denotes the current BIOS version stored in the Flash EPROM
IMPORTANT: Flash Type may also be "INTEL 28F001BXT." If "unknown"
is shown after "Flash type --," then this ROM chip is not programmable or not
supported with the PnP BIOS and therefore cannot be programmed by the
Flash Memory Writer.
Main Menu
1. Save Current BIOS to File (Perform as soon as system is operational)
This option allows you to copy the contents of the Flash memory chip onto a dis-
kette. This gives you a backup copy of the original motherboard BIOS in case you
need to reinstall it.
Create a bootable system floppy diskette by typing [FORMAT A:/S] from the
DOS environment without creating "AUTOEXEC.BAT" and "CONFIG.SYS"
files, then save the PFLASH.EXE and the BIOS to the floppy diskette.
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ASUS TX97-X User's Manual
IV. BIOS SOFTWARE
2. Update BIOS Main Block from File
This option updates the BIOS from a file on the disk. This can either be a new file
or a backup file created by the “Save Current BIOS to File” option. This will not
update the Boot Block if the Boot Block is different. You will be prompted with the
following if advanced features if necessary.
Boot Block of New BIOS is different from old one !!!
Please Use 'Advanced Feature' to flash whole bios !!!
3. Advanced Features
Selecting this option brings up the Advanced Features screen for clearing the PnP
configuration record and updating the motherboard BIOS.
Advanced Features Menu
Advanced Features
Flash Type -- SST 29EE010
Current BIOS Revision: #401A0-xxxx
Choose one of the following:
1. Clear PNP ESCD Parameter Block
2. Update BIOS Including Boot Block and ESCD
Enter Choice: [2]
Press ESC To Exit
xxxx denotes the current BIOS version stored in the Flash EPROM
1. Clear PNP ESCD Parameter Block
This option erases the Plug-and-Play (PnP) configuration record.
2. Update BIOS Including Boot Block and ESCD
This option updates the Boot Block, the motherboard BIOS and the PnP ESCD
Parameter Block from a new BIOS file.
NOTE: "Update BIOS Main Block from File" and "Update BIOS Including Boot
Block and ESCD" requires that the system is running in real mode. This utility will
not operate if the system is under protected mode or virtual mode. You should boot
from a system floppy diskette without "AUTOEXEC.BAT" and "CONFIG.SYS" files.
ASUS TX97-X User's Manual
35
IV. BIOS SOFTWARE
Managing & Updating your Motherboard's BIOS
Upon first use of the computer system:
1. Create a bootable system floppy diskette by typing [FORMAT A:/S] from the
DOS prompt without creating "AUTOEXEC.BAT" and "CONFIG.SYS" files.
2. Copy PFLASH.EXE to your new diskette.
3. Run PFLASH.EXE from your new diskette and select option 1 "Save Current
BIOS to File." Enter the "Current BIOS Revision:" for the file name.
Updating BIOS procedures (only when necessary):
IMPORTANT: Flash type may be "SST" or "INTEL." If "unknown" is dis-
played after "Flash type --," then this ROM chip is not programmable or not
supported with the PnP BIOS and therefore cannot be programmed by the
Flash Memory Writer.
1. Download an updated ASUS BIOS file from the internet (WWW), FTP, or a
BBS (Bulletin Board Service) and save to the diskette you created above. See
ASUS CONTACT INFORMATION on Page II of the User's Manual for details.
2. Turn off your computer and open the system cabinet to Enable "Boot Block
Programming" jumper as shown in section III of the User's Manual.
3. Boot from the floppy diskette you created above.
4. At the "A:\" prompt, type: [PFLASH] and then the <Enter> key.
5. Enter 2 "Update BIOS Main Block From File" from the Main Menu or option 2
"Update BIOS Including Boot Block and ESCD" from the Advanced Features
Menu if prompted by option 2 of the Main Menu.
6. The program displays a second screen prompting you for the name of the BIOS
file. Type in the complete file name and extension of the new BIOS, and then
press the <Enter> key. The utility then updates the BIOS file from disk.
WARNING: If you encounter problems while updating the new BIOS, DO
NOT turn off your system since this might prevent your system from booting
up. Just repeat the process, and if the problem still persists, update the original
BIOS file you saved to disk above. If the Flash Memory Writer utility was not
able to successfully update a complete BIOS file, your system may not be able
to boot up. If this happens, your system will need service.
7. After successfully updating the new BIOS file, exit the Flash Memory Writer
utility and then turn off your system. Set the jumper back to its default setting of
Programming "Disabled or Protected."
8. Turn on your computer and hold down the <Delete> key to enter BIOS setup.
You must select "Setup Default" to affect the new BIOS, then you may set other
items from the Main Menu.
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ASUS TX97-X User's Manual
IV. BIOS SOFTWARE
6. BIOS Setup
The motherboard supports two programmable Flash ROM chips: 5 Volt and 12
Volt. Either of these memory chips can be updated when BIOS upgrades are re-
leased. Use the Flash Memory Writer utility to download the new BIOS file into the
ROM chip as described in detail in this section.
All computer motherboards provide a Setup utility program for specifying the sys-
tem configuration and settings. If your motherboard came in a computer system, the
proper configuration entries may have already been made. If so, invoke the Setup
utility, as described later, and take note of the configuration settings for future refer-
ence; in particular, the hard disk specifications.
If you are installing the motherboard, reconfiguring your system or you receive a
Run Setup message, you will need to enter new setup information. This section
describes how to configure your system using this utility.
The BIOS ROM of the system stores the Setup utility. When you turn on the com-
puter, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program. This ap-
pears during the Power-On Self Test (POST). Press the <Delete> key to call up the
Setup utility. If you are a little bit late pressing the mentioned key(s), POST will
continue with its test routines, thus preventing you from calling up Setup. If you
still need to call Setup, reset the system by simultaneously pressing the <Ctrl>, <Alt>
and <Delete> keys, or by pushing the Reset button on the system case. You can also
restart by turning the system off and then back on again. But do so only if the first
two methods fail.
