A8V-MX User''s Manual for English Edition
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Contents Notices vi Safety information vii A8V-MX specifications summary viii Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome 1-2 1.2 Package contents 1-2 1.3 Special features 1-2 1.3.1 Product highlights 1-2 1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features 1-4 1.4 Before you proceed 1-5 1.5 Motherboard overview 1-6 1.5.1 Motherboard layout 1-6 1.5.2 Placement direction 1-7 1.5.3 Screw holes 1-7 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU 1-8 1.7 System memory 1-10 1.7.1 Overview 1-10 1.7.2 Memory configurations 1-10 1.7.3 Installing a DIMM 1-14 1.7.4 Removing a DIMM 1-14 1.8 Expansion slots 1-...
Contents Notices vi Safety information vii A8V-MX specifications summary viii Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome 1-2 1.2 Package contents 1-2 1.3 Special features 1-2 1.3.1 Product highlights 1-2 1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features 1-4 1.4 Before you proceed 1-5 1.5 Motherboard overview 1-6 1.5.1 Motherboard layout 1-6 1.5.2 Placement direction 1-7 1.5.3 Screw holes 1-7 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU 1-8 1.7 System memory 1-10 1.7.1 Overview 1-10 1.7.2 Memory configurations 1-10 1.7.3 Installing a DIMM 1-14 1.7.4 Removing a DIMM 1-14 1.8 Expansion slots 1-...
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... controller and a highly-scalable HyperTransport™ technology-based system bus, the motherboard provides a powerful platform for the following items. Motherboard ASUS A8V-MX motherboard Cables 1 x Serial ATA signal cable 1 x Serial ATA power cable 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable 1 x Floppy disk drive cable Accessories I/O shield A p p l i c a t i o n C D s ASUS motherboard support CD D o c u m e n t a t i o n User guide If any of the above items is...
... controller and a highly-scalable HyperTransport™ technology-based system bus, the motherboard provides a powerful platform for the following items. Motherboard ASUS A8V-MX motherboard Cables 1 x Serial ATA signal cable 1 x Serial ATA power cable 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable 1 x Floppy disk drive cable Accessories I/O shield A p p l i c a t i o n C D s ASUS motherboard support CD D o c u m e n t a t i o n User guide If any of the above items is...
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... ASUS A8V-MX 1-3 Serial ATA technology The motherboard supports the Serial ATA technology through the S/PDIF interfaces on USB 2.0. S/PDIF digital sound ready The motherboard supports the S/PDIF Out function through the Serial ATA interfaces and the VIA VT8251 Southbridge. USB 2.0 technology The motherboard implements...details. Dual-channel DDR memory support Employing the Double Data Rate (DDR) memory technology, the motherboard supports up the PCI bus. PCI Express™ interface The motherboard fully supports PCI Express, the latest I and 300 MB/s for SATA II. AGP 8X ...
... ASUS A8V-MX 1-3 Serial ATA technology The motherboard supports the Serial ATA technology through the S/PDIF interfaces on USB 2.0. S/PDIF digital sound ready The motherboard supports the S/PDIF Out function through the Serial ATA interfaces and the VIA VT8251 Southbridge. USB 2.0 technology The motherboard implements...details. Dual-channel DDR memory support Employing the Double Data Rate (DDR) memory technology, the motherboard supports up the PCI bus. PCI Express™ interface The motherboard fully supports PCI Express, the latest I and 300 MB/s for SATA II. AGP 8X ...
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...in any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is a reminder that you install or remove any motherboard component. Onboard LED The motherboard comes with the component. • Before you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable...e r c o r d i s d e t a c h e d f r o m t h e p o w e r s u p p l y . This is switched off mode. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or components. 1.4 Before you proceed Take note of the onboard LED. ® A8V-MX A8V-MX Onboard LED SB_PWR ON Standby Power OFF Powered Off ASUS A8V-MX 1-5
...in any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is a reminder that you install or remove any motherboard component. Onboard LED The motherboard comes with the component. • Before you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable...e r c o r d i s d e t a c h e d f r o m t h e p o w e r s u p p l y . This is switched off mode. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or components. 1.4 Before you proceed Take note of the onboard LED. ® A8V-MX A8V-MX Onboard LED SB_PWR ON Standby Power OFF Powered Off ASUS A8V-MX 1-5
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FLOPPY 1.5 Motherboard overview 1.5.1 Motherboard layout 21.8cm (8.6in) PS/2KBMS T: Mouse B: Keyboard COM1 KBPWR CPU_FAN Super I/O DDR DIMM_A1 (64 bit,184-pin module) DDR DIMM_B1 (64 bit,184-pin ... USB12 USBPW12 USBPW34 LAN_USB34 ATX12V VIA K8M800 Top:Line In Center:Line Out Below:Mic In RTL8201CL AGP CR2032 3V Lithium Cell CMOS Power PCIEX1 A8V-MX PCI1 CLRTC ALC653 SB_PWR PCI2 FP_AUDIO AUX CD SPDIF USBPW56 USBPW78 ® USB56 CHA_FAN VIA VT8251 SATA2 SATA1 SATA4 SATA3 CHASSIS PANEL USB78 BIOS Flash...
