Motherboard M2A74-AM
E4682 First Edition V1 April 2009 Copyright © 2009 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”).
Contents Notices.......................................................................................................... vi Safety information...................................................................................... vii About this guide......................................................................................... vii M2A74-AM specifications summary.......................................................... ix Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome!..........................
Contents 1.11 Software support......................................................................... 1-27 1.11.1 1.11.2 Chapter 2: 2.1 ASUS Update utility......................................................... 2-1 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility....................................... 2-3 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen........................................................... 2-5 2.2.3 Navigation keys................................................................ 2-5 2.2.5 2.2.6 2.2.7 2.2.8 2.2.
Contents 2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support........................................................ 2-15 2.5.5 HW Monitor Configuration.............................................. 2-16 2.5.4 2.6 Boot menu................................................................................... 2-17 2.6.1 Boot Device Priority....................................................... 2-17 2.6.3 Security.......................................................................... 2-18 2.6.2 2.7 2.8 APM Configuration....
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.
Safety information Electrical safety • • • • • • To prevent electric shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electric 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.
Conventions used in this guide To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task. CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task. IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task. NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
M2A74-AM specifications summary CPU AMD® Phenom™ X4 / Phenom™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors (socket AM2+/AM2) Compatible with Phenom™ II / Athlon™ X4 / Athlon™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 processors (AM3 CPU) AMD® 64 architecture enables simultaneous 32-bit and 64-bit computing Supports AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology Supports up to 95W CPU * Due to the chipset limitation, the AM3/AM2+ CPU runs at HT1 (1000MHz). ** Refer to www.asus.com for the AMD® CPU support list.
M2A74-AM specifications summary LAN RTL8112 PCIe Gigabit LAN ASUS overclocking features SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection) from 200MHz to 550MHz at 1MHz increment Adjustable DRAM voltage ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) Other features ASUS Q-FAN ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS AI NET 2 ASUS MyLogo 2 ASUS EPU-4 Engine ASUS Turbo Key Back panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 Keyboard port 1 x PS/2 Mouse port 1 x VGA port 1 x DVI port 1 x COM port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port 4 x USB 2.0/1.
Chapter 1 Product introduction 1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS® M2A74-AM motherboard! The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards! Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in your package with the list below. 1.2 Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items.
AMD® Phenom™ x4 / Phenom™ x3 / Athlon™ x2 / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors (socket AM2+/AM2) This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM2+ multi-core processors. It features dual-channel DDR2 1066 memory support and accelerates data transfer rate up to 2000/1600MT/s via HyperTransport™ 1.0-based system bus. It also supports AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology.
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ASUS MyLogo2™ This feature allows you to convert your favorite photo into a 256-color boot logo for a more colorful and vivid image on your screen. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto-recovery tool that allows you to restore a corrupted BIOS file using the bundled support DVD or a USB flash disk that contains the BIOS file. ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a utility that allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS-based utility.
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. • Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due to static electricity. • Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
1.5 Motherboard overview 1.5.1 Placement direction 1.5.2 Screw holes When installing the motherboard, ensure 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. Place six screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis. DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard. Place this side towards the rear of the chassis.
1-6 1.5.3 Motherboard layout 1.5.4 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page 1. Keyboard power (3-pin KBPWR) 1-18 10. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, USB910) 1-24 2. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN) 1-25 11. Onboard LED (SB_PWR) 1-4 3. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) 1-26 12. System panel connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL) 1-23 4. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW1-4, 3-pin USBPW5-10) 1-18 13.
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) This motherboard comes with an AM2+ / AM2 socket designed for AMD® Phenom™ x4 / Phenom™ x3 / Athlon™ x2 / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors. It also supports AM3 CPUs including Phenom™ II / Athlon™ x4 / Athlon™ x3 / Athlon™ x2 processors. The AM2+ / AM2 socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the AMD Opteron™ processor. Use a CPU that is designed for the AM2+ / AM2 socket. 1.6.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU: 1.
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 comes with the heatsink package. You can also refer to section 1.6.2 Installing heatsink and fan for instructions. 7. Connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU_FAN connector on the motherboard.
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan Ensure that you use only AMD®-certified heatsink and fan assembly. To install the CPU heatsink and fan: 1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, ensuring that the heatsink fits properly on the retention module base. • The retention module base is already installed on the motherboard upon purchase. • You do not have to remove the retention module base when installing the CPU or installing other motherboard components.
