Motherboard Installation Guide
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... Notices...vii Safety information viii About this guide ix M2N-Plus SLI Vista Editionspecifications summary xi Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome 1-1 1.2 Package contents 1-1 1.3 Special features 1-2 1.3.1 Product highlights 1-2 1.3.2 ASUS AI Lifestyle features 1-4 1.3.3 ASUS Special features 1-5 1.3.4 ASUS features and the supporting OS 1-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.1 Before you proceed 2-1 2.2 Motherboard overview 2-2 2.2.1 Placement direction 2-2 2.2.2 Screw holes 2-2 2.2.3 Motherboard layout 2-3 2.2.4 Layout contents 2-4 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU...
... Notices...vii Safety information viii About this guide ix M2N-Plus SLI Vista Editionspecifications summary xi Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome 1-1 1.2 Package contents 1-1 1.3 Special features 1-2 1.3.1 Product highlights 1-2 1.3.2 ASUS AI Lifestyle features 1-4 1.3.3 ASUS Special features 1-5 1.3.4 ASUS features and the supporting OS 1-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.1 Before you proceed 2-1 2.2 Motherboard overview 2-2 2.2.1 Placement direction 2-2 2.2.2 Screw holes 2-2 2.2.3 Motherboard layout 2-3 2.2.4 Layout contents 2-4 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU...
Motherboard Installation Guide
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... of ASUS quality motherboards! 1.1 Welcome! ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- Thank you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it another standout in your package with the list below. 1.2 Package contents Check your retailer. The motherboard delivers a host of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your motherboard package for the following items. Motherboard Cables Accessories Application CD Documentation ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition...
... of ASUS quality motherboards! 1.1 Welcome! ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- Thank you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it another standout in your package with the list below. 1.2 Package contents Check your retailer. The motherboard delivers a host of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your motherboard package for the following items. Motherboard Cables Accessories Application CD Documentation ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition...
Motherboard Installation Guide
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...and 2-19 for your Internet, LAN, and file sharing requirements. Gigabit LAN The motherboard comes with a Gigabit LAN controller built into the NVIDIA® nForce™ 500 SLI™ chipset to meet your computer into a high-end entertainment system with digital ... technology The motherboard implements the Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 specification, dramatically increasing the connection speed from the 12 Mbps bandwidth on USB 1.1 to 400 Mbps transfer rates through the S/PDIF interfaces on USB 2.0. See page 5-13 to the IEEE 1394a standard. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- See...
...and 2-19 for your Internet, LAN, and file sharing requirements. Gigabit LAN The motherboard comes with a Gigabit LAN controller built into the NVIDIA® nForce™ 500 SLI™ chipset to meet your computer into a high-end entertainment system with digital ... technology The motherboard implements the Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 specification, dramatically increasing the connection speed from the 12 Mbps bandwidth on USB 1.1 to 400 Mbps transfer rates through the S/PDIF interfaces on USB 2.0. See page 5-13 to the IEEE 1394a standard. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- See...
Motherboard Installation Guide
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... an OS-based flash utility. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- ASUS EZ Flash 2 EZ Flash 2 is specifically created to connect or disconnect chassis front panel cables in one complete module. This unique adapter eliminates the trouble of buying a replacement BIOS chip. ASUS motherboard's fanless concept is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. ASUS Q-Fan 2 technology The ASUS Q-Fan technology smartly adjusts...
... an OS-based flash utility. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- ASUS EZ Flash 2 EZ Flash 2 is specifically created to connect or disconnect chassis front panel cables in one complete module. This unique adapter eliminates the trouble of buying a replacement BIOS chip. ASUS motherboard's fanless concept is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. ASUS Q-Fan 2 technology The ASUS Q-Fan technology smartly adjusts...