FLOPPY 1.5 Motherboard overview 1.5.1 Motherboard layout 21.8cm (8.6in) PS/2KBMS T: Mouse B: Keyboard COM1 KBPWR CPU_FAN Super I/O DDR DIMM_A1 (64 bit,184-pin module) DDR DIMM_B1 (64 bit,184-pin ... USB12 USBPW12 USBPW34 LAN_USB34 ATX12V VIA K8M800 Top:Line In Center:Line Out Below:Mic In RTL8201CL AGP CR2032 3V Lithium Cell CMOS Power PCIEX1 A8V-MX PCI1 CLRTC ALC653 SB_PWR PCI2 FP_AUDIO AUX CD SPDIF USBPW56 USBPW78 ® USB56 CHA_FAN VIA VT8251 SATA2 SATA1 SATA4 SATA3 CHASSIS PANEL USB78 BIOS Flash...
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Doing so can damage the motherboard. 1.5.2 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the rear part of the chassis ® A8V-MX ASUS A8V-MX 1-7 Do not overtighten the screws! Place this side towards the rear of the chassis as indicated in the image below. 1.5.3 Screw holes Place six (6) screws into the chassis in the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the chassis.
Doing so can damage the motherboard. 1.5.2 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the rear part of the chassis ® A8V-MX ASUS A8V-MX 1-7 Do not overtighten the screws! Place this side towards the rear of the chassis as indicated in the image below. 1.5.3 Screw holes Place six (6) screws into the chassis in the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the chassis.
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... To install a CPU: 1. Socket lever Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to a 90°-100° angle. 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with gold triangle) on the CPU. Take note of these processors can run applications faster than processors with only 32-bit or 64-bit... AMD Athlon™ 64 X2/AMD Athlon™ 64FX/ AMD Athlon™ 64/AMD Sempron™ processor. Locate the 939-pin ZIF socket on the motherboard. ® A8V-MX A8V-MX CPU Socket 939 2. Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sideways, then lift it up to ensure correct installation.
... To install a CPU: 1. Socket lever Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to a 90°-100° angle. 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with gold triangle) on the CPU. Take note of these processors can run applications faster than processors with only 32-bit or 64-bit... AMD Athlon™ 64 X2/AMD Athlon™ 64FX/ AMD Athlon™ 64/AMD Sempron™ processor. Locate the 939-pin ZIF socket on the motherboard. ® A8V-MX A8V-MX CPU Socket 939 2. Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sideways, then lift it up to ensure correct installation.
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ASUS A8V-MX 1-9 Carefully insert the CPU into the socket to the CPU_FAN connector on the side tab...it fits in place, push down the socket lever to connect the CPU fan connector! The lever clicks on the motherboard. Small triangle Gold triangle The CPU fits only in one correct orientation. Install a CPU heatsink and fan following the...the gold triangle matches the socket corner with the heatsink package. 7. CPU_FAN GND +12V Rotation ® A8V-MX A8V-MX CPU fan connector Do not forget to secure the CPU. Position the CPU above the socket such that came with a small triangle...
ASUS A8V-MX 1-9 Carefully insert the CPU into the socket to the CPU_FAN connector on the side tab...it fits in place, push down the socket lever to connect the CPU fan connector! The lever clicks on the motherboard. Small triangle Gold triangle The CPU fits only in one correct orientation. Install a CPU heatsink and fan following the...the gold triangle matches the socket corner with the heatsink package. 7. CPU_FAN GND +12V Rotation ® A8V-MX A8V-MX CPU fan connector Do not forget to secure the CPU. Position the CPU above the socket such that came with a small triangle...
