Asus M2A-MX User Manual
Motherboard
M2A-MX
ii
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”).
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the
product is defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS,
LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE),
EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY
DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.
SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR
INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE,
AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO
RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS
MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or
copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the
owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.
E3416
First Edition
October 2007
iii
Contents
Notices ......................................................................................................... vi
Safety information ..................................................................................... vii
About this guide ....................................................................................... viii
M2A-MX specications summary ............................................................... x
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome! ..................................................................................... 1-2
1.2 Package contents .........................................................................
1-2
1.3 Special features ............................................................................
1-2
1.3.1 Product highlights ...........................................................
1-2
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ..............................................
1-4
1.4 Before you proceed .....................................................................
1-6
1.5 Motherboard overview .................................................................
1-7
1.5.1 Motherboard layout .........................................................
1-7
1.5.2 Placement direction ........................................................
1-8
1.5.3 Screw holes ....................................................................
1-8
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ...................................................
1-9
1.6.1 Installing the CPU ...........................................................
1-9
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan .......................................
1-11
1.7 System memory .........................................................................
1-13
1.7.1 Overview .......................................................................
1-13
1.7.2 Memory congurations ..................................................
1-13
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM ..........................................................
1-19
1.7.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................
1-19
1.8 Expansion slots ..........................................................................
1-20
1.8.1 Installing an expansion card .........................................
1-20
1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card .....................................
1-20
Interrupt assignments ................................................................... 1-21
1.8.3 PCI slots ........................................................................
1-23
1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot .......................................................
1-23
1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot .....................................................
1-23
1.9 Jumpers ......................................................................................
1-24
1.10 Connectors .................................................................................
1-26
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors ..................................................
1-26
1.10.2 Internal connectors .......................................................
1-28
iv
Contents
Chapter 2: BIOS setup
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 2-2
2.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................
2-2
2.1.2 Creating a bootable oppy disk .......................................
2-5
2.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash utility ......................................................
2-6
2.1.4 AFUDOS utility ................................................................
2-7
2.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility ......................................
2-9
2.2 BIOS setup program ..................................................................
2-11
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen ........................................................
2-12
2.2.2 Menu bar .......................................................................
2-12
2.2.3 Navigation keys .............................................................
2-12
2.2.4 Menu items ...................................................................
2-13
2.2.5 Sub-
menu items ............................................................ 2-13
2.2.6 Conguration elds .......................................................
2-13
2.2.7 Pop-up window .............................................................
2-13
2.2.8 General help .................................................................
2-13
2.3 Main menu ..................................................................................
2-14
2.3.1 System Time .................................................................
2-14
2.3.2 System Date .................................................................
2-14
2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A .........................................................
2-14
2.3.4 Primary IDE Master/Slave .............................................
2-15
2.3.5 SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, and SATA4 ..............................
2-16
2.3.6 IDE Conguration ..........................................................
2-17
2.3.7 System Information .......................................................
2-18
2.4 Advanced menu .........................................................................
2-19
2.4.1 JumperFree Conguration ............................................
2-19
2.4.2 CPU Conguration ........................................................
2-21
2.4.3 Chipset ..........................................................................
2-22
2.4.4 Onboard Devices Conguration ....................................
2-25
2.4.5 PCI PnP ........................................................................
2-26
2.4.6 USB Conguration ........................................................
2-27
v
Contents
2.5 Power menu ................................................................................ 2-28
2.5.1 Suspend Mode .............................................................
2-28
2.5.2 ACPI 2.0 Support ..........................................................
2-28
2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support ......................................................
2-28
2.5.4 APM Conguration ........................................................
2-29
2.5.5 Hardware Monitor .........................................................
2-30
2.6 Boot menu ..................................................................................
2-31
2.6.1 Boot Device Priority ......................................................
2-31
2.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration ..........................................
2-32
2.6.3 Security .........................................................................
2-33
2.7 Exit menu ....................................................................................
2-35
Chapter 3: Software support
3.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 3-2
3.2 Support CD information ..............................................................
3-2
3.2.1 Running the support CD .................................................
3-2
3.2.2 Drivers menu ...................................................................
3-3
3.2.3 Utilities menu ..................................................................
3-4
3.2.4 Make Disk menu .............................................................
3-5
3.2.5 Manual menu ..................................................................
3-5
3.2.6 ASUS Contact information ..............................................
3-6
3.2.7 Other information ............................................................
3-6
vi
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. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
•
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
•
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions
from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the
Canadian Department of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian
ICES-003.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is
required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modications
to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
vii
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.
