Motherboard M2N-MX
E2719 First Edition V1 August 2006 Copyright © 2006 ASUSTeK 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 purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
Contents Notices................................................................................................. vi Safety information...............................................................................vii M2N-MX specifications summary.........................................................viii Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome!............................................................................... 1-2 1.2 Package contents...................................................
Contents Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 iv Managing and updating your BIOS......................................... 2-2 2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk............................... 2-2 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash utility................................................ 2-3 2.1.3 AFUDOS utility......................................................... 2-4 2.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility................................. 2-6 2.1.5 ASUS Update utility.................................
Contents 2.6 2.7 2.5.4 ACPI APIC Support................................................. 2-28 2.5.5 APM Configuration................................................. 2-29 2.5.6 Hardware Monitor................................................... 2-30 Boot menu........................................................................... 2-31 2.6.1 Boot Device Priority............................................... 2-31 2.6.2 Boot Settings Configuration.................................. 2-32 2.6.
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 been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Safety information Electrical safety • To 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 all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.
M2N-MX specifications summary Support AMD socket AM2 for AMD Athlon™ 64/ Athlon™ FX/Athlon™ X2/Sempron processors AMD64 architecture enables simultaneous 32-bit and 64-bit computing Supports AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology Chipset NVIDIA® nForce 430/GeForce6100 Front Side Bus 2000/1600 MT/s Memory Dual-channel memory architecture 4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support up to 4 GB of unbufferred/non-ECC 800/667/533 MHz DDR2 memory modules Expansion slots 1 x PCI Express™ x16 slot 1 x PCI Ex
M2N-MX specifications summary Manageability Special features ASUS Q-Fan ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 ASUS EZ Flash ASUS MyLogo2™ Stepless Frequency Selection (SFS) allows FSB tuning from 200 MHz to 230 MHz at 1 MHz increment Note: ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 and ASUS EZ Flash 2 only support VGA/RGB output. BIOS features 4 Mb Flash ROM, Award BIOS,Green, PnP, DMI, Wfm2.0, ACPI v 2.0a, SM BIOS v 2.3 Rear panel 1 x Parallel port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port 4 x USB 2.
This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports.
1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS® M2N-MX 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 below. 1.2 Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items.
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology The motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology, which monitors system operation and automatically adjusts CPU voltage and frequency for a cool and quiet operating environment. NVIDIA ® GeForce™ 6100 GPU and NVIDIA ® nForce™ 430 MCP chipsets The NVIDIA® GeForce™ 6100 graphics processing unit (GPU) Northbridge supports Microsoft® DirectX 9.0 Shader Model 3.0, and PCI Express interface.
Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology The motherboard supports next-generation SATA hard drives based on the new SATA 3Gb/s storage specification. The onboard NVIDIA® nForce 430 MCP southbridge allows RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD configurations for four SATA connectors. Gigabit LAN solution Gb LAN controller delivers transfer speeds up to ten times faster than conventional 10/100 Ethernet connections.
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 This feature allows you to restore the original BIOS data from the support CD in case when the BIOS codes and data are corrupted. This protection eliminates the need to buy a replacement BIOS chip. See page 2-6 for details. ASUS EZ Flash 2 With the ASUS EZ Flash, you can easily update the system BIOS even before loading the operating system. No need to use a DOS-based utility or boot from a floppy disk. See page 2-3 for details.
1.4 Before you proceed Take 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, before handling components to avoid damaging them due to static electricity • Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
1.5 Motherboard overview 1.5.1 Motherboard layout 22.4cm (8.8in) EATXPWR 24.5cm (9.
1.5.2 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis as indicated in the image below. 1.5.3 Screw holes Place six (6) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis. Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2 socket designed for the AMD Athlon™ 64 X2/Athlon™ 64/Athlon™ FX/Sempron™ processor. The AM2 socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the AMD Opteron™ processor. Make sure you use a CPU is designed for the AM2 socket. The CPU fits 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! 1.6.
3. Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with a small triangle. 4. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it fits in place. Small triangle Gold triangle The CPU fits only in one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU! 5. When the CPU is in place, push down the socket lever to secure the CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab to indicate that it is locked.
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan The AMD Athlon™ 64 X2/Athlon™ 64/Athlon™ FX/Sempron™ processor require a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance. Make sure that you use only qualified heatsink and fan assembly. Follow these steps to install the CPU heatsink and fan. 1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, making sure that the heatsink fits properly on the retention module base.
2. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base. 3. Align the other end of the retention bracket (near the retention bracket lock) to the retention module base. A clicking sound denotes that the retention bracket is in place. Make sure that the fan and heatsink assembly perfectly fits the retention mechanism module base; otherwise, you cannot snap the retention bracket in place. 4.
1.7 System memory 1.7.1 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 installation on a DDR DIMM socket.
* For dual-channel memory configuration (2), you may: • install identical DIMMs in all four sockets OR • install an identical DIMM pair in DIMM_A1 and DIMM_B1 (yellow sockets) and another identical DIMM pair in DIMM_A2 and DIMM_B2 (black sockets) * Always use identical DDR2 DIMM pairs for dual-channel model. For optimum compatibility, we recommend that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus. com) for the latest Qualified Vendors List.
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM Make sure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. 2 1. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward. 2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the socket. 3. 3 1 1 Firmly insert the DIMM into the socket until the retaining clips snap back in place and the DIMM is properly seated. • • 1.
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. Make sure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 1.8.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1.
Standard interrupt assignments IRQ Priority 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 1 2 – 11 12 13 14 15 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Standard Function System Timer Keyboard Controller Re-direct to IRQ#9 IRQ holder for PCI steering* Communications Port (COM1)* IRQ holder for PCI steering* Floppy Disk Controller Printer Port (LPT1)* System CMOS/Real Time Clock IRQ holder for PCI steering* IRQ holder for PCI steering* IRQ holder for PCI steering* PS/2 Compatible Mouse Port* Numeric Data Processor Primary IDE Channel
1.8.3 PCI slots The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. The figure shows a LAN card installed on a PCI slot. 1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. The following figure shows a network card installed on the PCI Express x1 slot. 1.8.
1.9 1. Jumpers Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC) This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You 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 system passwords. To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2. Remove the onboard battery. 3.
2. USB device wake-up (3-pin PS2_USB_PWR) This jumper allows you to enable or disable the keyboard wake-up feature. Set this jumper to pins 2-3 (+5VSB) to wake up the computer when you press a key on the keyboard (the default is the Space Bar). This feature requires an ATX power supply that can supply at least 500 mA on the +5VSB lead, and a corresponding setting in the BIOS.
1.10 Connectors 1.10.1 Rear panel connectors 1 2 3 4 5 6 11 9 10 8 7 1. PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse. 2. Parallel port. This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a scanner, or other devices. 3. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub.
Audio 2, 4, or 6-channel configuration Port Headset 2-speaker 4-speaker 6-speaker Light Blue Line In Surround Out Surround Out Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Pink Mic In Mic Center/Bass 7. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices. 8. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices. 9.
2. IDE connectors (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) The onboard IDE connectors are for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable(s). There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable: blue, black, and gray. Connect the blue connector to the motherboard’s IDE connector, then select one of the following modes to configure your device(s).
3. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA4) These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s hard disk and optical disk drives. The Serial ATA 3 Gb/s is backward compatible with Serial ATA 1.5Gb/s specification. The current Serial ATA I interface allows up to 150 MB/s data transfer rate while Serial ATA II allows up to 300 MB/s data transfer rate, faster than the standard parallel ATA with 133 MB/s (Ultra DMA133).
4. CPU, Chassis, and Power Fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN1) The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350mA~740mA (8.88W max.) or a total of 1A~2.22A (26.64W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, making sure that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector. Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components.
6. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, USB 910) USB56 1 USB+5V USB_P5USB_P5+ GND USB+5V USB_P6USB_P6+ GND NC These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed. USB+5V USB_P9USB_P9+ GND M2N-MX USB 2.
8. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) R HP_HD AGND PRESENSE# MIC2_JD This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports either High Definition Audio or AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.
9. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) These connectors are for an ATX power supply. The plugs from the power supply are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit. • We recommend that you use an ATX 12 V Specification 2.0‑compliant power supply unit (PSU) with a minimum of 300 W power rating. This PSU type has 24-pin and 4-pin power plugs.
10. System panel connector (20-1 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. +5V Ground Ground Speaker SPEAKER IDE_LED Reset Ground PWR Ground PANEL IDE_LED+ IDE_LED- R M2N-MX PLED- PLED+ PLED Reset PWRSW M2N-MX System Panel Connector • System power LED This 3-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.