3. Align the other end of the retention bracket to the retention module base. A clicking sound denotes that the retention bracket is in place. Ensure that the fan and heatsink assembly perfectly fits the retention mechanism module base, otherwise you cannot snap the retention bracket in place. 4. Push down the retention bracket lock on the retention mechanism to secure the heatsink and fan to the module base. 5.
1.7.2 Memory configurations You may install 512MB, 1GB, 2GB and 4GB unbuffered ECC and non-ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. • You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation. • Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency.
DDR2-667MHz capability DIMM socket support A* B* Size Vendor Part No. SS/DS CL Chip NO.
DDR2-800MHz capability Size Vendor Part No. SS/DS CL Chip NO.
DDR2-1066MHz capability Size Vendor Part No. SS/DS CL Chip NO. Chip Brand 4096MB(Kit of 2) 4096MB(kit of 2) 1024MB 2048MB(Kit of 2) 2048MB(Kit of 2) 1024MB 2048MB A-Data Apacer Corsair Corsair Corsair Crucial Crucial AD21066E002GU 78.AAGAL.9KZ CM2X1024-8500C5 CM2X1024-8500C5D CM2X2048-8500C5D BL12864AA1065.8FE5 CT25664AA1067.16FE1 DS DS DS DS DS SS DS 5-5-5-15 5-5-5-15 N/A 5-5-5-15 5-5-5-15 N/A 7-7-7-13 N/A N/A Corsair N/A N/A N/A Micron 1024MB G.
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. 2 1. Press the retaining clips outward to unlock a DDR2 DIMM socket. 2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the socket. DDR2 DIMM notch 1 1 Unlocked retaining clip A DDR2 DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction.
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. Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 1.8.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1.
1.9 1. Jumpers 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. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3.
2. 3. 1-18 Keyboard power (3-pin KBPWR) This jumper allows you to enable or disable the keyboard wake-up feature. When you set this jumper to pins 2–3 (+5VSB), you can wake up the computer by pressing a key on the keyboard (the default is the Space Bar). This feature requires an ATX power supply that can supply at least 1A on the +5VSB lead, and a corresponding setting in the BIOS.
1.10 Connectors 1.10.1 Rear panel ports 1. PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse. 2. Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) port. This 15-pin port is for a VGA monitor or other VGA-compatible devices. 3. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub.
7. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are for USB 2.0 devices. 8. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are for USB 2.0 devices. 9. 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. 10. COM port. This 9-pin COM1 port is for pointing devices or other serial devices. 11. PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.
2. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) The onboard IDE connector is for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable. There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable: blue, black, and gray.
3. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3 and SATA4) These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA 3Gb/s hard disk and optical disk drives. The Serial ATA 3Gb/s is backward compatible with Serial ATA 1.5Gb/s specification. The data transfer rate of the Serial ATA 3Gb/s is faster than the standard parallel ATA with 133MB/s (Ultra DMA133). Install the Windows® XP Service Pack 1 before using Serial ATA.
5. • • • • 6. System panel connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. System power LED (2-pin PLED) 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 (2-pin +HDLED) This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED.
7. 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 specification that supports up to 480Mbps connection speed. Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard! The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. 8.
9. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. Ensure that the audio device of Sound playback is VIA High Definition Audio (the name may be different based on the OS). Go to Start > Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices > Sound Playback to configure the setting. The S/PDIF module is purchased separately. 10.
11. 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 fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit. • We recommend that you use an ATX 12V Specification 2.0‑compliant power supply unit (PSU) with a minimum of 300W power rating. This PSU type has 24-pin and 4-pin power plugs.
1.11 Software support 1.11.1 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. • Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed information.
1-28 Chapter 1: Product introduction
Chapter 2 BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility. 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. • ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself through the Internet. Always update the utility to avail all its features. Updating from a BIOS file a. 3. b. Select Update BIOS from a file, then click Next. Locate the BIOS file from the Open window, then click Open. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the updating process. 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS‑based utility.
2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can update a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard Support DVD or a USB flash disk that contains the updated BIOS file. • Prepare the motherboard Support DVD or a USB flash disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility.
2.2 BIOS setup program This motherboard supports a programmable Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) 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, reconfiguring your system, or prompted to “Run Setup.” This section explains how to configure your system using this utility.
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Main Menu bar Advanced Configuration fields Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools General help Exit Main Settings System Time System Date Primary IDE Master Primary IDE Slave SATA1 SATA2 SATA3 SATA4 SATA Configuration [19:34:30] [Sat 01/12/2002] :[Not :[Not :[Not :[Not :[Not :[Not Detected] Detected] Detected] Detected] Detected] Detected] Use [ENTER], [TAB] or [SHIFT-TAB] to select a field. Use [+] or [-] to configure system Time.
