2.2BIOS setup program

Use the BIOS Setup program to update the BIOS or configure its parameters. The BIOS screens include navigation keys and brief online help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup program.

Entering BIOS Setup at startup

To enter BIOS Setup at startup:

•Press <Delete> during the Power-On Self Test (POST). If you do not press <Delete>, POST continues with its routines.

Entering BIOS Setup after POST

To enter BIOS Setup after POST:

•Press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del> simultaneously.

•Press the reset button on the system chassis.

•Press the power button to turn the system off then back on. Do this option only if you failed to enter BIOS Setup using the first two options.

Using the power button, reset button, or the <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del> keys to force reset from a running operating system can cause damage to your data or system. We recommend you always shut down the system properly from the operating system.

•The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and

may not exactly match what you see on your screen.

•Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com to download the latest BIOS file for this motherboard.

•Ensure that a USB mouse is connected to your motherboard if you want to use the mouse to control the BIOS setup program.

•If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS setting, load the default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Optimized Defaults item under the Exit menu. See section 2.10 Exit Menu for details.

•If the system fails to boot after changing any BIOS setting, try to clear the CMOS and reset the motherboard to the default value. See section 1.6 Jumpers for information on how to erase the RTC RAM.

BIOS menu screen

The BIOS setup program can be used under two modes: EZ Mode and Advanced Mode. You can change modes from the Exit menu or from the Exit/Advanced Mode button in the EZ Mode/Advanced Mode screen.

EZ Mode

By default, the EZ Mode screen appears when you enter the BIOS setup program. The EZ Mode provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to select the display language, system performance mode and boot device priority. To access the Advanced Mode, click Exit/Advanced Mode, then select Advanced Mode.

The default screen for entering the BIOS setup program can be changed. Refer to the Setup Mode item in section 2.8 Boot menu for details.

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Chapter 2: Getting started