Asus M2N MX SE PLUS User Manual

M2N-MX SE PLUS  
Contents  
Notices......................................................................................................... vi  
Safety information ..................................................................................... vii  
About this guide ....................................................................................... viii  
M2N-MX SE PLUS 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  
Product highlights ........................................................... 1-2  
1.3.2  
Innovative ASUS features .............................................. 1-5  
1.4  
1.5  
Before you proceed ..................................................................... 1-6  
Motherboard overview................................................................. 1-7  
1.5.1  
1.5.2  
1.5.3  
Motherboard layout......................................................... 1-7  
Placement direction ........................................................ 1-8  
Screw holes .................................................................... 1-8  
1.6  
1.7  
Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 1-9  
1.6.1 Installing the CPU ............................................................. 1-9  
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan..........................................1-11  
System memory ......................................................................... 1-13  
1.7.1  
1.7.2  
1.7.3  
1.7.4  
Overview....................................................................... 1-13  
Memory configurations.................................................. 1-13  
Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 1-17  
Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 1-17  
1.8  
Expansion slots.......................................................................... 1-18  
1.8.1  
1.8.2  
1.8.3  
1.8.4  
Installing an expansion card ......................................... 1-18  
Configuring an expansion card ..................................... 1-18  
PCI slots........................................................................ 1-20  
PCI Express x16 slot..................................................... 1-20  
1.9  
Jumpers ...................................................................................... 1-21  
Connectors ................................................................................. 1-23  
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors.................................................. 1-23  
1.10.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 1-24  
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 utility...................................................... 2-3  
AFUDOS utility................................................................ 2-4  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 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  
Main menu .................................................................................. 2-14  
2.3.1  
2.3.2  
2.3.3  
2.3.4  
2.3.5  
2.3.6  
2.3.7  
System Time ................................................................. 2-14  
System Date ................................................................. 2-14  
Legacy Diskette A ........................................................ 2-14  
IDE Configuration.......................................................... 2-15  
Primary IDE Master/Slave............................................. 2-15  
SATA1 and SATA2 ........................................................ 2-17  
System Information....................................................... 2-18  
2.4  
Advanced menu ......................................................................... 2-19  
2.4.1  
2.4.2  
2.4.3  
2.4.4  
2.4.5  
CPU Configuration........................................................ 2-20  
Chipset.......................................................................... 2-22  
Onboard Devices Configuration.................................... 2-25  
PCI PnP ........................................................................ 2-26  
USB Configuration ........................................................ 2-27  
2.5  
Power menu................................................................................ 2-29  
2.5.1  
2.5.2  
Suspend Mode.............................................................. 2-29  
ACPI Version Features ................................................ 2-29  
iv  
Contents  
2.5.3  
2.5.4  
2.5.5  
ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]....................................... 2-29  
APM Configuration........................................................ 2-30  
Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 2-31  
2.6  
Boot menu .................................................................................. 2-32  
2.6.1  
2.6.2  
2.6.3  
2.6.4  
Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 2-32  
Hard Disk Drives........................................................... 2-32  
Boot Settings Configuration .......................................... 2-33  
Security......................................................................... 2-34  
2.7  
Exit menu.................................................................................... 2-36  
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  
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  
Manual menu .................................................................. 3-6  
ASUS Contact information.............................................. 3-7  
Other information ............................................................ 3-7  
3.3  
Creating a RAID driver disk......................................................... 3-9  
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 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.  
The symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical  
and electronic equipment, Mercury-containing button cell battery) should not  
be placed in municipal waste. Please 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 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: 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 /iM2PLUSSE.ROM  
ix  
M2N-MX SE PLUS specifications summary  
Supports AMD® socket AM2+ / AM2 for AMD Athlon™ 64 /  
CPU  
Athlon™ FX / Athlon™ 64 X2 / Sempron processors  
AMD64 architecture enables simultaneous 32-bit and  
64-bit  
Supports AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology  
AMD Live!™ Ready  
*
This motherboard supports both AM2+ and AM2 processors, but AM2  
processors work at AM2 platform, and AM2+ processors work at  
AM2+ platform.  
