Asus A7V400 MX SE User Manual

A7V400-MX SE

Contents

Notices.................................................................................................v

Safety information .............................................................................. vi

About this guide ................................................................................ vii

A7V400-MX SE specifications summary ........................................... viii

Chapter 1:

Product introduction

1.1

1.2

1.3

Welcome!.............................................................................. 1-2

Package contents ................................................................. 1-2

Special features.................................................................... 1-2

1.3.1

1.3.2

Product highlights................................................... 1-2

Innovative ASUS features ....................................... 1-4

1.4

1.5

Before you proceed .............................................................. 1-5

Motherboard overview.......................................................... 1-6

1.5.1

1.5.2

1.5.3

Motherboard layout ................................................ 1-6

Placement direction ................................................ 1-7

Screw holes ............................................................ 1-7

1.6

1.7

Central Processing Unit (CPU) .............................................. 1-8

1.6.1

1.6.2

Overview................................................................. 1-8

Installing the CPU.................................................... 1-8

System memory ................................................................... 1-9

1.7.1

1.7.2

1.7.3

1.7.4

Overview................................................................. 1-9

Memory configurations ........................................... 1-9

Installing a DIMM ...................................................1-13

Removing a DIMM .................................................1-13

1.8

Expansion slots...................................................................1-14

1.8.1

1.8.2

1.8.3

1.8.4

Installing an expansion card..................................1-14

Configuring an expansion card..............................1-14

AGP slot................................................................1-16

PCI slots................................................................1-16

1.9

Switch and jumpers ............................................................1-17

1.10 Connectors .........................................................................1-20

1.10.1 Rear panel connectors ..........................................1-20

1.10.2 Internal connectors...............................................1-21

iii

Contents

Chapter 2:

BIOS setup

2.1

Managing and updating your BIOS ........................................ 2-2

2.1.1

2.1.2

2.1.3

2.1.4

2.1.5

Creating a bootable floppy disk.............................. 2-2

AwardBIOS Flash Utility .......................................... 2-3

ASUS CrashFree BIOS utility ................................... 2-4

ASUS EZ Flash utility .............................................. 2-4

ASUS Update utility ................................................ 2-5

2.2

2.3

BIOS beep codes .................................................................. 2-7

BIOS setup program ............................................................. 2-7

2.3.1

2.3.2

BIOS menu bar ........................................................ 2-8

Legend bar ............................................................. 2-8

2.4

2.5

Main menu ..........................................................................2-10

Advanced menu..................................................................2-15

2.5.1

2.5.2

2.5.3

2.5.4

2.5.5

2.5.6

CPU Configuration.................................................2-15

Memory Configuration ..........................................2-16

Chipset .................................................................2-17

PCIPnP...................................................................2-19

Onboard Devices Configuration ............................2-20

USB Configuration.................................................2-22

2.6

2.7

Power menu........................................................................2-23

2.6.1

2.6.2

APM Configuration ................................................2-24

Hardware Monitor .................................................2-26

Boot menu ..........................................................................2-27

2.7.1

2.7.2

2.7.3

2.7.4

2.7.5

2.7.6

Boot Device Priority..............................................2-27

Removable Drives .................................................2-28

Hard Disk Drives ...................................................2-28

CDROM Drives .......................................................2-29

Boot Settings Configuration .................................2-29

Security ................................................................2-30

2.8

Exit menu ...........................................................................2-32

Chapter 3:

Software support

3.1

3.2

Installing an operating system ............................................. 3-2

Support CD information........................................................ 3-2

3.2.1

3.2.2

3.2.3

3.2.4

Running the support CD ......................................... 3-2

Drivers menu .......................................................... 3-3

Utilities menu.......................................................... 3-3

Contacts menu ....................................................... 3-4

i v

Notices

Federal Communications Commission Statement

This device complies with FCC Rules Part 15. Operation is subject to the

following two conditions:

•

This device may not cause harmful interference, and

This device must accept any interference received including

interference that may cause undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a

Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits

are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference

in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate

radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with

manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio

communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not

occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful

interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by

turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct

the interference by one or more of the following measures:

•

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to

which the receiver is connected.

•

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics

card is required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or

modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party

responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate

this equipment.

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.

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.

v i

About this guide

Conventions used in this guide

To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the

following symbols used throughout this guide.

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.

Where to find more information

Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product

and software updates.

1. ASUS websites

The ASUS websites worldwide provide updated information on ASUS

hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact

information.

2. Optional documentation

Your product package may include optional documentation, such as

warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These

documents are not part of the standard package.

vii

A7V400-MX SE specifications summary

CPU

Socket A for AMD Athlon™ XP/Sempron™ processors

Thoroughbred/Barton core support

Chipset

VIA KM400A

VIA VT8237 (no RAID support)

Front Side Bus (FSB)

Memory

400/333/266/200 MHz

2 x 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets support up to maximum

2 GB unbuffered DDR400*/333/266/200 non-ECC

DDR SDRAM memory

*may run only at 333 MHz (DDR333)

Expansion slots

Storage

3 x PCI

1 x AGP 8X/4X (1.5V only)

• 2 x IDE connectors support up to four

UltraATA133/100/66 hard disk drives

• 2 x Serial ATA connectors support up to two

Serial ATA hard disk drives

Graphics

Audio

Integrated VIA UniChrome™ 3D/2D graphics and

video controller

AD1888 SoundMAX 6-channel audio CODEC

S/PDIF out interface

LAN

USB

VIA VT6103 10/100 Mbps Ethernet LAN PHY

Supports up to eight USB 2.0 ports

Hardware

monitoring

Super I/O integrated monitoring of CPU/chassis fan

and MB/CPU temperature

Rear panel I/O

ports

1 x Parallel port

1 x Serial (COM1) port

1 x VGA port

1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple)

1 x PS/2 mouse port (green)

1 x LAN (RJ-45) port

4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports

6-channel audio ports

Internal

connectors

1 x Floppy disk drive connectors

2 x IDE connectors

2 x Serial ATA connectors

2 x USB connectors

1 x S/PDIF out connector

1 x GAME connector

1 x CD connector

(continued next page)

viii

A7V400-MX SE specifications summary

Internal

1 x AUX connector

connectors

(continuation)

1 x Front panel audio connector

CPU/chassis fan connectors

ATX power connector

Panel connector

BIOS features

2 Mb Flash ROM, Phoenix Award BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0,

WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.3,ASUS EZ Flash, ASUS CrashFree

BIOS, ASUS C.O.P. (CPU Overheating Protection)

Industry standard

Manageability

PCI 2.2, USB 2.0/1.1

Wake on Ring (WOR), Wake on LAN (WOL)

Support CD

contents

Drivers

ASUS PC Probe

ASUS Live Update Utility

Award BIOS Flash Utility

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Anti-virus Utility (OEM version)

Microsoft^®DirectX 9.0c

Form factor

Micro-ATX form factor: 9.6 in x 9.6 in

* Specifications are subject to change without notice.

i x

This chapter describes the

motherboard features and the new

technologies it supports.

Product

introduction

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS^®A7V400-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.

1.2 Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

Motherboard

Cables

ASUS A7V400-MX SE motherboard

Serial ATA signal cable and Serial ATA power cable

Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable

Floppy disk drive cable

Accessories

I/O shield

Application CDs ASUS motherboard support CD

Documentation User guide

If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

400 MHz FSB support

The motherboard comes with a Socket A that supports Athlon™ XP/

Sempron™ processor with up to 400 MHz front side bus frequency for

increased application productivity and enhanced digital multimedia

experience. See page 1-8.

VIA KM400A and VT8237

The VIA KM400A Northbridge and the VIA VT8237 Southbridge chipset

provides support for vital motherboard interfaces. The Northridge chip

features an integrated VIA Unichrome™ 2D/3D graphics core allowing

efficient execution of multimedia applications and playback support for

DVD video. The chipsets communicate at speeds of up to 533 MB/s using

the fast 8X V-Link connection.

The VT8237 chip provides native support for Serial ATA, USB, Parallel ATA,

LAN, and audio interfaces.

1-2

Chapter 1: Product introduction

DDR memory support

Employing the Double Data Rate (DDR) memory technology, the

motherboard supports up to 2 GB of system memory using DDR 333/266/

200 DIMMs. The fast 333 MHz memory bus delivers the required bandwidth

for the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications.

See page 1-9 for details.

Serial ATA technology

The motherboard supports the Serial ATA technology through the Serial ATA

connectors and the VIA VT8237R. The SATA specification allows for thinner,

more flexible cables with lower pin count, reduced voltage requirement, and

up to 150 MB/s data transfer rate. See page 1-22 for details.

Integrated Ethernet LAN controller

A 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet controller is embedded in this motherboard

to give you a fast and reliable connection to a local area network (LAN)

and the Internet. See page 1-20.

SoundMax 6-channel audio

Onboard is the ADI SoundMax 5.1-channel audio CODEC. The SoundMAX

Digital Audio System is the industry’s highest performance and most

reliable audio solution for business professionals, audiophiles, musicians,

and gamers. SoundMAX Digital Audio System can output 5.1 channel

surround sound and features state-of-the-art DLS2 MIDI synthesizer and

supports all major game audio technologies. See page 1-20.

S/PDIF digital sound ready

The motherboard supports the S/PDIF Out function through the S/PDIF

connector at midboard. The S/PDIF technology turns your computer into a

high-end entertainment system with digital connectivity to powerful audio and

speaker systems. See page 1-25 for details.

USB 2.0 technology

The motherboard implements the Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0

specification, dramatically increasing the connection speed from the

12 Mbps bandwidth on USB 1.1 to a fast 480 Mbps on USB 2.0. USB 2.0 is

backward compatible with USB 1.1. See pages 1-20 and 1-23 for details.

ASUS A7V400-MX SE

1-3

1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features

CrashFree BIOS

This feature allows you to restore the original BIOS data from a floppy disk

(with the original BIOS file and the AwardBIOS Flash Utility) in case the BIOS

file gets corrupted. This utility eliminates the need to buy a replacement

ROM chip. See page 2-4 for details.

