M2a VM Hdmi

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M2A-VM
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Copyright 2007 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any
means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written
permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (ASUS).
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modifed or altered, unless
such repair, modifcation of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the
product is defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL AS IS WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS,
LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE),
EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY
DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.
SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR
INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE,
AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO
RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS
MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or
copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identifcation or explanation and to the
owners beneft, without intent to infringe.
E2976
First Edition V1
February 2007
iii
Contents
Notices ......................................................................................................... vi
Safety information ..................................................................................... vii
M2A-VM HDMI specifcations summary .................................................... x
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-2
1.2 Package contents ......................................................................... 1-2
1.3 Special features ............................................................................ 1-2
1.3.1 Product highlights ........................................................... 1-2
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features .............................................. 1-5
1.4 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 1-7
1.5 Motherboard overview ................................................................. 1-8
1.5.1 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 1-8
1.5.2 Placement direction ........................................................ 1-9
1.5.3 Screw holes .................................................................... 1-9
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................. 1-10
1.6.1 Installing the CPU ......................................................... 1-10
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan ...................................... 1-12
1.7 System memory ......................................................................... 1-14
1.7.1 Overview ....................................................................... 1-14
1.7.2 Memory confgurations .................................................. 1-14
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 1-18
1.7.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 1-18
1.8 Expansion slots .......................................................................... 1-19
1.8.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 1-19
1.8.2 Confguring an expansion card ..................................... 1-19
1.8.3 PCI slots ........................................................................ 1-21
1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot ....................................................... 1-21
1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot ..................................................... 1-21
1.9 Jumpers ...................................................................................... 1-22
1.10 Connectors ................................................................................. 1-24
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors .................................................. 1-24
1.10.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 1-26
iv
Contents
Chapter 2: BIOS setup
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 2-2
2.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 2-2
2.1.2 Creating a bootable foppy disk ....................................... 2-5
2.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ................................................... 2-6
2.1.4 Updating the BIOS .......................................................... 2-7
2.1.5 Saving the current BIOS fle ............................................ 2-9
2.1.6 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility .................................... -210
2.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................. 2-11
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen ........................................................ 2-12
2.2.2 Menu bar ....................................................................... 2-12
2.2.3 Legend bar .................................................................... 2-13
2.2.4 Menu items ................................................................... 2-13
2.2.5 Sub-menu items ............................................................ 2-13
2.2.6 Confguration felds ....................................................... 2-13
2.2.7 Pop-up window ............................................................. 2-14
2.2.8 General help ................................................................. 2-14
2.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 2-15
2.3.1 System Time ................................................................. 2-15
2.3.2 System Date ................................................................. 2-15
2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A ......................................................... 2-15
2.3.4 Primary IDE Master/Slave ............................................. 2-16
2.3.5 SATA 1-4 ....................................................................... 2-18
2.3.6 HDD SMART Monitoring ............................................... 2-19
2.3.7 Installed Memory ........................................................... 2-19
2.3.8 Usable Memory ............................................................. 2-19
2.4 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 2-20
2.4.1 JumperFree Confguration ............................................ 2-20
2.4.2 CPU Confguration ........................................................ 2-21
2.4.3 Chipset .......................................................................... 2-22
2.4.3 PCIPnP ......................................................................... 2-24
2.4.4 Onboard Device Confguration ...................................... 2-25
2.4.5 USB Confguration ........................................................ 2-27
v
Contents
2.5 Power menu ................................................................................ 2-28
2.5.1 ACPI Suspend Type ...................................................... 2-28
2.5.2 ACPI APIC Support ....................................................... 2-28
2.5.3 APM Confguration ........................................................ 2-28
2.5.4 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 2-30
2.6 Boot menu .................................................................................. 2-32
2.6.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 2-32
2.6.2 Removable Drives ......................................................... 2-32
2.6.3 Hard Disk Drives ........................................................... 2-33
2.6.4 Boot Settings Confguration ......................................... 2-33
2.6.5 Security ......................................................................... 2-35
2.7 Tools menu ................................................................................. 2-36
2.7.1 ASUS Music Alarm ........................................................ 2-36
2.7.2 ASUS O.C. Profle ......................................................... 2-38
2.7.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 .......................................................... 2-40
2.8 Exit menu .................................................................................... 2-41
Chapter 3: Software support
3.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 3-2
3.2 Support CD/DVD information ...................................................... 3-2
3.2.1 Running the support CD/DVD ......................................... 3-2
3.2.2 Drivers menu ................................................................... 3-3
3.2.3 Utilities menu .................................................................. 3-4
3.2.4 Make Disk menu ............................................................. 3-5
3.2.5 Manual menu .................................................................. 3-5
3.2.6 ASUS Contact information .............................................. 3-6
3.2.7 Other information ............................................................ 3-6
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 manufacturers
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions
from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the
Canadian Department of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian
ICES-003.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is
required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modifcations
to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the users authority to operate this equipment.
vii
Safety information
Electrical safety
To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the
electrical outlet before relocating the system.
When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power
cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If
possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add
a device.
Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure
that all power cables are unplugged.
Seek professional assistance before using an 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 fx it by yourself. Contact a qualifed
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 qualifed
service technician or your retailer.
The symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical
and electronic equipment) should not be placed in municipal waste. Please
check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.
viii
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and confguring
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. This chapter 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/DVD that comes with
the motherboard package.
Where to fnd 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
fyers, 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.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a
task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a
task.
Typography
Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign
means that you must press the enclosed key.

Example: <Enter> means that you must press the
Enter or Return key.
<Key1+Key2+Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the
key names are linked with a plus sign (+).

Example: <Ctrl+Alt+D>
Command Means that you must type the command exactly
as shown, then supply the required item or value
enclosed in brackets.

Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line:
format A:/S
x
M2A-VM HDMI specifcations summary
(continued on the next page)
CPU Support AMD socket AM2 for AMD Athlon 64FX/
Athlon 64 X2/Athlon 64/Sempron processors
AMD64 architecture enables simultaneous 32-bit and
64-bit computing
Supports AMD Cool n Quiet Technology
AMD Live! Ready
Chipset Northbridge: AMD 690G
Southbridge: ATI SB600
Front side bus 2000/1600 MT/s
Memory Dual-channel memory architecture 4 x 240-pin DIMM
sockets support up to 8 GB of unbufferred ECC/
non-ECC 800/667/533 MHz DDR2 memory modules
Expansion slots 1 x PCI Express x16 slot
1 x PCI Express x1 slot
2 x PCI slots
Graphics Integrated ATI Radeon X1250-based graphics
Supports Max. shared memory up to 256MB
Supports HDMI Technology with HDCP compliant with
max. resolution 1920 x 1080p
(The resolution cannot reach 1080p when playing HD
DVD and Blu-Ray Disc due to mainstream DVD player
limit)
Supports YPbPr component TV-out with max. resolutions
1280 x 720p and 1920 x 1080i
Supports DVI-D with max. resolution 2560 x 1600
(@60Hz)
Supports RGB with max. resolution 2048 x 1536
(@85Hz)
Dual VGA output support:
CRT & DVI/HDMI
DVI & HDMI
TV-out (YPbPr/AV/S) & DVI/HDMI
Note: Simultaneous output for YPbPr, AV, S, and RGB is
not supported.
Note: DVI-D can not be converted to output RGB signal
to CRT and isnt compatible with DVI-I.
Storage ATI SB600 chipset supports:
- 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33 interface for two
(2) hard disk drives
- 4 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s hard disk drives supporting
RAID 0, RAID 1 and RAID 10 confguration
High Defnition Audio Realtek
ALC883 High Defnition Audio 6-channel

CODEC
Supports Jack-Sensing, Enumeration and Jack-Retasking
technology
Supports S/PDIF out throught the port on the bundled
HDMI card
xi
M2A-VM HDMI specifcations summary
IEEE1394 TI IEEE 1394a controller supports:
- 2 x IEEE 1394a ports
LAN PCIe Gigabit LAN
USB Supports up to 10 USB 2.0/1.1 ports
Manageability WfM2.0, DMI2.0, WOL by PME, WOR, PXE, WOR by
PME
Special features ASUS Q-Fan
ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS Music Alarm
ASUS O.C. Profle
ASUS MyLogo2
BIOS features 8 Mb Flash ROM, Award BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0,
SM BIOS 2.3
Rear panel 1 x Parallel port
1 x IEEE 1394a port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
4 x USB 2.0 ports
1 x VGA Out port
1 x DVI-D port
1 x PS/2 keyboard port
1 x PS/2 mouse port
6-channel audio ports
Internal connectors 1 x IEEE 1394a connector
1 x Front panel audio connector
1 x CD audio in connector
1 x CPU fan connector
1 x Chassis fan connector
1 x Floppy disk drive connector
1 x COM connector
1 x Primary IDE connector
1 x S/PDIF Out connector
1 x System panel connector
4 x Serial ATA connectors
3 x USB 2.0 connectors for 6 additional USB 2.0 ports
24-pin ATX power connector
4-pin x ATX 12V power connector
Chassis intrusion connector
Power Requirement ATX power supply (with 24-pin and 4-pin 12 V plugs)
ATX 12 V 2.0 compliant
Form Factor uATX: 9.6 in. x 9.0 in. (24.5cm x 22.9cm)
Support CD Device drivers
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS Live Update utility
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
*Specifcations are subject to change without notice.
xii

1
Product
introduction
This chapter describes the motherboard
features and the new technologies
it supports.
1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS
M2A-VM HDMI motherboard!

The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it
another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!
Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the
items in your package with the list below.
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
1.2 Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
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 1-10 for details.
Motherboard ASUS M2A-VM HDMI motherboard
Cables 2 x Serial ATA signal cables
2 x Serial ATA power cables
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable
1 x Floppy disk drive cable
1 x YPbPr cable
Accessories I/O shield
1 x ASUS Q-connector kit (USB, System panel,
Retail version only)
1 x HDMI/AV/S/SPDIF card
Application CD ASUS motherboard support CD/DVD
Documentation User guide
ASUS M2A-VM HDMI 1-3
AMD
690G
and ATI SB600 chipsets
The AMD 690G Northbridge is the latest AMD chipset designed to support
800/1000MHz HT(HyperTransport) interface speeds, Microsoft
DirectX 9.0, Pixel

Shader V2.0 and dual VGA outputs, and max. shared memory up to 256MB.It
features the integrated ATI Radeon X1250 Graphics. See page 1-25 and 2-22 for
details.
Surroundview
The Surroundview function provides four independent monitors display with an
additional ATI VGA card for multi-tasking.See pages 1-21 and 2-23 for details.
HDMI Interface
HDMI (High-Defnition Multimedia Interface) is the frst and only industry-supported,
uncompressed, all digital audio and video interface via a single cable and is HDCP
compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-Ray Disc and other protected content.
See pages 1-35 and 2-23 for details.
DVI Interface
DVI (Digital Visual Interface) provides high visual quality of digital display devices
such as LCD monitor. The interface of this motherboard supports dual VGA output
both DVI and RGB and is HDCP compliant allowing playback of HD DVD and Blu-
Ray Disc. See pages 1-25 and 1-36 for details.
YPbPr TV-out
The motherboard supports superior YPbPr TV-out functionality with a higher
resolution to 1080i and 720p format, delivering high image quality. See page 1-30,
1-35, and 2-23 for details.
AMD Cool n Quiet Technology
The 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. See page 2-21 for details.
DDR2 memory support
The motherboard supports DDR2 memory which features data transfer rates of
800MHz/667 MHz/533 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the
latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel DDR2
architecture doubles the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system
performance, eliminating bottlenecks with peak bandwidths of up to 12.8 GB/s.
See page 1-14 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
specifcations. See page 1-21 for details.
Serial ATA 3.0Gb/s technology
The motherboard supports next-generation SATA hard drives based on the new
SATA 3.0Gb/s storage specifcation. The onboard ATI
SB600 allows RAID 0, RAID

