Asus E2938 manual

Motherboard Comman do[...]

ii E2938 First Edition V1 November 2006 Copyright © 2006 ASUST eK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the pu[...]

iii Contents Notices ........................................................................................................ vii Safety information .................................................................................... viii About this guide ......................................................................................... ix C[...]

iv Contents 2.7 Audio Card Installation .............................................................. 2-24 2.8 Connectors ................................................................................. 2-25 2.8.1 Rear panel connectors .................................................. 2-25 2.8.2 Internal connectors ..............................[...]

v 4.3.7 System Information ....................................................... 4-15 4.4 Extreme T weaker menu ............................................................. 4-16 4.4.1 AI T uning [Auto] ............................................................ 4-16 4.4.2 ASUS C.G.I. [Auto] ......................................................[...]

vi 5.2.5 Manuals menu ................................................................ 5-5 5.2.6 ASUS Contact information .............................................. 5-5 5.2.7 Other information ............................................................ 5-6 5.3 Software information ...............................................................[...]

vii Notices Federal Communications Commission Statement This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: • This device may not cause harmful interference, and • This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation. This equipment has [...]

viii Safety information Electrical safety • T o prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating the system. • When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect a[...]

ix About this guide This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the motherboard. How this guide is organized This guide contains the following parts: • Chapter 1: Product introduction This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports. • Chapter 2: Hardware informatio[...]

x Conventions used in this guide T o make sure that you perform certain tasks properly , take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. T ypography Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select. Italics Used to emphasize a word or a phrase. <Key> Key s encl osed i n the less- than a nd gre ater-t han s ign mea ns tha t you [...]

xi Commando specications summary CPU LGA775 socket for Intel ® Core ™ 2 Extreme / Core ™ 2 Duo / Pentium ® Extreme / Pentium ® D / Pentium ® 4 / Celeron ® D Processors Intel ® Quad-core CPU Ready Compatible with Intel ® 06/05B/05A processors * Refer to www .asus.com for Intel CPU support list Chipset Intel ® P965 / ICH8R with Intel ?[...]

xii Commando specications summary Exclusive Overclocking features Extreme T weaker Intelligent overclocking tools: - AI NOS ™ (Non-delay Overclocking System) - AI Overclocking (intelligent CPU frequency tuner) - ASUS AI Booster Utility - O.C. Prole Overclocking protection: - ASUS C.P .R. (CPU Parameter Recall) Unique features LCD Poster Onb[...]

xiii Commando specications summary Accessories UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable FDD cable SA T A cables SA T A power cables I/O shield User's manual USB2.0 port module IEEE1394 port module 3 in 1 Q-connector 7 x cable ties InterVideo ® Media Launcher (OEM version) Optional fan for W ater-Cooling or Passive-Cooling only Support DVD Drivers ASUS PC[...]

xiv[...]

1 Product introduction This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports.[...]

ASUS Commando Chapter summary 1 1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1 1.2 Package contents ......................................................................... 1-1 1.3 Special features ............................................................................ 1-2[...]

ASUS Commando 1-1 1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS ® Commando motherboard! The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards! Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in your package with the list[...]

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.3 Special features 1.3.1 Product highlights Republic of Gamers The Republic of Gamers consists only the best of the best. We of fer the best hardware engineering, the fastest performance, the most innovating ideas, and we welcome the best gamers to join in. In the Republic of Gamers, mercy rules are only for th[...]

ASUS Commando 1-3 Ser ial A T A 3.0 Gb/s te chnol ogy Th e m oth erb oa rd ful ly sup por ts the Serial A T A II 3.0 Gb/s technology through the Serial A T A interfaces and the Intel ® P965 Express chipset. The Serial A T A 3.0 Gb/s specication provides twice the bandwidth of the current Serial A T A products with a host of new features, includ[...]

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.3.2 Unique features 8-phase cap-less Power design The 8-phase EL Capless Power Design demonstrates two hardcore commitments of ROG products: ultimate overclocking capability , and ultimate reliability . The 8- phase power design yields unparalleled superiority in the overclocking arena, while the cap-less desig[...]

ASUS Commando 1-5 ASUS Q-Connector The ASUS Q-Connector allows you to connect or disconnect chassis front panel cables in one easy step. This unique adapter eliminates the trouble of plugging in one cable at a time, making connection quick and error-free. See pages 2-36 for details. ASUS LCD Poster The LCD Poster displays actual boot error messages[...]

1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction Supreme FX features This feature can enhance speech-centric applications like Skype, online game, video conference and recording. Noise Filter This feature detects repetitive and stationary noises (non-voice signals) like computer fans, air conditioners, and other background noises then eliminates it in the incom[...]

2 Hardware information This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes description of the jumpers and connectors on the motherboard.[...]

ASUS Commando Chapter summary 2 2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1 2.2 Motherboard overview ................................................................. 2-2 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-6 2.4 System memory ..................[...]

ASUS Commando 2-1 2.1 Before you proceed T ake note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component. • Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case[...]

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information ® COMMANDO 2.2 Motherboard overview Before you install the motherboard, study the conguration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard ts into it. Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage motherboard co[...]