•
Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure
that all power cables are unplugged.
•
Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord.
These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.
•
Make sure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If
you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact
your local power company.
•
If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied
service technician or your retailer.
Operation safety
•
Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all
the manuals that came with the package.
•
Before using the product, make sure all cables are correctly connected and the
power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer
immediately.
•
To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from
connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.
•
Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in
any area where it may become wet.
•
Place the product on a stable surface.
•
If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied
service technician or your retailer.
The symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical
and electronic equipment, Mercury-containing button cell battery) should not
be placed in municipal waste. Please check local regulations for disposal of
electronic products.
viii
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring
the motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This manual contains the following parts:
• Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new
technology it supports. This chapter also 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.
• Chapter 2: BIOS setup
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup
menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
• Chapter 3: Software support
This chapter describes the contents of the support CD/DVD that comes with
the motherboard package.
Where to nd more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and
software updates.
1. ASUS websites
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and
software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.
2. Optional documentation
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty
yers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not
part of the standard package.
ix
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.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a
task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a
task.
Typography
Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics
Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign
means that you must press the enclosed key.
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the
Enter or Return key.
<Key1+Key2+Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the
key names are linked with a plus sign (+).
Example: <Ctrl+Alt+D>
Command Means that you must type the command exactly
as shown, then supply the required item or value
enclosed in brackets.
Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line:
format A:/S
x
M2A-MX specications summary
(continued on the next page)
CPU Support AMD socket AM2 for AMD Athlon™ 64 FX /
Athlon™ 64 X2 / Athlon™ 64 / Sempron / AM2+
processors
AMD64 architecture enables simultaneous 32-bit and
64-bit computing
Supports AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology
AMD Live!™ Ready
Chipset Northbridge: AMD 690V
Southbridge: AMD SB600
System bus 2000 / 1600 MT/s
Memory Dual-channel memory architecture 2 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 Express™ x1 slot
2 x PCI slots
Graphics Integrated ATI Radeon X1200 VPU graphics
Note: Max. UMA memory is up to 256 MB.
Storage AMD SB600 chipset supports:
- 1 x Ultra DMA 133 / 100 / 66 interface for two
(2) hard disk drives
- 4 x Serial ATA 3 Gb/s hard disk drives supporting
RAID 0, RAID 1 and RAID 0+1 congurations
High Denition Audio Realtek® ALC662 High Denition Audio 6-channel
CODEC
Supports Jack-deteck and Anti Pop Function
Supports S/PDIF out interface
LAN PCIe Gigabit LAN
BIOS features 8 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, Green, PnP, DMI v2.0,
WfM 2.0, ACPI v3.0, SM BIOS 2.5
Manageability WfM2.0, DMI2.0, WOL by PME, WOR, PXE
Special features ASUS Q-Fan
ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2
ASUS EZ Flash
ASUS MyLogo™
USB Supports up to 10 USB 2.0 / 1.1 ports (6 ports at mid-
board, and 4 ports at back panel)
xi
M2A-MX specications summary
Rear panel 1 x Parallel port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
4 x USB 2.0 ports
1 x VGA Out port
1 x COM port
1 x PS/2 keyboard port
1 x PS/2 mouse port
6-channel audio ports
Internal connectors 1 x Front panel audio connector
1 x CD audio in connector
1 x CPU fan connector
1 x Chassis fan connector
1 x Floppy disk drive connector
1 x Speaker connector
1 x IDE connector
1 x S/PDIF Out connector
1 x Chassis intrusion connector
4 x Serial ATA connectors
3 x USB 2.0 connectors for 6 additional USB 2.0 ports
24-pin ATX power connector
4-pin x ATX 12V power connector
1 x System panel connector
Power Requirement ATX power supply (with 24-pin and 4-pin 12 V plugs)
ATX 12 V 2.0 compliant
Accessories 1 x Serial ATA signal cable
1 x SATA power cable
1 x UltraDMA 133 / 100 / 66
1 x Floppy disk drive cable
1 x I/O Shield
User guide
Form Factor MicroATX: 9.6 in. x 7.6 in. (24.5 cm x 19.4 cm)
Support CD Device drivers
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS Live Update utility
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Utility
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
*Specications are subject to change without notice.
xii
1
Product
introduction
This chapter describes the motherboard
features and the new technologies
it supports.
