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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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... 2-21 for a cool and quiet operating environment. AMD Cool 'n' Quiet Technology The motherboard supports the AMD Cool 'n' Quiet Technology, which is based on it another standout in your motherboard package for buying an ASUS® M2A-MX motherboard! See page 1-9 for details. The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it , check the items...
... 2-21 for a cool and quiet operating environment. AMD Cool 'n' Quiet Technology The motherboard supports the AMD Cool 'n' Quiet Technology, which is based on it another standout in your motherboard package for buying an ASUS® M2A-MX motherboard! See page 1-9 for details. The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it , check the items...
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.... Gigabit LAN solution PCI Express Gb LAN controller delivers transfer speeds up the PCI bus. See page 1-26 for details. ASUS M2A-MX 1- PCI Express features point‑to‑point serial interconnections between devices and allows higher clockspeeds by carrying data in ATA...It boosts your system memory to boost system performance, eliminating bottlenecks with integrated ATI Radeon x1200 Graphics. Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology The motherboard supports next-generation SATA hard drives based on the new SATA 3Gb/s storage specification. See page 1-23 for details. It also ...
.... Gigabit LAN solution PCI Express Gb LAN controller delivers transfer speeds up the PCI bus. See page 1-26 for details. ASUS M2A-MX 1- PCI Express features point‑to‑point serial interconnections between devices and allows higher clockspeeds by carrying data in ATA...It boosts your system memory to boost system performance, eliminating bottlenecks with integrated ATI Radeon x1200 Graphics. Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology The motherboard supports next-generation SATA hard drives based on the new SATA 3Gb/s storage specification. See page 1-23 for details. It also ...
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When the system hangs due to open the system chassis and clear the RTC data. See page 1-24 for each parameter. C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) The C.P.R. 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. ASUS M2A-MX 1- 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 open the system chassis and clear the RTC data. See page 1-24 for each parameter. C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) The C.P.R. 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. ASUS M2A-MX 1- 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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... Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on them due to static electricity • Hold components by the edges to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or components. M2A-MX M2A-MX Onboard LED R SB_PWR ON Standby Power OFF Powered Off 1- Chapter 1: Product introduction Failure to do so may cause severe damage ...following precautions before removing or plugging in soft-off mode. This is ON, in sleep mode, or in any motherboard component. 1.4 Before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the power supply.
... Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on them due to static electricity • Hold components by the edges to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or components. M2A-MX M2A-MX Onboard LED R SB_PWR ON Standby Power OFF Powered Off 1- Chapter 1: Product introduction Failure to do so may cause severe damage ...following precautions before removing or plugging in soft-off mode. This is ON, in sleep mode, or in any motherboard component. 1.4 Before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the power supply.
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R Place this side towards the rear of the chassis as indicated in the correct orientation. 1.5.2 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in the image below. 1.5.3 Screw holes Place six (6) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the rear part of the chassis M2A-MX 1- Chapter 1: Product introduction The edge with external ports goes to the chassis. Doing so can damage the motherboard. Do not overtighten the screws!
R Place this side towards the rear of the chassis as indicated in the correct orientation. 1.5.2 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in the image below. 1.5.3 Screw holes Place six (6) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the rear part of the chassis M2A-MX 1- Chapter 1: Product introduction The edge with external ports goes to the chassis. Doing so can damage the motherboard. Do not overtighten the screws!
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M2A-MX M2A-MX CPU Socket M2 2. ASUS M2A-MX 1- Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sideways, then lift it up to 90°-100° angle, otherwise the CPU does not fit in ...™ 64 x2 / Athlon™ 64 / Sempron™ / AM2+ processor. Make sure you use a CPU is lifted up to prevent bending the connectors on the motherboard. Locate the CPU socket on the socket and damaging the CPU! 1.6.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU. 1. 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The...
M2A-MX M2A-MX CPU Socket M2 2. ASUS M2A-MX 1- Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sideways, then lift it up to 90°-100° angle, otherwise the CPU does not fit in ...™ 64 x2 / Athlon™ 64 / Sempron™ / AM2+ processor. Make sure you use a CPU is lifted up to prevent bending the connectors on the motherboard. Locate the CPU socket on the socket and damaging the CPU! 1.6.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU. 1. 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The...
