ASUS M2N-MX User Manual

Motherboard

M2N-MX

ii

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”).

Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or
altered, unless such repair, modication 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 identication or
explanation and to the owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.

E2719

First Edition V1
August 2006

iii

Contents

Notices ................................................................................................ vi

Safety information ..............................................................................vii

M2N-MX specications summary ........................................................viii

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 ......................................

1-5

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 congurations .........................................

1-13

1.7.3 Installing a DIMM ...................................................

1-15

1.7.4 Removing a DIMM ..................................................

1-15

1.8 Expansion slots ...................................................................

1-16

1.8.1 Installing an expansion card ..................................

1-16

1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card ..............................

1-16

1.8.3 PCI slots ................................................................

1-18

1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot ...............................................

1-18

1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot .............................................

1-18

1.9 Jumpers ..............................................................................

1-19

1.10 Connectors .........................................................................

1-21

1.10.1 Rear panel connectors ..........................................

1-21

1.10.2 Internal connectors ...............................................

1-22

iv

Contents

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ........................................ 2-2

2.1.1 Creating a bootable oppy 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 ................................................

2-8

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 Conguration elds ...............................................

2-13

2.2.7 Pop-up window ......................................................

2-13

2.2.8 Scroll bar ...............................................................

2-13

2.2.9 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 IDE Conguration ..................................................

2-15

2.3.5 Primary IDE Master/Slave ......................................

2-15

2.3.6 SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, and SATA4 ....................

2-17

2.3.7 System Information

............................................... 2-18

2.4 Advanced menu ..................................................................

2-19

2.4.1 CPU Conguration .................................................

2-19

2.4.2 Chipset .................................................................

2-20

2.4.3 Onboard Devices Conguration .............................

2-23

2.4.4 PCI PnP ..................................................................

2-24

2.4.5 USB Conguration .................................................

2-25

2.4.6 Jumperfree Conguration .....................................

2-26

2.5 Power menu ........................................................................

2-28

2.5.1 Suspend Mode .......................................................

2-28

2.5.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume .................................

2-28

2.5.3 ACPI Support ........................................................

2-28

v

Contents

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 ...........................................................

3-6

3.2.6 ASUS Contact information ......................................

3-7

3.2.7 Other information ...................................................

3-7

3.3 Creating a RAID driver disk ...................................................

3-9

2.5.4 ACPI APIC Support ................................................

2-28

2.5.5 APM Conguration ................................................

2-29

2.5.6 Hardware Monitor ..................................................

2-30

2.6 Boot menu ..........................................................................

2-31

2.6.1 Boot Device Priority ..............................................

2-31

2.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration .................................

2-32

2.6.3 Security .................................................................

2-33

2.7 Tools menu .........................................................................

2-35

2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ....................................................

2-35

2.8 Exit menu ............................................................................

2-35

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 modications 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
qualied 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

qualied service technician or your retailer.

The symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product
(electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in municipal
waste. Please check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.

viii

M2N-MX specications summary

(continued on the next page)

CPU

Chipset

Front Side Bus

Memory

Expansion slots

Graphics

Storage

High Denition Audio

LAN

USB

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

NVIDIA® nForce 430/GeForce6100

2000/1600 MT/s

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

1 x PCI Express™ x16 slot
1 x PCI Express™ x1 slot
2 x PCI slots

Integrated in the NVIDIA® GeForce™ 6100 Graphics
Processing Unit (GPU)

High denition video processing with maximum
resolution of 1920 x 1440 x 32bpp pixels (@75Hz)

NVIDIA® nForce™430 media and communications
processor (MCP) supports:

- 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100 interfaces for two (2) hard
disk drives

- 4 x Serial ATA 3 Gb/s hard disk drives Supports
RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, JBOD

SoundMAX® ADI AD1986A 6 channels CODEC
Supports Jack-Sensing & Enumeration technology
S/PDIF OUT interface

ATTANSIC Gigabit LAN PHY

Supports up to 10 USB 2.0/1.1 ports

ix

M2N-MX specications summary

Manageability

Special features

BIOS features

Rear panel

Internal Connector

Power Requirement

Form Factor

Support CD contents

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.

4 Mb Flash ROM, Award BIOS,Green, PnP, DMI, Wfm2.0,
ACPI v 2.0a, SM BIOS v 2.3

1 x Parallel port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
4 x USB 2.0 ports
1 x VGA port
1 x COM1 port
1 x PS/2 keyboard port
1 x PS/2 mouse port
6-channel audio ports

1 x 10-pin Azalia Analog Front panel connector
1 x CD audio in connector
1 x CPU fan connector
1 x Chassis fan connectors
1 x Floppy disk drive connector
1 x S/PDIF Out connector
1 x PRI_IDE connectors
4 x Serial ATA connectors
3 x USB 2.0 connectors for 6 additional USB 2.0 ports
1 x 24-pin ATX power connector
1 x 4-pin x ATX 12V power connector
1 x System panel connector

ATX power supply (with 24-pin and 4-pin 12 V plugs)
ATX 12 V 2.0 compliant

uATX: 9.6 in. x 8.8 in.

Device drivers
ASUS PC Probe II
AMD Cool ‘n’Quiet™ utility
ASUS Live Update utility
Anti-virus software (OEM version)

*Specications are subject to change without notice.

x

1

Product

introduction

This chapter describes the motherboard
features and the new technologies
it supports.

1-2 Chap t e r 1: P r o d u ct i n t r o duct i o n

1.1 Welcome!

T h a n k y o u f o r b u y i n g a n A S U S® M 2 N - M X m o t h e r b o a r d !

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.

Motherboard ASUS M2N-MX motherboard

Cables 1 x Serial ATA signal cables
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

1.3 Special features

1. 3. 1 Pr od uc t h ig hl ig h ts

Lat es t p ro ce ss o r te c hn ol og y

The motherboard supports AMD socket AM2 single-core Athlon 64/
Sempron and dual-core Athlon 64 X2/Athlon 64 FX processors with
2MB/1MB/512KB 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.

ASUS M 2 N -MX 1-3

NVI DI A® Ge Fo rc e ™ 61 00 GP U
and N VI D IA® nF or ce ™ 4 30 MC P ch i ps et s

The NVIDIA® GeForce™ 6100 graphics processing unit (GPU) Northbridge
supports Microsoft® DirectX 9.0 Shader Model 3.0, and PCI Express
interface.

The NVIDIA® nForce™ 430 media and communications processor (MCP)
Southbridge delivers NVIDIA® Gigabit and NVIDIA® MediaShield storage

management technology allowing easy RAID conguration (RAID 0, RAID 1,

RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD) for Serial ATA 3Gb/s.

DDR 2 me m or y sup po rt

The motherboard supports DDR2 memory which features data transfer

rates of 800MHz/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 pages 1-13 to
1-16 for details.

PCI E xp r es s™ i n te rf a ce

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 specications. See page 1-20 for details.

AMD C oo l ‘ n’ Q u ie t T ec hn ol o gy

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.

1-4 Chap t e r 1: P r o d u ct i n t r o duct i o n

Ser ia l A TA 3 Gb/ s te c hn ol og y

The motherboard supports next-generation SATA hard drives based on

the new SATA 3Gb/s storage specication. The onboard NVIDIA

®

nForce

430 MCP southbridge allows RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD

congurations for four SATA connectors.

Gig ab it LA N so l ut io n

Gb LAN controller delivers transfer speeds up to ten times faster than
conventional 10/100 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.

USB 2 .0 te ch n ol og y

The motherboard implements the Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0

specication, 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 1-28 for details.

Hig h De f in it io n A ud i o

SoundMAX is the highest performing, most reliable and user-friendly PC
audio solution for business professionals, audiophiles, musicians, and
gamers. Hear crystal-clear quality from all your audio - MP3 playback, home
theatre, advanced gaming, VOIP and more, and never worry - SoundMAX

high-denition audio is there to enhance your experience!

ASUS M 2 N -MX 1-5

1. 3. 2 In no va ti v e AS US fe at ur es

ASU S Cr a sh Fr ee BI OS 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.

ASU S EZ Fl as h 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 oppy disk. See page 2-3 for details.

ASU S Q- F an t ech no lo g y

The ASUS Q-Fan technology smartly adjusts the fan speeds according to
the system loading to ensure quiet, cool, and efcient operation.
See page 2-31 for details.

C.P .R . ( CP U Par am et e r Re ca l l)

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.

ASU S My L og o2 ™

This feature allows you to personalize and add style to your system with
customizable boot logos.

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.

