Asus A7V400-MX SE User manual

Motherboard
A7V400-MX
User Guide

ii
Checklist
Copyright © 2004 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be
reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any
language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for
backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.
(“ASUS”).
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or
altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2)
the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES
OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FORA PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
IN NO EVENT SHALLASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE
LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
(INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE
OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN
ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR
ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.
SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUALARE FURNISHED
FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGEATANY TIME
WITHOUT NOTICE,AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BYASUS.
ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR
INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS
AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered
trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identification or
explanation and to the owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.
E1817
Revised Edition V2
October 2004

iii
Features
Contents
Notices ............................................................................................v
Safety information ..........................................................................vi
About this guide............................................................................. vii
A7V400-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 ASUS unique features ........................................... 1-3
1.4 Before you proceed ............................................................ 1-4
1.5 Motherboard overview........................................................ 1-5
1.5.1 Motherboard layout ................................................ 1-5
1.5.2 Placement direction ............................................... 1-6
1.5.3 Screw holes ........................................................... 1-6
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)........................................... 1-7
1.6.1 Overview ................................................................ 1-7
1.6.2 Installing the CPU .................................................. 1-7
1.7 System memory ................................................................. 1-8
1.7.1 Overview ................................................................ 1-8
1.7.2 Memory configurations .......................................... 1-8
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM ................................................... 1-9
1.7.4 Removing a DIMM ................................................. 1-9
1.8 Expansion slots ................................................................ 1-10
1.8.1 Installing an expansion card ................................ 1-10
1.8.2 Configuring an expansion card ............................ 1-10
1.8.3 AGP slot............................................................... 1-12
1.8.4 PCI slots .............................................................. 1-12
1.9 Switch and jumpers .......................................................... 1-13
1.10 Connectors ....................................................................... 1-16
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors......................................... 1-16
1.10.2 Internal panel connectors .................................... 1-17

iv
Safeguards
Contents
Chapter 2: BIOS information
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS .................................... 2-2
2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk ............................. 2-2
2.1.2 Using the AwardBIOS Flash Utility......................... 2-2
2.1.3 CrashFree BIOS feature ........................................ 2-4
2.1.4 ASUS Update ........................................................ 2-4
2.2 BIOS beep codes ............................................................... 2-6
2.3 BIOS Setup program .......................................................... 2-6
2.3.1 BIOS menu bar ...................................................... 2-7
2.3.2 Legend bar............................................................. 2-7
2.4 Main menu.......................................................................... 2-9
2.5 Advanced menu ............................................................... 2-13
2.5.1 Chip Configuration ............................................... 2-14
2.5.2 I/O Device Configuration...................................... 2-19
2.5.3 PCI Configuration ................................................ 2-20
2.6 Power menu ..................................................................... 2-22
2.6.1 Power Up Control ................................................ 2-23
2.6.2 Hardware Monitor ................................................ 2-25
2.7 Boot menu ........................................................................ 2-26
2.8 Exit menu ......................................................................... 2-28
Chapter 3: Software support
3.1 Installing an operating system............................................ 3-2
3.2 Support CD information...................................................... 3-2
3.2.1 Running the support CD ........................................ 3-2
3.2.2 Drivers menu ......................................................... 3-3
3.2.3 Utilities menu ......................................................... 3-3
3.2.4 ASUS contact information...................................... 3-4

v
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions
from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian
Department of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Notices
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This device complies with FCC Rules Part 15. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference, and
• This device must accept any interference received including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee
that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the
graphics card is required to assure compliance with FCC regulations.
Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to
operate this equipment.

vi
Safety information
Electrical safety
•To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the
electrical outlet before relocating the system.
•When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power
cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If
possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a
device.
•Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that
all power cables are unplugged.
•Seek professional assistance before using an adpater or extension cord. These
devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.
•Make sure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you
are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your
local power company.
•If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified
service technician or your retailer.
Operation safety
•Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the
manuals that came with the package.
•Before using the product, make sure all cables are correctly connected and the
power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer
immediately.
•To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from
connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.
•Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any
area where it may become wet.
•Place the product on a stable surface.
•If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified service
technician or your retailer.

