Asus M2A-MX - Manual (Page 3)

iii
Contents
Notices ......................................................................................................... vi
Safety information ..................................................................................... vii
About this guide ....................................................................................... viii
M2A-MX specifications 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 .............................................. 1-4
1.4 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 1-6
1.5 Motherboard overview ................................................................. 1-7
1.5.1
Motherboard layout ......................................................... 1-7
1.5.2 Placement direction ........................................................ 1-8
1.5.3 Screw holes .................................................................... 1-8
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 1-9
1.6.1
Installing the CPU ........................................................... 1-9
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan .......................................1-11
1.7 System memory ......................................................................... 1-13
1.7.1
Overview ....................................................................... 1-13
1.7.2 Memory configurations .................................................. 1-13
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 1-19
1.7.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 1-19
1.8 Expansion slots .......................................................................... 1-20
1.8.1
Installing an expansion card ......................................... 1-20
1.8.2 Configuring an expansion card ..................................... 1-20
Interrupt assignments ................................................................... 1-21
1.8.3
PCI slots ........................................................................ 1-23
1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot ....................................................... 1-23
1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot ..................................................... 1-23
1.9 Jumpers ...................................................................................... 1-24
1.10 Connectors ................................................................................. 1-26
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors .................................................. 1-26
1.10.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 1-28