1-30 Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
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 EZ Flash (Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a floppy disk or the motherboard support CD.) 2. ASUS AFUDOS (Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a bootable floppy disk.) 3. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 (Updates the BIOS using a bootable floppy disk, or the motherboard support CD when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted.) 4.
2. Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS file to the bootable floppy disk. 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash utility The ASUS EZ Flash feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go through the long process of booting from a floppy disk and using a DOS‑based utility. The EZ Flash utility is built-in the BIOS chip so it is accessible by pressing + during the Power-On Self Tests (POST). To update the BIOS using EZ Flash: 1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.
2.1.3 AFUDOS utility The AFUDOS utility allows you to update the BIOS file in DOS environment using a bootable floppy disk with the updated BIOS file. This utility also allows you to copy the current BIOS file that you can use as backup when the BIOS fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. Copying the current BIOS To copy the current BIOS file using the AFUDOS utility: • Make sure that the floppy disk is not write-protected and has at least 1024KB free space to save the file.
Updating the BIOS file To update the BIOS file using the AFUDOS utility: 1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) and download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. Save the BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk. Write the BIOS filename on a piece of paper. You need to type the exact BIOS filename at the DOS prompt. 2. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support CD to the bootable floppy disk you created earlier. 3.
2.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can update a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support CD or the floppy disk that contains the updated BIOS file. • Prepare the motherboard support CD, or the floppy disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility.
4. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process. Recovering the BIOS from the support CD To recover the BIOS from the support CD: 1. Remove any floppy disk from the floppy disk drive, then turn on the system. 2. Insert the support CD to the optical drive. 3. The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the floppy disk for the original or updated BIOS file. Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery... Checking for floppy...
2.1.5 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. The ASUS Update utility allows you to: • Save the current BIOS file • Download the latest BIOS file from the Internet • Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS file • Update the BIOS directly from the Internet, and • View the BIOS version information. This utility is available in the support CD that comes with the motherboard package.
Updating the BIOS through the Internet To update the BIOS through the Internet: 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 the Internet option from the drop‑down menu, then click Next. ASUS M2N-MX 3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network traffic, or click Auto Select. Click Next.
4. From the FTP site, select the BIOS version that you wish to download. Click Next. 5. Follow the screen instructions to complete the update process. The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself through the Internet. Always update the utility to avail all its features. Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file To update the BIOS through a BIOS file: 2-10 1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate.
2.2 BIOS setup program This motherboard supports a programmable firmware 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, reconfiguring your system, or prompted to“Run Setup.” This section explains how to configure your system using this utility. Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you can change the configuration of your computer in the future.
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Menu bar Configuration fields System Time System Date Legacy Diskette A [00: 38 : 56] [Tue01/01/2002] [1.44M, 3.5in.] IDE Configuration Primary IDE Master Primary IDE Slave SATA1 SATA2 SATA3 SATA4 : : : : : : [Not [Not [Not [Not [Not [Not General help Use [ENTER], [TAB] or [SHIFT-TAB] to select a field. Use [+] or [-] to configure system time. Detected] Detected] Detected] Detected] Detected] Detected] System Information Sub-menu items 2.2.
2.2.4 Menu items The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items. The other items (Advanced, Power, Boot, Tool, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items. 2.2.5 System Time System Date Legacy Diskette A Legacy Diskette B Primary IDE Master Primary IDE Slave Secondary IDE Master Secondary IDE Slave Third IDE Master Fourth IDE Master IDE Configuration [11:10:19] [Thu 03/27/2003] [1.44M, 3.
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. Refer to section “2.2.1 BIOS menu screen” for information on the menu screen items and how to navigate through them. System Time System Date Legacy Diskette A [03:59:16] [Tue 01/08/2002] [1.44M, 3.
2.3.4 IDE Configuration The items in this menu allow you to set or change the configurations for the IDE devices installed in the system. Select an item then press if you wish to configure the item. IDE Configuration Onboard IDE Controller [Enabled] Serial-ATA Devices [Device 0/1] nVidia RAID Function [Disabled] Onboard IDE Controller [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the onboard IDE controller.
