ASUS MEWAM User Manual

R

MEW-AM

Socket 370 Intel® 810

microATX Motherboard

USER’S MANUAL

USER'S NOTICE

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”).

ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND,
EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED T O 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.

Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or
altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2)
the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.

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 identification or
explanation and to the owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.

• QuickStart and JumperFree are trademarks of ASUSTeK Computer Inc.

• Intel, LANDesk, and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.

• IBM and OS/2 are registered trademarks of International Business Machines.

• Symbios is a registered trademark of Symbios Logic Corporation.

• Windows and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

• Adobe and Acrobat are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
The product name and revision number are both printed on the product itself. Manual revi-

sions are released for each product design represented by the digit before and after the period
of the manual revision number. Manual updates are represented by the third digit in the manual
revision number.

For previous or updated manuals, BIOS, drivers, or product release information, contact ASUS
at http://www.asus.com.tw or through any of the means indicated on the following page.

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 MA Y APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUD­ING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.

Copyright © 1999 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.

Product Name: ASUS MEW-AM
Manual Revision: 1.02 E439
Release Date: October 1999

2 ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual

ASUS CONTACT INFORMATION

ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (Asia-Pacific)

Marketing

Address: 150 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 112
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Technical Support

MB/Other (tel): English: [phone]
Notebook (tel): English: [phone]
Server (tel): English: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Newsgroup: news2.asus.com.tw
WWW: www.asus.com.tw
FTP: ftp.asus.com.tw/pub/ASUS

ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)

Marketing

Address: 6737 Mowry Avenue, Mowry Business Center, Building 2

Newark, CA 94560, USA
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Technical Support

Fax: [phone]
BBS: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
WWW: www.asus.com
FTP: ftp.asus.com/Pub/ASUS

ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Europe)

Marketing

Address: Harkortstr. 25, 40880 Ratingen, BRD, Germany
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Technical Support

Hotline: MB/Other: [phone] Notebook: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Online Support: www.asuscom.de/de/support
WWW: www.asuscom.de
FTP: ftp.asuscom.de/pub/ASUSCOM

ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual 3

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................. 7

1.1 How This Manual Is Organized .................................................. 7

1.2 Item Checklist ............................................................................. 7

2. FEATURES ........................................................................................ 8

2.1 The ASUS MEW-AM Motherboard ........................................... 8

2.1.1 Specifications..................................................................... 8

2.1.2 Performance ....................................................................... 9

2.2 ASUS MEW-AM Part Definitions ........................................... 10

2.3 ASUS MEW-AM Part Locations.............................................. 11

3. HARDWARE SETUP ..................................................................... 12

3.1 Motherboard Layout ................................................................. 12

3.3 Hardware Setup Procedure ....................................................... 13

3.2 Layout Contents ........................................................................ 13

3.4 Motherboard Settings................................................................ 14

3.5 System Memory (DIMM) ......................................................... 15

3.5.1 General DIMM Notes ...................................................... 15

3.5.2 DIMM Installation ........................................................... 16

3.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................. 17

3.7 Expansion Cards ....................................................................... 18

3.7.1 Expansion Card Installation Procedure............................ 18

3.8 External Connectors.................................................................. 19

3.9 Power Connection Procedures .................................................. 27

4. BIOS SETUP.................................................................................... 28

4.1 Managing and Updating Your BIOS ......................................... 28

4.1.1 Upon First Use of the Computer System ......................... 28

4.1.2 Updating BIOS Procedures (only when necessary)......... 29

4.2 BIOS Setup Program ................................................................ 31

4.2.1 BIOS Menu Bar ............................................................... 32

4.2.2 Legend Bar....................................................................... 32

4.3 Main Menu................................................................................ 34

4.3.1 Primary & Secondary Master/Slave ................................ 35

4.3.2 Keyboard Features ........................................................... 38

4.4 Advanced Menu ........................................................................ 40

4.4.1 I/O Device Configuration ................................................ 42

4.5 Security Menu ........................................................................... 43

4.6 Power Menu .............................................................................. 45

4.6.1 General Power Settings.................................................... 45

4.6.2 Power-Up Events ............................................................. 45

4.7 Boot Menu ................................................................................ 46

4.7.1 Boot Sequence ................................................................. 46

4.8 Exit Menu ................................................................................. 47

4 ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual

CONTENTS

5. SOFTWARE SETUP ........................................................................ 49

5.1 ASUS Smart Motherboard Support CD.................................... 49

5.1.2 Support CD Submenus..................................................... 50

5.2 Operating Systems .................................................................... 52

5.3 Starting Windows For the First Time........................................ 52

5.3.1 Intel 82802 Firmware Hub Device Found ....................... 53

5.4 ASUS LiveUpdate .................................................................... 54

5.3.2 PCI Multimedia Audio Device Found ............................. 55

5.5 Driver ........................................................................................ 56

5.5.1 VGA Driver Setup ........................................................... 56

5.6 Other ......................................................................................... 58

5.6.1 INF Update Utility for 810 Chipset ................................. 58

5.6.2 Intel Security Driver ........................................................ 59

5.6.3 YAMAHA S-YXG50....................................................... 60

5.6.4 YAMAHA XGStudio....................................................... 62

5.6.5 Microsoft DirectX 6.0 Driver .......................................... 63

5.6.6 PC-cillin 98 ...................................................................... 64

5.6.7 Adobe Acrobat Reader V4.0 ............................................ 65

5.7 Uninstalling Programs .............................................................. 66

6. SOFTWARE REFERENCE ............................................................ 67

6.1 Display Properties ..................................................................... 67

6.2 ASUS Update............................................................................ 71

6.3 Using Yamaha XGstudio Player ............................................... 73

6.3.1 Yamaha XGstudio Player Control Panel.......................... 73

6.4 Using Yamaha XGstudio Mixer ................................................ 74

6.4.1 Yamaha XGstudio Mixer Control Panel .......................... 74

6.5 Hardware Information............................................................... 76

7. APPENDIX........................................................................................ 77

7.1 PCI-L101 Fast Ethernet Card ................................................... 77

ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual 5

FCC & DOC COMPLIANCE

Federal Communications Commission Statement

This device complies with FCC Rules Part 15. 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:

• Re-orient 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.

WARNING! Any changes or modifications to this product not expressly ap-

proved by the manufacturer could void any assurances of safety or performance
and could result in violation of Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

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.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

6 ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 How This Manual Is Organized

This manual is divided into the following sections:

1) INTRODUCTION Manual information and checklist

2) FEATURES Product information and specifications

3) HARDWARE SETUP Instructions on setting up the motherboard

4) BIOS SETUP Instructions on setting up the BIOS software

5) SOFTW ARE SETUP Instructions on setting up the included software

6) SOFTWARE REFERENCE Reference material for the included software

7) APPENDIX Optional items

1.2 Item Checklist

Check that your package is complete. If you discover damaged or missing items,
please contact your retailer.

(1) ASUS Motherboard

Sections/Checklist

1. INTRODUCTION

(1) Serial COM2 connector with bracket
(1) 80-conductor ribbon cable for internal UltraDMA/66 or UltraDMA/33 IDE

drives (NOTE: The 80-conductor cable has a 40-pin connector.)

(1) Ribbon cable for (1) 5.25” and (2) 3.5” floppy disk drives
(1) Bag of spare jumper caps
(1) Support CD with drivers and utilities
(1) This Motherboard User’s Manual

ASUS PCI-L101 Wake-On-LAN 10/100 fast ethernet card (optional)

ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual 7

2.1 The ASUS MEW-AM Motherboard

The MEW -AM motherboard from ASUS is designed for the new PC user who wants
simple features in a small package.

