Asus M2V-X User manual

Motherboard
M2V-X
User Guide

ii
Checklist
Copyright © 2007 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, modied or
altered, unless such repair, modication 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 FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, 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 MANUAL ARE FURNISHED
FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME
WITHOUT NOTICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY
ASUS. 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 identication or
explanation and to the owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.
E3119
First Edition
March 2007

iii
Features
Contents
Notices........................................................................................... vii
Safety information..........................................................................viii
About this guide .............................................................................. ix
How this guide is organized................................................... ix
Where to nd more information ............................................. ix
Conventions used in this guide............................................... x
Typography ............................................................................. x
M2V-X specications summary....................................................... xi
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome!.............................................................................1-1
1.2 Package contents ................................................................1-1
1.3 Special features ...................................................................1-2
1.3.1 Product Highlights ...................................................1-2
1.3.2 Unique ASUS features ............................................1-4
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.1 Before you proceed .............................................................2-1
2.2 Motherboard overview .........................................................2-2
2.2.1 Placement direction.................................................2-2
2.2.2 Screw holes.............................................................2-2
2.2.3 Motherboard layout .................................................2-3
2.2.4 Layout Contents ......................................................2-4
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ............................................2-6
2.3.1 Installing the CPU....................................................2-6
2.3.2 Installing the heatsink and fan.................................2-8
2.3.3 Connecting the CPU fan cable..............................2-10
2.4 System memory.................................................................2-11
2.4.1 Overview ...............................................................2-11
2.4.2 Memory congurations..........................................2-12
2.4.3 Installing a DIMM...................................................2-14
2.4.4 Removing a DIMM.................................................2-14
2.5 Expansion slots..................................................................2-15
2.5.1 Installing an expansion card..................................2-15
2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card..............................2-15
2.5.3 Interrupt assignments............................................2-16
2.5.4 PCI slots................................................................2-17
2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slot...............................................2-17

iv
Safeguards
Contents
2.5.6 PCI Express x16 slot.............................................2-17
2.6 Jumpers .............................................................................2-18
2.7 Connectors ........................................................................2-20
2.7.1 Rear panel connectors ..........................................2-20
2.7.2 Internal connectors................................................2-22
Chapter 3: Powering up
3.1 Starting up for the rst time..................................................3-1
3.2 Powering off the computer...................................................3-2
3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function............................3-2
3.2.2 Using the dual-function power switch......................3-2
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS......................................4-1
4.1.1 Creating a bootable oppy disk...............................4-1
4.1.2 Using AFUDOS to update the BIOS........................4-2
4.1.3 Using AFUDOS to copy BIOS from PC...................4-3
4.1.4 Using ASUS EZ Flash 2 to update the BIOS...........4-4
4.1.5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 Utilities ...........................4-5
4.1.6 ASUS Update..........................................................4-7
4.2 BIOS Setup program ...........................................................4-9
4.2.1 BIOS menu screen................................................4-10
4.2.2 Menu bar ...............................................................4-10
4.2.3 Navigation keys.....................................................4-10
4.2.4 Menu items............................................................4-11
4.2.5 Sub-menu items ....................................................4-11
4.2.6 Conguration elds................................................4-11
4.2.7 Pop-up window...................................................... 4-11
4.2.8 Scroll bar ...............................................................4-11
4.2.9 General help.......................................................... 4-11
4.3 Main menu .........................................................................4-12
4.3.1 System Time .........................................................4-12
4.3.2 System Date .........................................................4-12
4.3.3 Legacy Diskette A .................................................4-12
4.3.4 Primary and Secondary IDE Master/Slave ...........4-13
4.3.5 System Information ...............................................4-14
4.4 Advanced menu.................................................................4-15

v
Contents
4.4.1 JumperFree Conguration.....................................4-15
4.4.2 USB Conguration.................................................4-16
4.4.3 CPU Conguration ................................................4-17
4.4.4 Chipset ..................................................................4-21
4.4.5 Onboard Devices Conguration ............................4-22
4.4.6 PCI PnP.................................................................4-23
4.5 Power menu.......................................................................4-25
4.5.1 Suspend Mode ....................................................4-25
4.5.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume ...............................4-25
4.5.3 ACPI 2.0 Support .................................................4-25
4.5.4 ACPI APIC Support ..............................................4-25
4.5.5 APM Conguration ................................................4-26
4.5.6 Hardware Monitor..................................................4-27
4.6 Boot menu .........................................................................4-29
4.6.1 Boot Device Priority...............................................4-29
4.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration...................................4-30
4.6.3 Security .................................................................4-31
4.7 Tools menu ........................................................................4-34
4.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2...................................................4-34
4.7.2 ASUS O.C. Prole..................................................4-35
4.8 Exit menu...........................................................................4-36
Chapter 5: Software support
5.1 Installing an operating system ................................................1
5.2 Support CD information ..........................................................1
5.2.1 Running the support CD...........................................1
5.2.2 Drivers menu............................................................2
5.2.3 Utilities menu..............................................................3
5.2.4 Make disk menu .......................................................5
5.2.5 Manuals menu..........................................................5
5.2.6 ASUS Contact information........................................6
5.2.7 Other information........................................................6
5.3 Software Information...............................................................8
ASUS MyLogo2™...................................................................8
5.4 RAID congurations..............................................................10
5.4.1 Installing hard disks................................................ 11
5.4.2 VIA RAID congurations.........................................12