vii
Where to find more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and
software updates.
1. Websites
The ASUS websites worldwide provide updated information on ASUS
hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.
2. Optional documentation
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty
flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not
part of the standard package.
WARNING. Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to
complete a task.
CAUTION. Information to prevent damage to the components when
trying to complete a task.
IMPORTANT. Information that you MUST follow to complete a task.
NOTE. Tips and additional information to aid in completing a task.
About this guide
Conventions used in this guide
To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following
symbols used throughout this guide.

viii
A7V400-MX specifications summary
(continued next page)
Socket Afor AMD Athlon™XP processors
Thoroughbred/Barton core
VIA KM400A
VIA VT8235 CE
400/333/266/200 MHz
2 x 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets support up to maximum 2GB
unbuffered PC2700/2100/1600 non-ECC DDR
SDRAM memory.
3 x PCI
1 x AGP 8X/4X (1.5V only)
2 x UltraATA133/100/66
Integrated VIA UniChrome™Graphics
ADI SoundMAX 6-channel Audio CODEC
S/PDIF out interface
VIA VT6103 10/100 Mbps Ethernet PHY
Maximum 6 USB 2.0 ports
Super I/O integrated monitoring of CPU/chassis fan and
MB/CPU temperature
1 x Parallel
1 x Serial
1 x PS/2 keyboard
1 x PS/2 mouse
1 x RJ-45 port
1 x Audio I/O
1 x VGA
4 x USB 2.0/1.1
1 x USB connector supports two additional USB 2.0 ports
CPU/chassis FAN connectors
Chassis intrusion connector
20-pin ATX power connector
PANEL connector
CD/AUX connectors
S/PDIF Out connector
GAME/MIDI connector
Front panel audio connector
COM2 connector
CPU
Chipset
Front Side Bus (FSB)
Memory
Expansion slots
IDE
Graphics
Audio
LAN
USB
Hardware monitoring
Rear panel I/O ports
Internal connectors

ix
* Specifications are subject to change without notice.
2Mb Flash ROM, Phoenix Award BIOS, Enhanced ACPI,
DMI2.0, PnP features, TCAV, CrashFree BIOS
PCI 2.2, USB 2.0/1.1
Wake on Ring (WOR), Wake on LAN (WOL)
Chassis intrusion
Device drivers
ASUS PC Probe
ASUS Live Update Utility
Award BIOS Flash Utility
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Trend Micro
™
PC-cillin Anti-Virus Application
User Guide
ASUS A7V400-MX support CD
UltraATA cable
FDD cable
I/O shield
Micro-ATX form factor: 9.6 in x 9.6 in
BIOS features
Industry standard
Manageability
Support CD contents
Accessories
Form Factor
A7V400-MX specifications summary

x

Chapter 1
This chapter describes the features of
the motherboard. It includes brief
descriptions of the motherboard
components, and illustrations of the
layout, jumper settings, and connectors.
Product introduction

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1 1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying the ASUS
®
A7V400-MX motherboard!
The ASUS A7V400-MX motherboard comes with the most advanced technologies
to deliver maximum performance for Socket A processors. This motherboard
comes with value-added features for guaranteed consumer satisfaction. The
following sections provide important technical information about the motherboard
for system reconfiguration or future upgrades.
Before you start installing the motherboard and hardware devices on it, check the
items in your package with the list below.
1 2 Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
ASUS A7V400-MX motherboard.(Micro-ATX form factor: 9.6 in x 9.6 in)
ASUS A7V400-MX support CD
40-pin 80-conductor ribbon cable for UltraATA133 IDE drives
Ribbon cable for a 3.5-inch floppy drive
Bag of extra jumper caps
I/O shield
User Guide
Contact your retailer if any of the items is damaged or missing.
1 3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
400MHz FSB support for Athlon™XP processors
The motherboard supports 400MHz front side bus frequency for Athlon™XP
processors allowing increased application productivity and enhanced digital
multimedia experience. See page 1-7.
Integrated graphics
This motherboard comes with an integrated VIA Unichrome™2D/3D graphics core
allowing efficient execution of multimedia applications and playback support for
DVD video.

