Motherboard M3A
E3422 First Edition V1 October 2007 Copyright © 2007 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 Contents....................................................................................................... iii Notices......................................................................................................... vii Safety information..................................................................................... viii About this guide.......................................................................................... ix M3A specifications summary.........................
Contents 2.5.6 Jumper......................................................................................... 2-19 2.7 Connectors.................................................................................. 2-21 2.7.1 Rear panel connectors................................................... 2-21 2.7.2 Internal connectors........................................................ 2-23 Chapter 3: Powering up 3.1 Starting up for the first time........................................................
Contents 4.3.7 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.4.1 Jumperfree Configuration.............................................. 4-17 4.4.2 AI NET 2........................................................................ 4-20 4.4.3 CPU Configuration......................................................... 4-21 4.4.4 Chipset........................................................................... 4-22 4.4.5 OnBoard Devices Configuration.................................... 4-24 4.4.6 PCI PnP......................
Contents 5.4 5.5 vi 5.3.3 Audio configurations...................................................... 5-13 5.3.4 ASUS PC Probe II.......................................................... 5-17 5.3.5 ASUS AI Gear 2............................................................. 5-23 5.3.6 ASUS AI Nap................................................................. 5-24 5.3.7 ASUS Q-Fan 2............................................................... 5-25 RAID configurations.........................
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.
About this guide This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the motherboard. How this guide is organized This guide contains the following parts: • Chapter 1: Product introduction This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports. • Chapter 2: Hardware information This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components.
Conventions used in this guide To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task. CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task. IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task. NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
M3A specifications summary CPU AMD® Socket AM2+ Phenom™ FX / Phenom X4 / Phenom X2 / Athlon™ X2 / Sempron™ processor AMD® Socket AM2 Athlon 64 X2 / Athlon 64 FX / Athlon 64 / Sempron processor AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology Chipset AMD 770 / SB600 System bus Up to 5200 MT/s; HyperTransport™ 3.
M3A specifications summary Other features ASUS MyLogo2™ ASUS exclusive overclocking features Intelligent overclocking tools: - AI Overclocking (Intelligent CPU Frequency Tuner) Precision Tweaker: - vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.
This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports.
1 Chapter summary 1.1 Welcome!....................................................................................... 1-1 1.2 Package contents.......................................................................... 1-1 1.3 Special features.............................................................................
1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS® M3A 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.
1.3 Special features 1.3.1 Product highlights Green ASUS This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.
Native DDR2 1066 support This motherboard is the first AMD® platform with native DDR2 1066 support. It provides faster data transfer rate and more bandwidth to increase memory computing efficiency, enhancing system performance in 3D graphics and other memory demanding applications. See page 2‑11 for details. *DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+ CPU only. PCIe 2.0 support This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 devices for double speed and bandwidth which enhances system performance.
1.3.2 ASUS AI Lifestyle unique features ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the overclocking capability. AI Gear 2 AI Gear 2 allows you to choose from profiles to adjust CPU frequency and vCore voltage, minimizing system noise and saving 50% power consumption at most. You can real-time chnage the mode under operating system to suit your needs. See page 5-23 for details.
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-Shield The specially designed ASUS Q-Shield does without the usual “fingers” - making it convenient and easy to install. With better electric conductivity, it ideally protects your motherboard against static electricity and shields it against Electronic Magnetic Interference (EMI).
1.3.3 ASUS intelligent performance and overclocking features Precision Tweaker This feature allows you to fine tune the CPU/memory voltage and gradually increase the memory Front Side Bus (FSB) and PCI Express frequency at 1 MHz increment to achieve maximum system performance. 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.
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes description of the jumpers and connectors on the motherboard.
2 Chapter summary 2.1 Before you proceed...................................................................... 2-1 2.2 Motherboard overview.................................................................. 2-2 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU).................................................... 2-6 2.4 System memory.......................................................................... 2-11 2.5 Expansion slots........................................................................... 2-16 2.
2.1 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 to 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.
