Contents

Contents
Contents
Contents
Notices
Federal Communications Commission Statement
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
Safety information
Electrical safety
Operation safety
About this guide
How this guide is organized
Where to find more information
Conventions used in this guide
Typography
M2A-MVP specifications summary
M2A-MVP specifications summary
Product introduction
1.1 Welcome!
1.2 Package contents
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
1.3.2 ASUS features
1.4 Before you proceed
1.5 Motherboard overview
1.5.1 Placement direction
1.5.2 Screw holes
1.5.3 Motherboard layout
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
1.6.1 Installing the CPU
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan
1.7 System memory
1.7.1 Overview
1.7.2 Memory configurations
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM
1.7.4 Removing a DIMM
1.8 Expansion slots
1.8.1 Installing an expansion card
1.8.2 Configuring an expansion card
1.8.3 Interrupt assignments
1.8.4 Two PCI slots
1.8.5 Two PCI Express x1 slot
1.8.6 Two PCI Express x16 slot
1.9 Jumper
1.10 Connectors
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors
1.10.2 Internal connectors
BIOS setup
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS
2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk
2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility
2.1.3 AFUDOS utility
2.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility
2.1.5 ASUS Update utility
2.2 BIOS setup program
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen
2.2.2 Menu bar
2.2.3 Navigation keys
2.2.4 Menu items
2.2.5 Sub-menu items
2.2.6 Configuration fields
2.2.7 Pop-up window
2.2.8 Scroll bar
2.2.9 General help
2.3 Main menu
2.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx]
2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]
2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]
2.3.4 Primary IDE Master/Slave; SATA1-4
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.
2.3.5 Storage Configuration
2.3.6 System Information
2.4 Advanced menu
2.4.1 Jumperfree Configuration
2.4.2 CPU Configuration
2.4.3 Chipset
2.4.4 Onboard Devices Configuration
2.4.5 PCI PnP
2.4.6 USB Configuration
2.5 Power menu
2.5.1 Suspend Mode [Auto]
2.5.2 Repost Video on S3 Resume [No]
2.5.3 ACPI Version Features [ACPI v1.0]
2.5.4 ACPI APIC support [Enabled]
2.5.5 APM Configuration
2.5.6 Hardware Monitor
2.6 Boot menu
2.6.1 Boot Device Priority
2.6.2 Boot Settings Configuration
2.6.3 Security
4.6.1 Boot Device Priority
4.6.1 Boot Device Priority
2.7 Tools menu
2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2
2.7.2 ASUS O.C. Profile
2.8 Exit menu
2.9 RAID configurations
2.9.1 Installing hard disks
2.9.2 ULI RAID configurations
2.10 Creating a RAID driver disk
Software support
3.1 Installing an operating system
3.2 Support CD information
3.2.1 Running the support CD
3.2.2 Drivers menu
3.2.3 Utilities menu
3.2.4 Make Disk menu
3.2.5 Manuals menu
3.2.6 ASUS Contact information
3.2.7 Other information

ASUS M2A-MVP User Manual

Pages 106

Year 2006

Language(s)

of 106

ASUS M2A-MVP Motherboard Specification

The ASUS M2A-MVP motherboard is designed for AMD platforms, supporting AMD Socket AM2 processors, including Athlon 64 X2, Athlon 64 FX, Athlon 64, and Sempron. It integrates the AMD 480X CrossFire chipset, providing robust performance and advanced features for gaming and multitasking. The motherboard supports dual-channel DDR2 memory architecture, with four DIMM slots accommodating up to 8GB of DDR2 RAM, enhancing overall system responsiveness.

Graphics capabilities are enhanced with support for ATI CrossFire technology, allowing dual GPU configurations for superior graphics performance. The M2A-MVP offers a PCI Express x16 slot, along with PCI Express x1 and standard PCI slots, providing flexibility for various expansion cards. The onboard ATI Radeon Xpress 1250 graphics chipset delivers adequate performance for everyday applications and casual gaming.

Storage options include four SATA 3Gb/s ports with RAID 0, 1, 0+1, and JBOD support, ensuring data redundancy and improved performance. The board features high-definition audio capabilities through the integrated ADI AD1988B 8-channel CODEC, delivering immersive audio experiences. Networking is facilitated by the onboard Gigabit LAN controller, providing fast and reliable internet connectivity.

Connectivity options are comprehensive, with up to ten USB 2.0 ports, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of peripherals. Additional features include ASUS' proprietary technologies such as Q-Fan for efficient cooling and AI NET2 for network diagnostics. The ASUS M2A-MVP is designed to offer a stable and versatile platform for both gaming enthusiasts and everyday users, with a focus on performance, expandability, and advanced multimedia capabilities.

ASUS M2A-MVP Motherboard F.A.Q.

How do I update the BIOS on my ASUS M2A-MVP motherboard?

To update the BIOS on your ASUS M2A-MVP motherboard, download the latest BIOS version from the ASUS support website. Use the ASUS EZ Flash utility found in the BIOS under Tools. Follow the on-screen instructions to select the downloaded BIOS file and update.

What should I do if my ASUS M2A-MVP motherboard is not booting?

First, check all power connections and ensure the components are seated properly. Clear the CMOS by removing the battery for a few seconds and then replacing it. If the issue persists, try booting with minimal hardware to isolate the problem.

How can I optimize the performance of my ASUS M2A-MVP motherboard?

Ensure your BIOS is up to date, enable dual-channel memory by installing pairs of RAM sticks, and optimize BIOS settings for performance such as enabling AHCI for SATA drives and adjusting memory timings.

Why is my ASUS M2A-MVP motherboard not recognizing my hard drive?

Check the SATA connections and ensure the drive is properly connected. Enter the BIOS to see if the drive is detected. If not, try a different SATA port or cable. Make sure the drive is formatted and initialized correctly.

What type of RAM is compatible with the ASUS M2A-MVP motherboard?

The ASUS M2A-MVP motherboard supports DDR2 RAM with speeds of 800/667/533 MHz. It is recommended to use matched pairs for dual-channel support.

How can I reset the BIOS settings on my ASUS M2A-MVP motherboard?

To reset the BIOS settings, enter the BIOS setup by pressing the DEL key during boot. Navigate to the Exit menu and select "Load Setup Defaults" to reset the settings to their default values.

What can I do if the USB ports on my ASUS M2A-MVP motherboard are not working?

Check the BIOS to ensure USB ports are enabled. Update chipset drivers from the ASUS website. Test with different USB devices to rule out faulty peripherals. If the issue persists, inspect the motherboard for physical damage.

How do I install additional SATA drives on my ASUS M2A-MVP motherboard?

Connect the SATA cable from the drive to an available SATA port on the motherboard. Connect power from the PSU to the drive. Enter the BIOS to ensure the drive is detected, and format it using your operating system's disk management tool.

What is the maximum CPU supported by the ASUS M2A-MVP motherboard?

The ASUS M2A-MVP motherboard supports AMD Socket AM2 processors, including Athlon 64, Athlon 64 X2, and Sempron CPUs. Refer to the ASUS CPU support list for specific models and maximum supported CPU.

How do I enable RAID on my ASUS M2A-MVP motherboard?

Enter the BIOS setup, navigate to the "Advanced" menu, and select "Onboard Devices Configuration." Set the SATA Configuration to RAID. Save changes and restart. Use the RAID configuration utility during boot to set up your RAID array.