Asus P5S-MX SE User manual

Motherboard
P5S-MX SE

ii
E3214
First Edition
April 2007
Copyright © 2006 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 OFANY 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 ORAGENTS 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 BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO
RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS
MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTSAND 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.

iii
Contents
Notices......................................................................................................... vi
Safety information..................................................................................... vii
P5S-MX SE specications summary.......................................................... x
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 Special features ...................................................1-4
1.4 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 1-5
1.5 Motherboard overview................................................................. 1-6
1.5.1 Placement direction ........................................................ 1-6
1.5.2 Screw holes .................................................................... 1-6
1.5.3 Motherboard layout.........................................................1-7
1.5.4 Layout contents...............................................................1-8
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 1-9
1.6.1 Installing the CPU.........................................................1-10
1.6.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan.............................. 1-12
1.6.3 Uninstalling the CPU heatsink and fan .........................1-14
1.7 System memory .........................................................................1-16
1.7.1 Overview.......................................................................1-16
1.7.2 Memory congurations..................................................1-16
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM..........................................................1-20
1.7.4 Removing a DIMM........................................................1-20
1.8 Expansion slots.......................................................................... 1-21
1.8.1 Installing an expansion card .........................................1-21
1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card .....................................1-21
1.8.3 Interrupt assignments ................................................... 1-22
1.8.4 PCI slots........................................................................1-23
1.8.5 PCI Express x1 slot.......................................................1-23
1.8.6 PCI Express x16 slot.....................................................1-23
1.9 Jumpers ...................................................................................... 1-24
1.10 Connectors................................................................................. 1-26
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors.................................................. 1-26
1.10.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 1-28

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 ASUS EZ Flash utility......................................................2-3
2.1.3 AFUDOS utility................................................................ 2-4
2.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility ......................................2-6
2.1.5 ASUS Update utility ........................................................2-8
2.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................. 2-11
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen........................................................2-12
2.2.2 Menu bar....................................................................... 2-12
2.2.3 Navigation keys.............................................................2-12
2.2.4 Menu items ................................................................... 2-13
2.2.5 Sub-menu items............................................................ 2-13
2.2.6 Conguration elds .......................................................2-13
2.2.7 Pop-up window ............................................................. 2-13
2.2.8 Scroll bar....................................................................... 2-13
2.2.9 General help ................................................................. 2-13
2.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 2-14
2.3.1 System Time .................................................................2-14
2.3.2 System Date ................................................................. 2-14
2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A ........................................................ 2-14
2.3.4 PrimaryandSATAIDEMaster/Slave..................................2-15
2.3.5 IDE Conguration..........................................................2-16
2.3.6 System Information....................................................... 2-17
2.4 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 2-18
2.4.1 USB Conguration ........................................................2-18
2.4.2 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 2-19
2.4.3 Chipset .........................................................................2-21
2.4.4 Onboard Devices Conguration.................................... 2-23
2.4.5 PCI PnP........................................................................2-24
2.5 Power menu................................................................................2-25
2.5.1 Suspend Mode.............................................................. 2-25
2.5.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume........................................2-25
2.5.3 ACPI 2.0 Support.......................................................... 2-25
2.5.4 ACPI APIC Support....................................................... 2-25

v
Contents
2.5.5 APM Conguration ....................................................... 2-26
2.5.6 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 2-27
2.6 Boot menu .................................................................................. 2-28
2.6.1 Boot Device Priority ......................................................2-28
2.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration ..........................................2-29
2.6.3 Security......................................................................... 2-30
2.7 Exit menu....................................................................................2-32
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 .................................................................. 3-4
3.2.4 Make Disk menu.............................................................3-5
3.2.5 Manual menu..................................................................3-5
3.2.6 ASUS Contact information.............................................. 3-6
Appendix: CPU features
A.1 Intel®EM64T..................................................................................A-2
A.2 Enhanced Intel SpeedStep®Technology (EIST)........................A-2
A.2.1 System requirements......................................................A-2
A.2.2 Using the EIST................................................................A-3
A.3 Intel®Hyper-Threading Technology ...........................................A-4
Using the Hyper-Threading Technology ........................................A-4

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 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 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.