When you invoke Setup, the CMOS SETUP UTILITY main program screen will
appear with the following options:
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IV. BIOS SOFTWARE
Load Defaults
The “Load BIOS Defaults” option loads the minimized settings for troubleshooting.
“Load Setup Defaults”, on the other hand, is for loading optimized defaults for
regular use. Choosing defaults at this level, will modify all applicable settings.
A section at the bottom of the above screen displays the control keys for this screen.
Take note of these keys and their respective uses. Another section just below the
control keys section displays information on the currently highlighted item in the list.
Standard CMOS Setup
This “Standard CMOS Setup” option allows you to record some basic system hard-
ware configuration and set the system clock and error handling. If the motherboard
is already installed in a working system, you will not need to select this option
anymore. However, if the configuration stored in the CMOS memory on the board
gets lost or damaged, or if you change your system hardware configuration, you will
need to respecify the configuration values. The configuration values usually get lost
or corrupted when the power of the onboard CMOS battery weakens.
The above screen provides you with a list of options. At the bottom of this screen
are the control keys for use on this screen. Take note of these keys and their respec-
tive uses.
User-configurable fields appear in a different color. If you need information on the
selected field, press the <F1> key. The help menu will then appear to provide you
with the information you need. The memory display at the lower right-hand side of
the screen is read-only and automatically adjusts accordingly.
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Details of Standard CMOS Setup:
Date
To set the date, highlight the “Date” field and then press the page up/page down or
+/- keys to set the current date. Follow the month, day and year format. Valid
values for month, day and year are:
Month:
Day:
1 to 12
1 to 31
Year:
up to 2099
Time
To set the time, highlight the “Time” field and then press the page up/page down or
+/- keys to set the current time. Follow the hour, minute and second format. Valid
values for hour, minute and second are:
Hour:
Minute:
Second:
00 to 23
00 to 59
00 to 59
time, just press the <Enter> key twice if you do not want to modify the current
You can bypass the date and time prompts by creating an AUTOEXEC.BAT file.
For information on how to create this file, please refer to the MS-DOS manual.
Hard Disk Drives
This field records the specifications for all non-SCSI hard disk drives installed in
your system. The onboard PCI IDE connectors provide Primary and Secondary
channels for connecting up to four IDE hard disks or other IDE devices. Each chan-
nel can support up to two hard disks; the first of which is the “master” and the
second is the “slave”.
Specifications for SCSI hard disks need not to be entered here since they operate
using device drivers and are not supported by any the BIOS. If you install the
optional ASUS SCSI controller card into the motherboard (see section VI for in-
structions). If you install other vendor’s SCSI controller card, please refer to their
respective documentations on how to install the required SCSI drivers.
To enter specifications for a hard disk drive, you must select first a “type”. You can
select “User” and specify the specifications yourself manually, or you can select
from the provided predefined drive specifications. To select, simply press the <Page
Up> or <Page Down> key to change the option listed after the drive letter.
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IV. BIOS SOFTWARE
For IDE hard disk drive setup, you can:
•
•
Use the Auto setting for detection during bootup.
Use the IDE HDD AUTO DETECTION in the main menu to automatically
enter the drive specifications.
•
Enter the specifications yourself manually by using the “User” option.
The entries for specifying the hard disk type include CYLS (number of cylinders),
HEAD (number of read/write heads), PRECOMP (write precompensation), LANDZ
(landing zone), SECTOR (number of sectors) and MODE. The SIZE field auto-
matically adjusts according to the configuration you specify. The documentation
that comes with your hard disk should provide you with the information regarding
the drive specifications.
The MODE entry is for IDE hard disks only, and can be ignored for MFM and ESDI
drives. This entry provides three options: Normal, Large, LBA, or Auto (see be-
low). Set MODE to the Normal for IDE hard disk drives smaller than 528MB; set
it to LBA for drives over 528MB that support Logical Block Addressing (LBA) to
allow larger IDE hard disks; set it to Large for drives over 528MB that do not sup-
port LBA. Large type of drive can only be used with MS-DOS and is very uncom-
mon. Most IDE drives over 528MB support the LBA mode.
Auto detection of hard disks on bootup
For each field: Primary Master, Primary Slave, Secondary Master, and Secondary
Slave, you can select Auto under the TYPE and MODE fields. This will enable auto
detection of your IDE drives during bootup. This will allow you to change your
hard drives (with the power off) and then power on without having to reconfigure
your hard drive type. If you use older hard drives which do not support this feature,
then you must configure the hard drive in the standard method as described above
by the "User" option.
NOTE: After the IDE hard disk drive information has been entered into BIOS, new
IDE hard disk drives must be partitioned (such as with FDISK) and then formatted
before data can be read from and write on. Primary IDE hard disk drives must have
its partition set to active (also possible with FDISK).
NOTE: SETUP Defaults are noted in parenthesis next to each function heading.
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Drive A / Drive B (None)
These fields record the types of floppy disk drives installed in your system. The
available options for drives A and B are: 360KB, 5.25 in.; 1.2MB, 5.25 in.; 720KB,
3.5 in.; 1.44MB, 3.5 in.; 2.88MB, 3.5 in.; None
To enter the configuration value for a particular drive, highlight its corresponding
field and then select the drive type using the left- or right-arrow key.
Floppy 3 Mode Support (Disabled)
This is the Japanese standard floppy drive. The standard stores 1.2MB in a 3.5"
diskette. This is normally disabled but you may choose from either: Drive A, Drive
B, Both, and Disabled
Video (EGA/VGA)
Set this field to the type of video display card installed in your system. The options
are: EGA/VGA, Mono (for Hercules or MDA), CGA 40, and CGA 80
If you are using a VGA or any higher resolution card, choose the “EGA/VGA”
option.