2.2 Motherboard overview Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard fits into it. Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 2.2.1 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in the correct orientation.
2.2.3 Motherboard layout 21.8cm (8.6in) PWR_FAN 30.5cm (12.
2.2.4 Layout contents Slots 1. 2. 3. 4. DDR2 DIMM slots PCI slots PCI Express x1 slots PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot Page 2-11 2-18 2-18 2-18 Jumper 1. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) Page 2-19 2. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW1-4, USBPW56) 2-20 3. Keyboard power (3-pin KBPWR) 2-20 Rear panel connectors 1. PS/2 mouse port (green) 2. Serial connector 3. LAN (RJ-45) port. 4. Center/Subwoofer port (orange) 5. Rear Speaker Out port (black) 6. Line In port (light blue) 7. Line Out port (lime) 8.
Internal connectors 1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) 2. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) 3. AMD® SB600 Southbridge Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1 [red]; SATA2 [black]; SATA3 [red]; SATA4 [black] 4. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78; USB910) Page 2-23 2-24 2-25 5. 2-27 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with an AM2+/AM2 socket designed for AMD® Socket AM2+ Phenom™ FX / Phenom X4 / Phenom X2 / Athlon™ 64 X2 / Sempron™ processor or for Socket AM2 Athlon 64 X2 / Athlon 64 FX / Athlon 64 / Sempron processor. The AM2+/AM2 socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the AMD Opteron processor. Make sure you use a CPU designed for the AM2+/AM2 socket. The CPU fits in only one correct orientation.
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. Gold triangle Small triangle 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. 6. Install a CPU heatsink and fan following the instructions that came with the heatsink package.
2.3.2 Installing the heatsink and fan The AMD® Phenom™ FX / Phenom X4 / Phenom X2 / Athlon™ 64 X2 / Athlon 64 FX / Athlon 64 / Sempron™ processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance. Make sure that you use only AMD-certified heatsink and fan assembly. 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.
5. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. ® CPU FAN PWM CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWR GND M3A CPU_FAN M3A CPU fan connector 2-10 • Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector. • This connector is backward compatiable with old 3-pin CPU fan.
2.4 System memory 2.4.1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. M3A The figure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets: DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B2 ® M3A 240-pin DDR2 DIMM sockets Channel Channel A Channel B 2.4.2 Sockets DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2 Memory configurations You may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered ECC and non‑ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.
• • • When using only one memory module, start installing the DDR2 DIMMs from slot DIMM_A1 or DIMM_B1 for better overclocking capability. For dual-channel configuration (2), you may: • install identical DIMMs in all four sockets OR • install 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 mode.
M3A Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-800MHz capability Size Vendor Chip No. CL Chip Brand SS/ DS Part No.
M3A Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-667MHz capability DIMM socket support (Optional) Size Vendor Chip No. CL Chip Brand SS/ DS Part No.
2.4.3 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. 2 To 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 the DIMM matches the break on the socket. 3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the socket until the retaining clips snap back in place and the DIMM is properly seated.
2.5 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. 2.5.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1.
2.5.
2.5.4 PCI slots The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. Refer to the figure below for the location of the slots. 2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slots This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. Refer to the figure below for the locatino of the slots. 2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot This motherboard supports one PCI Express 2.
2.6 Jumper 1. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin 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 USBPW1-4, USBPW56) Set these jumpers to +5V to wake up the computer from S1 sleep mode (CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in low power mode) using the connected USB devices. Set to +5VSB to wake up from S3 and S4 sleep modes. The USBPW1-4 jumpers are for the rear USB ports. The USBPW5-8 and USBPW910 jumpers are for the internal USB connectors that you can connect to additional USB ports.
2.7 Connectors 2.7.1 Rear panel connectors 3 1 4 5 6 9 8 7 2 13 1. 12 11 10 PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse. 2. Serial connector. This 9-pin COM1 port is for serial devices. 3. LAN (RJ-45) port. Supported by Atheros L1 Gigabit LAN controller, this port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. Refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indications.
Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration Port Light Blue Lime Pink Orange Black Gray Headset 2-channel Line In Line Out Mic In – – – 4-channel 6-channel 8-channel Line In Front Speaker Out Mic In – Rear Speaker Out – Line In Front Speaker Out Mic In Center/Subwoofer Rear Speaker Ou – Line In Front Speaker Out Mic In Center/Subwoofer Rear Speaker Out Side Speaker Out 10. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices. 11. USB 2.
2.7.2 1. Internal connectors Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) This connector is for the provided floppy disk drive (FDD) signal cable. Insert one end of the cable to this connector, then connect the other end to the signal connector at the back of the floppy disk drive. M3A Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable connection when using a FDD cable with a covered Pin 5. ® FLOPPY PIN 1 NOTE: Orient the red markings on the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1.
2. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) The onboard IDE connector is for the Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable. 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. M3A PRI_IDE NOTE: Orient the red markings (usually zigzag) on the IDE ribbon cable to PIN 1.
3. AMD® SB600 Southbridge Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1 [red]; SATA2 [black]; SATA3 [red]; SATA4 [black]) These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk and optical disk drives. If you install SATA hard disk drives to the SATA1/2/3/4 connectors, you can create a RAID 0, RAID 1, or RAID 0+1 configuration through the onboard AMD® SB600 controller.
4. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB 78; USB910) M3A 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. PIN1 USB78 USB+5V USB_P9USB_P9+ GND USB910 M3A USB 2.
5. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 3-pin CHA_FAN1; 3-pin PWR_FAN) The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350 mA~2000 mA (24 W max.) or a total of 1 A~7 A (84 W 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.
6. 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 component is removed or replaced. The signal is then generated as a chassis intrusion event. ® CHASSIS M3A Chassis intrusion connector 7.
8. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 4-pin ATX12V) These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.
9. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.
11. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. SPEAKER +5V Ground Ground Speaker PLED- PLED+ M3A PLED IDE_LED Reset Ground PWR Ground ® IDE_LED+ IDE_LED- PANEL RESET PWRSW * Requires an ATX power supply. M3A System panel connector • 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.
12. ASUS Q-Connector (system panel) You 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 QConnector. 1. Connect the front panel cables to the ASUS Q-Connector. Refer to the labels on the Q-Connector to know the detailed pin definitions, then match them to the respective front panel cable labels. 2-32 2.
This chapter describes the power up sequence, the vocal POST messages, and ways of shutting down the system.
3 Chapter summary 3.1 Starting up for the first time......................................................... 3-1 3.2 Turning off the computer..............................................................
3.1 Starting up for the first time 1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover. 2. Be sure that all switches are off. 3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis. 4. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector. 5. Turn on the devices in the following order: 6. a. Monitor b. External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain) c.
3.2 Turning off the computer 3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function If you are using Windows® XP: 1. Click the Start button then select Turn Off Computer. 2. Click the Turn Off button to shut down the computer. 3. The power supply should turn off after Windows® shuts down. If you are using Windows® Vista™: 1. 2. Click the Start button then select ShutDown. The power supply should turn off after Windows® shuts down. 3.2.
This chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
4 Chapter summary 4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS............................................. 4-1 4.2 BIOS setup program..................................................................... 4-9 4.3 Main menu................................................................................... 4-12 4.4 Advanced menu.......................................................................... 4-17 4.5 Power menu.................................................................................
4.1 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 floppy disk or USB flash disk.) 3. ASUS AFUDOS (Updates the BIOS using a bootable floppy disk.) 4.
Quit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility. Updating the BIOS through the Internet To update the BIOS through the Internet: 4- 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. 3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network traffic, or click Auto Select.
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: 1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate.
