Asus P5L-MX User Manual

Motherboard

P5L-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.

E273 7

Firs t E diti o n
Augu s t 2006

iii

Contents

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

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

About this guide .................................................................................viii

Typography ......................................................................................... ix

P5L-MX specications summary ........................................................... x

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 Welcome! .............................................................................. 1-2

1.2 Package contents .................................................................

1-2

1.3 Special features ....................................................................

1-2

1.3.1 Product highlights ...................................................

1-2

1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features .......................................

1-4

1.4 Before you proceed ..............................................................

1-5

1.5 Motherboard overview ..........................................................

1-6

1.5.1 Placement direction ................................................

1-6

1.5.2 Screw holes .............................................................

1-6

1.5.3 Motherboard layout ................................................

1-7

1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ..............................................

1-8

1.6.1 Installling the CPU ...................................................

1-8

1.6.2 Installling the CPU heatsink and fan ......................

1-11

1.6.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan ...................

1-13

1.7 System memory ..................................................................

1-15

1.7.1 Overview ...............................................................

1-15

1.7.2 Memory congurations .........................................

1-15

1.7.3 DDR2 Qualied Vendors List .................................

1-17

1.7.4 Installing a DIMM ...................................................

1-19

1.7.5 Removing a DIMM ..................................................

1-19

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

1-20

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

1-20

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

1-21

1.8.3 Interrupt assignments ...........................................

1-19

1.8.4 PCI slots ................................................................

1-22

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

1-22

1.8.6 PCI Express x1 .....................................................

1-22

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

1-23

iv

Contents

1.10 Connectors .........................................................................1-25

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

1-25

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

1-26

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 Primary, Third and Fourth IDE Master/Slave .........

2-15

2.3.5 IDE Conguration ..................................................

2-16

2.3.6 System Information

............................................... 2-17

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

2-18

2.4.1 JumperFree Conguration .....................................

2-18

2.4.2 USB Conguration .................................................

2-21

2.4.3 CPU Conguration .................................................

2-22

2.4.4 Chipset ..................................................................

2-23

2.4.5 Onboard Devices Conguration .............................

2-26

2.4.6 PCI PnP ..................................................................

2-28

v

Contents

2.5 Power menu ........................................................................ 2-29

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

2-29

2.5.2 ACPI 2.0 Support .................................................

2-29

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

2-29

2.5.4 APM Conguration ................................................

2-30

2.5.5 Hardware Monitor ..................................................

2-32

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

2-34

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

2-34

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

2-35

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

2-36

2.7 Exit menu ............................................................................

2-38

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 Manuals menu .........................................................

3-6

3.2.5 ASUS Contact information ......................................

3-6

Appendix: CPU features

A.1 Intel® EM64T ......................................................................... A-2

Using the Intel® EM64T feature ............................................ A-2

A.2 Enhanced Intel SpeedStep

®

Technology (EIST) .................... A-2

A.2.1 System requirements ..............................................

A-2

A.2.2 Using the EIST .........................................................

A-3

A.3 Intel

®

Hyper-Threading Technology ...................................... A-4

vi

Notices

Fed er al Co mm un ica ti on s C om mi ssi on S tat em en t

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.

Can ad ia n D ep ar tme nt o f C om mu nic at io ns St at eme nt

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

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.

Safety information

Ele ct ri cal s af ety

•

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 fix it by yourself. Contact
a qualified service technician or your retailer.

Ope ra ti on sa fe ty

•

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
qualified service technician or your retailer.

viii

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and

conguring the motherboard.

How t hi s g ui de is o rg ani ze d

This manual contains the following parts:

• Chap t e r 1: P r o duct i n trod u c t ion
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the

new technology it supports. This chapter also lists the hardware
setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system
components. It includes description of the jumpers and connectors on
the motherboard.

• Chap t e r 2: B I O S se t u p
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS

Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also
provided.

• Chap t e r 3: S o f twar e s uppo r t
This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes

with the motherboard package.

Whe re t o f in d mor e in for ma ti on

Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product
and software updates.

1. ASUS w e bsit e s
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware

and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.

2. Opti o n a l do c u m enta t i o n
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

Con ve nt ion s us ed in t his g ui de

To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the
following symbols used throughout this manual.

Typography

DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself

when trying to complete a task.

CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components

when trying to complete a task.

NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a

task.

IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a

task.

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:
afudos /i[lename]

afudos /iP5LMX.ROM

x

P5L-MX specications summary

(continued on the next page)

CPU

Chipset

Front Side Bus

Memory

VGA

Expansion slots

Storage

Audio

LAN

USB

Rear panel

BIOS features

LGA775 socket for Intel® Core™2 Extreme / Core™2 Duo /

Pentium® D / Pentium® 4 / Celeron® D Processors
Compatible with Intel® 06/05B/05A processors
Supports Intel® next generation 65nm processors
Supports Intel® Enhanced Memory 64 Technology (EM64T),
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology (EIST), and
Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology

Northbridge: Intel® 945G
Southbridge: Intel® ICH7

1066/800/533 MHz

Dual-channel memory architecture
2 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support up to 4GB of
unbufferred non-ECC 667/533/400 MHz DDR2 DIMMs

Integrated Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950

1 x PCI Express x16 slot for discrete graphics cards
1 x PCI Express x1
2 x PCI slots

Intel® ICH7 SouthBridge supports:

- 1 x IDE connector for up to two Ultra DMA
133/100/66/33 devices

- 4 x Serial ATA 3Gb/s ports

ADI® ADI1986A 6-channel High-Denition audio CODEC
Supports Jack-Sensing, Enumeration Technology
S/PDIF out interface support

Attansic L1 Gigabit LAN controller

Supports up to 8 USB 2.0 ports

1 x Parallel port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
4 x USB 2.0 ports

1 x VGA port

1 x Serial port
1 x PS/2 keyboard port
1 x PS/2 mouse port

6-channel high-denition audio I/O ports

4 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, WfM2.0, DMI2.0, SM
BIOS 2.3, ASUS EZ Flash, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2

xi

*Specications are subject to change without notice.

P5L-MX specications summary

Special features

Industry standard

Manageability

Internal
connectors

Power
Requirement

Form Factor

Support CD
contents

ASUS EZ Flash
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2
ASUS MyLogo™ 2
ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
ASUS Q-Fan

PCI 2.2, USB 2.0

WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, Chassis
Intrussion

2 x USB 2.0 connectors for 4 additional USB 2.0 ports
1 x CPU fan connector
1 x Chassis fan connector
1 x 24-pin EATX power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12 V power connector
1 x CD in connector

1 x Front panel high-denition audio connector

1 x S/PDIF out connector
1 x System Panel connector

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

Micro-ATX form factor: 9.6 in x 8 in (24.5cm x 20.3cm)

Device drivers
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS update
ASUS Screensaver

xii

1

Product

introduction

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

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 Welcome!

T h a n k y o u f o r b u y i n g a n A S U S® P 5 L - 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.

1.2 Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

Motherboard ASUS P5L-MX motherboard

Cables 1 x Serial ATA Cable Kit (SATA/Power)
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable
1 x Floppy disk drive cable

Accessories I/O shield

Application CDs ASUS motherboard support CD

Documentation User guide

If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.

1.3 Special features

1.3 .1 Pr od uct h ig hli gh ts

LGA 7 75 Int e l® Cor e ™2 P ro c ess o r R ead y

This motherboard supports the latest Intel® Core™2 processor in the
LGA775 package. With the new Intel® Core™ microarchitecture technology
and 1066 / 800 MHz FSB, Intel® Core™2 processor is one of the most

powerful and energy efcient CPU in the world.

64- b it CPU sup por t

The motherboard supports 64-bit processors that provides
high-performance computing and faster memory access required for
memory and data intensive applications.

ASUS P5L-MX 1-3

Int e l® 94 5 G c hip s et

The Intel® 945G graphics memory controller hub (GMCH) and the ICH7 I/O
controller hub provide the vital interfaces for the motherboard. The GMCH
features the Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950, an integrated graphics
engine for enhanced 3D, 2D, and video capabilities. The GMCH provides the
interface for a processor in the 775-land package with 533/800/1066
MHz front side bus (FSB), dual channel DDR2 at speeds of up to 667 MHz,
and PCI Express x16 graphics card.

The Intel® ICH7 Southbridge represents the seventh generation I/O
controller hub that provides the interface for PCI Express and 6-channel

high denition audio.

DDR 2 m e mor y s u ppo r t

The motherboard supports DDR2 memory which features data transfer rates
of 667/533/400 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 10.7 GB/s. See pages 1-15 to 1-18 for details.