2.2.4 Menu items The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items. The other items (Advanced, Power, Boot, Tools, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items. 2.2.5 Submenu items 2.2.6 Configuration fields A solid triangle before each item on a menu screen means that the item has a submenu. To display the submenu, select the item and press . These fields show the values for the menu items.
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.
LBA/Large Mode [Auto] Enables or disables the LBA mode. Setting this item to [Auto] enables the LBA mode if the device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously formatted with LBA mode disabled. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] Block (Multi-Sector Transfer) M [Auto] Enables or disables data multi-sectors transfers. When this item is set to [Auto], the data transfer from and to the device occurs multiple sectors at a time if the device supports multisector transfer feature.
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 field values can cause the system to malfunction. Main Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Advanced Settings Adjust System Frequency/Voltage etc. JumperFree Configuration CPU Configuration Chipset Onboard Devices Configuration PCIPnP USB Configuration 2.4.
PCIE Overclocking [Auto] Allows you to select the PCIE Overclocking. Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual] The following item appears only when the PCIE Overclocking item is set to [Manual]. PCIE Clock [100] Allows you to set the PCIE clock. The valid value is between 100 and 150. Processor Frequency Multiplier [Auto] Allows you to select the processor frequency. Configuration options: [Auto] [x8.0 1600 MHz] [x8.5 1700 MHz] [x9.0 1800 MHz] [x9.5 1900 MHz] ... [x24.5 4900 MHz] [x25.
TRC [Auto] Allows you to set TRC. Configuration options: [Auto] tWR [Auto] Allows you to specify when the last write is registered by the DRAM. Configuration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] TRRD [Auto] Allows you to set TRRD. Configuration options: [Auto] [2 CLK] [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] tWTR [Auto] Allows you to specify the write to read delay when accessing the same DRAM.
2.4.3 Chipset The Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings. Select an item then press to display the submenu. NorthBridge Configuration Memory Configuration Bank Interleaving [Auto] Allows you to enable the bank memory interleaving. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] Channel Interleaving [Disabled] Allows you to enable the channel memory interleaving.
2.4.4 Onboard Devices Configuration Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address. Configuration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4] [2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3] Parallel Port Address [378] Allows you to select the Parallel Port base addresses. Configuration options: [Disabled] [378] [278] [3BC] HD Audio Controller [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the HD Audio Controller.
USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the USB 2.0 Controller. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Legacy USB Support [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable support for USB devices on legacy operating systems (OS). Setting to Auto allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is detected, the legacy USB support is disabled.
2.5.1 Suspend Mode [Auto] Allows you to select the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) state to be used for system suspend. Configuration options: [S1 (POS) Only] [S3 Only] [Auto] [S1(POS) Only] - Enables the system to enter the ACPI S1 (Power on Suspend) sleep state. In S1 sleep state, the system appears suspended and stays in a low power mode. The system can be resumed at any time. [S3 Only] - Enables the system to enter the ACPI S3 (Suspend to RAM) sleep state (default).
2.5.5 HW Monitor Configuration CPU Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] or [Ignored] MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] or [Ignored] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the motherboard and CPU temperatures. Select Ignored if you do not wish to display the detected temperatures. CPU Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM).
2.6 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press to display the sub-menu. Main Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Boot Settings Boot Device Priority Boot Settings Configuration Security 2.6.1 Specifies the Boot Device Priority sequence. A virtual floppy disk drive (Floppy Drive B:) may appear when you set the CD-ROM drive as the first boot device.
2.6.3 Security The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item then press to display the configuration options. Change Supervisor Password Select this item to set or change the supervisor password. The Supervisor Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this item shows Installed. To set a Supervisor Password: 1. 2. 3. Select the Change Supervisor Password item and press .
Clear User Password Select this item to clear the user password. Password Check [Setup] When set to [Setup], BIOS checks for user password when accessing the Setup utility. When set to [Always], BIOS checks for user password both when accessing Setup and booting the system. Configuration options: [Setup] [Always] 2.7 Tools menu The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select an item then press to display the sub-menu.
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. Main Advanced Power Exit Options Exit & Save Changes Exit & Discard Changes Discard Changes Load Setup Defaults BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Exitsystem systemsetup setup Exit aftersaving savingthe the after changes. changes. F10key keycan canbe beused used F10 forthis thisoperation. operation.