ASUS A7V400-MX motherboard user guide 1-3
Integrated 10/100 LAN
Integrated in this motherboard is a 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet controller to give you
a fast and reliable connection to a local area network (LAN) and the Internet.
See page 1-16.
USB 2.0 technology
The motherboard implements the Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 specification,
dramatically increasing the connection speed from the 12 Mbps bandwidth on USB
1.1 to a fast 480 Mbps on USB 2.0. USB 2.0 is backward compatible with USB 1.1.
See page 1-16 and page 1-19.
Digital audio support
A Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) connector is onboard to give you
convenient connectivity to external home theater audio systems. The S/PDIF
technology allows direct digital audio transfers keeping the best signal quality.
SoundMAX 6-channel CODEC
The SoundMAX Digital Audio System is the industry’s highest performance and
most reliable audio solution for business professionals, audiophiles, musicians,
and gamers. SoundMAX Digital Audio System can output 5.1 channel surround
sound and features state-of-the-art DLS2 MIDI synthesizer and supports all major
game audio technologies.
1.3.2 ASUS unique features
ASUS C.O.P.
The ASUS C.O.P. (CPU Overheating Protection) is a hardware protection circuit
that automatically shuts down the system power before temperatures go high
enough to permanently damage the CPU. See page 2-23.
ASUS CrashFree BIOS
CrashFree BIOS allows users to restore BIOS data from a floppy disk even when
BIOS code and data are corrupted. Users can now enjoy this feature without the
need to buy a new ROM. See page 2-4.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1 4 Before you proceed
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components
or change any motherboard settings.
•Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any
component.
•Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or to a metal
object, such as the power supply case, before handling components to
avoid damaging them due to static electricity.
•Avoid touching the ICs on components.
•Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic
pad or in the bag that came with the component.
•Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX
power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the
power supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the
motherboard, peripherals, and/or components.
Onboard LED
The motherboard comes with a standby power LED. When lit, this green LED
(SB_PWR) indicates that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode, a
reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before
removing or plugging in any motherboard component.
A7V400-MX
®
A7V400-MX Onboard LED
SB_PWR
ON
Standby
Power
OFF
Powered
Off

ASUS A7V400-MX motherboard user guide 1-5
1 5 Motherboard overview
1.5.1 Motherboard layout
24.5cm (9.6in)
PCI1
PANEL
A7V400-MX
®
CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
CD1AUX1
Super
I/O
2Mbit
Low Pin
Count
PS/2KBMS
T: Mouse
B: Keyboard
Bottom:Mic In
Middle:Line Out
Top:Line In
Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP1)
CPU_FAN
FP_AUDIO
6-channel
Audio
CODEC
USB2.0
M: USB3
B: USB4 Top:
RJ-45
GAME
CLRTC
FLOPPY
PRI_IDE
SEC_IDE
CHASSIS
ATX Power Connector
DDR DIMM1 (64 bit,184-pin module) DDR DIMM2 (64 bit,184-pin module)
CHA_FAN1
USB56
SB_PWR
24.5cm (9.6in)
USBPWR12
USBPWR56
PARALLEL PORT
COM1
VGA
PCI2
PCI3
VIA
VT8235CE
Socket 462
VIA
KM400A
DSW
SPDIF
VIA
VT6103
USB1
USB2
USBPWR34
COM2
USBPWR56
(Default)
+5V +5VSB
2321
2
1
3
2
+5V (Default) +5VSB
USBPWR12
USBPWR34 CLRTC
NormalClear CMOS (Default)
12 23