1 and RAID 10 confgurations for four SATA connectors. See pages 1-28 and 2-26
for details
IEEE 1394a support
The IEEE 1394a interface provides high-speed and fexible PC connectivity to
a wide range of peripherals and devices compliant to IEEE 1394a standards.
The IEEE 1394a interface allows up to 400 Mbps transfer rates through simple,
low-cost, high-bandwidth asynchronous (real-time) data interfacing between
computers, peripherals, and consumer electronic devices such as camcorders,
VCRs, printers,TVs, and digital cameras. See pages 1-31 and 2-26 for details.
Gigabit LAN solution
PCI Express Gb LAN controller delivers transfer speeds up to ten times faster than
conventional 10/100/1000 Ethernet connections. Gigabit LAN is the networking
standard for the early future and is ideal for handling large amounts of data such
as video, audio, and voice. See page 1-24 for details.
USB 2.0 technology
The motherboard implements the Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 specifcation,
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 1-25 and 1-30 for details.
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features
ASUS Q-Fan technology
The ASUS Q-Fan technology smartly adjusts the CPU fan speeds according to the
system loading to ensure quiet, cool, and effcient operation.
See page 2-30 for details.
ASUS MyLogo2
This feature allows you to personalize and add style to your system with
customizable boot logos. See page 2-34 for details.
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data from a
USB fash disk containing the BIOS fle. This utility saves users the cost and hassle
of buying a replacement BIOS chip. See page 2-10 for details.
ASUS EZ Flash 2
EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply press the predefned
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 fash
utility. See pages 2-6 and 2-40 for details.
ASUS Q-Connector
The ASUS Q-Connector allows you to connect or disconnect chassis front panel
cables in one easy step with one complete module. This unique adapter eliminates
the trouble of plugging in one cable at a time, making connection quick and
accurate. See pages 1-30 and 1-37 for details.
6-channel high defnition audio
Onboard is the Realtek
ALC883 High Defnition Audio 6-channel audio CODEC.

This CODEC is fully-compliant with Intel
High Defnition Audio standard (192 KHz,

24-bit audio). With the CODEC, 6-channel audio ports, and S/PDIF interfaces,
you can connect your computer to home theater decoders to produce crystal-clear
digital audio.
The Realtek
ALC883 CODEC comes with a software application that features

jack detection to monitor the plugging status of each jack, impedance sensing to
determine audio device classes, and pre-defned equalization for various audio
devices. See pages 1-24, 1-32 and 2-25 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. See page
1-22 for details.
ASUS O.C. Profle
The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Profle that allows users to conveniently
store or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be stored in the
CMOS or a separate fle, giving users freedom to share and distribute their favorite
overclocking settings. See page 2-38 for details.
ASUS Music Alarm
Wake up to the music of your choice instead of the irritating sound of an alarm
clock. The ASUS Music Alarm gives you a personal wake-up call with your favorite
CD music without having to enter the OS. See page 2-36 for details.
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.
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.
M2A-VM HDMI
M2A-VM HDMI Onboard LED

SB_PWR
ON
Standby
Power
OFF
Powered
Off
1.5.1 Motherboard layout
1.5 Motherboard overview
Bottom:Mic In
Center:Line Out
Top:Line In
PANEL
M2A-VM HDMI
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A
1
Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
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.
M2A-VM HDMI
Place this side towards

the rear of the chassis
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 fts 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.
2. Unlock the socket by pressing the
lever sideways, then lift it up to a
90-100 angle.
Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90-100 angle, otherwise the
CPU does not ft in completely.
Socket lever
M2A-VM HDMI
M2A-VM HDMI CPU Socket AM2

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 fts in place.
The CPU fts only in one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the
socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU!
5. 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.
6. Install a CPU heatsink and fan
following the instructions that came
with the heatsink package.
Gold triangle
Small triangle
7. Connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU_FAN connector on the motherboard.
Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors
can occur if you fail to plug this connector.
M2A-VM HDMI
M2A-VM HDMI CPU fan connector

CPU_FAN
G
N
D
C
P
U

F
A
N

P
W
R
C
P
U

F
A
N

I
N
C
P
U

F
A
N

P
W
M
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan
The AMD Athlon 64 X2/Athlon 64/Athlon FX/Sempron processor requires
a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal
condition and performance.
Follow these steps to install the CPU heatsink and fan.
1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, making sure that the heatsink
fts properly on the retention module base.
Retention Module Base
CPU Heatsink
CPU Fan
Retention bracket lock Retention bracket
Make sure that you use only qualifed heatsink and fan assembly.
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.
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.
2. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base.
3. Align the other end of the retention bracket (near the retention bracket lock)
to the retention module base. A clicking sound denotes that the retention
bracket is in place.
4. Push down the retention bracket lock on the retention mechanism to secure
the heatsink and fan to the module base.
Make sure that the fan and
heatsink assembly perfectly fts
the retention mechanism module
base; otherwise, you cannot snap
the retention bracket in place.
1.7 System memory
1.7.1 Overview
The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory
Modules (DIMM) sockets.
A DDR2 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR DIMM but has a
240-pin footprint compared to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. DDR2 DIMMs are notched
differently to prevent installation on a DDR DIMM socket.
The fgure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets:
Channel Sockets
Channel 1 DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2
Channel 2 DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2
M2A-VM HDMI
M2A-VM HDMI 240-pin DDR2 DIMM sockets

D
I
M
M
_
A
2
D
I
M
M
_
A
1
D
I
M
M
_
B
2
D
I
M
M
_
B
1
1.7.2 Memory confgurations
You may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered ECC/non-ECC
DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.
Recommended memory confgurations
Sockets
Mode DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B2
Single-Channel
Populated
Populated
Dual-channel (1) Populated Populated
Dual-channel (2) Populated Populated Populated Populated
When using only one memory module, start installing the DDR2 DIMM from
slot DIMM_A1 or DIMM_B1 for better overclocking capability.
For dual-channel confguration (2), you may:
- install identical DIMMs in all four sockets OR
- install identical DIMM pair in DIMM_A1 and DIMM_B1 (yellow sockets)
and another identical DIMM pair in DIMM_A2 and DIMM_B2 (black
sockets)
Always use identical DDR2 DIMM pairs for dual channel mode. For
optimum compatibility, we recommend that you obtain memory modules
from the same vendor.
Important notice on installing Windows
Vista / XP 32-bit version

If you install Windows
Vista/ XP 32-bit version Operating System (OS), the

limitation of this OS version is that it may reserve a certain amount of memory
space for system devices. We recommend that you install less than 3 GB
system memory if you would like to work under Windows
Vista/ XP 32-bit
version OS. The excess memory installation will not cause any usage problem,
but it will not give users the beneft of manipulating this excess memory space.
64-bit
Windows
XP Professional x64 Edition

Windows
Vista x64 Edition

The motherboard can support 8 GB physical memory on the operating system
listed below. You may install a maximum of 2 GB DIMMs on each slot.
Size Vendor Chip No. CL SS/DS Part No. DIMM
support
A* B* C*
512MB KINGSTON K4T51083QC N/A SS KVR800D2N5/512
1024MB KINGSTON Heat-Sink Package N/A SS KHX6400D2LLK2/1GN
256MB Qimonda HYB18T512160BF-25F N/A SS HYS64T32000HU-25F-B
512MB Qimonda HYB18T512800BF25F N/A SS HYS64T64000HU-25F-B
1024MB Qimonda HYB18T512800BF25F N/A DS HYS64T128020HU-25F-B
512MB SAMSUNG EDD339XX N/A SS M378T6553CZ3-CE7
256MB SAMSUNG K4T51163QC-ZCE7 N/A SS M378T3354CZ3-CE7
512MB SAMSUNG ZCE7K4T51083QC N/A SS M378T6553CZ3-CE7
1024MB Hynix HY5PS12821CFP-S5 N/A DS HYMP512U64CP8-S5
512MB MICRON 5JAIIZ9DQQ N/A SS MT8HTF6464AY-80EA3
1024MB MICRON 5JAIIZ9DQQ N/A DS MT16HTF12864AY-80EA3
512MB MICRON 5ZD22D9GKX N/A SS MT8HTF6464AY-80ED4
1024MB MICRON 5ZD22D9GKX N/A DS MT16HTF12864AY-80ED4
512MB MICRON 6CD22D9GKX N/A SS MT8HTF6464AY-80ED4
1024MB MICRON 6CD22D9GKX N/A DS MT16HTF12864AY-80ED4
1024MB CORSAIR Heat-Sink Package N/A DS CM2X1024-6400C4
1024MB ELPIDA E1108AB-8E-E(ECC) N/A SS EBE10EE8ABFA-8E-E
2048MB ELPIDA E1108AB-8E-E(ECC) N/A DS EBE21EE8ABFA-8E-E
512MB Crucial Heat-Sink Package N/A SS BL6464AA804.8FD3
1024MB Crucial Heat-Sink Package N/A DS BL12864AL804.16FD3
1024MB Crucial Heat-Sink Package N/A DS BL12864AA804.16FD3
1024MB Apacer Heat-Sink Package N/A DS AHU01GE800C5K1C
512MB Transcend K4T51083QC N/A SS TS64MLQ64V8J
1024MB Transcend K4T51083QC N/A DS TS128MLQ64V8J
1024MB KINGMAX KKEA88B4LZUG-25DF N/A DS KLDD48F-A8KB5
Qualifed Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR2-800 MHz capability
Side(s): SS - Single-sided DS - Double-sided
DIMM support:
A - Supports one module inserted in any slot as Single-channel memory confguration
B - Supports one pair of modules inserted into either the yellow slots or the black slots as
one pair of Dual-channel memory confguration
C - Supports 4 modules inserted into both the yellow slots and the black slots as two pairs
of Dual-channel memory confguration
Visit the ASUS website for the latest DDR2 DIMM modules for this motherboard.
Size Vendor Chip No. CL SS/
DS
Part No. DIMM
support
A* B* C*
512MB KINGSTON D6408TEBGGL3U N/A SS KVR667D2N5/512
1024MB KINGSTON D6408TEBGGL3U N/A DS KVR667D2N5/1G
256MB KINGSTON HYB18T256800AF3S N/A SS KVR667D2N5/256
1024MB Qimonda HYB18T512800BF3S(ECC) N/A DS HYS72T128020HU-3S-B
256MB Qimonda HYB18T512160BF-3S N/A SS HYS64T32000HU-3S-B
512MB Qimonda HYB18T512800BF3S N/A SS HYS64T64000HU-3S-B
1024MB Qimonda HYB18T512800BF3S N/A DS HYS64T128020HU-3S-B
512MB SAMSUNG ZCE6K4T51083QC N/A SS M378T6553CZ0-CE6
256MB SAMSUNG K4T51163QC-ZCE6 N/A SS M378T3354CZ3-CE6
512MB SAMSUNG K4T51083QC N/A SS M378T6553CZ3-CE6
1024MB SAMSUNG ZCE6K4T51083QC N/A DS M378T2953CZ3-CE6
512MB CORSAIR 64M8CFEG N/A SS VS512MB667D2
256MB ELPIDA E2508AB-6E-E N/A SS EBE25UC8ABFA-6E-E
512MB ELPIDA E5108AE-6E-E N/A SS EBE51UD8AEFA-6E-E
512MB A-DATA AD29608A8A-3EG N/A SS M2OAD5G3H3166I1C52
1024MB A-DATA AD29608A8A-3EG N/A DS M2OAD5G3I4176I1C52
1024MB crucial Heat-Sink Package N/A DS BL12864AL664.16FD
256MB Kingmax N2TU51216AG-3C N/A SS KLCB68F-36KH5
512MB Kingmax KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX N/A SS KLCC28F-A8KB5
512MB Transcend E5108AE-6E-E N/A SS TS64MLQ64V6J
512MB Transcend J12Q3AB-6 N/A SS JM367Q643A-6
1024MB Super Talent Heat-Sink Package N/A DS T6UB1GC5
512MB SMART G64M8XB3ITIX4TUE N/A SS TB3D2667C58S
512MB SMART G64M8XB3ITIX4TUE N/A DS TB4D2667C58D
Qualifed Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR2-667 MHz capability
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM
1. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing
the retaining clips outward.
2. Align a DIMM on the socket such
that the notch on the DIMM matches
the break on the socket.
3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the
socket until the retaining clips snap
back in place and the DIMM is
properly seated.
Make sure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or
other system components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to both
the motherboard and the components.
1.7.4 Removing a DIMM
To remove a DIMM:
1. Simultaneously press the retaining
clips outward to unlock the DIMM.
2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.
Support the DIMM lightly with your fngers when pressing the retaining clips.
The DIMM might get damaged when it fips out with extra force.
A DDR2 DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fts in only one
direction. DO NOT force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the
DIMM.
The DDR2 DIMM sockets do not support DDR DIMMs. Do not install
DDR DIMMs to the DDR2 DIMM sockets.
Unlocked retaining clip
DDR2 DIMM notch 3
2
1
1
DDR2 DIMM notch
1
2
1
1
1.8 Expansion slots
In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections
describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support.
1.8.1 Installing an expansion card
To install an expansion card:
1. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with
it and make the necessary hardware settings for the card.
2. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a
chassis).
3. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screw
for later use.
4. Align the card connector with the slot and press frmly until the card is
completely seated on the slot.
5. Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier.
6. Replace the system cover.
1.8.2 Confguring an expansion card
After installing the expansion card, confgure it by adjusting the software settings.
1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See
Chapter 2 for information on BIOS setup.
2. Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page.
3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.
Make sure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion
cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard
components.
IRQ assignments for this motherboard
A B C D
PCI slot 1 used
PCI slot 2 used
IEEE1394 used
* These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices.
When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support Share
IRQ or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments; otherwise, conficts will
arise between the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card
inoperable.
Interrupt assignments
IRQ Standard function
0 High precision event timer
1 Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural PS/2 keyboard
4 Communications Port (COM1)*
6 Standard foppy disk controller
8 High precision event timer
9 Microsoft ACPI-Compliant System
12 PS/2 Compatible Mouse
13 Numeric data processor
16 Microsoft UAA Bus Driver for High Defnition Audio
16 Standard OpenHCD USB Host Controller
18 ATI Radeon Xpress 1200 Series
19 Realtek RTL8168/8111 PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet NIC
19 Standard Enhanced PCI to USB Host Controller
22 Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller
22 VIA OHCI Compliant IEEE1394 Host Controller
1.8.3 PCI slots
The PCI slots support cards such as
a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card,
and other cards that comply with PCI
specifcations. The fgure shows a LAN
card installed on a PCI slot.
1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot
This motherboard supports PCI Express
x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other
cards that comply with the PCI Express
specifcations. The following fgure
shows a network card installed on the
PCI Express x1 slot.
1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot
This motherboard has supports PCI
Express x16 graphic cards that comply
with PCI Express specifcations. The
fgure shows a graphics card installed on
the PCI Express x16 slot.
The Surroundview function works only when you install an ATI graphics
card on the PCI Express x16 slot and enable the Surroundview item in the
BIOS. See page 2-23 for detail.
The Surroundview function supports up to four monitors, two from the
onboard VGA and DVI-D out ports, with the other two from the VGA and
DVI-D out ports on an ATI graphics card.
When installing a PCI Express x16 graphics card, make sure to set the
HDMI Support item in the BIOS to [OFF]; otherwise, you will not see the
screen display.
1.9 Jumpers
1. Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC)
This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in
CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup
parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button
cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup
information such as system passwords.
To erase the RTC RAM:
1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.
2. Remove the onboard battery.
3. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the cap on pins
2-3 for about 5~10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2.
4. Reinstall the battery.
5. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.
6. Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to
re-enter data.
Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC jumper
default position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!
You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking.
For system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
feature. Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS can automatically reset
parameter settings to default values.
2 3 1 2
M2A-VM HDMI
M2A-VM HDMI Clear RTC RAM