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...CPU heatsink and fan following the instructions that came with a small triangle. 4. 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 Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to connect... the CPU into the socket until it is in one correct orientation. When the CPU is locked. 6. The lever clicks on the motherboard. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket to indicate that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with the heatsink...
...CPU heatsink and fan following the instructions that came with a small triangle. 4. 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 Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to connect... the CPU into the socket until it is in one correct orientation. When the CPU is locked. 6. The lever clicks on the motherboard. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket to indicate that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with the heatsink...
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...bracket Retention bracket lock Your boxed CPU heatsink and fan assembly should come with installation instructions for the CPU, heatsink, and the retention mechanism. ASUS M2A-MX 1-11 1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan The AMD Athlon™ 64 FX / Athlon™ 64 x2 / Athlon™ 64 / Sempron...base. • The retention module base is properly applied 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 install the heatsink and fan assembly...
...bracket Retention bracket lock Your boxed CPU heatsink and fan assembly should come with installation instructions for the CPU, heatsink, and the retention mechanism. ASUS M2A-MX 1-11 1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan The AMD Athlon™ 64 FX / Athlon™ 64 x2 / Athlon™ 64 / Sempron...base. • The retention module base is properly applied 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 install the heatsink and fan assembly...
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... 1.7.2 Memory configurations You may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. Populated ASUS M2A-MX 1-13 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 Populated DIMM_B1 Populated - Recommended memory configurations Mode Single-Channel...
... 1.7.2 Memory configurations You may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. Populated ASUS M2A-MX 1-13 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 Populated DIMM_B1 Populated - Recommended memory configurations Mode Single-Channel...
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... clips snap 1 back in only one direction. Failure to do not support DDR DIMMs. Do not install DDR DIMMs to both the motherboard and the components. 1. Remove the DIMM from the socket. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to unplug the power supply before adding ...or removing DIMMs or other system components. ASUS M2A-MX 1-19 The DIMM might get damaged when it fits in place and the DIMM is properly seated. 2 DDR2 DIMM notch 1 Unlocked retaining ...
... clips snap 1 back in only one direction. Failure to do not support DDR DIMMs. Do not install DDR DIMMs to both the motherboard and the components. 1. Remove the DIMM from the socket. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to unplug the power supply before adding ...or removing DIMMs or other system components. ASUS M2A-MX 1-19 The DIMM might get damaged when it fits in place and the DIMM is properly seated. 2 DDR2 DIMM notch 1 Unlocked retaining ...
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... 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 PCI Express specifications. ASUS M2A-MX 1-23 The figure shows a LAN 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...
... 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 PCI Express specifications. ASUS M2A-MX 1-23 The figure shows a LAN 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...
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... Ultra DMA 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 This prevents incorrect insertion when you connect the IDE cable. • Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for an Ultra DMA 133 / 100 / 66... signal cable. 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 the IDE...
... Ultra DMA 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 This prevents incorrect insertion when you connect the IDE cable. • Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for an Ultra DMA 133 / 100 / 66... signal cable. 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 the IDE...
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... the fan connectors on the fan connectors. 5. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. R M2A-MX M2A-MX Digital Audio Connector The S/PDIF module is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port(s).... CPU and Chassis Fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN) The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350mA~740mA (8.88W max.) or a total of 1A~2.22A (26.64W max.) at the back of the connector. ASUS M2A-MX...
... the fan connectors on the fan connectors. 5. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. R M2A-MX M2A-MX Digital Audio Connector The S/PDIF module is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port(s).... CPU and Chassis Fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN) The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350mA~740mA (8.88W max.) or a total of 1A~2.22A (26.64W max.) at the back of the connector. ASUS M2A-MX...
