Asus P5A User Manual

ASUS P5A User’s Manual60
Desktop Management Interface (DMI)
Introducing the ASUS DMI Configuration Utility
This motherboard supports DMI within the BIOS level and provides a DMI Con-
figuration Utility to maintain the Management Information Format Database (MIFD).
DMI is able to auto-detect and record information pertinent to a computer’s system
such as the CPU type, CPU speed, and internal/external frequencies, and memory
size. The onboard BIOS will detect as many system information as possible and
store those collected information in a 4KB block in the motherboard’s Flash EPROM
and allow the DMI to retrieve data from this database. Unlike other BIOS software,
the BIOS on this motherboard uses the same technology implemented for Plug and
Play to allow dynamic real-time updating of DMI information versus creating a new
BIOS image file and requiring the user to update the whole BIOS. This DMI Con-
figuration Utility also allows the system integrator or end user to add additional
information into the MIFD such as serial numbers, housing configurations, and ven-
dor information. Those information not detected by the motherboard BIOS and has
to be manually entered through the DMI Configuration Utility and updated into the
MIFD. This DMI Configuration Utility provides the same reliability as PnP updat-
ing and will prevent the refreshing failures associated with updating the entire BIOS.
System Requirements
The DMI Configuration Utility (DMICFG.EXE) must be used in real mode in order
for the program to run, the base memory must be at least 180K. Memory managers
like HIMEM.SYS (required by windows) must not be installed. You can boot up
from a system diskette without AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files, “REM”
HIMEM.SYS in the CONFIG.SYS, or press <F5> during bootup to bypass your
AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files.
V. SOFTWARE
DMI Introduction
V. SUPPORT SOFTWARE

Asus P5A Specifications

General

Brand	Asus
Model	P5A
Category	Motherboard
Language	English

Summary

Introduction to the ASUS P5A Manual

Manual Organization and Item Checklist

Overview of the manual's structure and verification of package contents.

Features of the ASUS P5A Motherboard

Motherboard Specifications

Detailed features and capabilities of the P5A motherboard.

Motherboard Component Layout

Visual identification of motherboard parts and connectors.

Installation Guide for ASUS P5A

Motherboard Layout and Jumpers

Diagram of motherboard layout and configuration jumper settings.

Component Installation Procedures

Step-by-step guide for installing CPU, memory, and expansion cards.

External Connectors and Power Wiring

Instructions for connecting internal case wires, power supply, and external devices.

BIOS Software and Configuration

BIOS Update and Management

Procedures for updating the motherboard's BIOS using utilities.

BIOS Setup and Configuration

Navigating the BIOS utility for system settings and optimization.

Support Software and Utilities

Support CD and DMI Utility Usage

Installing software from the CD and managing system information with DMI.

ASUS CIDB Chassis Intrusion Detection

Chassis Intrusion Detection Setup

Installation and configuration of the CIDB module for system security.

ASUS LAN Card

PCI-L101 Fast Ethernet Card Details

Features, drivers, and usage of the ASUS PCI-L101 LAN card.

Appendix

Glossary of Technical Terms

Definitions for key hardware and software terms used in the manual.