ASUS Commando 2-3 2.2.3 Motherboard layout PANEL ® CHASSIS 24.5cm (9.6in) CPU_FAN DDR2 DIMM_B1 (64 bit,240-pin module) DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64 bit,240-pin module) DDR2 DIMM_A2 (64 bit,240-pin module) DDR2 DIMM_B2 (64 bit,240-pin module) PWR_FAN LAN1_USB12 FLOPPY Super I/O PS/2KBMS T : Mouse B: K eyboard LAN2_USB34 AU DIO1 PC IEX 16_ 1 PC I1 CLRTC_EN USB7[...]

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.2.4 Layout contents Slots Page 1. DDR2 DIMM slots 2-14 2. PCI slots 2-22 3. PCI Express x16 slots 2-22 Jumper Page 1. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLR TC_EN ) 2-23 Rear panel connectors Page 1. PS/2 mouse port (green) 2-25 2. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port 2-25 3. LCD Poster 2-25 4. LAN 2 (RJ-45) port 2-25 5. LAN 1 (RJ-45) po[...]

ASUS Commando 2-5 Internal connectors Page 1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) 2-27 2. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) 2-27 3. ICh8R Serial A T A connectors (7-pin SA T A1, SA T A2, SA T A3, SA T A4, SA T A5, SA T A6) 2-28 4. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, USB910) 2-29 5. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2) 2-30 6. T[...]

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA775 socket designed for the Intel ® Quad-core / Core™2 Extreme / Core™2 Duo / Pentium ® Extreme / Pentium ® D/ Pentium ® 4 and Celeron ® D processors. • Upon purchase of the motherboard, make sure that the PnP cap is on the[...]

ASUS Commando 2-7 3. Lift the load lever in the direction of the arrow to a 135º angle. 2. Press the load lever with your thumb (A), then move it to the left (B) until it is released from the retention tab. Retention tab Load lever This side of the socket box should face you. PnP cap A B T o prevent damage to the socket pins, do not remove the PnP[...]

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware information 5. Position the CPU over the socket, making sure that the gold triangle is on the bottom-left corner of the socket then t the socket alignment key into the CPU notch. Alignment key Gold triangle mark 6. Close the load plate (A), then push the load lever (B) until it snaps into the retention tab. 7. If installi[...]

ASUS Commando 2-9 2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan The Intel ® LGA775 processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance. thermal condition and performance. condition and performance. T o install the CPU heatsink and fan: 1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, [...]

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information 3. Connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_F AN. 2. Push down two fasteners at a time in a diagonal sequence to secure the heatsink and fan assembly in place. B A A A B B Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug thi[...]

ASUS Commando 2-1 1 T o uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan: 1. Disconnect the CPU fan cable from the connector on the motherboard. 2. Rotate each fastener counterclockwise. 3. Pull up two fasteners at a time in a diagonal sequence to disengage the heatsink and fan assembly from the motherboard. B B A A A A B B 4. Carefully remove the heatsink and f[...]

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware information 5. Rotate each fastener clockwise to ensure correct orientation when reinstalling. Narrow end of the groove Refer to the documentation in the boxed or stand-alone CPU fan package for detailed information on CPU fan installation. The narrow end of the groove should point outward after resetting. (The photo shows [...]

ASUS Commando 2-13 2.3.4 Installing the optional fan 1. Position the fan above the pipe and heatsink assembly . 2. Fit the grooved edge to the heatsink. 3. Carefully push down the fan until it snugly ts the heatsink, then connect the fan cables. 4. The above photo shows the fan installed on the motherboard. • Plug the optional fan cables to an[...]

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.4 System memory 2.4.1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. A DDR2 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR DIMM but has a 240-pin footprint compared to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. DDR2 DIMMs are notched differently to prevent installati[...]

ASUS Commando 2-15 2.4.2 Memory congurations Y ou may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. • Y ou may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel conguration. Any excess memory from the higher-si[...]

2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware information Commando Motherboard Qualied V endors Lists (QVL) DDR2-800 MHz capability Size V endor Chip No. SS/ DS Part No. DIMM support A* B* C* 512MB KINGSTON K4T51083QC SS KVR800D2N5/512 • • • 1024MB KINGSTON Heat-Sink Package SS KHX6400D2LLK2/1GN • • • 512MB Qimonda HYB18T256800AF25F DS HYS64T64020HU-25F-[...]

ASUS Commando 2-17 Commando Motherboard Qualied V endors Lists (QVL) DDR2-667 MHz capability Size V endor Chip No. SS/ DS Part No. DIMM support A* B* C* 256MB KINGSTON HYB18T256800AF3 SS KVR667D2N5/256 • • • 512MB KINGSTON D6408TEBGGL3U SS KVR667D2N5/512 • • • 256MB KINGSTON HYB18T256800AF3S SS KVR667D2N5/256 • • • 256MB Qimond[...]