The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Device, Vendor, Size, LBA Mode, Block Mode, PIO Mode, Async DMA, Ultra DMA, and SMART monitoring). These values are not user-configurable. These items show N/A if no IDE device is installed in the system. Type [Auto] Selects the type of IDE drive. Setting to Auto allows automatic selection of the appropriate IDE device type. Select CDROM if you are specifically configuring a CD-ROM drive.
2.3.6 SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, and SATA4 While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each SATA device. Select a device item then press to display the SATA device information.
PIO Mode [Auto] Selects the PIO mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4] DMA Mode [Auto] Selects the DMA mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [SWDMA0] [SWDMA1] [SWDMA2] [MWDMA0] [MWDMA1] [MWDMA2] [UDMA0] [UDMA1] [UDMA2] [UDMA3] [UDMA4] [UDMA5] SMART Monitoring [Auto] Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] 32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled] Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer.
2.4 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. CPU Configuration Chipset Onboard Devices Configuration PCIPnP USB Configuration Jumperfree Configuration 2.4.1 CPU Configuration The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. CPU Configuration Module Version: 13.
MTRR Mapping [Continuous] This option determines the method used for programming CPU MTRRs when 4GB or more of memory is present. Discrete leaves the PCI hole below the 4GB boundary undescribed. Continuous explicitly describes the PCI hole as non-caheable. Configuration options: [Continuous] [Discrete] Runtime Legacy PSB [Disabled] Enables or disables the generation of Power State Block for use of PowerNow(tm) driver in a single core system. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ACPI 2.
Configure DRAM Timing by SPD [Enabled] When this item is enabled, the DRAM timing parameters are set according to the DRAM SPD (Serial Presence Detect). When disabled, you can manually set the DRAM timing parameters through the DRAM sub-items. The following sub-items appear when this item is Disabled. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] DRAM CAS# Latency [5] Controls the latency between the SDRAM read command and the time the data actually becomes available.
SouthBridge Configuration SouthBridge MCP61 chipset Configuration Primary Graphics Adapter [PCIE-> PCI -> IGP] AZALIA Audio [Auto] OnBoard LAN [Auto] OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled] Primary Graphics Adapter [PCIE-> PCI -> IGP] Display Device Priority, from high to low. Configuration options: [PCIE-> PCI-> IGP] [IGP ->PCI -> PCIE] AZALIA AUDIO [Auto] Allows you to set or disable the AZALIA AUDIO. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] OnBoard LAN [Auto] Allows you to set or disable the OnBoard LAN.
2.4.3 Onboard Devices Configuration Configure ITE8712 Super IO Chipset Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Parallel Port Address [378] Parallel Port Mode [Normal] Parallel Port IRQ [IRQ7] Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address. Configuration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4][2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3] Parallel Port Address [378] Allows you to select the Parallel Port base addresses.
2.4.4 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. Take caution when changing the settings of the PCI PnP menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. Advanced PCI/PnP Settings WARNING: Setting wrong values in below sections may cause system to malfunction.
IRQ-xx assigned to [PCI Device] When set to [PCI Device], the specific IRQ is free for use of PCI/PnP devices. When set to [Reserved], the IRQ is reserved for legacy ISA devices. Configuration options: [PCI Device] [Reserved] 2.4.5 USB Configuration The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an item then press to display the configuration options. USB Configuration Module Version - 2.24.0-11.4 USB Devices Enabled: None USB 1.1 Controller USB 2.
2.4.6 Jumperfree Configuration Configure System Frequency/Voltage AI Overclocking Chipset Voltage Memory Voltage [Auto] [Auto] [Auto] AI Overclocking [Auto] Allows selection of CPU frequency and auto adjustment of relevant parameters. Frequencies higher than CPU manufacturer recommends are not guaranteed to be stable. If the system becomes unstable, return to the default. Configuration options: [Manual] [Standard] Chipset Voltage [Auto] Allows selection of the chipset voltage.
CPU Frequency [200] Displays the frequency sent by the clock generator to the system bus and PCI bus. The value of this item is auto-detected by the BIOS. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the CPU frequency. You can also type the desired CPU frequency using the numeric keypad. The values range from 200 to 230. Refer to the table below for the correct Front Side Bus and CPU External Frequency settings. PCI Express Frequency [Auto] Allows you to select PCI Express frequency.