4.1.2 1. Creating a bootable floppy disk Do either one of the following to create a bootable floppy disk. DOS environment a. Insert a 1.44MB floppy disk into the drive. b. At the DOS prompt, type format A:/S then press . Windows® XP environment a. Insert a 1.44 MB floppy disk to the floppy disk drive. b. Click Start from the Windows® desktop, then select My Computer. c. Select the 3 1/2 Floppy Drive icon. d. Click File from the menu, then select Format. A Format 3 1/2 Floppy Disk window appears.
4.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 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 2 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 2: 1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. 2.
4.1.4 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.
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. Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the prompt type: afudos /i[filename] where [filename] is the latest or the original BIOS file on the bootable floppy disk. A:\>afudos /iM3A.ROM 4. The utility verifies the file and starts updating the BIOS. A:\>afudos /iM3A.
4.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 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, the floppy disk, or the USB flash disk that contains the updated BIOS file. • Prepare the motherboard support CD, the floppy disk or the USB flash disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility.
4.2 BIOS setup program This motherboard supports a programmable Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) chip that you can update using the provided utility described in section “4.1 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.
4.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Main Menu bar Advanced Power System Time System Date Legacy Diskette A Primary IDE Master Primary IDE Slave SATA1 SATA2 SATA3 SATA4 Storage Configuration Configuration fields General help BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit [15:13:25] [Thu 09/20/2007] [1.44M, 3.5 in] [Not [Not [WDC [Not [Not [Not System Information Detected] Detected] WD800JD-00LSA0] Detected] Detected] Detected] Use [ENTER], [TAB] or [SHIFT-TAB] to select a field.
4.2.4 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, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items. 4.2.5 System Time System Date Legacy Diskette A Language Use [ENTER], [TAB], or [SHIFT-TAB] to select a field. [06:22:54] [Thu 07/26/2007] [1.44M, 3.
4.3 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 4.2.1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen items and how to navigate through them. Main Advanced Power System Time System Date Legacy Diskette A Primary IDE Master Primary IDE Slave SATA1 SATA2 SATA3 SATA4 Storage Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit [15:13:25] [Thu 09/20/2007] [1.44M, 3.
4.3.4 Primary IDE Master/Slave 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 to display the IDE device information. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main SATA 1 Device : Hard Disk Vendor : WDC WD800JD-00LSA0 Size : 80.
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 [Disabled] Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 4.3.
Block (Multi-sector Transfer) M [Auto] Enables or disables data multi-sectors transfers. When set to [Auto], the data transfer from and to the device occurs multiple sectors at a time if the device supports multi-sector transfer feature. When set to [Disabled], the data transfer from and to the device occurs one sector at a time. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] PIO Mode [Auto] Selects the PIO mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4] DMA Mode [Auto] Selects the DMA mode.
4.3.7 System Information This menu gives you an overview of the general system specifications. The BIOS automatically detects the items in this menu. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main AMIBIOS Version :0111 Build Date :10/05/07 Processor Type :AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3500+ Speed Count :2200MHz :1 System Memory Usable Size :1024 MB F1 F10 ESC Select Screen Select Item General Help Save and Exit Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.
4.4 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.
The following two items appear only when you set the Ai Overclocking item to [Manual]. FSB Frequency [XXX] Displays the frequency sent by the clock generator to the system bus and PCI bus. Use the <+> and <-> keys to adjust the FSB frequency. You can also type the desired FSB frequency using the numeric keypad. The values range from 200 to 600. Refer to the table below for the correct Front Side Bus and CPU External Frequency settings.
Processor Voltage [Auto] Allows selection of the Processor Voltage. Configuration options: [Auto] [0.8000V] [0.8250V] [0.8500V] ~ [1.6500V] [1.6750V] [1.7000V] Refer to the CPU documentation before setting the processor voltage. Setting a high voltage may damage the CPU! The following item appears only when you set the Ai Overclocking item to [Manual] and [Standard]. DRAM Voltage [Auto] Allows selection of the DRAM Voltage. Configuration options: [Auto] [1.90V] [1.95V] [2.00V] [2.05V] [2.10V] [2.15V] [2.