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Use any of the sockets: ® A8V-MX A8V-MX 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets 1.7.2 Memory configurations You may install 128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB, and 1 GB unbuffered ECC/ non-ECC DDR DIMMs into the DIMM sockets using the memory configurations in this motherboard does not support DIMM modules with less than the recommended configurations... channel. • Always install DIMMs with four 184-pin Double Data Rate (DDR) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 1.7 System memory 1.7.1 Overview The motherboard comes with the same CAS latency.
Use any of the sockets: ® A8V-MX A8V-MX 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets 1.7.2 Memory configurations You may install 128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB, and 1 GB unbuffered ECC/ non-ECC DDR DIMMs into the DIMM sockets using the memory configurations in this motherboard does not support DIMM modules with less than the recommended configurations... channel. • Always install DIMMs with four 184-pin Double Data Rate (DDR) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 1.7 System memory 1.7.1 Overview The motherboard comes with the same CAS latency.
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...Chapter 2 for later use . Refer to install expansion cards. 1.8 Expansion slots In the future, you may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 1.8.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1. Keep the screw for information on the next page. 3. Install the...expansion cards that you intend to use . 4. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that they support. Make sure to the card. ASUS A8V-MX 1-15 Align the card connector with it by adjusting the software settings. 1. Replace the system cover. 1.8.2 Configuring an expansion card ...
...Chapter 2 for later use . Refer to install expansion cards. 1.8 Expansion slots In the future, you may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 1.8.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1. Keep the screw for information on the next page. 3. Install the...expansion cards that you intend to use . 4. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that they support. Make sure to the card. ASUS A8V-MX 1-15 Align the card connector with it by adjusting the software settings. 1. Replace the system cover. 1.8.2 Configuring an expansion card ...
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1.8.3 PCI slots The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. The following figure shows a network card installed on a PCI slot. 1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. The figure shows a LAN card installed on the PCI Express x1 slot. ASUS A8V-MX 1-17
1.8.3 PCI slots The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. The following figure shows a network card installed on a PCI slot. 1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. The figure shows a LAN card installed on the PCI Express x1 slot. ASUS A8V-MX 1-17
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Install only +0.8V or +1.5V AGP cards. Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so can cause you ask for 1.5v A8V-MX Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) 1-18 Chapter 1: Product introduction When you buy an AGP card, make sure that supports AGP 8X (+0.8V) and AGP 4X (+1.5V) cards. This motherboardboard does not support +3.3V AGP cards. 1.8.5 AGP 8X slot This motherboard has an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) slot that you physical injury and damage the motherboard. ® A8V-MX Keyed for one with +0.8V or +1.5V specification.
Install only +0.8V or +1.5V AGP cards. Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so can cause you ask for 1.5v A8V-MX Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) 1-18 Chapter 1: Product introduction When you buy an AGP card, make sure that supports AGP 8X (+0.8V) and AGP 4X (+1.5V) cards. This motherboardboard does not support +3.3V AGP cards. 1.8.5 AGP 8X slot This motherboard has an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) slot that you physical injury and damage the motherboard. ® A8V-MX Keyed for one with +0.8V or +1.5V specification.
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PRI_IDE SEC_IDE ® A8V-MX A8V-MX IDE connectors PIN 1 PIN 1 ASUS A8V-MX 1-25 This prevents incorrect insertion when you must configure the second drive as a slave device by setting its jumper accordingly. Refer to the hard disk ... Ultra DMA 100/66 IDE devices. The Ultra DMA 100/66 signal cable has three connectors: a blue connector for the primary IDE connector on the motherboard, a black connector for an Ultra DMA 100/66 IDE slave device (optical drive/hard disk drive), and a gray connector for an Ultra DMA 100/66...
PRI_IDE SEC_IDE ® A8V-MX A8V-MX IDE connectors PIN 1 PIN 1 ASUS A8V-MX 1-25 This prevents incorrect insertion when you must configure the second drive as a slave device by setting its jumper accordingly. Refer to the hard disk ... Ultra DMA 100/66 IDE devices. The Ultra DMA 100/66 signal cable has three connectors: a blue connector for the primary IDE connector on the motherboard, a black connector for an Ultra DMA 100/66 IDE slave device (optical drive/hard disk drive), and a gray connector for an Ultra DMA 100/66...
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...! Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) This connector is purchased separately. ® A8V-MX SPDIF A8V-MX Digital audio connector ASUS A8V-MX +5V SPDIFOUT GND 1-27 The S/PDIF module is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port(s). DO NOT place jumper caps on the motherboard, making sure that the black wire of each cable matches the...
...! Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) This connector is purchased separately. ® A8V-MX SPDIF A8V-MX Digital audio connector ASUS A8V-MX +5V SPDIFOUT GND 1-27 The S/PDIF module is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port(s). DO NOT place jumper caps on the motherboard, making sure that the black wire of each cable matches the...
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... Right Audio Channel Left Audio Channel Ground Ground Right Audio Channel ® A8V-MX A8V-MX Internal audio connectors 1-28 Chapter 1: Product introduction Doing so will damage the motherboard! Connect the USB/GAME module cable to any of the system chassis. ...USB+5V USB_P8USB_P8+ GND NC USB+5V USB_P6USB_P6+ GND NC ® A8V-MX USB56 1 A8V-MX USB 2.0 connectors USB78 1 USB+5V USB_P7USB_P7+ GND USB+5V USB_P5USB_P5+ ...
... Right Audio Channel Left Audio Channel Ground Ground Right Audio Channel ® A8V-MX A8V-MX Internal audio connectors 1-28 Chapter 1: Product introduction Doing so will damage the motherboard! Connect the USB/GAME module cable to any of the system chassis. ...USB+5V USB_P8USB_P8+ GND NC USB+5V USB_P6USB_P6+ GND NC ® A8V-MX USB56 1 A8V-MX USB 2.0 connectors USB78 1 USB+5V USB_P7USB_P7+ GND USB+5V USB_P5USB_P5+ ...
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Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin FP_AUDIO) This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I /O module cable to this connector. Connect one end of the front panel audio I /O module that supports AC '97 audio standard. AGND +5VA BLINE_OUT_R BLINE_OUT_L ® A8V-MX AC `97 audio pin definition FP_AUDIO A8V-MX Front audio connector MIC2 MICPWR Line out_R NC Line out_L Do not plug HD Audio cables into this connector. Doing so will damage the motherboard. 1-30 Chapter 1: Product introduction 10.
Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin FP_AUDIO) This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I /O module cable to this connector. Connect one end of the front panel audio I /O module that supports AC '97 audio standard. AGND +5VA BLINE_OUT_R BLINE_OUT_L ® A8V-MX AC `97 audio pin definition FP_AUDIO A8V-MX Front audio connector MIC2 MICPWR Line out_R NC Line out_L Do not plug HD Audio cables into this connector. Doing so will damage the motherboard. 1-30 Chapter 1: Product introduction 10.
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... process and automatically reboots the system when done. ASUS A8V-MX 2-3 M X . Press + during the Power-On Self Tests (POST). e. Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS file to the bootable floppy disk. 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash utility The ASUS EZ Flash feature allows you rename the BIOS file to A8V-MX.ROM. Completed. From the Open field, type...
... process and automatically reboots the system when done. ASUS A8V-MX 2-3 M X . Press + during the Power-On Self Tests (POST). e. Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS file to the bootable floppy disk. 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash utility The ASUS EZ Flash feature allows you rename the BIOS file to A8V-MX.ROM. Completed. From the Open field, type...
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... reserved. The utility returns to the bootable floppy disk you created earlier. 3. done A:\> ASUS A8V-MX 2-5 A:\>afudos /iA8V-MX.ROM AMI Firmware Update Utility - All rights reserved. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) and download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. Save the BIOS file to prevent system boot failure! 5. Reboot the system from the...
... reserved. The utility returns to the bootable floppy disk you created earlier. 3. done A:\> ASUS A8V-MX 2-5 A:\>afudos /iA8V-MX.ROM AMI Firmware Update Utility - All rights reserved. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) and download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. Save the BIOS file to prevent system boot failure! 5. Reboot the system from the...
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... the BIOS file and starts flashing the corrupted BIOS file. Reading file "A8V-MX.ROM". Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process. 2-6 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 is an auto recovery tool that you to the floppy disk... . Doing so can update a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support CD or the floppy disk that contains the updated BIOS file. • Prepare the motherboard support CD or the floppy disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility. • Make sure that allows ...
... the BIOS file and starts flashing the corrupted BIOS file. Reading file "A8V-MX.ROM". Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process. 2-6 Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 is an auto recovery tool that you to the floppy disk... . Doing so can update a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support CD or the floppy disk that contains the updated BIOS file. • Prepare the motherboard support CD or the floppy disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility. • Make sure that allows ...