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Chapter summary 2 2.1 Before you proceed 2-1 2.2 Motherboard overview 2-2 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU 2-6 2.4 System memory 2-11 2.5 Expansion slots 2-17 2.6 Jumper 2-20 2.7 Connectors 2-22 ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition
Chapter summary 2 2.1 Before you proceed 2-1 2.2 Motherboard overview 2-2 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU 2-6 2.4 System memory 2-11 2.5 Expansion slots 2-17 2.6 Jumper 2-20 2.7 Connectors 2-22 ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition
Motherboard Installation Guide
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... shows the location of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the power supply. M2N-PLUS SLI ® SB_PWR ON M2N-PLUS SLI Onboard LED Standby Power OFF Powered Off ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2- The green LED lights up to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or components. 2.1 Before you proceed Take note...
... shows the location of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the power supply. M2N-PLUS SLI ® SB_PWR ON M2N-PLUS SLI Onboard LED Standby Power OFF Powered Off ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2- The green LED lights up to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or components. 2.1 Before you proceed Take note...
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Place this side towards the rear of your chassis to ensure that you install the motherboard, study the configuration of the chassis M2N-PLUS SLI ® 2- Chapter 2: Hardware information Failure to the chassis. Do not overtighten the screws! Make sure to the rear part of the chassis as indicated in ...
Place this side towards the rear of your chassis to ensure that you install the motherboard, study the configuration of the chassis M2N-PLUS SLI ® 2- Chapter 2: Hardware information Failure to the chassis. Do not overtighten the screws! Make sure to the rear part of the chassis as indicated in ...
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2.2.3 Motherboard layout 24.5cm (9.6in) PS/2KBMS T: Mouse B: Keyboard KBPWR ATX12V SPDIF_O1 CPU_FAN Socket AM2 DDR2 DIMM_A1 ... (64 bit,240-pin module) SEC_EIDE PRI_EIDE 30.5cm (12.0in) PARALLEL PORT CPU_FAN COM1 1394_USB34 USBPW12 LAN1_USB12 USBPW34 AUDIO2 M2N-PLUS SLI EATXPWR AUDIO1 CD FP_AUDIO PCIEX16_1 SPDIF_OUT PCIEX1_1 PCIEX1_2 VIA VT6308P Super I/O PCIEX16_2 PCI1 PCI2 TPM IE1394_2 ASAP ® nForcNeV®...FLOPPY USB56 Refer to 2.7 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-
2.2.3 Motherboard layout 24.5cm (9.6in) PS/2KBMS T: Mouse B: Keyboard KBPWR ATX12V SPDIF_O1 CPU_FAN Socket AM2 DDR2 DIMM_A1 ... (64 bit,240-pin module) SEC_EIDE PRI_EIDE 30.5cm (12.0in) PARALLEL PORT CPU_FAN COM1 1394_USB34 USBPW12 LAN1_USB12 USBPW34 AUDIO2 M2N-PLUS SLI EATXPWR AUDIO1 CD FP_AUDIO PCIEX16_1 SPDIF_OUT PCIEX1_1 PCIEX1_2 VIA VT6308P Super I/O PCIEX16_2 PCI1 PCI2 TPM IE1394_2 ASAP ® nForcNeV®...FLOPPY USB56 Refer to 2.7 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-
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2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2 socket designed for the AMD Opteron processor. Locate the CPU socket on the socket and damaging the CPU! 2.3.1 Installing the ... on the motherboard. The CPU fits in completely. 2- Chapter 2: Hardware information otherwise, the CPU will not fit in only one correct orientation. The AM2 socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the Athlon™ 64 X2/Athlon™ 64/Athlon™ 64FX/Sempron™ processor. M2N-PLUS SLI ® M2N-PLUS SLI CPU...
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2 socket designed for the AMD Opteron processor. Locate the CPU socket on the socket and damaging the CPU! 2.3.1 Installing the ... on the motherboard. The CPU fits in completely. 2- Chapter 2: Hardware information otherwise, the CPU will not fit in only one correct orientation. The AM2 socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the Athlon™ 64 X2/Athlon™ 64/Athlon™ 64FX/Sempron™ processor. M2N-PLUS SLI ® M2N-PLUS SLI CPU...
