Asus Motherboard M2S-X User manual

Motherboard
M2S-X

ii
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.
E3081
Second Edition
February 2007

iii
Contents
Notices ................................................................................................ vi
Safety information ..............................................................................vii
About this guide.................................................................................viii
Typography ......................................................................................... ix
M2S-X specications summary............................................................. x
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome! .............................................................................. 1-2
1.2 Package contents ................................................................. 1-2
1.3 Special features .................................................................... 1-3
1.3.1 Product highlights ................................................... 1-3
1.3.2 Unique ASUS features............................................. 1-4
1.4 Before you proceed .............................................................. 1-5
1.5 Motherboard overview .......................................................... 1-6
1.5.1 Motherboard layout ................................................ 1-6
1.5.2 Placement direction ................................................ 1-7
1.5.3 Screw holes............................................................. 1-7
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) .............................................. 1-8
1.6.1 Overview ................................................................. 1-8
1.6.2 Installling the CPU ................................................... 1-8
1.6.3 Installing the heatsink and fan .............................. 1-10
1.7 System memory.................................................................. 1-12
1.7.1 DIMM sockets location .......................................... 1-12
1.7.2 Memory congurations ......................................... 1-12
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM ................................................... 1-16
1.8 Expansion slots ................................................................... 1-16
1.8.1 Standard interrupt assignments ........................... 1-17
1.8.2 IRQ assignments for this motherboard ................. 1-17
1.8.3 PCI slots ................................................................ 1-18
1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot .............................................. 1-18
1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot ............................................ 1-18
1.9 Jumpers .............................................................................. 1-19
1.10 Connectors ......................................................................... 1-21
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors .......................................... 1-21
1.10.2 Internal connectors ............................................... 1-23

iv
Contents
Chapter 2: BIOS setup
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ........................................ 2-2
2.1.1 Creating a bootable oppy disk .............................. 2-2
2.1.2 Using AFUDOS to update the BIOS ......................... 2-3
2.1.3 Using AFUDOS to copy BIOS from PC ..................... 2-4
2.1.4 Using ASUS EZ Flash 2 to update the BIOS............. 2-5
2.1.5 Recovering the BIOS with CrashFree BIOS 3 ........... 2-6
2.2 BIOS Setup program ............................................................. 2-9
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen ................................................. 2-10
2.2.2 Menu bar ............................................................... 2-10
2.2.3 Navigation keys..................................................... 2-10
2.2.4 Menu items ........................................................... 2-11
2.2.5 Sub-menu items.................................................... 2-11
2.2.6 Conguration elds ............................................... 2-11
2.2.7 Pop-up window...................................................... 2-11
2.2.8 Scroll bar............................................................... 2-11
2.2.9 General help .......................................................... 2-11
2.3 Main menu........................................................................... 2-12
2.3.1 System Time ......................................................... 2-12
2.3.2 System Date ......................................................... 2-12
2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A ............................................... 2-12
2.3.4 Primary and Secondary IDE Master/Slave ............. 2-13
2.3.5 SATA1 and SATA2................................................ 2-14
2.3.6 IDE Conguration .................................................. 2-16
2.3.7 System Information............................................... 2-17
2.4 Advanced menu .................................................................. 2-17
2.4.1 USB Conguration ................................................. 2-18
2.4.2 JumperFree Conguration..................................... 2-19
2.4.3 CPU Conguration ................................................. 2-20
2.4.4 Chipset.................................................................. 2-20
2.4.5 Onboard Devices Conguration............................. 2-26
2.4.6 PCI PnP.................................................................. 2-27

v
Contents
2.5 Power menu ........................................................................ 2-28
2.5.1 Suspend Mode....................................................... 2-28
2.5.2 ACPI Version Features .......................................... 2-28
2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support ............................................... 2-28
2.5.4 APM Conguration ............................................... 2-29
2.5.5 Hardware Monitor ................................................. 2-30
2.6 Boot menu .......................................................................... 2-31
2.6.1 Boot Device Priority .............................................. 2-32
2.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration ................................. 2-32
2.6.3 Security................................................................. 2-33
2.7 Tools menu ......................................................................... 2-35
2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2.................................................... 2-35
2.8 Exit menu............................................................................ 2-36
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 Make Disk................................................................ 3-5
3.2.5 Manual .................................................................... 3-5
3.2.6 ASUS Contact information ...................................... 3-6

vi
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.

vii
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 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.
The symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product
(electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in municipal
waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.

viii
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and
conguring the motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This manual contains the following parts:
• Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the
new technology it supports. This chapter also 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 2: 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 3: Software support
This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes
with the motherboard package.
.
Where to find 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.

ix
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
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.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a
task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a
task.
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 means
that you must press the enclosed key
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or
Return key
<Key1>+<Key2>+<Key3> 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 type the command exactly as shown,
then supply the required item or value enclosed in
brackets
Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line:
afudos /i[lename]
afudos /iM2S-X.ROM

x
M2S-X specications summary
(continued on the next page)
CPU Socket AM2 for AMD Athlon™ 64 FX/AMD Athlon™ 64 X2
/AMD Athlon 64™/AMD Sempron™ processors
Supports AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology
AMD64 architecture enables simultaneous 32-bit and
64-bit computing
AMD Live!™ ready
Chipset SIS® 756
SIS® 965L
System bus 2000 / 1600 MT/s
Memory Dual-channel memory architecture
- 4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support unbuffered
ECC/non-ECC DDR2 800/667/533 MHz memory
modules
- Supports up to 4 GB system memory
Expansion slots 1 x PCI Express™ x16 slot
2 x PCI Express™ x1 slots
3 x PCI 2.2 slots
Storage 2 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33
2 x SATA support RAID 0, 1, and JBOD
LAN Realtek® RTL8201CL 10/100 LAN
Audio C-Media Superior Quality Audio 7.1 channel audio
CODEC
Supports S/PDIF Out interface
USB Supports up to 6 USB 2.0 ports (two at mid-board, four on
the rear panel)
ASUS special features ASUS C.P.R.
ASUS MyLogo
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS Q-Fan
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection) from 200MHz up to
400MHz at 1MHz increment
Rear panel 1 x Parallel port
1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple)
1 x PS/2 mouse port (green)
1 x Serial port
1 x S/PDIF Out port (Coaxial)
1 x LAN (RJ-45) ports
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
8-channel audio I/O ports