ASUS EZ Flash BIOS

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 floppy disk. See page 2-4 for details.

ASUS C.O.P. (CPU Overheating Protection)

The ASUS C.O.P. (CPU Overheating Protection) is a hardware protection

circuit that automatically shuts down the system power before

temperatures go high enough to permanently damage the CPU. See page

2-26 for details.

1-4

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.4 Before you proceed

Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard

components or change any motherboard settings.

•

Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any

component.

Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or 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.

SB_PWR

A7V400-MX SE

OFF

Standby

Power

Powered

Off

A7V400-MX SE Onboard LED

ASUS A7V400-MX SE

1-5

1.5 Motherboard overview

1.5.1 Motherboard layout

24.5cm (9.6in)

PS/2KBMS

T: Mouse

B: Keyboard

Socket 462

CPU_FAN

COM1

DSW

VGA1

USB12

VIA

KM400A

LAN_USB34

Top:Line In

Center:Line Out

Below:Mic In

Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP1)

SATA2

SATA1

VIA

VT6103

PCI1

VIA

A7V400-MX SE

PCI2

VT8237

CR2032 3V

Lithium Cell

Super

I/O

CMOS Power

SPDIF

CHA_FAN1

PANEL

PCI3

CLRTC

USBPWR56

USBPWR78

AD1888

SB_PWR

FP_AUDIO

AUX

USB56

USB78

GAME

1-6

Chapter 1: Product introduction

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 eight (8) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the

motherboard to the chassis.

Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.

Place this side towards

the rear of the chassis

ASUS A7V400-MX SE

1-7

1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

1.6.1 Overview

The motherboard has a Socket A for installation. The Athlon™/Sempron™

CPU has a “marked” corner. This corner is usually indicated with a notch,

and/or a golden square or triangle. Refer to this indicator when orienting

the CPU. A fan and heatsink should be installed on top of the CPU to

prevent overheating.

This motherboard does not support AMD processors with less than

1 GHz core speed.

CPU NOTCH

TO INNER

CORNER

LOCK

LEVER

CPU NOTCH

A7V400-MX SE

AMD™ CPU

A7V400-MX SE Socket 462

1.6.2 Installing the CPU

Follow these steps to install a CPU:

Golden corner

1. Locate the CPU socket. Open

the socket by pulling the lever

gently sideways away from the

socket, then lift the lever

upwards to a 90 to

100-degree angle.

2. Insert the CPU with the correct

orientation. The notched or

golden corner of the CPU must

be oriented toward the inner

corner of the socket base

nearest to the lever hinge.

The CPU should drop easily into place. Do not force the CPU into the

socket to avoid bending the pins. If the CPU does not fit, check its

alignment and look for bent pins.

1-8

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.7 System memory

1.7.1 Overview

The motherboard has two Double Data Rate (DDR) DIMM sockets that

support up to 2 GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR400*/333/266/200 DDR

SDRAM DIMMs. Each DIMM socket is double-sided.

A7V400-MX SE

A7V400-MX SE 184-pin DDR DIMM sockets

* You can install a DDR400 DIMM(s) on the slot(s). However, a DDR400

DIMM may only run at speeds of up to 333 MHz (DDR333).

1.7.2 Memory configurations

You may install single or double-sided 64 MB, 128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB,

and 1 GB DDR DIMMs to the sockets.

For optimum compatibility, it is recommended that you obtain memory

modules from qualified vendors. See the next page for a list of qualified

DDR400 and DDR333 DIMM vendors.

ASUS A7V400-MX SE

1-9

DDR400 Qualified Vendors List

Size Vendor

Model

C L

Brand Side(s)

Component

256 MB KINGSTON

512 MB KINGSTON

256 MB KINGSTON

512 MB KINGSTON

256 MB KINGSTON

512 MB KINGSTON

256 MB KINGSTON

512 MB KINGSTON

1024 MB KINGSTON

256 MB SAMSUNG

512 MB SAMSUNG

256 MB SAMSUNG

512 MB SAMSUNG

256 MB MICRON

512 MB MICRON

256 MB Infineon

512 MB Infineon

256 MB CORSAIR

512 MB CORSAIR

1024 MB CORSAIR

256 MB Hynix

KVR400X64C3A/256

KVR400X64C3A/512

KVR400X72C3A/256

KVR400X72C3A/512

KVR400X64C3A/256

KVR400X64C3A/512

KVR400X64C3A/256

KHX3200A/512

N/A

Hynix

HY5DU56822BT-D43

V58C2256804SAT5(ECC)

HYB25D256800BT-5B

HYB25D256809BT-5B

D3208DL2T-5

Mosel

Infineon

N/A KINGSTON

N/A

KVR400X64C3A/1G

KHX3200ULK2/1G

HYB25D512800BE-5B

N/A

M381L3223ETM-CCC

M381L6423ETM-CCC

M368L3223ETM-CCC

M368L3223FTN-CCC

M368L6423FTN-CCC

M368L6523BTM-CCC

MT8VDDT3264AG-40BCB

MT16VDDT6464AG-40BCB

HYS64D32300HU-5-C

HYS64D64320HU-5-C

CMX256A-3200C2PT

CMX512-3200C2

3ECC SAMSUNG

N/A SAMSUNG

K4H560838E-TCCC(ECC)

K4H560838E-TCCC

K4H560838F-TCCC

K4H510838B-TCCC

MT46V32M8TG-5BC

HYB25D256800CE-5C

W942508BH-5

SAMSUNG

MICRON

N/A

MICRON

Infineon

N/A

Infineon

Winbond

N/A

VS512MB400

2.5 VALUE seLecT DS

VS32M8-5

TWINX2048-3200C2

HYMD232645D8J-D43

HYMD264646D8J-D43

M2G9I08AIATT9F081AADT

N/A

Hynix

N/A

HY5DU56822DT-D43

TMD7608F8E50D

K4H560838F-TCCC

K4H510838B-TCCC

HYB25D256800CE-5C

V58C2256804SCT5B

K4H560838E-TCCC

K4H560838F-TCCC

HY5DU56822CT-D43

ADD8608A8A-5B

W942508CH-5

512 MB Hynix

Hynix

256 MB TwinMOS

512 MB TwinMOS

256 MB TwinMOS

512 MB TwinMOS

256 MB Transcend

512 MB Transcend

1024 MB Transcend

256 MB Apacer

2.5

TwinMOS

SAMSUNG

Infineon

ProMOS

SAMSUNG

Hynix

M2G9J16AJATT9F081AADT 2.5

M2G9I08A8ATT9F081AADT 2.5

M2G9J16A8ATT9F081AADT 2.5

TS32MLD64V4F3

TS64MLD64V4F3

TS128MLD64V4J

77.10636.33G

512 MB Apacer

77.10736.33G

256 MB Apacer

77.10639.60G

2.5

512 MB Apacer

77.10739.60G

256 MB A DATA

512 MB A DATA

256 MB A DATA

512 MB A DATA

256 MB A DATA

512 MB A DATA

256 MB Winbond

512 MB Winbond

256 MB PSC

MDOSS6F3G31Y0K1E0Z

MDOSS6F3H41Y0N1E0Z

MDOHY6F3G31Y0N1E0Z

MDOHY6F3H41Y0N1E0Z

MDOAD5F3G31Y0D1E02

MDOAD5F3H41Y0D1E02

W9425GCDB-5

Hynix

2.5

N/A

Winbond

PSC

W9451GCDB-5

N/A

2.5

N/A

W942508CH-5

AL5D8B53T-5B1K

AL6D8B53T-5B1K

MPXB62D-38KT3R

MPXC22D-38KT3R

M378T6553BG0-CD5

A2S56D30BTP

512 MB PSC

PSC

A2S56D30BTP

256 MB KINGMAX

512 MB KINGMAX

512 MB SAMSUNG

N/A

KDL388P4LA-50

K4T51083QB-GCD5

N/A

1-10

Chapter 1: Product introduction

DDR400 Qualified Vendors List (continuation)

Size

(

)

256 MB NANYA

512 MB NANYA

NT256D64S88C0G-5T

NT512D64S8HC0G-5T

N/A

NT5DS32M8CT-5T

256 MB BRAIN POWERB6U808-256M-SAM-400

512 MB BRAIN POWERB6U808-512M-SAM-400

N/A SAMSUNG

K4H560838D-TCC4

K4H560838E-TCCC

DD2508AMTA

256 MB CENTURY

512 MB CENTURY

256 MB CENTURY

512 MB CENTURY

256 MB elixir

DXV6S8SSCCE3K27E

DXV2S8SSCCE3K27E

DXV6S8EL5BM3T27C

DXV2S8EL5BM3T27C

M2U25664DS88C3G-5T

M2U51264DS8HC1G-5T

N/A

DD2508AMTA

elixir

N2DS25680CT-5T

VT3225804T-5

512 MB elixir

256 MB Kreton

512 MB Kreton

256 MB Veritech

512 MB Veritech

256 MB Pmi

N/A

VT3225804T-5

VT400FMV/2561103

VT400FMV/5121003

MD44256VIT3208GMHA01

MD44512VIT3208GATA03

V826632K24SCTG-D0

V826664K24SCTG-D0

AL5D8C53T-5B1T

AL6D8C53T-5B1T

GL5123200DC

VT56DD32M8PC-5

2.5

N/A

MOSEL

N/A

V58C2256804SAT5B

V58C2256804SCT5B

A2S56D30CTP

512 MB Pmi

256 MB ProMOS

512 MB ProMOS

256 MB Deutron

512 MB Deutron

256 MB GEIL

N/A

PSC

A2S56D30CTP

N/A

GL3LC32G88TG-35

GL3LC32G88TG-5A

WLCSP Package

N/A

512 MB GEIL

GL1GB3200DC

N/A

256 MB GEIL

GLX2563200UP

N/A

256 MB GEIL

GD3200-512DC

N/A

256 MB crucial

512 MB crucial

256 MB Novax

512 MB Novax

BL3264Z402.8TG

BL6464Z402.16TG

96M425653CE-40TB6

96M451253CE-40TB6

Ballistix

CEON

N/A

2.5

C2S56D30TP-5

Side(s): S S - Single-sided D S - Double-sided

C L - CAS Latency

Visit the ASUS website for the latest DDR400 Qualified Vendors List.