PCI Ex p res s ™ i nte r fa c e

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 1-22 for details.

Ser i al ATA te c hno l og y

The motherboard supports the Serial ATA technology through the Serial
ATA interfaces and the Intel® ICH7 chipset. The SATA specication allows

for thinner, more exible cables with lower pin count, reduced voltage

requirement, and up to 300 MB/s data transfer rate.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.3 .2 In no vat iv e ASU S fe atu re s

Cra s hF r ee B IO S 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 ROM chip. See page 2-6 for details.

ASU S E Z Fl a sh BIO S
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 M y Log o 2

ASUS My Logo 2 is the new feature present in the motherboard that allows
you to personalize and add style to your system with customizable and
animated boot logos. See pages 2-35 for details.

C.P . R. (CP U P a ram e te r Re c al 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.

ASUS P5L-MX 1-5

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
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.

P5L-MX

R

P5L-MX

Onboard LED

SB_PWR

ON

Standby

Power

OFF

Powered

Off

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction

P5L-MX

R

1.5 Motherboard overview

Before you install the motherboard, study the conguration 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.

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

1.5 .1 Pl ac eme nt d ire ct 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.

1.5 .2 Sc re w h ol es

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

motherboard to the chassis.

Place this side towards
the rear of the chassis

ASUS P5L-MX 1-7

1.5 .3 Mo th erb oa rd la yo ut

20.3cm (8in)

24.5cm (9.6in

)

DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64 bit,240-pin module)

DDR2 DIMM_B1 (64 bit,240-pin module)

P5L-MX

LAN_USB34

AUDIO

LGA775

CPU_FAN

Super I/O

CHA_FAN1

FLOPPY

PRI_IDE

PANEL

SATA1

SATA2

SATA3

SATA4

Intel ICH7

Intel GMCH945G

CLRTC

USB78

SPI_J1

4Mb
BIOS

SPDIF_OUT

CD

AAFP

USB56

PCI2

PCI1

PCIEX16

PCIEX1_1

SB_PWR

AD1986A

Attansic

L1

ICS PRS552

USBPW5678

CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

USBPW1234

ATX12V

PARALLEL

POR

T

VGA COM1

PS/2KBMS
T: Mouse
B: Keyboard

USB12

EATXPWR

R

1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.6 .1 In st all li ng th e CP U

To install a CPU:

1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.

1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a surface mount LGA775 socket designed
for the Intel® Core™2 Extreme/Core™2 Duo/Pentium® D/Pentium® 4 and
Celeron

®

D processors.

•

Your boxed Intel® Core™2 Extreme/Core™2 Duo/Pentium® D/
Pentium® 4 or Celeron® D LGA775 processor package should
come with installation instructions for the CPU, fan and heatsink
assembly. If the instructions in this section do not match the CPU
documentation, follow the latter.

• Upon purchase of the motherboard, make sure that the PnP cap
is on the socket and the socket pins are not bent. Contact your
retailer immediately if the PnP cap is missing, or if you see any
damage to the PnP cap/socket pins/motherboard components.
ASUS will shoulder the cost of repair only if the damage is shipment/
transit-related.

• Keep the cap after installing the motherboard. ASUS will process
Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) requests only if the
motherboard comes with the cap on the LGA775 socket.

•

The product warranty does not cover damage to the socket pins
resulting from incorrect CPU installation/removal, or misplacement/
loss/incorrect removal of the PnP cap.

Before installing the CPU, make sure that the socket box is facing
towards you and the load lever is on your left.

P5L-MX

R

P5L-MX

CPU Socket 775

ASUS P5L-MX 1-9

3. Lift the load lever in the direction
of the arrow to a 135º angle.

4. Lift the load plate with your

thumb and forenger to a 100º

angle (A), then push the PnP cap
from the load plate window to
remove (B).

To prevent damage to the socket pins, do not remove the PnP cap
unless you are installing a CPU.

5. Position the CPU over the
socket, making sure that
the gold triangle is on
the bottom-left corner of
the socket. The socket

alignment key should t

into the CPU notch.

2. Press the load lever with your thumb (A) and move it to the left (B)
until it is released from the retention tab.

Ret e n t ion t a b

Loa d l ever

Thi s s ide o f t he ca m
box s h ould f a c e you .

PnP C a p

A

B

Loa d p late

A

B

Ali g n m ent k e y

Gol d t riang l e mark

1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction

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!

6. Close the load plate (A), then
push the load lever (B) until it
snaps into the retention tab.

A

B

The motherboard supports Intel® LGA775 processors with the Intel®
Enhanced Memory 64 Technology (EM64T), Enhanced Intel SpeedStep

®

Technology (EIST), and Hyper-Threading Technology.

If you install a dual-core CPU, make sure to connect the chassis fan cable
to CHA_FAN connector for system stability.

ASUS P5L-MX 1-11

1.6 .2 In st all li ng th e CP U h ea ts ink a nd fa n

The Intel® Core™2 Extreme/Core™2 Duo/Pentium® D/Pentium® 4 and
Celeron

®

D processors require a specially designed heatsink and fan

assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.

• Install the motherboard to the chassis before you install the CPU fan
and heatsink assembly

• When you buy a boxed Intel

®

Core™2 Extreme/Core™2 Duo/
Pentium® D/Pentium® 4 or Celeron® D LGA775 processor, the
packageincludes the CPU fan and heatsink assembly. If you buy
a CPU separately, make sure that you use only Intel®-certied
multi-directional heatsink and fan.

• Your I Intel

®

Core™2 Extreme/Core™2 Duo/Pentium® D/Pentium® 4
or Celeron® D LGA775 heatsink and fan assembly comes in a push­pin design and requires no tool to install.

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.

To install the CPU heatsink and fan:

1. Place the heatsink on top of the
installed CPU, making sure that
the four fasteners match the
holes on the motherboard.

Fas t e n er

Mot h e r board h o le

Make sure each fastener is oriented as shown, with the narrow groove
directed outward.

1-12 Chapter 1: Product introduction

Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring
errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector.

3. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan
cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN.

2. Push down two fasteners at
a time in a diagonal sequence
to secure the heatsink and fan
assembly in place.

A

A

B

B

B

B

A

A

P5L-MX

R

P5L-MX

CPU Fan Connector

CPU_FAN

GND

CPU FAN PWR

CPU FAN IN

CPU FAN PWM

ASUS P5L-MX 1-13

1.6 .3 Un in sta ll in g t he C PU he at s in k an d f an

To uninstall the CPU heatsink and fan:

1. Disconnect the CPU fan
cable from the connector
on the motherboard.

2. Rotate each fastener
counterclockwise.

3. Pull up two fasteners at a
time in a diagonal sequence
to disengage the heatsink
and fan assembly from the
motherboard.

A

A

B

B

B

B

A

A

1-14 Chapter 1: Product introduction

4. Remove the heatsink and
fan assembly from the
motherboard.

5. Rotate each fastener
clockwise to reset the
orientation.

The narrow end of the
groove should point
outward after resetting.
(The photo shows the
groove shaded for
emphasis.)

Nar r o w end o f the g r o o ve

ASUS P5L-MX 1-15

1.7 System memory

1.7 .1 Ov er vie w

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:

1.7 .2 Me mo ry co nf igu ra ti ons

You may install 128MB, 256 MB, 512 MB and 1 GB unbuffered non-ECC
DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.

• For dual-channel conguration, the size of memory module installed

per channel must be the same (DIMM_A1= DIMM_B1)

• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum
compatibility, it is recommended that you obtain memory modules

from the same vendor. Refer to the DDR2 Qualied Vendors List on

page 1-17 for details.

• If you are installing only one DIMM module for a Single-channel

conguration, install the module on DIMM_B1.

Channel Sockets

Channel A DIMM_A1
Channel B DIMM_B1

P5L-MX

R

P5L-MX

240-pin DDR2 DIMM Sockets

128 Pins

112 Pins

DIMM_B1

DIMM_A1

1-16 Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

ASUS P5L-MX 1-17

1.7 .3 DD R2 Qu al if ied V en dor s Li st

The following table lists the memory modules that have been tested and

qualied for use with this motherboard. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.

com) for the latest DDR2 DIMM modules for this motherboard.