2.1.1 Specifications

• Latest Intel Socket 370 Processor Support! Supports Intel’s Celeron proces-

2. FEATURES

Specifications

• Latest Intel 810-DC100 Chipset! The 810-DC100 (GMCH+ICH) supports 66/

• Integrated Graphics! Controller supports 3D hyper pipelined architecture, par-

• ASUS Graphics Driver! You can gain about 12% performance over that of the

2. FEATURES

sor designed for Socket 370 and packaged in Plastic Pin Grid Array (PPGA).

100MHz FSB, UltraDMA/66, and 4MB 32-bit 100MHz SDRAM display cache
controller.

allel data processing and compression, precise pixel interpolation, full 2D hard­ware acceleration, and motion video acceleration. Optional onboard 4MB
SDRAM display cache allows up to 1024x768x16bit color for 3D graphics and
1600x1200x8bit color for 2D graphics.

standard graphics driver (2D highend graphics WinMark) using ASUS’ custom
graphics driver. ASUS custom graphics driver also provides more features and
provides selection of higher refresh rates and resolutions.

• V ersatile Memory Support! DRAM controller supports asymmetrical address-

ing and two DIMM sockets support Intel PC100-compliant SDRAMs (16, 32,
64, 128, or 256MB) up to 512MB. (supports a maximum of 4 sides)

• Latest Low Pin Count Multi-I/O: Provides two high-speed UAR T compatible

serial ports and one parallel port with EPP and ECP capabilities.

• Integrated IDE! Controller supports UltraDMA/66 up to 66MB/s, UltraDMA/

33 up to 33MB/s, and PIO Mode 4 up to 17MB/s.

• Desktop Management Interface (DMI) V2.3! Supports DMI through BIOS,

which allows hardware to communicate within a standard protocol creating a
higher level of compatibility. (Requires DMI-enabled components.)

• Peripheral Wake-Up! Supports Wake-On-LAN, Wake-On-Ring, and BIOS

Wake-Up.

• Firmware Hub! Provides security and other latest power computing features.

• Smart BIOS! 4Mb firmware gives a new easy-to-use interface which provides

more control and protection over the motherboard. Provides boot block write
protection and HD/SCSI/MO/ZIP/CD/Floppy boot selection. Hardware random
number generator supports new security software for data protection and se­cured Internet transactions.

• Enhanced ACPI & Anti-Boot Virus Protection! Programmable BIOS (Flash

EEPROM), offering enhanced ACPI for W indows 98 compatibility , built-in firm­ware-based virus protection, and autodetection of most devices for virtually au­tomatic setup.

8 ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual

2. FEATURES

• Highest Audio Quality! AC’97 DAC/ADC (software audio) built into the au-

dio codec reduces noise to improve audio quality and performance for a SNR
(signal to noise ratio) of +90dB. These features greatly improve voice synthesis
and recognition. If more quality is required, an optional onboard Crystal PCI
audio improves audio quality beyond software audio.

2.1.2 Performance

• UltraPerformance! Onboard IDE Bus Master controller with two connectors

that support four IDE devices in two channels. Supports UltraDMA/66,
UltraDMA/33 (IDE DMA Mode 2), PIO Modes 3 & 4, and supports Enhanced
IDE devices, such as Tape Backup, CD-ROM, CD-R/RW, and LS-120 drives.

• Dual Speeds! CPU frequency can operate at either 66MHz or 100MHz while

system memory operates at either 100MHz or 66MHz. (100MHz CPU with 66MHz
SDRAM setting not supported) This asynchronous design can optimize the VGA
performance under shared memory configuration. Of course 100MHz/100MHz
synchronous host/DRAM clock is recommended for maximum performance.

Intelligence

2. FEATURES

• Double or Quadruple the IDE T ransfer Speed! IDE transfers using UltraDMA/

33 Bus Master IDE can handle rates up to 33MB/s and up to 66MB/s using
UltraDMA/66 technology. The best of all is that these new technology is com­patible with existing ATA-2 IDE specifications so there is no need to upgrade
current IDE devices or cables.