ASUS A7V400-MX SE

1-11

DDR333 Qualified Vendors List

Size Vendor

Model

C L

Brand Side(s)

Component

256 MB NANYA

256 MB SAMSUNG

512 MB SAMSUNG

256 MB SAMSUNG

512 MB SAMSUNG

256 MB SAMSUNG

256 MB MICRON

512 MB MICRON

256 MB CORSAIR

512 MB CORSAIR

256 MB KINGSTON

512 MB KINGSTON

256 MB PQI

NT256D64S88C0G-5T

M368L3223ETN-CB3

M368L6423ETN-CB3

M381L3223ETM-CB3

M381L6423ETM-CB3

M368L3223FTN-CB3

MT8VDDT3264AG-335CA

MT16VDDT6464AG-335CA

VS256MB333

N/A

NT5DS32M8CT-5T

K4H560838E-TCB3

K4H560838E-TCB3(ECC)

K4H560838F-TCB3

MT46V32M8TG-6TC

VS32M8-6

N/A SAMSUNG

2.5 SAMSUNG

2.5ECC SAMSUNG

2.5 SAMSUNG

2.5

MICRON

2.5 VALUE seLecT SS

N/AVALUE seLecT DS

VS512MB333

VS32M8-6

KVR333X64C25/256

KVR333X64C25/512

MD3456UPS

2.5 KINGSTON

D3208DH1T-6

N/A

PQI

PQ3D328S6-0246

TMD7608F8E60D

V58C2256804SAT6

K4H560838F-TCCC

N2DS25680CT-6K

VT56DD32M8PC-6

NT5DS32M8CT-6K

NT5DS64M8AF-6K

512 MB TwinMos

512 MB MOSEL

256 MB Transcend

256 MB elixir

M2G5J16AJATT5F081AA4T 2.5

TwinMos

MOSEL

MPMC225-383

N/A

TS32MLD64V3F5

N/A SAMSUNG

M2U25664DS88C3G-6K

M2U51264DS8HC1G-6K

VT333FMV/2561103

VT333FMV/5121103

NT256D64S88C0G-6K

NT512D64S8HC0G-6K

NT1GD64S8HA0F-6K

2.5

elixir

512 MB elixir

256 MB Veritech

512 MB Veritech

256 MB NANYA

512 MB NANYA

1024 MB NANYA

N/A

N/ A

2.5-3-3 HANYA

Side(s): S S - Single-sided D S - Double-sided

C L - CAS Latency

Visit the ASUS website for the latest DDR333 Qualified Vendors List.

1-12

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.7.3 Installing a DIMM

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.

Follow these steps to install a DIMM.

1. Locate the DIMM sockets in the

motherboard.

DDR DIMM notch

2. Unlock a DIMM socket by

pressing the retaining clips

outward.

3. Align a DIMM on the socket such

that the notch on the DIMM

matches the break on the

socket.

Unlocked Retaining

Clip

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.

4. Firmly insert the DIMM into the

socket until the retaining clips

snap back in place and the DIMM

is properly seated.

Locked Retaining Clip

1.7.4 Removing a DIMM

Follow these steps to remove a DIMM.

1. Simultaneously press the

retaining clips outward to unlock

the DIMM.

Support the DIMM lightly with your fingers when pressing the retaining

clips. The DIMM might get damaged when it flips out with extra force.

2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.

ASUS A7V400-MX SE

1-13

1.8 Expansion slots

In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following

sub-sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support.

Make sure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing

expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and

damage motherboard components.

1.8.1 Installing an expansion card

To install an expansion card:

1. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that

came with it and make the necessary hardware settings for the card.

2. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already

installed in a chassis).

3. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep

the screw for later use.

4. Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is

completely seated on the slot.

5. Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier.

6. Replace the system cover.

1.8.2 Configuring an expansion card

After installing the expansion card, configure the it by adjusting the

software settings.

1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any.

See Chapter 2 for information on BIOS setup.

2. Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page.

3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.

1-14

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Standard interrupt assignments

I R Q

Priority

Standard Function

System Timer

Keyboard Controller

Re-direct to IRQ#9

Communications Port (COM1)*

IRQ holder for PCI steering*

Floppy Disk Controller

Printer Port (LPT1)*

System CMOS/Real Time Clock

IRQ holder for PCI steering*

PS/2 Compatible Mouse Port*

Numeric Data Processor

Primary IDE Channel

Secondary IDE Channel

* These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices.

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

PCI slot 1

PCI slot 2

PCI slot 3

AGP slot

—

used

—

used

—

shared

—

shared

—

When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support

“Share IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments; otherwise,

conflicts will arise between the two PCI groups, making the system

unstable and the card inoperable.

ASUS A7V400-MX SE

1-15

1.8.3 AGP slot

The motherboard has an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) slot that

supports +1.5 V 8X/4X AGP graphics card. Note the notches on the card

golden fingers to ensure that they fit into the AGP slot.

A7V400-MX SE

Keyed for 1.5v

A7V400-MX SE Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)

1.8.4 PCI slots

The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and

other cards that comply with PCI specifications. The figure shows a LAN

card installed on a PCI slot.

1-16

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.9 Switch and jumpers

1 . CPU external frequency selection (DSW Switches 1-5)

The motherboard frequency is adjusted through the DIP switches.

The white block represents the switch position. The illustration below

shows the ON and OFF positions of the switches.

(Default)

OFF

100MHz

66.67MHz

33.33MHz

A7V400-MX SE

A7V400-MX SE DIP switches

The option to set the CPU core bus frequency multiple is available only

on unlocked CPUs. If you are using a locked CPU, setting the switches

does not produce any effect.

The DSW switch tells the clock generator what frequency to send the

CPU. This allows the selection of the CPU’s external frequency (or bus

clock). The bus clock multiplied by the frequency multiple equals the

CPU’s internal frequency (the advertised CPU speed).

The default CPU external frequency is 100 MHz. If your CPU supports

200/166/133 MHz external frequency, adjust the DSW settings before

installing the motherboard to the chassis.

DSW

(Default)

100MHz

CPU

200MHz 166.67MHz 133.33MHz

66.67MHz

33.33MHz

AGP 66.67MHz 66.67MHz 66.67MHz

PCI 33.33MHz 33.33MHz 33.33MHz

A7V400-MX SE

F S B

CPU External Frequency

400

333

266

200

200 MHz

166 MHz

133 MHz

100 MHz

A7V400-MX SE CPU

external frequency selection

Set the CPU frequency only to the recommended settings. Frequencies

other than the recommended CPU bus frequencies are not guaranteed to

be stable.

ASUS A7V400-MX SE

1-17

2 . Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC)

This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in

CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system

setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard

button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include

system setup information such as system passwords.

To erase the RTC RAM:

1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.

2. Remove the onboard battery.

3. Move the jumper cap from pins 2-3 (default) to pins 1-2. Keep the

cap on pins 1-2 for about 5~10 seconds, then move the cap back to

pins 2-3.

4. Reinstall the battery.

5. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.

6. Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS

setup to re-enter data.

Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC

jumper default position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!

CLRTC

A7V400-MX SE

1 2

2 3

Clear CMOS

Normal

(Default)

A7V400-MX SE Clear RTC RAM

1-18

Chapter 1: Product introduction

3 . USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPWR12, USBPWR34,

USBPWR56, USBPWR78)

Set these jumpers to +5V to wake up the computer from S1 sleep

mode (CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in low power

mode) using the connected USB devices. Set to +5VSB to wake up

from S3 and S4 sleep modes (no power to CPU, DRAM in slow refresh,

power supply in reduced power mode).

USBPWR12

USBPWR34

+5V

+5VSB

(Default)

USBPWR56

USBPWR78

A7V400-MX SE

1 2

2 3

+5V

+5VSB

(Default)

A7V400-MX SE USB device wake up

•

The USB device wake-up feature requires a power supply that can

provide 500mA on the +5VSB lead for each USB port; otherwise,

the system will not power up.

The total current consumed must NOT exceed the power supply

capability (+5VSB) whether under normal condition or in sleep mode.

ASUS A7V400-MX SE

1-19

1.10 Connectors

1.10.1 Rear panel connectors

1 . PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse.

2 . Parallel port. This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a scanner,

or other devices.

3 . LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows 10/100 Mbps connection to a

Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub.

4 . Line In port (light blue). This port connects a tape, CD, DVD

player or other audio sources. In 6-channel mode, the function of this

port becomes Bass/Center.

5 . Line Out port (lime). This port connects a headphone or a

speaker. In 4/6-channel mode, the function of this port becomes

Front Speaker Out.

6 . Microphone port (pink). This port connects a microphone. In

4/6-channel mode, the function of this port becomes Rear Speaker Out.

The functions of the Line Out, Line In, and Microphone ports change

when you select the 4 or 6-channel audio configuration as shown in the

following table.

Audio 2, 4, or 6-channel configuration

Port

Headset/2-channel

4-channel

6-channel

Light Blue

Lime

Line In

Line Out

Mic In

Line In

Bass/Center

Front Speaker Out

Rear Speaker Out

Front Speaker Out

Rear Speaker Out

Pink

7 . USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus

(USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

8 . USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus

(USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

9 . Video Graphics Adapter port. This 15-pin port is for a VGA

monitor or other VGA-compatible devices.

10. Serial port. This 9-pin COM1 port is for pointing devices or other

serial devices.

11. PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.

1-20

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.10.2 Internal connectors

1 . Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)

This connector is for the provided floppy disk drive (FDD) signal cable.

Insert one end of the cable to this connector, then connect the other

end to the signal connector at the back of the floppy disk drive.

Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable connection

when using a FDD cable with a covered Pin 5.

FLOPPY

NOTE: Orient the red markings on

the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1.