1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS® M2A-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.
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
1.2 Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
Latest processor technology
The motherboard supports AMD socket AM2 / AM2+ single-core Athlon 64 /
Sempron and dual-core Athlon 64 X2/Athlon 64 FX processors with 2 MB / 1 MB /
512 KB L2 cache, which is based on 64-bit architecture. It features 2000 / 1600
MT/s HyperTransport Bus, dual-channel un-buffered DDR2 800 memory support
and AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology. See page 1-9 for details.
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. See page 2-21 for details.
Motherboard ASUS M2A-MX motherboard
Cables 1 x Serial ATA signal cable
1 x Serial ATA power cable
1 x Ultra DMA 133 / 100 / 66 cable
1 x Floppy disk drive cable
Accessories I/O shield
Application CD ASUS motherboard support CD
Documentation User guide
ASUS M2A-MX 1-3
AMD® 690V
and ATI SB600 chipsets
The AMD® 690V Chipset delivers a Windows Vista
TM
Premmium experience. This
Northbridge is the latest AMD chipset designed to support AMD SempronTM, AMD
Athlon
TM
64, Athlon
TM
64 FX, Athlon
TM
64 FX x2 CPU. It boosts your gaming and
multimedia experience with integrated ATI Radeon x1200 Graphics. It also features
800 / 1000MHz HyperTransport (HT) interface speeds, Microsoft DirectX 9.0, Pixel
Shader V2.0 and dual VGA outputs. The AMD SB600 chipset buid-in ATA 133
controller supports RAID 0, 1 and, 0+1. See page 1-30 and 2-17 for details.
DDR2 memory support
The motherboard supports DDR2 memory which features data transfer rates of
800 MHz / 667 MHz / 533 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of
the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel
DDR2 architecture doubles the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system
performance, eliminating bottlenecks with peak bandwidths of up to 12.8 GB/s.
See page 1-13 for details.
PCI Express™ interface
The motherboard fully supports PCI Express, the latest I/O interconnect
technology that speeds up the PCI bus. PCI Express features point-to-point serial
interconnections between devices and allows higher clockspeeds by carrying data
in packets. This high speed interface is software compatible with existing PCI
specications. See page 1-23 for details.
Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology
The motherboard supports next-generation SATA hard drives based on the new
SATA 3Gb/s storage specication. The onboard AMD® SB600 allows RAID 0, RAID
1 and RAID 0+1 congurations for four SATA connectors. See pages 1-30 and
2-17 for details.
Gigabit LAN solution
PCI Express Gb LAN controller delivers transfer speeds up to ten times faster than
conventional 10/100/1000 Ethernet connections. Gigabit LAN is the networking
standard for the early future and is ideal for handling large amounts of data such
as video, audio, and voice. See page 1-26 for details.
1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features
6-channel high denition audio
Onboard is the Realtek® ALC662 High Denition Audio 6-channel audio CODEC.
This CODEC is fully-compliant with Intel® High Denition Audio standard (192 KHz,
24-bit audio). With the CODEC, 6-channel audio ports, and S/PDIF interfaces,
you can connect your computer to home theater decoders to produce crystal-clear
digital audio.
USB 2.0 technology
The motherboard implements the Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 specication,
dramatically increasing the connection speed from the 12 Mbps bandwidth on USB
1.1 to a fast 480 Mbps on USB 2.0. USB 2.0 is backward compatible with USB 1.1.
See pages 1-25, 1-27 and 1-32 for details.
ASUS Q-Fan technology
The ASUS Q-Fan technology smartly adjusts the CPU fan speeds according to the
system loading to ensure quiet, cool, and efcient operation.
See page 2-30 for details.
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 2-9 for details.
ASUS EZ Flash
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
oppy disk. See page 2-6 for details.
ASUS MyLogo™
This new feature present in the motherboard allows you to personalize and add
style to your system with customizable boot logos. See page 2-32 for details.
