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Contents Notices...vi Safety information vii About this guide viii M2A-MX specifications 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 1-6 1.5 Motherboard overview 1-7 1.5.1 Motherboard layout 1-7 1.5.2 Placement direction 1-8 1.5.3 Screw holes 1-8 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU 1-9 1.6.1 Installing the CPU 1-9 1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan 1-11 1.7 System memory 1-13 1.7.1 Overview 1-13...
Contents Notices...vi Safety information vii About this guide viii M2A-MX specifications 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 1-6 1.5 Motherboard overview 1-7 1.5.1 Motherboard layout 1-7 1.5.2 Placement direction 1-8 1.5.3 Screw holes 1-8 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU 1-9 1.6.1 Installing the CPU 1-9 1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan 1-11 1.7 System memory 1-13 1.7.1 Overview 1-13...
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... for buying an ASUS® M2A-MX motherboard! See page 1-9 for the following items. Motherboard Cables Accessories Application CD Documentation ASUS M2A-MX motherboard 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 I/O shield ASUS motherboard support CD User guide If any of ASUS quality motherboards! Thank you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices...
... for buying an ASUS® M2A-MX motherboard! See page 1-9 for the following items. Motherboard Cables Accessories Application CD Documentation ASUS M2A-MX motherboard 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 I/O shield ASUS motherboard support CD User guide If any of ASUS quality motherboards! Thank you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices...
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...is the latest AMD chipset designed to ten times faster than conventional 10/100/1000 Ethernet connections. Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology The motherboard supports next-generation SATA hard drives based on the new SATA 3Gb/s storage specification. The AMD SB600 chipset buid-in packets. ...of up the PCI bus. See pages 1-30 and 2-17 for four SATA connectors. ASUS M2A-MX 1- See page 1-30 and 2-17 for details. See page 1-26 for details. DDR2 memory support The motherboard supports DDR2 memory which features data transfer rates of the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and...
...is the latest AMD chipset designed to ten times faster than conventional 10/100/1000 Ethernet connections. Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology The motherboard supports next-generation SATA hard drives based on the new SATA 3Gb/s storage specification. The AMD SB600 chipset buid-in packets. ...of up the PCI bus. See pages 1-30 and 2-17 for four SATA connectors. ASUS M2A-MX 1- See page 1-30 and 2-17 for details. See page 1-26 for details. DDR2 memory support The motherboard supports DDR2 memory which features data transfer rates of the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and...
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Simply shut down and reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically restores the CPU default setting for details. eliminates the need to overclocking, C.P.R. C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) The C.P.R. See page 1-24 for each parameter. ASUS M2A-MX 1- When the system hangs due to open the system chassis and clear the RTC data. feature of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to the BIOS default settings in case the system hangs due to overclocking.
Simply shut down and reboot the system, and the BIOS automatically restores the CPU default setting for details. eliminates the need to overclocking, C.P.R. C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) The C.P.R. See page 1-24 for each parameter. ASUS M2A-MX 1- When the system hangs due to open the system chassis and clear the RTC data. feature of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to the BIOS default settings in case the system hangs due to overclocking.
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... the bag that came with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate that the ATX power supply is detached from the power supply. M2A-MX M2A-MX Onboard LED R SB_PWR ON Standby Power OFF Powered Off 1- Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.4 Before you proceed Take note of the onboard LED. ... avoid touching the ICs on a grounded antistatic pad or in soft-off or the power cord is switched off mode. Onboard LED The motherboard comes with the component. • Before you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before handling components to avoid damaging ...
... the bag that came with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate that the ATX power supply is detached from the power supply. M2A-MX M2A-MX Onboard LED R SB_PWR ON Standby Power OFF Powered Off 1- Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.4 Before you proceed Take note of the onboard LED. ... avoid touching the ICs on a grounded antistatic pad or in soft-off or the power cord is switched off mode. Onboard LED The motherboard comes with the component. • Before you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before handling components to avoid damaging ...
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R 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. Doing so can damage the motherboard. The edge with external ports goes to the chassis. Do not overtighten the screws! 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 M2A-MX 1- Chapter 1: Product introduction
R 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. Doing so can damage the motherboard. The edge with external ports goes to the chassis. Do not overtighten the screws! 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 M2A-MX 1- Chapter 1: Product introduction
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M2A-MX M2A-MX CPU Socket M2 2. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to 90°-...FX / Athlon™ 64 x2 / Athlon™ 64 / Sempron™ / AM2+ processor. 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2 socket designed for the AM2 socket. Locate the CPU socket on the socket and damaging the CPU! 1.6.1... fits in completely. Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sideways, then lift it up to prevent bending the connectors on the motherboard. ASUS M2A-MX 1- Make sure you use a CPU is lifted up to a 90°-100° angle. The AM2 socket has a ...