M2N-MX

R

M2N-MX Onboard LED

SB_PWR

ON

Standby

Power

OFF

Powered

Off

ASUS M2N-MX 1-7

1. 5. 1 Mo th er bo a rd l ay o ut

1.5 Motherboard overview

22.4cm (8.8in)

DDR2 DIMM_A1 (128 bit,240-pin module)

DDR2 DIMM_B1 (128 bit,240-pin module)

DDR2 DIMM_A2 (128 bit,240-pin module)

DDR2 DIMM_B2 (128 bit,240-pin module)

EATXPWR

PRI_IDE

FLOPPY

Socket M2

PWR_FAN

SATA3

SATA1

SATA4

SATA2

NVIDIA MCP61G

M2N-MX

24.5cm (9.6in

)

PANEL

USB78

USB910

USB56

PCI2

PCI1

PCIEX1_1

PCIEX16

CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

R

SB_PWR

SPDIF_O

AAFP

CPU_FAN

4Mb BIOS

Super I/O

AD1986A

ATTANSIC

F001

CD

PS2_USB_PWR

ATX12V

PS/2KBMS
T: Mouse
B: Keyboard

PARALLEL

POR

T

AUDIO

LAN_USB34

USB12

VGA COM1

CLRTC

1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction

M2N-MX

R

Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.

1. 5. 2 Pl ac em en t d ir ec t io n

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.

Place t h i s s i d e t o w a r d s
the r e a r o f t h e c h a s s i s

1. 5. 3 Sc re w ho l es

Place six (6) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the
motherboard to the chassis.

ASUS M2N-MX 1-9

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 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 I n st al li n g th e C PU

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.

Socke t l e v e r

M2N-MX

R

M2N-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 t r i a n g l e

Small t r i a n g l e

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.

M2N-MX

R

M2N-MX Fan Connectors

CPU_FAN

GND

CPU FAN PWR

CPU FAN IN

CPU FAN PWM

PWR_FAN

GND

Rotation

+12V

ASUS M2N-MX 1-11

1. 6. 2 In st al li n g th e h ea ts in k a nd f an

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.

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.

Reten t i o n M o d u l e B a s e

CPU H e a t s i n k

CPU F a n

Reten t i o n b r a c k e t l o c kReten t i o n b r a c k e t

Make sure that you use only qualied 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 M2N-MX 1-13

1. 7. 2 Me mo ry c o nf ig ur a ti on s

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 Ov er vi ew

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.

The gure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets:

Re co mm en d ed M em o ry C on fig ur at io n s

Sockets

DIMM_A1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 DIMM_B2
Populated - - -

- Populated - -

- - Populated -

- - - Populated
Populated - Populated -

- Populated - Populated
Populated Populated Populated Populated

Mode

Single Channel

Dual-channel (1)

Dual-channel (2)

Channel Sockets

Channel A DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2
Channel B DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2

M2N-MX

R

M2N-MX 240-pin DDR2 DIMM Sockets

DIMM_B1

DIMM_A2

DIMM_B2

DIMM_A1

112 Pins128 Pins

1-14 Chapter 1: Product introduction

* For dual-channel memory conguration (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 Qualied Vendors List.

Important notice on installing Windows® XP 32-bit version

If you install Windows® 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

®

XP

32-bit version OS. The excess memory installation will not cause any

usage problem, but it will not give users the benet of manipulating this

excess memory space.

Visit the ASUS FAQ site for further
explanation:
http://support.asus.com/faq/faq.
aspx?SLanguage=en-us
Under General Search, make the
selections as shown, then click
Search. Click the article titled “4GB

memory installed but less memory size detected.”

You also may check the URLs below for third party comments on this
issue:
http://dlsvr01.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/4GB_Rev1.pdf
http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/server/sb/cs-016594.htm

Windows® 2000 Advanced Server
Windows® Server 2003 Enterprise

Edition

Windows® Server 2003 Standard
x64 Edition

Windows® XP Professtional x64
Edition

Windows® Server 2003 Enterprise
x64 Edition

32-bit 64-bit

ASUS M2N-MX 1-15

1. 7. 3 In st al li n g a DI M M

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.

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.

Unlo c k e d r e t a i n i n g c l i p

DDR2 D I M M n o t c h

1. 7. 4 Re mo vi ng a DI MM

To remove a DIMM:

1. Simultaneously press the
retaining clips outward to unlock
the DIMM.

2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.

Support the DIMM lightly with your ngers when pressing the retaining
clips. The DIMM might get damaged when it ips out with extra force.

DDR2 D I M M n o t c h

1

• A DDR2 DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it ts in only one

direction. DO NOT force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the
DIMM.

• The DDR2 DIMM sockets do not support DDR DIMMs. Do not install
DDR DIMMs to the DDR2 DIMM sockets.

3

2

1

1

2

1

1

1-16 Chapter 1: Product introduction

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.

1. 8. 1 In st al li n g an e x pa ns io n c ar d

To install an expansion card:

1. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that
came with it and make the necessary hardware settings for the card.

2. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already
installed in a chassis).

3. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep
the screw for later use.

4. Align the card connector with the slot and press rmly until the card is

completely seated on the slot.

5. Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier.

6. Replace the system cover.

1. 8. 2 Co nf ig ur i ng a n e xp an si o n ca rd

After installing the expansion card, congure it by adjusting the software

settings.

1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any.
See Chapter 2 for information on BIOS setup.

2. Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page.

3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.

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.

ASUS M2N-MX 1-17

Sta nd ar d i nt er r up t a ss ig nm e nt s

IRQ Priority Standard Function

0 1 System Timer
1 2 Keyboard Controller
2 – Re-direct to IRQ#9
3 11 IRQ holder for PCI steering*
4 12 Communications Port (COM1)*
5 13 IRQ holder for PCI steering*
6 14 Floppy Disk Controller
7 15 Printer Port (LPT1)*
8 3 System CMOS/Real Time Clock
9 4 IRQ holder for PCI steering*
10 5 IRQ holder for PCI steering*
11 6 IRQ holder for PCI steering*
12 7 PS/2 Compatible Mouse Port*
13 8 Numeric Data Processor
14 9 Primary IDE Channel
15 10 Secondary IDE Channel

* These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices.

When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support

“Share IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments; otherwise,
conicts will arise between the two PCI groups, making the system

unstable and the card inoperable.

IRQ a ss i gn me nt s f or th is m o th er bo a rd

A B C D

PCI slot 1 used — — —
PCI slot 2 — used — —

1-18 Chap t e r 1: P r o d u ct i n t r o duct i o n

1. 8. 3 PC I sl ot s

The PCI slots support cards such as
a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and
other cards that comply with PCI

specications. The gure shows a

LAN card installed on a PCI slot.

1. 8. 4 PC I Ex pr e ss x 1 s lo t

This motherboard supports PCI
Express x1 network cards, SCSI
cards and other cards that comply

with the PCI Express specications.
The following gure shows a network

card installed on the PCI Express x1
slot.

1. 8. 5 PC I Ex pr e ss x 16 sl ot

This motherboard has supports
PCI Express x16 graphic cards
that comply with PCI Express

specications. The gure shows a

graphics card installed on the PCI
Express x16 slot.

ASUS M 2 N -MX 1-19

1.9 Jumpers

1. Cle a r R T C R A M ( C LR T C)
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. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the
cap on pins 2-3 for about 5~10 seconds, then move the cap back to
pins 1-2.

4. Reinstall the battery.

5. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.

6. Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS
setup to re-enter data.

Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC
jumper default position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!

You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to
overclocking. For system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU
Parameter Recall) feature. Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS
can automatically reset parameter settings to default values.

M2N-MX

R

M2N-MX Clear RTC RAM

CLRTC

Normal Clear RTC

(Default)

2 3

1 2

1-20 Chap t e r 1: P r o d u ct i n t r o duct i o n

2. USB d ev i ce w ake - up (3- p in P S2 _ U SB _ 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.

M2N-MX

R

M2N-MX

USB Device Wake Up

3

2

2

1

PS2_USB_PWR

(Default)

+5V

+5VSB

ASUS M 2 N -MX 1-21

Refer to the audio conguration table for the function of the audio ports
in 2, 4, or 6,-channel conguration.

1.10 Connectors

1. 10 .1 R ea r p an el c o nn ec to rs

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.

LAN p or t L ED i n di ca t io ns

LAN p o r t

SPEED

LED

ACT/

LINK

4. Line In port (light blue). This port connects a tape, CD, DVD player, or
other audio sources.

5. Line Out port (lime). This port connects a headphone or a speaker. In

4-channel/ 6-channel conguration, the function of this port becomes

Front Speaker Out.

6. Microphone port (pink). This port connects a microphone.

ACT/LINK LED SPEED LED

Status Description Status Description

OFF No link OFF 10 Mbps connection
Orange Linked ORANGE 100 Mbps connection
BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1 Gbps connection

1

11

4

5

6

7

2 3

8

10

9

1-22 Chap t e r 1: P r o d u ct i n t r o duct i o n

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. Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) port. This 15-pin port is for a VGA
monitor or other VGA-compatible devices.