A7V400-MX SE

PIN 1

A7V400-MX SE Floppy disk drive connector

2 . IDE connectors (40-1 pin PRI_IDE, SEC_IDE)

This connector is for an Ultra DMA 133 signal cable. The Ultra

DMA 133 signal cable has three connectors: a blue connector for the

IDE connector on the motherboard, a black connector for an Ultra DMA

133/100/66 IDE slave device (optical drive/hard disk drive), and a gray

connector for an Ultra DMA 133/100/66 IDE master device (hard disk

drive). If you install two hard disk drives, you must configure the

second drive as a slave device by setting its jumper accordingly.

Refer to the hard disk documentation for the jumper settings.

•

Pin 20 on the IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole

on the Ultra DMA cable connector. This prevents incorrect insertion

when you connect the IDE cable.

•

Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 IDE devices.

NOTE: Orient the red markings

(usually zigzag) on the IDE

ribbon cable to PIN 1.

A7V400-MX SE

PIN 1

A7V400-MX SE IDE connectors

ASUS A7V400-MX SE

1-21

3 . Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2)

These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA

hard disk drives.

SATA2

SATA1

A7V400-MX SE

A7V400-MX SE SATA connector

Important notes on Serial ATA

•

You must install Windows^®2000 SP4, Windows^®XP SP1, Windows^®

2003, or newer OS versions before using Serial ATA hard disk drives.

•

The Serial ATA interface is not supported when using Windows^®

98SE/Me operating system.

4 . CPU and chassis fan connectors

(3-pin CPU_FAN, CHA_FAN)

The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350 mA~740 mA (8.88 W

max.) or a total of 1 A~2.22 A (26.64 W max.) at +12V. Connect the

fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, making sure that

the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector.

Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors.

Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard

components. These are not jumpers! Do not place jumper caps on the

fan connectors!

CPU_FAN

A7V400-MX SE

CHA_FAN

GND

+12V

Rotation

A7V400-MX SE Fan connectors

1-22

Chapter 1: Product introduction

5 . USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78)

These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module

cable to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot

opening at the back of the system chassis.

The USB module is purchased separately.

A7V400-MX SE

USB56

USB78

A7V400-MX SE USB connectors

Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will

damage the motherboard!

6 . GAME/MIDI connector (16-1 pin GAME)

This connector is for a GAME/MIDI port. Connect the GAME/MIDI

module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot

opening at the back of the system chassis. The GAME/MIDI port on

the module connects a joystick or a game pad for playing games, and

MIDI devices for playing or editing audio files.

The GAME/MIDI module is purchased separately.

A7V400-MX SE

GAME

A7V400-MX SE Game connector

ASUS A7V400-MX SE

1-23

7 . Internal audio connectors (4-pin CD, AUX)

These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound

sources such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card.

AUX(White) CD(Black)

A7V400-MX SE

A7V400-MX SE Internal audio connectors

8 . Front panel audio connectors (10-1 pin FP_AUDIO)

This connector is for the front panel audio daughterboard cable.

This connector supports the front panel audio I/O ports.

FP_AUDIO

A7V400-MX SE

A7V400-MX SE Front panel audio connector

By default, the pins labeled LINE_OUT_R/BLINE_OUT_R and the pins

LINE_OUT_L/BLINE_OUT_L are shorted with jumper caps. Remove the

caps only when you are connecting the front panel audio cable.

1-24

Chapter 1: Product introduction

9 . Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF)

This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface

(S/PDIF) port(s). Connect the S/PDIF out module cable to this

connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the

system chassis.

The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.

A7V400-MX SE

SPDIF

A7V400-MX SE Digital audio connector

10. ATX power connector (20-pin ATXPWR)

This connector is for the 20-pin ATX power supply plug. The plug from

the power supply is designed to fit this connector in only one

orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the

connector completely fit.

ATXPWR

+12.0VDC

+5VSB

PWR_OK

COM

+5.0VDC

-5.0VDC

COM

+5.0VDC

COM

+5.0VDC

COM

PS_ON#

COM

A7V400-MX SE

+3.3VDC

-12.0VDC

+3.3VDC

A7V400-MX SE ATX power connector

If you will need to replace the power supply in the future, make sure that

your new ATX 12V power supply can provide 8 A on the +12 V lead and

at least 1 A on the +5 V standby lead (+5VSB). The minimum

recommended wattage is 230W, or 300W for a fully configured system.

The system may become unstable and may experience difficulty

powering up if the power supply is inadequate.

ASUS A7V400-MX SE

1-25

11. System panel connector (20-pin PANEL)

This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

PLED

SPEAKER

RESET

A7V400-MX SE

HDLED

SMI

PWRBTN

* Requires an ATX power supply.

A7V400-MX SE System panel connector

•

System power LED (3-pin PLED)

This connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis

power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up

when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in

sleep mode.

•

System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)

This connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker.

The speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.

Reset button (2-pin RESET)

This connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system

reboot without turning off the system power.

ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWRBTN)

This connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power

button turns the system on or puts the system in sleep or soft-off

mode depending on the BIOS settings. Pressing the power switch for

more than four seconds while the system is ON turns the system OFF.

•

System Management Interrupt (2-pin SMI)

This connector is for the chassis-mounted suspend switch that allows

you to manually place the system into a suspend mode, or “green”

mode. When in suspend mode, the system activity is instantly

decreased to save power and to expand the life of certain system

components.

Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin HDLED)

This connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity

LED cable to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or flashes when

data is read from or written to the HDD.

1-26

Chapter 1: Product introduction

This chapter tells how to change

the system settings through the BIOS

Setup menus. Detailed descriptions

of the BIOS parameters are also

provided.

BIOS setup

2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS

The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard

Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup.

1. AwardBIOS Flash Utility (Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a

bootable floppy disk.)

ASUS CrashFree BIOS (Updates the BIOS using a floppy disk when the

BIOS file fails or gets corrupted.)

3. ASUS EZ Flash (Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a floppy disk.)

4. ASUS Update (Updates the BIOS in Windows^®environment.)

Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.

Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a floppy disk in case

you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original

motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update or AwardBIOS Flash utilities.

2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk

1. Do either one of the following to create a bootable floppy disk.

DOS environment

a. Insert a 1.44MB floppy disk into the drive.

b. At the DOS prompt, type format A:/S then press <Enter>.

Windows^®XP environment

a. Insert a 1.44 MB floppy disk to the floppy disk drive.

b. Click Start from the Windows^®desktop, then select M y

Computer.

c. Select the 3 1/2 Floppy Drive icon.

d. Click File from the menu, then select Format. A Format 3 1/2

Floppy Disk window appears.

e. Select Create an MS-DOS startup disk from the format

options field, then click Start.

Windows^®2000 environment

To create a set of boot disks for Windows^®2000:

a. Insert a formatted, high density 1.44 MB floppy disk into the drive.

b. Insert the Windows^®2000 CD to the optical drive.

c. Click Start, then select Run.

d. From the Open field, type

D:\bootdisk\makeboot a:

assuming that D: is your optical drive.

e. Press <Enter>, then follow screen instructions to continue.

2. Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS file to the bootable

floppy disk.

2-2

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.1.2 AwardBIOS Flash Utility

You may update the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) using a bootable

floppy disk with the executable AwardBIOS Flash utility (AWDFLASH.EXE).

To update the BIOS using the AwardBIOS Flash Utility:

1. Download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website. Rename the file

to *.BIN, then save it to the bootable floppy disk you created earlier.

Save only the updated BIOS file in the floppy disk to avoid loading a

wrong BIOS file.

2. Copy the AWDFLASH.EXE utility from the support CD to the floppy disk.

3. Boot the computer from the floppy disk drive.

4. When the prompt (A:) appears, type awdflash.exe, then press

<Enter> to display the AwardBIOS Flash Utility screen. The utility

automatically checks the new BIOS file on the floppy disk.

AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.09

For KM400-8237-A7V400SE-00

Flash Type - SST 39SF020 /5V

DATE: 01/06/2005

File Name to Program

: a7v4se02.bin

Message: Please Wait!

5. After verification, the utility updates the BIOS file. Do not shut down

the computer during the updating process. The computer returns to

POST after updating the BIOS file.

AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.09

For KM400-8237-A7V400SE-00

Flash Type - SST 39SF020 /5V

DATE: 01/06/2005

File Name to Program

: a7v4se02.bin

Program Flashing Memory - 0FE00 OK

Write OK

No Update

Write Fail

Warning: Don’t Turn OFF Power Or Reset System!

ASUS A7V400-MX SE

2-3

2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS utility

The ASUS CrashFree BIOS allows you to update the BIOS file when it fails or

gets corrupted. You can update a corrupted BIOS file using a floppy disk

that contains the updated BIOS file and the AWDFLASH utility.

Before using this utility, prepare the bootable floppy disk containing the

updated motherboard BIOS and the AWDFLASH.EXE utility. The

AWDFLASH.EXE utility is available from the support CD.

To update the BIOS using CrashFree BIOS:

1. Turn on the system.

2. When prompted, place the floppy disk with the updated BIOS file and

the AWDFLASH.EXE utility to the floppy disk drive.

3. The AwardBIOS Flash Utility window appears. Follow the instructions in

the previous section to update the BIOS.

Before using the ASUS CrashFree BIOS feature on this motherboard, you

must install an AGP or PCI VGA card to one of the expansion slots before

you turn on the computer. Motherboards with onboard VGA (such as

A7V400-MX SE) do not display the screen when the BIOS crashes even

after you reboot the computer.

2.1.4 ASUS EZ Flash utility

The ASUS EZ Flash feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to

go through the long process of booting from a floppy disk and using a

DOS-based utility. The EZ Flash utility is built-in the BIOS chip so it is

accessible by pressing <Alt> + <F2> during the Power-On Self Tests (POST).

Before using this utility, prepare the floppy disk containing the updated

motherboard BIOS.

To update the BIOS using EZ Flash:

1. Insert the floppy disk with the updated BIOS file to the floppy disk

drive, then turn on the system.

2. Press <Alt> + <F2> during POST to display the AwardBIOS Flash Utility

screen.

3. Follow the instructions in section “2.1.2 Award BIOS Flash Utility” to

update the BIOS.

