Asus DELUXE SERIES M3A32 MVP User Manual

M3A32-MVP  
Deluxe Series  
Contents  
Contents ...................................................................................................... iii  
Notices....................................................................................................... viii  
Safety information ...................................................................................... ix  
About this guide .......................................................................................... x  
M3A32-MVP Deluxe Series specifications summary.............................. xii  
Chapter 1:  
Product introduction  
1.1  
1.2  
1.3  
Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1  
Package contents......................................................................... 1-1  
Special features............................................................................ 1-2  
1.3.1  
1.3.2  
1.3.3  
Product highlights ........................................................... 1-2  
ASUS AI Lifestyle unique features.................................. 1-5  
ASUS intelligent performance and overclocking features1-8  
Chapter 2:  
Hardware information  
2.1  
2.2  
Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1  
Motherboard overview................................................................. 2-2  
2.2.1  
2.2.2  
2.2.3  
2.2.4  
Placement direction ........................................................ 2-2  
Screw holes .................................................................... 2-2  
Motherboard layout......................................................... 2-3  
Layout contents............................................................... 2-4  
2.3  
2.4  
Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-6  
2.3.1  
2.3.2  
2.3.3  
Installing the CPU ........................................................... 2-6  
Installing the heatsink and fan ........................................ 2-8  
Installing the optional fans .............................................2-11  
System memory ......................................................................... 2-12  
2.4.1  
2.4.2  
2.4.3  
2.4.4  
2.4.5  
Overview....................................................................... 2-12  
Memory configurations.................................................. 2-13  
Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 2-17  
Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 2-17  
Installing ASUS Cool Mempipe..................................... 2-18  
2.5  
Expansion slots.......................................................................... 2-20  
2.5.1  
2.5.2  
2.5.3  
2.5.4  
Installing an expansion card ......................................... 2-20  
Configuring an expansion card ..................................... 2-20  
Interrupt assignments ................................................... 2-21  
PCI slots........................................................................ 2-22  
iii  
Contents  
2.5.5  
Four PCI Express x16 slots .......................................... 2-22  
2.6  
2.7  
Jumper ........................................................................................ 2-24  
Connectors ................................................................................. 2-25  
2.7.1  
2.7.2  
Rear panel connectors.................................................. 2-25  
Internal connectors ....................................................... 2-28  
Chapter 3:  
Powering up  
3.1  
Starting up for the first time........................................................ 3-1  
3.2  
Turning off the computer............................................................. 3-2  
3.2.1  
3.2.2  
Using the OS shut down function.................................... 3-2  
Using the dual function power switch.............................. 3-2  
Chapter 4:  
4.1  
BIOS setup  
Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 4-1  
4.1.1  
4.1.2  
4.1.3  
4.1.4  
4.1.5  
ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 4-1  
Creating a bootable floppy disk....................................... 4-4  
ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility................................................... 4-5  
AFUDOS utility................................................................ 4-6  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ...................................... 4-8  
4.2  
BIOS setup program .................................................................... 4-9  
4.2.1  
4.2.2  
4.2.3  
4.2.4  
4.2.5  
4.2.6  
4.2.7  
4.2.8  
4.2.9  
BIOS menu screen........................................................ 4-10  
Menu bar....................................................................... 4-10  
Navigation keys............................................................. 4-10  
Menu items ....................................................................4-11  
Sub-menu items.............................................................4-11  
Configuration fields ........................................................4-11  
Pop-up window ..............................................................4-11  
Scroll bar........................................................................4-11  
General help ..................................................................4-11  
4.3  
Main menu .................................................................................. 4-12  
4.3.1  
4.3.2  
4.3.3  
4.3.4  
4.3.5  
4.3.6  
System Time ................................................................. 4-12  
System Date ................................................................. 4-12  
Legacy Diskette A ......................................................... 4-12  
Language...................................................................... 4-12  
Primary IDE Master/Slave; SATA1~4............................ 4-13  
Storage Configuration................................................... 4-14  
iv  
Contents  
4.3.7  
System Information....................................................... 4-15  
4.4  
Advanced menu ......................................................................... 4-16  
4.4.1  
4.4.2  
4.4.3  
4.4.4  
4.4.5  
4.4.6  
4.4.7  
Jumperfree Configuration ............................................. 4-16  
AI Net 2......................................................................... 4-21  
CPU Configuration........................................................ 4-22  
Chipset.......................................................................... 4-23  
Onboard Devices Configuration.................................... 4-25  
PCI PnP ........................................................................ 4-26  