CLRTC
Normal
(Default)
Clear CMOS
2. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW1-4, USBPW5-8, USBPW910)
Set these jumpers to +5V to wake up the computer from S1 sleep mode
(CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in low power mode) using
the connected USB devices. Set to +5VSB to wake up from S3 and S4 sleep
modes.
The USBPW1-4 jumpers are for the rear USB ports. The USBPW5-8 and
USBPW910 jumpers are for the internal USB connectors that you can
connect to additional USB ports.
The USB device wake-up feature requires a power supply that can
provide 500mA on the +5VSB lead for each USB port; otherwise,
the system will not power up.
The total current consumed must NOT exceed the power supply
capability (+5VSB) whether under normal condition or in sleep mode.
2 3 1 2
M2A-VM HDMI
M2A-VM HDMI USB device wake-up

1
2 2
3
+5V
(Default)
+5VSB
USBPW1-4
USBPW5-8
+5V
(Default)
+5VSB
1
2 2
3
+5V
(Default)
+5VSB
USBPW910
3. Keyboard power (3-pin KBPWR)
This jumper allows you to enable or disable the keyboard wake-up feature.
Set this jumper to pins 2-3 (+5VSB) to wake up the computer when you press
a key on the keyboard (the default is the Space Bar). This feature requires an
ATX power supply that can supply at least 500 mA on the +5VSB lead, and a
corresponding setting in the BIOS.
2 3 1 2
M2A-VM HDMI
M2A-VM HDMI Keyboard power setting

KBPWR
+5V
(Default)
+5VSB
Refer to the audio confguration table for the function of the audio ports in 2, 4,
or 6,-channel confguration.
1.10 Connectors
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors
1. PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse.
2. Parallel port. This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a scanner, or other
devices.
3. IEEE 1394a port. This 6-pin IEEE 1394a port provides high-speed
connectivity for audio/video devices, storage peripherals, PCs, or portable
devices.
4. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area
Network (LAN) through a network hub.
LAN port LED indications
LAN port
SPEED
LED
ACT/LINK
LED
5. Line In port (light blue). This port connects a tape, CD, DVD player, or other
audio sources.
6. Line Out port (lime). This port connects a headphone or a speaker. In 4-
channel/ 6-channel confguration, the function of this port becomes Front
Speaker Out.
7. Microphone port (pink). This port connects a microphone.
Activity/Link Speed LED
Status Description Status Description
OFF No link OFF 10 Mbps connection
ORANGE Linked ORANGE 100 Mbps connection
BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1 Gbps connection
1
12
2 4
11
5
6
7
10
3
9 8
Audio 2, 4, or 6-channel confguration
Port Headset
2-channel
4-channel 6-channel
Light Blue Line In Surround Surround
Lime Headphone/Front Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out
Pink Mic In Mic In Center/Subwoofer
8. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are
available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.
9. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are
available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.
10. Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) port. This 15-pin port is for a VGA monitor or
other VGA-compatible devices.
11. DVI-D Out port. This port is for any DVI-D compatible device and is HDCP
compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-Ray and other protected
content.
12. PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.
This motherboard comes with dual-VGA output that features different
display on 2 monitors at the same time if you connect 2 monitors to both
the onboard VGA and DVI-D out ports.
DVI-D can't be converted to output RGB Signal to CRT and isn't compatible
with DVI-I.
To play HD DVD or Blu-Ray Disc, make sure to use an HDCP compliant
monitor.
Make sure the audio device of Sound playback is Realtek High Defnition
Audio (the name may be different based on the OS). Go to Start >
Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices > Sound Playback to
confgure the setting.
1.10.2 Internal connectors
1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)
This connector is for the provided foppy disk drive (FDD) signal cable. Insert
one end of the cable to this connector, then connect the other end to the
signal connector at the back of the foppy disk drive.
Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable connection when
using an FDD cable with a covered Pin 5.
2. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)
This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detection sensor or switch.
Connect one end of the chassis intrusion sensor or switch cable to this
connector. The chassis intrusion sensor or switch sends a high-level signal to
this connector when a chassis component is removed or replaced. The signal
is then generated as a chassis intrusion event.
By default, the pins labeled Chassis Signal and Ground are shorted with
a jumper cap. Remove the jumper caps only when you intend to use the
chassis intrusion detection feature.
M2A-VM HDMI
M2A-VM HDMI Floppy disk drive connector

NOTE: Orient the red markings on
the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1.
PIN1
FLOPPY
M2A-VM HDMI
M2A-VM HDMI Chassis intrusion connector

CHASSIS
+
5
V
S
B
_
M
B
C
h
a
s
s
i
s

S
i
g
n
a
l
G
N
D
(Default)
3. IDE connectors (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)
The onboard IDE connector is for an Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable.
There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable:
blue, black, and gray. Connect the blue connector to the motherboards IDE
connector, then select one of the following modes to confgure your device(s).
Pin 20 on the IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole on the
Ultra DMA cable connector. This prevents incorrect insertion when you
connect the IDE cable.
Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 IDE devices.
If any device jumper is set as Cable-Select, make sure all other device
jumpers have the same setting.
Drive jumper setting Mode of
device(s)
Cable connector
Single device Cable-Select or Master - Black
Two devices Cable-Select Master
Black
Slave Gray
Master Master Black or gray
Slave Slave
M2A-VM HDMI
M2A-VM HDMI IDE connector

NOTE: Orient the red markings
(usually zigzag) on the IDE
ribbon cable to PIN 1.
PRI_IDE
4. Serial ATA connectors
(7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA4)
These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA 3.0
Gb/s hard disk and optical disk drives. The Serial ATA 3 Gb/s is backward
compatible with Serial ATA 1.5Gb/s specifcation. The data transfer rate of
the Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s is faster than the standard parallel ATA with 133 MB/s
(Ultra DMA133).
If you install Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, RAID 1,
and RAID 10 confguration through the onboard onboard SB600 controller.
Important note on Serial ATA
Install the Windows
XP Service Pack 1 before using Serial ATA.