2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware information Commando Motherboard Qualied V endors Lists (QVL) DDR2-533 MHz capability Size V endor Chip No. SS/ DS Part No. DIMM support A* B* C* 512MB KINGSTON HYB18T512800AF37 SS KVR533D2N4/512 • • • • • • 1024MB KINGSTON 5YDIID9GCT DS KVR533D2N4/1G • • • • • • 256MB Qimonda HYB18T512160AF-3.7 S[...]

ASUS Commando 2-19 2.4.3 Installing a DIMM Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. T o install a DIMM: 1. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward. 2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on [...]

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.5 Expansion slots In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support. 2.5.1 Installing an expansion card T o install an expansion card: 1. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with it [...]

ASUS Commando 2-21 2.5.3 Interrupt assignments IRQ assignments for this motherboard A B C D E F G H PCI slot 1 – – – – – shared – – PCI slot 2 – – – – – – shared – PCI slot 3 – – – – – – – shared PCI slot 4 – – – – shared – – – LAN (8001) – – – shared – – – – SA T A (363) shared [...]

2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.5.4 PCI slots The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specications. Refer to the gure below for the location of the slots. 2.5.5 PCI Express x16 slots This motherboard has two PCI Express x16 slots that support PCI Express x16 graphic card[...]

ASUS Commando 2-23 ® COMMANDO COMMANDO Clear RTC RAM CLRTC_EN Normal (Default) Clear RTC 1 2 2 3 2.6 Jumper 1. Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC_EN) This jumper allows you to enable the Clear CMOS switch. Y ou can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard clr CMOS switch helps you easily to c[...]

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.7 Audio Card Installation 1. T ake out the Audio card from the package. 2. Locate the slot on the motherboard. 3. Align the card connector with the slot and press rmly until the card sits on the slot completely . 4. The above photo shows the audio card installed on the motherboard.[...]

ASUS Commando 2-25 1 15 2 3 4 5 12 13 6 7 8 9 10 1 1 14 2.8 Connectors 2.8.1 Rear panel connectors 1. PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse. 2. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device via a coaxial S/PDIF cable. 3. LCD Poster . This poster displays actual boot error messages. 4. LAN 2 (RJ-45) por[...]

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information 6. Line In port (light blue). This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player , or other audio sources. 7. Line Out port (lime). This port connects a headphone or a speaker . In 4-channel, 6-channel, and 8-channel conguration, the function of this port becomes Front Speaker Out. 8. Microphone port (pink). This po[...]

ASUS Commando 2-27 2.8.2 Internal connectors 1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) This connector is for the provided oppy disk drive (FDD) signal cable. Insert one end of the cable to this connector , then connect the other end to the signal connector at the back of the oppy disk drive. Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent[...]

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware information ® COMMANDO COMMANDO IDE connector NOTE: Orient the red markings (usually zigzag) on the IDE ribbon cable to PIN 1. PRI_IDE 3. ICH8R Serial A T A connectors (7-pin SA T A1, SA T A2, SA T A3, SA T A4, SA T A5, SA T A6) These connectors are for the Serial A T A signal cables for Serial A T A hard disk drives. If y[...]

ASUS Commando 2-29 Connect the right-angle side of SA T A signal cable to the SA T A device, or connect the right-angle side of the SA T A cable to the onboard SA T A port to avoid mechanical conict with huge graphics cards. 4. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, USB910) These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to [...]

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware information 5. IEE E 1394 a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2) This connector is for a IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IEEE 1394a module cable to this connector , then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. Y ou can connect the 1394 cable to ASUS Q-Connector (1394, red) rst, and then install[...]

ASUS Commando 2-31 7. CPU, chassis, power , and optional fan connectors (4-pin CPU_F AN, 3-pin CHA_F AN1, 3-pin CHA_F AN2, 3-pin CHA_F AN3, 3-pin PWR_F AN, 3-pin OPT_F AN1~3) The fan c onnect ors su pport cooli ng fan s of 3 50 mA ~ 2000 mA (24 W max.) or a total of 1 A ~ 7 A (84 W max.) at +12V . Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the[...]

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware information 9. AT X p owe r c on nec tor s (24-pin EA TXPWR, 2 x 4-pin EA TX12V) These connectors are for A TX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are designed to t these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down rmly until the connectors completely t. 8. Chassis intrusion[...]

ASUS Commando 2-33 • For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit (PSU) that complies with A TX 12V Specication 2.0 (or later version) and provides a minimum power of 550 W . • Do not forget to connect the 4-pin/8pin EA TX12V power plug; otherwise, the system will not boot. • Use of a PSU with a higher powe[...]

2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware information Normal Loading CPU Intel ® Conroe 1066MHz 2.93GHz 2.93GHz DDR2 667 1GB*2 VGA NVIDIA ® 8800*1 SA T A-HD 4 IDE-HD 1 CD-ROM DVD-ROM*1 USB 4 PCI 1 Light Loading CPU Intel ® Conroe 1066MHz 2.93GHz DDR2 667 512MB*2 VGA A TI ® 1900 *1 SA T A-HD 2 IDE-HD 1 CD-ROM DVD-ROM*1 USB 2 Power supply requirements +12V -V2 (C[...]

ASUS Commando 2-35 • System power LED (2-pin PLED) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector . The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system power , and blinks when the system is in sleep mode. • Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED) This 2-pin connector is for th[...]