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.5.2 Placement direction
When installing the motherboard to the chassis, make sure to place it in the correct
orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis as
indicated in the image below. It may be more convenient to install major cables,
the CPU and modular components before fixing the motherboard inside the case
frame.
1.5.3 Screw holes
Place eight (8) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the
motherboard to the chassis.
Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so may damage the motherboard.
WARNING! Unplug the power cord before installing the motherboard. Failure to
do so may cause you physical injury and damage Motherboard components.
Place this side
towards the rear of
the chassis

ASUS A7V400-MX motherboard user guide 1-7
1 6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
1.6.1 Overview
The motherboard provides a Socket A for CPU installation. Each AMD CPU has a
“marked”corner. This corner is usually indicated with a notch, and/or a golden
square or triangle. Refer to this indicator while orienting the CPU. A fan and
heatsink should be attached to the CPU to prevent overheating.
1.6.2 Installing the CPU
Follow these steps to install a CPU:
1. Locate the Socket 462 and open it by
pulling the lever gently sideways
away from the socket. Then lift the
lever upwards. The socket lever
must be fully opened (90 to 100
degrees).
2. Insert the CPU with the correct
orientation. The notched or golden
corner of the CPU must be oriented
toward the inner corner of the socket
base nearest to the lever hinge.
The CPU should drop easily into place. Do not force the CPU into the socket
to avoid bending the pins. If the CPU does not fit, check its alignment and look
for bent pins.
Golden corner
This motherboard does not support AMD processors with less than 1GHz core
speed.
A7V400-MX
®
A7V400-MX Socket 462
AMD™CPU CPU NOTCH
LOCK
CPU NOTCH
TO INNER
CORNER
LEVER

1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1 7 System memory
1.7.1 Overview
The motherboard has two Double Data Rate (DDR) DIMM sockets that support up
to 2GB unbuffered non-ECC PC2700/2100/1600 DDR SDRAM DIMMs. Each
DIMM socket is double-sided.
1.7.2 Memory configurations
You may install single or double-sided 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, and 1GB
DDR DIMMs to the sockets.
For optimum compatibility, it is recommended that you obtain memory modules
from qualified vendors. Visit theASUS website for an updated list of qualified
DDR vendors.
A7V400-MX
®
A7V400-MX 184-Pin DDR DIMM Sockets
80 Pins104 Pins
DIMM1 DIMM2

ASUS A7V400-MX motherboard user guide 1-9
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM
Follow these steps to install a DIMM.
1. Locate the DIMM sockets in the
motherboard.
2. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing
the retaining clips outward.
3. Align a DIMM on the socket such that
the notch on the DIMM matches the
break on the socket.
1.7.4 Removing a DIMM
Follow these steps to remove a DIMM.
1. Simultaneously press the retaining
clips outward to unlock the DIMM.
4. Firmly insert the DIMM into the socket
until the retaining clips snap back in
place and the DIMM is properly
seated.
2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.
Unlocked Retaining
Clip
DDR DIMM notch
Locked Retaining Clip
Make sure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or
other system components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to both
the motherboard and the components.
A DDR DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction. DO NOT
force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM.
Support the DIMM lightly with your fingers when pressing the retaining clips.
The DIMM might get damaged when it flips out with extra force.

1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1 8 Expansion slots
In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sections
describe the motherboard slots and the expansion cards that they support.
1.8.1 Installing an expansion card
Follow these steps to install an expansion card.
1. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with it
and make the necessary hardware settings for the card.
2. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a
chassis).
3. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screw
for later use.
4. Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is
completely seated on the slot.
5. Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier.
6. Replace the system cover.
1.8.2 Configuring an expansion card
After installing the expansion card, configure the card by adjusting the software
settings.
1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See
Chapter 2 for information on BIOS setup.
2. Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page.
3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.
Make sure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion
cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard
components.