For detailed instructions on how to confgure RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 10,
refer to the RAID manual in the support CD.
If you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, set
the onboard SATA Type item in the BIOS to [RAID controller]. See the
page 2-26 for details.
M2A-VM HDMI
M2A-VM HDMI SATA connectors

GND
1
GND GND GND
GND
RSATA_TXP1
RSATA_TXN1
GND
RSATA_RXP1
RSATA_RXN1
SATA
GND
RSATA_TXP2
RSATA_TXN2
GND
RSATA_RXP2
RSATA_RXN2
SATA3
GND
RSATA_TXP4
RSATA_TXN4
GND
RSATA_RXP4
RSATA_RXN4
SATA4
GND
RSATA_TXP3
RSATA_TXN3
GND
RSATA_RXP3
RSATA_RXN3
SATA2
5. CPU, Chassis, and Power Fan connectors
(4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin PWR_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN1)
The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350mA~740mA (8.88W max.) or
a total of 1A~2.22A (26.64W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cables to the fan
connectors on the motherboard, making sure that the black wire of each cable
matches the ground pin of the connector.
Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insuffcient air
fow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. These are
not jumpers! DO NOT place jumper caps on the fan connectors.
6. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)
This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF)
port(s). Connect the HDMI module cable to this connector, then install the
module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.
Only CPU Fan supports Q-Fan.
M2A-VM HDMI
M2A-VM HDMI Fan connectors

PWR_FAN
G
N
D
R
o
t
a
t
i
o
n
+
1
2
V
CHA_FAN
G
N
D
R
o
t
a
t
i
o
n
+
1
2
V
CPU_FAN
G
N
D
C
P
U

F
A
N

P
W
R
C
P
U

F
A
N

I
N
C
P
U

F
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N

P
W
M
M2A-VM HDMI
M2A-VM HDMI Digital audio connector

+
5
V
S
P
D
I
F
O
U
T
G
N
D
SPDIF_OUT
YUV
The connector of the HDMI module cable integrates the YUV connctor and
the SPIDF_OUT connector as the 7-pin YUV/SPIDF_OUT connector.
M2A-VM HDMI
M2A-VM HDMI USB 2.0 connectors

USB56
U
S
B
+
5
V
U
S
B
_
P
6
-
U
S
B
_
P
6
+
G
N
D
N
C
U
S
B
+
5
V
U
S
B
_
P
5
-
U
S
B
_
P
5
+
G
N
D
PIN1
USB78
U
S
B
+
5
V
U
S
B
_
P
8
-
U
S
B
_
P
8
+
G
N
D
N
C
U
S
B
+
5
V
U
S
B
_
P
7
-
U
S
B
_
P
7
+
G
N
D
PIN1
USB910
U
S
B
+
5
V
U
S
B
_
P
1
0
-
U
S
B
_
P
1
0
+
G
N
D
N
C
U
S
B
+
5
V
U
S
B
_
P
9
-
U
S
B
_
P
9
+
G
N
D
PIN1
Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the
motherboard!
8. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, USB910)
These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable
to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the
back of the system chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0
specifcation that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed.
The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately.
You can connect the USB cable to ASUS Q-Connector (USB, blue) frst, and
then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector onboard.
7. YUV connector (4-pin YUV)
This 4-pin connector is for the TV-out connection, allowing you to connect
a television or any video device to your system. Connect the HDMI module
cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back
of the system chassis.
M2A-VM HDMI
M2A-VM HDMI YUV connector

V
_
C
G
N
D
V
_
C
O
M
P
YUV
V
_
Y
SPDIF_OUT
10. IEEE 1394a connector (10-1 pinIE1394_2 [red])
This connector is for an additional IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IEEE 1394a
module cable (orange) to this connector, then install the module to a slot
opening at the back of the system chassis.
Never connect a USB port module cable to the IEEE 1394a connector. Doing so
will damage the motherboard!
M2A-VM HDMI
M2A-VM HDMI IEEE 1394a connector

IE1394_2
PIN1
G
N
D
+
1
2
V
T
P
B
1
-
G
N
D
T
P
A
1
-
+
1
2
V
T
P
B
1
+
G
N
D
T
P
A
1
+
The IEEE1394a module is purchased separately.
9. Optical drive audio in connector (4-pin CD)
These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources
such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card.
M2A-VM HDMI
M2A-VM HDMI Internal audio connector

CD
(black)
R
i
g
h
t

A
u
d
i
o

C
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a
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n
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L
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o

C
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a
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l
G
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u
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d
G
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u
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d
To activate ASUS Music Alarm:
Connect the analog audio cable from the optical drive to the 4-pin CD-IN
connector labeled CD on the motherboard.
Connect speakers or a headphone to the Line-Out (lime-colored) port on
the front or rear panel for audio output. You may also connect speakers or a
headphone to the output jack on the optical drive.
11. Serial port connectors (10-1 pin COM1)
The connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module
cable to the connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of
the system chassis.
12. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)
This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that
supports either High Defnition Audio or AC97 audio standard. Connect one
end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.
We recommend that you connect a high-defnition front panel audio module
to this connector to avail of the motherboard high-defnition audio capability.
If you want to connect a high-defnition front panel audio module to this
connector, make sure that the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS is set to
[HD Audio]; if you want to connect an AC97 front panel audio module to
this connector, set the item to [AC97]. See page 2-25 for details.
The serial port bracket (COM1) is purchased separately.
M2A-VM HDMI
M2A-VM HDMI COM port connector

PIN 1
COM1
M2A-VM HDMI
M2A-VM HDMI Analog front panel connector

AAFP
High-definition
pin definition
Legacy AC 97-compliant
pin definition
N
C
M
I
C
2
L
i
n
e

o
u
t
_
R
L
i
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e

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1

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2
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1

L
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2

R
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2

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1
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_
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D
P
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#
G
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D
13. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V)
These connectors are for an ATX power supply. The plugs from the power
supply are designed to ft these connectors in only one orientation. Find the
proper orientation and push down frmly until the connectors completely ft.
We recommend that you use an ATX 12 V Specifcation 2.0-compliant
power supply unit (PSU) with a minimum of 300 W power rating. This PSU
type has 24-pin and 4-pin power plugs.
If you intend to use a PSU with 20-pin and 4-pin power plugs, make sure
that the 20-pin power plug can provide at least 15 A on +12 V and that
the PSU has a minimum power rating of 300 W. The system may become
unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.
Do not forget to connect the 4-pin ATX +12 V power plug; otherwise, the
system will not boot up.
We recommend that you use a PSU with higher power output when
confguring a system with more power-consuming devices. The system
may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.
You must install a PSU with a higher power rating if you intend to install
additional devices.
M2A-VM HDMI
M2A-VM HDMI ATX power connectors

EATXPWR ATX12V
+12V DC
GND
+12V DC
GND
+3 Volts
+3 Volts
Ground
+5 Volts
+5 Volts
Ground
Ground
Power OK
+5V Standby
+12 Volts
-5 Volts
+5 Volts
+3 Volts
-12 Volts
Ground
Ground
Ground
PSON#
Ground
+5 Volts
+12 Volts
+3 Volts
+5 Volts
Ground
14. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)
This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.
System power LED
This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis
power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when
you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.
Hard disk drive activity LED
This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity
LED cable to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or fashes when data is
read from or written to the HDD.
System warning speaker
This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The
speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.
Power/Soft-off button
This 2-pin connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power
button turns the system ON or puts the system in SLEEP or SOFT-OFF
mode depending on the BIOS settings. Pressing the power switch for more
than four seconds while the system is ON turns the system OFF.
Reset button
This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system
reboot without turning off the system power.
M2A-VM HDMI
M2A-VM HDMI System panel connector

* Requires an ATX power supply.
PANEL
P
L
E
D
-
P
W
R
+
5
V
S
p
e
a
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r
G
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RESET
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PWRSW
P
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+
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E
_
L
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D
-
I
D
E
_
L
E
D
+
IDE_LED
PLED SPEAKER
15. Ports on the HDMI module
This module contains four ports, allowing you to connect any kind of video/
audio source to your system. Connect the HDMI module to the onboard PCI
Express x16 slot and the HDMI module cable to the onboard
YUV/SPDIF_OUT connector.
a. HDMI port. This port is for a high-defnition multimedia interface (HDMI)
connector.
b. S-Video port / YPbPr port. This 7-pin port connects any kind of video source
via the bundled YPbPr cable or an S-Video cable.
c. Video port. This port connects any kind of video source via an RCA cable.
d. S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device via an
coaxial S/PDIF cable.
d
a
b
c
The RCA cable and the S-Video cable are purchased separately.
Simultaneous output for YPbPr, AV, S, and RGB is not supported.
Onboard VGA ports HDMI module ports
DVI RGB HDMI TV (S-Video/
Video/YPbPr)

Dual display table
This table indicates two corresponding displays when you connect two monitors on any two of
the following ports.
YPbPr cable
Refer to page 1-29 for the position of the onboard YUV/SPIDF_OUT
connector.
After installing the HDMI module, make sure the audio device of Sound
playback is HDMI Audio rear output (the name may be different based
on the OS). Go to Start > Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices >
Sound Playback to confgure the setting.
Playback of HD DVD and Blu-Ray Discs
The speed and bandwidth of the CPU/Memory, DVD player, and drivers will affect
the playback quality. Following is a confguration example for your reference. Using
the CPU/Memory of higher speed and bandwidth with the higher-version DVD
player and drivers will upgrade the playback quality.
CPU - AMD 3800+ X2 Dual Core
Memory - 2 x 1GB of DDR2-800 (Dual channel mode)
Playback software - CyberLink PowerDVD V.7.3
File Format
Suitable resolution
XP Vista
Non protected clips 1920 x 1080p 1920 x 1080p
HD-DVD VC1 1920 x 1080i 1280 x 720p
Blu-Ray MPEG2 1280 x 720p 1280 x 720p
ASUS Q-Connector (system panel)
You can use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect chassis front
panel cables in a few steps. Refer to the instructions below to install the ASUS
Q-Connector.
1. Connect the front panel cables to the
ASUS Q-Connector.
Refer to the labels on the Q-Connector
to know the detailed pin defnitions, then
match them to the respective front panel
cable labels.
2. Install the ASUS Q-Connector to the
system panel connector, making sure
the orientation matches the labels on the
motherboard.
3. The front panel functions are now enabled.
The fgure shows the Q-Connector properly
installed on the motherboard.

2
This chapter tells how to change
the system settings through the BIOS
Setup menus. Detailed descriptions
of the BIOS parameters are also
provided.
BIOS setup
2-2 Chapter 2: BIOS setup
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS
The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic
Input/Output System (BIOS) setup.
1. ASUS Update (Updates the BIOS in Windows
environment.)
2. ASUS EZ Flash 2 (Updates the BIOS using a foppy disk/ USB fash disk or
the motherboard support CD/DVD.)
3. Award BIOS Flash Utility (Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a bootable
foppy disk.)
4. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 (Updates the BIOS using a bootable foppy disk/
USB fash disk or the motherboard support CD/DVD when the BIOS fle fails
or gets corrupted.)
Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.
Installing ASUS Update
To install ASUS Update:
1. Place the support CD/DVD in the optical drive. The Drivers menu appears.
2. Click the Utilities tab, then click Install ASUS Update VX.XX.XX. See page
3-4 for the Utilities screen menu.
3. The ASUS Update utility is copied to your system.
2.1.1 ASUS Update utility
The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the
motherboard BIOS in Windows
environment. The ASUS Update utility allows you

to:
Save the current BIOS fle
Download the latest BIOS fle from the Internet
Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS fle
Update the BIOS directly from the Internet, and
View the BIOS version information.
This utility is available in the support CD/DVD that comes with the motherboard
package.
ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an
Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS fle to a bootable foppy disk in
case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard
BIOS using the ASUS Update or AFUDOS utilities.
Quit all Windows
applications before you update the BIOS using this utility.

3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest
you to avoid network traffc, or
click Auto Select. Click Next.
Updating the BIOS through the Internet
To update the BIOS through the Internet:
1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows
desktop by clicking Start

> Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update main
window appears.
2. Select Update BIOS from the
Internet option from the drop-down
menu, then click Next.
Updating the BIOS through a BIOS fle
To update the BIOS through a BIOS fle:
1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows
desktop by clicking Start

> Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update main
window appears.
2. Select Update BIOS from a fle
option from the drop-down menu,
then click Next.
3. Locate the BIOS fle from the Open
window, then click Open.
4. Follow the screen instructions to
complete the update process.
4. From the FTP site, select the BIOS
version that you wish to download.
Click Next.
5. Follow the screen instructions to
complete the update process.
The ASUS Update utility is
capable of updating itself
through the Internet. Always
update the utility to avail all its
features.
2. Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS fle to the bootable foppy
disk.
2.1.2 Creating a bootable foppy disk
1. Do either one of the following to create a bootable foppy disk.
DOS environment
a. Insert a 1.44MB foppy disk into the drive.
b. At the DOS prompt, type format A:/S then press <Enter>.
Windows
XP environment
a. Insert a 1.44 MB foppy disk to the foppy disk drive.
b. Click Start from the Windows
desktop, then select My Computer.

c. Select the 3 1/2 Floppy Drive icon.
d. Click File from the menu, then select Format. A Format 3 1/2 Floppy
Disk window appears.
e. Windows

XP users: Select Create an MS-DOS startup disk from the
format options feld, then click Start.
To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:
1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS fle for
the motherboard.
2. Save the BIOS fle to a foppy disk, then restart the system.
3. You can launch the EZ Flash 2 by two methods.
(1) Insert the foppy disk/USB fash disk that contains the BIOS fle to
the foppy disk drive or the USB port.

