Asus P5N7A-VM manual

Motherboard P5N7A-VM[...]

ii E3921 First Edition August 2008 Copyright © 2008 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 purchas[...]

iii Contents Notices ......................................................................................................... vi Safety information ..................................................................................... vii About this guide ....................................................................................... viii P[...]

iv Contents 1.10 Connectors ................................................................................. 1-28 1.10.1 Rear panel connectors .................................................. 1-28 1.10.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 1-30 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ....[...]

v Contents 2.5 Power menu ................................................................................ 2-29 2.5.1 Suspend Mode ............................................................. 2-29 2.5.2 ACPI 2.0 Support ........................................................ 2-29 2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support ...........................................[...]

vi 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 b[...]

vii 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 al[...]

viii About this guide This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the motherboard. How this guide is organized This manual contains the following parts: • Chapter 1: Product introduction This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports. It also lists the hardware setu[...]

ix Conventions used in this guide T o ensure 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 mu[...]

x P5N7A-VM specications summary (continued on the next page) CPU LGA775 socket for Intel ® Core™2 Quad/Core™2 Extreme/Core™2 Duo/Pentium ® dual-core/Celeron ® dual-core/Celeron ® processors Compatible with Intel ® 05B/05A/06 processors Supports Intel ® next-generation 45nm multi-core CPUs Supports Intel ® Hyper-Threading T echnology[...]

xi P5N7A-VM specications summary Storage Southbridge - 5 x Serial A T A 3.0 Gb/s ports - 1 x External SA T A 3Gb/s port - Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 0+1, and JBOD conguration JMicron ® JMB368 P A T A controller supports: - 1 x UltraDMA 133/100 for up to 2 P A T A devices Audio Realtek ® ALC1200 8-channel High-Denition Audio CO[...]

xii P5N7A-VM specications summary Rear panel connectors 1 x PS/2 keyboard/mouse combo port 1 x VGA port 1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port 1 x DisplayPort 1 x HDMI port 1 x DVI port 1 x External SA T A port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 8-channel audio ports BIOS features 8 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, Green, PnP , DMI v2.0, WfM2.0, ACPI v2.0a,[...]

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

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS ® P5N7A-VM 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 pac[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-3 NVIDIA GeForce 9300 Chipset The NVIDIA GeForce ® 9300 motherboard GPU is the industry’s rst desktop PC singlechip solution for Intel CPUs integrating multiple dedicated processors for DirectX 10 shader model 4.0 3D graphics and PureVideo ® HD processor , SLI technology , storage, communications audio, and system management [...]

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction Due to chipset limitation, DisplayPort on this motherboard only supports video signals. DisplayPort This motherboard introduces the new digital display interface standard - DisplayPort. This new design features a small and user-friendly connector . It delivers higher performances of resolution, refresh rate, and [...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-5 HDMI TM Interface High-Deniton Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is the rst and only industry-supported, uncompressed, all digital audio and video interface via a single cable and is HDCP compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-ray Disc and other protected content. DVI Interface DVI (Digital Visual Interface) provides high visu[...]

1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction ASUS EZ DIY ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you easy ways to install computer components, update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings. ASUS Q-Connector ASUS Q-Connector allows you to easily connect or disconnect the chassis front panel cables to the motherboard. This unique module eliminates the tro[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-7 1.3.4 ASUS Intelligent Overclocking features C.P .R. (CPU Parameter Recall) The C.P .R. feature of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to the BIOS default settings in case the system hangs due to overclocking. When the system hangs due to overclocking, C.P .R. eliminates the need to open the system chassis and clear t[...]

1-8 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.4 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[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-9 1.5 Motherboard overview Before you install the motherboard, study the conguration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard ts into it. Ensure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. Do not overtighten the [...]