USB Configuration ........................................................ 4-27  
4.5  
Power menu................................................................................ 4-28  
4.5.1  
4.5.2  
4.5.3  
4.5.4  
4.5.5  
4.5.6  
Suspend Mode.............................................................. 4-28  
Repost Video on S3 Resume........................................ 4-29  
ACPI 2.0 Support.......................................................... 4-29  
ACPI APIC Support....................................................... 4-29  
APM Configuration........................................................ 4-29  
Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 4-31  
4.6  
Boot menu .................................................................................. 4-32  
4.6.1  
4.6.2  
4.6.3  
Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 4-32  
Boot Settings Configuration .......................................... 4-33  
Security......................................................................... 4-34  
4.7  
4.8  
Tools menu ................................................................................. 4-36  
4.7.1  
ASUS EZ Flash 2.......................................................... 4-36  
4.7.2  
ASUS O.C. Profile......................................................... 4-37  
Exit menu.................................................................................... 4-38  
Chapter 5:  
Software support  
5.1  
5.2  
Installing an operating system ................................................... 5-1  
Support DVD information............................................................ 5-1  
5.2.1  
5.2.2  
5.2.3  
5.2.4  
5.2.5  
5.2.6  
5.2.7  
Running the support DVD............................................... 5-1  
Drivers menu................................................................... 5-2  
Utilities menu .................................................................. 5-3  
Make Disk menu ............................................................. 5-5  
Manual menu .................................................................. 5-6  
ASUS Contact information.............................................. 5-6  
Other information ............................................................ 5-7  
5.3  
Software information ................................................................... 5-9  
v
Contents  
5.3.1  
5.3.2  
5.3.3  
5.3.4  
5.3.5  
5.3.6  
5.3.7  
5.3.8  
5.3.9  
ASUS MyLogo2™........................................................... 5-9  
Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology..........................................5-11  
AI Audio 2 (SoundMAX® High Definition Audio utility)... 5-13  
ASUS PC Probe II......................................................... 5-22  
ASUS AI Suite............................................................... 5-28  
ASUS AI Gear 2............................................................ 5-30  
ASUS AI Nap ................................................................ 5-31  
ASUS AI N.O.S. ............................................................ 5-32  
ASUS Q-Fan 2.............................................................. 5-33  
5.3.10 ASUS AI Booster........................................................... 5-34  
5.3.11 AMD OverDrive (AOD) ................................................. 5-35  
RAID configurations .................................................................. 5-36  
5.4  
5.4.1  
5.4.2  
5.4.3  
5.4.4  
RAID definitions ............................................................ 5-36  
Installing Serial ATA hard disks ..................................... 5-37  
AMD® RAID configurations............................................ 5-37  
Marvell® RAID configurations........................................ 5-43  
5.5  
Creating a RAID driver disk....................................................... 5-49  
5.5.1  
5.5.2  
Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS.... 5-49  
Creating a RAID/SATA driver disk in Windows®............ 5-49  
Chapter 6:  
ATI® CrossFire™ technology support  
6.1  
Overview ....................................................................................... 6-1  
6.1.1  
6.1.2  
Requirements.................................................................. 6-1  
Before you begin............................................................. 6-1  
6.2  
6.3  
Installing CrossFire™ graphics cards ....................................... 6-2  
Software information ................................................................... 6-5  
6.3.1  
6.3.2  
Installing the device drivers............................................. 6-5  
Using the Catalyst™ Control Center............................... 6-7  
vi  
Notices  
Federal Communications Commission Statement  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the  
following two conditions:  
This device may not cause harmful interference, and  
This device must accept any interference received including interference that  
may cause undesired operation.  
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a  
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are  
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a  
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio  
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s  
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,  
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If  
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,  
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is  
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following  
measures:  
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.  
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the  
receiver is connected.  
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.  
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.  
vii  
Safety information  
Electrical safety  
To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the  
electrical outlet before relocating the system.  
When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power  
cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If  
possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add  
a device.  
Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure  
that all power cables are unplugged.  
Seek professional assistance before using an adpater or extension cord.  
These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.  
Make sure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If  
you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact  
your local power company.  
If the power supply is broken, do not try to 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.  