2.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility
The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go
through the long process of booting from a foppy disk and using a DOS-based
utility. The EZ Flash 2 utility is built-in the BIOS chip so it is accessible by pressing
<Alt> + <F2> during the Power-On Self Tests (POST).
This function can support devices such as USB fash disk, hard disk,
or foppy disk with FAT32/16/12 format only.
Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to
prevent system boot failure!
ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility B318
Current ROM Update ROM
BOARD: M2A-VM HDMI
VER: 0104
DATE: 12/12/2006
BOARD: Unknown
VER: Unknown
DATE: Unknown
PATH: C:\
[Enter] Select [S] Save [ESC]Exit
[Tab]Switch [Up/Down/Home/End] Move
Note
(2) Enter BIOS setup program. Go to the Tools menu to select EZ
Flash 2 and press <Enter> to enable it.
You can switch between drives by pressing <Tab> before the
correct fle is found. Then press <Enter>.
4. When the correct BIOS fle is found, EZ Flash 2 performs the BIOS update
process and automatically reboots the system when down.
Press <Alt> + <F2> during POST to display the following.
FLASH TYPE: Winbond W39V080A 8Mb LPC
C
2.1.4 Updating the BIOS
The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) can be updated using the AwardBIOS
Flash Utility. Follow these instructions to update the BIOS using this utility.
1. Download the latest BIOS fle from the ASUS web site. Rename the fle to
M2A-VM.BIN and save it to a foppy disk, CD ROM or a USB fash disk in
FAT 16/12 format.
Save only the updated BIOS fle in the foppy disk to avoid loading the wrong
BIOS fle.
2. Copy the AwardBIOS Flash Utility (awdfash.exe) from the Software folder of
the support CD/DVD to the foppy disk, CD ROM or a USB fash disk with the
latest BIOS fle.
3. Boot the system in DOS mode using the bootable foppy disk, CD ROM or a
USB fash disk you created earlier.
4. Under the DOS mode, use <X:> (X stands for the name of the disk
assignment) to switch to the folder of the foppy disk, CD ROM or USB fash
disk you saved the BIOS fle and the Award BIOS Flash Utility.
5. At the prompt, type
awdfash then press
<Enter>. The Award BIOS
Flash Utility screen
appears.
6. Type the BIOS fle
name in the File Name
to Program feld, then
press <Enter>.
AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.17
(C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved
Message: Please input File Name!
For 690G-SB600-M2A-VM_H-00 DATE: 12/12/2006
Flash Type - Winbond W39V080A (8Mb)
File Name to Program:
Message: Please input File Name!
File Name to Program: M2A-VM.bin
Do not turn off or reset the system during the fashing process!
9. The utility displays a
Flashing Complete
message indicating that
you have successfully
fashed the BIOS fle.
Remove the foppy disk
then press <F1> to restart
the system.
F1 Reset
Flashing Complete
Press <F1> to Continue
Write OK No Update Write Fail
7. Press <N> when the utility prompts you to save the current BIOS fle. The
following screen appears.
8. The utility verifes the BIOS
fle in the foppy disk, CD
ROM or a USB fash disk
and starts fashing the
BIOS fle.
Warning: Dont Turn Off Power Or Reset System!

Programming Flash Memory - OFE00 OK

Write OK No Update Write Fail
4. The utility saves the
current BIOS fle to the
foppy disk, then returns to
the BIOS fashing process.
3. Type a flename for the
current BIOS fle in the
Save current BIOS as feld,
then press <Enter>.
To save the current BIOS fle using the AwardBIOS Flash Utility:
1. Follow steps 1 to 6 of the
previous section.
2. Press <Y> when the utility
prompts you to save the
current BIOS fle. The
following screen appears.
2.1.5 Saving the current BIOS fle
You can use the AwardBIOS Flash Utility to save the current BIOS fle. You can
load the current BIOS fle when the BIOS fle gets corrupted during the fashing
process.
Message:
File Name to Program: 0113.bin
Save current BIOS as:
Message: Please Wait!
Checksum: D800H
Save current BIOS as: 0112.bin
Message: Please Wait!
Now Backup System BIOS to
File!
Make sure that the foppy disk, CD ROM or a USB fash disk has enough
disk space to save the fle.
2.1.6 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility
The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore
the BIOS fle when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can
update a corrupted BIOS fle using the motherboard support CD/DVD, the foppy
disk, or the USB fash disk that contains the updated BIOS fle.
Recovering the BIOS from the support CD/DVD
To recover the BIOS from the support CD/DVD:
1. Turn on the system.
2. Insert the motherboard support CD/DVD to the optical drive.
3. The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the
CD/DVD for the BIOS fle.
BIOS ROM checksum error
Detecting IDE ATAPI device...
Prepare the motherboard support CD/DVD, the foppy disk or the USB fash
disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility.
4. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.
Only the USB fash disk with FAT 32/16/12 format and single partition can
support ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3. The device size should be smaller than
8GB.
Flash time takes around one (1) minute.
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so
can cause system boot failure!
When found, the utility reads the BIOS fle and starts fashing the corrupted
BIOS fle.
Recovering the BIOS from a foppy/USB fash disk
To recover the BIOS from a foppy/USB fash disk:
1. Insert the foppy/USB fash disk that contains BIOS fle to the FDD/USB port.
3. The utility will automatically checks the devices for the BIOS fle. When found,
the utility reads the BIOS fle and starts fashing the corrupted BIOS fle.
4. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.
To use the CrashFree BIOS 3 feature on this motherboard, you will not see the
screen display when the BIOS crashes even if you reboot the computer.
2.2 BIOS setup program
This motherboard supports a programmable Low-Pin Count (LPC) chip that you
can update using the provided utility described in section 2.1 Managing and
updating your BIOS.
Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconfguring
your system, or prompted toRun Setup. This section explains how to confgure
your system using this utility.
Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you can change the
confguration of your computer in the future. For example, you can enable the
security password feature or change the power management settings. This
requires you to reconfgure your system using the BIOS Setup program so that the
computer can recognize these changes and record them in the CMOS RAM of the
LPC chip.
The LPC chip on the motherboard stores the Setup utility. When you start up the
computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program. Press
<Del> during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to enter the Setup utility; otherwise,
POST continues with its test routines.
If you wish to enter Setup after POST, restart the system by pressing
<Ctrl+Alt+Delete>, or by pressing the reset button on the system chassis. You can
also restart by turning the system off and then back on. Do this last option only if
the frst two failed.
The Setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. Being a
menu-driven program, it lets you scroll through the various sub-menus and make
your selections from the available options using the navigation keys.
The default BIOS settings for this motherboard apply for most conditions
to ensure optimum performance. If the system becomes unstable after
changing any BIOS settings, load the default settings to ensure system
compatibility and stability. Select the Load Default Settings item under the
Exit Menu. See section 2.8 Exit Menu.
The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes
only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.
Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS fle for
this motherboard.
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen
2.2.2 Menu bar
The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:
Main For changing the basic system confguration
Advanced For changing the advanced system settings
Power For changing the advanced power management (APM)
confguration
Boot For changing the system boot confguration
Tools For changing the system tools confguration
Exit For selecting the exit options and loading default
settings
To select an item on the menu bar, press the right or left arrow key on the keyboard
until the desired item is highlighted.
The BIOS setup screens shown in this chapter are for reference purposes
only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.
Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS
information.
Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
Change the day, month,
year and century.
Legend bar
General help Menu bar
Sub-menu items
Confguration felds Menu items
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit
F1:Help : Select Item -/+: Change Value F5: Setup Defaults
ESC: Exit : Select Menu Enter: Select SubMenu F10: Save and Exit
System Time 15 : 30 : 36
System Date Mon, Mar 2 2006
Legacy Diskette A: [1.44M, 3.5 in.]
Primary IDE Master [ST321122A]
Primary IDE Slave [ASUS CDS520/A]
SATA1 [None]
SATA2 [None]
SATA3 [None]
SATA4 [None]
HDD SMART Monitoring [Disabled]
Installed Memory 512MB
Usable Memory 512MB
2.2.4 Menu items
The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specifc items for that menu.
For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items.
The other items (Advanced, Power, Boot, and Exit) on the menu bar have their
respective menu items.
2.2.5 Sub-menu items
A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen means that the iteam has a
sub-menu. To display the sub-menu, select the item and press <Enter>.
2.2.6 Confguration felds
These felds show the values for the menu items. If an item is user-confgurable,
you can change the value of the feld opposite the item. You cannot select an item
that is not user-confgurable.
A confgurable feld is enclosed in brackets, and is highlighted when selected. To
change the value of a feld, select it then press <Enter> to display a list of options.
Refer to 2.2.7 Pop-up window.
2.2.3 Legend bar
At the bottom of the Setup screen is a legend bar. The keys in the legend bar allow
you to navigate through the various setup menus. The following table lists the keys
found in the legend bar with their corresponding functions.
Navigation Key Function
<F1> Displays the General Help screen
<F5> Loads setup default values
<Esc> Exits the BIOS setup or returns to the main menu from a
sub-menu
Left or Right arrow Selects the menu item to the left or right
Up or Down arrow Moves the highlight up or down between felds
Page Down or (minus) Scrolls backward through the values for the highlighted feld
Page Up or + (plus) Scrolls forward through the values for the highlighted feld
<Enter> Brings up a selection menu for the highlighted feld
<F10> Saves changes and exit
2.2.7 Pop-up window
Select a menu item then press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the
confguration options for that item.
2.2.8 General help
At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected
item.
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
Specifes the capacity and
physical size of diskette
drive A.

Legacy Diskette A: [1.44M, 3.5 in.
SATA1 [None]
SATA2 [None]
SATA3 [None]
SATA4 [None]
Usable Memory 512MB
Legacy Diskette A:
Disabled ..... [ ]
720K , 3.5 in. ..... [ ]
1.44M, 3.5 in. ..... [ ]

:Move ENTER:Accept ESC:Abort
Pop-up menu
Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
Change the day, month,
year and century.
2.3 Main menu
When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving
you an overview of the basic system information.
Refer to section 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen
items and how to navigate through them.
2.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx]
Allows you to set the system time.
2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]
Allows you to set the system date.
2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]
Sets the type of foppy drive installed. Confguration options: [Disabled]
[720K , 3.5 in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.]