• Concurrent PCI! Concurrent PCI allows multiple PCI transfers from PCI mas-

ter buses to memory to CPU.

• SDRAM Optimized Performance! ASUS smart series motherboards support

the new generation memory, Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory
(SDRAM), which increases the data transfer rate to 800MB/s max using PC100
SDRAM.

• ACPI Ready! ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) is also imple-

mented on all ASUS smart series motherboards. ACPI provides more Energy
Saving Features for future operating systems (OS) supporting OS Direct Power
Management (OSPM) functionality . W ith these features implemented in the OS,
PCs can be ready around the clock, yet satisfy all the energy saving standards.
To fully utilize the benefits of ACPI, an ACPI-supported OS such as Windows
98 must be used.

• Extreme Graphics! The integrated motion compensation allows for smooth

MPEG1 or MPEG2 video playback. Fast 3D graphics engine allows for an ex­citing gameplay experience.

ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual 9

2.2 ASUS MEW-AM Part Definitions

The following are part descriptions for the motherboard parts shown on the next
page.

Part Definitions

2. FEATURES

10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21

2. FEATURES

Socket 370 for Intel Celeron 370 processors

1

DIMM Sockets

2

ATX Power Connector for connection to an ATX power supply

3

Four Mbit Firmware Hub (programmable BIOS)

4

Floppy Disk Drive Connector

5

Primary and Secondary IDE Connectors

6

Low Pin Count Multi-I/O Chipset

7

Wake-On-LAN Connector

8

Intel I/O Controller Hub (ICH)

9

Intel 810-DC100 (GMCH-DC100) Integrated Graphics Chipset
High-speed 4MB SDRAM for integrated AGP VGA
Serial COM2 Header
Four PCI Slots
Crystal Audio Chipset (optional)
AC’97 V2.1 Audio CODEC
Joystick, MIDI, Line Out, Line In, Microphone In Connectors (optional)
VGA Monitor Output Connector
Parallel Connector
Serial COM1 Connector
USB Connectors
PS/2 Mouse, PS/2 Keyboard Connectors

10 ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual

2. FEATURES

2.3 ASUS MEW-AM Part Locations

21
20

19

18

17

16

2

31

4

2. FEATURES

Part Locations

15

14

13

12

10

8

6

7911

5

ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual 11

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.1 Motherboard Layout

PS2KBMS

T: Mouse
B: Keyboard

USB

T: Port 1
B: Port 2

COM1

Socket 370

CPU_FAN

FS4

FS3

FS2

FS1

External

Frequency

Selection

FS0

Motherboard Layout

3. H/W SETUP

PRINTER

PARALLEL PORT

VGA

Line
Out

Line

In

Mic

GAME_AUDIO

In

32-bit PCI

Audio

Chipset

Audio

Codec

CD_IN

2 MB

SDRAM

2 MB

SDRAM

PCI Slot 1

MEW-AM

PCI Slot 2

PCI Slot 3

PCI Slot 4

COM2

Intel 810

Graphics &

Memory

Controller

Hub (GMCH)

DIMM Socket 1 (64/72-bit, 168-pin module)

DIMM Socket 2 (64/72-bit, 168-pin module)

(ATXPWR)

Row

01

0

3

2

1

ATX Power Connector

Intel I/O

Controller

Hub (ICH)

CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

RTCLR

WOL_CON

4Mbit

Firmware

Hub

(FWH)

Super I/O

PRIMARY IDE

SECONDARY

PANEL

IDE

FLOPPY

(Grayed items are optional at the time of purchase.)