This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical,  
electronic equipment, and mercury-containing button cell battery) should not  
be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic  
products.  
viii  
About this guide  
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring  
the motherboard.  
How this guide is organized  
This guide contains the following parts:  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new  
technology it supports.  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform  
when installing system components. It includes description of the switches,  
jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard.  
Chapter 3: Powering up  
This chapter describes the power up sequence and ways of shutting down  
the system.  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup  
menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.  
Chapter 5: Software support  
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the  
motherboard package and the software.  
Chapter 6: ATI CrossFire™ support  
This chapter describes the ATI CrossFire™ feature and shows the graphics  
card installation procedures.  
Where to find more information  
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and  
software updates.  
1.  
2.  
ASUS websites  
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and  
software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.  
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.  
ix  
Conventions used in this guide  
To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following  
symbols used throughout this manual.  
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself  
when trying to complete a task.  
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components  
when trying to complete a task.  
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a  
task.  
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a  
task.  
Typography  
Bold text  
Italics  
Indicates a menu or an item to select.  
Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.  
<Key>  
Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign  
means that you must press the enclosed key.  
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the  
Enter or Return key.  
<Key1+Key2+Key3>  
If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the  
key names are linked with a plus sign (+).  
Example: <Ctrl+Alt+D>  
Command  
Means that you must type the command exactly  
as shown, then supply the required item or value  
enclosed in brackets.  
Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line:  
afudos /iM3A32MVP.ROM  
x
M3A32-MVP Deluxe Series  
specifications summary  
CPU  
AMD® Socket AM2+ Phenom™ FX / Phenom X4 /  
Phenom X2 / Athlon™ 64 X2 / Sempron™ processor  
AMD® Socket AM2 Athlon 64 X2 / Athlon 64 FX /  
Athlon 64 / Sempron processor  
AMD LIVE!™ Ready  
Chipset  
AMD 790FX / SB600  
System bus  
Up to 5200 MT/s; HyperTransport™ 3.0 interface for  
AM2+ CPU  
2000 / 1600 MT/s for AM2 CPU  
Memory  
Dual-channel memory architecture  
-
4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support unbufferred  
ECC/non-ECC DDR2 1066*/800/667/533 MHz  
memory modules  
-
Supports up to 8 GB system memory  
*DDR2 1066 is supported by some of the AM2+ CPUs  
only. Refer to www.asus.com for the supported CPU  
models and the Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors Lists).  
Expansion slots  
4 x PCIe x16 slots with ATICrossFireXsupport  
(@ dual x16, triple x16 / x8 / x8, or quad x8 modes)  
2 x PCI 2.2 slots  
Support PCIe 2.0/1.0 architecture  
CrossFireX™  
Storage  
Supports ATICrossFireXgraphics cards  
Southbridge:  
-
-
4 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors support RAID 0,  
RAID1, and RAID 0+1  
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66  
Marvell® 6121 and 6111 PATA and SATA controller  
-
2 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors support RAID 0  
and RAID1  
-
1 x External SATA 3.0 Gb/s on the rear panel  
(SATA-On-The-Go)  
LAN  
Marvell® PCIe Gigabit LAN controllers featuring AI NET 2  
Wireless LAN  
ASUS WiFi-AP Solo  
(WiFi-AP Edition only)  
54 Mbps IEEE 802.11g and backwards compatible with  
11 Mbps IEEE 802.11b  
-
-
Software Access Point mode  
Station mode: Infrastructure mode and Ad-Hoc  
mode  
(continued on the next page)  
xi  
M3A32-MVP Deluxe Series  
specifications summary  
High Definition audio  
ADI® AD1988B 8-channel High Definition audio CODEC  
-
Supports Jack-Detection, Enumeration, Multi-  
Streaming, and Jack-Retasking  
-