1-10 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.5.3 Motherboard layout Refer to 1.10 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors. P5N7A-VM 23.4cm (9.2in) SATA4 SATA1 SATA5 SATA6 SATA2 PWR_FAN CHA_FAN USB78 USB910 USB11 12 AAFP MCP 7A-S DDR2 DIMM_B1 (64 bit,240-pin module) DDR2 DIMM_B2 (64 bit,240-pin module) DDR2 DIMM[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-1 1 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA775 socket designed for the Intel ® Core ™ 2 Quad/Core ™ 2 Extreme/Core ™ 2 Duo/Pentium ® Extreme/Pentium ® D/ Pentium ® 4 processors. • Upon purchase of the motherboard, ensure that the PnP cap is on the socket and the socket contacts ar[...]

1-12 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 3. Lift the load lever in the direction of the arrow to a 135º angle. 4. Lift the load plate with your thumb and forenger to a 100º angle (A), then push the PnP cap from the load plate window to remove (B). T o prevent damage to the socket pins, do not remove the PnP cap unless you are installing a CPU. 2. [...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-13 The CPU ts in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and damaging the CPU! 6. Close the load plate (A), then push the load lever (B) until it snaps into the retention tab. A B The motherboard supports Intel ® LGA775 processors with the Enhanced Intel [...]

1-14 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.6.2 Installling the CPU heatsink and fan The Intel ® Core™ 2 Quad/Core™ 2 Duo/Pentium D/Pentium ® 4/Celeron ® processor require a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance. • Install the motherboard to the chassis before you install the CPU fan an[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-15 • Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector . • We recommend you to install the chassis fan for better thermal state. 3. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_F AN. [...]

1-16 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.6.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan 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 mother[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-17 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 the groove shaded [...]

1-18 Chapter 1: Product Introduction Channel Sockets Channel A DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2 Channel B DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2 1.7 System memory 1.7.1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. The gure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets: P5N7A-VM P5N7A-VM 240-pin DDR2 DIMM Sock[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-19 • 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-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation. • Alwa ys ins tall DI MMs wi th the same C AS lat ency . For optimu m c[...]

1-20 Chapter 1: Product Introduction (continued on the next page) 512MB Kingmax KLCC28F-A8KB5 N/A Kingmax SS KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX • • 1G Kingmax KLCD48F-A8KB5 N/A Kingmax DS KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX • • • 512MB Apacer AU512E667C5KBGC 5 Apacer SS AM4B5708GQJS7E06332F • 512MB Apacer 78.91G92.9K5 5 Apacer SS AM4B5708JQJS7E0751C • • • 1G Apacer[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-21 (continued on the next page) 2G Kingston KHX6400D2/2G N/A Kingston DS Heat-Sink Package • • 4G Kingston KVR800D2N6/4G N/A Elpida DS E2108ABSE-8G-E • • 512MB Kingston KVR800D2N5/512 N/A Kingston SS E5108AJBG-8E-E 0803A9082 • • • 512MB Samsung M378T6553GZS-CF7 6 Samsung SS K4T51083QG-HCF7 • • • 1G Samsung M378T2[...]

1-22 Chapter 1: Product Introduction SS - Single-sided/DS - Double - sided DIMM support: • A*: Supports one module inserted in any slot as Single-channel memory conguration. • B*: Supports one pair of modules inserted into either the yellow slots or the black slots as one pair of Dual-channel memory conguration. • C*: Supports four modu[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-23 1.7.3 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 [...]

1-24 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.8 Expansion slots In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support. 1.8.1 Installing an expansion card T o install an expansion card: 1. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that comes with it[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-25 1.8.3 Interrupt assignments IRQ Priority Standard function 0 1 System timer 1 2 Keyboard controller 2 – Re-direct to IRQ#9 3 1 1 IRQ holder for PCI steering* 4 12 Communications port (COM1)* 5 13 IRQ holder for PCI steering* 6 14 Floppy disk controller 7 15 Printer port (LPT1)* 8 3 System CMOS/Real T ime Clock 9 4 IRQ holder fo[...]

