Abit AT7-MAX2 User manual

4200-0307-02 Rev. 1.00
AT7-MAX2 Motherboard User’s Manual
Index
CHAPTER 2. INTRODUCTION OF AT7-MAX2 FEATURES ................2-1
2-1. FEATURES OF AT7-MAX2 MOTHERBOARD .......................................................... 2-1
2-2. SPECIFICATIONS..................................................................................................... 2-2
2-3. ITEM CHECKLIST.................................................................................................... 2-4
2-4. LAYOUT DIAGRAM FOR AT7-MAX2..................................................................... 2-5
CHAPTER 3. INSTALLING THE MOTHERBOARD ..............................3-1
3-1. INSTALLATION OF THE AMD ATHLON™XP, ATHLON™AND DURON™CPU ......... 3-2
3-2. INSTALLING THE MOTHERBOARD TO THE CHASSIS ................................................. 3-5
3-3. INSTALLING SYSTEM MEMORY .............................................................................. 3-6
3-4. CONNECTORS, HEADERS AND SWITCHES ............................................................... 3-7
CHAPTER 4. INTRODUCING THE BIOS .................................................4-1
4-1. CPU SETUP [SOFT MENU™III].......................................................................... 4-3
4-2. STANDARD CMOS FEATURES SETUP MENU.......................................................... 4-6
4-3. ADVANCED BIOS FEATURES SETUP MENU ......................................................... 4-10
4-4. ADVANCED CHIPSET FEATURES SETUP MENU ..................................................... 4-13
4-5. INTEGRATED PERIPHERALS .................................................................................. 4-21
4-6. POWER MANAGEMENT SETUP MENU ................................................................... 4-25
4-7. PNP/PCI CONFIGURATIONS SETUP MENU............................................................ 4-29
4-8. PC HEALTH STATUS ............................................................................................ 4-32
4-9. LOAD FAIL-SAFE DEFAULTS ................................................................................ 4-33
4-10. LOAD OPTIMIZED DEFAULTS ............................................................................... 4-33
4-11. SET PASSWORD.................................................................................................... 4-33
4-12. SAVE & EXIT SETUP ............................................................................................ 4-34
4-13. EXIT WITHOUT SAVING ....................................................................................... 4-34
CHAPTER 5. RAID SETTING GUIDE .......................................................5-1
5-1. THE FEATURES OF RAID ON THE AT7-MAX2 ...................................................... 5-1
5-2. RAID SETUP ON THE AT7-MAX2...................................................................... 5-1
5-3. THE BIOS SETTING MENU .................................................................................... 5-2