Halt On (All Errors)
This field determines which types of errors will cause the system to halt. Choose
from : All Errors, No Errors, All, But Keyboard, All, But Diskette, and All, But Disk/
Key
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BIOS Features Setup
This “BIOS Features Setup” option consists of configuration entries that allow you
to improve your system performance, or let you set up some system features accord-
ing to your preference. Some entries here are required by the motherboard’s design
to remain in their default settings.
Asection at the lower right of the screen displays the control keys you can use. Take
note of these keys and their respective uses. If you need information on a particular
entry, highlight it and then press the <F1> key. A pop-up help menu will appear to
provide you with the information you need. To load the last set values, press the
<F5> key. <F6> and <F7> load the BIOS default values and Setup default values,
respectively.
NOTE: SETUP Defaults are noted in parenthesis next to each function heading.
Details of BIOS Features Setup
Virus Warning (Disabled)
This field protects the boot sector and partition table of your hard disk against acci-
dental modifications. Any attempt to write to them will cause the system to halt and
display a warning message. If this occurs, you can either allow the operation to
continue or use a bootable virus-free floppy disk to reboot and investigate your
system. This setting is recommended because conflicts with new operating sys-
tems. Installation of new operating systems require that you disable this to prevent
write errors.
External Cache (Enabled)
These fields allow you to Enable or Disable the CPU’s “Level 2” secondary cache.
Caching allows better performance.
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Quick Power On Self Test (Enabled)
This field speeds up the Power-On Self Test (POST) routine by skipping retesting a
second, third, and forth time. Setup default setting for this field is Enabled. A
complete test of the system is done on each test.
HDD Sequence SCSI/IDE First (IDE)
When using both SCSI and IDE hard disk drives, IDE is always the boot disk using
drive letter C (default setting of IDE). This new feature allows a SCSI hard disk
drive to be the boot disk when set to SCSI. This allows multiple operating systems
to be used on both IDE and SCSI drives or the primary operating system to boot
using a SCSI hard disk drive.
Boot Sequence (C,A)
This field determines which logical drive (not partitions) the system looks first for
an operating system. Options are A,CDROM,C; CDROM,C,A; D,A; E,A; F,A; C
only, A,C. The setup default setting is to check first the hard disk and then the floppy
drive; that is, C, A.
Boot Up Floppy Seek (Disabled)
When enabled, the BIOS will seek the floppy "A" drive one time.
Floppy Disk Access Control (R/W)
This allows protection of files from the computer system to be copied to floppy
drives by allowing the setting of Read Only to only allow reads from the floppy but
not writes. The setup default R/W allows both reads and writes.
IDE HDD Block Mode Sectors (HDD MAX)
This field enhances hard disk performance by making multi-sector transfers instead
of one sector per transfer. Most IDE drives, except older versions, can utilize this
feature. Selections are HDD MAX, Disabled 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32.
Security Option (System)
This field determines when the system prompts for the password. The default set-
ting is System, where the system prompts for the User Password every time you boot
up. The other option is Setup, where the system always boots up, and prompts for
the Supervisor Password only when the Setup utility is called up. You can specify a
password by using the Supervisor Password or User Password option from the main
screen as explained later in this section.
PS/2 Mouse Function Control (Auto)
The default of Auto allows the system to detect a PS/2 Mouse on bootup. If de-
tected, IRQ12 will be used for the PS/2 Mouse. IRQ12 will be reserved for expan-
sion cards if a PS/2 Mouse is not detected. Disabled will reserve IRQ12 for expan-
sion cards and therefore the PS/2 Mouse will not function.
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PCI/VGA Palette Snoop (Disabled)
This function controls how VGAcompatible and graphic devices handle accesses to
VGA palette registers. The active VGA device always responds to a read of color
palette, wihile either the VGA or graphic agent will be programmed to respond to
write transactions to the color palette and the other will be to snoop it. Some display
cards that are nonstandard VGAsuch as graphics accelerators or MPEG Video Cards
may not show colors properly. The setting Enabled should correct this problem.
Otherwise leave this on the setup default setting of Disabled.
OS/2 Onboard Memory > 64M (Disabled)
When using OS/2 operating systems with installed DRAM of greater than 64MB,
you need to Enable this option otherwise leave this on the setup default of Disabled.
......................................................................................................................................
Video ROM BIOS Shadow (Enabled)
This field allows you to change the video BIOS location from ROM to RAM. Relo-
cating to RAM enhances system performance, as information access is faster than
the ROM.
C8000-CBFFF to DC000-DFFFF (Disabled)
These fields are used for shadowing other expansion card ROMs. If you install
other expansion cards with ROMs on them, you will need to know which addresses
the ROMs use to shadow them specifically. Shadowing a ROM reduces the memory
available between 640KB and 1024KB by the amount used for this purpose.
Boot Up NumLock Status (On)
This field enables users to activate the Number Lock function upon system boot.
Otherwise choose Off.
Boot Up System Speed (High)
This has no function and should be left on the setup default.
Typematic Rate Setting (Disabled)
When Enabled, you can set the two typematic controls listed next. Setup default
setting is Disabled.
Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec)
This field controls the speed at which the system registers repeated keystrokes.
Options range from 6 to 30 characters per second. Setup default setting is 6; other
settings are 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 24, and 30.
Typematic Delay (Msec) (250)
This field sets the time interval for displaying the first and second characters. Four
delay rate options are available: 250, 500, 750, and 1000.
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Chipset Features Setup
This “Chipset Features Setup” option controls the configuration of the board’s chipset.
Control keys for this screen are the same as for the previous screen.
NOTE: SETUP Defaults are noted in parenthesis next to each function heading.
Details of Chipset Features Setup
Auto Configuration (60ns DRAM)
The default setting of 60ns DRAM sets the optimal timings for items 2 through 9 for
60ns DRAM modules. If you are using 70ns DRAM modules, you must change this
item to 70ns DRAM. See section III for DRAM installation information.