vi
5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk ..................................................19
5.6 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology ................................................20
5.6.1 Enabling Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology .......................20
5.6.2 Launching the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software ...................21
Contents

vii
Notices
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. 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.
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.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the
graphics card is required to assure compliance with FCC regulations.
Changes or modications to this unit not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to
operate this equipment.

viii
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 adapter 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 x it by yourself. Contact a
qualied 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
qualied service technician or your retailer.

ix
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing the
motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This manual contains the following parts:
• Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new
technologies it supports.
• Chapter 2: Hardware information
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to
perform when installing system components. It includes description of
the jumpers and connectors on the motherboard.
• Chapter 3: Powering up
This chapter describes the power up sequence and ways of shutting
down the system.
• Chapter 4: BIOS setup
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS
Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also
provided.
• Chapter 5: Software support
This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with
the motherboard package.
Where to nd more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product
and software updates.
1. ASUS websites
The ASUS website provides 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 yers, that may have been added by your dealer. These
documents are not part of the standard package.

x
Conventions used in this guide
To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the
following symbols used throughout this manual.
Typography
Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than
sign indicates that you must press the enclosed
key. Example: <Enter> indicates that you must
press the Enter or Return key.
<Multiple key names> If you must press two or more keys
simultaneously, the key names are linked with a
plus sign (+). Example: <Ctrl+Alt+D>
Command Means that you must enter the command
exactly as shown then supply the appropriate
values that appear in brackets. Example:
At the DOS prompt, type the command line:
afudos /i[lename]
In this example, you must supply a lename for
[lename].
afudos /iM2VX.ROM
DANGER/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.

xi
M2V-X specications summary
(continued on the next page)
CPU
Chipset
System Bus
Memory
Expansion slots
Storage
Audio
LAN
USB
Special features
Back panel I/O
Internal I/O Connectors
Socket AM2 for AMD Athlon™ 64 X2/Athlon™ 64FX/
Athlon™ 64/Sempron™ processor
Supports AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology
VIA K8T890
VIA VT8237A
2000 MT/s
Dual-channel memory architecture
4 x DIMM, max. 8GB, DRR2 800/ 667/ 533, ECC, non-ECC
unbuffered memory
1 x PCIEX16
1 x PCIEX1
4 x PCI
VIA® VT8237A South Bridge:
2 x UltraDMA 133/100/66/33
2 x Serial ATA with RAID 0, RAID 1, and JBOD
Realtek® ALC660 6-channel High-Denition CODEC
Jack Sensing and Enumeration Technology
S/PDIF out interface support
PCI-E Gb LAN controller
Maximum of eight USB 2.0 ports
ASUS EZ Flash2
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS MyLogo2™
ASUS Q-Fan2 Technology
ASUS O. C. Prole
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection) from 200MHz up to
400MHz at 1MHz increment
1 x Parallel port
1 x PS/2 keyboard port
1 x PS/2 mouse port
1 x Audio I/O
1 x RJ-45 port
1 x Coaxial S/PDIF output port
4 x USB 2.0 ports
2 x USB 2.0 connectors for 4 additional USB ports
Chassis Intrusion
2 x SATA connectors
2 x IDE connectors
1 x Floppy disk drive connector
24-pin ATX power connector
4-pin ATX 12V power connector

xii
M2V-X specications summary
* Specications are subject to change without notice.
Internal I/O Connectors
BIOS features
Manageability
Support CD contents
Accessary
Form Factor
1 x COM connector
1x S/PDIF Out connector
CD audio in connector
1 x CPU /1 x Chassis fan connectors
Front panel audio connector
System panel connector
4Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0
SM BIOS 2.3
WfM2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, SM Bus
Device drivers
ASUS PC Probe II
Anti-virus software
ASUS LiveUpdate
User’s manual
UltraDMA cable
FDD cable
I/O shield
SATA cable
SATA power cable
ATX form factor: 12 in x 8.0 in (30.5 cm x 20.5 cm)