Legacy Diskette A: [1.44M, 3.5 in.]
SATA1 [None]
SATA2 [None]
SATA3 [None]
SATA4 [None]
Usable Memory 512MB
2.3.4 Primary IDE Master/Slave
While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE devices.
There is a separate sub-menu for each IDE device. Select a device item then
press <Enter> to display the IDE device information.
Before attempting to confgure a hard disk drive, make sure you have the
correct confguration information supplied by the drive manufacturer. Incorrect
settings may cause the system to fail to recognize the installed hard disk.
The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Capacity,
Cylinder, Head, Sector and Transfer Mode). These values are not user-
confgurable. These items show N/A if no IDE device is installed in the system.
Primary IDE Master/Slave [Auto]
Select [Auto] to automatically detect an IDE hard disk drive. If automatic detection
is successful, the BIOS automatically flls in the correct values for the remaining
felds on this sub-menu. If the hard disk was already formatted on a previous
system, the setup BIOS may detect incorrect parameters. Select [Manual] to
manually enter the IDE hard disk drive parameters. If no drive is installed select
[None]. Confguration options: [None] [Auto] [Manual]
Access Mode [Auto]
The default [Auto] allows automatic detection of an IDE hard disk drive.
Select [CHS] for this item if you set the Primary IDE Master/Slave to [Manual].
Confguration options: [CHS] [LBA] [Large] [Auto]
Main
Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
Press [Enter] to
select
Primary IDE Master
Primary IDE Master [Auto]
Access Mode [Auto]

Capacity 82 GB
Cylinder 39420
Head 16
Sector 255
PIO Mode [Auto]
UDMA Mode [Auto]
Transfer Mode UDMA 6
Capacity
Displays the auto-detected hard disk capacity. This item is not confgurable.
Cylinder
Shows the number of the hard disk cylinders. This item is not confgurable.
Head
Shows the number of the hard disk read/write heads. This item is not confgurable.
Sector
Shows the number of sectors per track. This item is not confgurable.
PIO Mode [Auto]
Sets the PIO mode for the IDE device.
Confguration options: [Auto] [Mode 0] [Mode 1] [Mode 2] [Mode 3] [Mode 4]
UDMA Mode [Auto]
Disables or sets the UDMA mode. Confguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]
Transfer Mode
Shows the Transfer mode. This item is not confgurable.
After entering the IDE hard disk drive information into BIOS, use a disk utility,
such as FDISK, to partition and format new IDE hard disk drives. This is
necessary so that you can write or read data from the hard disk. Make sure to
set the partition of the Primary IDE hard disk drives to active.
2.3.5 SATA 1-4
While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of Serial ATA
devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each SATA device. Select a device item
then press <Enter> to display the SATA device information.
The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Capacity,
Cylinder, Head, Precomp, Landing Zone and Sector). These values are not user-
confgurable. These items show 0 if no SATA device is installed in the system.
Extended Drive [Auto]
Selects the type of fxed disk connected to the system.
Confguration options: [None] [Auto]
Access Mode [Auto]
Sets the sector addressing mode. Confguration options: [Large] [Auto]
Main
Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
Slects the type of fxed
disk connected to the
system.
SATA 1
Extended IDE Drive [Auto]
Access Mode [Auto]
Capacity 0 MB
Cylinder 0
Head 0
Landing Zone 0
Sector 0

Before attempting to confgure a hard disk drive, make sure you have the
correct confguration information supplied by the drive manufacturer. Incorrect
settings may cause the system to fail to recognize the installed hard disk.
Capacity
Displays the auto-detected hard disk capacity. This item is not confgurable.
Cylinder
Shows the number of the hard disk cylinders. This item is not confgurable.
Head
Shows the number of the hard disk read/write heads. This item is not confgurable.
Landing Zone
Shows the number of landing zone per track. This item is not confgurable.
Sector
Shows the number of sectors per track. This item is not confgurable.
After entering the IDE hard disk drive information into BIOS, use a disk utility,
such as FDISK, to partition and format new IDE hard disk drives. This is
necessary so that you can write or read data from the hard disk. Make sure to
set the partition of the Primary IDE hard disk drives to active.
2.3.6 HDD SMART Monitoring [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the HDD Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting
Technology (SMART) feature.
Confguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
2.3.7 Installed Memory [xxx MB]
Shows the size of installed memory.
2.3.8 Usable Memory [XXX MB]
Shows the size of usable memory.
2.4 Advanced menu
The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other
system devices.
Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect
feld values can cause the system to malfunction.
Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
Press [Enter] to set.
JumperFree Confguration
CPU Confguration
Chipset
PCIPnP
Onboard Device Confguration
USB Confguration
2.4.1 JumperFree Confguration
Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
Set +1.2VNBSB Voltage
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility
Advanced
JumperFree Confguration
+1.2VNBSB [Auto]
DDR2 Voltage Control [Auto]
CPU Voltage Control [Auto]
CPU Multiplier [Auto]
CPU Voltage [Auto]
CPU Frequency [200MHz]
+1.2VNBSB [Auto]
Allows you to set the +1.2VNBSB voltage.
Confguration options: [Auto] [+1.20V] [+1.30V] [+1.40V] [+1.50V]
DDR2 Voltage Control [Auto]
Allows you to set the operating DDR2 voltage.
Confguration options: [Auto] [+1.80V] [+1.90V] [+2.00V] [+2.10V]
CPU Voltage Control [Auto]
Allows you to set the operating CPU voltage.
Confguration options: [Auto] [100mV]
2.4.2 CPU Confguration
Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
Control CPU Voltage by
software
Advanced
CPU Confguration

CPU Type AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3400+

CPU Speed 1800MHz
Cache RAM 256K
AMD Live! [Disabled]
AMD CoolnQuiet Function [Auto]
AMD Live! [Disabled]
Enables or disables the AMD Live! technology.
AMD Cool n Quiet Function [Disabled]
Enables or disables the AMD Cool n Quiet technology.
Confguration options: [Auto] [Disabled]
CPU Multiplier [Auto]
Allows you to set the operating CPU multiplier.
Confguration options: [Auto] [5x] [6x] [7x] [8x] [9x]
CPU Voltage [Auto]
Allows you to set the operating voltage.
Confguration options: [Auto] [1.550v] [1.525v] [1.500v] [1.475v] [1.450v]...[0.800v]
CPU Frequency [200MHz]
Allows you to adjust the CPU frequency. Use the numeric keys to type in the
desired CPU frequency. The values range from 200 to 400.
Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
DRAM timing and control
Advanced
Chipset
DRAM Confguration
LDT & PCI Bus Control
UMA Frame Buffer Size [64MB]
Current UMA Size 64 MB
TV Standard [NTSC]
X Surroundview Disabled
HDMI Support [OFF]
HDMI Audio [Disabled]
Spread Spectreum [Auto]
2.4.3 Chipset
DRAM Confguration
The following item becomes user-confgurable when the Timing Mode item is
set to [Manual].
Memory Clock Frequency [Auto]
Allows you adjust the memory clock frequency.
Confguration options: [Auto] [DDR2 533] [DDR2 667] [DDR2 800]
Timing Mode [Auto]
Confguration options: [Auto] [Manual]
Advanced
LDT Bus Frequency [Auto]
LDT Bus Frequency [Auto]
Allows you adjust the LDT Bus frequency.
Confguration options: [Auto] [1GHz] [800MHz] [600MHz] [400MHz] [200MHz]
Advanced
Timing Mode [Auto]
x Memory Clock Frequency Auto
DRAM Confguration Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
Control DDR2 Voltage by
software
Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
UMA Frame Buffer Size [64MB]
Confguration options: [32MB] [64MB] [128MB] [256MB]
TV Standard [NTSC]
Allows you to select the TV standard for your television.
Confguration options: [NTSC] [PAL]
Surroundview [Disabled]
Allows you to disable or enable the surroundview function.
HDMI Support [OFF]
Allows you to disable or enable the HDMI (High-Defnition Multimedia Interface)
function. Confguration options: [OFF] [ON] [AUTO]
HDMI Audio [Disabled]
Allows you to disable or enable the HDMI Audio function.
Confguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]
Spread Spectrum [Auto]
Allows you to disable or set to Auto the clock generator spread spectrum.
Confguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]
This item becomes user-confgurable when you install an ATI graphics card into
the PCI Express x16 slot.
Make sure to set the HDMI Support item to [ON] and the HDMI Audio item to
[Enabled] after installing the HDMI module into the onboard PCI Express x16
slot.
IRQ Resources
When set to [PCI Device], the specifc IRQ is free for use of PCI/PnP
devices. When set to [Reserved], the IRQ is reserved for legacy ISA devices.
Confguration options: [PCI Device] [Reserved]
IRQ Resources
This sub-menu is activated only when the Resources Controlled By item is set to
[Manual].
Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
Legacy ISA for devices
compliant with the
original PC AT bus
specifcation, PCI/ISA PnP
for devices compliant with
IRQ Resources
IRQ-3 assigned to [PCI Device]
Advanced
When the item Resources Controlled By is set to [Auto], the item IRQ
Resources is grayed out and not user-confgurable. Refer to the section IRQ
Resources for information on how to enable this item.
Plug & Play O/S [No]
When set to [No], the BIOS confgures all the devices in the system. When set to
[Yes] and if you install a Plug and Play operating system, the operating system
confgures the Plug and Play devices not required for boot. Confguration options:
[No] [Yes]
Resources Controlled By [Auto]
When set to [Auto], the BIOS automatically confgures all the boot and Plug and
Play compatible devices. Set to [Manual] if you want to assign the IRQ DMA and
memory base address felds.
Confguration options: [Auto] [Manual]
PCIPnP
Plug & Play O/S [No]
Resources Controlled By [Auto]
x IRQ Resources
PCI Latency Timer(CLK) [64]
** PCI Express relative items **
Maximum Payload Size [4096]
2.4.3 PCIPnP
Advanced
Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
Select Yes if you are using
a Plug and Play capable
operating system Select
No if you need the BIOS to
confgure non-boot devices
Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
Onboard Device Confguration
South OnChip IDE Device
South OnChip PCI Device
HD Audio Device [Enabled]
Front Panel Type [HD Audio]
Primary Display Adapter [PCIEx]
Onboard 1394 [Enabled]
Onboard LAN [Enabled]
Onboard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]
Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]
Parallel Port Address [378/IRQ7]
Parallel Port Mode [EPP]
x ECP Mode Use DMA 3
Advanced
2.4.4 Onboard Device Confguration
PCI Latenct Timer (CLK) [64]
Use <+> and <-> to adjust the value. The value ranges from 0 to 255.
Maximum Payload Size [4096]
Sets maximum TLP payload size for the PCI Express devices. The unit is byte.
Confguration options: [128] [256] [512] [1024] [2048] [4096]
IDE DMA transfer access [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the IDE DMA transfer access.
OnChip IDE Channel 0 [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the onchip IDE channel 0 controller .
IDE Prefetch Mode [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the IDE PIO read prefetch mode.
Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
Advanced

IDE DMA transfer access [Enabled]
OnChip IDE Channel0 [Enabled]
IDE Prefetch Mode [Disabled]
HD Audio Device [Enabled]
Allows you to disable or enable the High-Defnition audio CODEC.
Front Panel Type [HD Audio]
Allows you to set the front panel audio connector (AAFP) mode to legacy AC`97
or high-defnition audio depending on the audio standard that the front panel audio
module supports. Confguration options: [AC97] [HD Audio]
Primary Display Adapter [PCIEx]
Sets which graphics controller to use as primary boot device.
Confguration options: [PCI Slot] [OnChipVGA] [PCIEx]
Onboard 1394 [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the onboard IEEE1394 controller.
Onboard LAN [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the onboard LAN device support.
OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the onboard LAN boot ROM.
Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]
Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address.
Confguration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4] [2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3]
[Auto]
Onboard SATA Controller [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the onboard Serial ATA controller.
Onboard SATA Type [IDE Controller]
Allows you to select the onboard Serial ATA type.
Confguration options: [IDE Controller] [RAID Controller] [AHCI Controller]
Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
Advanced
Onboard SATA Controller [Enabled]
Onboard SATA Type [RAID Controller]
Parallel Port Mode [EPP]
Allows you to select the Parallel Port mode.
Confguration options: [Normal] [EPP] [ECP] [Bi-Directional]
The ECP Mode Use DMA item becomes user-confgurable when the Parallel
Port Mode item is set to [ECP] or [Bi-Directional]
ECP Mode Use DMA [3]
Allows selection of ECP Mode. Confguration options: [1] [3]
Parallel Port Address [378/IRQ7]
Allows you to select the Parallel Port address.
Confguration options: [Disabled] [378/IRQ7] [278/IRQ5] [3BC/IRQ7]
USB Confguration
USB Controller [Enabled]
USB EHCI Controller [Enabled]
USB Legacy support [Enabled]
Advanced
The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an
item then press <Enter> to display the confguration options.
USB Controller [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the USB controller.
USB EHCI Controller [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the onchip USB controller.
USB Legacy Support [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable support for USB devices on legacy operating
systems (OS). Confguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
2.4.5 USB Confguration
Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
2.5.1 ACPI Suspend Type [S1&S3]
Allows you to select the Advanced Confguration and Power Interface (ACPI) state
to be used for system suspend.
Confguration options: [S1 (POS)] [S3(STR)] [S1&S3]
2.5.2 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Confguration and Power Interface
(ACPI) support in the Application-Specifc Integrated Circuit (ASIC). When set
to Enabled, the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list.
2.5.3 APM Confguration
Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
APM Confguration
Power On By External Modems [Disabled]
Restore on AC Power Loss [Power-Off]
PWR Button < 4 secs [Instant-Off]
Power Up On PCI/PCIE Devices [Disabled]
HPET support [Enabled]
Power Up By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]
Power Up By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]
Power On by RTC Alarm [Disabled]
x Date (of Month) Alarm 0
x Alarm Time (hh:mm) 0 :0 : 0
Power
2.5 Power menu
The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced
Confguration and Power Interface (ACPI) and the Advanced Power Management
(APM). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the confguration options.
Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
Select the ACPI state
used for System Suspend.
ACPI Suspend Type [S1&S3]
ACPI APIC support [Enabled]
APM Confguration
HardWare Monitor
Power On By External Modem [Disabled]
This allows either settings of [Enabled] or [Disabled] for powering up the computer
when the external modem receives a call while the computer is in Soft-off mode.
The computer cannot receive or transmit data until the computer and
applications are fully running. Thus, connection cannot be made on the frst
try. Turning an external modem off and then back on while the computer is off
causes an initialization string that turns the system power on.
Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off]
When set to Power Off, the system goes into off state after an AC power loss.
When set to Power On, the system goes on after an AC power loss. When set to
Confguration options: [Power Off] [Power On]
PWR Button < 4 secs [Instant-Off]
Allows you to set the event after the power button is pressed for more than 4
seconds. Confguration options: [Suspend] [Instant-Off]
Power Up On PCI/PCIE Devices [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the PME to wake up from S5 by PCI/PCIE devices
& NV Onboard LAN. Confguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Power On By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]
When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to use the PS/2 mouse to turn on
the system. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on
the +5VSB lead.
Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]
Allows you to disable the Power On by PS/2 keyboard function or set specifc
keys on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system. This feature requires an ATX
power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Confguration options:
[Disabled] [Space Bar] [Ctrl-ESC] [Power Key]
HPET Support [Enabled]
This function increases the performance of the Windows

Vista Multimedia
player. Setting this item to [Disabled] is suggested if your PC is running under the
Windows

XP operating system (OS).
Confguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable RTC to generate a wake event. When this
item is set to Enabled, the items Date of Month Alarm and Time (hh:mm:ss)
Alarm items become user-confgurable with set values.
Date of Month Alarm [xx]
To set the date of alarm, highlight this item and press <Enter> to display the
Date of Month Alarm pop-up menu. Key-in a value within the specifed range
then press <Enter>. Confguration options: [Min=0] [Max=31]
Alarm Time (hh:mm) [xx:xx:xx]
To set the time of alarm:
1. Highlight this item and press <Enter> to display a pop-up menu
for the hour feld.
2. Key-in a value (Min=0, Max=23), then press <Enter>.
3. Press <TAB> to move to the minutes feld then press <Enter>.
4. Key-in a minute value (Min=0, Max=59), then press <Enter>.
5. Press <TAB> to move to the seconds feld then press <Enter>.
6. Key-in a value (Min=0, Max=59), then press <Enter>.
2.5.4 Hardware Monitor
The items in this sub-menu displays the hardware monitor values automatically
detected by the BIOS. It also allows you to change CPU Q-Fan feature-related
parameters. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the confguration options.
Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
Press [Enter] to
enable or disable
Hardware Monitor
Q-Fan Controller [Enabled]
CPU Fan Type [DC]
Vcore Voltage [1.56V]
3.3V Voltage [3.18V]
5V Voltage [5.05V]
12V Voltage [11.58V]
CPU Temperature 48C
MB Temperature 41C
CPU FAN Speed 3068 RPM
CHA_FAN Speed 0 RPM
PWR_FAN Speed 0 RPM
CPU Fan Speed warning [800 RPM]
Power

Q-Fan Controller [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the Q-Fan controller.
CPU Fan Type [DC]
Allows you to select the CPU fan type.
Confguration options: [DC] [PWM]
CPU Temperature, MB Temperature
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the motherboard
and CPU temperatures. These items are not user-confgurable.
CPU Fan Speed [xxxxRPM]
CHA_FAN Speed [xxxxRPM]
PWR_FAN Speed [xxxxRPM]
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU,
Chassis, and chip fan speeds in rotations per minute (RPM). If any of the fans is
not connected to the motherboard, the feld shows 0. These items are not user-
confgurable.
CPU Fan Speed warning [800 RPM]
Sets the CPU fan speed warning feature.
Confguration options: [Disabled] [800RPM] [1200RPM] [1600RPM]
Vcore Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through
the onboard voltage regulators.
Confguration options: [xxx] [Ignored]
1st ~ 4th Boot Device [Removable]
These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices.
The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of
devices installed in the system.
Confguration options: [Removable] [Hard Disk] [CDROM] [Disabled]
2.6 Boot menu
The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item
then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.
Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
Press [Enter] to Set.
Boot Device Priority
Removable Drives
Hard Disk Drives
CDROM Drives
Boot Settings Confguration
Security
2.6.1 Boot Device Priority
Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
Select Your Boot
Device Priority
Boot Device Priority

1st Boot Device [Removable]
2nd Boot Device [Hard Disk]
3rd Boot Device [CDROM]
4th Boot Device [Disabled]
Power
2.6.2 Removable Drives
1. Floppy Disks
Allows you to assign a removable drive attached to the system.
Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
Removable Drives
1. Floppy Disks
Boot
2.6.4 CDROM Drives
Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
Boot
1. 2nd Slave: XXXXXXXXX
Allows you to assign CDROM drives attached to the system.
Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
1. SATA
Allows you to assign a hard disk drive attached to the system.
2.6.3 Hard Disk Drives
Hard Disk Drives
1. SATA: XXXXXXXXX

Boot
2.6.5 Boot Settings Confguration
Boot Settings Confguration
Case Open Warning [Enabled]
Quick Boot [Enabled]
Boot Up Floppy Seek [Disabled]
Bootup Num-Lock [On]
Typematic Rate Setting [Disabled]
x Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec) 6
x Typematic Delay (Msec) 250
OS Select For DRAM > 64MB [Non-OS2]
Full Screen LOGO [Enabled]
Halt On [All, But keyboard]
Boot
Case Open Warning [Enabled]
Enables or disables the chassis open status feature. Setting to Enabled, clears
the chassis open status. Refer to section 1.10.2 Internal connectors for setting
details. Confguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Quick Boot [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the system quick boot feature. When Enabled, the
system skips certain tests while booting.
Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
Press [Enter] to
enable or disable.
CDROM Drives
1. 2nd Slave: XXXXXXXXX
Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec) [6]
Allows you to select the rate at which a character repeats when you hold a
key. Confguration options: [6] [8] [10] [12] [15] [20] [24] [30]
Typematic Delay (Msec) [250]
Allows you to set the delay before keystrokes begin to repeat. Confguration
options: [250] [500] [750] [1000]
OS Select for DRAM > 64MB [Non-OS2]
Set this item to OS2 only when you are running on an OS/2 operating system with
an installed RAM of greater than 64 KB.
Confguration options: [Non-OS2] [OS2]
Bootup Num-Lock [On]
Allows you to select the power-on state for the NumLock.
Confguration options: [Off] [On]
Typematic Rate Setting [Disabled]
Allows you to set the keystroke rate. Enable this item to confgure the Typematic
Rate (Chars/Sec) and the Typematic Delay (Msec).
The items Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec) and Typematic Delay (Msec) become
user-confgurable only when the item Typematic Rate Setting is enabled.
Full Screen LOGO [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature. Confguration
options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Halt On [All, But Keyboard]
Allows you to error report type.
Confguration options: [All Errors] [No Errors] [All, But Keyboard] [All, But Diskette]
[All, But Disk/Key]
Make sure that the above item is set to [Enabled] if you want to use the ASUS
MyLogo2 feature.
Boot Up Floppy Seek [Disabled]
Enables or disables the chassis open status feature. Setting to Enabled, clears the
chassis open status. Confguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
2. Press any key to continue. The password feld setting is changed to Clear.

