M2A-MVP
Contents
Notices......................................................................................................... vi
Safety information ..................................................................................... vii
M2A-MVP specifications summary ............................................................ x
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
ASUS features ................................................................ 1-5
1.4
Before you proceed ..................................................................... 1-6
1.5
Motherboard overview................................................................. 1-7
1.5.1
1.5.2
1.5.3
Placement direction ........................................................ 1-7
Screw holes .................................................................... 1-7
Motherboard layout......................................................... 1-8
1.6
1.7
Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 1-9
1.6.1
1.6.2
Installing the CPU ........................................................... 1-9
Installing the CPU heatsink and fan...............................1-11
System memory ......................................................................... 1-14
1.7.1
1.7.2
1.7.3
1.7.4
Overview....................................................................... 1-14
Memory configurations.................................................. 1-15
Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 1-19
Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 1-19
1.8
Expansion slots.......................................................................... 1-20
1.8.1
1.8.2
1.8.3
1.8.4
1.8.5
1.8.6
Installing an expansion card ......................................... 1-20
Configuring an expansion card ..................................... 1-20
Interrupt assignments ................................................... 1-21
Two PCI slots................................................................ 1-22
Two PCI Express x1 slot............................................... 1-22
Two PCI Express x16 slot............................................. 1-22
1.9
Jumpers ...................................................................................... 1-24
Connectors ................................................................................. 1-26
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors.................................................. 1-26
1.10.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 1-28
1.10
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
ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility................................................... 2-3
AFUDOS utility................................................................ 2-4
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ...................................... 2-6
ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 2-8
2.2
BIOS setup program .................................................................. 2-11
2.2.1
2.2.2
2.2.3
2.2.4
2.2.5
2.2.6
2.2.7
2.2.8
2.2.9
BIOS menu screen........................................................ 2-12
Menu bar....................................................................... 2-12
Navigation keys............................................................. 2-12
Menu items ................................................................... 2-13
Sub-menu items............................................................ 2-13
Configuration fields ....................................................... 2-13
Pop-up window ............................................................. 2-13
Scroll bar....................................................................... 2-13
General help ................................................................. 2-13
2.3
2.4
2.5
Main menu .................................................................................. 2-14
2.3.1
2.3.2
2.3.3
2.3.4
2.3.5
2.3.6
System Time ................................................................. 2-14
System Date ................................................................. 2-14
Legacy Diskette A ........................................................ 2-14
Primary IDE Master/Slave; SATA1-4.............................. 2-15
Storage Configuration................................................... 2-16
System Information....................................................... 2-17
Advanced menu ......................................................................... 2-18
2.4.1
2.4.2
2.4.3
2.4.4
2.4.5
2.4.6
Jumperfree Configuration ............................................. 2-18
CPU Configuration........................................................ 2-20
Chipset.......................................................................... 2-23
Onboard Devices Configuration.................................... 2-25
PCI PnP ........................................................................ 2-26
USB Configuration ........................................................ 2-27
Power menu................................................................................ 2-29
2.5.1
2.5.2
Suspend Mode [Auto] ................................................... 2-29
Repost Video on S3 Resume [No]................................ 2-29
iv
Contents
2.5.3
2.5.4
2.5.5
2.5.6
ACPI Version Features [ACPI v1.0] .............................. 2-29
ACPI APIC support [Enabled] ....................................... 2-29
APM Configuraiton........................................................ 2-30
Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 2-31
2.6
2.7
Boot menu .................................................................................. 2-33
2.6.1
2.6.2
2.6.3
Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 2-33
Boot Settings Configuration .......................................... 2-33
Security......................................................................... 2-34
Tools menu ................................................................................. 2-36
2.7.1
ASUS EZ Flash 2.......................................................... 2-37
2.7.2
ASUS O.C. Profile......................................................... 2-37
2.8
2.9
Exit menu.................................................................................... 2-39
RAID configurations .................................................................. 2-40
2.9.1
2.9.2
Installing hard disks ...................................................... 2-41
ULI® RAID configurations.............................................. 2-41
2.10
Creating a RAID driver disk....................................................... 2-49
Chapter 3: Software support
3.1
Installing an operating system ................................................... 3-2
3.2
Support CD information .............................................................. 3-2
3.2.1
3.2.2
3.2.3
3.2.4
3.2.5
3.2.6
3.2.7
Running the support CD ................................................. 3-2
Drivers menu................................................................... 3-3
Utilities menu .................................................................. 3-4
Make disk menu.............................................................. 3-5
Manuals menu ................................................................ 3-6
ASUS Contact information.............................................. 3-6
Other information ............................................................ 3-7
v
Notices
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
•
•
This device may not cause harmful interference, and
This device must accept any interference received including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
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.