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 to display the configuration options. Suspend Mode [Auto] Repost Video on S3 Resume [No] ACPI Support [ACPI v1.0] ACPI APIC Support [Enabled] APM Configuration Hardware Monitor 2.5.1 Suspend Mode [Auto] Allows you to select the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) state to be used for system suspend.
2.5.5 APM Configuration APM Configuration Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off] Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled] Power On By External Modems [Disabled] Power On By PCI Device [Disabled] Power On By PCIE Device [Disabled] Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled] Power On By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled] Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off] When set to Power Off, the system goes into off state after an AC power loss. When set to Power On, the system goes on after an AC power loss.
Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled] Allows you to use specific keys on the keyboard to turn on the system. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Space Bar] [Ctrl-Esc] [Power Key] 2.5.6 Hardware Monitor Hardware Monitor CPU Temperature [44ºC/111ºF] MB Temperature [37ºC/98.5ºF] CPU Fan Speed (RPM) [3308RPM] Chassis Fan1 Speed [N/A] CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled] VCORE Voltage [ 1.392V] 3.3V Voltage [ 3.
The CPU Fan Profile Mode item appears when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control feature. CPU Fan Profile Mode [Optimal] Allows you to set the appropriate CPU fan performance level. When set to [Optimal], the CPU fan speed automatically adjusts depending on the CPU temperature. Set this item to [Silent Mode] for silent CPU fan operation or [Performance Mode] to achieve the maximum CPU fan speed. Configuration options: [Optimal] [Silent Mode] [Performance Mode] VCORE Voltage, 3.
1st ~ xxth Boot Device [1st Floppy Drive] These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices. The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices installed in the system. Configuration options: 2.6.
Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled] When set to Enabled, the system displays the message “Press DEL to run Setup” during POST. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Interrupt 19 Capture [Disabled] When set to [Enabled], this function allows the option ROMs to trap Interrupt 19. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.6.3 Security The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item then press to display the configuration options.
After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to change other security settings.
Password Check [Setup] When set to [Setup], BIOS checks for user password when accessing the Setup utility. When set to [Always], BIOS checks for user password both when accessing Setup and booting the system. Configuration options: [Setup] [Always] 2.7 Tools menu ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS O.C.Profile 2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press , a confirmation message appears.
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 Options Exit & Save Changes Exit & Discard Changes Discard Changes Load Setup Defaults Pressing does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options from this menu or from the legend bar to exit.
This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with the motherboard package.
3.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows® 2000/XP operating systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware. 3.2 • Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Use the setup procedures presented in this chapter for reference only. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed information.
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. NVIDIA Chipset Driver Program Installs the NVIDIA® nForce™ Chipset Driver program. SoundMAX ® ADI1986A Audio Driver Executes the wizard to install the SoundMAX™ AD1986A audio driver and application. AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Driver Installs the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet driver.
3.2.3 Utilities menu The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports. 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 Update The ASUS Update utility allows you to update the motherboard BIOS in a Windows® environment.
Anti-Virus utility The anti-virus utility scans, identifies, and removes computer viruses. View the online help for detailed information. The screen display and utilities option may not be the same for different operating system versions. ASUS Screen Saver Installs the ASUS screen saver. ASUS Cool ‘n’ Quiet Utility This item installs the ASUS Cool ‘n’ Quiet utility. 3.2.4 Make Disk menu The Make Disk menu allows you to make a RAID driver disk.
3.2.5 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 files are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the Adobe® Acrobat® Reader from the Utilities menu before opening a user manual file. NVIDIA ® SATA RAID User’s Manual Allows you to open the NVIDIA® SATA RAID user’s manual.
3.2.6 ASUS Contact information Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can also find this information on the inside front cover of this user guide. 3.2.7 Other information The icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the motherboard and the contents of the support CD. Click an icon to display the specified information. Motherboard Info Displays the general specifications of the motherboard.
Browse this CD Displays the support CD contents in graphical format. Technical support Form Displays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to fill out when requesting technical support. Filelist Displays the contents of the support CD and a brief description of each in text format.
3.3 Creating a RAID driver disk A floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows® 2000/XP operating system on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set. To create a RAID driver disk: 1. Place the motherboard support CD into the CD-ROM drive. 2. Select Make Disk tab. 3. From the Make Disk menu, select the RAID driver disk you want to create or browse the contents of the support CD to locate the driver disk utility.
3-10 Chapter 3: Software support
