Motherboard Installation Guide
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Contents 5.3.4 ASUS PC Probe II 5-16 5.3.5 ASUS AI Gear 5-22 5.3.6 ASUS AI Nap 5-23 5.3.7 AI Remote 5-24 5.4 Windows® Vista feature 5-32 5.4.1 ASAP (ASUS Accelerated Propeller 5-32 5.5 RAID configurations 5-33 5.5.1 Installing hard disks 5-34 5.5.2 NVIDIA® RAID configurations 5-35 5.6 Creating a RAID driver disk 5-42 Chapter 6: NVIDIA® SLI™ technology support 6.1 Overview 6-1 6.2 Dual graphics card setup 6-2 6.2.1 Installing SLI-ready graphics cards 6-2 6.2.2 Installing the device drivers 6-5 6.2.3 Enabling the multi-GPU feature in Windows 6-5 vi
Contents 5.3.4 ASUS PC Probe II 5-16 5.3.5 ASUS AI Gear 5-22 5.3.6 ASUS AI Nap 5-23 5.3.7 AI Remote 5-24 5.4 Windows® Vista feature 5-32 5.4.1 ASAP (ASUS Accelerated Propeller 5-32 5.5 RAID configurations 5-33 5.5.1 Installing hard disks 5-34 5.5.2 NVIDIA® RAID configurations 5-35 5.6 Creating a RAID driver disk 5-42 Chapter 6: NVIDIA® SLI™ technology support 6.1 Overview 6-1 6.2 Dual graphics card setup 6-2 6.2.1 Installing SLI-ready graphics cards 6-2 6.2.2 Installing the device drivers 6-5 6.2.3 Enabling the multi-GPU feature in Windows 6-5 vi
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... ASUS Update NVIDIA® MediaShield™ RAID Anti-virus software (OEM version) ATX form factor: 12 in x 8.6 in (30.5 cm x 21.8 cm) *Specifications are subject to change without notice. M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition specifications summary BIOS features Manageability Accessories Support CD Form factor 4 Mb BIOS ROM, AWARD BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.3 WOL by PME, WOR by PME, Chassis intrusion, PXE 1 x SLI bridge 1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable 2 x SATA cables 1 x SATA power cable for 2 devices 1 x I/O shield 1 x ASUS Q-Connector kit (USB, system panel...
... ASUS Update NVIDIA® MediaShield™ RAID Anti-virus software (OEM version) ATX form factor: 12 in x 8.6 in (30.5 cm x 21.8 cm) *Specifications are subject to change without notice. M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition specifications summary BIOS features Manageability Accessories Support CD Form factor 4 Mb BIOS ROM, AWARD BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.3 WOL by PME, WOR by PME, Chassis intrusion, PXE 1 x SLI bridge 1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable 2 x SATA cables 1 x SATA power cable for 2 devices 1 x I/O shield 1 x ASUS Q-Connector kit (USB, system panel...
Motherboard Installation Guide
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1.1 Welcome! Retail version only) AI Remote (Retail version only) ASUS motherboard support CD User guide If any 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 2 x Serial ATA cables 1 x Serial ATA power cables for buying an ASUS® M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition motherboard! ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- Thank you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it another standout in the long line of...
1.1 Welcome! Retail version only) AI Remote (Retail version only) ASUS motherboard support CD User guide If any 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 2 x Serial ATA cables 1 x Serial ATA power cables for buying an ASUS® M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition motherboard! ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- Thank you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it another standout in the long line of...
Motherboard Installation Guide
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...-generation Serial ATA hard drives based on the task the CPU performs. See page 4-24. DDR2 memory support The motherboard supports DDR2 memory that dynamically and automatically changes the CPU speed, voltage and amount of the PCI Express™ bus architecture and features intelligent hardware and software solutions that supports AMD Athlon™ 64 X2/Athlon™ 64/Athlon™ 64 FX/Sempron™ processor. The onboard NVIDIA nForce® 500 SLI...
...-generation Serial ATA hard drives based on the task the CPU performs. See page 4-24. DDR2 memory support The motherboard supports DDR2 memory that dynamically and automatically changes the CPU speed, voltage and amount of the PCI Express™ bus architecture and features intelligent hardware and software solutions that supports AMD Athlon™ 64 X2/Athlon™ 64/Athlon™ 64 FX/Sempron™ processor. The onboard NVIDIA nForce® 500 SLI...
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The controller uses the PCI Express segment to a fast 480 Mbps on USB 2.0. See page 2-23 and 2-27 for details. S/PDIF digital sound ready The motherboard supports the S/PDIF technology through simple, low-cost, high-bandwidth asynchronous (real-time) data interfacing between devices and allows higher clockspeeds by carrying data in packets. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- USB 2.0 is backward compatible with existing PCI specifications. USB 2.0 technology The motherboard implements the Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 specification, dramatically...
The controller uses the PCI Express segment to a fast 480 Mbps on USB 2.0. See page 2-23 and 2-27 for details. S/PDIF digital sound ready The motherboard supports the S/PDIF technology through simple, low-cost, high-bandwidth asynchronous (real-time) data interfacing between devices and allows higher clockspeeds by carrying data in packets. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- USB 2.0 is backward compatible with existing PCI specifications. USB 2.0 technology The motherboard implements the Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 specification, dramatically...
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.... ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- ASUS MyLogo2™ This new feature present in the motherboard allows you to your BIOS easily without preparing a bootable diskette or using an OS-based flash utility. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to ensure quiet, cool, and efficient operation. See page 4-5 for details. See page 2-33 for details. ASUS Q-Fan 2 technology The ASUS Q-Fan technology smartly adjusts the CPU and chassis fan speeds according to the system loading...
.... ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- ASUS MyLogo2™ This new feature present in the motherboard allows you to your BIOS easily without preparing a bootable diskette or using an OS-based flash utility. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to ensure quiet, cool, and efficient operation. See page 4-5 for details. See page 2-33 for details. ASUS Q-Fan 2 technology The ASUS Q-Fan technology smartly adjusts the CPU and chassis fan speeds according to the system loading...
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... power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Refer to the chassis with it by adjusting the software settings. 1. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-17 Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is already installed in a chassis). 3. Replace the system cover. 2.5.2 Configuring an expansion card After installing the expansion card, configure the it and make the necessary hardware settings for information on BIOS setup. 2. Turn on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support...
... power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Refer to the chassis with it by adjusting the software settings. 1. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-17 Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is already installed in a chassis). 3. Replace the system cover. 2.5.2 Configuring an expansion card After installing the expansion card, configure the it and make the necessary hardware settings for information on BIOS setup. 2. Turn on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support...
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... PCI Express x1 slot PCI Express x1 slot PCI slot PCI slot PCI Express x16_2 slot (black) • Connect a rear chassis fan to the chassis (CHA_FAN1) connector when using two graphics cards for details on the NVIDIA SLI™ technology feature. 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 Mode Non-SLI mode Dual-graphics card in SLI mode PCIE x16_1 (Blue) slot Card Type Speed PCIe x16 graphics card x16 PCIe x16 graphics card x8 PCIe x16 graphics card...
... PCI Express x1 slot PCI Express x1 slot PCI slot PCI slot PCI Express x16_2 slot (black) • Connect a rear chassis fan to the chassis (CHA_FAN1) connector when using two graphics cards for details on the NVIDIA SLI™ technology feature. 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 Mode Non-SLI mode Dual-graphics card in SLI mode PCIE x16_1 (Blue) slot Card Type Speed PCIe x16 graphics card x16 PCIe x16 graphics card x8 PCIe x16 graphics card...
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... computer from S3 and S4 sleep modes (no power to wake up feature. 2. Keyboard power (3-pin KBPWR) This jumper allows you press a key on the keyboard (the default value is [Disabled]). This feature requires an ATX power supply that can supply at least 1A on the +5VSB lead for each USB port; M2N-PLUS SLI ® KBPWR 12 23 +5V (Default) +5VSB M2N-PLUS SLI Keyboard power setting ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-21 Set to +5VSB to CPU, DRAM in slow refresh, power supply in the BIOS.
... computer from S3 and S4 sleep modes (no power to wake up feature. 2. Keyboard power (3-pin KBPWR) This jumper allows you press a key on the keyboard (the default value is [Disabled]). This feature requires an ATX power supply that can supply at least 1A on the +5VSB lead for each USB port; M2N-PLUS SLI ® KBPWR 12 23 +5V (Default) +5VSB M2N-PLUS SLI Keyboard power setting ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-21 Set to +5VSB to CPU, DRAM in slow refresh, power supply in the BIOS.
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... M2N-PLUS SLI SATA connectors ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-25 If you can create a RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, or JBOD configuration through the onboard NVIDIA® MediaShield™ controller. The Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s is set using these connectors is backward compatible with Serial ATA 1.5 Gb/s specification. SEC_IDE PRI_IDE PIN 1 M2N-PLUS SLI IDE connectors 3. See section 4.4.4 Onboard Device Configuration for Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s hard disk and optical disk drives. M2N-PLUS SLI ® NOTE: Orient the red markings (usually zigzag) on the IDE ribbon cable...
