Asus M3A User Manual
M3A
Motherboard
E3422
First Edition V1
October 2007
Copyright © 2007 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any
means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written
permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the
product is defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS,
LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE),
EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY
DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.
SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR
INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE,
AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO
RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS
MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or
copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the
owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.
ii
Contents
Contents ...................................................................................................... iii
Notices ........................................................................................................ vii
Safety information .................................................................................... viii
About this guide ......................................................................................... ix
M3A specications summary .................................................................... xi
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Package contents .........................................................................
1.3 Special features ............................................................................
1.3.1 Product highlights ...........................................................
1.3.2 ASUS AI Lifestyle unique features ..................................
1.3.3 ASUS intelligent performance and
overclocking features ...................................................... 1-6
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Motherboard overview .................................................................
2.2.1 Placement direction ........................................................
2.2.2 Screw holes ....................................................................
2.2.3 Motherboard layout .........................................................
2.2.4 Layout contents ...............................................................
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ...................................................
2.3.1 Installing the CPU ...........................................................
2.3.2 Installing the heatsink and fan ........................................
2.4 System memory .........................................................................
2.4.1 Overview ........................................................................
2.4.2 Memory congurations ...................................................
2.4.3 Installing a DIMM ..........................................................
2.4.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................
2.5 Expansion slots ..........................................................................
2.5.1 Installing an expansion card .........................................
2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card .....................................
2.5.3 Interrupt assignments ...................................................
2.5.4 PCI slots ........................................................................
2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slots .....................................................
1-1
1-2
1-2
1-4
2-2
2-2
2-2
2-3
2-4
2-6
2-6
2-8
2-11
2-11
2-11
2-15
2-15
2-16
2-16
2-16
2-17
2-18
2-18
iii
Contents
2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot ............................................... 2-18
2.6 Jumper ........................................................................................
2.7 Connectors .................................................................................
2.7.1 Rear panel connectors ..................................................
2.7.2 Internal connectors .......................................................
Chapter 3: Powering up
3.1 Starting up for the rst time ........................................................ 3-1
3.2 Turning off the computer .............................................................
3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function ....................................
3.2.2 Using the dual function power switch ..............................
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 4-1
4.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................
4.1.2 Creating a bootable oppy disk .......................................
4.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ...................................................
4.1.4 AFUDOS utility ................................................................
4.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ......................................
4.2 BIOS setup program ....................................................................
4.2.1 BIOS menu screen ........................................................
4.2.2 Menu bar .......................................................................
4.2.3 Navigation keys .............................................................
4.2.4 Menu items ....................................................................
4.2.5 Sub-menu items .............................................................
4.2.6 Conguration elds ........................................................
4.2.7 Pop-up window ..............................................................
4.2.8 Scroll bar ........................................................................
4.2.9 General help ..................................................................
4.3 Main menu ..................................................................................
4.3.1 System Time .................................................................
4.3.2 System Date .................................................................
4.3.3 Legacy Diskette A .........................................................
4.3.4 Primary IDE Master/Slave .............................................
4.3.5
4.3.6
SATA1/2/3/4 ....................................................................................4-14
Storage Conguration ....................................................................4-15
2-19
2-21
2-21
2-23
3-2
3-2
3-2
4-1
4-4
4-5
4-6
4-8
4-9
4-10
4-10
4-10
4-11
4-11
4-11
4-11
4-11
4-11
4-12
4-12
4-12
4-12
4-13
iv
Contents
4.3.7 System Information ....................................................... 4-16
4.4 Advanced menu .........................................................................
4.4.1 Jumperfree Conguration .............................................
4.4.2 AI NET 2
4.4.3 CPU Conguration ........................................................
4.4.4 Chipset ..........................................................................
4.4.5 OnBoard Devices Conguration ...................................
4.4.6 PCI PnP ........................................................................
4.4.7 USB Conguration ........................................................
4.5 Power menu ................................................................................
4.5.1 Suspend Mode ..............................................................
4.5.2 ACPI 2.0 Support ..........................................................
4.5.3 ACPI APIC Support .......................................................
4.5.4 APM Conguration ........................................................
4.5.5 Hardware Monitor .........................................................
4.6 Boot menu ..................................................................................
4.6.1 Boot Device Priority ......................................................
4.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration ..........................................
4.6.3 Security .........................................................................
4.7 Tools menu .................................................................................
4.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ..........................................................