10. COM port. This port is for pointing devices or other serial devices.

11. PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.

Au d io 2 , 4 , or 6- ch a nn el co nf ig u ra ti on

Light Blue Line In Surround Out Surround Out
Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out
Pink Mic In Mic Center/Bass

Port Headset 4-speaker 6-speaker
2-speaker

1. 10 .2 I nt er n al c on n ec to rs

1. Flo p p y d isk dr i v e c onn e ct o r ( 3 4-1 pin FL O P PY )

This connector is for the provided oppy 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 oppy disk drive.

Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable connection
when using an FDD cable with a covered Pin 5.

M2N-MX

R

M2N-MX Floppy Disk Drive Connector

PIN 1

NOTE:

Orient the red markings on

the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1.

FLOPPY

ASUS M 2 N -MX 1-23

2. IDE c on n ect o rs ( 40 - 1 p i n P R I_ I D E)
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 congure your device(s).

• Pin 20 on the IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole
on the Ultra DMA cable connector. This prevents incorrect insertion
when you connect the IDE cable.

• Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 IDE
devices.

If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select,” make sure all other device
jumpers have the same setting.

Black or gray

Drive jumper Mode Cable
setting of device(s) connector

Single device Cable-Select or Master - Black
Two devices Cable-Select Master Black
Slave Gray
Master Master
Slave Slave

M2N-MX

R

M2N-MX IDE Connector

NOTE: Orient the red markings

(usually zigzag) on the ID
ribbon cable to PIN 1.

PRI_IDE

PIN1

1-24 Chap t e r 1: P r o d u ct i n t r o duct i o n

3. Ser i a l A TA c on n e ct o rs
(7- p in S AT A 1 , S ATA 2 , S A TA 3 , S A TA4 )

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 specication.

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).

If you install Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID

0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD conguration through the

onboard NVIDIA® MediaShield™ controller.

Important note on Serial ATA

Install the Windows® 2000 Service Pack 4 or the Windows® XP Service
Pack1 before using Serial ATA.

• For detailed instructions on how to congure RAID 0, 1, 0+1, 5,and

JBOD, refer to the RAID manual in the support CD.

• The RAID function of these connectors is set to [Disabled] by
default. If you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these
connectors, enable the RAID Enabled item in the NVRAID

Conguration sub-menu in the BIOS. See section “2.4.3 Onboard
Device Conguration” for details.

M2N-MX

R

M2N-MX

SATA Connectors

GND

RSATA_TXP3

RSATA_TXN3

GND
RSATA_RXP3
RSATA_RXN3

GND

GND

RSATA_TXP4

RSATA_TXN4

GND

RSATA_RXP4

RSATA_RXN4

GND

SATA3

GND
RSATA_TXP1
RSATA_TXN1

GND
RSATA_RXP1
RSATA_RXN1

GND

SATA1

SATA4

GND

RSATA_TXP2

RSATA_TXN2

GND

RSATA_RXP2

RSATA_RXN2

GND

SATA2

ASUS M 2 N -MX 1-25

4. CPU , Ch a ssi s , a n d P owe r Fa n c o nne c tor s
(4- p in C PU _ F AN , 3- p in C HA _ FAN 1 )

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.

Insufcient air ow inside the system may damage the motherboard

components. These are not jumpers! DO NOT place jumper caps on the
fan connectors.

5. Dig i t al aud i o c o nn e cto r ( 4 - 1 p in S PDI F _O U T )
This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface

(S/PDIF) port(s). Connect the S/PDIF module cable to this connector,
then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system
chassis.

The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.

Only CPU Fan connector supports Q-Fan function.

M2N-MX

R

M2N-MX CPU Fan Connector

CPU_FAN

GND

CPU FAN PWR

CPU FAN IN

CPU FAN PWM

M2N-MX

R

M2N-MX

Digital Audio Connector

+5V

SPDIFOUT

GND

SPDIF_O

1-26 Chap t e r 1: P r o d u ct i n t r o duct i o n

Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will
damage the motherboard!

6. USB c on n ect o rs ( 10 - 1 p i n U S B56 , U S B78 , US B 91 0 )
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 specication that supports up to 480 Mbps

connection speed.

7. Opt i c al dri v e a u di o in co n n ec t or ( 4- p i n C D)
These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound

sources such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card.

The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately.

M2N-MX

R

M2N-MX

USB 2.0 Connectors

USB56

USB+5V

USB_P6-

USB_P6+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P5-

USB_P5+

GND

1

USB78

USB+5V

USB_P8-

USB_P8+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P7-

USB_P7+

GND

1

USB910

USB+5V

USB_P10-

USB_P10+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P9-

USB_P9+

GND

1

M2N-MX

R

M2N-MX

Internal Audio Connector

CD

(black)

Right Audio Channel

Left Audio Channel

Ground

Ground

ASUS M 2 N -MX 1-27

8. Fro n t p a nel au d i o c onn e ct o r ( 1 0-1 pin AA F P )
This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module

that supports either High Denition Audio or AC`97 audio standard.

Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this
connector.

• We recommend that you connect a high-denition front panel audio
module to this connector to avail of the motherboard high-denition

audio capability.

• If you want to connect a high-denition front panel audio module to
this connector, make sure that the HD Audio item in the BIOS is set
to [Enabled].

M2N-MX

R

M2N-MX Azalia Analog Front Panel Connector

HP_HD

MIC2_L

HP_R

HP_L

MIC2_JD

Jack_Sense

MIC2_R

PRESENSE#

AGND

AAFP

1-28 Chap t e r 1: P r o d u ct i n t r o duct i o n

9. ATX p ow e r c o nn e c to r s ( 2 4-p i n E ATX P WR, 4- p i n A TX1 2 V)
These connectors are for an ATX power supply. The plugs from

the power supply are designed to t these connectors in only one
orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down rmly until the
connectors completely t.

•

We recommend that you use an ATX 12 V Specication

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.

•

If you intend to use a PSU with 20-pin and 4-pin power plugs, make
sure that the 20-pin power plug can provide at least 15 A on +12
V and that the PSU has a minimum power rating of 300 W. The
system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is
inadequate.

•

Do not forget to connect the 4-pin ATX +12 V power plug;

otherwise, the system will not boot up.

• We recommend that you use a PSU with higher power output when

conguring a system with more power-consuming devices. The

system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is
inadequate.

•

You must install a PSU with a higher power rating if you intend to
install additional devices.

M2N-MX

R

M2N-MX A

TX Power Connector

EATXPWR

+3 Volts

+3 Volts

Ground

+5 Volts

+5 Volts

Ground

Ground

Power OK

+5V Standby

+12 Volts

-5 Volts

+5 Volts

+3 Volts

-12 Volts

Ground

Ground
Ground
PSON#

Ground

+5 Volts

+12 Volts

+3 Volts

+5 Volts

Ground

EATX12V

GND

+12V DC

GND

+12V DC

ASUS M 2 N -MX 1-29

10. Sys t em p an e l c o nn e c to r (2 0 -1 p in PAN E L)

This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

•

Sys t em p ow e r L E D
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.

•

Har d di s k d riv e ac t iv i t y L ED
This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD

Activity LED cable to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or ashes

when data is read from or written to the HDD.

•

Sys t em w ar n ing spe a ke r
This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning
speaker. The speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.

•

Pow e r/S o ft - off but t on
This connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power
button turns the system ON or puts the system in SLEEP or SOFT-OFF
mode depending on the BIOS settings. Pressing the power switch for
more than four seconds while the system is ON turns the system OFF.

•

Res e t b u tt o n
This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for
system reboot without turning off the system power.

M2N-MX

R

M2N-MX

System Panel Connector

PANEL

PLED-

+5V

Speaker

SPEAKER

PLED

Ground

Reset

Reset

Ground

Ground

PLED+

IDE_LED-

IDE_LED+

IDE_LED

PWR

Ground

PWRSW

1-30 Chap t e r 1: P r o d u ct i n t r o duct i o n

2

BIOS setup

This chapter tells how to change
the system settings through the BIOS
Setup menus. Detailed descriptions
of the BIOS parameters are also
provided.

2-2

Chap t e r 2: B I O S setu p

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 oppy disk or
the motherboard support CD.)

2. ASUS AFUDOS (Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a bootable oppy
disk.)

3.

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 (Updates the BIOS using a bootable oppy

disk, or the motherboard support CD when the BIOS le fails or gets

corrupted.)

4.

ASUS Update (Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.)

Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.

2. 1. 1 Cr ea ti ng a bo ot a bl e fl opp y di sk

1. Do either one of the following to create a bootable oppy disk.

DOS environment

a. Insert a 1.44MB oppy disk into the drive.

b. At the DOS prompt, type

format A:/S then press <Enter>.

Windows® XP environment

a. Insert a 1.44 MB oppy disk to the oppy 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.

e. Select

Create an MS-DOS startup disk from the format options

eld, then click Start.