2T Mode [Auto] Allows selection of the 2T Mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] DRAM Timing Mode [Auto] Allows selection of the DRAM Timing Mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [DCT 0] The following sub-items appear only when you set the DRAM Timing Mode item to [DCT 0].
4.4.3 CPU Configuration The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. Advanced BIOS SETUP UTILITY CPU Configuration Module Version: 13.16 AGESA Version: 3.1.1.0 Physical Count: 1 Logical Count: 1 Enable/Disable Secure Virtual Machine Mode (SVM) AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3500+ Revision: G2 Cache L1: 128 KB Cache L2: 512 KB Cache L3: N/A Speed : 2200MHz, NV Clk: N/A Current FSB Multiplier: 11x Maximum FSB Multiplier: 11x Able to chabge Freq.
Bank Interleaving [Auto] Allows you to enable or disable the bank memory interleaving. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] MemClk Tristate C3/ATLVID [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable MemClk Tri-Stating during C3 and Alt VID. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Memory Hole Remapping [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable memory remapping around memory hole.
Peer-to-Peer among GFX/GFX2 [Disabled] Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] GPP Slots Power Limit, W [25] Use the <+> and <-> keys to change the value or type the desired value using the numeric keypad. The values range from 0 to 255.
4.4.5 OnBoard Devices Configuration Advanced BIOS SETUP UTILITY Onboard Devices Configuraiton Serial Port1 Address HD Audio Azalia Device Front Panel support Type Onboard LAN OnBoard NIC OPTROM Primary Display Adapter [3F8/IRQ4] [Auto] [HD Audio] [Enable] [Disabled] [PCI-E] Allows BIOS to select Serial Port1 Base Addresses. +F1 F10 ESC Select Screen Select Item Change Option General Help Save and Exit Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.
4.4.6 PCI PnP The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices. Take caution when changing the settings of the PCI PnP menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. Advanced BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced PCI/PnP Settings WARNING: Setting wrong values in below sections may cause system to malfunction.
4.4.7 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. Advanced BIOS SETUP UTILITY USB Configuration USB Devices Enabled: None USB Functions USB 2.0 Controller USB 2.0 Controller Mode BIOS EHCI Hand-off Legacy USB Support [Enabled] [Enabled] [HiSpeed] [Enabled] [Auto] Enables support for legacy USB. AUTO option disables legacy support if no USB devices are connected.
4.5 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. Main Advanced Power Suspend Mode ACPI 2.0 Support ACPI APIC Support BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] Select the ACPI state used for System Suspend. APM Configuration Hardware Monitor +F1 F10 ESC Select Screen Select Item Change Option General Help Save and Exit Exit v02.
4.5.4 APM Configuration Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY APM Configuration Restore on AC Power Loss Power On By PCI Devices Power On By PCIE Devices Power On By External Modems Power On By RTC Alarm Power On By PS/2 Keyboard Power On By PS/2 Mouse Options [Power Off] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] Power Off Power On Last State +F1 F10 ESC Select Screen Select Item Change Option General Help Save and Exit Exit v02.
Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable RTC to generate a wake event. When this item is set to Enabled, the items RTC Alarm Date / RTC Alarm Hour / RTC Alarm Minute / RTC Alarm Second will become user-configurable with set values. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled] Allows you to disable the Power On by PS/2 keyboard function or set specific keys on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system.
CPU Fan / Chassis Fan / Power Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] / [N/A] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the motherboard, the field shows N/A. Vcore Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard voltage regulators. Select [Ignored] if you do not want to detect this item.
4.6 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press to display the sub-menu. Main Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Boot Device Priority Boot Settings Configuration Security Specifies the Boot Device Priority sequence. A virtual floppy disk drive (Floppy Drive B:) may appear when you set the CD-ROM drive as the first boot device.
4.6.2 Boot Settings Configuration BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Boot Settings Configuration Quick Boot Full Screen Logo AddOn ROM Display Mode Bootup Num-Lock PS/2 Mouse support Wait for ‘F1’ if Error Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display Chassis Intrusion [Enabled] [Enabled] [Force BIOS] [On] [Auto] [Enabled] [Enabled] [Enabled] Allows BIOS to skip certain tests while booting. This will decrease the time needed to boot the system.