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...USB 2.0 ports. The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. 8. USB+5V USB_P8USB_P8+ GND NC USB+5V USB_P6USB_P6+ GND NC R M2A-MX USB56 1 USB78 1 USB910 1 USB+5V USB_P9USB_P9+ GND USB+5V USB_P7USB_P7+ GND USB+5V USB_P5USB_P5+ GND Never connect a 1394 ...or MPEG card. Optical drive audio in connector (4-pin CD) These connectors allow you to the USB connectors. R M2A-MX 1-32 Chapter 1: Product introduction Connect the USB module cable to any of these connectors, then install the module to... chassis. USB+5V USB_P10USB_P10+ GND NC 7. Doing so will damage the motherboard!
...USB 2.0 ports. The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. 8. USB+5V USB_P8USB_P8+ GND NC USB+5V USB_P6USB_P6+ GND NC R M2A-MX USB56 1 USB78 1 USB910 1 USB+5V USB_P9USB_P9+ GND USB+5V USB_P7USB_P7+ GND USB+5V USB_P5USB_P5+ GND Never connect a 1394 ...or MPEG card. Optical drive audio in connector (4-pin CD) These connectors allow you to the USB connectors. R M2A-MX 1-32 Chapter 1: Product introduction Connect the USB module cable to any of these connectors, then install the module to... chassis. USB+5V USB_P10USB_P10+ GND NC 7. Doing so will damage the motherboard!
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... module to this connector, make sure that supports either High Definition Audio or AC`97 audio standard. ASUS M2A-MX 1-33 Connect one end of the motherboard high-definition audio capability. • If you to [HD Audio]; M2A-MX • We recommend that you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector to avail...
... module to this connector, make sure that supports either High Definition Audio or AC`97 audio standard. ASUS M2A-MX 1-33 Connect one end of the motherboard high-definition audio capability. • If you to [HD Audio]; M2A-MX • We recommend that you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector to avail...
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...drive. b. Insert a formatted, high density 1.44 MB floppy disk to create a bootable floppy disk. Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS file to the floppy disk drive. Click Start, then select Run. c. A Format 3 1/2 Floppy Disk window appears. Windows... bootable floppy disk 1. Insert a 1.44 MB floppy disk to the bootable floppy disk. d. e. c. Press , then follow screen instructions to continue. ASUS M2A-MX 2- Insert a 1.44MB floppy disk into the drive. Click Start from the menu, then select Format. Click Start. 2. d. DOS environment a. Select the...
...drive. b. Insert a formatted, high density 1.44 MB floppy disk to create a bootable floppy disk. Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS file to the floppy disk drive. Click Start, then select Run. c. A Format 3 1/2 Floppy Disk window appears. Windows... bootable floppy disk 1. Insert a 1.44 MB floppy disk to the bootable floppy disk. d. e. c. Press , then follow screen instructions to continue. ASUS M2A-MX 2- Insert a 1.44MB floppy disk into the drive. Click Start from the menu, then select Format. Click Start. 2. d. DOS environment a. Select the...
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... update Checking for floppy... 4. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard and rename the same to display the following. Start erasing.......| Start programming...| Flashed successfully. 2.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash utility The ASUS EZ Flash feature allows you rename the BIOS file to M2A-MX.ROM. 2- Chapter 2: BIOS setup Save...
... update Checking for floppy... 4. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard and rename the same to display the following. Start erasing.......| Start programming...| Flashed successfully. 2.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash utility The ASUS EZ Flash feature allows you rename the BIOS file to M2A-MX.ROM. 2- Chapter 2: BIOS setup Save...
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... current BIOS To copy the current BIOS file using a bootable floppy disk with the updated BIOS file. Press . All rights reserved. ASUS M2A-MX 2- A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom Main filename Extension name 3. The actual BIOS screen displays may not be same as backup when the BIOS fails...eight alphanumeric characters for the main filename and three alphanumeric characters for reference only. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support CD to the DOS prompt after copying the current BIOS file. done Write to the floppy disk. The utility copies the ...
... current BIOS To copy the current BIOS file using a bootable floppy disk with the updated BIOS file. Press . All rights reserved. ASUS M2A-MX 2- A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom Main filename Extension name 3. The actual BIOS screen displays may not be same as backup when the BIOS fails...eight alphanumeric characters for the main filename and three alphanumeric characters for reference only. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support CD to the DOS prompt after copying the current BIOS file. done Write to the floppy disk. The utility copies the ...