Windows® 2000 environment

To create a set of boot disks for Windows® 2000:

a. Insert a formatted, high density 1.44 MB oppy disk into the drive.

b. Insert the Windows

®

2000 CD to the optical drive.

c. Click

Start, then select Run.

d. From the Open eld, type

D:\bootdisk\makeboot a:
assuming that D: is your optical drive.
e. Press <Enter>, then follow screen instructions to continue.

Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS le to a bootable oppy
disk or a USB ash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the

future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update or
AFUDOS utilities.

ASUS M 2 N -MX

2-3

2. Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS le to the bootable
oppy disk.

2. 1. 2 AS US E Z F la sh u til it y

The ASUS EZ Flash feature allows you to update the BIOS without having

to go through the long process of booting from a oppy disk and using

a DOS-based utility. The EZ Flash utility is built-in the BIOS chip so it is
accessible by pressing <Alt> + <F2> during the Power-On Self Tests
(POST).

To update the BIOS using EZ Flash:

1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS

le for the motherboard and rename the same to M2N-MX.ROM.

2. Save the BIOS le to a oppy disk, then restart the system.

3. Press <Alt> + <F2> during POST to display the following.

EZFlash starting BIOS update

Checking for oppy...

4. Insert the oppy disk that contains the BIOS le to the oppy disk
drive. When the correct BIOS le is found, EZ Flash performs the BIOS

update process and automatically reboots the system when done.

EZFlash starting BIOS update

Checking for oppy...
Floppy found!
Reading le “M2N-MX.rom”. Completed.

Start erasing.......|

Start programming...|
Flashed successfully. Rebooting.

• Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to
prevent system boot failure!

• A “Floppy not found!” error message appears if there is no oppy

disk in the drive. A “M2N-MX.ROM not found!” error message appears

if the correct BIOS le is not found in the oppy disk. Make sure that
you rename the BIOS le to M2N-MX.ROM.

2-4

Chap t e r 2: B I O S setu p

2. 1. 3 AF UD OS u t il it y

The AFUDOS utility allows you to update the BIOS le in DOS environment
using a bootable oppy disk with the updated BIOS le. This utility also
allows you to copy the current BIOS le that you can use as backup when

the BIOS fails or gets corrupted during the updating process.

Cop yi ng th e cu r re nt BI OS

To copy the current BIOS le using the AFUDOS utility:

Main f i l e n a m e E x t ension name

1. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support

CD to the bootable oppy disk you created earlier.

2. Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the prompt type:

afudos /o[lename]

where the [lename] is any user-assigned lename not more than
eight alphanumeric characters for the main lename and three

alphanumeric characters for the extension name.

A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom

• Make sure that the oppy disk is not write-protected and has at
least 1024KB free space to save the le.

• The succeeding BIOS screens are for reference only. The actual BIOS
screen displays may not be same as shown.

The utility returns to the DOS prompt after copying the current BIOS

le.

3. Press <Enter>. The utility copies the current BIOS le to the oppy

disk.

A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom

AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB))

Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reading ash ..... done

Write to le...... ok

A:\>

ASUS M 2 N -MX

2-5

Upd at in g t he BI OS f i le

To update the BIOS le using the AFUDOS utility:

1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) and download the latest BIOS

le for the motherboard. Save the BIOS le to a bootable oppy disk.

2. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support

CD to the bootable oppy disk you created earlier.

3. Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the prompt type:

afudos /i[lename]

A:\>afudos /iM2N-MX.ROM

Write the BIOS lename on a piece of paper. You need to type the exact
BIOS lename at the DOS prompt.

5. The utility returns to the DOS prompt after the BIOS update process is
completed. Reboot the system from the hard disk drive.

A:\>afudos /iM2N-MX.ROM

AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB))

Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.

WARNING!! Do not turn off power during ash BIOS

Reading le ....... done

Reading ash ...... done

Advance Check ......

Erasing ash ...... done

Writing ash ...... done

Verifying ash .... done

Please restart your computer

A:\>

A:\>afudos /iM2N-MX.ROM

AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB))

Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.

WARNING!! Do not turn off power during ash BIOS

Reading le ....... done

Reading ash ...... done

Advance Check ......

Erasing ash ...... done

4. The utility veries the le and starts updating the BIOS.

Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to
prevent system boot failure!

2-6

Chap t e r 2: B I O S setu p

2. 1. 4 AS US C ra s hF re e BIO S 2 ut i li ty

The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to

restore the BIOS le when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating
process. You can update a corrupted BIOS le using the motherboard
support CD or the oppy disk that contains the updated BIOS le.

• Prepare the motherboard support CD, or the oppy disk containing

the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility.

• Make sure that you rename the original or updated BIOS le in the
oppy disk or the USB ash disk to M2N-MX.ROM.

Rec ov er i ng t he BI OS fr om a fl op p y di sk

To recover the BIOS from a oppy disk:

1. Turn on the system.

2. Insert the oppy disk with the original or updated BIOS le to the
oppy disk drive.

3. The utility displays the following message and automatically checks

the oppy disk for the original or updated BIOS le.

Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...

Checking for oppy...

When found, the utility reads the BIOS le and starts ashing the

corrupted BIOS le.

Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...
Checking for oppy...
Floppy found!
Reading le “M2N-MX.ROM”. Completed.
Start ashing...

DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing
so can cause system boot failure!

ASUS M 2 N -MX

2-7

Rec ov er i ng t he BI OS fr om t h e su p po rt C D

To recover the BIOS from the support CD:

1. Remove any oppy disk from the oppy 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 oppy disk for the original or updated BIOS le.

Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...
Checking for oppy...
Floppy not found!
Checking for CD-ROM...
CD-ROM found!
Reading le “M2N-MX.ROM”. Completed.
Start ashing...

When no oppy disk is found, the utility automatically checks the

optical drive for the original or updated BIOS le. The utility then
updates the corrupted BIOS le.

Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...
Checking for oppy...

4. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.

4. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.

The recovered BIOS may not be the latest BIOS version for this
motherboard. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the

latest BIOS le.

2-8

Chap t e r 2: B I O S setu p

Ins ta ll i ng A SUS U pd a te

To install ASUS Update:

1. Place the support CD in the optical drive. The

Drivers menu appears.

2. Click the

Utilities tab, then click Install ASUS Update. See page 5-3 for

the Utilities screen menu.

3. The ASUS Update utility is copied to your system.

2. 1. 5 AS US U pd a te u ti lit y

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.

ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network
or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Quit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this
utility.

ASUS M 2 N -MX

2-9

3. Select the ASUS FTP site
nearest you to avoid network
trafc, or click Auto Select.
Click Next.

Upd at in g t he BI OS t h ro ug h t he I n te rn et

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.

2-1 0

Chap t e r 2: B I O S setu p

Upd at in g t he BI OS t h ro ug h a B IO S f il e

To update the BIOS through a BIOS le:

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 a le

option from the drop-down menu,
then 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.

3. Locate the BIOS le from the

Open window, then click Open.

4. Follow the screen instructions to
complete the update process.

ASUS M 2 N -MX

2-11

• The default BIOS settings for this motherboard apply for most
conditions to ensure optimum performance. If the system becomes
unstable after changing any BIOS settings, load the default settings
to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Setup
Defaults item under the Exit Menu. See section “2.8 Exit Menu.”

• The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes
only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.

• Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS

le for this motherboard.

2.2 BIOS setup program

This motherboard supports a programmable rmware 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,

reconguring your system, or prompted to“Run Setup.” This section
explains how to congure your system using this utility.

Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you can change

the conguration of your computer in the future. For example, you can

enable the security password feature or change the power management

settings. This requires you to recongure your system using the BIOS Setup
program so that the computer can recognize these changes and record

them in the CMOS RAM of the SPI chip.

The rmware chip on the motherboard stores the Setup utility. When you

start up the computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to
run this program. Press <Del> during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to

enter the Setup utility; otherwise, POST continues with its test routines.

If you wish to enter Setup after POST, reboot the system by doing any of
the following procedures:

• Re s t a r t us i n g the O S s tand a r d shut - d o w n pr o c e d ure.

• Pr e s s <Ctr l > + < A lt>+ < D e l > si m u l t aneo u s l y .

• Pr e s s the r e s e t bu t t o n on t h e syst e m c hass i s .

• Pr e s s the p o w e r bu t t o n to t u r n the s y s tem o f f then b a c k on .

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

The Setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. Being
a menu-driven program, it lets you scroll through the various sub-menus and
make your selections from the available options using the navigation keys.

2-1 2

Chap t e r 2: B I O S setu p

2. 2. 2 Me nu b ar

The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:

Main For changing the basic system conguration
Advanced For changing the advanced system settings
Power For changing the advanced power management (APM)

conguration

Boot For changing the system boot conguration
Tools For setting EZ Flash 2 and O.C. Prole.
Exit For selecting the exit options and loading default

settings

2. 2. 1 BI OS m en u s cr ee n

To select an item on the menu bar, press the right or left arrow key on the
keyboard until the desired item is highlighted.