Chapter 1
This chapter describes the motherboard
features and the new technologies it
supports.
Product introduction

ASUS M2V-X
Chapter summary
1.1 Welcome!.............................................................................1-1
1.2 Package contents ................................................................1-1
1.3 Special features ...................................................................1-2

ASUS M2V-X 1-1
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying the ASUS®M2V-X motherboard!
The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies,
making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!
Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it,
check the items in your package with the list below.
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
ASUS M2V-X motherboard
ASUS motherboard support CD
1 x Serial ATA cable
1 x Serial ATA power cable
1 x 80-conductor ribbon cable for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 IDE drives
1 x Ribbon cable for a 3.5-inch oppy drive
I/O shield
User guide
1.2 Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
Latest processor technology
The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2 socket that supports AMD
Athlon™ 64 X2/Athlon™ 64/Athlon™ FX/Sempron™ processor. With
an integrated low-latency high-bandwidth memory controller and a
highly scalable HyperTransport™ technology-based system bus, the
motherboard provides a powerful platform for your diverse computing
needs, increased ofce productivity, and enhanced digital media
experience. See page 2-6.
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology
The motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology that
dynamically and automatically changes the CPU speed, voltage and
amount of power depending on the task the CPU performs. See pages
4-18 and 5-20.
DDR2 memory support
The motherboard supports DDR2 memory that features data transfer rates
of 800/667/533 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the
latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel
DDR2 architecture doubles the bandwidth of your system memory to boost
system performance, eliminating bottlenecks with peak bandwidths of up
to 10.7 GB/s. See pages 2-11 to 2-13 for details.
Serial ATA Technology Support
The motherboard supports the Serial ATA technology through the Serial
ATA interfaces and the VIA VT8237A. The SATA specication allows
for thinner, more exible cables with lower pin count, reduced voltage
requirement, and up to 150 MB/s data transfer rate. See pages 2-23 and
2-24 for details.
Onboard RAID Solution
The motherboard provides a high-performance Serial ATA RAID controller
that enhances hard disk performance and data backup protection without
the cost of additional RAID cards.
The onboard VIA VT8237A RAID controller provides RAID 0, RAID 1, and
JBOD conguration to two Serial ATA connectors. See pages 2-23 and
5-10.

ASUS M2V-X 1-3
S/PDIF out
The motherboard’s S/PDIF out function turns your computer into a
high-end entertainment system with digital connectivity to powerful
speaker systems. See page 2-21.
USB 2.0 technology
The motherboard implements the new Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0
specication, extending the connection speed from 12 Mbps on USB 1.1
to a fast 480 Mbps on USB 2.0 - supporting up to eight USB 2.0 ports. The
higher bandwidth of USB 2.0 allows connection of devices such as high
resolution video conferencing cameras, next generation scanners and
printers, and fast storage units. USB 2.0 is backward compatible with USB 1.1.
See pages 2-21.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.3.2 Unique ASUS features
ASUS O.C. Prole
The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Prole that allows users to
conveniently store or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can
be stored in the CMOS or a separate le, giving users the freedom to
share and distribute their favorite overclocking settings. See page 4-35.
6-channel audio
The motherboard comes with the Realtek ALC660 audio CODEC that
provides 6-channel audio, audio jack-sensing and enumeration technology,
and S/PDIF out support. See page 2-20 for details.
ASUS Q-Fan2 technology
The ASUS Q-Fan technology smartly adjusts the CPU and Chassis fan
speed according to the system load and temperature to ensure quiet, cool,
and efcient operation. See page 4-28.
ASUS EZ Flash 2
EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply press the
predened hotkey to launch the utility and update the BIOS without
entering the OS. Update your BIOS easily without preparing a bootable
diskette or using an OS-based ash utility. See page 4-4.
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data
from a USB ash disk containing the BIOS le. This utility saves users
the cost and hassle of buying a replacement BIOS chip. See page 4-5 for
details.
AI Overclocking
This feature allows convenient overclocking up to 30% (depending on
the installed CPU and DRAM) to enhance system performance while
maintaining system stability. See page 4-15.

ASUS M2V-X 1-5
ASUS MyLogo2™
This new feature present in the motherboard allows you to personalize and
add style to your system with customizable boot logos. See pages 4-30,
5-7.
C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
The C.P.R. 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 overclocking, C.P.R. eliminates the need
to open the system chassis and clear the RTC data. Simply reboot the
system to restore the previously saved settings. See page 2-18.

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction