First Time Builder Has Motherboard Questions

hepcat06

Member
Jan 24, 2006
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I am a first time builder who has some questions about the motherboard I?m about to purchase. For reference, I?ll list the other parts I?ve selected below in addition to the MB. Some of these questions may seem silly to the pros here, but please remember, I?m a total n00b at this.

Here?s the parts list:

ASUS A8N-E Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 Ultra ATX AMD
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ 1GHz FSB Socket 939
Kingston ValueRAM 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM
eVGA 256-P2-N515-AX Geforce 7800GT 256MB
WD Caviar SE16 SATA 300MB/s 250GB
Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS Sound Card
Antec LifeStyle SONATA II Piano Black Computer Case
Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005

Yesterday I went to Asus?s website and downloaded the instruction booklet for the A8N-E. I have nearly finished reading it and I developed these questions from the parts of the booklet that confused me.

First, the ?Managing and Updating your bios? section of the book seemed very confusing. All this stuff about creating bootable floppy disks and ?booting the system in DOS mode? worries me. Can I just wait until I have Windows XP installed and then save and update the BIOS using the ASUS Update utility that runs in Windows?

The MB has onboard audio with drivers on the included CD. I assume that I can just skip installing them and install whatever comes with my Audigy 2 card. True or False?

Smiliar question about the firewall that comes with this MB. Doesn?t Windows MCE come with its own firewall? Which of the two should use? Or should I use both of them?

There?s one setting in the BIOS Boot ----> Boot Settings Configuration sub-menu that looked really weird. It?s called ?OS Select for DRAM > 64MB [Non-OS2]?
The instructions say: ?Set this item to OS2 only when you are running on an OS/2 operating system with an installed RAM of greater than 64KB. Configuration Options: [Non-OS2] & [OS2]? What does this mean and do I have to worry about it?

And one last question that?s not quite as obscure: one of the connectors on the rear panel is for an LAN (RJ-45) port. In my old computer I had to install Linksys ethernet card to be able to connect to the Verizon DSL/router set up in my apartment. Does this connector mean I won?t have to purchase a separate card this time?

Thank you in advance for any answers you have.



 

Jorakal

Member
Jan 21, 2006
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1. You should boot from the ASUS cd-rom and create the SATA driver diskette. When you install WinXP, press F6 when prompted and install both drivers. That way there is no issue with your hard drive during the install.

2. For the onboard audio: First disable it in the BIOS so it is not recognized by WinXP. Then yes install your Audigy drivers after WinXP, nvidia drivers, etc are installed.

3. For now I would not install any of the Nvidia firewall software when prompted. Just say no and use either the Microsoft firewall (svc pack 2 I believe) or my favorite Zonealarm.

4. Just leave that option as non-OS2. I'm not sure if you can disable it or not since I am not home. There is a great BIOS article on Tom's hardware at http://www.tomshardware.com/2006/01/04/bios_from_a_to_z/

5. Yes that is an Ethernet port for Nvidia ethernet. The drivers will be installed from the motherboard cd-rom. And after that, go to nvidia.com and get the update drivers for ver 6.7 and install. They require directx9 be installed first though.

Also at soon as you have the nvidia drivers installed, upgrade to the most current BIOS v1010. Go to ASUS site, download it and copy the file to a diskette. Then when you boot, have the diskette in the drive, and press Alt-F2. Or of course you can make a boot diskette and do it that way.
 

grooge

Senior member
Dec 23, 2004
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This board support sata drives without drivers.. Why do the "use drivers" always show up with post about SATA?? Do you have any experience with nforce4 chipset? I guess no, because you'll have knew that the drivers is only for RAID.. RAID, not SATA. And the question was not about installing HDD, but updating BIOS.. Read carefully next time.
 

grooge

Senior member
Dec 23, 2004
542
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Originally posted by: hepcat06

Yesterday I went to Asus?s website and downloaded the instruction booklet for the A8N-E. I have nearly finished reading it and I developed these questions from the parts of the booklet that confused me.