Some of the navigation keys differ from one screen to another.

Navig a t i o n k e y sSub-m e n u i t e m s

2. 2. 3 Na vi ga ti o n ke ys

At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for
that particular menu. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu
and change the settings.

Gener a l h e l p

Menu b a r C o n figuration fieldsMenu i t e m s

Use [ENTER], [TAB]

or [SHIFT-TAB] to

select a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to

congure system time.

System Time [00: 38 : 56]

System Date [Tue01/01/2002]
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5in.]

IDE Conguration

Primary IDE Master : [Not Detected]

Primary IDE Slave : [Not Detected]

SATA1 : [Not Detected]

SATA2 : [Not Detected]

SATA3 : [Not Detected]

SATA4 : [Not Detected]

System Information

ASUS M 2 N -MX

2-1 3

2. 2. 4 Me nu i te m s

The highlighted item on the menu bar

displays the specic 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 Su b- me nu it em s

A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen means that the
iteam has a sub-menu. To display the sub-menu, select the item and press
<Enter>.

2. 2. 6 Co nf ig ur a ti on f i el ds

These elds show the values for the menu items. If an item is user­congurable, you can change the value of the eld opposite the item. You
cannot select an item that is not user-congurable.

A congurable eld is enclosed in brackets, and is highlighted when
selected. To change the value of a eld, select it then press <Enter> to

display a list of options. Refer to “4.2.7 Pop-up window.”

2. 2. 7 Po p- up w i nd ow

Select a menu item then press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with

the conguration options for that item.

2. 2. 8 Sc ro ll b a r

A scroll bar appears on the right side of
a menu screen when there are items that
do not t on the screen. Press the
Up/Down arrow keys or <Page Up>
/<Page Down> keys to display the other
items on the screen.

2. 2. 9 Ge ne ra l h el p

At the top right corner of the menu
screen is a brief description of the
selected item.

System Time [11:10:19]
System Date [Thu 03/27/2003]
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in]
Legacy Diskette B [Disabled]

Primary IDE Master :[Not Detected]
Primary IDE Slave :[Not Detected]
Secondary IDE Master :[Not Detected]
Secondary IDE Slave :[Not Detected]
Third IDE Master :[Not Detected]
Fourth IDE Master :[Not Detected]
IDE Configuration

System Information

Use [ENTER], [TAB]
or [SHIFT-TAB] to
select a field.

Use [+] or [-] to
configure system time.

Select Screen
Select Item
+- Change Field
Tab Select Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

Main m e n u i t e m s

Scrol l b a r

Select Screen
Select Item

+- Change Option
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

Advanced Chipset settings

WARNING: Setting wrong values in the sections below
may cause system to malfunction.

Configure DRAM Timing by SPD [Enabled]
Memory Acceleration Mode [Auto]
DRAM Idle Timer [Auto]
DRAm Refresh Rate [Auto]

Graphic Adapter Priority [AGP/PCI]
Graphics Aperture Size [ 64 MB]
Spread Spectrum [Enabled]

ICH Delayed Transaction [Enabled]

MPS Revision [1.4]

Pop-u p w i n d o w

2-1 4

Chap t e r 2: B I O S setu p

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.

2. 3. 1 Sy st em T i me [ xx : xx :x x]

Allows you to set the system time.

2. 3. 2 Sy st em D a te [ Da y x x/ xx /xx xx ]

Allows you to set the system date.

2. 3. 3 Le ga cy D i sk et te A [1 .4 4M , 3 .5 i n.]

Sets the type of oppy drive installed. Conguration options: [Disabled]

[360K, 5.25 in.] [1.2M , 5.25 in.] [720K , 3.5 in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.] [2.88M,

3.5 in.]

Refer to section “2.2.1 BIOS menu screen” for information on the menu
screen items and how to navigate through them.

System Time [03:59:16]
System Date [Tue 01/08/2002]
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in]

IDE Conguration

Primary IDE Master :[Not Detected]
Primary IDE Slave :[Not Detected]
SATA 1 :[Not Detected]

SATA 2 :[Not Detected]

SATA 3 :[Not Detected]

SATA 4 :[Not Detected]

System Information

Use [ENTER], [TAB]

or [SHIFT-TAB] to

select a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to

congure system time.

ASUS M 2 N -MX

2-1 5

2. 3. 4 ID E Co nf i gu ra ti o n

The items in this menu allow you to set or change the congurations for

the IDE devices installed in the system. Select an item then press <Enter>

if you wish to congure the item.

IDE Conguration

Onboard IDE Controller [Enabled]
Serial-ATA Devices [Device 0/1]

nVidia RAID Function [Disabled]

Onb oa rd ID E Co n tr ol l er [ En a bl ed ]

Allows you to enable or disable the onboard IDE controller.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Ser ia l- A TA D ev i ce s [ De vi ce 0/ 1]

Allows you to disable or set the Serial-ATA devices.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Device 0] [Device 0/1]

nVi di a R AI D Fu n ct io n [ Di sa b le d]

Allows you to enable or disable the NVIDIA RAID function.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

2. 3. 5 Pr im ar y I DE M as t er /S la ve

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 <Enter> to display the IDE device information.

Third IDE Master

Device : Not Detected

Type [Auto]

LBA/Large Mode [Auto]

Block(Multi-sector Transfer) M [Auto]

PIO Mode [Auto]

DMA Mode [Auto]

SMART Monitoring [Auto]

32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]

2-1 6

Chap t e r 2: B I O S setu p

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-congurable.

These items show N/A if no IDE device is installed in the system.

Typ e [A u to ]

Selects the type of IDE drive. Setting to Auto allows automatic selection

of the appropriate IDE device type. Select CDROM if you are specically
conguring a CD-ROM drive. Select ARMD (ATAPI Removable Media Device)
if your device is either a ZIP, LS-120, or MO drive. Conguration options:

[Not Installed] [Auto] [CDROM] [ARMD]

LBA /L ar g e Mo de [A ut o ]

Enables or disables the LBA mode. Setting to Auto enables the LBA mode
if the device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously

formatted with LBA mode disabled. Conguration options: [Disabled]

[Auto]

Blo ck ( M ul ti -s e ct or Tr an sf e r) M [A ut o]

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.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

PIO M od e [ Au to ]

Selects the PIO mode.

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4]

DMA M od e [ Au to ]

Selects the DMA mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [SWDMA0]

[SWDMA1] [SWDMA2] [MWDMA0] [MWDMA1] [MWDMA2] [UDMA0]
[UDMA1] [UDMA2] [UDMA3] [UDMA4] [UDMA5]

SMA RT M o ni to ri n g [A u to ]

Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

32B it D a ta T ran sf er [E na ble d]

Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS M 2 N -MX

2-1 7

2. 3. 6 SA TA 1, S A TA 2, S ATA 3, a nd SA TA 4

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 <Enter> to display the SATA device information.

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-congurable.

These items show N/A if no IDE device is installed in the system.

Typ e [A u to ]

Selects the type of IDE drive. Setting to Auto allows automatic selection

of the appropriate IDE device type. Select CDROM if you are specically
conguring a CD-ROM drive. Select ARMD (ATAPI Removable Media Device)
if your device is either a ZIP, LS-120, or MO drive. Conguration options:

[Not Installed] [Auto] [CDROM] [ARMD]

LBA /L ar g e Mo de [A ut o ]

Enables or disables the LBA mode. Setting to Auto enables the LBA mode
if the device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously

formatted with LBA mode disabled. Conguration options: [Disabled]

[Auto]

Blo ck ( M ul ti -s e ct or Tr an sf e r) M [A ut o]

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.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

Third IDE Master

Device : Not Detected

LBA/Large Mode [Auto]

Block(Multi-sector Transfer) M [Auto]

PIO Mode [Auto]

DMA Mode [Auto]

SMART Monitoring [Auto]

32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]

2-1 8

Chap t e r 2: B I O S setu p

PIO M od e [ Au to ]

Selects the PIO mode.

Conguration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4]

DMA M od e [ Au to ]

Selects the DMA mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [SWDMA0]

[SWDMA1] [SWDMA2] [MWDMA0] [MWDMA1] [MWDMA2] [UDMA0]
[UDMA1] [UDMA2] [UDMA3] [UDMA4] [UDMA5]

SMA RT M o ni to ri n g [A u to ]

Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

32B it D a ta T ran sf er [E na ble d]

Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2. 3. 7 Sy st em I n fo rm at i on

This menu gives you an overview of the general system specications. The

BIOS automatically detects the items in this menu.