After updating the BIOS file using the AwardBIOS Flash Utility, ASUS

CrashFree BIOS, or ASUS EZ Flash, enter the BIOS Setup and load the

default values using the Exit Menu. See section “2.7 Exit menu” for details.

2-4

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.1.5 ASUS Update utility

The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update

the motherboard BIOS in Windows^®environment. The ASUS Update utility

allows you to:

• Save the current BIOS file

• Download the latest BIOS file from the Internet

• Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS file

• Update the BIOS directly from the Internet, and

• View the BIOS version information.

This utility is available in the support CD that comes with the motherboard package.

Installing ASUS Update

To install ASUS Update:

1. Place the support CD in the optical drive. The Drivers menu appears.

2. Click the Utilities tab, then click ASUS Update. See page 3-3 for

the Utilities screen menu.

3. The ASUS Update utility is copied to your system.

•

ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a

network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Quit all Windows^®applications before you update the BIOS using this utility.

Updating the BIOS through the Internet

To update the BIOS through the Internet:

1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows^®desktop by clicking

Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The

ASUS Update main window appears.

2. Select Update BIOS from

the Internet option from the

drop-down menu, then click

Next.

3. Select the ASUS FTP site

nearest you to avoid network

traffic, or click Auto Select.

Click Next.

ASUS A7V400-MX SE

2-5

4. From the FTP site, select the

BIOS version that you wish to

download. Click Next.

5. Follow the screen instructions to

complete the update process.

The ASUS Update utility is

capable of updating itself

through the Internet. Always

update the utility to avail all

its features.

Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file

To update the BIOS through a BIOS file:

1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows^®desktop by

clicking Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate >

ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update main window appears.

2. Select Update BIOS from a

file option from the drop-down

menu, then click Next.

3. Locate the BIOS file from the

Open window, then click Save.

4. Follow the screen instructions to

complete the update process.

2-6

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.2 BIOS beep codes

When you turn the power on and the system runs POST (Power On Self

Tests), you will hear BIOS beeps. Refer to the following table for the

meaning of the beeps.

Award BIOS beep codes

Beep

Meaning

One short beep when

displaying logo

No error during POST

Long beeps in an endless loop

No DRAM installed or detected

One long beep followed by

three short beeps

Video card not found or

video card memory bad

High frequency beeps when

system is working

CPU overheated; System running at a

lower frequency

2.3 BIOS setup program

This motherboard supports a programmable low pin count (LPC) chip that

you can update using the provided utility described in section

“2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS.”

Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard,

reconfiguring your system, or prompted to “Run Setup.” This section

explains how to configure your system using this utility.

Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you can change

the configuration of your computer in the future. For example, you can

enable the security password feature or change the power management

settings. This requires you to reconfigure your system using the BIOS

Setup program so that the computer can recognize these changes and

record them in the CMOS RAM of the firmware hub.

The firmware hub on the motherboard stores the Setup utility. When you

start up the computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to

run this program. Press <Del> during the Power-On-Self-Test (POST) to

enter the Setup utility; otherwise, POST continues with its test routines.

If you wish to enter Setup after POST, restart the system by pressing

<Ctrl+Alt+Delete>, or by pressing the reset button on the system chassis.

You can also restart by turning the system off and then back on. Do this

last option only if the first two failed.

The Setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. Being

a menu-driven program, it lets you scroll through the various sub-menus

and make your selections from the available options using the navigation

keys.

ASUS A7V400-MX SE

2-7

•

The default BIOS settings for this motherboard apply for most

conditions to ensure optimum performance. If the system becomes

unstable after changing any BIOS settings, load the default settings to

ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Default

Settings item under the Exit Menu. See section “2.7 Exit Menu.”

•

The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes

only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.

Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS

file for this motherboard.

2.3.1 BIOS menu bar

The top of the screen has a menu bar with the following selections:

MAIN

Use this menu to make changes to the basic system

configuration.

ADVANCED

POWER

BOOT

Use this menu to enable and make changes to the

advanced features.

Use this menu to configure and enable Power

Management features.

Use this menu to configure the default system device

used to locate and load the Operating System.

EXIT

Use this menu to exit the current menu or to exit the

Setup program.

To access the menu bar items, press the right or left arrow key on the

keyboard until the desired item is highlighted.

2.3.2 Legend bar

At the bottom of the Setup screen is a legend bar. The keys in the legend

bar allow you to navigate through the various setup menus. The following

table lists the legend bar keys and their corresponding functions.

Navigation Key

Function

<F1>

<F2>

<F5>

<Esc>

Displays the General Help screen

Navigates the Item Specific Help screen

Loads previous values

Jumps to the Exit menu or returns to the main menu

from a sub-menu

Left or Right arrow

Up or Down arrow

Page Down or – (minus)

Page Up or + (plus)

<Enter>

Selects the menu item to the left or right

Moves the highlight up or down between fields

Scrolls backward through the values for the highlighted field

Scrolls forward through the values for the highlighted field

Brings up a selection menu for the highlighted field

Saves changes and exit

<F10>

2-8

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

General help

In addition to the Item Help window, the BIOS setup program also provides

a General Help screen. You may launch this screen from any menu by

simply pressing <F1>. The General Help screen lists the legend keys and

their corresponding functions.

Scroll bar

When a scroll bar appears to the right of a help window, it indicates that

there is more information to be displayed that will not fit in the window. Use

<PgUp> and <PgDn> or the up and down arrow keys to scroll through the

entire help document. Press <Home> to display the first page, press <End>

to go to the last page. To exit the help window, press <Enter> or <Esc>.

Sub-menu

The right pointer symbol that appears at the

left of certain parameters indicates that a

sub-menu exists for this field. A sub-menu

System Time

System Date

offers additional parameter options. To

Legacy Diskette A:

display a sub-menu, move the highlight to the

field and press <Enter>. The sub-menu

Primary IDE Master

Primary IDE Slave

Secondary IDE Master

Secondary IDE Slave

First SATA Master

Second SATA Master

appears. Use the legend keys to navigate and

enter values within each sub-menu as you

would within a menu. Use the <Esc> key to

Installed Memory

return to the main menu. Take some time to

familiarize yourself with the legend keys and

their corresponding functions. Practice

navigating through the various menus and

F1 : Help

ESC : Exit

↑↓ : Select Ite

→← : Select Men

sub-menus. While moving around through the

Setup program, note that explanations appear in the Item Help window

located to the right of each menu. This window displays the help text for

the highlighted field.

Saving changes and exiting the Setup program

See “2.8 Exit menu” for detailed information on saving changes and exiting

the setup program.

ASUS A7V400-MX SE

2-9

2.4 Main menu

System Time

System Date

15 : 30 : 30

Wed, Jan 05 2003

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

Legacy Diskette A:

[1.44M, 3.5 in.]

Change the internal

clock.

Primary IDE Master

Primary IDE Slave

Secondary IDE Master

Secondary IDE Slave

First SATA Master

Second SATA Master

[ST321122A]

[ASUS CDS520/A]

[None]

Installed Memory

256MB

F1 : Help

ESC : Exit

↑↓ : Select Item -/+

: Change Value

F5: Setup Defaults

→← : Select Menu Enter : Select Submenu F10: Save and Exit

System Time [hh:mm:ss]

Sets the system to the time that you specify (usually the current time).

The format is hour, minute, second. Valid values for hour, minute and

second are Hour: (00 to 23), Minute: (00 to 59), Second: (00 to 59). Use

the <Tab> key to move between the hour, minute, and second fields.

System Date [day, mm dd yyyy]

Sets the system to the date that you specify (usually the current date).

The format is month, day, year. Valid values for month, day, and year are

Month: (1 to 12), Day: (1 to 31), Year: (1999 to 2099). Use the <Tab>

key to move between the month, day, and year fields.

Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]

Sets the type of floppy drive installed. Configuration options: [None]

[360K, 5.25 in.] [1.2M , 5.25 in.] [720K , 3.5 in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.]

[2.88M, 3.5 in.]

Installed Memory [XXX MB]

This field automatically displays the amount of conventional memory

detected by the system during the boot process.

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Chapter 2: BIOS setup

Primary/Secondary IDE Master/Slave

Primary IDE Master

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

Primary IDE Master

Access Mode

[Auto]

Press [Enter] to

select.

Capacity

40020 MB

Cylinder

Head

Sector

19158

255

PIO Mode

UDMA Mode

Transfer Mode

[Auto]

UDMA 5

F1 : Help

ESC : Exit

↑↓ : Select Item -/+

: Change Value

F5: Setup Defaults

→← : Select Menu Enter : Select Submenu F10: Save and Exit

Primary IDE Master/Slave [Auto]

Secondary IDE Master/Slave [Auto]

Select [Auto] to automatically detect an IDE hard disk drive. If automatic

detection is successful, the setup BIOS automatically fills in the correct

values for the remaining fields on this sub-menu. If automatic detection

fails, this may be because the hard disk drive is too old or too new. If the

hard disk was already formatted on a previous system, the setup BIOS may

detect incorrect parameters. In these cases, select [Manual] to manually

enter the IDE hard disk drive parameters. If no drive is installed or if you are

removing a drive and not replacing it, select [None].

Configuration options: [None] [Auto] [Manual]

Access Mode [Auto]

The default [Auto] automatically detects an IDE hard disk drive. Select

[CHS] in coordination with the [Manual] setting of the Primary IDE Master in

to manually enter the hard disk drive values.

Before attempting to configure a hard disk drive, make sure you have

the correct configuration information supplied by the drive

manufacturer. Incorrect settings may cause the system to fail to

recognize the installed hard disk.

ASUS A7V400-MX SE

2-11

[Manual] and [CHS] Settings

Primary IDE Master

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

Primary IDE Master

Access Mode

[Manual]

[CHS]

Press [Enter] to

select sector

addressing method.

Capacity

40020 MB

Cylinder

Head

Sector

PIO Mode

UDMA Mode

Transfer Mode

[19158]

[

16]

[ 255]

[ Auto]

UDMA 4

F1 : Help

ESC : Exit

↑↓ : Select Item

→← : Select Menu

-/+

: Change Value

F5 : Setup Defaults

Enter : Select Sub-menu F10 : Save and Exit

Manually enter the number of cylinders, heads and sectors per track for the

drive. Refer to the drive documentation or the drive label for this information.