2-36 Chapter 2: Hardware information ASUS Q-Connector (system panel) Y ou can use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect chassis front panel cables in a few steps. Refer to the instructions below to install the ASUS Q- Connector . 1. Connect the front panel cables to the ASUS Q-Connector . Refer to the labels on the Q-Connector to know the deta[...]

ASUS Commando 2-37 2.8.3 Onboard switches Onboard switches allow you to ne-tune performance when working on a bare or open-case system. This is ideal for overclockers and gamers who continually change settings to enhance system performance. 1. Clear CMOS switch Press the clear CMOS switch to clear setup information when the system hangs due to o[...]

2-38 Chapter 2: Hardware information 3. Reset switch Press the reset switch to reboot the system. ® COMMANDO COMMANDO Reset switch[...]

3 Powering up This chapter describes the power up sequence, the vocal POST messages, and ways of shutting down the system.[...]

ASUS Commando Chapter summary 3 3.1 Starting up for the rst time ........................................................ 3-1 3.2 T urning off the computer ............................................................. 3-2[...]

ASUS Commando 3-1 3.1 Starting up for the rst time 1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover . 2. Be sure that all switches are off. 3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis. 4. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector . 5. T urn on the dev[...]

3-2 Chapter 3: Powering up 3.2 Turning off the computer 3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function If you are using Windows ® 2000: 1. Click the Start button then click Shut Down. 2. Make sure that the Shut Down option button is selected, then click the OK button to shut down the computer . 3. The power supply should turn off after Windows ® shuts dow[...]

4 BIOS setup This chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.[...]

Chapter summary 4 ASUS Commando 4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 4-1 4.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 4-9 4.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 4-12 4.4 Extreme T weaker menu .........[...]

ASUS Commando 4-1 4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup. 1. ASUS Update (Updates the BIOS in Windows ® environment.) 2. ASUS EZ Flash 2 (Updates the BIOS using a oppy disk or USB ash disk.) 3. ASUS AFUDOS (Updates the BIOS using a boot[...]

4-2 Chapter 4: BIOS setup Quit all Windows ® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility . 3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network trafc, or click Auto Select . Click Next . Updating the BIOS through the Internet T o update the BIOS through the Internet: 1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows ® deskt[...]

ASUS Commando 4-3 Updating the BIOS through a BIOS le T o update the BIOS through a BIOS le: 1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows ® desktop by clicking Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate . The ASUS Update main window appears. 2. Select Update BIOS from a le option from the drop-down menu, then clic[...]

4-4 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.1.2 Creating a bootable oppy disk 1. Do either one of the following to create a bootable oppy disk. DOS environment a. Insert a 1.44MB oppy disk into the drive. b. At the DOS prompt, type format A: / S then press <Enter>. Windows ® XP environment a. Insert a 1.44 MB oppy disk to the oppy disk drive.[...]

ASUS Commando 4-5 T o update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2: 1. Visit the ASUS website (www .asus.com) to download the latest BIOS le for the motherboard. 2. Save the BIOS le to a oppy disk or a USB ash disk, then restart the system. 4.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go [...]

4-6 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.1.4 AFUDOS utility The AFUDOS utility allows you to update the BIOS le in DOS environment using a bootable oppy disk with the updated BIOS le. This utility also allows you to copy the current BIOS le that you can use as backup when the BIOS fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. Copying the curr[...]

ASUS Commando 4-7 2. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support DVD to the bootable oppy disk you created earlier . 3. Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the prompt type: afudos /i[lename] where [lename] is the latest or the original BIOS le on the bootable oppy disk. A:>afudos /iCommando.ROM Write the BI[...]

4-8 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS le when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. Y ou can update a corrupted BIOS le using the motherboard support DVD, the oppy disk, or the USB ash disk that contains the u[...]

ASUS Commando 4-9 4.2 BIOS setup program This motherboard supports a programmable Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) chip that you can update using the provided utility described in section “4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS.” Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconguring your system, or prompted to “Run Se[...]

4-10 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.2.2 Menu bar The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items: Main For changing the basic system conguration Advanced For changing the advanced system settings Power For changing the advanced power management (APM) conguration Boot For changing the system boot conguration T ools For Conguring [...]

ASUS Commando 4-11 4.2.4 Menu items The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items. The other items (Advanced, Power , Boot, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items. 4.2.5 Sub-menu items A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen mea[...]

4-12 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.3 Main menu When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic system information. 4.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx] Allows you to set the system time. 4.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx] Allows you to set the system date. 4.3.3 Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.] Sets the [...]

ASUS Commando 4-13 4.3.5 P r i m a r y / S e c o n d a r y / T h i r d / F o u r t h I D E M a s t e r / S l a v e While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each IDE device. Select a device item then press <Enter> to display the IDE device information. The BIOS automatic[...]

4-14 Chapter 4: BIOS setup DMA Mode [Auto] Selects the DMA mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [SWDMA0] [SWDMA1] [SWDMA2] [MWDMA0] [MWDMA1] [MWDMA2] [UDMA0] [UDMA1] [UDMA2] [UDMA3] [UDMA4] [UDMA5] SMART Monitoring [Auto] Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting T echnology . Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] 32Bit Data [...]