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] Chassis Intrusion [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the Chassis Intrusion function.
4.6.3 Security The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item then press to display the configuration options. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Security Settings Supervisor Password User Password :Not Installed :Not Installed to change password. again to disabled password. Change Supervisor Password Change User Password Enter F1 F10 ESC Select Screen Select Item Change General Help Save and Exit Exit v02.
BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Security Settings Supervisor Password User Password :Installed :Installed Change Supervisor Password User Access Level Change User Password Clear User Password Password Check to change password. again to disabled password. [Full Access] [Setup] Enter F1 F10 ESC Select Screen Select Item Change General Help Save and Exit Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc.
4.7 Tools menu The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select an item then press to display the sub-menu. Main Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Press ENTER to run the utility to select and update BIOS. This utility doesn't support : 1.NTFS format ASUS EZ Flash 2 Select Screen Select Item Change Field +Enter Go to Sub Screen F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2007, American Megatrends, Inc. 4.7.
4.8 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. Main Advanced Power Exit Options Exit & Save Changes Exit & Discard Changes Discard Changes BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Exit system setup after saving the changes. F10 key can be used for this operation.
4-38 Chapter 4: BIOS setup
This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with the motherboard package.
5 Chapter summary 5.1 Installing an operating system.................................................... 5-1 5.2 Support CD information............................................................... 5-1 5.3 Software informtion...................................................................... 5-9 5.4 RAID configurations................................................................... 5-30 5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk........................................................
5.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows® XP/64-bit XP/Vista/64-bit Vista operating systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware. 5.2 • 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.
5.2.2 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 - Drivers Installation Wizard Installs all of the drivers through the installation wizard. AMD Chipset Program Driver Installs the AMD® Chipset drivers for the AMD 770 chipset. ATI RAID/AHCI Controller Driver Installs the ATI® RAID/AHCI controller drivers.
5.2.3 Utilities menu The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports. ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Utilities Installs all of the utilities through the installation wizard. ASUS Cool ‘n’ Quiet Utility Installs the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ software. Atheros Ethernet utility Installs the Atheros Ethernet utility. ASUS AI Gear2 Installs the ASUS AI Gear 2 utility. ASUS AI Nap Installs the ASUS AI Nap utility.
Before using the ASUS Update, make sure that you have an Internet connection so that you can connect to the ASUS website. ATI WEBPAM Installs the ATI WebPAM RAID Utility. 5.2.4 Make Disk menu The Make Disk menu contains items to create the AMD 770 SATA/RAID driver disk. Make ATI RAID Driver Allows you to create an AMD® Serial ATA RAID driver disk. Make ATI 32bit Vista RAID Allows you to create an AMD® Serial ATA RAID driver disk for 32bit Windows Vista™ operating system.
5.2.5 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. 5.2.6 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.
5.2.7 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.
5.3 Software information Most of the applications in the support CD have wizards that will conveniently guide you through the installation. View the online help or readme file that came with the software application for more information. 5.3.1 ASUS MyLogo2™ The ASUS MyLogo2™ utility lets you customize the boot logo. The boot logo is the image that appears on screen during the Power‑On Self-Tests (POST).
7. When the logo images appear on the right window pane, select an image to enlarge by clicking on it. 8. Adjust the boot image to your desired size by selecting a value on the Ratio box. 9. When the screen returns to the ASUS Update utility, flash the original BIOS to load the new boot logo. 10. After flashing the BIOS, restart the computer to display the new boot logo during POST.