Motherboard Installation Guide
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GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM 5. CPU_FAN M2N-PLUS SLI ® M2N-PLUS SLI CPU fan connector • Do not forget to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector. • This connector is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to connect the CPU fan connector! When the fan and heatsink assembly is backward compatiable with old 3-pin CPU fan. 2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information
GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM 5. CPU_FAN M2N-PLUS SLI ® M2N-PLUS SLI CPU fan connector • Do not forget to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector. • This connector is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to connect the CPU fan connector! When the fan and heatsink assembly is backward compatiable with old 3-pin CPU fan. 2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information
Motherboard Installation Guide
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... (2) DIMM_A1 - Populated Populated DIMM_B2 - The figure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets: M2N-PLUS SLI ® DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B2 M2N-PLUS SLI 240-pin DDR2 DIMM sockets Channel Channel A Channel B Sockets DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2 2.4.2... footprint compared to prevent installation on a DDR DIMM socket. Populated ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-11 DDR2 DIMMs are notched differently to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. Populated - 2.4 System memory 2.4.1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory...
... (2) DIMM_A1 - Populated Populated DIMM_B2 - The figure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets: M2N-PLUS SLI ® DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B2 M2N-PLUS SLI 240-pin DDR2 DIMM sockets Channel Channel A Channel B Sockets DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2 2.4.2... footprint compared to prevent installation on a DDR DIMM socket. Populated ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-11 DDR2 DIMMs are notched differently to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. Populated - 2.4 System memory 2.4.1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory...
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... 1 with your fingers when pressing the retaining clips. Failure to do not support DDR DIMMs. DO not install DDR DIMMs to both the motherboard and the components. To install a DIMM: 1. Do not force a DIMM into the socket until the retaining clips snap back in only one...other system components. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to unlock the DIMM. Remove the DIMM from the socket. 2 1 DDR2 DIMM notch ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-13 The DIMM might get damaged when it fits in place and the DIMM is properly seated. 2 3 DDR2 DIMM notch Unlocked retaining clip...
... 1 with your fingers when pressing the retaining clips. Failure to do not support DDR DIMMs. DO not install DDR DIMMs to both the motherboard and the components. To install a DIMM: 1. Do not force a DIMM into the socket until the retaining clips snap back in only one...other system components. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to unlock the DIMM. Remove the DIMM from the socket. 2 1 DDR2 DIMM notch ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-13 The DIMM might get damaged when it fits in place and the DIMM is properly seated. 2 3 DDR2 DIMM notch Unlocked retaining clip...
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... to do not need to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is completely seated on the slot. 5. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that came with the screw you removed earlier. 6. ...the card. 2. When using PCI cards on the next page. 3. Refer to use . 4. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-17 2.5 Expansion slots In the future, you may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 2.5.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1. The following sub‑sections ...
... to do not need to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is completely seated on the slot. 5. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that came with the screw you removed earlier. 6. ...the card. 2. When using PCI cards on the next page. 3. Refer to use . 4. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-17 2.5 Expansion slots In the future, you may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 2.5.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1. The following sub‑sections ...
Motherboard Installation Guide
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... Express specifications. PCIe x16 graphics card x8 Other PCIe devices x8, x4, x1 Two identical NVIDIA® SLI™ Edition graphics cards at x8, x8 speed ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-19 2.5.6 PCI Express x16 slots This motherboard supports two NVIDIA® SLI™-ready PCI Express x16 graphic cards that you provide sufficient power when running NVIDIA®...
... Express specifications. PCIe x16 graphics card x8 Other PCIe devices x8, x4, x1 Two identical NVIDIA® SLI™ Edition graphics cards at x8, x8 speed ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-19 2.5.6 PCI Express x16 slots This motherboard supports two NVIDIA® SLI™-ready PCI Express x16 graphic cards that you provide sufficient power when running NVIDIA®...
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...connector, then connect the other device jumpers have the same setting. 2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information PIN 1 M2N-PLUS SLI Floppy disk drive connector 2. Connect the blue connector to the motherboard's IDE connector, then select one end of the cable to configure your device. Floppy disk drive connector (34...disk drive. Master Slave Master Slave Cable connector Black Black Gray Black or gray • Pin 20 on the Ultra DMA cable connector. M2N-PLUS SLI ® FLOPPY NOTE: Orient the red markings on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable: blue, black, and gray. Insert ...