SDRAM CAS# Latency (3T)
If you use ASUS SDRAM DIMM modules, you can set this to 2T for better perfor-
mance, otherwise leave on default or check with your vendor for DIMM specs.
SDRAM Speculative Read (Disabled)
If Enabled, the CPU will issue predict commands to access the DRAM, if a miss
occurs, the CPU will cancel this command. Some operating systems under certain
situations have a problem utilizing this feature so it is normally Disabled.
Passive Release (Enabled)
This is a mechanism that allows concurrency of ISA/EISA cycles and CPU-to-PCI
cycles. When this feature is enabled, the TXC will be possible to re-arbitrate PCI
bus and allow the CPU to access PCI even when the PCEB has been granted the bus.
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Delayed Transaction (Disabled)
If Enabled, this frees the PCI Bus during CPU accessing of 8-bit ISA cards which
normally consume about 50-60 PCI Clocks without PCI delayed transaction. If PCI
Bus Masters cannot use the PCI Bus, leave this on the default setting of Disabled for
some ISA cards that are not PCI 2.1 compliant.
16-bit I/O Recovery Time (1 BUSCLK)
Timing for 16-bit ISA cards
8-bit I/O Recovery Time (1 BUSCLK)
Timing for 8-bit ISA cards
Video BIOS Cacheable (Enabled)
Allows the Video BIOS to be cached to allow faster execution. Leave on default
setting of Enabled for better performance, otherwise Disabled.
Memory Hole at Address (None)
This features reserves either 14MB-16MB or 15MB-16MB memory address space to
ISA expansion cards that specifically require this setting. Memory from 14MB and up
or 15MB and up will be unavailable to the system because expansion cards can only
access memory up to 16MB.
....................................................................................................................................
Onboard FDC Controller (Enabled)
When enabled, this field allows you to connect your floppy disk drives to the on-
board floppy drive connector instead of a separate controller card. If you want to
use a different controller card to connect the floppy drives, set this field to Disabled.
Onboard FDC Swap A & B (No Swap)
This field reverses the drive letter assignments of your floppy disk drives. Two
options are available: No Swap and Swap AB. If you want to switch drive letter
assignments, set this field to Swap AB, and the swap will be controlled in hardware.
This works separately from the BIOS Features floppy disk swap feature. It is func-
tionally the same as physically interchanging the connectors of the floppy disk drives.
Onboard Serial Port 1 (3F8H/IRQ4)
Settings are 3F8H/IRQ4, 2F8H/IRQ3, 3E8H/IRQ4, 2E8H/IRQ10, and Disabled for
the onboard serial connector.
Onboard Serial Port 2 (2F8H/IRQ3)
Settings are 3F8H/IRQ4, 2F8H/IRQ3, 3E8H/IRQ4, 2E8H/IRQ10, and Disabled for
the onboard serial connector.
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Onboard Parallel Port (378H/IRQ7)
This field sets the address of the onboard parallel port connector. You can select
either: 3BCH / IRQ 7, 378H / IRQ 7, 278H / IRQ 5, Disabled. If you install an I/O
card with a parallel port, ensure that there is no conflict in the address assignments.
The PC can support up to three parallel ports as long as there are no conflicts for
each port.
Parallel Port Mode (ECP+EPP)
This field allows you to set the operation mode of the parallel port. The setting
Normal, allows normal-speed operation but in one direction only; EPP allows bidi-
rectional parallel port operation at maximum speed; ECP allows the parallel port to
operate in bidirectional mode and at a speed faster than the maximum data transfer
rate; ECP+EPP allows normal speed operation in a two-way mode.
ECP DMA Select (3)
This selection is available only if you select ECP or ECP+EPP in the
Parallel Port Mode. Select either DMA Channel 1, 3, or Disable.
UART2 Use Infrared (Disabled)
When enabled, this field activates the onboard infrared feature and sets the second
serial UART to support the infrared module connector on the motherboard. If your
system already has a second serial port connected to the onboard COM2 connector,
it will no longer work if you enable the infrared feature. By default, this field is set
to Disabled, which leaves the second serial port UART to support the COM2 serial
port connector. See section III of the baseboard manual for the IrDA-compliant
infrared module connector.
Onboard PCI IDE Enable (Both)
You can select to enable the Primary IDE channel, Secondary IDE channel, Both, or
Disable both channels (for systems with only SCSI drives).
IDE Ultra DMA Mode (Auto)
This sets the IDE UltraDMA to be active when using UltraDMA-capable IDE de-
vices. The BIOS will automatically adjust or disable this setting for slower IDE
devices so that Auto or high settings will not cause problems for older IDE devices.
Choose Disable if you do not want this feature for all devices.
IDE 0 Master/Slave PIO/DMA Mode, IDE 1 Master/Slave PIO/DMA Mode (Auto)
Each channel (0 and 1) has both a master and a slave making four IDE devices
possible. Because each IDE device may have a different Mode timing (0, 1, 2, 3, 4),
it is necessary for these to be independent. PIO and DMA timings can be indepen-
dently set. The default setting of Auto will allow auto-detection to ensure optimal
performance.
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Power Management Setup
This “Power Management Setup” option allows you to reduce power consumption.
This feature turns off the video display and shuts down the hard disk after a period
of inactivity.
NOTE: SETUP Defaults are noted in parenthesis next to each function heading.
Details of Power Management Setup
Power Management (User Define)
This field acts as the master control for the power management modes. Max Saving
puts the system into power saving mode after a brief period of system inactivity;
Min Saving is almost the same as Max Saving except that this time the system inac-
tivity period is longer; Disabled disables the power saving features; User Defined
allows you to set power saving options according to your preference.