ASUS Commando 4-15 4.3.7 System Information This menu gives you an overview of the general system specications. The BIOS automatically detects the items in this menu. AMI BIOS Displays the auto-detected BIOS information. Processor Displays the auto-detected CPU specication. System Memory Displays the auto-detected system memory . Select Scree[...]

4-16 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.4 Extreme Tweaker menu The Extreme T weakermenu items allow you to congure overclocking-related items. T ake caution when changing the settings of the Extreme menu items. Incorrect eld values can cause the system to malfunction. 4.4.1 AI T uning [Auto] Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desire[...]

ASUS Commando 4-17 FSB/CPU External Frequency Synchronization A vailable DRAM frequency options in various FSB settings * Provided for overclocking purpose only . Selecting a very high DRAM frequency may cause the system to become unstable! If this happens, revert to the default setting. DRAM Frequency [Auto] Allows you to set the DDR operating fre[...]

4-18 Chapter 4: BIOS setup Refer to the CPU documentation before setting the CPU Vcore voltage. Setting a high Vcore voltage may damage the CPU! FSB T ermination V oltage [Auto] Allows you to select the front side bus termination voltage. Conguration options: [Auto] [1.200V] [1.250V] [1.300V] [1.350V] [1.400V] [1.450V] [1.500V] [1.550V] Setting [...]

ASUS Commando 4-19 SB Chipset V oltage [Auto] Allows you to select the SB chipset voltage. Conguration options: [Auto] [1.050V] [1.075V] [1.100V] [1.125V] [1.150V] [1.175V] [1.200V] [1.225V] 4.4.2 ASUS C.G.I. [Auto] Allows you to set ASUS C.G.I. Conguration options: [Auto] [Enabled] [Disabled] 4.4.3 Static Read Control [Auto] Allows you to se[...]

4-20 Chapter 4: BIOS setup DRAM TRRD [10] Controls the latency between the DDR SDRAM active command and the read/ write command. T o congure this item, highlight it and key in a value (Min=0, Max=15), then press <Enter>. Rank Write to Read Delay [10] T o congure this item, highlight it and key in a value (Min=0, Max=31), then press <[...]

ASUS Commando 4-21 4.5 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. T ake caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect eld values can cause the system to malfunction. v02.58 (C)Copyright 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Extreme[...]

4-22 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.5.2 USB Conguration The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options. The Module V ersion and USB Devices Enabled items show the auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the item shows None. USB Functions [En[...]

ASUS Commando 4-23 Select Screen Select Item +- Change Option F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.58 (C)Copyright 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc. 4.5.3 CPU Conguration The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. Modify Ratio Support [Disabled] Conguration options: [Disabled] [En[...]

4-24 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.5.4 Chipset The Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu. Advanced Chipset Settings WARMING: Setting wrong values in below sections may cause system to malfunction. North Bridge Conguration Con gure North B ridge features. Exec[...]

ASUS Commando 4-25 4.5.5 OnBoard Devices Conguration HD Audio Controller [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the High Denition Audio Controller . Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Front Panel Support T ype [HD Audio] Allows you to set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97 or high-denition audio depe[...]

4-26 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.5.6 PCI PnP The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices. The menu includes setting IRQ and DMA channel resources for either PCI/PnP or legacy ISA devices, and setting the memory size block for legacy ISA devices. T ake caution when changing the settings of the PCI PnP menu items.[...]

ASUS Commando 4-27 4.6 Power menu The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options. 4.6.1 Suspend Mode [Auto] Allows you to select the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) state to be used for system suspend. Con[...]

4-28 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.6.5 APM Conguration Restore On AC Power Loss [Power Off] When set to Power Off, the system goes into of f state after an AC power loss. When set to Power On, the system goes on after an AC power loss. When set to Last State, the system goes into either off or on state, whatever the system state was before the AC powe[...]

ASUS Commando 4-29 Power On By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled] When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to use the PS/2 mouse to turn on the system. This feature requires an A TX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 4.6.6 Hardware Monitor CPU T emperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] MB T emperatur[...]

4-30 Chapter 4: BIOS setup The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the optional fan speed and the voltage output. If the fan is not connected to the motherboard, the eld shows N/A. CPU Fan Prole [Optimal] Allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU Q-Fan. When set to [Optimal], the CPU fan automatically adjusts d[...]

ASUS Commando 4-31 OPT_Fan1/2/3 Q-Fan Control [DUTY CYCLE] Allows you to select the optional fan control mode. When this item is set to optional fan control mode. When this item is set to control mode. When this item is set to [DUTY CYCLE], you can congure the Duty Cycle Mode. Conguraiton options: [DUTY CYCLE] [Q-F AN] Y ou need to connect th[...]

4-32 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.7 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu. Select Screen Select Item Enter Go to Sub Screen F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.58 (C)Copyright 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc. Boot Settings Boot Device Prio[...]