AMIBIOS

Version : 0103
Build Date : 07/04/06

Processor

Type : AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3200+
Speed : 1800MHz

Count : 1

System Memory

Usable Size: 256MB

AMI B IO S

Displays the auto-detected BIOS information

Pro ce ss o r

Displays the auto-detected CPU specication

Sys te m M em or y

Displays the auto-detected system memory

ASUS M 2 N -MX

2-1 9

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 eld values can cause the system to malfunction.

CPU Conguration

Chipset

Onboard Devices Conguration

PCIPnP

USB Conguration

Jumperfree Conguration

2. 4. 1 CP U Co nf i gu ra ti on

The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS
automatically detects.

Unlock locked CPU

and let it run at

lower multiplier
setting.

CPU Conguration

Module Version: 13.01
AGESA Version: 02.06.07
Physical Count: 1

Logical Count: 1

AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3000+
Revision: F2
Cache L1: 64KB
Cache L2: 128KB
Speed : 1800MHz
Current FSB Multiplier: 9x
Maximum FSB Multiplier: 9x
Able to Change Freq. : Yes
uCode Patch Level : None Required

GART Error Reporting [Disabled]

MTRR Mapping [Continuous]
Runtime Legacy PSB [Disabled]
ACPI 2.0 Objects [Enabled]

GAR T Er r or R ep o rt in g [ Di sa b le d]

This option should remain disabled for the normal operation. The driver
developer may enable it for testing purpose.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2-2 0

Chap t e r 2: B I O S setu p

North Bridge chipset Conguration

Memory Conguration

Memclock Mode [Auto]
MCT Timing Mode [Auto]
Enable Clock to ALL DIMMs [Disabled]
MemCLK Tristate C3/ATLVID [Disabled]
Memory Hole Remapping [Enabled]

Power Down Control [Auto]

No rt hB r i d ge C o n f ig ur at i on

2. 4. 2 Ch ip se t

The Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings.
Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.

Advanced Chipset Settings

WARNING: Setting wrong values in below sections
may cause the system to malfunction.

NorthBridge Conguration

Southbridge

Hyper Transport Conguration

MTR R Ma p pi ng [ C on ti n uo us ]

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. Conguration options: [Continuous] [Discrete]

Run ti me Le ga cy PS B [ Di sa bl e d]

Enables or disables the generation of Power State Block for use of
PowerNow(tm) driver in a single core system.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ACP I 2. 0 O bj ect s [E n ab le d]

Enables or disables the generation of ACPI_PPC, _PSS, and _PCT objects.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS M 2 N -MX

2-2 1

Con fi gu r e DR AM Ti mi n g by S P D [E n ab le d]

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. Conguration

options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

DRAM CAS# Latency [5]

Controls the latency between the SDRAM read command and the time

the data actually becomes available. Conguration options: [3] [4] [5]

[6]

DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay [6 DRAM Clocks]

Controls the latency between the DDR SDRAM active command and

the read/write command. Conguration options: [2 DRAM Clocks] [3

DRAM Clocks] [4 DRAM Clocks] [5 DRAM Clocks] [6 DRAM Clocks]

DRAM RAS# Precharge [6 DRAM Clocks]

Controls the idle clocks after issuing a precharge command to the DDR

SDRAM. Conguration options: [2 DRAM Clocks] [3 DRAM Clocks] [4

DRAM Clocks] [5 DRAM Clocks] [6 DRAM Clocks]

DRAM RAS# Activate to Precha [15 DRAM Clocks]

Conguration options: [4 DRAM Clocks] [5 DRAM Clocks]...[18 DRAM

Clocks]

DRAM Write Recovery Time [4 Clocks]

Set the write recovery timing.

DRAM TRFC [30 DRAM Clocks]

Conguration options: [20 DRAM Clocks] [25 DRAM Clocks] [30 DRAM

Clocks] [35 DRAM Clocks] [42 DRAM Clocks]

DRAM TRRD [10]

Conguration options: [10]

Ini ti at e G ra ph i c Ad a pt er [ P EG /P C I]

Allows you to select the graphics controller as the primary boot device.

Conguration options: [PCI/PEG] [PEG/PCI]

Ini ti at e G ra ph i c Mo d e Se le c t [E n ab le d, 8M B]

Allows you to select the amount of system memory used by the Internal

graphics device. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled,1MB] [Enabled,

8MB]

PEG Force x1 [Disabled]

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

2-2 2

Chap t e r 2: B I O S setu p

SouthBridge MCP61 chipset Conguration

Primary Graphics Adapter [PCIE-> PCI -> IGP]
AZALIA Audio [Auto]
OnBoard LAN [Auto]
OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]

Pri ma ry Gr ap hi c s Ad a pt er [ P CI E- > P CI - > I GP ]

Display Device Priority, from high to low.

Conguration options: [PCIE-> PCI-> IGP] [IGP ->PCI -> PCIE]

AZA LI A A UD IO [A ut o]

Allows you to set or disable the AZALIA AUDIO.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled]

OnB oa rd LA N [A u to ]

Allows you to set or disable the OnBoard LAN.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled]

OnB oa rd LA N Bo o t RO M [ Di sa b le d]

Allows you to enable or disable the OnBoard LAN Boot ROM.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

So ut hB r i d ge C o n f ig ur at i on

SouthBridge MCP61 chipset Conguration

MCP61(SB) to K8(CPU) Freq Auto [Disabled]
MCP61(SB) to K8(CPU) Frequency [1000 MHz]
MCP61(SB) to K8(CPU) Linkwidth [16 16]

Hy pe r Tra ns p o r t Co nf i g u ra ti o n

ASUS M 2 N -MX

2-2 3

2. 4. 3 On bo ar d D ev ic es Co nf ig ura ti on

Congure ITE8712 Super IO Chipset

Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]
Parallel Port Address [378]
Parallel Port Mode [Normal]
Parallel Port IRQ [IRQ7]

Ser ia l P or t1 Ad dr es s [ 3F 8/I RQ 4]

Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address. Conguration options:

[Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4][2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3]

Par al le l P or t A dd re s s [3 78]

Allows you to select the Parallel Port base addresses.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [378] [278] [3BC]

Par al le l P or t M od e [ No rm al ]

Allows you to select the Parallel Port mode.

Conguration options: [Normal] [EPP] [ECP] [EPP+ECP]

ECP Mode DMA Channel [DMA3]

Appears only when the Parallel Port Mode is set to [ECP]. This item
allows you to set the Parallel Port ECP DMA.

Conguration options: [DMA0] [DMA1] [DMA3]

Parallel Port IRQ [IRQ7]

Conguration options: [IRQ5] [IRQ7]

2-2 4

Chap t e r 2: B I O S setu p

2. 4. 4 PC I Pn P

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 eld values can cause the system to malfunction.

Advanced PCI/PnP Settings

WARNING: Setting wrong values in below sections
may cause system to malfunction.

Plug And Play O/S [No]
PCI Latency Timer [64]
Allocate IRQ to PCI VGA [Yes]
Palette Snooping [Disabled]

IRQ-3 assigned to [PCI Device]
IRQ-4 assigned to [PCI Device]
IRQ-5 assigned to [PCI Device]
IRQ-7 assigned to [PCI Device]
IRQ-9 assigned to [PCI Device]
IRQ-10 assigned to [PCI Device]
IRQ-11 assigned to [PCI Device]
IRQ-14 assigned to [PCI Device]
IRQ-15 assigned to [PCI Device]

Plu g an d P la y O /S [ N o]

When set to [No], BIOS congures all the devices in the system. When set

to [Yes] and if you install a Plug and Play operating system, the operating

system congures the Plug and Play devices not required for boot.
Conguration options: [No] [Yes]

PCI L at e nc y Ti m er [ 6 4]

Allows you to select the value in units of PCI clocks for the PCI device

latency timer register. Conguration options: [32] [64] [96] [128] [160]

[192] [224] [248]

All oc at e I RQ t o P CI VG A [Y e s]

When set to [Yes], BIOS assigns an IRQ to PCI VGA card if the card
requests for an IRQ. When set to [No], BIOS does not assign an IRQ to the

PCI VGA card even if requested. Conguration options: [No] [Yes]

Pal et te Sn oo pi n g [D i sa bl ed ]

When set to [Enabled], the pallete snooping feature informs the PCI
devices that an ISA graphics device is installed in the system so that the

latter can function correctly. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS M 2 N -MX

2-2 5

USB 1 .1 Co nt r ol le r [ En ab led ]

Allows you to enable or disable the USB 1.1 Controller.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

USB 2 .0 Co nt r ol le r [ En ab led ]

Allows you to enable or disable the USB 2.0 Controller.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Leg ac y U SB S upp or t [ En ab le d ]

Allows you to enable or disable support for USB devices on legacy
operating systems (OS). Setting to Auto allows the system to detect the
presence of USB devices at startup. If detected, the USB controller legacy
mode is enabled. If no USB device is detected, the legacy USB support is
disabled.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]

USB 2 .0 Co nt r ol le r M od e [Hi Sp ee d ]

Allows you to congure the USB 2.0 controller in HiSpeed (480 Mbps) or
Full Speed (12 Mbps). Conguration options: [HiSpeed] [Full Speed]

The Module Version and USB Devices Enabled items show the
auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the item shows
None.

