Asus P4GE-MX User manual

Motherboard
P4GE-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 CHANGE AT ANY TIME
WITHOUT NOTICE,AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUEDAS ACOMMITMENT 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.
E1862
Revised Edition V2
December 2004

iii
Features
Contents
Notices ............................................................................................v
Safety information .......................................................................... vi
About this guide............................................................................. vii
Conventions used in this guide ............................................ vii
Typography........................................................................... vii
P4GE-MX specifications summary............................................... viii
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 Installing the CPU .................................................. 1-9
1.7 System memory ............................................................... 1-10
1.7.1 DIMM sockets location......................................... 1-10
1.7.2 Installing a DIMM ................................................. 1-10
1.8 Expansion slots .................................................................1-11
1.8.1 Standard interrupt assignments ............................1-11
1.8.2 IRQ assignments for this motherboard .................1-11
1.8.3 PCI slots .............................................................. 1-12
1.9 Jumpers............................................................................ 1-13
1.10 Connectors ....................................................................... 1-15
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors......................................... 1-15
1.10.2 Internal connectors .............................................. 1-16

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 Updating the BIOS with EZ Flash feature .............. 2-3
2.1.3 Recovering the BIOS with CrashFree BIOS .......... 2-4
2.1.4 ASUS Update ........................................................ 2-6
2.2 BIOS Setup program .......................................................... 2-8
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen ................................................ 2-9
2.2.2 Menu bar................................................................ 2-9
2.2.3 Legend bar........................................................... 2-10
2.2.4 General help ........................................................ 2-10
2.2.5 Sub-menu ............................................................ 2-10
2.2.6 Pop-up window .................................................... 2-10
2.3 Main menu.........................................................................2-11
Primary and Secondary Master/Slave.............................. 2-13
2.4 Advanced menu ............................................................... 2-15
2.4.1 Advanced Chipset Features ................................ 2-15
2.4.2 Chip Configuration ............................................... 2-17
2.5 Power menu ..................................................................... 2-20
Hardware Monitor............................................................. 2-22
2.6 Boot menu ........................................................................ 2-23
2.7 Exit menu ......................................................................... 2-24
Chapter 3: Software support
3.1 Install 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
3.3 Audio configuration............................................................. 3-5

v
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.
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 modifications
to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
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. TheASUS websites are listed in the ASUS Contact
Information on the inside front cover.
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.

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
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 manual.
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.
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. Example:
At the DOS prompt, type the command line:
FORMAT A:/S

viii
P4GE-MX specifications summary
CPU
Chipset
Front System Bus
Memory
Expansion slots
Storage
Audio
LAN
USB
Special features
Rear Panel I/O
Internal I/O
connectors
`
Socket 478 for Intel
®
Pentium
®
4 / Celeron
®
processors
Supports Intel
®
Hyper-Threading Technology
Northbridge: Intel
®
845GE
Southbridge: Intel
®
ICH4 (FW82801DB)
533/400 MHz
2 x 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets for up to 2GB unbuffered
non-ECC PC2700/2100/PC1600 SDRAM memory
1 x AGP 4x slot
3 x PCI slots
2 x UltraDMA 100/66
Realtek
®
ALC655 6-channel CODEC
Supports S/PDIF Out interface
Realtek
®
RTL8100C integrated 10/100Mbps LAN controller
Maximum of six (6) USB 2.0 ports
ASUS JumperFree
ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2
ASUS EZ Flash
ASUS MyLogo™
STR (Suspend-to-RAM)
1 x Parallel port
1 x Serial port
1 x VGA port
1 x PS/2 Keyboard port
1 x PS/2 Mouse port
4 x USB 2.0 ports
1 x RJ-45 port
Line In, Line Out, Mic ports
CPU/Chassis fan connectors
20-pin ATX power connector
4-pin auxiliary power connector
1 x USB 2.0 header supports an additional 2 USB 2.0 ports
Chassis intrusion connector
S/PDIF Out connector
IDE LED connector
Power LED connector
Serial connector
CD/AUX audio-in connectors
Front panel audio connector
(continued on the next page)