After entering the IDE hard disk drive information into BIOS, use a disk

utility, such as FDISK, to partition and format new IDE hard disk drives. This

is necessary so that you can write or read data from the hard disk. Make

sure to set the partition of the Primary IDE hard disk drives to active.

After making your selections on this sub-menu, press the <Esc> key to

return to the Main menu. The Main menu displays the hard disk drive field

with your configuration.

Access Mode [Auto]

Select the hard disk drive type from this field. When Logical Block

Addressing (LBA) is enabled, the 28-bit addressing of the hard drive is

used without regard for cylinders, heads, or sectors. Note that LBA Mode is

necessary for drives with more than 504 MB storage capacity. Select [CHS]

to make manual entries for configuring the fields below.

Configuration options: [CHS] [LBA] [Large] [Auto]

Capacity

Displays the hard disk drive capacity in MB or GB. This item is non-configurable.

Cylinder

Configures the number of cylinders. Refer to the drive documentation to

determine the correct value.

2-12

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

Head

Configures the number of read/write heads. Refer to the drive documentation

to determine the correct value. To make changes to this field, set the IDE

Primary Master field to [Manual] and the Access Mode to [CHS].

Sector

Configures the number of sectors per track. Refer to the drive

documentation to determine the correct value.

PIO Mode

Sets the PIO mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [Mode 0] [Mode 1]

[Mode 2] [Mode 3] [Mode 4]

UDMA Mode

Sets the UDMA transfer mode. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

Transfer Mode

Sets the transfer mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [UDMA0] [UDMA1]

[UDMA2] [UDMA3] [UDMA4] [UDMA5]

First/Second SATA Master

First SATA Master

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

Extended IDE Drive

Access Mode

[Auto]

Press [Enter] to

select.

Capacity

82 GB

Cylinder

Head

Precomp

Landing Zone

Sector

39420

39419

255

F1 : Help

ESC : Exit

↑↓ : Select Item -/+

: Change Value

F5: Setup Defaults

→← : Select Menu Enter : Select Submenu F10: Save and Exit

Extended IDE Drive [Auto]

Sets the installed SATA hard disk drive as an extended IDE drive.

Configuration options: [Auto] [None]

Access Mode [Auto]

The default [Auto] enables or disables the LBA mode for the SATA hard

disk drive. Configuration options: [Auto] [Large]

ASUS A7V400-MX SE

2-13

Capacity

Refer to the previous section.

Cylinder

Refer to the previous section.

Head

Refer to the previous section.

Precomp

Displays the precompressed volumes on the hard disk drive (in MB), if any.

Landing Zone

Displays the drive’s maximum useable capacity as calculated by the BIOS

based on the drive information you entered.

Sector

Refer to the previous section.

2-14

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.5 Advanced menu

The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU

and other system devices.

CPU Configuration

Memory Configuration

Chipset

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

Press [Enter] to set.

PCIPnP

Onboard Devices Configuration

USB Configuration

F1 : Help

ESC : Exit

↑↓ : Select Item -/+

: Change Value

F5: Setup Defaults

→← : Select Menu Enter : Select Submenu F10: Save and Exit

2.5.1 CPU Configuration

This menu displays the CPU type, speed, cache RAM, and current front side

bus frequency auto-detected by the BIOS.

CPU Configuration

AMD Athlon(tm)

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

CPU Type

CPU Speed

Cache RAM

750MHz

256K

Current FSB Frequency

100MHz

F1 : Help

ESC : Exit

↑↓ : Select Item

→← : Select Menu

-/+

: Change Value

F5 : Setup Defaults

Enter : Select Sub-menu F10 : Save and Exit

ASUS A7V400-MX SE

2-15

2.5.2 Memory Configuration

This menu allows you to change the system memory settings.

Memory Configuration

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

Set DRAM frequency.

Current DRAM Frequency

DRAM Clock

DRAM Timing

133MHz

[By SPD]

[Auto by SPD]

DRAM CAS Latency

Bank Interleave

Pre-charge to Active (Trp)

Active to Precharge (Tras)

Active to CMD (Trcd)

DRAM Burst Length

DRAM Command Rate

Write Recovery Time

tWTR

2.5

Disabled

[4]

[2T Command]

[3T]

[2T]

F1 : Help

ESC : Exit

↑↓ : Select Item

→← : Select Menu

-/+

: Change Value

F5 : Setup Defaults

Enter : Select Sub-menu F10 : Save and Exit

Current DRAM Frequency [XXX MHz]

Displays the current memory frequency as auto-detected by the BIOS.

DRAM Clock [By SPD]

The DRAM clock are set according to the DRAM SPD (Serial Presence

Detect). You can manually set the DRAM clock parameters.

Configuration options: [By SPD] [133 MHz] [166 MHz]

DRAM Timing [Auto by SPD]

It is recommended that you set this parameter to [Auto by SPD]. Setting

to [Auto by SPD] synchronizes the DRAM timing with the DRAM clock.

Setting to [Manual] allows you to set the values for DRAM CAS Latency,

Bank Interleave, Pre-charge to Active (TRP) and Active to CMD (Trcd)

prameters. Configuration options: [Manual] [Auto By SPD] [Safe]

DRAM CAS Latency [2.5]

Sets the override clock cycle for the latency time between the DRAM read

command and the moment that the data actually becomes available.

Normally, the system determines the rate automatically by default.

Configuration options: [1.5] [2] [2.5] [3]

Bank Interleave [Disabled]

Sets the memory bank interleave. Configuration options: [Disabled]

[2 Bank] [4 Bank]

Precharge to Active (Trp) [5T]

Configuration options: [2T] [3T] [4T] [5T]

2-16

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

Active to Precharge (Tras) [7T]

Configuration options: [6T] [7T] [8T] [9T]

Active to CMD (Trcd) [5T]

Configuration options: [2T] [3T] [4T] [5T]

DRAM Burst Lenght [4]

Configuration options: [4] [8]

DRAM Command Rate [2T Command]

Configuration options: [2T Command] [1T Command]

Write Recovery Time [3T]

Configuration options: [2T] [3T]

tWTR [2T]

Configuration options: [1T] [2T]

2.5.3 Chipset

The Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings.

Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.

Chipset

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

AGP Display switch

Init Display First

[Auto]

[PCI Slot]

AGP Bridge Configuration

F1 : Help

ESC : Exit

↑↓ : Select Item

→← : Select Menu

-/+

: Change Value

F5 : Setup Defaults

Enter : Select Sub-menu F10 : Save and Exit

AGP Display switch [Auto]

Allows you to set the AGP display control to [Auto] or through the onboard

AGP controller. Configuration options: [Auto] [Onchip AGP]

Init Display First [PCI Slot]

Allows you to select the primary VGA type if your system has multiple

video controllers. Configuration options: [PCI Slot] [AGP]

ASUS A7V400-MX SE

2-17

AGP Bridge Configuration

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

Graphics Aperture Size

AGP Mode

[64M]

[4X]

Select AGP aperture

size.

AGP Driving Control

AGP Driving Value

AGP Fast Write

[Auto]

[Disabled]

[32M]

Onboard Video Memory

F1 : Help

ESC : Exit

↑↓ : Select Item

→← : Select Menu

-/+

: Change Value

F5 : Setup Defaults

Enter : Select Sub-menu F10 : Save and Exit

Graphics Aperture Size [64MB]

Sets the size of mapped memory for AGP graphic data. Configuration

options: [256M] [128M] [64M] [32M] [16M] [8M] [4M] [1G] [512M]

AGP Mode

Sets the AGP transfer mode. AGP 4X transfers video data at 1066 MB/s and

is backward compatible with AGP 1X and 2X AGP cards. When set to [1X],

the AGP interface only provides a peak data throughput of 266 MB/s, even

if you are using an AGP 4X card. Configuration options: [1X] [2X] [4X]

The AGP Mode automatically adjusts to 8X when you install an AGP 8X card.

AGP Driving Control [Auto]

Allows you to automatically select or manually assign the AGP Driving

Value. Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual]

AGP Driving Value [DA]

This item is enabled when you set the AGP Driving Control to [Manual].

Press <Enter> to assign a hexadecimal AGP Driving Value. Configuration

options: [Min = 0000, Max = 00FF]

AGP Fast Write [Disabled]

Enables or disables the AGP Fastwrite function. Configuration options:

[Disable] [Enabled]

Onboard Video Memory [32M]

Allows you to set the share memory size for the onboard VGA.

Configuration options: [16M] [32M] [64M]

2-18

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.5.4 PCIPnP

The PCIPnP menu allows you to change the settings for installed PCI

devices. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.

PCIPnP

[No]

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

Plug and Play OS

Resources Controlled By [Auto]

IRQ Resources

PCI/VGA Palette Snoop

[Disabled]

F1 : Help

ESC : Exit

↑↓

: Select Item

-/+

: Change Value

F5 : Setup Defaults

→← : Select Menu

Enter : Select Sub-menu F10 : Save and Exit

Plug and Play OS [No]

When set to [No], BIOS configures all devices in the system. When set to

[Yes], and if you installed a Plug and Play operating system, the operating

system configures the Plug and Play devices not required for boot.

Configuration options: [No] [Yes]

Resources Controlled by [Auto]

When set to [Auto], BIOS automatically configures all Plug and Play

devices. Setting this item to [Manual], allows manual assignment of IRQ

addresses to Plug and Play devices using the IRQ Resources sub-menu

(Refer to the next item). Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual]

IRQ Resources

IRQ-3 assigned to

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

[PCI Device]

IRQ-4 assigned to

IRQ-5 assigned to

IRQ-7 assigned to

IRQ-9 assigned to

IRQ-10 assigned to

IRQ-11 assigned to

IRQ-12 assigned to

IRQ-14 assigned to

IRQ-15 assigned to

Legacy ISA devices

compliant with the

original PC AT bus

specification, PCI/

ISA PnP for devices

compliant with the

Plug and Play

standard whether

designed for PCI or

ISA bus architecture.