ASUS Commando 4-33 4.7.2 Boot Settings Conguration Quick Boot [Enabled] Enabling this item allows the BIOS to skip some power on self tests (POST) while booting to decrease the time needed to boot the system. When set to [Disabled], BIOS performs all the POST items. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Full Screen Logo [Enabled] This all[...]

4-34 Chapter 4: BIOS setup Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled] When set to Enabled, the system displays the message “Press DEL to run Setup” during POST . Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Interrupt 19 Capture [Disabled] When set to [Enabled], this function allows the option ROMs to trap Interrupt 19. Conguration options: [Dis[...]

ASUS Commando 4-35 T o change the supervisor password, follow the same steps as in setting a user password. T o clear the supervisor password, select the Change Supervisor Password then press <Enter>. The message “Password Uninstalled” appears. If you forget your BIOS password, you can clear it by erasing the CMOS Real T ime Clock (RTC) R[...]

4-36 Chapter 4: BIOS setup T o set a User Password: 1. Select the Change User Password item and press <Enter>. 2. On the password box that appears, type a password composed of at least six letters and/or numbers, then press <Enter>. 3. Conrm the password when prompted. The message “Password Installed” appears after you set your p[...]

ASUS Commando 4-37 4.8 Tools menu The T ools menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu. Select Screen Select Item +- Change Field Enter Go to Sub Screen F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.58 (C)Copyright 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc. ASUS EZ F[...]

4-38 Chapter 4: BIOS setup Select Screen Select Item Enter Go to Sub Screen F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.58 (C)Copyright 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc. O.C. PROFILE Conguration O.C. Prole 1 Status :Not Installed O.C. Prole 2 Status :Not Installed Save to Prole 1 Load from Prole 1 Save to Prole 2 Load from P[...]

ASUS Commando 4-39 4.9 Exit menu Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options from this menu or <F10> from the legend bar to exit. The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. Select Screen Select Item[...]

4-40 Chapter 4: BIOS setup[...]

5 Software support This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.[...]

ASUS Commando Chapter summary 5 5.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 5-1 5.2 Support DVD information ............................................................ 5-1 5.3 Software information ................................................................... 5-8 5.4 RAID congurations ............[...]

ASUS Commando 5-1 If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer , browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the le ASSETUP .EXE from the BIN folder . Double-click the ASSETUP .EXE to run the DVD. 5.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows ® 2000/2003 Server/XP/64-bit XP operating systems (OS). Always install the la[...]

5-2 Chapter 5: Software support 5.2.2 Drivers menu The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices. ASUS InstAll - Drivers Installation Wizard Drivers Installation Wizard Installation Wizard Launches the ASUS InstAll driver installation wizard. Intel [...]

ASUS Commando 5-3 5.2.3 Utilities menu The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports. ASUS InstAll-Installation Wizard for Utilities Installs all of the utilities through the Installation Wizard. ASUS Ai Suite Installs the ASUS AI Suite. ASUS Update The ASUS Update utility allows you to update the mother[...]

5-4 Chapter 5: Software support 5.2.4 Make Disk menu The Make Disk menu contains items to create the Intel ICH8 or JMicron ® JMB36X RAID/AHCI driver disk. Make Intel ICH8 32/64bit RAID/AHCI Driver Disk Allows you to create an ICH8 32/64bit RAID/AHCI driver disk.[...]

ASUS Commando 5-5 5.2.6 ASUS Contact information Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. Y ou can also nd this information on the inside front cover of this user guide. 5.2.5 Manuals menu The Manuals menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to open the folder of the user manual. Most user manual ?[...]

5-6 Chapter 5: Software support 5.2.7 Other information The icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the motherboard and the contents of the support DVD. Click an icon to display the specied information. Motherboard Info Displays the general specications of the motherboard. Browse this DVD Displays the suppor[...]

ASUS Commando 5-7 Filelist Displays the contents of the support DVD and a brief description of each in text format. T echnical support form Displays the ASUS T echnical Support Request Form that you have to ll out when requesting technical support.[...]

5-8 Chapter 5: Software support 5.3 Software information Most of the applications in the support DVD have wizards that will conveniently guide you through the installation. View the online help or readme le that came with the software application for more information. 5.3.1 ASUS MyLogo3 ™ The ASUS MyLogo3 ™ utility lets you customize the boo[...]

ASUS Commando 5-9 9. When the screen returns to the ASUS Update utility , ash the original BIOS to load the new boot logo. 10. After ashing the BIOS, restart the computer to display the new boot logo during POST . 8. Adjust the boot image to your desired size by selecting a value on the Ratio box. 7. When the logo images appear on the right w[...]

5-10 Chapter 5: Software support 5.3.2 SoundMAX ® High Denition Audio utility The ADI AD1988B High Denition Audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability through the SoundMAX ® audio utility with AudioESP ™ software to deliver the ultimate audio experience on your PC. The software implements high quality audio synthesis/rendering, 3D so[...]

ASUS Commando 5-1 1 From the taskbar , double-click on the SoundMAX ® icon to display the SoundMAX ® Control Panel. Audio Setup Wizard By clicking the icon from the SoundMAX ® control panel, you can easily congure your audio settings. Simply follow succeeding screen instructions and begin enjoying High Denition Audio.[...]