Introduction of AT7-MAX2 Features
User’s Manual
2-1
Chapter 2. Introduction of AT7-MAX2 Features
2-1. Features of AT7-MAX2 Motherboard
This motherboard is designed for AMD Socket A Athlon™XP, Athlon™and Duron™processors. It
supports the AMD Socket-A structure, with up to 2 GB (PC 2700/PC 3200, Unbuffered & Non-ECC
DDR DIMM) or 3.5 GB (PC 1600/PC 2100, Unbuffered & Non-ECC DDR DIMM) of memory, super
I/O, USB 2.0, IEEE 1394, Serial ATA and Green PC functions.
The AT7-MAX2 uses the VIA KT400 and VT8235 chipsets to make the evolutionary move from PC
100/PC 133 SDRAM to PC 1600/PC 2100/PC 2700/PC 3200 DDR SDRAM, increasing the speed of the
system and memory buses from 100 MHz to 200 MHz. Its 200/266/333/400 MHz memory interface
supports a wide range of PC 1600/PC 2100/PC 2700/PC 3200 DDR SDRAM memory devices now on the
market.
VIA KT400 is a system bus controller, or northbridge, that houses the high-speed system elements critical
to overall system performance while also containing the system interface to the processor. The key
functions of the KT400 System Controller include the 266 MHz Athlon System Bus, the 400 MHz DDR
Memory Subsystem, the AGP 8X/4X modes Graphics Interface (AGP 3.0 Compliant) and the 33
MHz/32-bit PCI Bus Interface (PCI 2.2 Compliant), including arbiter.
DDR SDRAM is the newest memory standard. It provides the maximum translation bandwith and also
greatly improves data transaction delays. This feature improves system performance and speed, especially
with multimedia environment applications.
The AT7-MAX2 has a built in Ultra DMA 133 function. This means that it provides speedier HDD
throughput boosting overall system performance. Ultra DMA 133 is the newest standard for IDE devices.
It enhances existing Ultra DMA 33 technology by increasing both performance and data integrity. This
new high-speed interface almost doubles the Ultra DMA 66 burst data transfer rate to 133 Mbytes/sec.
The result is maximum disc performance using the current PCI local bus environment. Another benefit is
the ability to connect four IDE devices to your system, either through Ultra DMA 66, Ultra DMA 100 or
Ultra DMA 133. With this, you will have more flexibility to expand your computer system.
AT7-MAX2‘s built-in HighPoint HPT 374 chipset gives you the capability to support Ultra DMA 133.
Ultra DMA 133 is the newest standard for IDE devices. It provides two IDE channels (IDE3, IDE4) that
also support Ultra DMA 133 specifications, and it allows for four additional IDE devices in your
computer system. It can give you high performance and efficiency data transfer rate through the IDE
channels. This also means that your computer, in total, can connect up to eight IDE devices (IDE1 ~
IDE4). This allows for maximum expandability for future hardware demands. This chipset also supports
IDE RAID, inlcuding RAID 0, RAID 1 and RAID 0+1. This feature enables you to maximize your data
storage performance and security.
AT7-MAX2’s built-in two Marvell 88i8030 Controllers can provide two Serial ATA connectors onboard;
you can connect one Serial ATA device to each of them, since Serial ATA will be a point to point
protocol. What is Serial ATA? Serial ATA is an evolutionary replacement for the Parallel ATA physical
storage interface. Serial ATA is scalable and will allow furture enhancements to the computing platform.
This new high-speed interface expands data transfer rate to 150 MB/sec (1.5 gigabits/sec). The result is
maximum disc performance using the current PCI local bus environment. Other benefits are: more
flexible power tolerances, cables can be smaller and more efficient (this can improve the airflow and heat
inside the chassis), easy to configure devices, etc. This interface is designed to connect PC internal
devices. If you want to connect outside peripherals, IEEE 1394 and USB 2.0 interfaces will be the
solution.

Chapter 2
AT7-MAX2
2-2
AT7-MAX2 provides high flexibility to users building AMD Socket A Athlon™XP, Athlon™and
Duron™systems. It provides the option of 133 MHz/133 MHz CPU and memory bus combinations. The
AT7-MAX2 has built-in hardware monitoring functions (refer to Appendix E for detailed information) to
ensure a safe computing environment.
Part of the MAX Motherboard Series
The AT7-MAX2 is part of the MAX Series of motherboard products, offering advanced features and
extraordinary value. With its legacy-free operation, ABIT’s MAX Series frees up system resources to
offer users a robust, high-performance computing platform. Moreover, expanded connectivity via USB
and Firewire ports gives users an easy way to connect to today’s hottest audio and video peripherals.
On-board 10/100 LAN provides high-speed networking capabililites, and built in 6-channel audio delivers
a rich multimedia experience. Highly integrated with the latest technologies, ABIT’s MAX Series looks
to the future, giving users a new level of system longevity and flexibility.
2-2. Specifications
1. Processor
 Supports AMD Athlon™ XP 1500+ ~ 2200+ Socket A processors based on 200 MHz/266 MHz (100
MHz/133 MHz Double Data Rate)
 Supports AMD Athlon™ 700 MHz ~ 1.4 GHz Socket A processors based on 200 MHz/266 MHz
(100 MHz/133 MHz Double Data Rate)
 Supports AMD Duron™ 600 MHz ~ 1.2 GHz Socket A processors based on 200 MHz (100 MHz
Double Data Rate)
2. Chipset (VIA KT400 and VT8235):
 Supports Ultra DMA 33, Ultra DMA 66, Ultra DMA 100 and Ultra DMA 133 IDE protocol
 Supports Advanced Configuration and Power Management Interface (ACPI)
 AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) connector supports AGP 4X and 8X mode (Sideband) device
(AGP 3.0 Compliant)
 Supports High Speed USB (Universal Serial Bus) 2.0
 Supports 200 MHz/266 MHz/333 MHz/400 MHz (100 MHz/133 MHz/166 MHz/200 MHz Double
Data Rate) memory bus settings
3. Memory (System Memory)
 Four 184-pin DIMM sockets (Unbuffered & Non-ECC DDR DIMM)
 Supports 2 DIMMs DDR 333/400 (Max. 2GB)
 Supports 4 DIMMs DDR 200/266 (Max. 3.5GB)
4. Serial ATA (Marvell 8030)
 Onboard Marvell 88i8030 Controller x 2
 Supports Serial ATA data transfer rates of 150 MB/sec
 Support S-ATA power save mode