IMPORTANT: Advanced Power Management (APM) should be installed to
keep the system time updated when the computer enters suspend mode acti-
vated by the BIOS Power Management. For DOS environments, you need to
add DEVICE=C:\DOS\POWER.EXE in you CONFIG.SYS. For Windows 3.x
and Windows 95, you need to install Windows with the APM feature. Abattery
and power cord icon labeled "Power" will appear in the "Control Panel."
Choose "Advanced" in the Power Management Field.
Video Off Option (Susp, Stby->Off )
This field determines when to activate the video off feature for monitor power
management. The settings are All Modes->Off; Always On; Suspend->Off; and
Susp, Stby->Off .
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Video Off Method (V/H SYNC + Blank)
This field defines the video off features. Three options are available: V/H SYNC +
Blank, DPMS, and Blank Only. The first option, which is the default setting, blanks
the screen and turns off vertical and horizontal scanning; DPMS (Display Power
Management System) allows the BIOS to control the video display card if it sup-
ports the DPMS feature; Blank Screen only blanks the screen. Use the latter for
monitors that do not support the “Green” (no power management) feature. NOTE:
Screen saver software does not work with this feature. While the monitor is shut off,
this software cannot display.
PWR Button < 4 Secs (Soft Off)
The default of Soft Off allows theATX switch to function as a normal system power-
off button when pressed for less than 4 seconds. Suspend setting allows the button
to have a dual function where less than 4 seconds will place the system in sleep
mode. No Function disables the ATX switch of any functions under 4 seconds.
Regardless of the setting, holding the ATX switch for more than 4 seconds will
power off the system.
PWR Up On Modem Act (Enabled)
This allows the settings of Enabled or Disabled for powering up the computer (turns
the ATX power supply on) when the modem begins receiving or transmitting data
while the computer is off.
AC PWR Loss Restart (Disabled)
This item allows you to set whether you want your system to boot up after the power
has been interrupted. Disabled leaves your system off after reapplying power and
Enabled boots up your system after replying power.
PM Timers (Disabled)
This section controls the time-out settings for the Power Management scheme. The
fields included in this section are “HDD Power Down”, which places the hard disk
into its lowest power consumption mode, and the Doze, Standby and Suspend sys-
tem inactivation modes.
The system automatically “wakes up” from any power saving mode when there is
system activity such as when a key is pressed from the keyboard, or when there is
activity detected from the enabled IRQ channels.
HDD Power Down shuts down any IDE hard disk drives in the system after a pe-
riod of inactivity. This time period is user-configurable to 1-15 Mins or Disable.
This feature does not affect SCSI hard drives.
The Doze Mode, Standby Mode, and Suspend Mode fields set the period of time
after which each of these modes activate. At Max Saving, these modes activate
sequentially (in the given order) after one minute; at Min Saving after one hour.
.......................................................................................................................................
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Fan Monitor (xxxxRPM)
The onboard hardware monitor is able to detect the Chassis Fan Speed, CPU Fan
Speed, and the Power Supply Fan Speed in Rotations Per Minute (RPM). These
values refresh upon any key entries in the BIOS setup screen. Set to Ignore if one of
these are not used so that error messages will not be given.
Thermal Monitor (xxxC/xxxF)
The onboard hardware monitor is able to detect the CPU and Motherboard tempera-
tures. These values refresh upon key entries. Set to Ignore only if necessary.
Voltage Monitor (xx.xV)
The onboard hardware monitor is able to detect the voltages put out by the voltage
regulators. These values refresh upon key entries. Set to Ignore only if necessary.
NOTE: If any of the monitored items are out of range, you will be prompted by this
message: "Hardware Monitor found an error, enter POWER MANAGEMENT
SETUP for details" The bottom of the screen will instruct you to: "Press F1 to
continue, DEL to enter SETUP"
PNP and PCI Setup
This “PNP and PCI Setup” option configures the PCI bus slots. All PCI bus slots on
the system use INTA#, thus all installed PCI cards must be set to this value.
NOTE: SETUP Defaults are noted in parenthesis next to each function heading.
Details of PNP and PCI Setup
PNP OS Installed (No)
When Plug and Play operating systems (OS) are installed, interrupts may be reas-
signed by the OS when Yes is selected. When a non-Plug and Play OS is installed or
to prevent reassigning of interrupt settings, select No here.
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Slot 1/2/3/4 IRQ (Auto)
The first four fields on the screen set how IRQ use is determined for each PCI slot.
Slot 1 (Right) is nearest the memory sockets. The default setting for each field is
Auto, which uses auto-routing to determine IRQ use. The other options are manual
settings of NA, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, or 15 for each slot.
PCI Latency Timer (32 PCI Clock)
"32 PCI Clock" enables maximum PCI performance for this motherboard.
IRQ xx Used By ISA (No/ICU)
These fields indicate whether or not the displayed IRQ for each field is being used
by a Legacy (non-PnP) ISA card. Two options are available: No/ICU and Yes. The
first option, the default value, indicates either that the displayed IRQ is not used or
an ISA Configuration Utility (ICU) is being used to determine if an ISA card is
using that IRQ. If you install a Legacy ISA card that requires a unique IRQ, and you
are not using an ICU, you must set the field for that IRQ to Yes. For example: If you
install a Legacy ISAcard that requires IRQ 10, then set IRQ10 Used By ISA to Yes.
......................................................................................................................................
DMA x Used By ISA (No/ICU)
These fields indicate whether or not the displayed DMA channel for each field is
being used by a Legacy (non-PnP) ISA card. Available options include: No/ICU
and Yes. The first option, the default setting, indicates either that the displayed
DMA channel is not used or an ICU is being used to determine if an ISA card is
using that channel. If you install a Legacy ISA card that requires a unique DMA
channel, and you are not using an ICU, you must set the field for that channel to Yes.