ASUS M2A-MX 1-5
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. eliminates the need to open the system
chassis and clear the RTC data. Simply shut down and reboot the system, and the
BIOS automatically restores the CPU default setting for each parameter. See page
1-24 for details.
1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction
Onboard LED
The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate
that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder
that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before
removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below
shows the location of the onboard LED.
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.
• Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic
pad or in the bag that came with the component.
• Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power
supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power
supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard,
peripherals, and/or components.
M2A-MX
R
M2A-MX Onboard LED
SB_PWR
ON
Standby
Power
OFF
Powered
Off
ASUS M2A-MX 1-7
1.5.1 Motherboard layout
1.5 Motherboard overview
19.4cm (7.6in)
24.5cm (9.6in
)
FLOPPY
Socket AM2
PS/2KBMS
T: Mouse
B: Keyboard
EATXPWR
SPEAKER
SB_PWR
DDR2 DIMM_A
1
(64 bit,240-pin module)
DDR2 DIMM_B1 (64 bit,240-pin module
)
PCI2
PCI1
PCIEX16
PCIEX1_1
AUDIO
F_USB34
LAN1_USB12
CLRTC
PRI_IDE
CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
CHASSIS
SPDIF_OUT
SATA4
SATA3
SATA1
SATA2
8Mb
BIOS
USB910
F_PANEL
USB78
USB56
AMD
690V
AAFP
CD
ALC662
Super I/O
Attansic
L1
ICS
951462AGLF
COM1
COM2
PARALLEL PORT
ATX12V
CPU_FAN
CHA_FAN
PS2_USBPW
AMD
SB600
M2A-MX
R
1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction
M2A-MX
R
Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
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.
Place this side towards
the rear of the chassis
ASUS M2A-MX 1-9
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2 socket designed for the AMD
Athlon™ 64 FX / Athlon™ 64 x2 / Athlon™ 64 / Sempron™ / AM2+ 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 ts 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!
1.6.1 Installing the CPU
To install a CPU.
1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.
2. Unlock the socket by pressing the
lever sideways, then lift it up to a
90°-100° angle.
Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90°-100° angle, otherwise the
CPU does not t in completely.
Socket lever
M2A-MX
R
M2A-MX CPU Socket M2
1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction
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 ts in place.
The CPU ts 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.
6. Install a CPU heatsink and fan
following the instructions that came
with the heatsink package.
Gold triangle
Small triangle
7. Connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU_FAN connector on the motherboard.
Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors
can occur if you fail to plug this connector.
M2A-MX
R
M2A-MX CPU Fan Connector
CPU_FAN
GND
CPU FAN PWR
CPU FAN IN
CPU FAN PWM
ASUS M2A-MX 1-11
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan
The AMD Athlon™ 64 FX / Athlon™ 64 x2 / Athlon™ 64 / Sempron™ processor
require a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal
condition and performance.
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
ts properly on the retention module base.
Retention Module Base
CPU Heatsink
CPU Fan
Retention bracket lockRetention bracket
Make sure that you use only qualied heatsink and fan assembly.
• The retention module base is already installed on the motherboard
upon purchase.
• You do not have to remove the retention module base when
installing the CPU or installing other motherboard components.
• If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, make
sure that a Thermal Interface Material is properly applied to the CPU
heatsink or CPU before you install the heatsink and fan assembly.
Your boxed CPU heatsink and fan assembly should come with installation
instructions for the CPU, heatsink, and the retention mechanism. If the
instructions in this section do not match the CPU documentation, follow the
latter.
1-12 Chapter 1: Product introduction
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.
4. Push down the retention bracket lock on the retention mechanism to secure
the heatsink and fan to the module base.
Make sure that the fan and
heatsink assembly perfectly ts
the retention mechanism module
base; otherwise, you cannot snap
the retention bracket in place.
ASUS M2A-MX 1-13
1.7.2 Memory congurations
You may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR2
DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.
1.7 System memory
1.7.1 Overview
The motherboard comes with two 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.