Introduction of AT7-MAX2 Features
User’s Manual
2-3
5. Ultra DMA 133/RAID
 HighPoint HPT 374 IDE controller
 Supports Ultra DMA 133MB/sec data transfer rate
 Supports RAID0 (Stripping mode for boosting performance) mode
 Supports RAID1 (Mirroring mode for data security) mode
 Supports RAID 0+1 (Stripping and Mirroring) mode
6. System BIOS
 SOFT MENU™technology, can easily set the processor parameters
 Award PnP (Plug and Play) BIOS supports APM and DMI (Desktop Management Interface)
 Supports ACPI (Advanced Configuration Power Interface)
 Write-Protect Anti-Virus function by AWARD BIOS
7. Audio
 Realtek ALC650 (AC-Link)
 Supports 6-CH DAC for AC3 5.1 CH purpose
 Professional digital audio interface supporting 24-bit S/P DIF OUT
8. LAN
 Onboard VIA VT6102 MAC controller and VT 6103 physical layer interface
 10/100 Mb operation support ACPI and Wake on LAN
 User friendly driver included
9. ABIT Media XP (Optional)
 Supports SONY MS (Memory Stick™) interface/SD (Secure Digital™) memory card interface
 Supports CF (CompactFlash™) interface (Both Type I & Type II) and IBM Microdrive™
10. Internal I/O Connectors
 1 x AGP, 5 x PCI slots
 Floppy port supports up to 2.88 MB
 4 x Ultra DMA 33/66/100/133 connectors
 2 x Serial ATA 150 connector
 2 x USB headers, 1 x IEEE 1394a header
 1 x CD-IN, 1 x AUX-IN
11. Back Panel I/O
 1 x PS/2 keyboard, 1 x PS/2 mouse
 4 x USB, 2 x IEEE 1394
 1 x S/P DIF output
 Audio connectors (Front Speaker, Line-in, Mic-in, Center/Sub, Surround Speaker)
 2 x USB, 1 x RJ-45 LAN connector
12. Miscellaneous
 ATX form factor
 Hardware monitoring：Included fan speed, voltages, CPU and system environment temperature

Chapter 2
AT7-MAX2
2-
4
 Supports Wake On LAN, Modem, but your ATX power supply 5V standby power must be
able to provide at least a 720mA current capacity. Otherwise, the functions may not work
normally.
 Serial ATA is designed to support high-speed and high performance mass storage devices. You
must connect Serial ATA 150 specifications devices to these connectors (J1 and J2).
 HPT 374 IDE controller is designed to support high-speed and high performance mass storage
devices. Thus we suggest that you don’t connect non-disk devices that use ATA/ATAPI
interfaces, such as CD-ROM to HPT 374 IDE connector (IDE3 and IDE4).
 This motherboard supports the standard bus speeds of 66 MHz/100 MHz/133 MHz that are
used by specific PCI, processor and chipset specifications. Exceeding these standard bus speeds
is not guaranteed due to the specific component specifications.
 Specifications and information contained in this manual are subject to change without notice.
Note
All brand names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
2-3. Item Checklist
Check that your package is complete. If you discover any damaged or missing items, please contact your
retailer or dealer.
One ABIT AT7-MAX2 motherboard
Two 80-wire/40-pin ribbon cable for master and slave Ultra DMA 133, Ultra DMA 100, Ultra DMA
66 or Ultra DMA 33 IDE devices
One ribbon cable for 3.5” floppy disk devices
One Serial ATA cable
One compact disc for support drivers and utilities
One USB 2.0 cable
One DIY bag
One user’s manual for the motherboard
One floppy disk of HPT 374 drivers
One I/O shield