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. It 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 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.

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
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 /iP5SMXWAP.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.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a
task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a
task.

x
P5S-MX SE specications summary
(continued on the next page)
CPU LGA775 socket for Intel®Core™2 Duo/ Pentium®
D / Pentium®4 / Celeron®Processors
Support Intel® 65nm and Dual Core CPU
Compatible with Intel®05B/05A/04B/04A processors
Intel®EIST EM64T/Hyper-Threading Technology ready
(Refer to www.asus.com for Intel CPU support list)
Chipset Northbridge: SIS 671FX
Southbridge: SIS 968
System Bus 1066 / 800 / 533 MHz
Memory 2 x 240-pin DIMM sockets supports unbuffered non-ECC
4GB 667/533/400 MHz DDR2 memory modules
Expansion Slots 1 x PCI Express x 16 slot
1 x PCI Express x 1 slot
2 x PCI slots
VGA SIS Chrome9 HC Integrated Graphics, up to 256MB
shared memory
Storage Southbridge SIS968 supports:
- 1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66/33 hard disk drives
- 2 x SATA 3Gb/s with RAID 0, 1 function
LAN SIS 968 built-in Gigabit MAC with external Attansic PHY
Audio Realtek® ALC 662 6-channel High Denition Audio
CODEC
Support Jack-Sensing interface
USB 8 x USB2.0 ports
ASUS Features ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2
ASUS EZ Flash
ASUS Q-Fan
ASUS MyLogo

xi
P5S-MX SE specications summary
Rear panel 1 x PS/2 keyboard port
1 x PS/2 mouse port
1 x Parallel port
1 x VGA port
1 x COM port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
6-channel audio I/O port
Internal connectors 2 x USB 2.0 connectors support additional 4 USB 2.0 ports
1 x CPU / 1 x Chassis fan connectors
1 x S/PDIF Out connector
1 x Chassis intrusion connector
1 x Front panel audio connector
1 x CD audio in connector
1 x 24-pin ATX power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12 V power connector
System panel connector
Support CD contents Drivers
ASUS PC Probe 2
ASUS LiveUpdate Utility
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
Other Accessories 1 x SATAcables
1 x SATA power cable
1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable
1 x FDD cable
1 x I/O Shield
User manual
Form factor Micro-ATX form factor: 9.6’ in x 7.2’ in (24.4 cm x 18.3
cm)
*Specications are subject to change without notice.

xii

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

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS®P5S-MX SE 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.
1.2 Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
Motherboard ASUS P5S-MX SE
Cables 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable
1 x SATA cable
1 x SATA power cable
1 x Floppy disk drive cable
Accessories I/O shield
Application CD ASUS motherboard support CD
Documentation User guide
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
Intel® Core™2 Processor Ready
This motherboard supports the latest Intel®Core™2 processor in the LGA775
package. With the new Intel®Core™ microarchitecture technology and 1066 /
800 MHz FSB, Intel®Core™2 processor is one of the most powerful and energy
efcient CPU in the world.
Intel LGA775 CPU
This motherboard supports the latest Pentium 4 CPU from Intel in LGA775
package. With 1066/ 800/ 533MHz FSB, Hyper-Threading Technology and core-
speeds up to 3.8GHz and beyond.