2. 4. 5 US B Co nf i gu ra ti on

The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features.

Select an item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options.

USB Conguration

Module Version - 2.24.0-11.4

USB Devices Enabled:
None

USB 1.1 Controller [Enabled]
USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]
Legacy USB Support [Enabled]
USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]

IRQ -x x a ss ig ne d t o [ PC I De v ic e]

When set to [PCI Device], the specic IRQ is free for use of PCI/PnP

devices. When set to [Reserved], the IRQ is reserved for legacy ISA devices.

Conguration options: [PCI Device] [Reserved]

2-2 6

Chap t e r 2: B I O S setu p

2. 4. 6 Ju mp er fr e e Co nf i gu ra ti on

Congure System Frequency/Voltage

AI Overclocking [Auto]

Chipset Voltage [Auto]
Memory Voltage [Auto]

AI Ov er c lo ck in g [ Au t o]

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. Conguration options: [Manual] [Standard]

Chi ps et Vo lt ag e [ Au t o]

Allows selection of the chipset voltage. The conguration options vary

depending on the CPU installed.

Conguration options: [Auto] [1.2V] [1.3V]

Mem or y V ol ta ge [A ut o ]

Allows you to select the memory voltage or set it to auto for safe mode.

Conguration options: [Auto] [1.850V] [1.900V] [1.950V] [2.000V]

The following items appear only when the AI Tuning item is set to
[Manual].

CPU F re q ue nc y [ 20 0]

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

FSB/CPU External Frequency Synchronization

Front Side Bus CPU External Frequency

FSB 1066 266 MHz

FSB 800 200 MHz

FSB 533 133 MHz

ASUS M 2 N -MX

2-2 7

CPU F re q ue nc y [ 20 0]

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 E xp r es s Fr e qu en c y [A ut o ]

Allows you to select PCI Express frequency.

Conguration options: [Auto] [90] [91] [92] [93]... [150]

Spr ea d S pe ct ru m [ En a bl ed ]

Allows you to enable or disable the clock generator spread spectrum.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2-2 8

Chap t e r 2: B I O S setu p

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 <Enter> to display

the conguration options.

2. 5. 1 Su sp en d M od e [A u to ]

Allows you to select the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface

(ACPI) state to be used for system suspend.

Conguration options: [S1 (POS) Only] [S3 only] [Auto]

2. 5. 2 Re po st V i de o on S3 R es um e [ No ]

Allows you to determines whether to invoke VGA BIOS POST on S3/STR

resume. Conguration options: [No] [Yes]

2. 5. 3 AC PI S up p or t [A C PI v 1. 0]

Allows you to add more tables for Advanced Conguration and Power
Interface (ACPI) 2.0 specications.
Conguration options: [ACPI v1.0] [ACPI v2.0] [ACPI v3.0]

2. 5. 4 AC PI A PI C S up po r t [E na ble d]

Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Conguration and Power
Interface (ACPI) support in the Application-Specic Integrated Circuit

(ASIC). When set to Enabled, the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the

RSDT pointer list. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Suspend Mode [Auto]
Repost Video on S3 Resume [No]
ACPI Support [ACPI v1.0]
ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]

APM Conguration
Hardware Monitor

ASUS M 2 N -MX

2-2 9

2. 5. 5 AP M Co nf i gu ra ti o n

APM Conguration

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]

Res to re on A C P ow er Lo ss [ P ow er Of f]

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.
When set to Last State, the system goes into either off or on state,
whatever the system state was before the AC power loss.

Conguration options: [Power Off] [Power On] [Last State]

Pow er O n B y RT C A la r m [D is a bl ed ]

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, and RTC Alarm Second appear with set values.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Pow er O n B y Ex t er na l M od em s [ Di s ab le d]

This allows either settings of [Enabled] or [Disabled] for powering up the
computer when the external modem receives a call while the computer is in

Soft-off mode. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The computer cannot receive or transmit data until the computer and
applications are fully running. Thus, connection cannot be made on the

rst try. Turning an external modem off and then back on while the
computer is off causes an initialization string that turns the system

power on.

Pow er O n B y PC I D ev i ce s [D i sa bl e d]

When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to turn on the system
through a PCI LAN or modem card. This feature requires an ATX power

supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Conguration options:

[Disabled] [Enabled]

Pow er O n B y PC I E De v ic es [ D is ab l ed ]

When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to turn on the system
through a PCIE LAN or modem card. This feature requires an ATX power

supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Conguration options:

[Disabled] [Enabled]

2-3 0

Chap t e r 2: B I O S setu p

Pow er O n B y PS / 2 Ke y bo ar d [ Di sa b le d]

Allows you to use specic 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. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Space Bar] [Ctrl-Esc]

[Power Key]

2. 5. 6 Ha rd wa re Mo ni to r

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 [ 3.296V]
5V Voltage [ 4.892V]
12V Voltage [11.126V]

CPU T em p er at ure [ xx x ºC /x xx º F]
MB Te mp e ra tu re [x xx º C/ xx xº F ]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the
motherboard and CPU temperatures. Select Ignored if you do not wish to
display the detected temperatures.

CPU F an Sp ee d ( RP M) [x xx xR P M] o r [ N/ A] or [ I gn or ed ]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU
fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the

motherboard, the eld shows N/A. Select Ignored if you do not wish to

display the detected speed.

Cha ss is Fa n1 Sp ee d [ xx xx RP M ] or [N /A ] o r [I g no re d]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the chassis
fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the

chassis, the specic eld shows N/A. Select Ignored if you do not wish to

display the detected speed.

CPU Q -F a n Co ntr ol [ D is ab le d ]

Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Q-Fan feature that smartly

adjusts the fan speeds for more efcient system operation. Conguration

options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS M 2 N -MX

2-3 1

CPU F an Pr of ile M od e [ Op ti m al ]

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. Conguration

options: [Optimal] [Silent Mode] [Performance Mode]

VCO RE V o lt ag e, 3. 3V Vo lt age , 5V Vo lt age , 12 V V ol tag e

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output
through the onboard voltage regulators.

Fan C on t ro l [D i sa bl e d]

Allows you to enable or disable the Fan control. Conguration options:

[Disabled] [Enabled]

2.6 Boot menu

The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select
an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.

Boot settings

Boot Device Priority

Boot Settings Conguration
Security

2. 6. 1 Bo ot D ev i ce P ri o ri ty

Boot Device Priority

1st Boot Device [1st FLOPPY DRIVE]
2nd Boot Device [Hard Drive]
3rd Boot Device [ATAPI CD-ROM]

The CPU Fan Prole Mode item appears when you enable the CPU Q-Fan
Control feature.

2-3 2

Chap t e r 2: B I O S setu p

2. 6. 2 Bo ot S et t in gs C o nf ig ur ati on

Boot Settings Conguration

Quick Boot [Enabled]
Full Screen Logo [Enabled]
AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS]
Bootup Num-Lock [On]
PS/2 Mouse Support [Auto]
Wait For ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]
Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]
Interrupt 19 Capture [Disabled]

Allows BIOS to skip
certain tests while
booting. This will

decrease the time
needed to boot the

system.

Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo2™ feature.

Qui ck B o ot [ En a bl ed ]

Enabling this item allows the BIOS to skip some power on self tests (POST)
while booting to decrease the time needed to boot the system. When set
to [Disabled], BIOS performs all the POST items.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Ful l Sc r ee n Lo g o [E n ab le d]

This allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Add O n R OM D is p la y M od e [F o rc e B IO S]

Sets the display mode for option ROM.

Conguration options: [Force BIOS] [Keep Current]

Boo tu p N um -L oc k [ On ]

Allows you to select the power-on state for the NumLock.

Conguration options: [Off] [On]

PS/ 2 Mo u se S upp or t [ Au to ]

Allows you to enable or disable support for PS/2 mouse.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]

Wai t fo r ‘ F1 ’ I f Er r or [ En a bl ed ]

When set to Enabled, the system waits for the F1 key to be pressed when

error occurs. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

1st ~ x x th B oot D ev i ce [ 1st F lo p py D riv e]

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. Conguration options:

ASUS M 2 N -MX

2-3 3

If you forget your BIOS password, you can clear clear it by erasing
the CMOS Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM. See section “2.6 Jumpers” for
information on how to erase the RTC RAM.

Hit ‘ DE L ’ Me ss a ge D i sp la y [ En ab l ed ]

When set to Enabled, the system displays the message “Press DEL to run

Setup” during POST. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Int er ru p t 19 Ca pt ur e [ Di sab le d]

When set to [Enabled], this function allows the option ROMs to trap

Interrupt 19. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2. 6. 3 Se cu ri ty

The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings.