Introduction of AT7-MAX2 Features
User’s Manual
2-
5
2-4. Layout Diagram for AT7-MAX2
Figure 2-1. AT7-MAX2 motherboard component location

Installing the Motherboard
User’s Manual
3-1
Chapter 3. Installing the Motherboard
This AT7-MAX2 motherboard not only provides all standard equipment for classic personal computers,
but also provides great flexibility for meeting future upgrade demands. This chapter will introduce step by
step all of the standard equipment and will also present, as completely as possible, future upgrade
capabilities. This motherboard is able to supports all AMD Socket A Athlon™XP, Athlon™and Duron™
processors now on the market. (For details, see specifications in Chapter 1.)
This chapter is organized according the following features:
1. Installation of the AMD Socket A Athlon™XP, Athlon™and Duron™CPU
2. Installing the Motherboard to the Chassis
3. Installing System Memory
4. Connectors, Headers and Switches
 Before Proceeding with the Installation 
Before you install or unplug any connectors or add-on cards, please remember to turn the ATX power
supply switch off (fully turn the +5V standby power off), or take the power cord off. Otherwise, you may
cause the motherboard components or add-on cards to malfunction or be damaged.

User Friendly Instructions
Please read our instructions carefully and follow them step-by-step. Our objective is to enable the novice
computer user to perform the installation by himself. We have attempted to write this document in a very
clear, concise and descriptive manner to help overcome any obstacles you may face during installation.
Diagram and Photos
This chapter contains many color drawings, diagrams and photos, we strongly recommend you read this
chapter use the PDF file that is stored on the CD-Title. Color improves the clarity and quality of the
diagrams. For the downloadable edition, as files larger than 3 MB are difficult to download, we will cut
the graphics and photo resolution to reduce the manual file size. In such this case, if your manual is
downloaded from our WEB site and not from a CD-ROM, enlarging graphics or photos will distort the
image.

Chapter 3
AT7-MAX2
3-2
3-1. Installation of the AMD Athlon™XP, Athlon™and Duron™
CPU
Note
Installing a heatsink and cooling fan is necessary for heat to dissipate from your processor. Failing
to install these items may result in overheating and processor damage.
The AMD Socket A processor will produce a lot of heat while operating, so you need to use a large
heat sink that is especially designed for the AMD socket A processor. Otherwise, it may result in
overheating and processor damage.
If your processor fan and its power cable are not installed properly, never plug the ATX power
cable into the motherboard. This can prevent possible processor damage.
Please refer to your processor installation manual or other documentation with your processor for
detailed installation instructions.
The AMD Socket A Athlon™XP, Athlon™and Duron™processor installation is easy, like Socket 7
Pentium®processors before. Because it uses the “Socket A” ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) socket, you can
easily fix the processor firmly into position. Figure 3-1 shows you what the socket A looks like, and how
to open the lever. The socket A has more pins than the socket 7. Therefore, a Pentium®level processor
cannot be inserted into a socket A.
When you raise the lever, you have to loosen the socket lock. Please raise the lever to the end, and
prepare to insert the processor. Next, you need to align the processor pin 1 to the socket pin 1. If you put
it in the wrong direction, you will not be able to insert the processor easily, and processor pins will not
fully go into the socket. If this is the case, please change the direction, until it easily and fully inserts into
the socket A. See Figure 3-2. At the same time check the processor temperature detection thermistor
height (if your motherboard has this component), then you can slowly insert the processor into the Scoket
A. Finally, you need to check that the processor edge and the Socket A edge is parallel. It should be
parallel and not tilted.
When you finish the above, push the lever down to its original position, you should feel the lever lock the
socket A. You have then finished the processor installation.