ISA MEM Block BASE (No/ICU)
This field allows you to set the base address and block size of a Legacy ISA card that
uses any memory segment within the C800, CC00, D000, D400, D800, and DC00
address range. If you have such a card, and you are not using an ICU to specify its
address range, select a base address from the six available options; the ISA MEM
Block SIZE field will then appear for selecting the block size. If you have more than
one Legacy ISA card in your system that requires to use this address range, you can
increase the block size to either 8K, 16K, 32K, or 64K. If you are using an ICU to
accomplish this task, leave ISA MEM Block BASE to its default setting of No/ICU.
SCSI BIOS (Auto)
The default uses Auto settings for the onboard SCSI BIOS (see section VI). If you
wish not to use the onboard SCSI BIOS, choose Disabled
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Load BIOS Defaults
This “Load BIOS Defaults” option allows you to load the troubleshooting default
values permanently stored in the BIOS ROM. These default settings are non-opti-
mal and disable all high performance features. To load these default settings, high-
light “Load BIOS Defaults” on the main screen and then press the <Enter> key. The
system displays a confirmation message on the screen. Press the <Y> key and then
the <Enter> key to confirm. Press the <N> key and then the <Enter> key to abort.
This feature does not affect the fields on the Standard CMOS Setup screen.
Load Setup Defaults
This “Load Setup Defaults” option allows you to load the default values to the sys-
tem configuration fields. These default values are the optimized configuration set-
tings for the system. To load these default values, highlight “Load Setup Defaults”
on the main screen and then press the <Enter> key. The system displays a confirma-
tion message on the screen. Press the <Y> key and then the <Enter> key to confirm.
Press the <N> key and then the <Enter> key to abort. This feature does not affect
the fields on the Standard CMOS Setup screen.
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Supervisor Password and User Password
These two options set the system passwords. “Supervisor Password” sets a pass-
word that will be used to protect the system and the Setup utility; “User Password”
sets a password that will be used exclusively on the system. By default, the system
comes without any passwords. To specify a password, highlight the type you want
and then press the <Enter> key. A password prompt appears on the screen. Taking
note that the password is case sensitive, and can be up to 8 alphanumeric characters
long, type in your password and then press the <Enter> key. The system confirms
your password by asking you to type it again. After setting a password, the screen
automatically reverts to the main screen.
To implement the password protection, specify in the “Security Option” field of the
BIOS Features Setup screen when the system will prompt for the password. If you
want to disable either password, press the <Enter> key instead of entering a new
password when the “Enter Password” prompt appears. A message confirms the
password has been disabled.
NOTE: If you forget the password, see CMOS RAM in section III for procedures
on clearing the CMOS.
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53
IV. BIOS SOFTWARE
IDE HDD Auto Detection
This “IDE HDD Auto Detection” option detects the parameters of an IDE hard disk
drive, and automatically enters them into the Standard CMOS Setup screen.
ROM PCI/ISA BIOS (<TX97-X>)
CMOS SETUP UTILITY
AWARD SOFTWARE, INC.
HARD DISKS
TYPE
SIZE
CYLS
HEAD
PRECOMP
LANDZ
SECTOR MODE
Primary Master :
Select Primary Master Option (N=Skip) : N
OPTIONS
SIZE
CYLS
HEAD
PRECOMP
LANDZ
SECTOR
MODE
2(Y)
1
3
849
849
849
823
1647
823
32
16
32
0
65535
65535
1646
1646
1646
63
63
63
LBA
NORMAL
LARGE
Note: Some OSes (like SCO-UNIX) must use "NORMAL" for installation
ESC : Skip
(This screen could not be run from inside active programs and therefore could not be captured.)
Up to four IDE drives can be detected, with parameters for each listed inside the
box. To accept the optimal entries, press the <Y> key or else select from the num-
bers displayed under the OPTIONS field (2, 1, 3 in this case); to skip to the next
drive, press the <N> key. If you accept the values, the parameters will appear listed
beside the drive letter on the screen. The process then proceeds to the next drive
letter. Pressing the <N> key to skip rather than to accept a set of parameters causes
the program to enter zeros after that drive letter.
Remember that if you are using another IDE controller that does not feature En-
hanced IDE support for four devices, you can only install two IDE hard disk drives.
Your IDE controller must support the Enhanced IDE features in order to use Drive E
and Drive F. The onboard PCI IDE controller supports Enhanced IDE, with two
connectors for connecting up to four IDE devices. If you want to use another con-
troller that supports four drives, you must disable the onboard IDE controller in the
Chipset Features Setup screen.
When auto-detection is completed, the program automatically enters all entries you
accepted on the field for that drive in the Standard CMOS Setup screen. Skipped
entries are ignored and are not entered in the screen.
If you are auto-detecting a hard disk that supports the LBA mode, three lines will
appear in the parameter box. Choose the line that lists LBA for an LBA drive. Do
not select Large or Normal.
The auto-detection feature can only detect one set of parameters for a particular IDE
hard drive. Some IDE drives can use more than one set. This is not a problem if the
drive is new and there is nothing on it.
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IV. BIOS SOFTWARE
IMPORTANT: If your hard drive was already formatted on an older previous
system, incorrect parameters may be detected. You will need to enter the cor-
rect parameters manually or use low-level format if you do not need the data
stored on the hard drive.
If the parameters listed differ from the ones used when the drive was formatted, the
drive will not be readable. If the auto-detected parameters do not match the ones
that should be used for your drive, do not accept them. Press the <N> key to reject
the presented settings and enter the correct ones manually from the Standard CMOS
Setup screen.
Save and Exit Setup
Select this option to save into the CMOS memory all modifications you specify
during the current session. To save the configuration changes, highlight the “Save
& Exit Setup” option on the main screen and then press the <Enter> key.
Exit Without Saving
Select this option to exit the Setup utility without saving the modifications you specify
during the current session. To exit without saving, highlight the “Exit Without Sav-
ing” option on the main screen and then press the <Enter> key.