1-26 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.8.4 PCI slots The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specications. The gure shows a LAN card installed on a PCI slot. 1.8.5 PCI Express x1 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other cards that comply[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-27 1.9 Jumper 1. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) This jumper allows you to clear the Real T ime Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. Y ou can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup information such as s[...]

1-28 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.10 Connectors 1.10.1 Rear panel connectors LAN port LED indications SPEED LED ACT/LINK LED LAN port Activity/Link LED Speed LED Status Description Status Description OFF No link OFF 10 Mbps connection ORANGE Linked ORANGE 100 Mbps connection BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1 Gbps connection 1 2 5 4 3 12 14 16 6 8[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-29 Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel conguration Refer to the audio conguration table below for the function of the audio ports in 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel conguration. Port Headset 2-channel 4-channel 6-channel 8-channel Light Blue Line In Line In Line In Line In Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out P[...]

1-30 Chapter 1: Product Introduction Playback of HD DVD and Blu-Ray Discs The speed and bandwidth of the CPU/Memory , DVD player , and drivers will affect the playback quality . Using the CPU/Memory of higher speed and bandwidth with the higher-version DVD player and drivers will upgrade the playback quality . 16. DisplayPort. This port connects a [...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-31 3. Digital audio co nne cto r (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT for ASUS HDMI VGA card) This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port(s). If you are using an ASUS HDMI-equipped graphics card, connect the HDMI card to this connector with a S/PDIF Out cable. The ASUS HDMI-equipped graphics card and the S/PDIF Ou[...]

1-32 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 4. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) The onboard IDE connector is for the Ultra DMA 133/100 signal cable. There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100 signal cable: blue, black, and gray . Connect the blue connector to the motherboard’s IDE connector , then select one of the following modes to congur[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-33 5. NVIDIA nForce 730i Serial A T A connectors (7-pin SA T A1 [red], SA T A2 [red], SA T A4 [red], SA T A5 [black], SA T A6 [black]) These connectors are for the Serial A T A signal cables for Serial A T A hard disk drives. • Connect the right-angle side of SA T A signal cable to SA T A device. Or you may connect the right-angle[...]

1-34 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 6. LPT connector (26-1 pin LPT) The LPT (Line Printing T erminal) connector supports devices such as a printer . LPT standardizes as IEEE 1394, which is the parallel port interface on IBM PC-compatible computers. 7. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB 910, USB1 1 12) These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Conne[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-35 8. Optical drive audio co nne cto r (4-pin CD) These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner , or MPEG card. 9. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_F AN, 3-pin CHA_F AN, 3-pin PWR_F AN) The fan c onnect ors su pport co oling fans o f 350 mA~2000 mA (24 W max.)[...]

1-36 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 10. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS) This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detection sensor or switch. Connect one end of the chassis intrusion sensor or switch cable to this connector . The chassis intrusion sensor or switch sends a high-level signal to this connector when a chassis com[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-37 • For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit (PSU) that complies with A TX 12 V Specication 2.0 (or later version) and provides a minimum power of 400 W . • Do not forget to connect the 4-pin EA TX12V power plug; otherwise, the system will not boot. • Use of a PSU with a higher power ou[...]

1-38 Chapter 1: Product Introduction • 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 [...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 1-39 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 detailed pin denitio[...]

1-40 Chapter 1: Product Introduction[...]

2 Chapter 2: 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.[...]

2-2 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup. 1. ASUS Update : Updates the BIOS in Windows ® environment. 2. ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS using a oppy disk or USB ash disk. 3. ASUS AFUDOS: Updates the BIOS using[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-3 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 ® desktop by cl[...]

2-4 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 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, t[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-5 2.1.2 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. b. Clic[...]

2-6 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 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. 2.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without havin[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-7 2.1.4 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 current BIOS[...]