First, the ?Managing and Updating your bios? section of the book seemed very confusing. All this stuff about creating bootable floppy disks and ?booting the system in DOS mode? worries me. Can I just wait until I have Windows XP installed and then save and update the BIOS using the ASUS Update utility that runs in Windows?

You doin't have to update the BIOS right after building it. Fact is, if your computer is running fine as it, don't bother to update it.

You can create a bootable floppy in XP by selecting "format" on a blank floppy and selecting "makte bootable floppy". you then copy the dos flash program and the BIOS file and then boot from the floppy. from there, typing something like AWDFLASH XXX.BIN /cc /cy ...

don't use that line as it is an example only and you will have to use the right bios file and flash program. The manual or Asus website has everything you need to flash the BIOS. It can also be done within Windows, but, I don't trust that personnaly.
 

Jorakal

Member
Jan 21, 2006
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Originally posted by: grooge
This board support sata drives without drivers.. Why do the "use drivers" always show up with post about SATA?? Do you have any experience with nforce4 chipset? I guess no, because you'll have knew that the drivers is only for RAID.. RAID, not SATA. And the question was not about installing HDD, but updating BIOS.. Read carefully next time.

Yes Grooge I have experience with nforce4 chipsets. :) If you had read my post carefully, you would have seen I answered the BIOS question last. I discussed the F6 SATA drivers first because it should be done first while loading the operating system. When you use the ASUS cd-rom to create the F6 drivers, it loads not only the RAID driver, but the normal nvidia SATA driver as well. 2 drivers not 1. Load the first, then select to load another and load the second one. If you don't use a RAID you don't need the raid driver, but I loaded both anyway. These drivers get loaded to disk and are used by Windows during the install and after so everything works properly.

Don't forget the operating system support for these features is only supported in certain service packs by Microsoft for different operating systems. The BIOS and chipset are not the operating system. Many Microsoft Operating systems need the drivers loaded from the F6 prompt. Microsoft 2000 would not recognize over 120gb, and would not format my SATA drive unless I loaded the drivers from F6. Not everyone has a WinXp svc pack 2 cd-rom, or even service pack 1.

I recommend upgrading to the most current 1010 BIOS with this board. Most people find it is the most stable. Yes if yours is stable with what you have then stay at it. My rev 2 board came with ver 1005. No way I was staying with that version, so went immediately to 1010.

Update: I checked out the F6 diskette in detail. It includes the NVRAID.INF and NVATABUS.INF files. You should check them out and see what is actually supported from that diskette. :)
 

WobbleWobble

Diamond Member
Jun 29, 2001
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Can I just wait until I have Windows XP installed and then save and update the BIOS using the ASUS Update utility that runs in Windows?

Yes

The MB has onboard audio with drivers on the included CD. I assume that I can just skip installing them and install whatever comes with my Audigy 2 card. True or False?
Disable it in your BIOS.

Smiliar question about the firewall that comes with this MB. Doesn?t Windows MCE come with its own firewall? Which of the two should use? Or should I use both of them?
I would only use one. nVidia's firewall has caused problems for many users, including myself so I opted to use Windows' firewall.

There?s one setting in the BIOS Boot ----> Boot Settings Configuration sub-menu that looked really weird. It?s called ?OS Select for DRAM > 64MB [Non-OS2]?
The instructions say: ?Set this item to OS2 only when you are running on an OS/2 operating system with an installed RAM of greater than 64KB. Configuration Options: [Non-OS2] & [OS2]? What does this mean and do I have to worry about it?
Don't worry about it, just leave it.

And one last question that?s not quite as obscure: one of the connectors on the rear panel is for an LAN (RJ-45) port. In my old computer I had to install Linksys ethernet card to be able to connect to the Verizon DSL/router set up in my apartment. Does this connector mean I won?t have to purchase a separate card this time?
Right. There is no need for a 2nd card.
 

grooge

Senior member
Dec 23, 2004
542
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Originally posted by: Jorakal
Originally posted by: grooge
This board support sata drives without drivers.. Why do the "use drivers" always show up with post about SATA?? Do you have any experience with nforce4 chipset? I guess no, because you'll have knew that the drivers is only for RAID.. RAID, not SATA. And the question was not about installing HDD, but updating BIOS.. Read carefully next time.