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V. SUPPORT SOFTWARE
ASUS TX97 Motherboard Series Support CD
(Rev. 3.00)
Run INSTALL.EXE in the root directory of this CD for the following options:
LDCM Local Setup: Installs software to monitor the local system. The LANDesk
Client Manager must be installed in order to use the hardware manager features.
LDCM Administrator Setup: Installs software to monitor PC systems on the net-
work within the same bridge address with the Local software installed. The
administrator should install both Local and Administrator Software.
Adobe Acrobat Reader: Installs the Adobe Acrobat Reader software necessary to
view the LDCM manual (LDCM_30.PDF) in the LDCM directory.
DMI Configuration: Runs (requires Real Mode DOS Box) the DMI Configuration
utility as described at the end of section V.
PFLASH: Runs (requires Real Mode DOS Box) the Flash Memory Writer utility
as described at the beginning of section IV.
BusMaster: Installs Intel BusMaster IDE drivers.
Browse this CD: Allows you to see the contents of the ASUS support CD.
Technical Support Form: View the Technical Support Form with Notepad.
Read Me: View additional notes with Notepad.
Exit: Exit the installation screen.
LANDesk Client Manager (LDCM)
Use Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the LDCM manual on the ASUS support CD.
LDCM Administrator Setup: Installs software to monitor PC systems on the net-
work within the same bridge address with Local software installed. The admin-
istrator should install both Local and Administrator Software.
LDCM Local Setup: Installs software to monitor the local system.
•
Express Setup: (Recommended) Settings can be auto-detected or changed.
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V. SUPPORT SOFTWARE
•
Custom Setup: (For Experienced Users)
1. Choose File | New from the pull-down menu of the "Untitled" screen. Type
in a system name.
2. Make the appropriate settings on the right-hand side. Note following:
- I2C and Network should not be modified
- Currently only ATI Video cards can be monitored by LDCM, do not
select Video ATI if you are using other video cards.
3. Choose LM78 from the pull-down menu. Note the following:
- The fans are auto-detected, do not make any selections for Chassis Fan,
CPU A Fan, CPU B Fan.
- Change the Threshold RPM to 1,500 RPM
- Change the Threshold RPM Min to 1,320 RPM
4. Click Save button to save settings and exit.
5. Choose File|Save from pull-down menu, enter a file name, click Save.
6. Exit the program screen.
7. Run SETUP.EXE and choose the your system configuration file that you
have just created.
NOTES:
1. System will hang if you click the "Workstation Summary" or "Drives" Icon
when a floppy drive is not installed. For a faster response, insert a floppy dis-
kette before choosing this function.
2. The LDCM only displays half the actual fan RPM. Multiply the displayed fan
RPM by 2 for the actual fan RPM.
3. Chassis Fan and CPU A Fan RPM must be at least 2,640 RPM to be monitored
by the LDCM.
4. CPU B Fan must be at least 2,660 RPM to be monitored by the LDCM.
5. Fan labels are not consistent, use this table for reference:
PC Health
Chassis
CPUA
LDCM Notification Config.
CPU
Chassis
Extra
BIOS/Motherboard
Chassis
CPU
CPU B
Power
6. LDCM currently can only detect ATI video cards, choose "Non-ATI" in Local
Setup otherwise a one-time message will show (Error [1] retrieving Mach64
attributes). You may ignore this message by clicking the OK button.
7. The administrator LDCM cannot cross a network bridge to other workgroups.
8. AMD and Cyrix CPUs cannot be detected by the LDCM.
9. The COM port that is in use will not show up in "Input/Output Ports."
10. LDCM Administrator installation requires a network card or else the admin-
istrator features will run very slowly.
11. Mouse (Pointer) information does not show when there is mouse activity after
Workstation Summary is selected in Windows NT.
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57
V. SUPPORT SOFTWARE
Desktop Management Interface (DMI)
Introducing the ASUS DMI Configuration Utility
This motherboard supports DMI within the BIOS level and provides a DMI Con-
figuration Utility to maintain the Management Information Format Database (MIFD).
DMI is able to auto-detect and record information pertinent to a computer’s system
such as the CPU type, CPU speed, and internal/external frequencies, and memory
size. The onboard BIOS will detect as many system information as possible and
store those collected information in a 4KB block in the motherboard’s Flash EPROM
and allow the DMI to retrieve data from this database. Unlike other BIOS software,
the BIOS on this motherboard uses the same technology implemented for Plug and
Play to allow dynamic real-time updating of DMI information versus creating a new
BIOS image file and requiring the user to update the whole BIOS. This DMI Con-
figuration Utility also allows the system integrator or end user to add additional
information into the MIFD such as serial numbers, housing configurations, and ven-
dor information. Those information not detected by the motherboard BIOS and has
to be manually entered through the DMI Configuration Utility and updated into the
MIFD. This DMI Configuration Utility provides the same reliability as PnP updat-
ing and will prevent the refreshing failures associated with updating the entire BIOS.
System Requirements
The DMI Configuration Utility (DMICFG.EXE) must be ran in real mode in order
for the program to run, the base memory must be at least 180K. Memory managers
like HIMEM.SYS (required by windows) must not be installed. You can boot up
from a system diskette without AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files, “REM”
HIMEM.SYS in the CONFIG.SYS, or press <F5> during bootup to bypass your
AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files.
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V. SUPPORT SOFTWARE
Using the ASUS DMI Configuration Utility
Edit DMI (or delete)
Use the ←→ (left-right) cursors to move the top menu items and the ↑↓ (up-down)
cursor to move between the left hand menu items. The bottom of the screen will
show the available keys for each screen. Press enter at the menu item to enter the
right hand screen for editing. “Edit component” appears on top. The reversed color
field is the current cursor position and the blue text are available for editing. The
orange text shows auto-detected information and are not available for editing. The
blue text “Press [ENTER] for detail” contains a second pop-up menu is available,
use the + - (plus-minus) keys to change the settings. Enter to exit and save, ESC to
exit and not save.