A note about passwords
The Supervisor password is required to enter the BIOS Setup program
preventing unauthorized access. The User password is required to boot the
system preventing unauthorized use.
Forgot your password?
If you forget your password, you can clear it by erasing the CMOS Real Time
Clock (RTC) RAM. The RAM data containing the password information is
powered by the onboard button cell battery. If you need to erase the CMOS
RAM, refer to section 1.9 Jumpers for instructions.
2.6.6 Security
Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
Security
Supervisor Password Clear
User Password Clear
Password Check [Setup]
Boot
PASSWORD DISABLED !!!
Press any key to continue...
Supervisor Password
User Password
These felds allow you to set passwords:
To set a password:
1. Select an item then press <Enter>.
2. Type in a password using a combination of a maximum of eight (8) alpha-
numeric characters, then press <Enter>.
3. When prompted, confrm the password by typing the exact characters again,
then press <Enter>. The password feld setting is changed to Set.
To clear the password:
1. Select the password feld and press <Enter> twice. The following message
appears:
Password Check
This feld requires you to enter the password before entering the BIOS setup or the
system. Select [Setup] to require the password before entering the BIOS Setup.
Select [System] to require the password before entering the system. Confguration
options: [Setup] [System]
2.7 Tools menu
The Tools menu items allow you to confgure options for special functions. Select
an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.
Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
ASUS Music Alarm
ASUS O.C. Profle
ASUS EZ Flash 2
The succeeding items become user-confgurable when you enable the ASUS
Music Alarm.
2.7.1 ASUS Music Alarm
Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
Press [Enter] to select.
ASUS Music Alarm
ASUS Music Alarm [Disabled]
x Alarm Date: Sunday Enabled
x Monday Enabled
x Tuesday Enabled
x Wednesday Enabled
x Thursday Enabled
x Friday Enabled
x Saturday Enabled
x Alarm Time (hh:mm) 0 : 0
x Audio CD Drive Primary IDE Master
x Detect CD Enter
x Starting Track N/A
x Repeat Track Disabled
x Length 10 Mins
x Volume 16
Tools
ASUS Music Alarm [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Music Alarm function.
Alarm Date: Sunday/Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday/Friday/
Saturday [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the alarm for a particular day.
Alarm Time (hh:mm) 0 : 0
Allows you to set the alarm time. Press <Tab> to select the feld, then use <+> or
<-> to change the value. The value for hour: 0~23; the value for minute: 0~59.
Audio CD Drive [Primary IDE Master]
Allows you to select the connection confguration of the optical storage device from
which the alarm music will play from.
Confguration options: [Primary IDE Master] [Primary IDE Slave]
Detect CD [Enter]
Press <Enter> to search the CD track number.
Starting Track
Allows you to choose the starting track from the CD from which you would like the
alarm music to play.
Repeat Track [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the repeat track function.
Confguration options: [Disabled] [Single] [All]
Length [10 Mins]
Allows you to set the length of the music alarm.
Confguration options: [10 Mins] [20 Mins] [30 Mins] [1 Hour]
Volume [16]
Allows you to set the volume level of the music alarm.
Confguration options: [01] ~ [32]
Only the IDE ATAPI devices from Southbridge can support this function.
The system needs standby power, so ensure that the power cord is
plugged.
ASUS Music Alarm only supports audio CDs.
3. Enter BIOS setup program. Go to the Tools menu to select
Load from File. Press <Enter> then the setup screen will appear.
4. Press <Tab> to switch between drives before the correct
xxx.CMO fle is found. Then press <Enter> to load the fle.
5. A pop-up message will inform you when the loading process
fnishes.
Suggest only to update the BIOS fle coming from the same memory/CPU
confguration and BIOS version.
Only the xxx.CMO fle can be loaded.
Load from Profle 1/2
Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Press
<Enter> to load the fle.
Load from File
Allows you to load the previous BIOS fles saved in the hard disk/foppy disk/USB
fash disk with the FAT32/16/12 format. Follow the instructions below to load the
BIOS fle.
1. Insert the storage devices that contain the xxx.CMO fle.
2.7.2 ASUS O.C. Profle
Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
ASUS O.C. Profle
Load BIOS Profle
Save BIOS Profle
Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
Load BIOS Profle from
Profle 1.
Load BIOS Profle
Load from Profle 1
Load from Profle 2
Load from File
Load BIOS Profle
Tools
Tools
Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
Save current BIOS Profle
to Profle 1.
Save BIOS Profle
Save to Profle 1
Save to Profle 2
Save to File
Save BIOS Profle
Save to Profle 1/2
Allows you to save the current BIOS fle to the BIOS Flash. Press <Enter> to save
the fle.
Save to File
Allows you to save the current BIOS fle to the hard disk/foppy disk/USB fash disk
with the FAT32/16/12 format. Follow the instructions below to save the BIOS fle.
1. Insert the storage devices with enough space.
3. Enter BIOS setup program. Go to the Tools menu to select
Save to File. Press <Enter> then the setup screen will appear.
4. Press <Tab> to switch between drives. Press hot-key <S> to save
the fle.
5. Key in the fle name. Then press <Enter>.
6. A pop-up message will inform you when the loading process
fnishes.
ASUSTek O.C. Profle Utility B318
Current CMOS Update CMOS
BOARD: M2A-VM HDMI
VER: 0104
DATE: 12/12/2006
BOARD: Unknown
VER: Unknown
DATE: Unknown
PATH: A
WIN98SE <DIR>
NETTERM <DIR>
DOCUME1 <DIR>
PROGRA1 <DIR>
SYSTEM1 <DIR>
M2AVM <DIR>
RECYCLED <DIR>
TEST-REB <DIR>
BOOTFONT.BIN 213830 2001-09-05 20:00:00
[Enter] Select [Y] Yes [N/Esc] No [Left/Right]: Switch
Note
CMOS backup is done! Press any key to Exit.
The BIOS fle will be saved as xxx.CMO.
Tools
2.7.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2
Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Enter>, a confrmation
message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No],
then press <Enter> to confrm your choice. Please see page 2-6, section 2.1.3 for
details.
ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS RROM Utility B318
Current ROM Update ROM
BOARD: M2A-VM HDMI
VER: 0104
DATE: 12/12/2006
BOARD: Unknown
VER: Unknown
DATE: Unknown
PATH: C:\M2NPVOC
A:
C:
[Enter] Select [S] Save [ESC]Exit

[Tab] Switch [Up/Down/Home/End] Move
Note
WIN98SE <DIR>
NETTERM <DIR>
DRIVERS <DIR>
RECYCLED <DIR>
WUTEMP <DIR>
NEWFOL~1 <DIR>
INSTALL <DIR>
TEST-REB <DIR>
MSDOWNLD.TMP <DIR>
FLASH TYPE: Winbond W39V080A 8Mb LPC
WIN98E <DIR>
Select Menu
Item Specifc Help
This option save data
to CMOS and exiting
the setup menu.
Exit & Save Changes
Exit & Discard Changes
Load Setup Default
Discard Changes
2.8 Exit menu
The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the
BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items.
Exit & Save Changes
Once you are fnished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit
menu to ensure the values you selected are saved to the CMOS RAM. An onboard
backup battery sustains the CMOS RAM so it stays on even when the PC is turned
off. When you select this option, a confrmation window appears. Select YES to
save changes and exit.
Exit & Discard Changes
Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you made to
the Setup program. If you made changes to felds other than System Date, System
Time, and Password, the BIOS asks for a confrmation before exiting.
If you attempt to exit the Setup program without saving your changes, the
program prompts you with a message asking if you want to save your changes
before exiting. Press <Enter> to save the changes while exiting.
Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options
from this menu or <F10> from the legend bar to exit.
Load Setup Defaults
This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the
Setup menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a confrmation
window appears. Select YES to load default values. Select Exit & Save Changes
or make other changes before saving the values to the non-volatile RAM.
Discard Changes
This option allows you to discard the selections you made and restore the
previously saved values. After selecting this option, a confrmation appears. Select
YES to discard any changes and load the previously saved values.
3
Software
support
This chapter describes the contents
of the support CD that comes with the
motherboard package.
3-2 Chapter 3: Software support
If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support
CD/DVD to locate the fle ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-click the
ASSETUP.EXE to run the CD/DVD.
Click an item to install
3.1 Installing an operating system
This motherboard supports Windows
XP/ Vista operating systems (OS). Always

install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features
of your hardware.
3.2 Support CD/DVD information
The support CD/DVD that came with the motherboard package contains
the drivers, software applications, and utilities that you can install to avail all
motherboard features.
3.2.1 Running the support CD/DVD
Place the support CD/DVD to the optical drive. The CD/DVD automatically displays
the Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer.
Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Use the setup
procedures presented in this chapter for reference only. Refer to your OS
documentation for detailed information.
Make sure that you install the Windows
XP Service Pack 1 or later

versions before installing the drivers for better compatibility and system
stability.
The contents of the support CD/DVD are subject to change at any time without
notice. Visit the ASUS website(www.asus.com) for updates.
Click an icon to
display support
CD/DVD motherboard
information
3-3 ASUS M2A-VM HDMI
3.2.2 Drivers menu
The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed
devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices.
ASUS InstAll - Drivers Installation Wizard
Launches the ASUS InstallAll driver installation wizard.
AMD Cool n Quiet Driver
Installs the AMD Cool n Quiet driver.
AMD Chipset Program Driver
Installs the AMD chipset program driver.
Realtek Audio Driver
Installs the Realtek
ALC883 audio driver and application.

Realtek RTL8111b 10/100/1000M LAN Driver
Installs the Realtek
RTL8111b 10/100/1000M LAN Driver

USB 2.0 Driver
Installs the USB 2.0 driver.
The screen display and drivers option may not be the same for different
operating system versions.
HDMI Audio Driver
Installs the HDMI audio driver.
This item appears only when you have fnished all the necessary drivers and set
the HDMI Audio item in the BIOS to [Enabled]. Refer to page 2-23 for details.
3.2.3 Utilities menu
The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard
supports.
ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Utilities
Launches the ASUS InstallAll utilities installation wizard.
ASUS Cool n Quiet Utility
This item installs the ASUS Cool n Quiet utility.
ASUS Update
The ASUS Update utility allows you to update the motherboard BIOS in a
Windows
environment. This utility requires an Internet connection either through a

network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
ASUS PC Probe II
This smart utility monitors the fan speed, CPU temperature, and system voltages,
and alerts you of any detected problems. This utility helps you keep your computer
in healthy operating condition.
ASUS Music Alarm
The ASUS Music Alarm is an audio alarm clock that uses your favorite CD music to
give you a personal wake-up call.
The screen display and utilities option may not be the same for different
operating system versions.
ATI WebPAM Utility
This utility allows you to confgure Serial ATA (SATA) RAID/AHCI drive disk. For
more detailed instructions, refer to the RAID manual in the support CD/DVD.
This item appears only when you set the Onboard SATA Type item in the BIOS
to [RAID Controller]. See page 2-26 for details.
3.2.4 Make Disk menu
The Make Disk menu allows you to make a RAID driver disk.
Make ATI RAID/AHCI Driver
Allows you to create an ATI
Serial ATA (SATA) RAID/AHCI driver disk.

Make ATI RAID/AHCI Vista Driver
Allows you to create an ATI
Serial ATA (SATA) RAID/AHCI driver disk for

Windows
Vista Operating System (OS)..

3.2.5 Manual menu
The Manual menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to
open the folder of the user manual.
Most user manual fles are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the
Adobe
Acrobat
Reader from the Utilities menu before opening a user manual

fle.
3.2.6 ASUS Contact information
Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can also fnd
this information on the inside front cover of this user guide.
3.2.7 Other information
The icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the
motherboard and the contents of the support CD/DVD. Click an icon to display the
specifed information.
Motherboard Info
Displays the general specifcations of the motherboard.
Technical support Form
Displays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to fll out when
requesting technical support.
Filelist
Displays the contents of the support CD/DVD and a brief description of each in text
format.
Browse this CD/DVD
Displays the support CD/DVD contents in graphical format.

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M

ALC883 High Defnition Audio 6-channel

M2A-VM HDMI motherboard!

DirectX 9.0, Pixel

SB600 allows RAID 0, RAID

ALC883 High Defnition Audio 6-channel audio CODEC.

High Defnition Audio standard (192 KHz,

ALC883 CODEC comes with a software application that features

M2A-VM HDMI Onboard LED

Place this side towards

M2A-VM HDMI CPU Socket AM2

M2A-VM HDMI CPU fan connector

M2A-VM HDMI 240-pin DDR2 DIMM sockets

Vista / XP 32-bit version

Vista/ XP 32-bit version Operating System (OS), the

XP Professional x64 Edition

Vista x64 Edition

M2A-VM HDMI Clear RTC RAM

M2A-VM HDMI USB device wake-up

M2A-VM HDMI Keyboard power setting

M2A-VM HDMI Floppy disk drive connector

M2A-VM HDMI Chassis intrusion connector

M2A-VM HDMI IDE connector

XP Service Pack 1 before using Serial ATA.

M2A-VM HDMI SATA connectors

M2A-VM HDMI Fan connectors

M2A-VM HDMI Digital audio connector

M2A-VM HDMI USB 2.0 connectors

M2A-VM HDMI YUV connector

M2A-VM HDMI IEEE 1394a connector

M2A-VM HDMI Internal audio connector

M2A-VM HDMI COM port connector

M2A-VM HDMI Analog front panel connector

M2A-VM HDMI ATX power connectors

M2A-VM HDMI System panel connector

environment. The ASUS Update utility allows you

applications before you update the BIOS using this utility.

desktop by clicking Start

desktop by clicking Start

desktop, then select My Computer.

XP/ Vista operating systems (OS). Always

XP Service Pack 1 or later

ALC883 audio driver and application.

RTL8111b 10/100/1000M LAN Driver

environment. This utility requires an Internet connection either through a

Serial ATA (SATA) RAID/AHCI driver disk.

Serial ATA (SATA) RAID/AHCI driver disk for

Vista Operating System (OS)..

Reader from the Utilities menu before opening a user manual

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