Installing the Motherboard
User’s Manual
3-3
Heatsink Installation Hints
Because the processor will produce a lot of heat while operating, we suggest you use a heatsink approved
by AMD to be safe and to keep the processor temperature within normal operation temperatures. The
heatsink will be large and heavy, so the fixing plate has a strong tension. When you install the heatsink on
to the processor and its socket, you have to very carefully fix the fixing plate to the processor socket hook
on both sides. If you do not pay attention to this, you may make the fixing plate scratch the PCB surface
and cause circuit damage, break socket hooks or damage the die on the top of processor.
Please follow the sequence metioned below, Do Not
inverse the sequence. Otherwise, you may have a
situation like the photo on the left. Because of the
design of the CPU socket, the left side hooks are not
as strong as the right side hooks. If you follow our
suggestions you will prevent your processor and
socket from damage.
Note
Considering the chassis structure problem, please
always take off the motherboard from chassis,
before adding or removing a heatsink kit.
The proper procedure to install the heatsink kit:
First, install the processor into the processor socket.
Insert the heatsink left side fix plate into the
processor socket left side fix hooks. Make sure the fit
is very tight. Check the photo on the left.

Chapter 3
AT7-MAX2
3-
4
Insert a flat screwdriver into the middle slot of the
right side fix plate and push down. Then you can
push the fix plate over the socket hooks on the right
side. Check the photo on the left.
Check the photo on the left. You have finished the
heatsink installation.
Now hold the whole heatsink and slightly shake it,
make sure the buttom right side of the heaksink does
not contact the right side of the Socket (see bottom
picture). Otherwise, the processor die does not have
proper contact with the heatsink. This situation may
cause processor damage.
Remember to install the heatsink fan power cable to
the CPU fan header on the motherboard.
Now you can reinstall the motherboard back into the
chassis.
When all above procedures done, you can connect
the ATX power cable to the motherboard.
If you have different types of heatsink kit, please
refer to the manual that came with the heatsink kit.
The left photo shows another type of heatsink fix
plate design. The install sequences are still the same,
from right side to left side. Just remember that.
We strongly recommand you to buy a heatsink
with three holes in the fix plate. This will provide
the best stabability and won’t cause the Socket fix
hooks to be broken or damaged.
The left photo shows the bottom right side of the
heaksink in contact with the right side of the Socket.
In this situation, the processor die does not properly
contact the heatsink. If you start the computer at this
monent, it will immediately cause the processor
damage. Always check this place when you finish the
heatsink installation.

Installing the Motherboard
User’s Manual
3-
5
3-2. Installing the Motherboard to the Chassis
After you install the processor to the motherboard, you can start to fix the motherboard into the chassis.
Most computer chassis will have a base on which there will be many mounting holes that allows the
motherboard to be securely attached and at the same time, prevents short circuits. There are two ways to
attach the motherboard to the base of chassis:
With studs
With spacers
Please refer to figure 3-3, which shows the studs and spacers. There may be several types, but all look
like the figures below:
In principle, the best way to attach
the motherboard is with studs. Only
if you are unable to do this should
you attach the board with spacers.
Take a careful look at the
motherboard and you will see many
mounting holes on it. Line these
holes up with the mounting holes on
the base. If the holes line up and
there are screw holes this means you
can attach the motherboard with
studs. If the holes line up and there
are only slots, this means you can
only attach the motherboard with
spacers. Take the tip of the spacers
and insert them into the slots. After
doing this to all the slots, you can
slide the motherboard into position
aligned with the slots. After the
motherboard has been positioned, check to make sure everything is OK before putting the casing back on.
Figure 3-4 shows you the way to affix the motherboard using studs or spacers.
Note
If the motherboard has mounting holes, but they don’t line up with the holes on the base and there are
no slots to attach the spacers, don’t worry, you can still attach the spacers to the mounting holes. Just
cut the bottom portion of spacers (the spacer they may be a little hard to cut, so be careful with your
hands). In this way you can still attach the motherboard to the base without worrying about short
circuits. Sometimes you may need to use the plastic springs to isolate the screw from the motherboard
PCB surface, because the circuit wire may be near by the hole. Be careful, don’t let the screw contact
any the printed circuit wire or parts on the PCB that are near the fixing hole, otherwise it may damage
the board or cause board malfunctioning.