NVIDIA® nForce 430 / GeForce6100  
Chipset  
2000 / 1600 MT/s  
Front Side Bus  
Memory  
Dual-channel memory architecture  
2 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support up to 4 GB of  
unbufferred non-ECC 1066 / 800 / 667 / 533 MHz DDR2  
memory modules  
1 x PCI Express™ x16 slot  
2 x PCI slots  
Expansion slots  
Graphics  
Integrated in the NVIDIA® GeForce™ 6100 Graphics  
Processing Unit (GPU)  
High definition video processing with maximum  
resolution of 1920 x 1440 x 32bpp pixels (@75Hz)  
NVIDIA® nForce™430 media and communications  
Storage  
processor (MCP) supports:  
-
-
-
1 x UltraDMA 133 / 100 / 66 / 33  
2 x Serial ATA 3Gb/s with RAID 0, RAID 1  
NVIDIA MediaShield™ RAID 0 and 1span cross Serial  
ATA drives  
ALC662 High Definition Audio 6-channel CODEC  
Supports Jack-detect, Multi-Streaming and S/PDIF OUT  
interface  
High Definition Audio  
PHY 10 / 100 Mbps LAN  
LAN  
Supports up to 8 USB 2.0 / 1.1 ports  
USB  
ASUS Q-Fan  
Special features  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2  
ASUS EZ Flash  
ASUS MyLogo  
8Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM  
BIOS 2.5, ACPI 2.0  
BIOS features  
(continued on the next page)  
x
M2N-MX SE PLUS specifications summary  
Rear panel  
1 x Parallel port  
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port  
4 x USB 2.0 ports  
1 x VGA port  
1 x COM1 port  
1 x PS / 2 keyboard port  
1 x PS / 2 mouse port  
5.1-channel Audio I/O ports  
Internal Connector  
2 x USB 2.0 connector supports additional 4 USB 2.0 ports  
1 x S / PDIF output connector  
1 x High Definition Front panel audio connector  
1 x 4-pin CPU Fan connector  
1 x 3-pin Chassis Fan connector  
1 x 10-pin System Panel connector  
1 x CD audio-in connector  
1 x 24-pin ATX power connector  
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V Power connector  
Accessories  
1 x Serial ATA cable  
1 x SATA power cable  
1 x UltraDMA 133 / 100 / 66 cable  
1 x Floppy disk drive cable  
1 x I / O Shield  
User manual  
Manageability  
Wfm 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR, PXE  
Form Factor  
MicroATX Form Factor, 9.6 in x 7.6 in (24.5 cm x 19.4 cm)  
Support CD contents  
Device drivers  
ASUS PC Probe II  
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ utility  
ASUS Live Update utility  
Anti-virus software (OEM version)  
*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® M2N-MX SE PLUS  
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  
ASUS M2N-MX SE PLUS motherboard  
Cables  
1 x Serial ATA signal cables  
1 x Serial ATA power cable  
1 x Ultra DMA 133 / 100 / 66 cable  
1 x Floppy disk drive cable  
Accessories  
I/O shield  
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  
This motherboard supports the latest AM2+ CPUs with better overclocking  
capabilities and less power consumption. It provides extremely high performances  
and shortened data access time by supporting 2000 / 1600 MT/s HyperTransport  
Bus, dual-channel un-buffered DDR2 1066 memory and AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet  
Technology. See page 1-9 for details.  
AM2+ CPU socket is backward compatible with AM2 CPU socket, but the AM2  
processors work at AM2 platform, and AM2+ processors work at AM2+ platform.  
1-2  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology  
This motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology, which monitors  
system operation and automatically adjusts CPU voltage and frequency for a cool  
and quiet operating environment.  
NVIDIA® GeForce™ 6100 GPU  
and NVIDIA® nForce™ 430 MCP chipsets  
The NVIDIA® GeForce™ 6100 Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) Northbridge  
supports Microsoft® DirectX 9.0 Shader Model 3.0, and PCI Express interface.  
The NVIDIA® nForce™ 430 Media and Communications Processor (MCP)  
Southbridge delivers NVIDIA® Gigabit and NVIDIA® MediaShield storage  
management technology allowing easy RAID configuration (RAID 0, RAID 1, and  
JBOD) for Serial ATA 3Gb/s.  
DDR2 memory support  
This motherboard supports DDR2 1066 memory which provides great performance  
for 3D graphics and other memory demanding applications on the next generation  
memory technology. See pages 1-13 to 1-16 for details.  