F1 : Help

ESC : Exit

↑↓ : Select Item

→← : Select Menu

-/+

: Change Value

F5 : Setup Defaults

Enter : Select Sub-menu F10 : Save and Exit

ASUS A7V400-MX SE

2-19

IRQ 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15 assigned to

The IRQ Resources sub-menu is activated when the Resources

Controlled by item is set to [Manual]. Select [PCI Device] to assign an

IRQ address to a Plug and Play device. Setting to [Reserved] reserves the

IRQ address. Configuration options: [PCI Device] [Reserved]

PCI/VGA Palette Snoop [Disabled]

Some non-standard VGA cards, like graphics accelerators or MPEG video

cards, may not show colors properly. Setting this field to [Enabled] corrects

this problem. If you are using a standard VGA card, leave this field to the

default setting [Disabled]. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2.5.5 Onboard Devices Configuration

The Onboard Devices Configuration menu allows you to adjust the settings for

onboard devices. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.

Onboard Devices Configuration

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

OnChip SATA

AC97 Audio

[Enabled]

[Auto]

Onboard LAN

[Enabled]

[Disabled]

[3F8/IRQ4]

[378/IRQ7]

[ECP+EPP]

[EPP1.7]

[3]

[201]

[Disabled]

Onboard LAN Boot ROM

Serial Port 1 Address

Parallel Port Address

Parallel Port Mode

EPP Mode Select

ECP Mode Use DMA

Game Port Address

MIDI Port Address

MIDI Port IRQ

F1 : Help

ESC : Exit

↑↓ : Select Item

→← : Select Menu

-/+

: Change Value

F5 : Setup Defaults

Enter : Select Sub-menu F10 : Save and Exit

OnChip SATA [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the integrated SATA controller.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Disable the OnChip SATA item when installing Windows^®98/Me

operating system.

AC97 Audio [Auto]

This field allows you to enable or disable the onboard AC97 audio

controller. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled]

Onboard LAN [Enabled]

This field allows you to enable or disable the onboard LAN controller.

Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

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Chapter 2: BIOS setup

Onboard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]

Allows you to turn on or off the onboard LAN boot ROM. This item appears

only when onboard LAN is enabled. Configuration options: [Enabled]

[Disabled]

Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]

Allows you to set the interrupt address of the serial port.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4] [2F8/1RQ3] [3E8/IRQ4]

[2E8/IRQ3] [Auto]

Parallel Port Address [378/IRQ7]

Set the address of the onboard parallel port connector.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [378/IRQ7] [278/IRQ5] [3BC/1RQ7]

Parallel Port Mode [ECP+EPP]

Sets the parallel port operation mode. Setting to [SPP] allows normal speed

operation but in one direction only. [EPP] allows bi-directional parallel port

operation. [ECP] allows bi-directional DMA mode operation, while [ECP+EPP]

allows normal speed operation in a two-way mode.

Configuration options: [SPP] [EPP] [ECP] [ECP+EPP]

EPP Mode Select [EPP1.7]

This field sets the EPP mode. The default setting is EPP1.7. This selection is

available when you set the Parallel Port Mode to [EPP] or [ECP+EPP].

Configuration options: [EPP1.9] [EPP1.7]

ECP Mode Use DMA [3]

This field sets the parallel port DMA channel for the selected ECP mode.

The default setting is 3. This selection is available only if you select [ECP]

or [ECP+EPP] in the Parallel Port Mode item. Configuration options: [1] [3]

Game Port Address [201]

This field allows you to select the onboard Game port address.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [201] [209]

MIDI Port Address [Disabled]

This field allows you to select the onboard MIDI port address.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [330] [300] [290]

MIDI Port IRQ [10]

This field allows you to set the IRQ assignment for the onboard MIDI port.

Configuration options: [5] [10]

ASUS A7V400-MX SE

2-21

2.5.6 USB Configuration

The USB Configuration menu allows you to adjust the settings for the onboard

USB controllers. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.

USB Configuration

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

OnChip USB Controller

OnChip EHCI Controller

USB Legacy Support

[Enabled]

F1 : Help

ESC : Exit

↑↓ : Select Item

→← : Select Menu

-/+

: Change Value

F5 : Setup Defaults

Enter : Select Sub-menu F10 : Save and Exit

OnChip USB Controller [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the integrated USB controller.

Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

OnChip EHCI Controller [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the USB EHCI controller.

Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

USB Legacy Support [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable support for legacy USB devices.

Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

2-22

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.6 Power menu

The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced

Power Management (APM). Select an item, then press <Enter> to display

the configuration options.

ACPI Suspend Type

ACPI APIC Support

APM Configuration

Hardware Monitor

[S1&S3]

[Enabled]

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

Select the ACPI stare

used for System

Suspend.

F1 : Help

ESC : Exit

↑↓ : Select Item -/+

: Change Value

F5: Setup Defaults

→← : Select Menu Enter : Select Submenu F10: Save and Exit

ACPI Suspend Mode [S1&S3]

Allows you to select the ACPI state to used for system suspend.

Configuration options: [S1 (POS)] [S3 (STR)] [S1&S3]

ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the ACPI support in the ASIC. When set to

[Enabled], the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS A7V400-MX SE

2-23

2.6.1 APM Configuration

APM Configuration

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

PS2KB Wakeup Select

PS2KB Wakeup Password

PS2KB Wakeup from S3/S4/S5

PS2MS Wakeup from S3/S4/S5

USB Resume from S3/S4

Power On By PCI Devices

Modem Ring Resume

[Hot Key]

Clear

Select wakeup by

PS2KB, Hot key, or

Password.

[Disabled]

Power On By RTC Alarm

Date (of Month)

Resume Time (hh:mm:ss)

Video Off Option

PWR Button < 4 secs

Restore on AC Power Loss

0 : 0 : 0

[Suspend -> Off]

[Instant-Off]

[Last State]

F1 : Help

ESC : Exit

↑↓ : Select Item

→← : Select Menu

-/+

: Change Value

F5 : Setup Defaults

Enter : Select Sub-menu F10 : Save and Exit

PS2KB Wakeup Select [Hot Key]

Allows you to use specific keys on the keyboard to turn on the system.

This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1 A on

the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Hot key] [Password]

PS2KB Wakeup Password [Clear]

Appears when you select password as the wakeup method for the PS/2

keyboard. Highlight this item then press <Enter> to enter an 8-digit

password. When the password is activated, the system wakes up from a

keyboard stroke only after you enter the correct password. To disable the

password, highlight this item again, then press <Enter> twice. A

PASSWORD DISABLED! message appears indicating that you have

successfully disabled the password.

The PS2KB Wakeup from S3/S4/S5 and thePS2MS Wakeup from S3/S4/

S5 are not configurable if you set the PS2KB Wakeup Select item to

password mode.

PS2KB Wakeup from S3/S4/S5 [Disabled]

When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to use the PS/2

keyboard to turn on the system. Configuration options: [Disabled]

[Ctrl+F1] [Ctrl+F2] [Ctrl+F3] [Ctrl+F4] [Ctrl+F5] [Ctrl+F6] [Ctrl+F7]

[Ctrl+F8] [Ctrl+F9] [Ctrl+F10] [Ctrl+F11] [Ctrl+F12] [Power] [Wake]

[Any Key]

2-24

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

PS2MS Wakeup from S3/S4/S5 [Disabled]

When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to use the PS/2 mouse

to turn on the system. This requires an ATX power supply that provides at

least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

USB Resume from S3/S4 [Disabled]

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Power On By PCI Devices [Disabled]

When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to turn on the system

through a PCI LAN or modem card. This feature requires an ATX power

supply that provides at least 1 A on the +5VSB lead.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Modem Ring Resume [Disabled]

When [Enabled] the computer powers up when the external modem

receives a call while the computer is in soft-off mode.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable RTC to generate a wake event. When this

item is enabled, the Date and Resume Time fields are activated for manual

setup. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Video Off Option [Suspend -> Off ]

Determines when to activate the video off feature for monitor power

management. Configuration options: [Always On] [Suspend -> Off]

PWR Button < 4 Sec [Instant-Off]

When set to [Instant-off], the ATX power button can be used as a normal

system power-off button when pressed for less than 4 seconds. [Suspend]

allows the button to have a dual function where pressing less than 4

seconds puts the system in sleep mode. Regardless of the setting, pressing

the ATX power button for more than 4 seconds powers off the system.

Configuration options: [Suspend] [Instant-off]

Restore on AC Power Loss [Last State]

Allows you to set whether or not to power the system after an AC power

loss. [Off] leaves your system off, while [On] powers up the system.

Setting to [Last State] puts the system back to the state it was before

the AC power interruption. Configuration options: [Last State] [Power On]

[Power Off]

ASUS A7V400-MX SE

2-25

2.6.2 Hardware Monitor

Hardware Monitor

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

Shutdown Temperature

[Disabled]

System will shutdown

when CPU temperature

is too high.

System Temperature

CPU Temperature

33ºC / 91ºF

Chassis Fan Speed

CPU Fan Speed

0 RPM

8881 RPM

Vcore

+ 3.3 V

+ 5 V

1.56 V

3.34 V

4.91 V

11.36 V

+12 V

F1 : Help

ESC : Exit

↑↓ : Select Item

→← : Select Menu

-/+

: Change Value

F5 : Setup Defaults

Enter : Select Sub-menu F10 : Save and Exit

Shutdown Temperature [Disabled]

Allows BIOS to set a threshold value for the CPU temperature. The system

shuts down when the CPU temperature reaches the threshold value.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [60°C/140°F] [65°C/149°F]

[70°C/158°F] [75°C/167°F]

System Temperature [xxx°C/xxx°F]

CPU Temperature [xxx°C/xxx°F]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the

system and CPU temperatures.

Chassis Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [0RPM]

CPU Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [0RPM]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU

and chassis fan speeds in rotations per minute (RPM). If any of the fans is

not connected to the motherboard, that field shows 0RPM.

Vcore [XX.XX V]

+ 3.3V [XX.XX V]

+ 5 V [XX.XX V]

+ 12 V [XX.XX V]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output

through the onboard voltage regulators.