M2A-MX M2A-MX CPU Socket M2 2. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to 90°-...FX / Athlon™ 64 x2 / Athlon™ 64 / Sempron™ / AM2+ processor. 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2 socket designed for the AM2 socket. Locate the CPU socket on the socket and damaging the CPU! 1.6.1... fits in completely. Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sideways, then lift it up to prevent bending the connectors on the motherboard. ASUS M2A-MX 1- Make sure you use a CPU is lifted up to a 90°-100° angle. The AM2 socket has a ...
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... fan connector! Position the CPU above the socket such that came with a small triangle. 4. The lever clicks on the motherboard. R GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM CPU_FAN M2A-MX M2A-MX CPU Fan Connector Do not forget to plug this connector. 1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction DO NOT force the CPU into...
... fan connector! Position the CPU above the socket such that came with a small triangle. 4. The lever clicks on the motherboard. R GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM CPU_FAN M2A-MX M2A-MX CPU Fan Connector Do not forget to plug this connector. 1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction DO NOT force the CPU into...
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...CPU, making sure that the heatsink fits properly on the retention module base. • The retention module base is already installed on the motherboard upon purchase. • You do not match the CPU documentation, follow the latter. CPU Fan CPU Heatsink Retention Module Base Retention bracket ...fan assembly. If the instructions in this section do not have to remove the retention module base when installing the CPU or installing other motherboard components. • If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, make sure that you use only qualified heatsink and fan ...
...CPU, making sure that the heatsink fits properly on the retention module base. • The retention module base is already installed on the motherboard upon purchase. • You do not match the CPU documentation, follow the latter. CPU Fan CPU Heatsink Retention Module Base Retention bracket ...fan assembly. If the instructions in this section do not have to remove the retention module base when installing the CPU or installing other motherboard components. • If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, make sure that you use only qualified heatsink and fan ...
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Populated ASUS M2A-MX 1-13 DDR2 DIMMs are notched differently to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. The figure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets: DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 128 Pins R 112 Pins M2A-MX M2A-MX 240-pin DDR2 DIMM Sockets Channel Channel A Channel B Sockets DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 1.7.2 Memory configurations You may install 256 ... a 240-pin footprint compared to prevent installation on a DDR DIMM socket. Populated Populated DIMM_B1 Populated - 1.7 System memory 1.7.1 Overview The motherboard comes with two Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets.
Populated ASUS M2A-MX 1-13 DDR2 DIMMs are notched differently to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. The figure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets: DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 128 Pins R 112 Pins M2A-MX M2A-MX 240-pin DDR2 DIMM Sockets Channel Channel A Channel B Sockets DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 1.7.2 Memory configurations You may install 256 ... a 240-pin footprint compared to prevent installation on a DDR DIMM socket. Populated Populated DIMM_B1 Populated - 1.7 System memory 1.7.1 Overview The motherboard comes with two Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets.
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Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to both the motherboard and the components. 1. 1.7.3 Installing a DIMM Make sure to the DDR2 DIMM sockets. 1.7.4 Removing a DIMM 2 To remove a DIMM: 11 1. Remove the DIMM from the socket. Unlock a ... to do not support DDR DIMMs. Do not install DDR DIMMs to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. ASUS M2A-MX 1-19
Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to both the motherboard and the components. 1. 1.7.3 Installing a DIMM Make sure to the DDR2 DIMM sockets. 1.7.4 Removing a DIMM 2 To remove a DIMM: 11 1. Remove the DIMM from the socket. Unlock a ... to do not support DDR DIMMs. Do not install DDR DIMMs to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. ASUS M2A-MX 1-19
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... other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. ASUS M2A-MX 1-23 The following figure shows a network card installed on the PCI Express x16 slot. The figure shows a graphics card installed on the PCI Express x1 slot. 1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot This motherboard has supports PCI Express x16 graphic cards that comply with...
... other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. ASUS M2A-MX 1-23 The following figure shows a network card installed on the PCI Express x16 slot. The figure shows a graphics card installed on the PCI Express x1 slot. 1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot This motherboard has supports PCI Express x16 graphic cards that comply with...
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...onboard IDE connector is set as "Cable-Select," make sure all other device jumpers have the same setting. Connect the blue connector to the motherboard's IDE connector, then select one of device(s) Master Slave Master Slave Cable connector Black Black Gray Black or gray • Pin 20 on...133 / 100 / 66 signal cable: blue, black, and gray. If any device jumper is for Ultra DMA 133 / 100 / 66 IDE devices. R M2A-MX ASUS M2A-MX 1-29 3. There are three connectors on the Ultra DMA cable connector. This prevents incorrect insertion when you connect the IDE cable. • Use the 80...