Coaxial/Optical S/PDIF Out ports at back I/O  
IEEE 1394  
USB  
2 x IEEE 1394a connectors (1 at mid-board; 1 on the rear  
panel)  
10 x USB 2.0 ports (4 at mid-board; 6 on the rear panel)  
ASUS AI Lifestyle  
unique features  
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:  
-
ASUS Fanless Design: Cool Mempipe solution  
(WiFi-AP Edition only)  
-
-
-
-
ASUS AI Gear 2  
ASUS 8+2 Phase Power Design  
ASUS AI Nap  
ASUS Fanless Design: Heat-pipe solution & Stack  
Cool 2  
-
ASUS Q-Fan 2  
ASUS Crystal Sound  
-
-
ASUS Noise Filter  
ASUS AI Audio 2  
ASUS EZ DIY  
-
-
-
-
-
ASUS Q-Shield  
ASUS Q-Connector  
ASUS O.C. Profile  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
Other features  
ASUS MyLogo 2™  
Multi-language BIOS  
ASUS exclusive  
overclocking features  
Intelligent overclocking tools:  
-
-
-
AI NOS(Non-delay Overclocking System)  
AI Overclocking (intelligent CPU frequency tuner)  
ASUS AI Booster utility  
Precision Tweaker 2:  
-
vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.0125V  
increment  
-
-
vDIMM: 35-step DRAM voltage control  
vChipset: 16-step Chipset voltage control  
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection):  
-
FSB tuning from 100 MHz up to 600 MHz at 1 MHz  
increment  
-
-
Memory tuning from 533 MHz up to 1066 MHz  
PCI Express frequency tuning from 100 MHz to 150  
MHz at 1 MHz increment  
Overclocking protection:  
ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)  
-
(continued on the next page)  
xii  
M3A32-MVP Deluxe Series  
specifications summary  
Rear panel I/O ports  
1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple)  
1 x S/PDIF Out (Coaxial + Optical)  
1 x External SATA  
1 x IEEE 1394a port  
1 x LAN (RJ-45)  
6 x USB 2.0/1.1  
1 x WiFi-AP Solo antenna jack (WiFi-AP Edition only)  
8-channel audio I/O  
Internal I/O connectors  
2 x USB connectors support additional 4 USB ports  
1 x Floppy disk drive connector  
1 x COM connector  
1 x IDE connector  
6 x SATA connectors  
1 x CPU Fan connector  
2 x Chassis Fan connector  
1 x Power Fan connector  
1 x IEEE1394a connector  
Front panel audio connector  
1 x Azalia Digital Header  
1 x S/PDIF Out Header  
Chassis Intrusion connector  
CD audio in  
24-pin ATX Power connector  
1 x 8-pin ATX 12V Power connector  
System Panel (Q-Connector)  
BIOS features  
8 Mb Flash ROM, Award BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM2.0,  
SM BIOS 2.3, ACPI 2.0a, Multi-language BIOS, ASUS EZ  
Flash 2, ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3  
Manageability  
WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, PXE  
Support DVD contents  
Drivers  
ASUS AI Suite  
ASUS PC Probe II  
ASUS Update  
AI Booster  
Anti-virus Utility (OEM version)  
Form factor  
ATX form factor: 12 in x 9.6 in (30.5 cm x 24.5 cm)  
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.  
xiii  
xiv  
This chapter describes the motherboard  
features and the new technologies  
it supports.  
Product  
1
introduction  
Chapter summary  
1
1.1  
1.2  
1.3  
Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1  
Package contents......................................................................... 1-1  
Special features............................................................................ 1-2  
ASUS M3A32-MVP Deluxe Series  
1.1  
Welcome!  
Thank you for buying an ASUS® M3A32-MVP Deluxe Series 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  
I/O modules  
ASUS M3A32-MVP Deluxe Series  
1 x Multi-functional module (1-port IEEE 1394a  
module and 2-port USB 2.0 module)  
Cables  
ASUS CrossFire™ bridge cables  
1 x Serial ATA power cable for 2 devices  
6 x Serial ATA signal cables  
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable  
1 x Floppy disk drive cable  
Accessories  
ASUS Cool Mempipe (WiFi-AP Ediition Only)  
ASUS Q-Shield  
1 x ASUS Q-Connector Kit (USB, 1394, system  
panel; Retail version only)  
1 x WiFi-AP Solo Antenna (WiFi-AP Ediition Only)  
Optional fan for Water-Cooling or Passive-cooling  
only  
Application DVD  
Documentation  
ASUS motherboard support DVD  
User guide  
WiFi-AP Solo user guide (WiFi-AP Ediition Only)  
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.  
ASUS M3A32-MVP Deluxe Series  
1-1  
1.3  
Special features  
1.3.1  
Product highlights  
Green ASUS  
This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction  
on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision  
of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard  
consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.  
AMD® Socket AM2+ Phenom™ FX / Phenom X4 /  
Phenom X2 / Athlon™ 64 X2 / Sempron™  
CPU support  
This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM2+ multi-core processors with  
unique L3 cache and delivers better overclocking capabilities with less power  
consumption. It features dual-channel DDR2 1066 memory support and  
accelerates data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s via HyperTransport™ 3.0 based  
system bus. See page 2-6 for details.  
HyperTransport™ 3.0 support  
HyperTransport™ 3.0 technology provides 2.6 times more bandwidth than  
HyperTransport™ 1.0, radically improving system efficiency to create a smoother,  
faster computing environment.  
AMD® Socket AM2 Athlon™ 64 X2 / Athlon™  
64 FX / Athlon™ 64 / Sempron™ CPU support  
This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM2 single-core Athlon™ 64 /  
Sempron™ and dual-core Athlon™ 64 X2 / Athlon™ 64 FX processors with 2MB  
/ 1MB / 512KB L2 cache based on 64-bit architecture. It features 2000 / 1600  
MT/s HyperTransport™-based system bus, dual-channel un-buffered DDR2 800  
memory support, and AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology. See page 2-6 for details.  
AMD 790FX Chipset  
AMD 790FX Chipset is designed to support up to 5200MT/s HyperTransport™ 3.0  
(HT 3.0) interface speed and quad PCI Express™ 2.0 x16 graphics. It is optimized  
with AMD®’s latest AM2+ and multi-core CPUs to provide excellent system  
performance and overclocking capabilities.  
1-2  
Chapter 1: Product Introduction  
Native DDR2 1066 support  
This motherboard is the first AMD® platform with native DDR2 1066 support.  
It provides faster data transfer rate and more bandwidth to increase memory  
computing efficiency, enhancing system performance in 3D graphics and other  
memory demanding applications. See page 2-12 for details.  
DDR2 1066 is supported by some of the AM2+ CPUs only. Refer to www.asus.  
com for the supported CPU models.  
ATI CrossFireX™ Technology  
ATI’s CrossFireX™ boosts image quality along with rendering speed, eliminating  
the need to scale down screen resolution to get high quality images. CrossFireX™  
allows higher antialiasing, anisotropic filtering, shading, and texture settings. Adjust  
your display configurations, experiment with the advanced 3D settings, and check  
the effects with a real-time 3D-rendered previews within ATI Catalyst™ Control  
Center.  
PCIe 2.0 support  
This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 devices for double speed and  
bandwidth which enhances system performance. See page 2-22 for details.  
Multi-VGA support  
This motherboard is ready to support Quad-CrossFire™, the most advanced  
graphics standard that provides higher frame rates for superb graphics  
performance. It also provides full x16 dual lanes or triple VGA support. See page  
2-22 for details.  
Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s technology and SATA-On-The-Go  
This motherboard supports the next-generation hard disk drives based on the  
Serial ATA (SATA) 3Gb/s storage specifications, delivering enhanced scalability  
and doubling the bus bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and save. The  
external SATA port located at the back I/O provides smart setup and hot-plug  
functions, enabling easy backup of media files to external devices. See pages 2-26  
and 2-29 for details.  
ASUS M3A32-MVP Deluxe Series  
1-3  
Dual RAID solution  
The onboard RAID controllers provide the motherboard with dual-RAID  
functionality that allows you to select the best RAID solution using Serial ATA  
devices. The AMD® SB600chipset incorporates four Serial ATA connectors with  
high performance RAID 0, 1, and 0+1 functions. The Marvell® controller provides  
another two Serial ATA connectors for RAID 0 and RAID 1 functions. See pages  
2-29 and 2-31 for details.  
IEEE 1394a support  
The IEEE 1394a interface provides high speed digital interface for audio/video  
appliances such as digital television, digital video camcorders, storage peripherals,  
and other PC portable devices. See pages 2-25 and 2-32 for details.  
S/PDIF digital sound ready  
This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio  
systems via coaxial and optical S/PDIF (SONY-PHILIPS Digital Interface) Out  
jacks.It allows digital audio transferring without converting it to analog format, and  
therefore well preserves signal quality. See page 2-37 for details.  
WiFi-AP Solo (WiFi-AP Edition only)  
WiFi-AP Solo allows a new level of versatility for your PC and helps create a  
complete wireless home network in either AP or wireless client mode. Users will be  
able to play LAN games, connect to the Internet, access and share printers, and  
use Skype from anywhere within range. WiFi-AP Solo provides these functions  
even when the PC is in sleep mode, so users can use Skype as a replacement for  
tradition long distance telephone service. Since WiFi-AP Solo is onboard, users  
can save the cost of an extra WiFi-AP.  
High Definition Audio  
Enjoy high-end sound quality on your PC! The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High  
Definition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality  
192KHz/24-bit audio output that simultaneously sends different audio streams to  
different destinations. You can now talk to your partners on the headphones while  
playing multi-channel network games. See pages 2-25 and 2-26 for details.  
1-4  
Chapter 1: Product Introduction  
1.3.2  
ASUS AI Lifestyle unique features  
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution  
ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the  
overclocking capability.  
ASUS Cool Mempipe (WiFi-AP Edition only)  
ASUS Cool Mempipe supports unparalleled memory overclocking via innovative  
thermal solutions. By lowering the memory and system temperatures, the Cool  
Mempipe contributes to a stable computing environment. See pages 2-18 and  
2-19 for details.  
ASUS Cool Mempipe supports the thermal dissipation of memory modules on  
DIMM_A1 and DIMM_B1 sockets only.  
AI Gear 2  
AI Gear 2 allows you to choose from profiles to adjust CPU frequency and  
vCore voltage, minimizing system noise and saving CPU power consumption  
at most. You can real-time chnage the mode under operating system to suit  
your needs. See page 5-30 for details.  
AI Nap  
With AI Nap, the system can continue running at minimum power and noise  
when you are temporarily away. To wake the system and return to the OS  
environment, simply click the mouse or press a key. See page 5-31 for  
details.  
8+2 Phase Power Design  
ASUS 8+2 Phase Power Design, with independent power to vital  
components, ultimately enhances memory performance and ensures quick  
response and stability of CPU under heavy loading or overclocking modes.  
Fanless Design–Stack Cool 2  
ASUS Stack Cool 2 is a fan-less and zero-noise cooling solution that lowers  
the temperature of critical heat generating components. The motherboard  
uses a special design on the printed circuit board (PCB) to dissipate heat  
these critical components generate.  
ASUS M3A32-MVP Deluxe Series  
1-5  
Fanless Design–Heat-pipe  
The Heat Pipe design effectively directs the heat generated by the chipsets to  
the heatsink near the back IO ports, where it can be carried away by existing  
airflow from CPU fan or bundled optional fan. The purpose of the innovative  
heat pipe design on this motherboard is that the groundbreaking fanless  
design does not have lifetime problems as a chipset fan does. Furthermore, it  
provides options for users to install side-flow fan or passive cooler. The Heat  
Pipe design is the most reliable fanless thermal solution to date.  
DO NOT uninstall the heat-pipe by yourself. Doing so may bend the tubing and  
affect the heat dissipation performance.  
Q-Fan 2  
ASUS Q-Fan2 technology intelligently adjusts both CPU fan and chassis fan  
speeds according to system loading to ensure quiet, cool and efficient operation.  
See page 4-31 and 5-33 for details.  
ASUS Crystal Sound  
This feature can enhance speech-centric applications like Skype, online game,  
video conference and recording.  
Noise Filter  
This feature detects repetitive and stationary noises (non-voice signals) like  
computer fans, air conditioners, and other background noises then eliminates  
it in the incoming audio stream while recording. See page 5-21for details.  
AI Audio 2  
AI Audio 2 creates a virtual center channel that expands the overall sound  
field without introducing a picket fencing effect. Preserving the dialogue  
or solo performances with downmixing from multi-channels allows you to  
experience true-to-life high quality audio. Refer to pages 5-13 for details.  
ASUS EZ DIY  
ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you easy ways to install computer  
components, update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings.  
1-6  
Chapter 1: Product Introduction  
ASUS Q-Shield  
The specially designed ASUS Q-Shield does without the usual “fingers”—  
making it convenient and easy to install. With better electric conductivity,  
it ideally protects your motherboard against static electricity and shields it  
against Electronic Magnetic Interference (EMI).  
ASUS Q-Connector  
ASUS Q-Connector allows you to easily connect or disconnect the chassis  
front panel cables to the motherboard. This unique module eliminates the  
trouble of connecting the system panel cables one at a time and avoiding  
wrong cable connections. See page 2-39 for details.  