Select an item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options.

Security Settings

Supervisor Password : Not Installed
User Password : Not Installed

Change Supervisor Password
Change User Passward

<Enter> to change

password.

<Enter> again to

disabled password.

Cha ng e S up er vi s or P a ss wo rd

Select this item to set or change the supervisor password. The Supervisor
Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After
you set a password, this item shows Installed.

To set a Supervisor Password:

1. Select the Change Supervisor Password item and press <Enter>.

2. From the password box, type a password composed of at least six
letters and/or numbers, then press <Enter>.

3. Conrm the password when prompted.

The message “Password Installed” appears after you successfully set your
password.

To change the supervisor password, follow the same steps as in setting a
user password.

To clear the supervisor password, select the Change Supervisor Password
then press <Enter>. The message “Password Uninstalled” appears.

2-3 4

Chap t e r 2: B I O S setu p

After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow
you to change other security settings.

Use r Ac c es s Lev el [ F ul l Ac c es s]

This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items.

Conguration options: [No Access] [View Only] [Limited] [Full Access]

No Access prevents user access to the Setup utility.

View Only allows access but does not allow change to any eld.

Limited allows changes only to selected elds, such as Date and Time.

Full Access allows viewing and changing all the elds in the Setup

utility.

Cha ng e U se r Pas sw or d

Select this item to set or change the user password. The User Password
item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a
password, this item shows Installed.

To set a User Password:

1. Select the Change User Password item and press <Enter>.

2. On the password box that appears, type a password composed of at
least six letters and/or numbers, then press <Enter>.

3. Conrm the password when prompted.

The message “Password Installed” appears after you set your password
successfully.

To change the user password, follow the same steps as in setting a user
password.

Cle ar U s er P as s wo rd

Select this item to clear the user password.

Security Settings

Supervisor Password : Not Installed
User Password : Not Installed

Change Supervisor Password
User Access Level [Full Access]
Change User Password
Clear User Password
Password Check [Setup]

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2-3 5

Pas sw or d C he ck [S et u p]

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.

Conguration options: [Setup] [Always]

2.7 Tools menu

ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS O.C.Prole

2. 7. 1 AS US E Z F la sh 2

Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Enter>, a

conrmation message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select
between [Yes] or [No], then press <Enter> to conrm your choice. Please

see page 4-2, section 4.1.2 for details.

ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.00

Current ROM

Update ROM

A:

Note

[Enter] Select or Load [B] Backup [ESC] Exit

[Tab] Switch [Up/Down/Home/End] Move

FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L8005

PATH: A:\

BOARD: M2N-MX

VER: 0144 [0000]
DATE: 05/20/06

BOARD: Unknown

VER: Unknown
DATE: Unknown

2-3 6

Chap t e r 2: B I O S setu p

Exi t & D is ca rd Ch an g es

Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you

made to the Setup program. If you made changes to elds other than
System Date, System Time, and Password, the BIOS asks for a conrmation

before exiting.

Dis ca rd Ch an ge s

This option allows you to discard the selections you made and restore the

previously saved values. After selecting this option, a conrmation appears.

Select OK to discard any changes and load the previously saved values.

Loa d Se t up D ef a ul ts

This option allows you to load the default values for each of the
parameters on the Setup menus. When you select this option or if you
press <F5>, a conrmation window appears. Select OK to load default
values. Select Exit & Save Changes or make other changes before saving
the values to the non-volatile RAM.

Exi t & S av e Ch a ng es

Once you are nished making your selections, choose this option from the

Exit menu to ensure the values you selected are saved to the CMOS RAM.
An onboard backup battery sustains the CMOS RAM so it stays on even

when the PC is turned off. When you select this option, a conrmation

window appears. Select OK to save changes and exit.

2.8 Exit menu

Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the
options from this menu or <F10> from the legend bar to exit.

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

If you attempt to exit the Setup program without saving your changes,
the program prompts you with a message asking if you want to save
your changes before exiting. Press <Enter> to save the changes while
exiting.

3

Software

support

This chapter describes the contents
of the support CD that comes with
the motherboard package.

3-2 Chapter 3: Software support

If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the

support CD to locate the le ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-

click the ASSETUP.EXE to run the CD.

Click a n i t e m t o i n s t a l l

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 Support CD information

The support CD that came with the motherboard package contains the
drivers, software applications, and utilities that you can install to avail all
motherboard features.

3. 2. 1 Ru nn in g t he s up p or t CD

Place the support CD to the optical drive. The CD automatically displays the
Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer.

• 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.

• Make sure that you install Windows

®

2000 Service Pack 4 or the
Windows® XP Service Pack 1 or later versions before installing the
drivers for better compatibility and system stability.

The contents of the support CD are subject to change at any time
without notice. Visit the ASUS website(www.asus.com) for updates.

Click a n i c o n t o
displ a y s u p p o r t
CD/mo t h e r b o a r d
infor m a t i o n

3-3ASUS M 2 N -MX

3. 2. 2 Dr iv er s m en u

The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects
installed devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices.

NVI DI A C hi ps et Dr iv e r Pr og r am

Installs the NVIDIA® nForce™ Chipset Driver program.

Sou nd MA X® AD I1 98 6 A Au d io D ri v er

Executes the wizard to install the SoundMAX™ AD1986A audio driver and

application.

AMD C oo l ‘ n’ Q u ie t D ri ve r

Installs the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet driver.

The screen display and drivers option may not be the same for different
operating system versions.

3-4 Chapter 3: Software support

3. 2. 3 Ut il it ie s m en u

The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the
motherboard supports.

ASU S PC Pr ob e I I

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.

ASU S Up d at e

The ASUS Update utility allows you to update the motherboard BIOS in a
Windows® environment. This utility requires an Internet connection either
through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

ADO BE A c ro ba t R ea de r V 7. 0

The Adobe® Acrobat® Reader V7.0 is for opening, viewing, and printing
documents in Portable Document Format (PDF).

Mic ro so f t Di re c tX 9 . 0c

The Microsoft® DirectX® 9.0c is a multimedia technology that enhances
computer graphics and sounds. DirectX® improves the multimedia features
of your computer so you can enjoy watching TV and movies, capturing
videos, or playing games on your computer.

Microsoft® Windows® XP Service Pack 2 already includes Microsoft®
DirectX® 9.0c. If your system is Microsoft® Windows® XP Service
Pack 2-embedded, skip Microsoft® DirectX® 9.0c installation.

3-5ASUS M 2 N -MX

3. 2. 4 Ma ke D is k m en u

The Make Disk menu allows you to make a RAID driver disk.

ASU S Sc r ee n Sav er

Installs the ASUS screen saver.

ASU S Co o l ‘n ’ Q ui et Ut il ity

This item installs the ASUS Cool ‘n’ Quiet utility.

An t i- Vi r us u ti l it y

The anti-virus utility scans, identies, 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.

NVI DI A® 32b it S A TA R AID D ri v er

Allows you to create an NVIDIA® Serial ATA (SATA) RAID driver disk for a
32-bit system.

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NVI DI A® SA TA R A ID U ser ’s M a nu al

Allows you to open the NVIDIA® SATA RAID user’s manual.

3. 2. 5 Ma nu al m e nu

The Manual menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an
item to open the folder of the user manual.

Most user manual les are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install

the Adobe® Acrobat® Reader from the Utilities menu before opening a

user manual le.

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3. 2. 6 AS US C on t ac t in for ma ti on

Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can also

nd this information on the inside front cover of this user guide.

3. 2. 7 Ot he r in f or ma ti o n

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 specied information.

Mot he rb o ar d In f o

Displays the general specications of the motherboard.

3-8 Chapter 3: Software support

Tec hn ic a l su pp o rt F o rm

Displays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to ll out

when requesting technical support.

Fil el is t

Displays the contents of the support CD and a brief description of each in
text format.

Bro ws e t hi s CD

Displays the support CD contents in graphical format.

3-9ASUS M 2 N -MX

3.3 Creating a RAID driver disk

A oppy 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.

For detailed descriptions on the NVIDIA® RAID conguration, refer to the
“NVIDIA® MediaShield RAID User’s Manual” found in your motherboard
support CD .

4. Insert oppy disk to oppy disk drive.

5. Follow succeeding screen information to complete process.

6. Write-protect the oppy disk to avoid computer virus infection.

To install the RAID driver:

1. During the OS installation, the system prompts you to press the F6
key to install third-party SCSI or RAID driver.

2. Press <F6> then insert the oppy disk with RAID driver into the oppy

disk drive.

3. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.

Due to chipset limitation, the Serial ATA ports supported by the NVIDIA

chipset doesn’t support Serial Optical Disk Drives (Serial ODD) under

DOS.

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