Yes Grooge I have experience with nforce4 chipsets. :) If you had read my post carefully, you would have seen I answered the BIOS question last. I discussed the F6 SATA drivers first because it should be done first while loading the operating system. When you use the ASUS cd-rom to create the F6 drivers, it loads not only the RAID driver, but the normal nvidia SATA driver as well. 2 drivers not 1. Load the first, then select to load another and load the second one. If you don't use a RAID you don't need the raid driver, but I loaded both anyway. These drivers get loaded to disk and are used by Windows during the install and after so everything works properly.

Don't forget the operating system support for these features is only supported in certain service packs by Microsoft for different operating systems. The BIOS and chipset are not the operating system. Many Microsoft Operating systems need the drivers loaded from the F6 prompt. Microsoft 2000 would not recognize over 120gb, and would not format my SATA drive unless I loaded the drivers from F6. Not everyone has a WinXp svc pack 2 cd-rom, or even service pack 1.

I recommend upgrading to the most current 1010 BIOS with this board. Most people find it is the most stable. Yes if yours is stable with what you have then stay at it. My rev 2 board came with ver 1005. No way I was staying with that version, so went immediately to 1010.

Update: I checked out the F6 diskette in detail. It includes the NVRAID.INF and NVATABUS.INF files. You should check them out and see what is actually supported from that diskette. :)
The 136 gigs limit is not a drivers thing, but rather an OS limitation. System running 2000 or XP need the latest service pack in order to add 48 bits adressing for big drive. When RAID is disabled, the nforce4 will be working just great with standard MS drivers. You may install the "enhenced IDE drivers" that nvidia has, but apart from creating problem with some CDROM and DVD devices, and enabling enhenced feature like hot swap and NCQ. If you install XP without any drivers, you end up with standard MS one. If you install the drivers pack, from nvidia, you have the choice to install or not the IDE drivers, and at some point, nvidia almost tell you to not install it in its warning.

Yes, you can choose to install the drivers, but it is not necessary to have a stable and fully compatible system. I had to remove the nvidia IDE to have better compatibility with some apps for the optical device.

I have a SP2 slipstreamed XP install CD. I don't have any problem with 250 Gigs and 160 gigs HDD. What can I say??? Drives that big did not even existed so don't blame XP for lack of support with outdated and non upgraded software.

Your right, BIOS and chipset is not the OS. But the BIOS has standard disk access routine that are used by DOS or installer program. DOS don't have any drivers, and I can still format and work with my SATA HDD at DOS level. With the nforce4 chipset, and all other that has SATA support natively. When you install drivers(be it MS or nvidia one), what you do is now bypass the BIOS and talk directly to the controller. BIOS is slow.. and not really pratical to use it but at lower level.

I could dig out some of my book, and write you a simple formatting apps, that you will put on a DOS bootable disk, anf format any drive on the controller. All I have to do is ask the BIOS to do it. just like installer does.

So, saying that F6 is a must with current chipset is simply not true and even not necessary. That's only my point.
 

Jorakal

Member
Jan 21, 2006
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"The 136 gigs limit is not a drivers thing, but rather an OS limitation. System running 2000 or XP need the latest service pack in order to add 48 bits adressing for big drive.:

Uh... Correct. That's exactly what I said. :) Although that also has to be supported in BIOS which all motherboards released in the last few years have. Yes today it is an operating system support issue which is usually not there unless you have a slipstreamed Operating system cd-rom. Most people do not have that so let's don't assume they do. For those who want to go to the trouble of making one for fun, then have a blast. But to save yourself trouble during any operating system install, just make the driver diskette and use F6. Easy. Quick. Hepcat06 the person who started this thread, said he is a first time builder so let's try to make it simple and straightforward. :)

I recommend you install the drivers at this point in time because BIOS ver 1010 has been stable, and fixes many issues. It works well with Nvidia drivers ver 6.7 so it is wise to try them starting out. If you have issues then can look for an alternative but the highest percentage chance is they will work the best in my experience.