Chapter 3
AT7-MAX2
3-
6
3-3. Installing System Memory
This motherboard provides four 184-pin DDR DIMM sites for memory expansion. The DDR SDRAM
DIMM sockets support 8 M x 64 (64 MB), 16M x 64 (128 MB), 32 M x 64 (256 MB), 64 M x 64 (512
MB) and 128 M x 64 (1024 MB) or double density DDR SDRAM DIMM modules. Minimum memory is
64 MB and the maximum memory is 2 GB (Unbuffered, Non-ECC PC 1600 and PC 2100) or 3.5 GB
(Unbuffered, Non-ECC PC 2700 and PC 3200) DDR SDRAM. There are four memory module sockets
on the system board (for a total of eight banks). In order to create a memory array, the following rules
must be followed.
Supports single and double density DDR DIMMs.
Table 3-1. Valid Memory Configurations
Bank Memory Module Total Memory
Bank 0, 1
(DDR DIMM1)
64 MB, 128 MB, 256 MB,
512 MB, 1024 MB
64 MB ~ 1 GB
Bank 2, 3
(DDR DIMM2)
64 MB, 128 MB, 256 MB,
512 MB, 1024 MB
64 MB ~ 1 GB
Bank 4, 5
(DDR DIMM3)
64 MB, 128 MB, 256 MB,
512 MB, 1024 MB
64 MB ~ 1 GB
Bank 6, 7
(DDR DIMM4)
64 MB, 128 MB, 256 MB,
512 MB, 1024 MB
64 MB ~ 1 GB
Total System Memory for Unbuffered & Non-ECC DDR
DIMM
(PC 1600/PC 2100)
64 MB ~ 2 GB
Total System Memory for Unbuffered & Non-ECC DDR
DIMM
(PC 2700/PC 3200)
64 MB ~ 3.5 GB
Generally, installing DDR SDRAM modules to your
motherboard is an easy thing to do. You can refer to
Figure 2-5 to see what a 184-pin PC 1600, PC 2100
and PC 2700 DDR SDRAM module looks like.
Unlike installing SIMMs, DIMMs may be
“snapped” directly into the socket. Note: Certain
DDR DIMM sockets have minor physical differences. If your module doesn't seem to fit, please do not
force it into the socket as you may damaged your memory module or DDR DIMM socket.
The following procedure will show you how to install a DDR DIMM module into a DDR DIMM socket.
Step 1. Before you install the memory module, please place the computer power switch in the off
position and disconnect the AC power cord from your computer.
Step 2. Remove the computer’s chassis cover.
Step 3. Before touching any electronic components, make sure you first touch an unpainted, grounded
metal object to discharge any static electricity stored on your clothing or body.
Step 4. Locate your computer’s 184-pin memory expansion DDR DIMM socket.

Installing the Motherboard
User’s Manual
3-
7
Step 5. Insert the DDR DIMM module into the
expansion socket as shown in the illustration.
Note how the module is keyed to the socket.
You can refer to Figure 3-6 for the details. This
insures the DDR DIMM module will be
plugged into the socket in one way only. Firmly
press the DDR DIMM module into DDR DIMM
socket, making certain the module is completely
seated in the DDR DIMM socket.
Step 6. Once the DDR DIMM module has been installed,
the installation is complete and the computer’s
cover can be replaced. Or you can continue to
install other devices and add-on cards that are
mentioned in the following section.
Note
When you install a DDR DIMM module fully into the DDR DIMM socket, the eject tab should be
locked into the DDR DIMM module very firmly and fit into its indention on the both sides.
It is difficult to differentiate between the PC 1600, PC 2100, PC 2700 and PC 3200 DDR SDRAM
modules from the exterior. The only way you can identify them is to look at the sticker on the DDR
SDRAM module. The sticker will tell you which kind of structure module the DDR SDRAM is.
3-4. Connectors, Headers and Switches
Inside the case of any computer several cables and plugs have to be connected. These cables and plugs are
usually connected one-by-one to connectors located on the motherboard. You need to carefully pay
attention to any connection orientation the cables may have and, if any, notice the position of the first pin
of the connector. In the explanations that follow, we will describe the significance of the first pin.
We will show you all of the connectors, headers and switches here, and tell you how to connect them.
Please pay attention and read the entire section for necessary information before attempting to finish all of
the hardware installation inside the computer chassis.
Figure 3-7 shows you all of the connectors and headers that we’ll discuss in the next section, you can use
this diagram to visually locate each connector and header we describe.
All connectors, headers and switches mentioned here, will depend on your system configuration. Some
features you may (or may not) have and need to connect or configure depending on the peripheral. If your
system doesn't have such add-on cards or switches you can ignore some special feature connectors.