12 ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.2 Layout Contents

Motherboard Settings

1) FS0, FS1, FS2, FS3, FS4 p.14 CPU External Clock (BUS) Frequency Setting

Expansion Slots

1) DIMM1, DIMM2 p.15 168-Pin DIMM Memory Support

2) Socket 370 p.17 Central Processing Unit (CPU) Socket

3) PCI1, PCI2, PCI3, PCI4 p.18 32-bit PCI Bus Expansion Slots

Connectors

1) PS2KBMS p.19 PS/2 Mouse Connector (6-pin female)

2) PS2KBMS p.19 PS/2 Keyboard Connector (6-pin female)

3) USB p.20 Universal Serial Bus Ports 1 & 2 (Two 4-pin female)

4) PRINTER p.20 Parallel Port Connector (25-pin female)

5) COM1 p.20 Serial Port COM1 Connector (9-pin male)

6) VGA p.21 Monitor (VGA) Output Connector (15-pin female)

7) GAME_AUDIO p.21 Joystick/MIDI Connector (15-pin female) (optional)

8) GAME_AUDIO p.21 Audio Port Connectors (Three 1/8” female) (optional)

9) PRIMARY/SECONDAR Y IDE p.22 Primary/Secondary IDE Connectors (Two 40-1pins)

10) FLOPPY p.22 Floppy Disk Drive Connector (34-1pins)

11) WOL_CON p.23 Wake-On-LAN Connector (3 pins)

12) COM2 p.23 Serial Port COM2 Header (10-1 pins)

13) CPU_FAN, CHA_FAN p.24 CPU and Chassis Fan Connectors (3 pins)

14) LED (PANEL) p.25 System Message LED (2 pins)

15) KEYLOCK (PANEL) p.25 Keyboard Lock Switch Lead (2 pins)

16) EXSMI (PANEL) p.25 System Management Interrupt Switch Lead (2 pins)

17) SPEAKER (PANEL) p.25 System Warning Speaker Connector (4 pins)

18) PWRSW (PANEL) p.25 ATX Power / Soft-Off Switch Lead (2 pins)

19) HDLED (PANEL) p.25 IDE Activity LED (2 pins)

20) PLED (PANEL) p.25 System Power LED Lead (3-1 pins)

21) RESET (PANEL) p.25 Reset Switch Lead (2 pins)

22) CD_IN p.26 Internal Audio Connector (4-pins) (optional)

23) ATXPWR p.26 ATX Power Supply Connector (20 pins)

3. H/W SETUP

Layout Contents

3.3 Hardware Setup Procedure

Before using your computer, you must complete the following steps:

• Check Motherboard Settings

• Install Memory Modules

• Install the Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• Install Expansion Cards

• Connect Ribbon Cables, Panel Wires, and Power Supply

ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual 13

3.4 Motherboard Settings

WARNING! Computer motherboards and expansion cards contain very delicate

Integrated Circuit (IC) chips. To protect them against damage from static electric­ity, you should follow some precautions whenever you work on your computer.

1. Unplug your computer when working on the inside.

2. Use a grounded wrist strap before handling computer components. If you do

3. Hold components by the edges and try not to touch the IC chips, leads or con-

4. Place components on a grounded antistatic pad or on the bag that came with the

1) CPU External Frequency Setting (FS0, FS1, FS2, FS3, FS4)

System Memory

3. H/W SETUP

3. HARDWARE SETUP

not have one, touch both of your hands to a safely grounded object or to a metal
object, such as the power supply case.

nectors, or other components.
component whenever the components are separated from the system.

Current PCI bus is limited to 33MHz, Socket 370 Celeron processors limited to
66MHz, and SDRAM limited to the DIMM type 66/100/133MHz. (66MHz
SDRAM is not supported on this motherboard.) Other settings are for experi­enced users only.

Recommended
CPU Setting

NOTE: For updated processor settings, please visit ASUS’ web site (see ASUS
CONTACT INFORMATION)

WARNING! CPU frequencies above 66MHz exceed the specifications for cur-

rent Celeron processors and are not guaranteed to be stable. Premature wearing of
the processor may result when overclocking. Be sure that the DIMM you use can
handle the specified SDRAM MHz or else bootup will not be possible.

14 ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.5 System Memory (DIMM)

NOTE: No hardware or BIOS setup is required after adding or removing memory.
This motherboard uses only Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMMs). Sockets are

available for 3.3Volt (power level) unbuffered Synchronous Dynamic Random Ac-
cess Memory (SDRAM).