Again let me say that if you don't have WinXp svc pack 1 or 2 install cd-rom, then don't assume everything will work. I installed Windows 2000. Without the F6 drivers I could not format my 160gb drive using the install program. So why not use the F6 drivers to avoid any possible hassle during the install?

Anyway sounds like we are debating just to debate.

Hepcat06 there are many threads on this site that have specific details for installing. I just installed my ASUS A8N-E 2 weeks ago. There are procedural steps to use if you are using the unmodified Windows cd-rom (if you are installing Windows) or a slipstreamed cd-rom. Use whichever works. I used them, used the F6 drivers, and everything worked great and is still working great. Better safe than sorry. :)
 

hepcat06

Member
Jan 24, 2006
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Windows MCE includes SP2 and I will not be using RAID, so hopefully my single 250Gig hard drive will be recognized right away.

Thanks for the responses everyone, they were very helpful. I will print out this thread for quick reference during my build.
 

WobbleWobble

Diamond Member
Jun 29, 2001
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Originally posted by: hepcat06
Windows MCE includes SP2 and I will not be using RAID, so hopefully my single 250Gig hard drive will be recognized right away.

Plug it into the nVidia SATA ports and it will work without a driver diskette.
 

Jorakal

Member
Jan 21, 2006
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Yep MCE with svc pack 2 should work good. I considered getting that, but will wait until Vista is released. :)
 

hepcat06

Member
Jan 24, 2006
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Originally posted by: supastar1568
Instead of the 7800gt N515 you have listed, can I recommend to you the N516 7800gt CO SE as seen here:

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=322749


Its the same price, but is 460/1100 stock (mine came at 470/1100) and also came with Quake 4 in the box.

Too late, I actually ordered all the parts I listed within the past hour. :( At least I'll get a $20 rebate on the N515.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130247

 

supastar1568

Senior member
Apr 6, 2005
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Originally posted by: hepcat06
Originally posted by: supastar1568
Instead of the 7800gt N515 you have listed, can I recommend to you the N516 7800gt CO SE as seen here:

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=322749


Its the same price, but is 460/1100 stock (mine came at 470/1100) and also came with Quake 4 in the box.

Too late, I actually ordered all the parts I listed within the past hour. :( At least I'll get a $20 rebate on the N515.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130247

ohh ok. Dont feel so bad you got the 20 dollar rebate which makes it 20 bucks less than the N516.

Thats a good amount of beers and snacks for you to use during your build :)
 

hepcat06

Member
Jan 24, 2006
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Originally posted by: Jorakal
5. Yes that is an Ethernet port for Nvidia ethernet. The drivers will be installed from the motherboard cd-rom. And after that, go to nvidia.com and get the update drivers for ver 6.7 and install. They require directx9 be installed first though.

One other thing I missed earlier, the Asus support CD comes with DirectX, but won't the latest version of that be installed with Windows MCE?

 

mb103051

Senior member
Oct 27, 2005
280
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good selection of parts.this asus a8n-e board is the best ultra board out there .it was a pleasure setting up and bios updating is so easy.i use the alt/f2 way and its idiot proof.
after 3 ultra board the a8n-e is a perfect board.the dfi looks like one id like to try as a second rig but its set up for extreme o/clocking and is good for what its designed for.the asus is in my opinion the best all around ultra board on the market today............
good luck with your build and i hope you have as much fun building yours as i had building mine...............................
 

Jorakal

Member
Jan 21, 2006
72
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Originally posted by: hepcat06

One other thing I missed earlier, the Asus support CD comes with DirectX, but won't the latest version of that be installed with Windows MCE?

I browsed Microsoft for MCE, but can't seem to find if it includes DX9 or not. I would think it does.