If the user has made changes, ESC will prompt you to answer Y or N. Enter Y to go
back to the left-hand screen and save, enter N to go back to left-hand screen and not
save. If editing has not been made, ESC will send you back to the left hand menu
without any messages.
Notes:
A heading, *** BIOS Auto Detect *** appears on the right for each menu item on
the left side that has been auto detected by the system BIOS.
A heading, *** User Modified *** will appear on the right for menu items that has
been modified by the user.
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59
V. SUPPORT SOFTWARE
Save MIFD
You can save the MIFD (normally only saved to flash ROM) to a file by entering the
drive and path here. If you want to cancel save, you may press ESC and a message
“Bad File Name” appears here to show it was not saved.
Load MIFD
You can load the disk file to memory by entering a drive and path and file name
here.
Load BIOS Defaults
You can load the BIOS defaults from a MIFD file and can clear all user modified
and added data. You must reboot your computer in order for the defaults to be saved
back into the Flash BIOS.
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ASUS TX97-X User's Manual
VI. ASUS PCI-SC200 SCSI Card
SCSI BIOS and Drivers
Aside from the system BIOS, the Flash memory chip on the motherboard also con-
tains the SCSI BIOS. This SCSI BIOS works in conjunction with the optionalASUS
PCI-SC200 SCSI controller card to provide a complete PCI Fast SCSI-2 interface.
All SCSI devices you install to your system require driver software to function. The
SCSI BIOS directly supports SCSI hard disks under the DOS, Windows and OS/2
environments. It also uses device drivers from the DOS floppy disk included in the
PCI-SC200 controller card package to support hard disks and other SCSI devices
working under DOS, Windows, Windows NT, Novell NetWare and OS/2. These
drivers provide higher performance than the direct BIOS support. To use these
drivers, you must install them into your system and add them to your system con-
figuration files. Driver support for SCSI devices used with SCO UNIX is also pro-
vided. These drivers are included in the second SCO UNIX floppy disk. Windows
95 support is also available using the device drivers included within the Windows
software. The ASUS PCI-SC200 is a Plug and Play adapter that is auto detected by
BIOS and current operating systems that support Plug and Play features.
For information about these drivers and their usage, see the Readme files included
in the driver packages. You can print out the contents of these files using any text
editor program.
The next few pages will instruct you on the installation of the ASUS PCI-SC200
Fast SCSI Card.
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61
VI. ASUS PCI-SC200 SCSI Card
The ASUS PCI-SC200 SCSI Interface Card
Your motherboard may have come with an optional SCSI (Small Computer System
Interface) controller card, the PCI-SC200. The card is also available separately. This
card works with the SCSI BIOS on the motherboard. Together, they provide a com-
plete PCI Fast SCSI-2 interface. With the card installed in your system you can
connect SCSI devices installed in your system case to the internal connector on the
card. You also have the additional option of connecting external SCSI devices to the
external SCSI-2 connector on the card.
If you get the ASUS PCI-SC200 later on as an option, you will need to install it
yourself. The setup procedure is explained here.
Setting Up the ASUS PCI-SC200
There are two jumper settings you may need to make on the card to set it up. One
setting assigns the PCI INT interrupt, the other sets the card’s termination.
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VI. ASUS PCI-SC200 SCSI Card
Setting the INT Assignment
You must use PCI INT A setting in order to properly assign the card's interrupt. On
theASUS PCI-SC200, you assign the INT by setting jumper JP1 or JP2. The default
setting for the card already is INT A, so you do not need to change the setting to use
the ASUS PCI-SC200 with this motherboard.
JPJP
1 2
JPJP
1 2
JPJP
1 2
JPJP
1 2
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
INT A (Def) INT B
INT C
INT D
Interrupt Settings (A, B, C, or D)
Terminator Settings
SCSI devices are connected together in a “chain” by cables. Internal devices con-
nect to the ASUS PCI-SC200 with a fifty-pin flat ribbon cable. External devices
connect to the external port with a SCSI-2 cable. If there are more than one internal
or external devices, additional devices are connected with cables to form a “daisy
chain.” The SCSI chain must be “terminated” at both ends, or the devices in the
chain will not work properly.
Many SCSI devices use a set of terminating resistors to terminate the device. The
ASUS PCI-SC200 has “active” termination that you set using jumper JP5. If you
need to terminate theASUS PCI-SC200, you do it by setting the jumper. The are two
settings, "terminated" and "not terminated," as shown below.
JP
5
JP
5
Terminated (Default)
Not Terminated
Terminator Setting (Terminated / Not Terminated)
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63
VI. ASUS PCI-SC200 SCSI Card
Decide whether or not you need to terminate the ASUS PCI-SC200 based on its
position in the SCSI chain. Only the devices at each end of the chain need to be
terminated. If you have only internal or only external devices connected to the
ASUS PCI-SC200, then you must terminate the ASUS PCI-SC200. If you have
both internal and external devices connected, you must not terminate the card. See
the following example which illustrates this concept.
SCSI Device 1
SCSI Device 2
Termination Required
(End Device)
Termination Required
(JP5 Open)
SCSI Device 3
SCSI Device 4
Termination Required
(End Device)
No Termination Required
(JP5 Short)
Termination Required
(End Device)
SCSI Device 1
SCSI Device 2
SCSI ID Numbers
All SCSI devices, including the ASUS PCI-SC200 interface card must have a SCSI
identification number that is not in use by any other SCSI device. There are eight
possible ID numbers, 0 through 7. The ASUS PCI-SC200 has a fixed SCSI ID of 7.
You can connect up to seven SCSI devices to the interface card. You must set a SCSI
ID number for each device. SCSI devices vary in how they set the ID number. Some
use jumpers, others have some kind of selector switch. Refer to the manual for any
device you install for details on how to set its ID number.
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