...connector, then connect the other device jumpers have the same setting. 2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information PIN 1 M2N-PLUS SLI Floppy disk drive connector 2. Connect the blue connector to the motherboard's IDE connector, then select one end of the cable to configure your device. Floppy disk drive connector (34...disk drive. Master Slave Master Slave Cable connector Black Black Gray Black or gray • Pin 20 on the Ultra DMA cable connector. M2N-PLUS SLI ® FLOPPY NOTE: Orient the red markings on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable: blue, black, and gray. Insert ...
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... Rotation M2N-PLUS SLI Fan connectors • Only the CPU_FAN and CHA_FAN connectors support the ASUS Q FAN2 feature. • If you install two VGA cards, we recommend that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector. Connect the right-angle side of SATA signal cable to the motherboard connector labled...
... Rotation M2N-PLUS SLI Fan connectors • Only the CPU_FAN and CHA_FAN connectors support the ASUS Q FAN2 feature. • If you install two VGA cards, we recommend that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector. Connect the right-angle side of SATA signal cable to the motherboard connector labled...
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... comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard! USB+5V USB_P6USB_P6+ GND NC M2N-PLUS SLI ® ASAP USB56 USB78 USB+5V USB_P6USB_P6+ GND NC GND USB_P9+ USB_P9USB+5V PIN1 PIN1 PIN1...M2N-PLUS SLI IEEE 1394a connector The IEEE 1394a module is purchased separately. 6. 5. The USB module is purchased separately. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB 78, ASAP) These connectors are for a IEEE 1394a port. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2) This connector is for USB 2.0 ports. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition...
... comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard! USB+5V USB_P6USB_P6+ GND NC M2N-PLUS SLI ® ASAP USB56 USB78 USB+5V USB_P6USB_P6+ GND NC GND USB_P9+ USB_P9USB+5V PIN1 PIN1 PIN1...M2N-PLUS SLI IEEE 1394a connector The IEEE 1394a module is purchased separately. 6. 5. The USB module is purchased separately. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB 78, ASAP) These connectors are for a IEEE 1394a port. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2) This connector is for USB 2.0 ports. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition...
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... using a floppy disk / USB flash disk, or the motherboard support CD.) 3. See page 5-3 for details on these utilities. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 (Updates the BIOS using the ASUS Update or Award BIOS Flash utilities. 4.1.1 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that comes with the motherboard package. The ASUS Update utility allows you to the corresponding sections...
... using a floppy disk / USB flash disk, or the motherboard support CD.) 3. See page 5-3 for details on these utilities. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 (Updates the BIOS using the ASUS Update or Award BIOS Flash utilities. 4.1.1 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that comes with the motherboard package. The ASUS Update utility allows you to the corresponding sections...
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... BIOS to enable it is built-in the BIOS chip so it . ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- Save the BIOS file to download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. 2. Then press . 4. To update the BIOS using a DOS‑based utility. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to a floppy disk or a USB flash disk, then restart the...
... BIOS to enable it is built-in the BIOS chip so it . ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- Save the BIOS file to download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. 2. Then press . 4. To update the BIOS using a DOS‑based utility. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to a floppy disk or a USB flash disk, then restart the...
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...BIOS ROM checksum error Detecting IDE ATAPI device... Pass 4. The utility will automatically checks the devices for the BIOS file. Insert the motherboard support CD to the USB port. 2. Turn on the system. 2. Doing so can update a corrupted BIOS file using this utility...12 format and single partition can support ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3. 4.1.6 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to Boot from it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- Recovering the BIOS from the ...
...BIOS ROM checksum error Detecting IDE ATAPI device... Pass 4. The utility will automatically checks the devices for the BIOS file. Insert the motherboard support CD to the USB port. 2. Turn on the system. 2. Doing so can update a corrupted BIOS file using this utility...12 format and single partition can support ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3. 4.1.6 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to Boot from it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- Recovering the BIOS from the ...