5.3.2 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology The motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology that dynamically and automatically change the CPU speed, voltage, and amount of power depending on the task the CPU performs. Enabling Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology To enable Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology: 1. Turn on the system and enter BIOS by pressing the key during the Power On Self-Tests (POST). 2. Go to Advanced > CPU Configuration > AMD Cool ‘n’Quiet function and set it to [Enabled]. See section “4.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Windows® Vista From the Windows® Vista operating system, click Start. Select Control Panel. Make sure the Control Panel is set to Classic View. Double-click the Personalization icon in the Control Panel then click the Screen Saver item. Click “Change power settings...”. The following dialogue box appears. From the Preferred plans, select Power saver. Close all windows. ASUS M3A • Make sure to install the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ driver and application before using this feature.
Launching the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software The motherboard support CD includes the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software that enables you to view your system’s real-time CPU Frequency and voltage. Make sure to install the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software from the motherboard support CD. Refer to section 5.2.3 Utilities menu for details. To launch the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ program: 5-12 1. If you are using Windows® XP and Vista, click the Start button. Select All Programs > ASUS > Cool & Quiet > Cool & Quiet vX.XXX. 2.
5.3.3 Audio configurations The Realtek® ALC883 audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the ultimate audio experience on your computer. The software provides JackSensing function, S/PDIF Out support, and interrupt capability. The ALC883 also includes the Realtek® proprietary UAJ® (Universal Audio Jack) technology for all audio ports, eliminating cable connection errors and giving users plug and play convenience.
Information Click the information button ( ) to display information about the audio driver version, DirectX version, audio controller, audio codec, and language setting. Minimize Click the minimize button ( ) to minimize the window. Exit Click the exit button ( ) to exit the Realtek HD Audio Manager. Configuration options Click any of the tabs in this area to configure your audio settings.
Mixer The Mixer option allows you to configure audio output (playback) volume and audio input (record) volume. To set the mixer options: 1. From the Realtek HD Audio Manager, click the Mixer tab. 2. Turn the volume buttons to adjust the Playback and/or Record volume. The Mixer option activates voice input from all channels by default. Make sure to set all channels to mute ( ) if you do not want voice input. 3.
Microphone The Microphone option allows you configure your input/output settings and to check if your audio devices are connected properly. To set the Microphone options: 1. From the Realtek HD Audio Manager, click the Microphone tab. 2. Click the Noise Suppression option button to reduce the static background noise when recording. 3. Click the Acoustic Echo Cancellation option button to reduce the echo from the front speakers when recording. 4.
5.3.4 ASUS PC Probe II PC Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects and alerts you of any problem with these components. PC Probe II senses fan rotations, CPU temperature, and system voltages, among others. Because PC Probe II is software-based, you can start monitoring your computer the moment you turn it on. With this utility, you are assured that your computer is always at a healthy operating condition.
Button Function Opens the Configuration window Opens the Report window Opens the Desktop Management Interface window Opens the Peripheral Component Interconnect window Opens the Windows Management Instrumentation window Opens the hard disk drive, memory, CPU usage window Shows/Hides the Preference section Minimizes the application Closes the application Sensor alert When a system sensor detects a problem, the main window right handle turns red, as the illustrations below show.
Hardware monitor panels The hardware monitor panels display the current value of a system sensor such as fan rotation, CPU temperature, and voltages. The hardware monitor panels come in two display modes: hexagonal (large) and rectangular (small). When you check the Enable Monitoring Panel option from the Preference section, the monitor panels appear on your computer’s desktop.
Monitoring sensor alert The monitor panel turns red when a component value exceeds or is lower than the threshold value. Refer to the illustrations below. Small display Large display WMI browser Click to display the WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation) browser. This browser displays various Windows® management information. Click an item from the left panel to display on the right panel. Click the plus sign (+) before WMI Information to display the available information.
PCI browser Click to display the PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) browser. This browser provides information on the PCI devices installed on your system. Click the plus sign (+) before the PCI Information item to display available information. Usage The Usage browser displays real-time information on the CPU, hard disk drive space, and memory usage. Click to display the Usage browser. CPU usage The CPU tab displays realtime CPU usage in line graph representation.