ASUS O.C. Profile  
The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Profile that allows users to  
conveniently store or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be  
stored in the CMOS or a separate file, giving users freedom to share and  
distribute their favorite settings. See page 4-37 for details.  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data from a  
USB flash disk containing the BIOS file. See page 4-8 for details.  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply press the  
predefined hotkey to launch the utility and update the BIOS without entering  
the OS. Update your BIOS easily without preparing a bootable diskette or  
using an OS-based flash utility. See pages 4-5 and 4-36 for details.  
Smart Support CD  
This feature provides a checklist that allows the user to know which drivers  
are already installed, as well as those that are not. When using ASUS PC  
Probe II, you can easily monitor the critical components of the computer.  
ASUS MyLogo 2™  
This feature allows you to convert your favorite photo into a 256-color boot logo  
for a more colorful and vivid image on your screen. See pages 4-33 and 5-9 for  
details.  
ASUS M3A32-MVP Deluxe Series  
1-7  
ASUS Multi-language BIOS  
The multi-language BIOS allows you to select the language of your choice from the  
available options. The localized BIOS setup menu helps you configure your system  
easier and faster. See page 4-12 for details.  
1.3.3  
ASUS intelligent performance and overclocking  
features  
Precision Tweaker 2  
Precision Tweaker 2 allows the user to adjust the northbridge voltage, southbridge  
voltage, and DRAM voltage in 0.02V steps to achieve the most precise settings for  
th ultimate customized overclocking configuration.  
AI NOS™ (Non-Delay Overclocking System)  
The patented ASUS Non-delay Overclocking System™ (AI NOS™) technology  
auto-detects the CPU loading and dynamically overclocks the CPU speed when  
needed. Unlike other dynamic overclocking techniques, AI NOS™ reacts much  
faster to satisfy your need for speed. See page 5-32 for details.  
AI Booster  
The ASUS AI Booster allows you to overclock the CPU speed in Windows  
environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS. See page 5-34 for details.  
C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)  
The C.P.R. feature of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to the  
BIOS default settings in case the system hangs due to overclocking. When the  
system hangs due to overclocking, C.P.R. eliminates the need to open the system  
chassis and clear the RTC data. Simply shut down and reboot the system, and the  
BIOS automatically restores the CPU default setting for each parameter.  
1-8  
Chapter 1: Product Introduction  
This chapter lists the hardware setup  
procedures that you have to perform  
when installing system components. It  
includes description of the jumpers and  
connectors on the motherboard.  
Hardware  
2
information  
Chapter summary  
2
2.1  
2.2  
2.3  
2.4  
2.5  
2.6  
2.7  
Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1  
Motherboard overview................................................................. 2-2  
Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-6  
System memory ......................................................................... 2-12  
Expansion slots.......................................................................... 2-20  
Jumper ........................................................................................ 2-24  
Connectors ................................................................................. 2-25  
ASUS M3A32-MVP Deluxe Series  
2.1  
Before you proceed  
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components  
or change any motherboard settings.  
Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any  
component.  
Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or to a metal  
object, such as the power supply case, before handling components to  
avoid damaging them due to static electricity.  
Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.  
Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic  
pad or in the bag that came with the component.  
Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power  
supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power  
supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard,  
peripherals, and/or components.  
Onboard LED  
The motherboard comes with a standby power LED. The green LED 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  
®
ON  
Standby  
Power  
OFF  
Powered  
Off  
M3A32-MVP DELUXE Onboard LED  
ASUS M3A32-MVP Deluxe Series  
2-1  
2.2  
Motherboard overview  
Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to  
ensure that the motherboard fits into it.  
Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the  
motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage  
motherboard components.  
2.2.1  
Placement direction  
When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in  
the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the  
chassis as indicated in the image below.  
2.2.2  
Screw holes  
Place nine (9) 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  
®
2-2  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.2.3  
Motherboard layout  
24.5cm (9.6in)  
WFG (WiFi-AP Edition only)  
CPU_FAN  
KB_USB56  
EATX12V  
SPDIF_O12  
USB34  
F_ESATA  
LAN1_USB12  
AUDIO  
AMD  
790FX  
ICS  
88E8056  
PCIEX16_1  
®
PCI1  
AMD  
SB600  
88SE6121  
88SE6111  
PCIEX16_2  
PCI2  
CR2032 3V  
Lithium Cell  
CMOS Power  
SATA13  
SATA24  
agere  
L-FW3227-100  
CD  
AD1988B  
Super  
I/O  
PCIEX16_3  
PCIEX16_4  
CHA_FAN1  
PWR_FAN  
CHASSIS  
CLRTC  
PANEL  
SB_PWR  
USB910  
CHA_FAN2  
FLOPPY  
COM1  
IE1394_2  
USB78  
BIOS  
AAFP  
SPDIF_OUT  
Refer to 2.7 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and  
internal connectors.  