2-8 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 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 /iP5N7AVM.ROM Write[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-9 • Prepare the motherboard support DVD, the oppy disk, or the USB ash disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility . • For the P5N7A-VM motherboard, this utility will not function when you use a P A T A optical drive. • Always connect the SA T A cable to the SA T A1/SA T A 2 connector; otherwis[...]

2-10 Chapter 2: BIOS setup Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery... Checking for oppy... Floppy not found! Checking for DVD-ROM... DVD-ROM found! Reading le “ P5N7AVM.ROM”. Completed. Start ashing... When no oppy disk is found, the utility automatically checks the optical drive for the original or updated BIOS le. The utility[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-1 1 2.2 BIOS setup program This motherboard supports a programmable Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) chip that you can update using the provided utility described in section “2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS”. Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconguring your system, or prompted to “Run [...]

2-12 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.2.2 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 P5N7A-VM 2-13 2.2.4 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. 2.2.5 Sub-menu items A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen mea[...]

2-14 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.3 Main menu When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic system information. 2.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx] Allows you to set the system time. 2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx] Allows you to set the system date. 2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A [1.44m, 3.5 in.] Sets the [...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-15 2.3.4 SA T A 1/2/4; ESA T A 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 automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Device, V endor ,[...]

2-16 Chapter 2: BIOS setup SMART Monitoring [Auto] Enables or disables the S.M.A.R.T . (Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting T echnology) capability of your hard drive. This features allows your system to report read/write errors of the hard drive and to issue warnings when a third party hardware monitor utility is installed. Conguration optio[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-17 2.3.6 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[...]

2-18 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.4 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. T ake caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect eld values can cause the system to malfunction. v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-19 2.4.1 CPU Conguration The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. Select Screen Select Item +- Change Option F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc. Congure advanced CPU settings Module Versin:3F.0E Manufacturer:Inte[...]

2-20 Chapter 2: BIOS setup CPU TM Function [Enabled] Enables or disables Intel ® CPU Thermal Monitor (TM) function, a CPU overheating protection function. When enabled, the CPU core frequency and voltage are reduced when the CPU overheats. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Execute-Disable Bit Capability [Enabled] Allows you to enable or[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-21 The following two items appear when the System Clock Mode item is set to [Linked]. FSB - Memory Ratio [Auto] Allows you to select the FSB - Memory ratio. Conguration options: [Auto] [1:1] [5:4] [3:2] [Sync Mode] FSB Clock (MHz) [1066] Allows you to set the FSB frequency ranging from 400-2500 (MHz). Conguration options: [Min[...]

2-22 Chapter 2: BIOS setup Memory Over V oltage [Auto] Allows you to set the Memory Over V oltage. Use +/- to adjust the voltage. The increment is 0.00625V . The standard value is 1.85000V . Conguration options: [Auto] [Min = 1.850000V] [Max = 2.24375V] Chipset Over V oltage [Auto] Allows you to set the Chipset Over V oltage. Conguration opti[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-23 tWTR [Auto] Allows you to set tWTR. Conguration options:[Auto] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] Burst Length [Auto] Allows you to set the burst length. Conguration options:[Auto] [4] 2.4.3 Chipset The Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-m[...]

2-24 Chapter 2: BIOS setup iGPU and Ext-VGA Selection [Disable iGPU if Ex] Allows you to select the internal VGA card or the external VGA card to display . Conguration options: [Disable iGPU if External VGA Card Exist] [Both Exist and iGPU by Frame Buffer Detect] iGPU Frame Buffer Detect [Auto] Allows you to disable the iGPU Frame Buffer Detect [...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-25 2.4.4 OnBoard Devices Conguration Onboard Device Conguraiton Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Parallel Port Address [378] Parallel Port Mode [Normal] Parallel Port IRQ [IRQ7] AZALIA Audio [Auto] Front Panel Type [HD Audio] SPDIF Mode Setting [SPDIF Output] Allows BIOS to Select Serial Port1 Base Addreses. BIOS SETUP UTILITY [...]