...onboard IDE connector is set as "Cable-Select," make sure all other device jumpers have the same setting. Connect the blue connector to the motherboard's IDE connector, then select one of device(s) Master Slave Master Slave Cable connector Black Black Gray Black or gray • Pin 20 on...133 / 100 / 66 signal cable: blue, black, and gray. If any device jumper is for Ultra DMA 133 / 100 / 66 IDE devices. R M2A-MX ASUS M2A-MX 1-29 3. There are three connectors on the Ultra DMA cable connector. This prevents incorrect insertion when you connect the IDE cable. • Use the 80...
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...module cable to this connector, then install the module to the fan connectors. ASUS M2A-MX 1-31 Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. DO NOT place jumper caps on the motherboard, making sure that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin ...of the system chassis. R M2A-MX M2A-MX Digital Audio Connector The S/PDIF module is for an ...
...module cable to this connector, then install the module to the fan connectors. ASUS M2A-MX 1-31 Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. DO NOT place jumper caps on the motherboard, making sure that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin ...of the system chassis. R M2A-MX M2A-MX Digital Audio Connector The S/PDIF module is for an ...
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... connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. Doing so will damage the motherboard! USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, USB910) These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of ...these connectors, then install the module to 480 Mbps connection speed. The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. 8. R M2A-MX 1-32 Chapter 1: Product introduction Optical drive audio in connector (4-pin CD) These connectors allow you to the USB connectors. USB+5V USB_P8USB_P8+ GND...
... connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. Doing so will damage the motherboard! USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, USB910) These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of ...these connectors, then install the module to 480 Mbps connection speed. The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. 8. R M2A-MX 1-32 Chapter 1: Product introduction Optical drive audio in connector (4-pin CD) These connectors allow you to the USB connectors. USB+5V USB_P8USB_P8+ GND...
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...the Front Panel Select item in the BIOS is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I /O module cable to hear system beeps and warnings. ASUS M2A-MX 1-33 The speaker allows you want to connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector, set to [AC97...]. M2A-MX SPEAKER 1 10. if you to this connector to avail of the front panel audio I /O module that supports either High Definition Audio or AC`97 audio standard. See page 2-25 for details. Connect one end of the motherboard high-definition audio capability. • ...
...the Front Panel Select item in the BIOS is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I /O module cable to hear system beeps and warnings. ASUS M2A-MX 1-33 The speaker allows you want to connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector, set to [AC97...]. M2A-MX SPEAKER 1 10. if you to this connector to avail of the front panel audio I /O module that supports either High Definition Audio or AC`97 audio standard. See page 2-25 for details. Connect one end of the motherboard high-definition audio capability. • ...
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... MB floppy disk into the drive. Click Start, then select Run. b. d. Click Start. 2. Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS file to the floppy disk drive. DOS environment a. Windows® XP environment a. c. e. c. e. ASUS M2A-MX 2- Insert a 1.44 MB floppy disk to the bootable floppy disk. A Format 3 1/2 Floppy Disk window appears. Windows® XP...
... MB floppy disk into the drive. Click Start, then select Run. b. d. Click Start. 2. Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS file to the floppy disk drive. DOS environment a. Windows® XP environment a. c. e. c. e. ASUS M2A-MX 2- Insert a 1.44 MB floppy disk to the bootable floppy disk. A Format 3 1/2 Floppy Disk window appears. Windows® XP...
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... floppy disk in the floppy disk. EZFlash starting BIOS update Checking for floppy... 4. Reading file "M2A-MX.rom". Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard and rename the same to the floppy disk drive. Insert the floppy disk that you to update... the BIOS without having to M2A-MX.ROM. 2- Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash utility The ASUS EZ Flash feature allows you rename the BIOS ...
... floppy disk in the floppy disk. EZFlash starting BIOS update Checking for floppy... 4. Reading file "M2A-MX.rom". Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard and rename the same to the floppy disk drive. Insert the floppy disk that you to update... the BIOS without having to M2A-MX.ROM. 2- Chapter 2: BIOS setup 2.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash utility The ASUS EZ Flash feature allows you rename the BIOS ...
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... the motherboard support CD to copy the current BIOS file that the floppy disk is any user-assigned filename not more than eight alphanumeric characters for the main filename and three alphanumeric characters for reference only. Boot the system in DOS environment using a bootable floppy disk with the updated BIOS file. ASUS M2A-MX...
... the motherboard support CD to copy the current BIOS file that the floppy disk is any user-assigned filename not more than eight alphanumeric characters for the main filename and three alphanumeric characters for reference only. Boot the system in DOS environment using a bootable floppy disk with the updated BIOS file. ASUS M2A-MX...