This chipset does not support ECC. However, ECC memory modules may still be
used, but the ECC function will not be available.

Install memory in any combination as follows:

Location 168-pin DIMM SDRAM Total Memory

DIMM1 Single-Sided/Double-Sided x1
(Rows 0&1) 16, 32, 64, 128MB, or 256MB

DIMM2 Single-Sided/Double-Sided x1
(Rows 2&3)

16, 32, 64, 128MB, or 256MB

Total System Memory (Max 512MB) =

NOTE: At the time this User’s Manual was written, 256MB DIMMs are only avail-

able as Double-Sided registered memory (128Mbit cells). Using 2x2x2 SDRAM can
greatly improve the onboard graphics’ performance.

3.5.1 General DIMM Notes

• This motherboard operates at 100MHz, therefore PC100-compliant modules must
be used because of the strict timing issues involved under this speed.

• ASUS motherboards support SPD (Serial Presence Detect) DIMMs. This is the
memory of choice for best performance vs. stability.

• SDRAM chips are generally thinner with higher pin density than EDO (Ex­tended Data Output) chips.

• BIOS shows SDRAM memory on bootup screen.

• Single-sided DIMMs come in 16, 32, 64,128MB; double-sided come in 32, 64,

128, 256MB.

3. H/W SETUP

System Memory

ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual 15

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.5.2 DIMM Installation

Insert the module(s) as shown. Because the number of pins are different on either
side of the breaks, the module will only fit in the orientation shown. DIMM mod­ules are longer and have different pin contact on each side and therefore have a
higher pin density. SIMMs have the same pin contact on both sides.

Lock

88 Pins

3. H/W SETUP

CPU

1

MEW-AM

60 Pins

20 Pins

MEW-AM 168-Pin DIMM Sockets

FRONT

The DIMMs must be 3.3V Unbuffered for this motherboard. To determine the DIMM
type, check the notches on the DIMMs (see figure below).

168-Pin DIMM Notch Key Definitions (3.3V)

DRAM Key Position

RFU

Buffered

Unbuffered

Voltage Key Position

5.0V

Reserved

3.3V

The notches on the DIMM will shift between left, center, or right to identify the type
and also to prevent the wrong type from being inserted into the DIMM slot on the
motherboard. You must ask your retailer the correct DIMM type before purchasing.
This motherboard supports four clock signals per DIMM slot.

16 ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard provides a ZIF Socket 370. The CPU that came with the mother­board should have a fan attached to it to prevent overheating. If this is not the case,
then purchase a fan before you turn on your system.

WARNING! Be sure that there is sufficient air circulation across the processor’s

heatsink by regularly checking that your CPU fan is working. W ithout sufficient
circulation, the processor could overheat and damage both the processor and the
motherboard. You may install an auxiliary fan, if necessary.

To install a CPU, first turn off your system and remove its cover. Locate the ZIF
socket and open it by first pulling the lever sideways away from the socket then
upwards to a 90-degree angle. Insert the CPU with the correct orientation as shown.
The notched corner should point towards the end of the lever . Because the CPU has
a corner pin for two of the four corners, the CPU will only fit in the orientation as
shown. The picture is for reference only; you should have a CPU fan that covers the
face of the CPU. With the added weight of the CPU fan, no force is required to
insert the CPU. Once completely inserted, close the socket’s lever while holding
down the CPU.

NOTE: Do not forget to set the correct Bus Frequency and Multiple (frequency
multiple setting is available only on unlocked processors) for your Socket 370 pro­cessor or else boot-up may not be possible.

3. H/W SETUP

Expansion Cards

CAUTION! Be careful not to scrape the motherboard when mounting a clamp-

style processor fan or else damage may occur to the motherboard.

Socket 370 CPU (Top) Socket 370 CPU (Bottom)

1

MEW-AM

Notch

MEW-AM Socket 370

ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual 17

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.7 Expansion Cards

WARNING! Make sure that you unplug your power supply when adding or

removing expansion cards or other system components. Failure to do so may
cause severe damage to both your motherboard and expansion cards.

3.7.1 Expansion Card Installation Procedure

1. Read the documentation for your expansion card and make any necessary hard­ware or software settings for your expansion card, such as jumpers or switches.

2. Remove your computer system’s cover and the bracket plate with screw on the
slot you intend to use. Keep the bracket for possible future use.

3. Carefully align the card’s connectors and press firmly.

4. Secure the card on the slot with the screw you removed above.

Expansion Cards

3. H/W SETUP

5. Replace the computer system’s cover.

6. Set up the BIOS if necessary.

7. Install the necessary software drivers for your expansion card.

18 ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.8 External Connectors

WARNING! Some pins are used for connectors or power sources. These are

clearly distinguished from jumpers in the Motherboard Layout. Placing jumper
caps over these connector pins will cause damage to your motherboard.

IMPORTANT: Ribbon cables should always be connected with the red stripe to

Pin 1 on the connectors. Pin 1 is usually on the side closest to the power connec­tor on hard drives and CD-ROM drives, but may be on the opposite side on
floppy disk drives. Check the connectors before installation because there may
be exceptions. Look on IDE ribbon cable must be less than 46 cm (18 in.), with
the second drive connector no more than 15 cm (6 in.) from the first connector.

1) PS/2 Mouse Connector (6-pin PS2KBMS)

The system will direct IRQ12 to the PS/2 mouse if one is detected. If one is not
detected, expansion cards can use IRQ12.

PS/2 Mouse (6-pin Female)

2) PS/2 Keyboard Connector (6-pin PS2KBMS)
This connection is for a standard keyboard using an PS/2 plug (mini DIN). This
connector will not allow standard AT size (large DIN) keyboard plugs. You
may use a DIN to mini DIN adapter on standard AT keyboards.

Connectors

3. H/W SETUP

PS/2 Keyboard (6-pin Female)

ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual 19

3. H/W SETUP

Connectors

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3) Universal Serial Bus Ports (Two 4-pin USB)

Two USB ports are available for connecting USB devices.

USB 1

Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2

4) Parallel Port Connector (25-pin PRINTER)

The parallel connector is used for a single parallel device such as a printer or a
portable drive. See Parallel Port in 4.4.1 I/O Device Configuration for set­tings.

NOTE: Serial printers must be connected to the serial port.

Parallel (Printer) Port (25-pin Female)

5) Serial Port Connector (9-pin COM1)

One serial port is ready for a mouse or other serial devices. A second serial port
is available using a serial port bracket connected from the motherboard to an
expansion slot opening. See Serial Port A or B in 4.4.1 I/O Device Configura-
tion for settings.

Serial Port (9-pin Male) COM 1

20 ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

6) Monitor Output Connector (15-pin VGA)

This connector is for output to a VGA-compatible device.

VGA Monitor (15-pin Female)

7) Joystick/MIDI Connector (15-pin GAME_AUDIO) (optional)

You may connect game joysticks or game pads to this connector for playing
games. Connect MIDI devices for playing or editing professional audio.

Joystick/Midi (15-pin Female)

NOTE: The onboard game port is to be used only if you are not using any PCI
or ISA audio card with a game port.

8) Audio Port Connectors (Three 1/8” GAME_AUDIO) (optional)
Line Out (lime) can be connected to headphones or preferably powered speak-

ers. Line In (light blue) allows tape players or other audio sources to be re­corded by your computer or played through the Line Out (lime). Mic (pink)
allows microphones to be connected for inputting voice.