2-26 Chapter 2: BIOS setup AZALIA Audio [Auto] Allows you to enable or disable the AZALIA Audio. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto] Front Panel T ype [HD Audio] Allows you to set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC’97 or high-denition audio depending on the audio standard that the front panel audio module supports. [...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-27 2.4.5 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 USB Devices Enabled item shows auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the item shows None . BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced USB Conguration U[...]

2-28 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.4.6 PCIPnP The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices. T ake caution when changing the settings of the PCI PnP menu items. Incorrect eld values can cause the system to malfunction. Select Screen Select Item +- Change Option F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-29 2.5 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. Select Screen Select Item +- Change Option F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.[...]

2-30 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.5.4 APM Conguration Select Screen Select Item +- Change Option F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off] APM Resume Event Conguration Power On PCI Wake [Disabled] Power On PCIE Wake# [Disabled] Power On LAN(MAC) [Disable[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-31 2.5.5 Hardware Monitor v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2006, American Megatrends, Inc. Select Screen Select Item +- Change Field F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit CPU Temperature v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Power Hardware Monitor CPU Temperature [30ºC/86ºF] MB Temperature [36ºC[...]

2-32 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 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 depending on the CPU temperature. Set this item to [Silent Mode] to minimize fan speed for quiet CPU fan operation, or [Performance Mode] to achieve maximum CPU fan spee[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-33 2.6 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu. Select Screen Select Item Enter Go to Sub Screen F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. Boot Device Priority Boot Settings Con[...]

2-34 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration Boot Settings Conguration Quick Boot [Enabled] Full Screen Logo [Enabled] AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS] Bootup Num-Lock [On] Wait for ‘F1’ if Error [Enabled] Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled] Allows BIOS to skip certain tests while booting. This will decrease the time [...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-35 2.6.3 Security The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options. Select Screen Select Item Enter Change F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. Security Settings Superv[...]

2-36 Chapter 2: BIOS setup <Enter> to change password. <Enter> again to disabled password. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Security Settings Supervisor Password :Installed User Password :Installed Change Supervisor Password User Access Level [Full Access] Change User Password Clear User Password Password Check [Setup] User Access Level [Full Ac[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-37 2.7 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 v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc. ASUS EZ F[...]

2-38 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.7.2 Express Gate [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Express Gate feature. The ASUS Express Gate feature is a unique instant-on environment that provides quick access to the Internet browser and Skype. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds] Allows you to set the countdown[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 2-39 2.8 Exit menu The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. Exit & Save Changes Exit & Discard Changes Discard Changes Load Setup Defaults Exit system setup after saving the changes. F10 key can be used for this operatio[...]

2-40 Chapter 2: BIOS setup[...]

3 Chapter 3: Software support This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.[...]

3-2 Chapter 3: Software support 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. 3.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows ® 32-bit XP/64-bit XP/32-bit Vista/64-bit V ista operating syst[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 3-3 3.2.2 Drivers menu The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices. ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Anti-Virus and Drivers Utility Launches the ASUS installation wizard for anti-virus and drivers utility . Norton Internet Secu[...]

3-4 Chapter 3: Software support 3.2.3 Utilities menu The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports. Click to display the next page Click to return to the previous page ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Utilities Launches the ASUS InstallAll installation wizard for utilities. ASUS Update The ASUS Upd[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 3-5 ASUS PC Probe II This smart utility monitors the fan speed, CPU temperature, and system voltages, and alerts you of any detected problems. This utility helps you keep your computer in healthy operating condition. ASUS AI Nap Installs the ASUS AI Nap application. ADOBE Acrobat Reader 8 Installs the Adobe ® Acrobat ® Reader that a[...]