4.8 Exit menu ....................................................................................
........................................................................ 4-20
4-17
4-17
4-21
4-22
4-24
4-25
4-26
4-27
4-27
4-27
4-27
4-28
4-29
4-31
4-31
4-32
4-34
4-36
4-36
4-37
Software support
5.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 5-1
5.2 Support CD information ..............................................................
5.2.1 Running the support CD .................................................
5.2.2 Drivers menu ...................................................................
5.2.3 Utilities menu ..................................................................
5.2.4 Make Disk menu .............................................................
5.2.5 Manual menu ..................................................................
5.2.6 ASUS Contact information ..............................................
5.2.7 Other information ............................................................
5.3 Software information ...................................................................
5.3.1 ASUS MyLogo2™ ...........................................................
5.3.2 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology .........................................
5-1
5-1
5-2
5-3
5-4
5-5
5-5
5-6
5-8
5-8
5-10
v
Contents
5.3.3 Audio congurations ..................................................... 5-13
5.3.4 ASUS PC Probe II .........................................................
5.3.5 ASUS AI Gear 2 ............................................................
5.3.6 ASUS AI Nap ................................................................
5.3.7 ASUS Q-Fan 2 ..............................................................
5.4 RAID congurations ..................................................................
5.4.1 Installing hard disks ......................................................
®
5.4.2 AMD
5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk .......................................................
RAID congurations............................................ 5-27
5-17
5-23
5-24
5-25
5-26
5-26
5-33
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.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is
required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modications
to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
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.
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 adpater or extension cord.
These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.
•
Make sure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If
you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact
your local power company.
•
If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied
service technician or your retailer.
Operation safety
•
Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all
the manuals that came with the package.
•
Before using the product, make sure all cables are correctly connected and the
power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer
immediately.
•
To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from
connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.
•
Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in
any area where it may become wet.
•
Place the product on a stable surface.
•
If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied
service technician or your retailer.
viii
This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical,
electronic equipment, and mercury-containing button cell battery) should not
be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic
products.
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring
the motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This guide contains the following parts:
• Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new
technology it supports.
• Chapter 2: Hardware information
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform
when installing system components. It includes description of the switches,
jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard.
• Chapter 3: Powering up
This chapter describes the power up sequence and ways of shutting down
the system.
• Chapter 4: BIOS setup
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup
menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
• Chapter 5: Software support
This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with the
motherboard package.
Where to nd more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and
software updates.
1. ASUS websites
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and
software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.
2. Optional documentation
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty
yers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not
part of the standard package.
ix
Conventions used in this guide
To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following
symbols used throughout this manual.
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself
when trying to complete a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components
when trying to complete a task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a
task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a
task.
Typography
Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics
Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign
means that you must press the enclosed key.
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the
Enter or Return key.
<Key1+Key2+Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the
key names are linked with a plus sign (+).
Example: <Ctrl+Alt+D>
Command Means that you must type the command exactly
as shown, then supply the required item or value
enclosed in brackets.
Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line:
awdash M3A.bin
x
M3A specications summary
CPU AMD® Socket AM2+ Phenom™ FX / Phenom X4 /
Chipset AMD 770 / SB600
System bus Up to 5200 MT/s; HyperTransport™ 3.0 interface
Memory Dual-channel memory architecture
Expansion slots 1 x PCIe x16 slot
Storage - 4 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors support RAID 0, 1, and
LAN Atheros® PCIe Gigabit LAN controller featuring AI NET 2
High Denition audio Realtek ALC883 8-channel High Denition audio CODEC
USB 10 x USB 2.0 ports (6 at mid-board; 4 on the rear panel)
ASUS AI Lifestyle
unique features
BIOS features 8 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM2.0, SM
Phenom X2 / Athlon™ X2 / Sempron™ processor
AMD® Socket AM2 Athlon 64 X2 / Athlon 64 FX /
Athlon 64 / Sempron processor
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology
for AM2+ CPU
2000 / 1600 MT/s for AM2 CPU
- 4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support unbufferred
ECC/non-ECC DDR2 1066*/800/667/533 MHz
memory modules
- Supports up to 8 GB system memory
*DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+ CPU only
*Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the
Memory QVL (Qualied Vendors Lists)
2 x PCIe x1 slots
3 x PCI 2.2 slots
Support PCIe 2.0 / 1.0 Architecture
0+1
- 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100
- Supports Jack-Detection, and Multi-Streaming
- Coaxial S/PDIF Out ports at back I/O
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:
- ASUS AI Gear 2
- ASUS AI Nap
- ASUS Q-Fan 2
ASUS Crystal Sound
- ASUS Noise Filter
ASUS EZ DIY
- ASUS Q-Shield
- ASUS Q-Connector
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
BIOS 2.3, ACPI 2.0a, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree
BIOS 3
(continued on the next page)
xi
M3A specications summary
Other features ASUS MyLogo2™
ASUS exclusive
overclocking features
Rear panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard port
Internal I/O connectors 3 x USB connectors support additional 6 USB ports
Support CD contents Drivers
Form factor ATX form factor: 12 in x 8.6 in (30.5 cm x 21.8 cm)
*Specications are subject to change without notice.