ix
BIOS features
Industry standard
Form Factor
Support CD contents
3Mb Flash ROM, Award BIOS, TCAV, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0,
SM BIOS 2.3
PCI 2.2, USB 2.0
MicroATX form factor: 9.6 in x 8.6 in
Device drivers
ASUS PC Probe
ASUS Live Update Utility
Anti-virus utility
* Specifications are subject to change without notice.

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
1.1Welcome!
Thank you for buying the ASUS
®
P4GE-MX motherboard!
The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies making it
another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!
The motherboard combines the powers of the Intel
®
Pentium
®
4 processor and the
Intel
®
845GE chipset to set a new benchmark for an effective desktop platform
solution.
Supporting up to 2GB of system memory with PC2700/PC2100/PC1600 DDR
SDRAM, high-resolution graphics via the Intel
®
Extreme Graphics, USB 2.0, and
6-channel audio features, the motherboard takes you ahead in the world of power
computing!
Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the
items in your package with the list below.
1.2Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
ASUS P4GE-MX motherboard
ASUS motherboard support CD
1 x IDE cable
1 x Floppy disk cable
I/O shield
Bag of extra jumper caps
User guide

ASUS P4GE-MX motherboard 1-3
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product Highlights
Latest processor technology
The motherboard comes with a 478-pin surface mount, Zero Insertion Force (ZIF)
socket for the Intel
®
Pentium
®
4 processor in the 478-pin package with 512/256KB
L2 cache on 0.13 or 0.09 micron process. This motherboard supports 533/400
MHz system front side bus that allows 4.3GB/s and 3.2GB/s data transfer rates,
respectively. The motherboard also supports the Intel
®
Hyper-Threading
Technology.
Onboard 10/100 LAN
The Realtek
®
RTL8100C PCI LAN controller provides easy implementation of 10/
100 Mbps Fast Ethernet LAN.
Integrated Graphics
The Intel
®
845GE chipset delivers realistic 3D/2D graphics with sharp images, fast
rendering, smooth motion, and clearly defined details.
AGP 4X support
This Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) slot supports 1.5V AGP 4x mode graphics
cards for 3D graphical applications.
6 USB 2.0 ports
The motherboard implements the new Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0
specification, 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.
6-Channel Audio solution
Onboard is the Realtek
®
ALC655 AC’97 CODEC. This CODEC provides
high-quality 6-channel audio, S/PDIF out support and connector sensing function
without having to buy advanced sound cards.
S/PDIF out
The motherboard supports S/PDIF-out function turns your computer into a
high-end entertainment system with digital connectivity to powerful speaker
systems.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.3.2 Unique ASUS features
CrashFree BIOS 2
This feature allows you to restore the original BIOS data from the motherboard
support CD or a bootable floppy disk in case the BIOS codes and data are
corrupted. This protection eliminates the need to buy a replacement ROM chip.
See page 2-4.
ASUS EZ Flash BIOS
The ASUS EZ Flash feature works through the Award BIOS Update utility. With EZ
Flash, you can easily update the system BIOS even before loading the operating
system. See page 2-3.
ASUS MyLogo™
This new feature present in the motherboard allows you to personalize and add
style to your system with customizable boot logos. See page 2-23.
C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
The C.P.R. feature of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to the
BIOS previous 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 P4GE-MX motherboard 1-5
1.4 Before you proceed
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components
or change any motherboard settings.
1. Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any
component.
2. Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or discharge
any static electricity by touching the metal surface of the system chassis.
3. Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
4. Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic
pad or in the bag that came with the component.
5. 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 stand-by power LED. When lit, this green LED
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. The illustration below shows the location
of the onboard LED.
P4GE-MX Onboard LED
SB_PWR
ON
Standby
Power
OFF
Powered
Off
®
P4GE-MX