PCI Express™ interface  
The motherboard fully supports PCI Express, the latest I/O interconnect technology  
that speeds up the PCI bus. PCI Express features point-to-point serial  
interconnections between devices and allows higher clockspeeds by carrying data  
in packets. This high speed interface is software compatible with existing PCI  
specifications. See page 1-20 for details.  
Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology  
The motherboard supports next-generation SATA hard drives based on the  
new SATA 3Gb/s storage specification. The onboard NVIDIA® nForce 430 MCP  
southbridge allows RAID 0, RAID 1, and JBOD configurations for four SATA  
connectors.  
ASUS M2N-MX SE PLUS  
1-3  
10 / 100 Mbps LAN  
Easy connectivity to your network or broadband connection with the onboard LAN  
port. Allows you to play online games without buying expensive additional LAN  
cards. See page 1-23 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 1-28 for details.  
High Definition Audio  
Enjoy high-quality sound system on your PC! The onboard 6-channel HD audio  
(High Definition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality  
192KHz / 24-bit audio output, giving you crystal sound effect.  
1-4  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.3.2  
Innovative ASUS features  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2  
This feature allows you to restore the original BIOS data from the support CD in case  
when the BIOS codes and data are corrupted. This protection eliminates the need to  
buy a replacement BIOS chip. See page 2-6 for details.  
ASUS EZ Flash  
With the ASUS EZ Flash, you can easily update the system BIOS even before  
loading the operating system. No need to use a DOS-based utility or boot from a  
floppy disk. See page 2-3 for details.  
ASUS Q-Fan technology  
The ASUS Q-Fan technology smartly adjusts the fan speeds according to the  
system loading to ensure quiet, cool, and efficient operation.  
See page 2-31 for details.  
ASUS MyLogo™  
This feature present in the motherboard allows you to personalize and add style to  
your system with customizable boot logos.  
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.  
ASUS M2N-MX SE PLUS  
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.  
R
SB_PWR  
M2N-MX SE PLUS  
ON  
OFF  
Standby  
Powered  
Off  
Power  
M2N-MX SE PLUS Onboard LED  
1-6  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.5  
Motherboard overview  
1.5.1  
Motherboard layout  
19.3cm (7.6in)  
PS/2KBMS  
T: Mouse  
B: Keyboard  
ATX12V  
USB34  
PS2_USBPW1-4  
Attansic  
F2  
LAN_USB12  
AUDIO  
R
CPU_FAN  
M2N-MX SE PLUS  
PCIEX16  
CLRTC  
CR2032 3V  
Lithium Cell  
CMOS Power  
Super I/O  
Nvidia MCP61P  
SB_PWR  
8Mb  
BIOS  
PCI1  
PCI2  
USBPW5-8  
SPEAKER  
ALC662  
AAFP  
SPDIF_OUT  
USB56  
USB78  
FLOPPY  
F_PANEL  
AM2+ socket is backward compatible with AM2 socket.  
ASUS M2N-MX SE PLUS  
1-7  
1.5.2  
Placement direction  
When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in  
the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the  
chassis as indicated in the image below.  
1.5.3  
Screw holes  
Place six (6) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the  
motherboard to the chassis.  
Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.  
Place this side towards  
the rear of the chassis  
R
M2N-MX SE PLUS  
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™ FX / 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 is 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!  
AM2+ socket is backward compatible with AM2 socket.  
1.6.1  
Installing the CPU  
To install a CPU.  
1.  
Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.  
R
M2N-MX SE PLUS  
M2N-MX SE PLUS CPU Socket AM2+  
2.  
Unlock the socket by pressing the  
lever sideways, then lift it up to a  
90°-100° angle.  
Socket lever  
Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90°-100° angle, otherwise the  
CPU does not fit in completely.  
ASUS M2N-MX SE PLUS  
1-9  
3.  
Position the CPU above the socket  
such that the CPU corner with the  
gold triangle matches the socket  
corner with a small triangle.  
4.  
Carefully insert the CPU into the  
socket until it fits in place.  
Small triangle  
Gold triangle  
The CPU fits only in one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the  
socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU!  
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.  
7.  
Connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU_FAN connector on the motherboard.  
CPU_FAN  
R
M2N-MX SE PLUS  
CPU FAN PWM  
CPU FAN IN  
CPU FAN PWR  
GND  
M2N-MX SE PLUS CPU Fan Connector  
Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors  
can occur if you fail to plug this connector.  
1-10  
Chapter 1: Product introduction