ASUS M3A32-MVP Deluxe Series  
2-3  
2.2.4  
Layout contents  
Slots  
Page  
2-12  
2-22  
2-22  
1.  
2.  
3.  
DDR2 DIMM slots  
PCI slots  
PCI Express x16 slots  
Jumper  
Page  
1.  
Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)  
2-24  
Rear panel connectors  
Page  
2-25  
2-25  
2-25  
2-25  
2-25  
2-25  
2-25  
2-25  
2-25  
2-25  
2-26  
2-26  
2-26  
2-26  
2-26  
2-27  
2-27  
1.  
PS/2 keyboard port (purple)  
2.  
Coaxial S/PDIF Out port  
IEEE 1394a port  
3.  
4.  
LAN (RJ-45) port.  
5.  
Center/Subwoofer port (orange)  
Rear Speaker Out port (black)  
Line In port (light blue)  
6.  
7.  
8.  
Line Out port (lime)  
9.  
Microphone port (pink)  
10.  
11.  
12.  
13.  
14.  
15.  
16.  
17.  
Side Speaker Out port (gray)  
USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2  
External SATA port  
USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4  
Optical S/PDIF Out port  
USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6  
Wireless LAN port (WiFi-AP Edition only)  
Wireless LAN Activity LED (WiFi-AP Edition only)  
2-4  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
Internal connectors  
Page  
2-28  
2-28  
2-29  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)  
IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)  
AMD® SB600 Serial ATA connectors  
(7-pin SATA1 [red]; SATA2 [black]; SATA3 [red]; SATA4 [black])  
4.  
Marvell® 6121 Serial ATA RAID connectors  
2-31  
(7-pin SATA_RAID1 [black]; SATA_RAID2 [black])  
2-32  
5.  
6.  
7.  
USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78; USB910)  
IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)  
2-32  
2-33  
CPU, chassis, power, and power fan connectors  
(4-pin CPU_FAN; 3-pin CHA_FAN1; 3-pin CHA_FAN2;  
3-pin PWR_FAN)  
8.  
Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)  
ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 8-pin ATX12V)  
Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)  
Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD)  
2-34  
2-34  
2-35  
2-36  
2-36  
2-37  
2-38  
9.  
10.  
11.  
12.  
13.  
14.  
Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)  
Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)  
System panel connector (20-8-pin PANEL)  
System power LED (2-pin PLED)  
Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED)  
System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)  
ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWRSW)  
Reset button (2-pin RESET)  
ASUS M3A32-MVP Deluxe Series  
2-5  
2.3  
Central Processing Unit (CPU)  
The motherboard comes with an AM2+/AM2 socket designed for AMD® Socket  
AM2+ Phenom™ FX / Phenom X4 / Phenom X2 / Athlon™ 64 X2 / Sempron™  
processor or for Socket AM2 Athlon 64 X2 / Athlon 64 FX / Athlon 64 / Sempron  
processor.  
The AM2+/AM2 socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed  
for the AMD Opteron processor. Make sure you use a CPU designed for the  
AM2+/AM2 socket. The CPU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force  
the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and  
damaging the CPU!  
2.3.1  
Installing the CPU  
To install a CPU:  
1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.  
®
M3A32-MVP DELUXE CPU Socket AM2+/AM2  
2.  
Unlock the socket by pressing the  
lever sideways, then lift it up to a  
90º angle.  
Socket lever  
Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to a 90º angle; otherwise, the CPU  
will not fit in completely.  
2-6  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
3.  
4.  
Position the CPU above the socket  
such that the CPU corner with the  
gold triangle matches the socket  
corner with a small triangle.  
Carefully insert the CPU into the  
socket until it fits in place.  
Gold triangle  
Small triangle  
5.  
6.  
When the CPU is in place, push  
down the socket lever to secure the  
CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab  
to indicate that it is locked.  
Install a CPU heatsink and fan  
following the instructions that came  
with the heatsink package.  
ASUS M3A32-MVP Deluxe Series  
2-7