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.5 Motherboard overview
1.5.1 Motherboard layout
F_PANEL
FLOPPY1
SEC_IDE PRI_ IDE
Intel
82801DB
ICH4
P4GE-MX
3Mbit
Firmware
Hub
ATX12V1
Intel
82845GE
Memory
Controller
Hub
AUX
CPU_FAN
CD
CHA_FAN
21.9cm (8.6in)
24.4cm (9.6in)
Super
I/O
GAME1
Socket 478
PCI1
Audio
Codec
Below:Mic In
Center:Line Out
Top:Line In
CHASSIS
COM2
PCI2
PCI3
PARALLEL PORT
COM1
VGA
PS/2KBMS
T: Mouse
B: Keyboard
USB12
ATX Power Connector
PLED
USB56
FP_AUDIO
DDR DIMM2 (64/72 bit, 184-pin module) DDR DIMM1 (64/72 bit, 184-pin module)
USBPWR_56
BUZZ
RTL8100C
KBPWR
USBPWR_34
USBPWR_12
SB_PWR
Top:
RJ-45
Bottom:
USB34
SPDIF_OUT
CLRTC
R
Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)
CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power

ASUS P4GE-MX motherboard 1-7
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

1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
1.6.1 Overview
The motherboard comes with a surface mount 478-pin Zero Insertion Force (ZIF)
socket designed for the Intel
®
Pentium
®
4 processor.
Take note of the marked corner (with gold triangle) on the CPU. This mark should
match a specific corner on the socket to ensure correct installation.
Incorrect installation of the CPU into the socket may bend the pins and severely
damage the CPU!
Notes on Intel
®
Hyper-Threading Technology
1. This motherboard supports Intel
®
Pentium
®
4 CPUs with Hyper-Threading
Technology.
2. Hyper-Threading Technology is supported under Windows
®
XP and Linux
2.4.x (kernel) and later versions only. Under Linux, use the Hyper-Threading
compliler to compile the code. If you are using any other operating systems,
disable the Hyper-Threading Technology item in BIOS to ensure system
stability and performance.
3. It is recommended that you install Windows
®
XP Service Pack 1.
4. Make sure to enable the Hyper-Threading Technology item in BIOS before
installing a supported operating system.
5. For more information on Hyper-Threading Technology, visit www.intel.com/
info/hyperthreading.
P4GE-MX CPU Socket 478
Gold Arrow
®
P4GE-MX

ASUS P4GE-MX motherboard 1-9
1.6.2 Installing the CPU
Follow these steps to install a CPU.
1. Locate the 478-pin ZIF socket on the motherboard.
Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90°-100° angle; otherwise, the
CPU does not fit in completely.
2. Unlock the socket by pressing the
lever sideways, then lift it up to a 90°-
100° angle.
90º~100º angle
Socket Lever
5. When the CPU is in place, push
down the socket lever to secure the
CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab
to indicate that it is locked.
3. Position the CPU above the socket
such that its marked corner matches
the base of the socket lever.
4. Carefully insert the CPU into the
socket until it fits in place.
The CPU fits only in one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the
socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU!
Gold Mark

1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.7.2 Installing a DIMM
Follow these steps to install a DIMM.
1. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the
retaining clips outward.
2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the
notch on the DIMM matches the break on
the socket.
3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the socket
until the retaining clips snap back in place
and the DIMM is properly seated.
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.
Unlocked
DDR DIMM
1.7System memory
1.7.1 DIMM sockets location
You can install 64MB, 256MB, 512MB, and 1GB DDR DIMMs into the DIMM
sockets of this motherboard. The following figure illustrates the location of the DDR
DIMM sockets.
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.
P4GE-MX 184-Pin DDR DIMM Sockets
80 Pins
104 Pins
®
P4GE-MX