Connectors

3. H/W SETUP

MicLine InLine Out

1/8" Stereo Audio Connectors

ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual 21

3. H/W SETUP

Connectors

3. HARDWARE SETUP

9) Primary / Secondary IDE Connectors (Two 40-1pin IDE)

These connectors support the provided IDE hard disk ribbon cable.
After connecting the single end to the board, connect the two plugs at the other
end to your hard disk(s). If you install two hard disks, you must configure the
second drive to Slave mode by setting its jumper accordingly. Please refer to
your hard disk documentation for the jumper settings. (Pin 20 is removed to

prevent inserting in the wrong orientation when using ribbon cables with
pin 20 plugged).

TIP: You may configure two hard disks to be both Masters with two ribbon

cables – one for the primary IDE connector and another for the secondary IDE
connector and select the boot disk through Boot Sequence in 4.7 Boot Menu.

IMPORTANT: UltraDMA/66 IDE devices must use an 80-wire IDE cable
or else devices will automatically be limited to UltraDMA/33 mode.

PIN 1

1

MEW-AM

Primary IDE Connector

MEW-AM IDE Connectors

NOTE: Orient the red markings

on the IDE ribbon cable to

Secondary IDE Connector

PIN 1

10) Floppy Disk Drive Connector (34-1pin FLOPPY)

This connector supports the provided floppy drive ribbon cable. After connect­ing the single end to the board, connect the two plugs on the other end to the
floppy drives. (Pin 5 is removed to prevent inserting in the wrong orienta-

tion when using ribbon cables with pin 5 plugged).

NOTE: Orient the red markings on
the floppy ribbon cable to

PIN 1

PIN 1

1

MEW-AM

MEW-AM Floppy Disk Drive Connector

22 ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

11) Wake-On-LAN Connector (3-pin WOL_CON)

This connector connects to a LAN card with a Wake-On-LAN output, such as
the ASUS PCI-L101 Ethernet card. The connector powers up the system when a
wakeup packet or signal is received through the LAN card.

IMPORTANT: This feature requires that your system has an ATX power sup­ply with at least 720mA +5V standby power.

IMPORTANT: Requires an ATX power
supply with at least 720mA +5 volt
standby power

1

MEW-AM

+5 Volt Standby PME

Ground

MEW-AM Wake-On-LAN Connector

12) Serial Port Header (10-1 pin COM2)

The optional serial port bracket can be used to add an additional serial port for
additional serial devices.

Connectors

3. H/W SETUP

1

MEW-AM

MEW-AM Serial COM2 Bracket

ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual 23

Pin 1

to COM2 Header

3. HARDWARE SETUP

13) CPU Fan Connectors (3-pin CPU_FAN)

This connector supports a cooling fan of 350mA (4.2 Watts) or less. Orientate
the fan so that the heat sink fins allow airflow to go across the onboard heat
sink(s) instead of the expansion slots. Depending on the fan manufacturer, the
wiring and plug may be different. The red wire should be positive, while the
black should be ground. Connect the fan’s plug to the board taking into consid-
eration the polarity of the connector.

NOTE: The “Rotation” signal cannot be monitored on this motherboard.

WARNING! The CPU and/or motherboard will overheat if there is no airflow

across the CPU and onboard heatsinks. Damage may occur to the motherboard
and/or the CPU fan if these pins are incorrectly used. These are not jumpers,

do not place jumper caps over these pins.

3. H/W SETUP

Connectors

CPU Fan Power

GND

+12V

Rotation

1

MEW-AM

Chassis Fan Power

+12V

GND

MEW-AM 12-Volt Cooling Fan Power

The following PANEL illustration is used for items 14-21

Keyboard Lock
Message LED

Keylock

MSGLED-

MSGLED+

Ground

External SMI Lead

ExtSMI#

Speaker

Connector

Ground

+5V

Speaker

1

MEW-AM

Ground

IDELED-

PWRBTN

IDELED+

ATX Power

Switch*

HDLED

*

Requires an ATX power supply.

MEW-AM System Panel Connectors

24 ASUS MEW-AM User’s Manual

Reset Ground

Ground

PWRLED-

PWRLED+

PWRLED-

Reset SW

Power LED