The gure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets:
Channel Sockets
Channel A DIMM_A1
Channel B DIMM_B1
Recommended memory congurations
Sockets
Mode DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1
Single-Channel
– Populated
Populated –
Dual-channel Populated Populated
M2A-MX
R
M2A-MX
240-pin DDR2 DIMM Sockets
112 Pins
128 Pins
DIMM_A1
DIMM_B1
1-14 Chapter 1: Product introduction
• When using only one memory module, start installing the DDR2 DIMM from
slot DIMM_A1 or DIMM_B1 for better overclocking capability.
• Always use identical DDR2 DIMM pairs for dual channel mode. For
optimum compatibility, we recommend that you obtain memory modules
from the same vendor.
Important notice on installing Windows® Vista / XP 32-bit version
If you install Windows® Vista / XP 32-bit version Operating System (OS), the
limitation of this OS version is that it may reserve a certain amount of memory
space for system devices. We recommend that you install less than 3 GB
system memory if you would like to work under Windows® Vista / XP 32-bit
version OS. The excess memory installation will not cause any usage problem,
but it will not give users the benet of manipulating this excess memory space.
64-bit
Windows® XP Professional x64 Edition
Windows® Vista x64 Edition
The motherboard can support 4 GB physical memory on the operating system
listed below. You may install a maximum of 2 GB DIMMs on each slot.
ASUS M2A-MX 1-15
Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR2-533 MHz capability
DIMM support
Size Vendor Model Side(s) Component A B
256MB AENEON AET560UD00-370A98Z SS AET94F370AWVV34635G0520 • •
512MB AENEON AET660UD00-370A98Z SS AET93F370A G 0513 • •
512MB AENEON AET660UD00-370A98Z SS AET93F370A 3VV36328G 0522 • •
512MB AENEON AET660UD00-370A98X SS AET93F370A 0518 • •
512MB AENEON AET660UD00-370A88S DS AET82F370A 0550 • •
512MB AENEON AET660UD00-370B97X SS AET93R370B 0640 • •
1G AENEON AET760UD00-370A98Z DS AET93F370A 0551 • •
1G AENEON AET760UD00-370A98S DS AET92F370A 0606 • •
1G AENEON AET760UD00-370B97X DS AET93R370B 0640 • •
2G AENEON AET860UD00-370A08X DS AET03F370AFVV26176G 0542 • •
512MB Corsair VS512MB533D2 DS MIII0052532M8CEC •
512MB Elpida EBE51UD8ABFA-5C-E SS E5108AB-5C-E •
256MB HY HYMP532U64CP6-C4 AB SS HY5PS121621CFP-C4 •
1G HY HYMP512U64CP8-C4 AB DS HY5PS12821CFP-C4 •
256MB Kingmax KLBB68F-36EP4 SS E5116AB-5C-E •
512MB Kingmax KLBC28F-A8KB4 SS KKEA88B4IAK-37 •
512MB Kingmax KLBC28F-A8EB4 SS E5108AE-5C-E •
256MB Kingston KVR533D2N4/256 SS E5116AB-5C-E •
256MB Kingston KVR533D2N4/256 SS E5116AF-5C-E •
512MB Kingston KVR533D2N4/512 DS HY5PS56821F-C4 •
512MB Kingston KVR533D2N4/512 SS HYB18T512800AF3733336550 •
1G Kingston KVR533D2N4/1G DS D6408TE7BL-37 •
512MB Micron MT 16HTF6464AG-53EB2 DS D9BOM •
512MB Micron MT 16HTF6464AG-53EB2 DS Z9BQT •
1G Micron MT 16HTF12864AY-53EA1 DS D9CRZ •
512MB PQI MEAB-323LA SS D2-E04180W025 •
1G PQI MEAB-423LA DS D2-E04230W107 •
256MB Qimonda HYS64T32000HU-3.7-A SS HYB18T512160AF-3.7AFSS31270 •