Chapter 3
AT7-MAX2
3-8
Figure 2-7. All connectors and headers for the AT7-MAX2
First, Let’s see the headers that AT7-MAX2 uses, and what their functions are. We will show you all the
connectors and headers.
(1). Plug the Power connectors to the ATX1 and ATX2 Connectors
AT7-MAX2 had designed two power connectors
(ATX1 and ATX2), it is different from the regular
one. It can provide for power supply designed for
Pentium®4 processors, also can provide for general
designed ATX power to connect to AT7-MAX2. It’s
a newly designed ATX12V1 +12VDC power with
300W, 20A +5VDC capacity at least for heavily
loaded system, and 720mA +5VSB at least for
supporting some special features.
Attach the connector from the ATX power supply to
the ATX1 and ATX2 connectors here (General
designed ATX power supply do not have ATX12V1
connector provide, so you don’t need to connect

Installing the Motherboard
User’s Manual
3-9
anything to the ATX2 connector). Remember you have to push the connector from the ATX power
supply firmly to the end with the ATX1 and ATX2 connectors, insuring that you have a good connection.
Note: Watch the pin position and the orientation.
Caution
If the power supply connectors are not properly attached to the ATX power supply, the power supply
or add-on cards may be damaged.
One end of AC power core connects to ATX power supply, and the other end (AC plug) will plug into
the wall outlet. Be aware that when facing the wall outlet, the round hole is in the middle. The right
side slot is called ground wire slot. It has a longer slot length than the left side slot. The left side slot is
called the live wire slot. You can use an electroscope to detect its polarity or you can use a voltage
meter to measure the voltage of both slot sides. If you insert an electroscope into the live wire slot, the
electroscope will light up. Using a voltage meter, you will find that the live wire slot will register a
higher voltage.
If you reverse the polarity of AC plug, it may affect the life of computer equipment, or cause an
electric shock when you touch the computer chassis. We suggest that you plug the computer AC plug
to a three-hole wall outlet for better safety and to avoid electric shock.
(2). FAN1, FAN2, FAN3, FAN4 and FAN5 Headers
Attach the connector from the processor fan to the
header named FAN1 or FAN2 and connector from
the front chassis fan to the header FAN3. Attach the
connector from the power fan or back chassis fan to
FAN4 header and attache the connector from
northbridge fan to the header named FAN5. You
must attach the processor fan to the processor, or
your processor will work abnormally or may be
damaged by overheating. To prevent the computer
chassis internal temperature from getting too high,
also connect the chassis fan.
Note: Watch the pin position and the orientation

Chapter 3
AT7-MAX2
3-10
(3). SMB1: System Management Bus (SM-Bus) Header
This header is reserved for the system management
bus (SM-Bus). The SM-Bus is a specific
implementation of an I2C bus. I2C is a multi-master
bus, this means that multiple chips can be connected
to the same bus and each one can act as a master by
initiating a data transfer. If more than one master
simultaneously tries to control the bus, an arbitration
procedure decides which master gets priority. You
can connect the devices which utilizes the SM-Bus.
Note: Watch the pin position and the orientation
(4). TCPU1 & TSYS1: Temperature Thermistor
The TCPU1 is used to detect the CPU temperature.
The TSYS1 is used to detect the system
environment temperature. You can see the readings
in the BIOS or in the hardware monitoring
application main screen.

Installing the Motherboard
User’s Manual
3-11
(5). USB3 and USB4 Headers: Additional USB Plugs Header
Thess headers are for connecting the additional USB
port plugs. Each connector can provides two
additional USB plugs. Which means, total you can
get two additional USB plugs from each connector.
You can use the special USB port expansion cable
to connect it (the cable come with the metal plate
can fixed on the back panel of computer chassis).
Both USB3 and USB4 are for USB 2.0 device
connection.
Note: Watch the pin position and the orientation
Note
The USB3 & USB4 headers supports USB 2.0 specification function, please use the special USB
cable design for USB 2.0 specifications. Otherwise, it may cause an unstable or signal error situation.
(6). IEEE1 Header: IEEE 1394 Header
This header is reserved for connection to the ABIT
Media XP product (Optional). The Media XP can
provide the total solution for the front panel
connections. It provided a various function, like a:
SD/MS/CF card reader, USB 2.0/IEEE 1394a
connectors, S/P DIF-Out connector and
MIC/Earphone connectors. They all designed on one
5.25” diskette size panel, can fit on the chasses front
panel 5.25” diskette slot.
For detailed information of ABIT Media XP/Media
XP Pro, please see its user’s manual.
Note: Watch the pin position and the orientation

Chapter 3
AT7-MAX2
3-12
Note
You don’t need to install any additional drivers for IEEE 1394 devices. The newest operation system
will fully support this feature. For example: Windows®2000, Windows®XP, etc.
(7). CCMOS1 Header: CMOS Discharge Jumper
Jumper CCMOS1 used to discharge CMOS memory.
When you install the motherboard, make sure this
jumper is set for normal operation (pin 1 and 2
shorted). See figure below.
Note: Watch the pin position and the orientation
Note
Before you clear the CMOS, you have to first turn the power off (including the +5V standby power).
Otherwise, your system may work abnormally.
After updating your BIOS and before boot up, please clear the CMOS first. Then put the jumper to its
default position. After that, you can reboot your system and ensure that your system is working fine.

Installing the Motherboard
User’s Manual
3-13
(8). PN1 Headers: The Headers for Chassis’s Front Panel Indicators and Switches
PN1 are for switches and indicators for the chassis’s
front panel, there are several functions that come
from this header. You have to watch the pin position
and the orientation, or you may cause LED do not
light up. Figure below shows you the PN1 functions
of the pins.
PN1 (Pin 1 & 3): HDD LED Header
Attach the cable from the case’s front panel HDD LED to this header. If you install it in the wrong
direction, the LED light will not illuminate correctly.
Note: Watch the HDD LED pin position and the orientation.
PN 1 (Pin 5 & 7): Hardware Reset Switch Header
Attach the cable from the case’s front panel Reset switch to this header. Press and hold the reset button
for at least one second to reset the system.
PN 1 (Pin 15-17-19-21): Speaker Header
Attach the cable from the system speaker to this header.
PN 1 (Pin 2 & 4): Suspend LED Header
Insert the two-threaded suspend LED cable into this header. If you install it in the wrong direction, the
LED light will not illuminate correctly.
Note: Watch the Suspend LED pin position and the orientation.
PN 1 (Pin 6 & 8): Power On Switch Header
Attach the cable from the case’s front panel power on switch to this header.
PN 1 (Pin 16-18-20): Power On LED Headers
There is a specific orientation for pins 1 through 3. Insert the three-threaded power on LED cable to this
header. Check to make sure the correct pins go to the correct connectors on the motherboard. If you
install them in the wrong direction, the power LED light will not illuminate correctly.
Note: Watch the power LED pin position and orientation.
For the PN1 pin’s count-name list, please refer to table 3-2.

Chapter 3
AT7-MAX2
3-1
4
Table 3-2. PN1 pin count name list
PIN Name Significance of signal PIN Name Significance of signal
PIN 1 HDD LED (+) PIN 2 SP-LED (+)
PIN 3 HDD LED (-) PIN 4 SP-LED (-)
PIN 5 Reset SW (-) PIN 6 PWR-ON (+)
PIN 7 Reset SW (+) PIN 8 PWR-ON (-)
PIN 9 No Connection PIN 10 No Pin
PIN 11 No Pin PIN 12 No Pin
PIN 13 No Pin PIN 14 No Pin
PIN 15 Speaker (+5V) PIN 16 PWR LED (+)
PIN 17 Speaker (GND) PIN 18 No Pin
PIN 19 Speaker (GND) PIN 20 PWR LED (-)
PIN 21 Speaker (Driver) PIN 22 No Connection
PN1
PIN 23 No Pin
PN1
PIN 24 No Connection
(9). FPIO2 Header: Front Panel Input/Output Signals Header
You’ll see this header on AT7-MAX2 motherboard.
This header is designed to connect the ABIT Media
XP product. This header can provide the analog
audio output signals for front right and front left
channel. It also provides one digital S/P DIF output
connector.
Note: Watching the pin position and the orientation