5-12 Chapter 5: Software support Jack conguration This screen helps you congure your computer’s audio ports, depending on the audio devices you have installed. Adjust speaker volume This screen helps you adjust speaker volume. Click the T est button to hear the changes you have made. Adjust microphone volume This screen helps you adjust mic[...]

ASUS Commando 5-13 Audio preferences Click the icon to go to the Preferences page. This page allows you to change various audio settings. General options Click the General tab to choose your playback and recording devices, enable/ disable the AudioESP ™ feature, and enable/disable digital output. DTS This feature is consists of two elements: DTS [...]

5-14 Chapter 5: Software support Microphone options Click the Microphone tab allows you to optimize your microphone input settings. Enhanced Microphone Features Noise Filtering Enables Noise Filter function. Detects repetitive and stationary noises like computer fans, air conditioners, and other background noises then eliminates it in the incoming [...]

ASUS Commando 5-15 5.3.3 ASUS PC Probe II PC Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects and alerts you of any problem with these components. PC Probe II senses fan rotations, CPU temperature, and system voltages, among others. Because PC Probe II is software-based, you can start monitoring your computer the m[...]

5-16 Chapter 5: Software support Button Function Opens the Conguration window Opens the Report window Opens the Desktop Management Interface window Opens the Peripheral Component Interconnect window Opens the Windows Management Instrumentation window Opens the hard disk drive, memory , CPU usage window Shows/Hides the Preference section Minimize[...]

ASUS Commando 5-17 Changing the monitor panels position T o change the position of the monitor panels in the desktop, click the arrow down button of the Scheme options, then select another position from the list box. Click OK when nished. Moving the monitor panels All monitor panels move together using a magnetic effect. If you want to detach a [...]

5-18 Chapter 5: Software support Monitoring sensor alert The monitor panel turns red when a component value exceeds or is lower than the threshold value. Refer to the illustrations below . Large display Small display WMI browser Click to display the WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation) browser . This browser displays various Windows® managemen[...]

ASUS Commando 5-19 PCI browser Click to display the PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) browser . This browser provides information on the PCI devices installed on your system. Click the plus sign (+) before the PCI Information item to display available information. Usage The Usage browser displays real-time information on the CPU, hard disk dr[...]

5-20 Chapter 5: Software support Memory usage The Memory tab shows both used and available physical memory . The pie chart at the bottom of the window represents the used (blue) and the available Conguring PC Probe II Click to view and adjust the sensor threshold values. The Cong window has two tabs: Sensor/Threshold and Preference. The Senso[...]

ASUS Commando 5-21 5.3.4 ASUS AI Suite ASUS AI Suite allows you to launch AI Gear , AI N.O.S., AI Booster , AI Nap, and Q-Fan utilities easily . Installing AI Suite T o install AI Suite on your computer: 1. Place the support DVD to the optical drive. The Drivers installation tab appears if your computer has an enabled Autorun feature. 2. Click the [...]

5-22 Chapter 5: Software support Other feature buttons Click on right corner of the main window to open the monitor window . Click on right corner of the expanded window to switch the temperature from degrees Centigrade to degrees Fahrenheit. Displays the CPU/ system temperature, CPU/memory/PCIE voltage, and CPU/ chassis fan speed Displays the FSB/[...]

ASUS Commando 5-23 5.3.5 ASUS AI N.O.S. This ASUS Non-delay Overclocking System feature intelligently determines the system load and automatically boosts the performance for the most demanding tasks. After installing AI Suite from the bundled support DVD, you can launch the utility by double-clicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows OS taskbar and [...]

5-24 Chapter 5: Software support 5.3.6 ASUS AI Gear ASUS AI Gear provides four system performance options that allows you to select the best performance setting for your computing needs. This easy-to-use utility adjusts the processor frequency and vCore voltage to minimize system noise and power consumption. After installing AI Suite from the bundl[...]

ASUS Commando 5-25 5.3.7 ASUS AI Nap This feature allows you to minimize the power consumption of your computer whenever you are away . Enable this feature for minimum power consumption and a more quiet system operation. After installing AI Suite from the bundled support DVD, you can launch the utility by double-clicking the AI Suite icon on the Wi[...]

5-26 Chapter 5: Software support 5.3.8 ASUS AI Booster The ASUS AI Booster application allows you to overclock the CPU speed in WIndows ® environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS. After installing AI Suite from the bundled support DVD, you can launch the utility by double-clicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows ® OS taskbar and click [...]

ASUS Commando 5-27 5.3.9 ASUS Q-Fan This ASUS Q-Fan Control feature allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU Q-Fan or the Chassis Q-Fan for more efcient system operation. After enabling the Q-Fan function, the fans can be set to automatically adjust depending on the temperature, to decrease fan speed, or to achieve the maxi[...]

5-28 Chapter 5: Software support If you want to boot the system from a hard disk drive included in a created RAID set, copy rst the RAID driver from the support DVD to a oppy disk before you install an operating system to the selected hard disk drive. Refer to section 5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk for details. 5.4 RAID congurations The m[...]