Memory usage The Memory tab shows both used and available physical memory. The pie chart at the bottom of the window represents the used (blue) and the available physical memory. Configuring PC Probe II Click to view and adjust the sensor threshold values. The Config window has two tabs: Sensor/Threshold and Preference. The Sensor/ Threshold tab enables you to activate the sensors or to adjust the sensor threshold values.
5.3.5 ASUS AI Gear 2 ASUS AI Gear 2 provides four system performance options that allows you to select the best performance setting for your computing needs. This easy-to-use utility adjusts the processor frequency and vCore voltage to minimize system noise and power consumption. After installing AI Suite from the bundled support CD, you can launch AI Gear 2 by double-clicking the AI Suite icon on your Windows OS taskbar and then click the AI Gear 2 button on the AI Suite main window.
5.3.6 ASUS AI Nap This feature allows you to minimize the power consumption of your computer whenever you are away. Enable this feature for minimum power consumption and a more quiet system operation. After installing AI Suite from the bundled support CD, you can launch the utility by double-clicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows OS taskbar and click the AI Nap button on the AI Suite main window. Click Yes on the confirmation screen.
5.3.7 ASUS Q-Fan 2 This ASUS Q-Fan 2 Control feature allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU Q-Fan 2 or the Chassis Q-Fan 2 for more efficient system operation. After enabling the Q-Fan 2 function, the fans can be set to automatically adjust depending on the temperature, to decrease fan speed, or to achieve the maximum fan speed.
5.4 RAID configurations The motherboard comes with the AMD® SB600 Southbridge RAID controller that allows you to configure Serial ATA hard disk drives as RAID sets. The motherboard supports the following RAID configurations. RAID 0 (Data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and write data in parallel, interleaved stacks.
5.4.2 AMD® RAID configurations The AMD® RAID controller supports RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 0+1configurations. You may also set the RAID configurations in Windows® OS after you have installed the Serial ATA RAID driver. See section 5.2.4 Make Disk menu for details. Setting the RAID item in BIOS You must set the RAID item in the BIOS Setup before you can create a RAID set(s). To do this: 1. Boot up your computer, and press during POST to enter the BIOS setup. 2.
AMD® FastBuild™ Utility To enter the AMD® FastBuild™ utility: 1. Boot up your computer. 2. Press during POST to display the main menu of the utility. FastBuild (tm) Utility (c) 2004-2005 AMD Technology, Inc. [ Main Menu ] View Drive Assignments........[1] Define LD.....................[2] Delete LD.....................[3] Controller Configuration......[4] [ Keys Available ] Press 1..4 to Select Option [ESC] Exit The Main Menu above allows you to select an operation to perform.
Creating a RAID 0 configuration To create a RAID 0 set: 1. In the Main Menu, press <2> to enter the “Define LD” function. 2. Press , and the following screen appears. FastBuild (tm) Utility (c) 2004-2005 AMD Technology, Inc.
Creating a RAID 1 configuration To create a RAID 1 set: 1. In the Main Menu, press <2> to enter the “Define LD” function. 2. Press , and the following screen appears. FastBuild (tm) Utility (c) 2004-2005 AMD Technology, Inc.
Creating a RAID 0+1 configuration To create a RAID 0+1 set: 1. In the Main Menu, press <2> to enter the “Define LD” function. 2. Press , and the following screen appears. FastBuild (tm) Utility (c) 2004-2005 AMD Technology, Inc.
Deleting a RAID configuration To create a RAID set: 1. In the Main Menu, press <3> to enter the “Delete LD” function. 2. Select the RAID item you want to delete and press or . FastBuild (tm) Utility (c) 2004-2005 AMD Technology, Inc.
5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk A floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows® XP/Vista operating system on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set. To create a RAID driver disk: 1. Boot your computer. 2. Press during POST to enter the BIOS setup utility. 3. Set the optical drive as the primary boot device. 4. Save changes and exit BIOS. 5. Insert the support CD into the optical drive. 6.
5-34 Chapter 5: Software support