56MB Kingston KVR667D2N5/256 Elpida SS E2508AB-6E-E • •
512MB Kingston KVR667D2N5/512 Kingston SS D6408TE8WL-27 • •
512MB Kingston KVR667D2E5/512 Elpida SS E5108AE-6E-E • •
1G Kingston KVR667D2N5/1G Kingston DS D6408TE8WL-3 • •

512MB Samsung KR M378T6553CZ0-CE6 Samsung SS K4T51083QC • •
512MB Samsung KR M378T6453FZ0-CE6 Samsung DS K4T56083QF-ZCE6 • •
1G Samsung KR M378T2953CZ0-CE6 Samsung SS K4T51083QC-ZCE6 • •

256MB Inneon HYS64T32000HU-3S-A Inneon SS HYB18T512160AF-3SSSS17310 • •
512MB Inneon HYS64T32000HU-3S-A Inneon SS HYB18T5128000AF-3SSSS27416 • •
512MB Inneon HYS64T64000HU-3S-A Inneon SS HYB18T512800AF3SFSS05346 • •
1G Inneon HYS64T128020HU-3S-A Inneon DS HYB18T512800AF3SSSS28104 • •
512MB Corsair VS512MB667D2 Corsair DS MIII0052532M8CEC • •

512MB HY HYMP564U64AP8-Y4 AA Hynix SS HY5PS12821AFP-Y4 • •
512MB HY HYMP564U64AP8-Y5 AA Hynix SS HY5PS12821AFP-Y5 • •
1G HY HYMP512U64AP8-Y5 AB Hynix DS HY5PS12821AFP-Y5 • •
512MB Kingmax KLCC28F-A8EB5 Elpida SS E5108AE-6E-E • •
512MB Kingmax KLCC28F-A8KB5 Kingmax SS KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX • •
1G Kingmax KLCD48F-A8KB5 Kingmax DS KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX • •
512MB Apacer 78.91092.420 Elpida SS E5108AE-6E-E • •
512MB Apacer AU512E667C5KBGC Apacer SS AM4B5708MIJS7E0627B • •
1G Apacer 78.01092.420 Elpida DS E5108AE-6E-E • •
1G Apacer AU01GE667C5KBGC Apacer DS AM4B5708MIJS7E0627B • •
512MB ADATA M20EL5G3H3160B1C0Z Elpida SS E5108AE-6E-E • •

512MB VDATA M2GVD5G3H31A4I1C52 VDATA SS VD29608A8A-3EC20615 • •
512MB VDATA M2YVD5G3H31P4I1C52 VDATA SS VD29608A8A-3EG20627 • •
1G VDATA M2GVD5G3I41P6I1C52 VDATA DS VD29608A8A-3EG20627 • •
1G VDATA M2GVD5G3I41C4I1C52 VDATA DS VD29608A8A-3EC20620 • •

256MB Nanya NT256T64UH4A1FY-3C Nanya SS NT5TU32M16AG-3C • •
512MB Nanya NT512T64U88A1BY-3C Nanya SS NT5TU64M8AE-3C • •
512MB AENEON AET660UD00-30DA98Z AENEON SS AET93F30DA 0552 • •
1G AENEON AET760UD00-30DA98Z AENEON DS AET93F30DA8EE47414G 0540 • •
512MB AENEON AET660UD00-30DA98Z AENEON SS AET93F300A 0606 • •
1G AENEON AET760UD00-30DA98Z AENEON DS AET93F30DA 0604 • •

512MB VERITECH GTP512HLTM45EG VERITECH SS VTD264M8PC6G01A164129621 • •
1G VERITECH GTP01GHLTM55EG VERITECH DS VTD264M8PC6G01A164129621 • •

512MB GEIL GX21GB5300DC GEIT SS Heat-Sink Package • •
512MB Century CENTURY 512MB Nanya SS NT5TU64M8AE-3C • •
512MB Century CENTURY 512MB Hynix SS HY5PS12821AFP-Y5 • •
1G Century CENTURY 1G Hynix DS HY5PS12821AFP-Y5 • •
1G Century CENTURY 1G Nanya DS NT5TU64M8AE-3C • •
512MB KINGBOX 512MB 667MHz KINGBOX SS EPD264082200-4 • •

DIMM support

Size Vendor Model Brand Side(s) Component A B

DDR 2 66 7 Q u ali f ie d Ve n do r s L i st

1-18 Chapter 1: Product introduction

DDR 2 53 3 Q u ali f ie d Ve n do r s L i st

DIMM support

Size Vendor Model Brand Side(s) Component A B

256MB Kingston KVR533D2N4/256 Elpida SS E5116AB-5C-E • •
256MB Kingston KVR533D2N4/256 Elpida SS E5116AF-5C-E • •
512MB Kingston KVR533D2N4/512 Hynix DS HY5PS56821 • •
512MB Kingston KVR533D2N4/512 Inneon SS HYB18T512800AF3733336550 • •
1G Kingston KVR533D2N4/1G Kingston DS D6408TE7BL-37 • •
1G Kingston KVR533D2N4/1G Micron DS 5YD11D9GCT • •

256MB Samsung M378T3253FG0-CD5 Samsung SS K4T56083QF-GCD5 • •
512MB Samsung M378T6553BG0-CD5 Samsung SS K4T51083QB-GCD5 • •

256MB Inneon HYS64T32000HU-3.7-A Inneon SS HYB18T512160AF-3.7AFSS31270 • •
512MB Inneon HYS64T64000GU-3.7-A Inneon SS HYB18T512800AC37SSS11511 • •
512MB Inneon HYS64T64000HU-3.7-A Inneon SS HYB18T512800AF37SSS12079 • •
512MB Inneon HYS64T64000HU-3.7-A Inneon SS HYB18T512800AF37FSS29334 • •

512MB Micron MT 16HTF6464AG-53EB2 Micron DS D9BOM • •
512MB Micron MT 16HTF6464AG-53EB2 Micron DS Z9BQT • •
1G Micron MT 16HTF12864AY-53EA1 Micron DS D9CRZ • •

512MB Corsair VS512MB533D2 Corsair DS MIII0052532M8CEC • •

512MB Elpida EBE51UD8ABFA-5C-E Elpida SS E5108AB-5C-E • •
512MB Kingmax KLBC28F-A8KB4 Kingmax SS KKEA88B4IAK-37 • •
256MB Kingmax KLBB68F-36EP4 Elpida SS E5116AB-5C-E • •
512MB Kingmax KLBC28F-A8EB4 Elpida SS E5108AE-5C-E • •
512MB PQI MEAB-323LA PQI SS D2-E04180W025 • •
1G PQI MEAB-423LA PQI DS D2-E04230W107 • •
512MB AENEON AET660UD00-370A98Z AENEON SS AET93F370A G 0513 • •

256MB AENEON AET560UD00-370A98Z AENEON SS AET94F370AWVV34635G0520 • •
512MB AENEON AET660UD00-370A98Z AENEON SS AET93F370A 3VV36328G 0522 • •

512MB AENEON AET660UD00-370A98X AENEON SS AET93F370A 0518 • •
512MB AENEON AET660UD00-370A88S AENEON DS AET82F370A 0550 • •
1G AENEON AET760UD00-370A98Z AENEON DS AET93F370A 0551 • •
1G AENEON AET760UD00-370A98S AENEON DS AET92F370A 0606 • •

2G AENEON AET860UD00-370A08X AENEON DS AET03F370AFVV26176G 0542 • •
512MB VERITECH GTP512HLTM46DG VERITECH SS VTD264M8PC6G01A164129621 • •
1G VERITECH GTP01GHLTM56DG VERITECH DS VTD264M8PC6G01A164129621 • •

Side(s): SS - Single Sided DS - Double Sided
DIMM Support:
A - supports one module inserted into either slot, in a Single-channel memory

conguration.

B - supports on pair of modules inserted into either the yellow slots as one pair of

Dual-channel memory conguration.

ASUS P5L-MX 1-19

1.7 .4 In st all in g a D IM M

Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other
system components. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both
the motherboard and the components.

To install a DIMM:

1. Unlock a DIMM socket by
pressing the retaining clips
outward.

2. Align a DIMM on the socket
such that the notch on the
DIMM matches the break on
the socket.

3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the
socket until the retaining clips
snap back in place and the
DIMM is properly seated.

1.7 .5 Re mo vin g a DIM M

Follow these steps to remove a DIMM.

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

2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.

• 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.

Support the DIMM lightly with

your ngers when pressing the

retaining clips. The DIMM might

get damaged when it ips out

with extra force.