vi
Safety information
Electrical safety
•
To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the
electrical outlet before relocating the system.
•
When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the
power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are
connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system
before you add a device.
•
•
•
Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure
that all power cables are unplugged.
Seek professional assistance before using an adpater or extension cord.
These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.
Make sure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area.
If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using,
contact your local power company.
•
If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a
qualified service technician or your retailer.
Operation safety
•
Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all
the manuals that came with the package.
•
Before using the product, make sure all cables are correctly connected and the
power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer
immediately.
•
•
To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from
connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.
Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in
any area where it may become wet.
•
•
Place the product on a stable surface.
If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified
service technician or your retailer.
This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical
and electronic equipment) should not be placed in municipal waste. Check local
regulations for disposal of electronic products.
vii
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring
the motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This manual contains the following parts:
•
Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new
technology it supports. It also lists the hardware setup procedures that you
have to perform when installing system components. It includes description of
the jumpers and connectors on the motherboard.
•
•
Chapter 2: BIOS setup
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup
menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
Chapter 3: Software support
This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with the
motherboard package.
Where to find more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and
software updates.
1.
ASUS websites
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and
software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.
2.
Optional documentation
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty
flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not
part of the standard package.
viii
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 /i[filename]
afudos /iM2A-MVP.ROM
ix
M2A-MVP specifications summary
CPU
Socket AM2 for AMD® Athlon™ 64 X2 / Athlon™ 64 FX
Athlon™ 64 / Sempron™ processor
AMD64 architecture enables simultaneous 32- and 64-bit
computing
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology
AMD Live!™ Ready
Chipset
AMD 480X CrossFire™ Chipset/ SB600
2000/1600 MT/s
System bus
Memory
Dual-channel memory architecture
4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support up to 8 GB unbufferred
ECC/non-ECC 8��/667/533 M�z DDR2 memory
modules
Expansion slots
2 x PCI Express™ x16 slots for discrete graphics card
2 x PCI Express™ x1 slots
2 x PCI slots
CrossFire
Supports ATI™ CrossFire™ graphics cards (both @ x8
mode)
Storage/RAID
AMD™ SB600 Southbridge supports:
-
1 x IDE connector for two Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33
hard disks
-
4 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s hard disks with RAID 0,1,
and ��1 configuraiton
Audio
Realtek® �igh Definition Audio with 6-channel CODEC
Coaxial S/PDIF Out port on the rear panel
LAN
Marvell® 88E8001 Gigabit PCI LAN controller
IEEE 1394
VIA 6308P 1394a controller supports:
-
-
1 x IEEE 1394a connector at mid-board
1 x IEEE 1394a connector at rear-board
USB 2.0
Supports up to 10 USB 2.0/1.1 ports
ASUS special features
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS O.C. Profile
ASUS MyLogo
ASUS Q-Fan2
ASUS C.P.R.
(continued on the next page)
x
M2A-MVP specifications summary
Back panel I/O ports
1 x PS/2 mouse port
1 x PS/2 keyboard port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 x IEEE1394a port
1 x Coaxial S/PDIF Out port
1 x Parallel port
1 x Serial (COM) port
6-Channel �igh Definition audio I/O
Internal I/O connectors
3 x USB 2.0 connectors support additional 6 USB ports
1 x Floppy disk drive connector
1 x IDE connector
4 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors
1 x CPU fan connector
1 x Chassis fan connector
1 x Power fan connector
1 x IEEE1394a connector
1 x S/PDIF Out connector
Front panel �igh Definition audio connector
Chassis intrusion connector
CD audio in connector
24-pin ATX Power connector
4-pin ATX 12 V Power connector
System panel connector
BIOS features
8 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0
Manageability
WfM 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR by PME, and
PXE Chassis Intrusion
Support CD
Drivers
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS Live Update Utility
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
Form factor
ATX form factor: 12 in x 8.6 in (30.5 cm x 21.8 cm)
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.
xi
xii
This chapter describes the motherboard
features and the new technologies
it supports.
Product
1
introduction
1.1
Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS® M2A-MVP 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 M2A-MVP
1 x Serial ATA cable
1 x 2-port Serial ATA power cable
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable
1 x Floppy disk drive signal cable
I/O shield
Accessories
1 x MVP-Switch card
Application CD
Documentation
ASUS motherboard support CD
User guide
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
1.3
Special features
1.3.1
Product highlights
Latest processor technology
The 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,
which is based on 64-bit architecture. It features 2000/1600 MT/s HyperTransport
Bus, dual-channel un-buffered DDR2 800 memory support and AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet
Technology. See page 1-9 for details.
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology
The motherboard supports theAMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology, which monitors system
operation and automatically adjusts CPU voltage and frequency for a cool and quiet
operating environment. See page 2-20 for details.
1-2
Chapter 1: Product introduction
Dual-Core CPU
Enjoy the extraordinary CPU power from the latest dual-core CPU. The advanced
processing technology contains two physical CPU cores with individually dedicated
L2 cache to satisfy the rising demand for more powerful processing capability.
Dual Channel DDR2 800
DDR2 is the next generation memory technology to replace the current DDR. With
the highest speed up to 8�� M�z, DDR2 memory provides great performance for 3D
graphics and other memory demanding applications. See page 1-14 for details.
PCI Express™ Architecture
PCI Express is the latest I/O interconnect technology that will replace the existing
PCI. With a bus bandwidth 4 times higher than that ofAGP 8X interface, PCI Express
x16 bus performs much better than AGP 8X in applications such as 3D gaming. PCI
Express x1 also outperforms PCI interface with its exceptional high bandwidth. See
page 1-21 for details.
Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s technology
This motherboard supports the next-generation hard drives based on the Serial
ATA (SATA) 3Gb/s storage specification. The onboard NVIDIA® nForce 430 MCP
southbridge allows RAID �, RAID 1, RAID ��1, RAID 5, and JBOD configurations
for four SATA connectors.See page 1-28 for details.
6-channel High Definition Audio
The onboard 6-channel �igh Definition audio CODEC enables high-quality
Realtek® audio CODEC, which automatically detects and identifies what types of
peripherals are plugged into the audio I/O jacks and notifies users of inappropriate
connection, meaning there will be no more confusion of Line-in, Line-out, and Mic
jacks. See page 1-32 for details.
Gigabit LAN solution
Marvell® Gigabit LAN controller delivers transfer speed up to ten times faster than
conventional 10/100 Ethernet connections. Gigabit LAN is the networking standard for
the early future and is ideal for handling large amount of data such as video, audio,
and voice.See page 1-25 for details.
ASUS M2A-MVP
1-3
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
& other PC portable devices. See pages 1-25 and 1-31 for details.
S/PDIF digital sound ready
This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio
systems via coaxial and optical S/PDIF-out (SONY-PHILIPS Digital Interface)
jacks.It allows to transfer digital audio without converting to analog format and
keeps the best signal quality. See page 1-30 for details.
USB 2.0 technology
The motherboard implements the Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.� 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 page 1-26 and 1-31 for details.