512MB Qimonda HYS64T64000GU-3.7-A SS HYB18T512800AC37SSS11511 •
512MB Qimonda HYS64T64000HU-3.7-A SS HYB18T512800AF37SSS12079 •
512MB Qimonda HYS64T64000HU-3.7-A SS HYB18T512800AF37FSS29334 •
512MB REMAXEL RML1040EG38D6F-533 SS E5108AG-5C-E • •
256MB Samsung M378T3253FG0-CD5 SS K4T56083QF-GCD5 •
512MB Samsung M378T6553BG0-CD5 SS K4T51083QB-GCD5 •
512MB Transcend 512MB DDR2 533 ECC SS 6ND22D9GCT(ECC) •
512MB VERITECH GTP512HLTM46DG SS VTD264M8PC6G01A164129621 • •
1G VERITECH GTP01GHLTM56DG DS VTD264M8PC6G01A164129621 • •
1-16 Chapter 1: Product introduction
Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR2-667 MHz capability
512MB ADATA M20EL5G3H3160B1C0Z SS E5108AE-6E-E •
513MB ADATA M20AD5G3H3166I1C52 SS AD29608A8A-3EG20648 •
1G ADATA M2OAD5G3I4176I1C52 DS AD29608A8A-3EG20645 •
512MB AENEON AET660UD00-30DA98Z SS AET93F30DA 0552 • •
512MB AENEON AET660UD00-30DB97X SS AET93R300B 0634 • •
512MB AENEON AET660UD00-30DA98Z SS AET93F300A 0606 • •
1G AENEON AET760UD00-30DA98Z DS AET93F30DA8EE47414G 0540 • •
1G AENEON AET760UD00-30DA98Z DS AET93F30DA 0604 • •
1G AENEON AET760UD00-30DB97X DS AET93R300B 0639 • •
512MB Apacer 78.91092.420 SS E5108AE-6E-E •
512MB Apacer AU512E667C5KBGC SS AM4B5708MIJS7E0627B •
512MB Apacer AU512E667C5KBGC SS AM4B5708GQJS7E06332F •
1G Apacer AU01GE667C5KBGC DS AM4B5708GQJS7E0636B •
1G Apacer 78.01092.420 DS E5108AE-6E-E •
1G Apacer AU01GE667C5KBGC DS AM4B5708MIJS7E0627B •
512MB Century CENTURY 512MB SS NT5TU64M8AE-3C • •
512MB Century CENTURY 512MB SS HY5PS12821AFP-Y5 • •
1G Century CENTURY 1G DS HY5PS12821AFP-Y5 • •
1G Century CENTURY 1G DS NT5TU64M8AE-3C • •
512MB Corsair VS512MB667D2 DS MIII0052532M8CEC •
512MB Corsair CM2X512-5400C4 SS Heat-Sink Package •
1G Corsair VS1GB667D2 DS MID095D62864M8CEC •
512MB GEIL GX21GB5300DC SS Heat-Sink Package • •
256MB HY HYMP532U64CP6-Y5 AB SS HY5PS121621CFP-Y5 •
512MB HY HYMP564U64AP8-Y4 AA SS HY5PS12821AFP-Y4 •
512MB HY HYMP564U64AP8-Y5 AA SS HY5PS12821AFP-Y5 •
512MB HY HYMP564U72AP8-Y4 SS HY5PS12821AFP-Y4(ECC) •
512MB HY HYMP564U72AP8-Y5 SS HY5PS12821AFP-Y5(ECC) •
1G HY HYMP512U72AP8-Y5 DS HY5PS12821AFP-Y5(ECC) •
1G HY HYMP512U64AP8-Y5 AB DS HY5PS12821AFP-Y5 •
1G HY HYMP512U64CP8-Y5 AB DS HY5PS12521CFP-Y5 •
512MB KINGBOX 512MB 667MHz SS EPD264082200-4 • •
1G KINGBOX DDRII 1G 667MHz DS EPD264082200-4 • •
512MB Kingmax KLCC28F-A8EB5 SS E5108AE-6E-E •
512MB Kingmax KLCC28F-A8KB5 SS KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX •
1G Kingmax KLCD48F-A8KB5 DS KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX •
256MB Kingston KVR667D2N5/256 SS E2508AB-6E-E •
512MB Kingston KVR667D2N5/512 SS D6408TE8WL-27 •
512MB Kingston KVR667D2E5/512 SS E5108AE-6E-E(ECC) •
1G Kingston KVR667D2N5/1G DS D6408TE8WL-3 •
1G Kingston KVR667D2N5/1G DS D6408TEBGGL3U •
512MB MDT MDT 512MB SS 18D51280D-30648 • •
1G MDT MDT 1024MB DS 18D51200D-30646 • •
1G MDT MDT 1024MB DS 18D51280D-30646E • •
DIMM support
Size Vendor Model Side(s) Component A B
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