Intelligent overclocking tools:
- AI Overclocking (Intelligent CPU Frequency Tuner)
Precision Tweaker:
- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.025V
increment
- vDIMM: 8-step DRAM voltage control
- vChipset: 4-step Chipset voltage control
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection):
- FSB tuning from 200 MHz up to 600 MHz at 1 MHz
increment
- Memory tuning from 533 MHz up to 1066 MHz
(1066 MHz mode is supported by AM2+ CPU only.)
- PCIe frequency tuning from 100 MHz up to 150
MHz at 1 MHz increment
Overclocking protection:
- ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
1 x PS/2 Mouse
1 x Serial port
1 x Coaxial S/PDIF Out
1 x LAN (RJ-45)
4 x USB 2.0/1.1
8-channel audio I/O
1 x Floppy disk drive connector
1 x IDE connector
4 x SATA connectors
1 x CPU Fan connector
1 x Chassis Fan connector
1 x Power Fan connector
Front panel audio connector
1 x S/PDIF Out Header
Chassis Intrusion connector
CD audio in
24-pin ATX Power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V Power connector
System Panel (Q-Connector)
ASUS Gear 2
ASUS AI Nap
ASUS Q-Fan2
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS Update
Anti-virus Utility (OEM version)
xii
This chapter describes the motherboard
features and the new technologies
it supports.
Product
1
introduction
Chapter summary
1
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Package contents .........................................................................
1.3 Special features ............................................................................
1-1
1-2
ASUS M3A
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS® M3A motherboard!
The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it
another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!
Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the
items in your package with the list below.
1.2 Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
Motherboard ASUS M3A
Cables 1 x Serial ATA power cable for 2 devices
2 x Serial ATA signal cables
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable
1 x Floppy disk drive cable
Accessories ASUS Q-Shield
1 x ASUS Q-Connector Kit (USB, system panel;
Retail version only)
Application CD ASUS motherboard support CD
Documentation User guide
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
ASUS M3A 1-1
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
Green ASUS
This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction
on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision
of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard
consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.
AMD® Socket AM2+ Phenom™ FX / Phenom
X4 / Phenom X2 / Athlon™ 64 X2 / Sempron™
CPU support
This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM2+ multi-core processors with
unique L3 cache and delivers better overclocking capabilities with less power
consumption. It features dual-channel DDR2 1066 memory support and
accelerates data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s via HyperTransport™ 3.0 based
system bus. See page 2-6 for details.
HyperTransport™ 3.0 support
HyperTransport™ 3.0 technology provides 2.6 times more bandwidth than
HyperTransport™ 1.0, radically improving system efciency to create a smoother,
faster computing environment.
AMD® Socket AM2 Athlon™ 64 X2 / Athlon™
64 FX / Athlon™ 64 / Sempron™ CPU support
This 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 based on 64-bit architecture. It features 2000 / 1600
MT/s HyperTransport™-based system bus, dual-channel un-buffered DDR2 800
memory support, and AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology. See page 2-6 for details.
AMD 770 Chipset
AMD 770 Chipset is designed to support up to 5200MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0
(HT 3.0) interface speed and PCI Express™ 2.0 x16 graphics. It is optimized with
AMD®’s latest AM2+ and multi-core CPUs to provide excellent system performance
and overclocking capabilities.
1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
Native DDR2 1066 support
This motherboard is the rst AMD® platform with native DDR2 1066 support.
It provides faster data transfer rate and more bandwidth to increase memory
computing efciency, enhancing system performance in 3D graphics and other
memory demanding applications. See page 2-11 for details.
*DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+ CPU only.
PCIe 2.0 support
This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 devices for double speed and
bandwidth which enhances system performance. See page 2-18 for details.
Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s technology
This motherboard supports the next-generation hard disk drives based on the
Serial ATA (SATA) 3Gb/s storage specications, delivering enhanced scalability
and doubling the bus bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and save. See page
2-25 for details.
S/PDIF digital sound ready
This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio
systems via coaxial S/PDIF (SONY-PHILIPS Digital Interface) Out jack.It allows
digital audio transferring without converting it to analog format, and therefore well
preserves signal quality. See pages 2-22 and 2-28 for details.
High Denition Audio
Enjoy high-end sound quality on your PC! The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High
Denition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality
192KHz/24-bit audio output that simultaneously sends different audio streams to
different destinations. You can now talk to your partners on the headphones while
playing multi-channel network games. See pages 2-21 and 2-22 for details.
ASUS M3A 1-3
1.3.2 ASUS AI Lifestyle unique features
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the
overclocking capability.
AI Gear 2
AI Gear 2 allows you to choose from proles to adjust CPU frequency and
vCore voltage, minimizing system noise and saving 50% power consumption
at most. You can real-time chnage the mode under operating system to suit
your needs. See page 5-23 for details.
AI Nap
With AI Nap, the system can continue running at minimum power and noise
when you are temporarily away. To wake the system and return to the OS
environment, simply click the mouse or press a key. See page 5-24 for
details.
Q-Fan 2
ASUS Q-Fan2 technology intelligently adjusts both CPU fan and chassis
fan speeds according to system loading to ensure quiet, cool and efcient
operation. See page 4-30 and 5-25 for details.
ASUS Crystal Sound
This feature can enhance speech-centric applications like Skype, online game,
video conference and recording.
Noise Filter
This feature detects repetitive and stationary noises (non-voice signals) like
computer fans, air conditioners, and other background noises then eliminates
it in the incoming audio stream while recording. See page 5-16 for details.
1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
ASUS EZ DIY
ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you easy ways to install computer
components, update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings.
ASUS Q-Shield
The specially designed ASUS Q-Shield does without the usual “ngers”
- making it convenient and easy to install. With better electric conductivity,
it ideally protects your motherboard against static electricity and shields it
against Electronic Magnetic Interference (EMI).
ASUS Q-Connector
ASUS Q-Connector allows you to easily connect or disconnect the chassis
front panel cables to the motherboard. This unique module eliminates the
trouble of connecting the system panel cables one at a time and avoiding
wrong cable connections. See page 2-32 for details.
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data from a
USB ash disk containing the BIOS le. See page 4-8 for details.
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply press the
predened hotkey to launch the utility and update the BIOS without entering
the OS. Update your BIOS easily without preparing a bootable diskette or
using an OS-based ash utility. See pages 4-5 and 4-36 for details.
Smart Support CD
This feature provides a checklist that allows the user to know which drivers
are already installed, as well as those that are not. When using ASUS PC
Probe II, you can easily monitor the critical components of the computer.
ASUS MyLogo2™
This feature allows you to convert your favorite photo into a 256-color boot logo
for a more colorful and vivid image on your screen. See pages 4-32 and 5-8 for
details.
ASUS M3A 1-5
1.3.3 ASUS intelligent performance and overclocking
features
Precision Tweaker
This feature allows you to ne tune the CPU/memory voltage and gradually
increase the memory Front Side Bus (FSB) and PCI Express frequency at 1 MHz
increment to achieve maximum system performance.
C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
The C.P.R. feature of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to the
BIOS default settings in case the system hangs due to overclocking. When the
system hangs due to overclocking, C.P.R. 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.
1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction
This chapter lists the hardware setup
procedures that you have to perform
when installing system components. It
includes description of the jumpers and
connectors on the motherboard.
information
Hardware
2
Chapter summary
2
2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Motherboard overview .................................................................
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ...................................................
2.4 System memory .........................................................................
2.5 Expansion slots ..........................................................................
2.6 Jumper ........................................................................................
2.7 Connectors .................................................................................
2-2
2-6
2-11
2-16
2-19
2-21
ASUS M3A
2.1 Before you proceed
M3A
®
M3A Onboard LED
SB_PWR
ON
Standby
Power
OFF
Powered
Off
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components
or change any motherboard settings.
• Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any
component.
• Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or to a metal
object, such as the power supply case, before handling components to
avoid damaging them due to static electricity.
• Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
• 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.
Onboard LED
The motherboard comes with a standby power LED. The green LED 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.
ASUS M3A
2-1
2.2 Motherboard overview
M3A
®
Before you install the motherboard, study the conguration of your chassis to
ensure that the motherboard ts into it.
Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the
motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage
motherboard components.
2.2.1 Placement direction
When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in
the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the
chassis as indicated in the image below.
2.2.2 Screw holes
Place nine (9) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard
to the chassis.
Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
Place this side towards
the rear of the chassis
2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information
PANEL
M3A
®
AAFP
CHASSIS
21.8cm (8.6in)
30.5cm (12.0in)
CPU_FAN
DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64 bit,240-pin module)
FLOPPY
Super
I/O
CD
CLRTC
AMD
SB600
EATXPWR
CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
PCI1
LAN1_USB12
USB34
PCIEX16_1
SPDIF_OUT
USB78
PWR_FAN
AUDIO
BIOS
SB_PWR
PCI2
USB910
AMD
770
ALC883
CHA_FAN1
ICS
PCI3
Attansic
PCIEX1_1
PCIEX1_2
DDR2 DIMM_B1 (64 bit,240-pin module)
DDR2 DIMM_A2 (64 bit,240-pin module)
DDR2 DIMM_B2 (64 bit,240-pin module)
Socket AM2+
USB56
PRI_IDE
KBMS
ATX12V
SATA1
SATA3
SATA4
SATA2
COM1
SPDIF_O
USBPW7-10
USBPW1-4
USBPW56
KBPWR
2.2.3 Motherboard layout
ASUS M3A
Refer to 2.7 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and
internal connectors.
2-3
2.2.4 Layout contents
Slots Page
1. DDR2 DIMM slots 2-11
2. PCI slots
3. PCI Express x1 slots
4.
Jumper Page
1. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 2-19
2. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW1-4, USBPW56)
3. Keyboard power (3-pin KBPWR)
Rear panel connectors Page
1. PS/2 mouse port (green) 2-21
2. Serial connector
3. LAN (RJ-45) port.
4. Center/Subwoofer port (orange)
5. Rear Speaker Out port (black)
6. Line In port (light blue)
7. Line Out port (lime)
8. Microphone port (pink)
9. Side Speaker Out port (gray)
10. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2
11. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4
12. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port
13. PS/2 keyboard port (purple)
PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot 2-18
2-18
2-18
2-20
2-20
2-21
2-21
2-21
2-21
2-21
2-21
2-21
2-21
2-22
2-22
2-22
2-22
2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information
Internal connectors Page
1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) 2-23
2. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)
®
3. AMD
SB600 Southbridge Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1
2-24
2-25
[red]; SATA2 [black]; SATA3 [red]; SATA4 [black]
4. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78; USB910)
5. CPU, chassis, power, and power fan connectors
2-26
2-27
(4-pin CPU_FAN; 3-pin CHA_FAN1; 3-pin PWR_FAN)
6. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)
7. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)
8. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin ATX12V)
9. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)
10. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD)
11. System panel connector (20-8-pin PANEL)
•
•
•
•
•
System power LED (2-pin PLED)
Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED)
System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)
ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWRSW)
Reset button (2-pin RESET)
12. ASUS Q-Connector(system panel)
2-28
2-28
2-29
2-30
2-30
2-31
2-32
ASUS M3A
2-5
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
M3A
®
M3A CPU Socket AM2+/AM2
The motherboard comes with an AM2+/AM2 socket designed for AMD® Socket
AM2+ Phenom™ FX / Phenom X4 / Phenom X2 / Athlon™ 64 X2 / Sempron™
processor or for Socket AM2 Athlon 64 X2 / Athlon 64 FX / Athlon 64 / Sempron
processor.
The AM2+/AM2 socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed
for the AMD Opteron processor. Make sure you use a CPU designed for the
AM2+/AM2 socket. The CPU 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!
2.3.1 Installing the CPU
To install a CPU:
1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.
2. Unlock the socket by pressing the
lever sideways, then lift it up to a
90º angle.
Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to a 90º angle; otherwise, the CPU
2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information
will not t in completely.
Socket lever
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.
Gold triangle
Small triangle
5. When the CPU is in place, push
down the socket lever to secure the
CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab
to indicate that it is locked.
6. Install a CPU heatsink and fan
following the instructions that came
with the heatsink package.
ASUS M3A
2-7
2.3.2 Installing the heatsink and fan
The AMD® Phenom™ FX / Phenom X4 / Phenom X2 / Athlon™ 64 X2 / Athlon 64
FX / Athlon 64 / Sempron™ processor requires a specially designed heatsink and
fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.
Make sure that you use only AMD-certied heatsink and fan assembly.
To install the CPU heatsink and fan:
1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, making sure that the heatsink
ts properly on the retention module base.
•
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.
CPU fan
CPU heatsink
Retention module base
Retention bracket
Retention bracket lock
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.
2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware information
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