3-6 Chapter 3: Software support 3.2.4 Make Disk menu The Make Disk menu allows you to make a RAID driver disk. NVIDIA 32/64bit XP AHCI Driver Allows you to create the NVIDIA 32/64-bit XP AHCI Driver disk for Windows ® XP Operating System (OS). NVIDIA 32/64bit Vista AHCI Driver Allows you to create the NVIDIA 32/64-bit Vista AHCI Driver disk for Wi[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 3-7 3.2.4 Manual menu The Manual menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to open the folder of the user manual. Most user manual les are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the Adobe ® Acrobat ® Reader from the Utilities menu before opening a user manual le. 3.2.5 ASUS Contact information Click[...]

3-8 Chapter 3: Software support 3.2.6 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 P5N7A-VM 3-9 T echnical support Form Displays the ASUS T echnical Support Request Form that you have to ll out when requesting technical support. Filelist Displays the contents of the support DVD and a brief description of each in text format.[...]

3-10 Chapter 3: Software support 3.3 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 comes with the software application for more information. ASUS Express Gate ASUS Express Gate is an instant-on environment that gives [...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 3-1 1 The First Screen Express Gate’s rst screen appears within a few seconds after you power on the computer . From here, you can immediately start the web browser or Skype. Y ou can also choose to continue booting normally (e.g. to your installed OS such as Windows), enter BIOS setup, or power off. If you don’t make any selec[...]

3-12 Chapter 3: Software support Knowing the Express Gate hot-keys Here is a list of common-used hot-keys for Express Gate. In the First Screen: Key Function P AUSE/BREAK Power-off ESC Continue to boot OS DEL Enter BIOS setup F8 Enter Boot selection pop-up In the Express Gate Environment: Key Function <Alt> + <T ab> Switch between softw[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 3-13 • Screen Settings : Choose the most optimal screen resolution for your display . • V olume Control : Control the volume for your speaker output, microphone input, etc. The rst-time Wizard will run again when you enter the Express Gate environment after clearing its settings. Using the Conguration Panel Use the congur[...]

3-14 Chapter 3: Software support ASUS Express Gate supports le uploading from SA T A HDDs, ODDs and USB drive and downloading to USB drives only . Using the LaunchBar The LaunchBar has several system icons that show you various system statuses and let you congure individual Express Gate settings. The LaunchBar can be congured to auto-hide,[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 3-15 Network Power off Enter OS Cancel and return to Express Gate Restart Check to save user prole Open Conguration Panel Click to change LaunchBar options (auto-hide, docking position, etc). Click to show the “ASUS Utility” panel (if supported). Click to show “About Express Gate.” Click to open Express Gate Help. Click [...]

3-16 Chapter 3: Software support 3. Make the proper network congurations. Each network interface is enabled immediately when you check the box next to it. • If you use a network cable connected to a home router (which is then connected to your DSL/cable modem), enable LAN1. • The most common scenario is for your computer to automatically obt[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 3-17 Using the Photo Manager Express Gate provides a easy-to-use Photo Manager that allows you to view pictures stored in your hard drive or external storage devices (such as USB dongles, card readers, or optical disks). Y ou can view pictures in thumbnail view; in an enlarged view individually; in a lename/data list view; or play [...]

3-18 Chapter 3: Software support Conguring Express Gate in BIOS Setup Enter BIOS setup by pressing DEL key after powering on or by clicking on the BIOS setup icon on Express Gate’s rst screen. Express Gate conguration options are under the T ools menu. Refer to section 2.7.2 Express Gate for details. ASUS EZ Flash 2 Express Gate [Enabled[...]

ASUS P5N7A-VM 3-19 3.4 Creating a RAID driver disk A oppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows ® XP operating system on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set. For Windows ® Vista TM operating system, use either the motherboard support DVD or a USB device with the RAID driver . 3.4.1 Creating a RAID driver di[...]

3-20 Chapter 3: Software support T o install the RAID driver in Windows ® XP: 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. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete [...]