2-26

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.7 Boot menu

The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot settings. Select

a sub-menu, then press <Enter> to display the configuration options.

Boot Device Priority

Removable Drives

Hard Disk Drives

CDROM Drives

Boot Settings Configuration

Security

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

Press [Enter] to set.

F1 : Help

ESC : Exit

↑↓ : Select Item -/+

: Change Value

F5: Setup Defaults

→← : Select Menu Enter : Select Submenu F10: Save and Exit

2.7.1 Boot Device Priority

This menu allows you to arrange the boot device priority.

Boot Device Priority

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

1st Boot Device

2nd Boot Device

3rd Boot Device

4th Boot Device

[Removable]

[Hard Disk]

[CDROM]

Select your boot

device priority.

[Disabled]

F1 : Help

ESC : Exit

↑↓ : Select Item

→← : Select Menu

-/+

: Change Value

F5 : Setup Defaults

Enter : Select Sub-menu F10 : Save and Exit

1st~4th Boot Device [Removable]

Allows you to specify the boot device priority sequence from the available

devices. The number of device items that apear on the screen depends on

the number of devices installed in the system.

Configuration options: [Removable] [Hard Disk] [CDROM] [Legacy LAN]

[Disabled]

ASUS A7V400-MX SE

2-27

2.7.2 Removable Drives

This menu allows you to arrange the removable drive sequence. The screen

shows the removable drive(s) installed in the system. When more than one

removable drives are detected, use the arrow up or down keys to arrange

the devices according to your boot priority.

Removable Drives

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

1. Floppy Disks

Use <↑> or <↓> to

select a device, then

press <+> to move it

up, or <-> to move it

down the list. Press

<Esc. to exit this

menu.

↑↓ :Move PU/PD/+/-:Change Priority F10:Save and Exit Esc:Exit without saving

ESC : Exit →← : Select Menu Enter : Select Sub-menu F10 : Save and Exit

2.7.3 Hard Disk Drives

This menu allows you to arrange the hard disk drive sequence. The screen

shows the hard disk drive(s) installed in the system. When more than one

hard disk drives are detected, use the arrow up or down keys to arrange

the devices according to your boot priority.

Hard Disk Drives

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

1. 1st Master

2. Bootable Add-in Cards

: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Use <↑> or <↓> to

select a device, then

press <+> to move it

up, or <-> to move it

down the list. Press

<Esc. to exit this

menu.

↑↓ :Move PU/PD/+/-:Change Priority F10:Save and Exit Esc:Exit without saving

ESC : Exit

→← : Select Menu

Enter : Select Sub-menu F10 : Save and Exit

2-28

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.7.4 CDROM Drives

This menu allows you to arrange the optical drive sequence. The screen

shows the optical drive(s) installed in the system. When more than one

optical drives are detected, use the arrow up or down keys to arrange the

devices according to your boot priority.

CDROM Drives

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

1. 1st Slave : ASUS CD-S520/A

Use <↑> or <↓> to

select a device, then

press <+> to move it

up, or <-> to move it

down the list. Press

<Esc. to exit this

menu.

↑↓ :Move PU/PD/+/-:Change Priority F10:Save and Exit Esc:Exit without saving

ESC : Exit →← : Select Menu Enter : Select Sub-menu F10 : Save and Exit

2.7.5 Boot Settings Configuration

This menu allows you to adjust the system boot settings.

Boot Settings Configuration

[Enabled]

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

Quick Boot

Boot-up Num-Lock

Halt On

[On]

[All Errors]

Press <Enter> to

enable or disable.

F1 : Help

ESC : Exit

↑↓ : Select Item -/+

: Change Value

F5: Setup Defaults

→← : Select Menu Enter : Select Submenu F10: Save and Exit

Quick Boot [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the system quick boot feature. When

enabled, the system skips certain tests while booting.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS A7V400-MX SE

2-29

Bootup Num-lock [On]

Allows you to select the power-on state for the keyboard NumLock key.

Configuration options: [Off] [On]

Halt On [All Errors]

Sets the system to halt on errors according to the system functions

specified in each option. Configuration options: [All Errors]

[No Errors] [All, But Keyboard] [All, But Diskette] [All, But Disk/Key]

2.7.6 Security

This menu allows you to adjust the system security settings.

Boot Settings Configuration

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

Supervisor Password

User Password

Password Check

Clear

[Setup]

Supervisor password

controls full access.

Press <Enter> to

change password.

F1 : Help

ESC : Exit

↑↓ : Select Item -/+

: Change Value

F5: Setup Defaults

→← : Select Menu Enter : Select Submenu F10: Save and Exit

Supervisor Password

User Pasword

Allows you to set the supervisor or user password.

To set a password:

1. Select Supervisor Password or User Password, then press

<Enter>.

2. Enter the password using a combination of eight (8) alpha-numeric

characters, then press <Enter>.

3. When prompted, re-type the same password, then press <Enter> to

confirm. When the password is activated, the password item value

now shows Set.

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Chapter 2: BIOS setup

To clear the password:

1. Select either the Supervisor Password or User Password, then

press <Enter> twice. A Password Disabled! message appears on

screen to indicate that the password has been cleared.

2. Press any key to continue. The password item value now shows

Clear.

A note about passwords

The BIOS Setup program allows you to specify passwords in the Boot

menu. These passwords control access to the BIOS during system

startup. The BIOS Setup program allows you to specify two different

passwords: a Supervisor Password and a User Password. If you

did not set a Supervisor Password, anyone can access the BIOS Setup.

If you did, the Supervisor Password is required before entering the BIOS

Setup and gain full access to the configuration fields.

Forgot the password?

If you forget your password, you can clear it by erasing the CMOS Real

Time Clock (RTC) RAM. The RAM data containing the password

information is powered by the onboard button cell battery. If you need

to erase the CMOS RAM, refer to section “1.11 Switch and Jumpers” for

instructions.

Password Check [Setup]

Requires users to enter the password before entering the BIOS setup or the

operating system. Select [Setup] to require the password before entering

the BIOS Setup. Select [System] to require the password before entering

the operating system. Configuration options: [Setup] [System]

ASUS A7V400-MX SE

2-31

2.8 Exit menu

The Exit menu items allow you to save or discard your changes to, and/or

load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS items.

Exit & Save Changes

Exit & Discard Changes

Load Setup Default

Discard Changes

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

This option saves

data to CMOS and

exiting the setup

menu.

F1 : Help

ESC : Exit

↑↓ : Select Item -/+

: Change Value

F5: Setup Defaults

→← : Select Menu Enter : Select Submenu F10: Save and Exit

Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the

options from this menu, or press <F10> to exit.

Exit & Save Changes

Once you are finished making your selections, choose this option to ensure

the values you selected are saved to the CMOS RAM. An onboard backup

battery sustains the CMOS RAM so it stays on even when the system is

turned off. When you select this option, a confirmation window appears.

Select Yes to save changes and exit the BIOS Setup.

Exit & Discard Changes

Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you

made to the BIOS Setup. If you made changes to fields other than the

system date, system time, and password, the BIOS asks for a confirmation

before exiting.

Load Setup Defaults

This option allows you to load the default values for each of the

parameters on the BIOS Setup menus. When you select this option, or if

you press <F5>, a confirmation window appears. Select Yes to load the

default values. Select Exit & Save Changes or make other changes

before saving the values to the non-volatile RAM.

Discard Changes

This option allows you to discard the selections you made and restore the

previously saved values. After selecting this option, a confirmation appears.

Select Yes to discard any changes and load the previously saved values.

2-32

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

This chapter describes the contents

of the support CD that comes with

the motherboard package.

Software

support

3.1 Installing an operating system

This motherboard supports Windows^®2000/XP operating systems (OS).

Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize

the features of your hardware.

Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Use the setup

procedures presented in this chapter for reference only. Refer to your

OS documentation for detailed information.

3.2 Support CD information

The support CD that came with the motherboard package contains the

drivers, software applications, and utilities that you can install to avail all

motherboard features.

The contents of the support CD are subject to change at any time

without notice. Visit the ASUS website(www.asus.com) for updates.

3.2.1 Running the support CD

Place the support CD to the optical drive. The CD automatically displays the

Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer.

Click an icon to

display support

CD/motherboard

information

Click an item to install

If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of

the support CD to locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder.

Double-click the ASSETUP.EXE to run the CD.

3-2

Chapter 3: Software support

3.2.2 Drivers menu

The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects

installed devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices.

VIA 4 in 1 Drivers

Installs the VIA 4-in-1 drivers.

KM400A Display Driver

Installs the KM400A display driver for the onboard VGA.

ADI SoundMAX Audio Driver

Installs the ADI SoundMAX audio driver and applications.

VIA 10/100Mb LAN Driver

Installs the driver for the VIA 10/100Mb Fast Ethernet controller.

USB 2.0 Driver

Installs the USB 2.0 driver.

The screen display and drivers option may not be the same for different

operating system versions.

3.2.3 Utilities menu

The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the

motherboard supports.

ASUS PC Probe

This smart utility monitors the fan speed, CPU temperature, and system

voltages, and alerts you of any detected problems. This utility helps you

keep your computer in healthy operating condition.

ASUS A7V400-MX SE

3-3

ASUS Update

The ASUS Update utility allows you to update the motherboard BIOS in a

Windows^®environment. This utility requires an Internet connection either

through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP). See pages 2-5 to

2-6 for details.

Anti-Virus Utility

The anti-virus application scans, identifies, and removes computer viruses.

View the online help for detailed information.

ADOBE Acrobat Reader

The Adobe Acrobat^®Reader V5.0 is for opening, viewing, and printing

documents in Portable Document Format (PDF).

ASUS Screen Saver

Bring life to your idle screen by installing the ASUS screen saver.

Microsoft DirectX 9.0c Driver

The Microsoft DirectX^®9.0c is a multimedia technology that enhances

computer graphics and sounds. DirectX^®improves the multimedia features

of your computer so you can enjoy watching TV and movies, capturing

videos, or playing games in your computer.

3.2.4 Contacts menu

Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can

also find this information on the inside front cover of this user guide.

3-4

Chapter 3: Software support

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