xi
*Specications are subject to change without notice.
M2S-X specications summary
Internal connectors 1 x USB 2.0 connector supports additional 2 USB 2.0
ports
1 x Floppy disk drive connector
2 x IDE connector
2 x Serial ATA connectors
1 x CPU fan / 1 x Chassis fan 1
1 x Chassis intrusion connector
1 x S/PDIF out header connector
Front panel audio connector
CD audio in connectors
24-pin ATX power connector
4-pin ATX 12 V power connector
System panel connector
BIOS features 4 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM2.0, SM
BIOS 2.3, ACPI 2.0a, ASUS EZ Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree
BIOS 3
Manageability WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE
Accessories UltraDMA cable
FDD cable
SATA cable
SATA power cable
I/O Shield
User’s maual
Support CD contents Drivers
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS Update
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
Form factor ATX form factor: 12 in x 8.6 in (30.5 cm x 21.8 cm)

xii

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

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS®M2S-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.
1.2 Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
Motherboard ASUS M2S-X motherboard
Cables 1 x Ultra DMA cable
1 x SATA power cable
1 x SATA signal cable
1 x Floppy disk cable
Accessories I/O shield
Application CDs ASUS motherboard support CD
Documentation User guide

ASUS M2S-X 1-3
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 FX/AMD Athlon™ 64 X2/AMD Athlon™ 64/AMD Sempron™
processors. 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.
HyperTransport™ Technology
HyperTransport™ Technology is a high-speed, low latency, point-to-point
link designed to increase the communication speed between integrated
circuits in computers, networking and telecommunicatons equipment up to
48 times faster than other existing technologies.
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.
Serial ATA RAID solution
The motherboard provides a high-performance Serial ATA RAID controller
that enhance hard disk performance and data backup protection without
the cost of additional RAID cards. The onboard SIS 965L RAID controller
provides two Serial ATA connectors for RAID 0, RAID 1 and JBOD functions.
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.
PCI Express™ interface
The motherboard fully supports PCI Express, the latest I/O interconnect
technology that speeds up the PCI bus. PCI Express features point-to-point
serial interconnections between devices and allows higher clockspeeds by
carrying data in packets. This high speed interface is software compatible
with existing PCI specications.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.3.2 Unique ASUS features
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.
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 shut down
and reboot the system, and BIOS automatically restores the CPU previous
setting for each parameter.
ASUS MyLogo™
This new feature present in the motherboard allows you to personalize and
add style to your system with customizable boot logos.
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.
ASUS Q-Fan technology
The ASUS Q-Fan technology smartly adjusts the fan speeds according to
the system loading to ensure quiet, cool, and efcient operation.

ASUS M2S-X 1-5
M2S-X
R
M2S-X Onboard LED
SB_PWR
ON
Standby
Power
OFF
Powered
Off
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
• Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
• 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 green standby power LED that lights
up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off
mode. This is a reminder that you should shut down the system
and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any
motherboard component.

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.5 Motherboard overview
1.5.1 Motherboard layout
21.8cm(8.6in)
30.5cm(12.0in)
Socket AM2
DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64 bit,240-pin module) DDR2 DIMM_B1 (64 bit,240-pin module) DDR2 DIMM_A2 (64 bit,240-pin module) DDR2 DIMM_B2 (64 bit,240-pin module)
M2S-X
SEC_IDE
PRI_IDE
EATXPWR
SIS 756
SIS 965L
CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
4Mb
BIOS
SATA2 SATA1
CHA_FAN
CPU_FAN
PANEL
SB_PWR
CHASSIS
CLRTC
Super I/O
FLOPPY
PCI2
PCI1
PCI3
PCIEX16
PCIEX1_1
PCIEX1_2
R
USB56
FP_AUDIO
USBPW56
SPDIF_OUT
ICS953805CFLF
CM6501
RTL8201CL
USBPW34
USBPW12
CD
ATX12V
AUDIO2
AUDIO1
LAN_USB34
USB12
SPDIF_O1
PARALLE PORT
COM1
PS/2KBMS
T: Mouse
B: Keyboard

ASUS M2S-X 1-7
M2S-X
R
Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so may damage the motherboard.
1.5.2 Placement direction
When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the
chassis in the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the
rear part of the chassis as indicated 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 chassis.
Place this side towards
the rear of the chassis
Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the
motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage
motherboard components.
Before you install the motherboard, study the conguration of your chassis
to ensure that the motherboard ts into it.

1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
1.6.1 Overview
The motherboard comes with a surface mount 940-pin AM2 socket
designed for the AMD Athlon™ 64, AMD Athlon™ 64 X2, AMD Athlon™ 64
FX, and AMD Sempron™ Processors.
Incorrect installation of the CPU into the socket may bend the pins and
severely damage the CPU!
M2S-X
R
M2S-X CPU Socket M2
Take note of the marked corner (with
gold triangle) on the CPU. This mark
should match a specic corner on the
socket to ensure correct installation.
Gold triangle
1.6.2 Installling the CPU
To install a CPU:
1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.
Before installing the CPU, make sure that the socket box is facing
towards you and the load lever is on your left.