Unl o c k ed re t a i ning c l i p

DDR 2 D IMM n o t c h

1

2

3

DDR 2 D IMM n o t c h

1

2

1

1-20 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 all in g an ex pa nsi on c ard

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 igu ri ng an e xp ans io n car d

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 P5L-MX 1-21

1.8 .3 In te rru pt a ssi gn me nts

Sta n da r d i n te r rup t a s sig n me n ts

IRQ Standard Function

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

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

IRQ as s ign m en t s f o r t his mo t her b oa r d

A B C D E F G H

PCI slot 1 — shared — — — — — —
PCI slot 2 — — — — — non-shared — —
PCI Express x16 slot shared — — — — — — —
PCI Express x1 slot shared — — — — — — —
Onboard USB controller 1 — — — — shared — — —
Onboard USB controller 2 — shared — — — — — —
Onboard USB controller 3 — — shared — — — — —
Onboard USB controller 4 — — — shared — — — —
Onboard USB 2.0 controller — — — — shared — — —
Onboard IDE port — — — — — — shared —
Onboard HD audio — — — shared — — — —
Onboard LAN — shared — — — — — —

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.

1-22 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.8 .4 PC I slo ts

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 .5 PC I Exp re ss x1 6

This motherboard supports one
PCI Express x16 graphics card.

The gure shows a graphics card

installed on the PCI Express x16
slot.

1.8 .6 PC I Exp re ss x1

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

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

installed on the PCI Express x1 slot.

ASUS P5L-MX 1-23

1.9 Jumpers

1. Clea r R TC R A M (CLR 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. Re-install 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.

P5L-MX

R

P5L-MX Clear RTC RAM

CLRTC

Normal

Clear CMOS

(Default)

1 2 2 3

1-24 Chapter 1: Product introduction

• The USB device wake-up feature requires a power supply that can

provide 500 mA on the +5VSB lead for each USB port; otherwise,

the system would not power up.

• The total current consumed must NOT exceed the power supply

capability (+5VSB) whether under normal condition or in sleep mode.

2. USB d e v ice w a k e-up ( 3 -pin U S BPW1 2 3 4 , USB P W 5 678)

Set these jumpers to +5V to wake up the computer from S1 sleep

mode (CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in low power

mode) using the connected USB devices. Set to +5VSB to wake up

from S3 and S4 sleep modes (no power to CPU, DRAM in slow refresh,
power supply in reduced power mode).

The USBPW1234 jumper is for the rear USB ports. The USBPW5678
jumper is for the internal USB connectors that you can connect to
additional USB ports.

P5L-MX

R

P5L-MX

USB Device Wake Up

3

2

2

1

USBPW5678

+5V

(Default)

+5VSB

3

2

2

1

USBPW1234

+5V

(Default)

+5VSB

ASUS P5L-MX 1-25

SPEED

LED

ACT/LINK

LED

LAN port

LAN po r t L E D i ndi c at i ons

ACT/LINK LED SPEED LED

Status Description Status Description
OFF No link OFF 10 Mbps connection
YELLOW Data activity ORANGE 100 Mbps connection

(blinking)
YELLOW Linked GREEN 1 Gbps connection

(no blinking)

1.10 Connectors

1.1 0. 1 R ea r p an el c o nn ec to r s

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

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. Supported by Realtek® Gigabit LAN controller,
this port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN)
through a network hub. Refer to the table below for the LAN port LED
indications.

4. Line In port (light blue). This port connects the 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, and 8-channel conguration, the function of this

port becomes Front Speaker Out.

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

1

11

4

5

6

7

2 3

8

10

9

1-26 Chapter 1: Product introduction

Aud i o 2 , 4 , o r 6- c han nel con fig u rat ion

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

Port Headset 4-channel 6-channel
2-channel

7. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB)
ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

8. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB)
ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

9. VGA port. This port is for a VGA monitor or other VGA-compatible

devices.

10. Serial port. This port connects a mouse, modem, or other devices that

conform with serial specication.

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

1.1 0. 2 I nt er n al c on n ec to rs

1. Flop p y disk d r ive c o n nect o r (34- 1 p in F L 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.

P5L-MX

R

P5L-MX Floppy Disk Drive Connector

NOTE:

Orient the red markings o

n

the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1.

PIN 1

FLOPPY

ASUS P5L-MX 1-27

2. IDE c o n nect o r s (40 - 1 pin P R I _IDE )
The onboard IDE connectors are for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal

cables. 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).

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

• 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.

P5L-MX

R

P5L-MX IDE Connector

PRI_IDE

1-28 Chapter 1: Product introduction

3. Seri a l ATA c o n nect o r s
(7-p i n SATA 1 , SATA 2 , SATA 3 , S ATA 4 )

These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA
hard disk drives.

When using the connectors in Standard IDE mode, connect the primary
(boot) hard disk drive to the SATA1/2 connector. Refer to the table
below for the recommended SATA hard disk drive connections.

Connect the right-angle side
of SATA signal cable to SATA
device. Or you may connect
the right-angle side of SATA
cable to the onboard SATA
port to avoid mechanical

conict with huge graphics

cards.

right angle side

Ser i al ATA ha r d d i sk dri v e c onn e ct i on

Connector Color Setting Use

SATA1/2 Red Master Boot disk

SATA3/4 Black Slave Data Disk

P5L-MX

R

P5L-MX

SATA Connectors

GND

RSATA_TXP1

RSATA_TXN1

GND

RSATA_RXP1

RSATA_RXN1

GND

SATA1

GND

RSATA_TXP2

RSATA_TXN2

GND

RSATA_RXP2

RSATA_RXN2

GND

SATA2

GND

RSATA_TXP3

RSATA_TXN3

GND

RSATA_RXP3

RSATA_RXN3

GND

SATA3

GND

RSATA_TXP4

RSATA_TXN4

GND

RSATA_RXP4

RSATA_RXN

4

GND

SATA4

ASUS P5L-MX 1-29

5. Digi t a l Aud i o conn e c t or ( 4 - 1 pin S P DIF_ O U T )
This connector is for the S/PDIF audio module to allow digital sound

output. Connect one end of the S/PDIF audio cable to this connector
and the other end to the S/PDIF module.

The S/PDIF out module is purchased separately.

4. CPU, P o wer a n d Cha s s i s fa n c onne c t o rs ( 4 - p in C P U _ F AN,
3-pi n P WR_F A N (opt i o n al), 3 - pin C H A _FAN )

The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350mA~2000mA (24W

max.) or a total of 1A~7A (84W 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.

P5L-MX

R

P5L-MX

Fan Connectors

CPU_FAN

GND

CPU FAN PWR

CPU FAN IN

CPU FAN PWM

CHA_FAN

GND

Rotation

+12V

P5L-MX

R

P5L-MX

CPU Digital Audio Connector

+5V

SPDIFOUT

GND

SPDIF_OUT

1-30 Chapter 1: Product introduction

6. AT X pow er co nnec tors ( 2 4 - p i n E A T X P W R a n d 4 - p i n ATX12V)
These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The power supply

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

•

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

otherwise, the system will not boot.

• Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended 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.

• Make sure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least
the minimum power required by your system. See the table below
for details.

P5L-MX

R

P5L-MX ATX 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 P5L-MX 1-31

7. Opti c a l dri v e audi o c onne c t o r (4 - p i n CD )
This connector is for the 4-pin audio cable that connects to the audio

connector at the back of the optical drive.

Enable the CD-IN function in the audio utility when using this
connector.

8. USB c o n nect o r s (10 - 1 p in U S B 5 6, U S B 7 8)
These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the optional

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.

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

P5L-MX

R

P5L-MX Internal Audio Connector

CD

(black)

Right Audio Channel

Left Audio Channel

Ground

Ground

P5L-MX

R

P5L-MX

USB 2.0 Connectors

USB78

USB+5V

USB_P8-

USB_P8+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P7-

USB_P7+

GND

1

USB56

USB+5V

USB_P6-

USB_P6+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P5-

USB_P5+

GND

1

1-32 Chapter 1: Product introduction

9. Fron t p anel a u dio c o n nect o r (10- 1 p in A A F P )
This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module

that supports either HD Audio or legacy AC’97 audio standard.

It is recommended that you connect a high-denition front panel audio
module to this connector to avail of the motherboard’s high-denition

audio capability.

P5L-MX

R

P5L-MX

Front Panel Audio Connector

HP_HD

MIC2_L

HP_R

HP_L

MIC2_JD

Jack_Sense

MIC2_R

PRESENSE#

AGND

AAFP

Legacy AC’97-complian

t

pin definition

NC

MIC2_L

Line out_R

Line out_L

NC

NC

MIC2_R

NC

AGND

Azalia-compliant

pin definition

ASUS P5L-MX 1-33

10. S y s tem p a n el c o n n ecto r ( 10-1 p i n F_ P A N EL)

This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

• System power LED (2-pin PLED)
This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the

chassis power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED
lights up when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the
system is in sleep mode.

• Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED)
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.

• System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)
This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning

speaker. The speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.

• ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWRSW)
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.

• Reset button (2-pin RESET)
This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for

system reboot without turning off the system power.

P5L-MX

R

P5L-MX

System Panel Connector

* Requires an ATX power supply

NEL

PLED-

PWR

+5V

Speaker

Ground

RESET

Ground

Reset

Ground

Ground

PWRSW

PLED+

IDE_LED­IDE_LED+

IDE_LED

PLED SPEAKER

PA

1-34 Chapter 1: Product introduction

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 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

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 using a oppy disk or the
motherboard support CD during POST.)

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,

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 tin g a boo ta bl e f lo pp y d is k

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 in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original
motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update or AFUDOS utilities.

ASUS P5L-MX 2-3

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

2.1 .2 AS US EZ F la sh ut il ity

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 P5LMX.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 “P5LMX.ROM”. Completed.

Start erasing.......

Start programming...
Flashed successfully. Rebooting.

• Do not shutdown 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 “P5LMX.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 P5LMX.ROM.

• This function can support devices such as USB ash disk, or oppy

disk with FAT 32/16 format only.

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

2-4 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.1 .3 AF UD OS ut il ity

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 y in g th e c u rre n t B IOS

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

Mai n f ilena m e Exte n s i o n na m e

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 P5L-MX 2-5

Upd a ti n g t h e B IOS fi l e

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 /iP5LMX.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 /iP5LMX.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 /iP5LMX.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 ...... 0x0008CC00 (9%)

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 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.1 .4 AS US Cr as hF ree B IO S 2 u ti l it y

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 to P5LMX.ROM

Rec o ve r ing th e BI O S f rom a f lop p y d isk

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...

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

Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...
Checking for oppy...
Floppy found!
Reading le “P5LMX.ROM”. Completed.
Start ashing...

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

corrupted BIOS le.

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

ASUS P5L-MX 2-7

Rec o ve r ing th e BI O S f rom th e su p po r t 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.

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

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

Floppy not found!
Checking for CD-ROM...
CD-ROM found!
Reading le “P5LMX.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...

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.

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

2-8 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

Ins t al l ing AS U S U p dat e

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 Up da te ut il it 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 P5L-MX 2-9

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

Upd a ti n g t h e B IOS th r oug h t h e I n te r net

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.

2-10 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

Upd a ti n g t h e B IOS th r oug h a BIO S f i le

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 P5L-MX 2-11

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 rmware hub.

The rmware hub 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, restart the system by pressing
<Ctrl+Alt+Delete>, or by pressing the reset button on the system chassis.
You can also restart by turning the system off and then back on. Do this

last option only if the rst two failed.

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.

• 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 Default
Settings item under the Exit Menu. See section “2.7 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.

2-12 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

System Time [11:51:19]
System Date [Thu 05/07/2004]
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in]

Primary IDE Master :[ST320413A]
Primary IDE Slave :[Not Detected]
Third IDE Master :[Not Detected]
Third IDE Slave :[Not Detected]
Fourth IDE Master :[Not Detected]
Fourth IDE Slave :[Not Detected]
IDE Conguration

System Information

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

Use [+] or [-] to
congure system time.

2.2 .2 Me nu ba r

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

Exit For selecting the exit options and loading default

settings

2.2 .1 BI OS me nu s cre en

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.

Nav i g a tion k e y s

Gen e r a l hel p

Men u b ar

Sub - m e nu it e m s

Con f i g urati o n field sMen u i tems

2.2 .3 Na vi gat io n key s

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.

ASUS P5L-MX 2-13

2.2 .4 Me nu it em 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,
and Exit) on the menu bar have their
respective menu items.

2.2 .5 Su b- men u it ems

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 igu ra ti on fi 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 “2.2.7 Pop-up window.”

2.2 .7 Po p- up wi 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 ba 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 ral h el p

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

Scr o l l bar

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 wind o w

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

Primary IDE Master :[ST320413A]
Primary IDE Slave :[ASUS CD-S340]
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

Mai n m enu i t e m s

2-14 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

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 Ti me [x x: xx :xx ]

Allows you to set the system time.

2.3 .2 Sy st em Da te [D ay x x/x x/ xx xx]

Allows you to set the system date.

2.3 .3 Le ga cy Di sk ett e A [1. 44 M, 3. 5 in . ]

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 [11:51:19]
System Date [Thu 05/07/2004]
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in]

Primary IDE Master :[ST320413A]

Primary IDE Slave :[Not Detected]
Third IDE Master :[Not Detected]
Third IDE Slave :[Not Detected]
Fourth IDE Master :[Not Detected]
Fourth IDE Slave :[Not Detected]
IDE Conguration

System Information

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

Use [+] or [-] to
congure system time.

ASUS P5L-MX 2-15

2.3 .4 Pr im ary , Th ird a nd Fo ur th ID E Ma ste r/ Sl ave

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.

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 uto ]

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 / La r ge M od e [A u to ]

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 c k ( Mul t i- s ect o r T ran s fe r ) [ 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]

Primary IDE Master

Device : Hard Disk
Vendor : ST320413A
Size : 20.0GB
LBA Mode : Supported
Block Mode : 16 Sectors
PIO Mode : Supported
Async DMA : MultiWord DMA-2
Ultra DMA : Ultra DMA-5
SMART Monitoring: Supported

Type [Auto]
LBA/Large Mode [Auto]
Block(Multi-sector Transfer) [Auto]
PIO Mode [Auto]
DMA Mode [Auto]
Smart Monitoring [Auto]
32Bit Data Transfer [Disabled]

2-16 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

PIO Mo d e [ A ut o ]

Selects the PIO mode.

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

DMA Mo d e [ A ut o ]

Selects the DMA mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [SWDMA0]
[SWDMA1] [SWDMA2] [MWDMA0] [MWDMA1] [MWDMA2] [UDMA0]
[UDMA1] [UDMA2] [UDMA3] [UDMA4] [UDMA5]

SMA R T M oni t or i ng [ Au t o]

Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology.

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

32B i t D ata Tra nsf e r [ Dis a ble d]

Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2.3 .5 ID E Con fi gu rat io 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 Operate Mode [Enhanced Mode]
Enhanced Mode Support On [S-ATA]

IDE Detect Time Out (Sec) [35]

Onb o ar d ID E O p era t e M ode [E n han c ed Mod e ]

Disables or allows selection of the IDE operation mode depending on the
operating system (OS) that you installed. Set to Enhanced Mode if you are
using native OS, such as Windows® 2000/XP/2003 Server.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Compatible Mode] [Enhanced Mode]

ASUS P5L-MX 2-17

Enhanced Mode Support On [S-ATA]

The default setting S-ATA allows you to use native OS on Serial ATA
and Parallel ATA ports. We recommend that you do not change the
default setting for better OS compatibility. In this setting, you may
use legacy OS on the Parallel ATA ports only if you did not install any
Serial ATA device.

The P-ATA+S-ATA and P-ATA options are for advanced users only. If
you set to any of these options and encounter problems, revert to the

default setting S-ATA. Conguration options: [P-ATA+S-ATA] [S-ATA]
[P-ATA]

IDE De t ect Ti m e O u t [ 35]

Selects the time out value for detecting ATA/ATAPI devices.

Conguration options: [0] [5] [10] [15] [20] [25] [30] [35]

2.3 .6 Sy st em In fo rma ti on

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

BIOS automatically detects the items in this menu.

AMI BI O S

Displays the auto-detected BIOS information

Pro c es s or

Displays the auto-detected CPU specication

Sys t em Mem o ry

Displays the auto-detected system memory

AMIBIOS
Version : 0115
Build Date : 07/27/06

Processor
Type : Genuine Intel(R) CPU 2.80GHz
Speed : 2800 MHz
Count : 2

System Memory
Size : 512MB
Appropriated : 0MB
Available : 504MB

2-18 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

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.

Configure CPU.

Select Screen
Select Item
Enter Go to Sub-screen
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

JumperFree Conguration
USB Conguration

CPU Conguration
Chipset
Onboard Devices Conguration
PCI PnP

2.4 .1 Ju mp erF re e Con fi gu rat io n

AI O ve r clo c ki n g [ A ut o ]

Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired
CPU internal frequency. Select either one of the preset overclocking

conguration options:

Manual - allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.
Auto - loads the optimal settings for the system.

Overclock Prole - loads overclocking proles with optimal parameters for

stability when overclocking.

Congure System Frequency/Voltage

AI Overclocking [Auto]

Select the target CPU
frequency, and the
relevant parameters
will be auto-adjusted.
Frequencies higher
than CPU manufacturer
recommends are not
guaranteed to be
stable. If the system

ASUS P5L-MX 2-19

FSB/CPU External Frequency Synchronization

Front Side Bus CPU External Frequency

FSB 1066 266 MHz
FSB 800 200 MHz
FSB 533 133 MHz

DRA M F r equ e nc y [A u to ]

Allows you to set the DDR2 operating frequency. Conguration options:
[Auto] [DDR2-400MHz] [DDR2-533MHz] [DDR2-600MHz] [DDR2-667MHz]

[DDR2-800MHz]

Selecting a very high DRAM frequency may cause the system to become
unstable! If this happens, revert to the default setting.

The following item appears only when you set the AI Overclocking item

to [Manual].

CPU Fr e que n cy [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 100
to 450. Refer to the table below for the correct Front Side Bus and CPU
External Frequency settings.

PCI Ex p res s F r equ e nc y [A u to ]

Allows you to set the PCI Express frequency. This item is set to [Auto] by
default. Conguration options: [Auto] [90]...[150]

CPU Cl o ck S pr e ad S pe c tru m [ E nab l ed ]

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

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

PCI E C l ock Sp r ead Sp e ctr u m [ Dis a bl e d]

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

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Mem o ry Vol t ag e [A u to ]

Allows you to select the DDR2 reference voltage.

Conguration options: [Auto] [1.80V] [1.90V] [1.95V] [2.00V]

Refer to the DDR2 documentation before adjusting the memory voltage.
Setting a very high memory voltage may damage the memory module(s)!

2-20 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

The following item appears only when the AI Overclocking item is set to

[Overclock Prole].

FSB Te r min a ti o n V o lt a ge [ Au t o]

Allows you to select the FSB termination voltage.

Conguration options: [Auto] [1.20V] [1.30V]

MCH Ch i pse t V o lta g e [ Aut o ]

Allows you to select the memory controller hub (MCH) voltage.

Conguration options: [Auto] [1.50V] [1.55V] [1.60V] [1.65V]

Ove r cl o ck O pt i ons [O v erc l oc k 5% ]

Allows you to overclock the CPU speed through the available preset values.

Conguration options: [Overclock 5%] [Overclock 10%]
[Overclock 15%] [Overclock 20%] [Overclock 30%] [FSB888/DDR2-667]
[FSB960/DDR2-800] [FSB1280/DDR2-800] [FSB1333/DDR2-667]
[FSB1333/DDR2-834]

ASUS P5L-MX 2-21

USB Fu n cti o n [ Ena b le d ]

Allows you to enable or disable the USB function.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Leg a cy USB Su p por t [ A uto ]

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 n tro lle r [E nab l ed]

Allows you to enable or disable the USB 2.0 controller.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

USB 2.0 Co n tro lle r Mo de [ HiS pee 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]

BIO S E H CI H an d -of f [ D isa b le d ]

Allows you to enable support for operating systems without an EHCI

hand-off feature. Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

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 .2 US B Con fi gu rat io n

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 - 2.23.0-F.4

USB Devices Enabled: None

USB Function [Enabled]
Legacy USB Support [Auto]
USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]
USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]
BIOS EHCI Hand-Off [Disabled]

Do not disable the BIOS EHCI Hand-Off option if you are running a
Windows® operating system with USB device.

2-22 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.4 .3 CP U Con fi gu rat io n

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

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

Congure Advanced CPU settings

Manufacturer: Intel
Brand String: Genuine Intel(R) CPU 2.80GHz
Frequency : 2800 MHz
FSB Speed : 800 MHz

Cache L1 : 32 KB
Cache L2 : 2048 KB
Cache L3 : 0 KB

Ratio Status: Unlocked (Max:14, Min:14)
Ratio Actual Value : 14

Ratio CMOS Setting: [ 6]
VID CMOS Setting: [ 62]
Microcode Updation [Enabled]
Max CPUID Value Limit [Disabled]
Execute Disable Fuction [Disabled]
CPU Internal Thermal Control [Auto]

Sets the ratio between
CPU Core Clock and the
FSB Frequency.
NOTE: If an invalid
ratio is set in CMOS
then actual and
setpoint values may
differ.

Rat i o C MOS Se t tin g [ 6]

Sets the ratio between the CPU Core Clock and the Front Side Bus
frequency. The default value of this item is auto-detected by BIOS. Use the
<+> or <-> keys to adjust the values.

VID CM O S S e tt i ng [ 6 2 ]

Allows you to set the VID CMOS setting at which the processor is to run.

The BIOS auto-detects the default value of this item. Use the <+> or <->
keys to adjust the values.

Mic r oc o de U pd a tio n [ E nab l ed ]

Allows you to enable or disable the microcode updation.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Max CP U ID V al u e L i mi t [D i sa b led ]

Enable this item to boot legacy operating systems that cannot support
CPUs with extended CPUID functions.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Exe c ut e Di s ab l e F u nc t ion [D i sab l ed ]

Enables or disables the Execute Disable function. This item appears only
when you install a processor with the Execute Disable function.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

CPU In t ern a l T her m al Con t ro l [A u to ]

Disables or sets the CPU internal thermal control.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

ASUS P5L-MX 2-23

2.4 .4 Ch ip set

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

Con f ig u re D RA M Ti m in g by SP D [E n ab l ed]

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: [Disabled] [Enabled]

DRAM CAS# Latency [5 Clocks]

Controls the latency between the SDRAM read command and the time
the data actually becomes available.

Conguration options: [6 Clocks] [5 Clocks] [4 Clocks] [3 Clocks]

DRAM RAS# Precharge [4 Clocks]

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

SDRAM. Conguration options: [2 Clocks] [3 Clocks] [4 Clocks]
[5 Clocks] [6 Clocks]

DRAM RAS# to CAS# Delay [4 Clocks]

Controls the latency between the DDR SDRAM active command and

the read/write command. Conguration options: [2 Clocks] [3 Clocks]
[4 Clocks] [5 Clocks] [6 Clocks]

DRAM RAS# Activate to Precharge [15 Clocks]

Sets the RAS Activate timing to Precharge timing.

Conguration options: [4 Clock] [5 Clocks] ~ [18 Clocks]

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

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

Advanced Chipset Settings

Congure DRAM Timing by SPD [Enabled]
Hyper Path 3 [Auto]
DRAM Throttling Threshold [Auto]

Booting Graphic Adapter Priori [PCI Express/Int-VG]
Internal Graphics Mode Select [Enabled, 8MB]

Graphics memory type [Auto]
Boot Display Device [Auto]
Flat Panel Type [Type 1]
Local Flat Panel Scaling [Auto]
TV Connector [Auto]
HDTV Output [Auto]
TV Standard [VBIOS-Default]

PEG Buffer Length [Auto]

Link Latency [Auto]
PEG Root Control [Auto]
Slot Power [Auto]
High Priority Port Select [Disabled]

2-24 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

DRAM Write Recovery Time [4 Clocks]

Sets the DRAM Write Recover Time. Conguration options: [2 Clocks]
[3 Clocks] [4 Clocks] [5 Clocks] [6 Clocks]

Hyp e r P ath 3 [ Aut o ]

Set this item to enabled to reduce bottlenecks of memory bandwidth.

Set it to disabled for safe mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled]
[Enabled]

DRA M T h rot t li n g T h re s hol d [ A uto ]

Allows you to enable DRAM Thermal Throttling to make your system more

stable. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

Hyp e r P ath 3 [ Aut o ]

Set this item to enabled to reduce bottlenecks of memory bandwidth.

Set it to disabled for safe mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled]
[Enabled]

Boo t in g Gr a ph i c A d ap t er P ri o rit y [ P CI E xp r ess / In t -VG A ]

Allows selection of the graphics controller to use as primary boot device.

Conguration options: [Internal VGA] [PCI Express/Int-VGA]
[PCI Express/PCI] [PCI/PCI Express] [PCI/Int-VGA]

Int e rn a l G r ap h ics Mo d e S e le c t [ E na b led , 8 M B]

Sets the internal graphics mode.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled, 1MB] [Enabled, 8MB]

Gra p hi c s m e mo r y t y pe [Au t o]

Sets the graphics memory type. Conguration options: [Auto] [DVMT]
[FIX] [DVMT+FIX]

Boot Display Device [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [CRT on Port 0] [LFP on Port 2] [LFP on
Port 3] [DFP on Port 2] [DFP on Port 3] [TV on Port 2] [TV on Port
3] [CRT-Port 0 & CRT-Port 2] [CRT-Port 0 & CRT-Port 2] [CRT-Port 0
& LFP-Port 2] [CRT-Port 0 & LFP-Port 3] [CRT-Port 0 & DFP-Port 2]
[CRT-Port 0 & DFP-Port 3] [DFP-Port 2 & DFP-Port 3]

Flat Panel Type [Type 1]

Conguration options: [Type 1] [Type 2] ~ [Type 16]

Local Flat Panel Scalig [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [Forced Scaling] [Disabled]

ASUS P5L-MX 2-25

TV Connector [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [Composite] [Component] [Composite
& Component] [SCART Composite] [SCART Component] [SCART
Compos & Compon] [SCART Compos & Compon RGB] [HDTV Serial]
[HDTV Component] [HDTV Component RGB] [HDTV PnP HDMI]

HDTV Output [Auto]

Conguration options: [Auto] [480i60] [480p60] [576i50] [576p50]
[720p60] [1080i50] [1080i60] [1080p24] [1080p25] [1080p30]
[1080p50] [1080p60]

TV Standard [VBIOS-Default]

Conguration options: [VBIOS-Default] [NTSC] [PAL] [SECAM]
[SMPTE240M] [SMPTE260M] [SMPTE274M] [SMPTE295M]
[SMPTE296M] [SMPTE293M] [SMPTE170M] [ITURBT601]

PEG Bu f fer Le n gth [A u to]

Sets PCIEX graphics card buffer length. Conguration options: [Auto]
[Long] [Short]

Lin k L a ten c y [ Aut o ]

Sets link latency. Conguration options: [Auto] [Slow] [Normal]

PEG Ro o t C o nt r ol [ Au t o]

Enables, disables or set to Auto of the link latency.

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

Slo t P o wer [A u to]

Sets the slot power. Conguration options: [Auto] [Light] [Normal]
[Heavy] [Heavier]

Hig h P r ior i ty Por t S e lec t [ D isa b le d ]

Selects the high priority port. Conguration options: [Disabled]
[PCI Express Port 2]

2-26 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.4 .5 On bo ard D ev ice s Co nfi gu ra tio n

Congure Win627EHF Super IO Chipset

HD Audio Controller [Enabled]
Onboard PCIEX GbE LAN [Enabled]
LAN Option ROM [Disabled]

Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]
Parallel Port Address [378]
Parallel Port Mode [ECP]
ECP Mode DMA Channel [DMA3]
Parallel Port IRQ [IRQ7]

HD A ud i o C o nt r oll e r [ Ena b le d ]

Enables or disables the Azalia/AC’97 CODEC.
Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

OnB o ar d PC I EX GbE LA N [E n ab l ed]

Allows you to enable or disable the onboard PCI Express Gigabit LAN

controller. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

LAN Option ROM [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the option ROM in the onboard LAN
controller. This item appears only when the Onboard LAN item is set

to Enabled. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Ser i al Por t 1 A ddr e ss [3F 8 /IR Q4]

Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4] [2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4]
[2E8/IRQ3]

Par a ll e l P o rt Add r es s [3 7 8]

Allows you to select the Parallel Port base addresses.

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

Par a ll e l P o rt Mod e [ E CP]

Allows you to select the Parallel Port mode.

Conguration options: [Normal] [Bi-directional] [EPP] [ECP]

ASUS P5L-MX 2-27

ECP M o d e DM A C h anne l [ D MA3]

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]

EPP V e rsion [ 1 .9]

Allows selection of the Parallel Port EPP version. This item appears
only when the Parallel Port Mode is set to EPP.

Conguration options: [1.9] [1.7]

Parallel Port IRQ [IRQ7]

Conguration options: [IRQ5] [IRQ7]

2-28 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.4 .6 PC I PnP

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.

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

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 a n d P l ay 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 La t enc y T i mer [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 o ca t e I R Q t o P C I V GA [ Ye 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 e tt e Sn o op i ng [ Di s abl e d]

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 P5L-MX 2-29

IRQ - xx ass i gn e d t o [ P CI D ev i ce]

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]

2.5 Power menu

The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced

Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) and the Advanced Power

Management (APM). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the

conguration options.

2.5 .1 Su sp end M od e [ Au 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 AC PI 2. 0 Su p po rt [ N o]

Allows you to add more tables for Advanced Conguration and Power
Interface (ACPI) 2.0 specications. Conguration options: [No] [Yes]

2.5 .3 AC PI AP IC S upp or t [En ab le 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]

Configure CPU.

Suspend Mode [Auto]
ACPI 2.0 Support [No]
ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]

APM Conguration
Hardware Monitor

2-30 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.5 .4 AP M Con fi gu rat io n

Enabled or disable

APM.

APM Conguration

Power Button Mode [On/Off]

Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off]
Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled]
Power On By External Modems [Disabled]
Power On By PCI Devices [Disabled]
Power On By PCIE Devices [Disabled]
Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]
Power On By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]

Pow e r B utt o n M ode [O n /Of f ]

Allows the system to go into On/Off mode or suspend mode when the

power button is pressed. Conguration options: [On/Off] [Suspend]

Res t or e on AC Pow e r L oss [P o wer 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 e r O n B y R T C A l ar m [D i sa b led ]

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 e r O n B y E x ter n al Mod e ms [Di s ab l ed]

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.

ASUS P5L-MX 2-31

Pow e r O n B y P C I D e vi c es [ Di s abl 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 e r O n B y P C IE D ev i ces [D i sab l ed ]

When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to turn on the system

through a PCI Express LAN card. This feature requires an ATX power supply

that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Pow e r O n B y P S /2 K ey b oar d [ D isa 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]

Pow e r O n B y P S /2 M ou s e [ D is a ble d ]

When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to use the PS/2 mouse

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]
[Enabled]

2-32 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.5 .5 Ha rd war e Mo nit or

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

Hardware Monitor

AI Quiet [Disabled]
CPU Temperature [51ºC/122.5ºF]
MB Temperature [41ºC/105.5ºF]

CPU Fan Speed (RPM) [3813 RPM]
CPU Q-Fan Control [Disabled]
Chassis Fan Speed (RPM) [N/A]

VCORE Voltage [ 1.320V]

3.3V Voltage [ 3.345V]
5V Voltage [ 5.094V]
12V Voltage [11.880V]

AI Q ui e t [ D is a ble d ]

When set to Enabled, the system automatically optimize BIOS setting to
minimize CPU fan speed according to system loading.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

CPU Te m per a tu r e [ x xx C /xx x F]
MB T em p era t ur e [x x xC / xxx 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.

Conguration options: [Ignored] [xxxC/xxxF]

CPU Fa n Sp e ed [xx x xR P M] o r [ N/A ]

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.
Conguration options: [Ignored] [xxxRPM]

CPU Q- F an C on t rol [D i sab l ed ]

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]

The CPU FAN PROFILE MODE item appears when you enable the CPU
Q-Fan Control feature.

CPU FA N PR O FI L E M O DE [Op t im a l]

Sets the CPU fan prole mode.
Conguration options: [Optimal] [Silent Mode] [Performance Mode]

ASUS P5L-MX 2-33

Cha s si s Fa n S p eed [x x xxR P M] or [ N/ A ]

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.
Conguration options: [Ignored] [xxxRPM] or [N/A]

Pow e r F an S pe e d [ x xx x RPM ] o r [N / A]

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

to the power fan connector, the specic eld shows N/A.
Conguration options: [Ignored] [xxxRPM] or [N/A]

VCO R E V olt a ge , 3. 3 V V olt a ge, 5V Vol tag e , 1 2 V V olt a ge

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

2-34 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

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.

Select Screen
Select Item
Enter Go to Sub-screen
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

Boot Settings

Boot Device Priority

Boot Settings Conguration
Security

2.6 .1 Bo ot De vi ce Pr io ri ty

1st ~ x xth Boo t D e vic e [ 1 st Flo p py Dri v 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: [xxxxx Drive] [Disabled]

Boot Device Priority

1st Boot Device [1st FLOPPY DRIVE]
2nd Boot Device [PM-ST330620A]
3rd Boot Device [PS-ASUS CD-S360]

ASUS P5L-MX 2-35

2.6 .2 Bo ot Se tt in gs Co nf igu ra ti 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 c k B oot [E n abl e d]

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 S c ree n L o go [ En a ble d ]

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

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Add On ROM Di s pla y M o de [ Fo r ce B IO S ]

Sets the display mode for option ROM.

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

Boo t up Num - Lo c k [ O n]

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

Conguration options: [Off] [On]

PS/ 2 M o use Su p por t [ A uto ]

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

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

Wai t f o r ‘ F 1’ If E rr o r [ E na b led ]

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

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

Hit ‘D E L’ M es s age Di s pla y [ E nab l ed ]

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

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

2-36 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

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.

Int e rr u pt 1 9 C apt u re [Di s abl ed]

When set to [Enabled], this function allows the option ROMs to trap
Interrupt 19. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2.6 .3 Se cu rit y

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

<Enter> to change
password.
<Enter> again to
disabled password.

Cha n ge Sup e rv i sor Pa s swo r d

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.

ASUS P5L-MX 2-37

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

Use r A c ces s L e vel (F u ll A cc e ss]

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 n ge Use r P a ssw o rd

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 a r U ser Pa s swo r d

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]

2-38 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

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.

Pas s wo r d C h ec k [S e tu 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 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.

Exit system setup
after saving the
changes.

F10 key can be used
for this operation.

Select Screen
Select Item
Enter Go to Sub-screen
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC 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

Exi t & Sav e C h ang e s

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.

ASUS P5L-MX 2-39

Exi t & Dis c ar d Ch a ng e s

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 c ar d Ch a ng e 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 S e tup De f aul t s

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.

2-40 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

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.

Cli c k an it e m to in s t a ll

3.1 Installing an operating system

This motherboard supports Windows® 2000/XP/2003 Server 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 ing t he su pp or t C D

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.

Cli c k an ic o n to
dis p l a y sup p o r t
CD/ m o t herbo a r d
inf o r m ation

ASUS P5L-MX 3-3

3.2 .2 Dr iv ers 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.

Int e l( R ) C h ip s et I nf Upd a te Pro g ra m

This item installs the Intel® Chipset INF Update Program. This driver
enables Plug-n-Play INF support for the Intel

®

chipset components on the

motherboard. When installed to the target system, this driver provides the

method for conguring the chipset components.

You can install this utility using three different modes: interactive, silent, or
unattended preload. Installing the driver in interactive mode requires user
input during installation. User input is not required when installing the driver
in silent or unattended preload modes. Refer to the online help or readme

le that came with the utility for details.

Int e l( R ) G r ap h ics Ac c ele r at o r D r iv e r

Installs the Intel® Graphics Accelerator driver.

Sou n dM A X A D I1 9 86A Aud i o D riv e r

Installs the SoundMAX ADI1986A high-denition audio driver and

application.

Att a ns i c L 1 G i gab i t E the r ne t Dr i ve r

Installs the Attansic L1 Gigabit Ethernet driver.

3-4 Chapter 3: Software support

3.2 .3 Ut il iti es m enu

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

ASU S P C Pr o be II

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 U p dat 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). See page 2-8 for
details.

ASU S S c ree n S a ver

Bring life to your computer screen by installing the ASUS screen saver.

ADO B E A cro b at Rea d er V7. 0

Installs the Adobe® Acrobat® Reader that allows you to open, view, and
print documents in Portable Document Format (PDF).

Mic r os o ft D ir e ctX 9. 0 c

Installs the Microsoft® DirectX 9.0c driver. The Microsoft DirectX® 9.0c
is a multimedia technology that enhances computer graphics and sound.
DirectX® improves the multimedia features of you computer so you can

enjoy watching TV and movies, capturing videos, or playing games in your
computer. Visit the Microsoft website (www.microsoft.com) for updates.

ASUS P5L-MX 3-5

3.2 .4 Ma ke Di sk m enu

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

Mak e I n tel® ICH 7 32 bit RAI D D r ive r D i sk

Allows you to create an Intel® RAID driver disk for a 32-bit system.

Mak e I n tel® ICH 7 64 bit RAI D D r ive r D i sk

Allows you to create an Intel® RAID driver disk for a 64-bit system.

Mak e I T E82 1 1 32/ 6 4bi t I D E D r iv e r D i sk

Allows you to create an ITE8211® IDE driver disk for a 32/64-bit system.

3-6 Chapter 3: Software support

3.2 .5 Ma nu als m en u

The Manuals 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.

3.2 .6 AS US Co nt ac t i nf or mat io n

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.

A

CPU features

The Appendix describes the CPU
features that the motherboard
supports.

A-2 Appendix: CPU features

A.1 Intel® EM64T

• The motherboard is fully compatible with Intel® Pentium® 4 LGA775
processors running on 32-bit operating systems.

• The motherboard comes with a BIOS le that supports EM64T. You
can download the latest BIOS le from the ASUS website (www.asus.
com/support/download/) if you need to update the BIOS le. See

Chapter 2 for details.

• Visit www.intel.com for more information on the EM64T feature.

• Visit www.microsoft.com for more information on Windows

®

64-bit OS.

Usi ng t he In te l® EM 64 T fea tu re

To use the Intel® EM64T feature:

1. Install an Intel

®

Pentium® 4 CPU that supports the Intel® EM64T.

2. Install a 64-bit operating system (Windows

®

XP Professional x64

Edition or Windows® Server 2003 x64 Edition).

3. Install the 64-bit drivers for the motherboard components and devices
from the support CD.

4. Install the 64-bit drivers for expansion cards or add-on devices, if any.

Refer to the expansion card or add-on device(s) documentation, or visit
the related website, to verify if the card/device supports a 64-bit system.

A.2 Enhanced Intel SpeedStep®

Technology (EIST)

• The motherboard comes with a BIOS le that supports EIST. You
can download the latest BIOS le from the ASUS website (www.

asus.com/support/download/) if you need to update the BIOS. See
Chapter 2 for details.

• Visit www.intel.com for more information on the EIST feature.

A.2 .1 Sy ste m re qui re me nts

Before using EIST, check your system if it meets the following
requirements:

• Intel

®

Pentium® 4 processor with EIST support

• BIOS le with EIST support

• Operating system with EIST support (Windows

®

XP SP2/Windows®

Server 2003 SP1/Linux 2.6 kernel or later versions)

ASUS P5L-MX

A-3

A.2 .2 Us ing t he EI ST

To use the EIST feature:

1. Turn on the computer, then enter the BIOS Setup.

2. Go to the Advanced Menu, highlight CPU Conguration,
then press <Enter>.

3. Set the Intel(R) SpeedStep Technology item to [Automatic],

then press <Enter>. See page 2-24 for details.

4. Press <F10> to save your changes and exit the BIOS setup.

5. After the computer restarts, right click on a blank space on the desktop,
then select Properties from the pop-up menu.

6. When the Display Properties
window appears, click the Screen
Saver tab.

7. Click the Power button on the
Monitor power section to open
the Power Options Properties
window.

8. On the Power schemes section,
click , then select any option
except Home/Ofce Desktop or
Always On.

9. Click Apply, then click OK.

10. Close the Display Properties
window.

After you adjust the power

scheme, the CPU internal
frequency slightly decreases
when the CPU loading is low.

The screen displays and procedures may vary depending on the
operating system.

A-4 Appendix: CPU features

A.3 Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology

• The motherboard supports Intel® Pentium® 4 LGA775 processors
with Hyper-Threading Technology.

• Hyper-Threading Technology is supported under Windows

®

XP/2003
Server and Linux 2.4.x (kernel) and later versions only. Under Linux,
use the Hyper-Threading compiler to compile the code. If you are
using any other operating systems, disable the Hyper-Threading
Techonology item in the BIOS to ensure system stability and
performance.

• Installing Windows

®

XP Service Pack 1 or later version is

recommended.

• Make sure to enable the Hyper-Threading Technology item in BIOS
before installing a supported operating system.

• For more information on Hyper-Threading Technology, visit www.
intel.com/info/hyperthreading.

Usi ng t he Hy pe r-T hr ea din g Te chn ol og y

To use the Hyper-Threading Technology:

1. Install an Intel

®

Pentium® 4 CPU that supports Hyper-Threading

Technology.

2. Power up the system and enter the BIOS Setup. Under the Advanced
Menu, make sure that the item Hyper-Threading Technology is set to
Enabled.

The BIOS item appears only if you installed a CPU that supports

Hyper-Threading Technology.

3. Restart the computer.