ASUS Commando 5-29 5.4.2 Intel ® RAID congurations This motherboard supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10 (0+1) and Intel ® Matrix Storage congurations for Serial A T A hard disks drives through the Intel ® ICH8R Southbridge chip. Setting the RAID item in BIOS Y ou must set the RAID item in the BIOS Setup before you can create a RAID se[...]

5-30 Chapter 5: Software support Intel ® Matrix Storage Manager Option ROM Utility The Intel ® Matrix Storage Manager Option ROM utility allows you to create RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10 (RAID 0+1), and RAID 5 set(s) from Serial A T A hard disk drives that are connected to the Serial A T A connectors supported by the Southbridge. T o enter the Intel ?[...]

ASUS Commando 5-31 Creating a RAID 0 set (striped) T o create a RAID 0 set: 1. From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID V olume, then press <Enter>. This screen appears. 2. Enter a name for the RAID 0 set, then press <Enter>. 3. When the RAID Level item is highlighted, press the up/down arrow key to select RAID 0(Stripe), then [...]

5-32 Chapter 5: Software support 6. Use the up/down arrow key to select the stripe size for the RAID 0 array , then press <Enter>. The available stripe size values range from 4 KB to 128 KB. The default stripe size is 128 KB. TIP: We recommend a lower stripe size for server systems, and a higher stripe size for multimedia computer systems use[...]

ASUS Commando 5-33 Creating a RAID 1 set (mirrored) T o create a RAID 1 set: 1. From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID V olume, then press <Enter>. This screen appears. 2. Enter a name for the RAID 1 set, then press <Enter>. 3. When the RAID Level item is highlighted, press the up/down arrow key to select RAID 1(Mirror), then[...]

5-34 Chapter 5: Software support Creating a RAID 10 set (RAID 0+1) T o create a RAID 10 set: 1. From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID V olume, then press <Enter>. This screen appears. Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager Option ROM v5.0.0.1032 ICH8R wRAID5 Copyright(C) 2003-05 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved. [ CREATE ARRAY MENU[...]

ASUS Commando 5-35 Creating a RAID 5 set (parity) T o create a RAID 5 set: 1. From the utility main menu, select 1. Create RAID V olume, then press <Enter>. This screen appears. Intel(R) Matrix Storage Manager Option ROM v5.0.0.1032 ICH8R wRAID5 Copyright(C) 2003-05 Intel Corporation. All Rights Reserved. [ CREATE ARRAY MENU ] [ DISK/VOLUME I[...]

5-36 Chapter 5: Software support 4. The Disks item is highlighted, press <Enter> to select the hard disk drives to congure as RAID. The following pop-up screen appears. [ SELECT DISKS ] [ ↑↓ ]-Previous/Next [SPACE]-Selects [ENTER]-Selection Complete Port Drive Model Serial # Size Status 0 XXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XX.XGB Non-RAID Disk 1 XX[...]

ASUS Commando 5-37 5.5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows ® T o create a RAID driver disk in Windows ® : 1. Start Windows ® . 2. Place the motherboard support DVD into the optical drive. 3. Go to the Make Disk menu, then click Intel ICH8R 32/64 bit RAID Driver Disk to create an Intel ® ICH8R RAID driver disk or the Make JMicron JMB36X 32/[...]

5-38 Chapter 5: Software support T o install the RAID driver: 1. During the OS installation, the system prompts you to press the F6 key to install third-party SCSI or RAID driver . 2. Press <F6> then insert the oppy disk with RAID driver into the oppy disk drive. 3. When prompted to select the SCSI adapter to install, make sure you sele[...]

A CPU features The Appendix describ es the CPU features and technologies that the motherboard supports.[...]

ASUS Commando Chapter summary A A.1 Intel ® EM64T .................................................................................. A-1 A.2 Enhanced Intel SpeedStep ® T echnology (EIST) ........................ A-1 A.3 Intel ® Hyper-Threading T echnology ........................................... A-3[...]

ASUS Commando A-1 A.1 Intel ® EM64T • The motherboard is fully compatible with Intel ® Pentium ® 4 LGA775 processors running on 32-bit operating systems. • The motherboard comes with a BIOS le that supports EM64T . Y ou can download the latest BIOS le from the ASUS website (www .asus.com/ support/download/) if you need to update the BI[...]

A-2 Appendix: CPU features A.2.2 Using the EIST T o use the EIST feature: 1. T urn on the computer , then enter the BIOS Setup. 2. Go to the Advanced Menu, highlight CPU Conguration, then press <Enter>. 3. Set the Intel(R) SpeedStep T echnology item to [Automatic], then press <Enter>. See page 4-24 for details. 4. Press <F10> t[...]

ASUS Commando A-3 A.3 Intel ® Hyper-Threading Technology • The motherboard supports Intel ® Pentium ® 4 LGA775 processors with Hyper-Threading T echnology . • Hy per -Thr ead ing Te chn ol ogy is sup por ted und er Win dow s ® XP/2003 Server and Linux 2.4.x (kernel) and later versions only . Under Linux, use the Hyper-Threading compiler to [...]

A-4 Appendix: CPU features[...]