ASUS P5S-MX SE 1-3
Intel® 65nm Dual-Core CPU support
This motherboard supports Intel® Pentium® D/Pentium® 4/Celeron® dual-
core processors built on the 65-nanometer (nm) process technology with copper
interconnect. Dual-core processors contain two physical CPU cores with dedicated
L2 caches to meet demands for more powerful processing. Intel®’s 65nm process
is the most advanced chip manufacturing technology, delivering breakthrough
performance, enhanced media experience, and low power consumption. Intel®
65nm dual-core processors utilize the latest package technologies for a thinner,
lighter design without compromising performance.
64-bit CPU support
64-bit computing, the next generation technology to replace current 32-bit
architecture, delivers advanced system performance, faster memory access and
increased productivity. This motherboard provides excellent compatibility and
exibility by supporting either 64-bit or 32-bit architecture.
DDR2 memory support
The motherboard supports DDR2 memory that features data transfer rates of
667/533 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest 3D graphics,
multimedia, and Internet applications.
Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s technology
This motherboard supports the next-generation hard drives based on the Serial
ATA (SATA) 3Gb/s storage specification, delivering enhanced scalability and
doubling the bus bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and saves. Easily backup
photos, videos and other entertainment contents to external devices. See page
1-30 for details.
S/PDIF digital sound ready
The motherboard supports the S/PDIF-out (SONY-PHILIPS Digtal Interface)
function through the S/PDIF interface at mid-board. It allows to transfer digital
audio without converting to analog format and keeps the best signal quality. See
page 1-28 for details.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction
High Denition Audio
Enjoy high-end sound quality on your PC! The onboard 6-channel HD audio (High
Definition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality
192KHz/24-bit audio output, jack-sensing feature.
1.3.2 ASUS Special features
ASUS Q-Fan technology
The ASUS Q-Fan technology smartly adjusts the fan speeds according
to the system loading to ensure quiet, cool, and efficient operation.
See page 2-27 for details.
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
With the ASUS EZ Flash, you can easily update the system BIOS even before
loading the operating system. No need to use a DOS-based utility or boot from a
oppy disk. See page 2-3 for details.
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2
This feature allows you to restore the original BIOS data from the support CD in
case when the BIOS codes and data are corrupted. This protection eliminates the
need to buy a replacement ROM chip. See page 2-6 for details.

ASUS P5S-MX SE 1-5
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
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 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. The illustration below
shows the location of the onboard LED.
P5S-MX SE
P5S-MX SE Onboard LED
SB_PWR
ON
Standby
Power
OFF
Powered
Off

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction
P5S-MX SE
1.5 Motherboard overview
Before you install the motherboard, study the conguration of your chassis to
ensure that the motherboard ts into it.
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.
Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
1.5.1 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.
1.5.2 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

ASUS P5S-MX SE 1-7
1.5.3 Motherboard layout
Refer to section 1.10 Connectors for more information about rear panel
connectors and internal connectors.
SIS
671FX
SIS
968
18.3cm(7.2in)
24.4cm(9.6in)
DDR2DIMM1 (64 bit,240-pin module)
DDR2DIMM
2
(64 bit,240-pin module)
PCIEX16
PCI1
PCI2
PCIEX1_1
CD
ALC662 AAFP USB56
SATA1SATA2
CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
SPDIF_OUT
CHASSIS
F_PANEL
SUPER I/O
SB_PWR
FLOPPY
EATXPWR CPU_FAN
PS2_USB_PWR
ATX12V
PRI_IDE
PS/2KBMS
T: Mouse
B: Keyboard
LAN1_USB34
COM1
PARALLEL PORT
VGA1
USB12
LGA775
P5S-MX SE
AMI
BIOS
Attansic
PHY
RTM876-660
PS2_USBPW
CHA_FAN
AUDIO
USB78
CLRTC SPEAKER

1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.5.4 Layout contents
Slots Page
1. DDR2 DIMM slots 1-16
2. PCI slots 1-23
3. PCI Express x1 slots 1-23
4. PCI Express x16 slot 1-23
Jumper Page
1. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-24
2. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW1-4, USBPW56, PS2-USBPW) 1-25
Rear panel connectors Page
1. PS/2 mouse port (green) 1-26
2. Parallel port 1-26
3. LAN (RJ-45) port 1-26
4. Line In port (light blue) 1-26
5. Line Out port (lime) 1-26
6. Microphone port (pink) 1-26
7. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2 1-27
8. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4 1-27
9. VGA port 1-27
10. Serial port 1-27
11. PS/2 keyboard port (purple) 1-27
Internal connectors Page
1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) 1-28
2. Digital Audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 1-28
3. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) 1-29
4. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2) 1-30
5. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56 78) 1-31
6. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD) 1-31
7. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 1-32
3-pin CHA_FAN)
8. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS) 1-33
9. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-33
10. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX 12V) 1-34
11. System panel connector (10-1 pin PANEL) 1-35