Green ASUS
This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction
on the use of �azardous Substances (Ro�S). 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.
1-4
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.3.2
ASUS features
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data from a
USB flash disk containing the BIOS file. This utility saves users the cost and hassle
of buying a replacement BIOS chip. See page 2-6 for details.
ASUS EZ Flash 2
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 page 2-3 for details.
ASUS O.C. Profile
The motherboard features the ASUS BIOS 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 2-37 for details.
ASUS Q-Fan2
The ASUS Q-Fan 2 technology intelligently adjusts both CPU fan and chassis fan
speed according to system loading to ensure quiet, cool, and efficient operation.
See page 2-32 for details
ASUS MyLogo™
ASUS My Logo™ is the new feature present in the motherboard that allows you to
personalize and add style to your system with customizable and animated boot
logos.
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.
ASUS M2A-MVP
1-5
1.4
Before you proceed
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components
or change any motherboard settings.
•
•
Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any
component.
Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or
a metal object, such as the power supply case, before handling
components to avoid damaging them due to static electricity.
•
•
Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded
antistatic pad or in the bag that came with the component.
•
Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power
supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power
supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard,
peripherals, and/or components.
Onboard LED
The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate
that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder
that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before
removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below
shows the location of the onboard LED.
M2A-MVP
SB_PWR
ON
Standby
Power
OFF
Powered
Off
M2A-MVP Onboard LED
1-6
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.5
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.
1.5.1
Placement direction
When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in the
correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis
as indicated in the image below.
1.5.2
Screw holes
Place eight (6) 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
M2A-MVP
ASUS M2A-MVP
1-7
1.5.3
Motherboard layout
24.5cm (9.6in)
PS/2KBMS
T: Mouse
B: Keyboard
KBPWR
CPU_FAN
ATX12V
COM1
USBPW1-4
F_USB34
PWR_FAN
LAN1_USB12
Top:Line In
Center:Line Out
Below:Mic In
SPDIF_O1
AMD
480X
SPDIF_OUT
CD
AAFP
PCIEX16_2
ALC660
M2A-MVP
CHA_FAN1
PCIEX1_1
SB600
PCIEX1_2
88E8001
PCIEX16_1
PCI1
SATA2 SATA1
SATA4 SATA3
8Mbit
BIOS
CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
VIA
VT6308P
PCI2
USBPW5-8
USBPW910
SB_PWR
CLRTC
IE1394_2
FLOPPY
USB56
CHASSIS PANEL
USB78
USB910
Refer to 1.10 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors
and internal connectors.
1-8
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.6
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2 socket designed for the AMD Athlon™
64 X2/Athlon™ 64/Athlon™ 64FX/Sempron™ processor.
The 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
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!
1.6.1
Installing the CPU
To install a CPU:
1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.
M2A-MVP
M2A-MVP CPU Socket 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 9�º angle; otherwise, the CPU
will not fit in completely.
ASUS M2A-MVP
1-9
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.
1-10
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.6.2
Installing the heatsink and fan
The AMD Athlon™ 64FX/Athlon™ 64/Athlon™ 64 X2/Sempron™ processor requires a
specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition
and performance.
Make sure that you use only AMD-certified heatsink and fan assembly.
To install the CPU heatsink and fan:
1.
Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, making sure that the heatsink
fits properly on the retention module base.
•
•
•
The retention module base is already installed on the motherboard
upon purchase.
You do not have to remove the retention module base when
installing the CPU or installing other motherboard components.
If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, make
sure that a Thermal Interface Material is properly applied to the CPU
heatsink or CPU before you install the heatsink and fan assembly.
CPU fan
CPU heatsink
Retention module base
Retention bracket
Retention bracket lock
Your boxed CPU heatsink and fan assembly should come with installation
instructions for the CPU, heatsink, and the retention mechanism. If the
instructions in this section do not match the CPU documentation, follow the
latter.
ASUS M2A-MVP
1-11
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