... M2N-PLUS SLI SATA connectors ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-25 If you can create a RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, or JBOD configuration through the onboard NVIDIA® MediaShield™ controller. The Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s is set using these connectors is backward compatible with Serial ATA 1.5 Gb/s specification. SEC_IDE PRI_IDE PIN 1 M2N-PLUS SLI IDE connectors 3. See section 4.4.4 Onboard Device Configuration for Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s hard disk and optical disk drives. M2N-PLUS SLI ® NOTE: Orient the red markings (usually zigzag) on the IDE ribbon cable...
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... or may not boot up if the power is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I /O module cable to this connector. Internal audio connector (4-pin CD) These connectors allow you use a power supply unit (PSU) that complies with more power-consuming devices. AGND +5VA BLINE_OUT_R BLINE_OUT_L M2N-PLUS SLI ® FP_AUDIO MIC2 MICPWR Line out_R NC Line out_L M2N-PLUS SLI Front panel audio connector 10. M2N-PLUS SLI ® CD (black) Right Audio Channel Ground Ground Left Audio Channel M2N-PLUS SLI Internal audio connector ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-29 Connect one end...
... or may not boot up if the power is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I /O module cable to this connector. Internal audio connector (4-pin CD) These connectors allow you use a power supply unit (PSU) that complies with more power-consuming devices. AGND +5VA BLINE_OUT_R BLINE_OUT_L M2N-PLUS SLI ® FP_AUDIO MIC2 MICPWR Line out_R NC Line out_L M2N-PLUS SLI Front panel audio connector 10. M2N-PLUS SLI ® CD (black) Right Audio Channel Ground Ground Left Audio Channel M2N-PLUS SLI Internal audio connector ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-29 Connect one end...
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... the support CD in Windows® environment.) 2. Award BIOS Flash Utility (Updates the BIOS using a floppy disk / USB flash disk, or the motherboard support CD.) 3. Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk in case you to restore the BIOS in Windows® environment. ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Installing ASUS Update To install ASUS Update: 1. The Drivers menu appears. 2. ASUS Update (Updates the BIOS in the optical drive. The ASUS Update utility allows...
... the support CD in Windows® environment.) 2. Award BIOS Flash Utility (Updates the BIOS using a floppy disk / USB flash disk, or the motherboard support CD.) 3. Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk in case you to restore the BIOS in Windows® environment. ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Installing ASUS Update To install ASUS Update: 1. The Drivers menu appears. 2. ASUS Update (Updates the BIOS in the optical drive. The ASUS Update utility allows...
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... auto recovery tool that contains BIOS file to the USB port. 2. You can cause system boot failure! Award BootBlock BIOS v1.0 Copyright (c) 2000, Award Software, Inc. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process. • Only the USB flash disk with FAT 32/16/12 format and single partition can support ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3. Turn on the system. 2. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- Prepare the motherboard support CD, the floppy disk or the USB flash disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using the motherboard support...
... auto recovery tool that contains BIOS file to the USB port. 2. You can cause system boot failure! Award BootBlock BIOS v1.0 Copyright (c) 2000, Award Software, Inc. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process. • Only the USB flash disk with FAT 32/16/12 format and single partition can support ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3. Turn on the system. 2. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- Prepare the motherboard support CD, the floppy disk or the USB flash disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using the motherboard support...
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.... Option Disabled x CPU Frequency Auto x PCI Express Clock Auto x DDR2 Voltage Control Auto x PCI Clock Synchronization Mode Auto Select Menu Item Specific Help Press [Enter] to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. F1:Help ESC: Exit ↑↓ : Select Item →←: Select Menu -/+: Change Value Enter: Select Sub-menu F5: Setup Defaults F10: Save and Exit ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4-19 Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit JumperFree Configuration CPU Configuration PCIPnP Onboard Device Configuration SLI...
.... Option Disabled x CPU Frequency Auto x PCI Express Clock Auto x DDR2 Voltage Control Auto x PCI Clock Synchronization Mode Auto Select Menu Item Specific Help Press [Enter] to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. F1:Help ESC: Exit ↑↓ : Select Item →←: Select Menu -/+: Change Value Enter: Select Sub-menu F5: Setup Defaults F10: Save and Exit ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4-19 Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit JumperFree Configuration CPU Configuration PCIPnP Onboard Device Configuration SLI...
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... options: [PCI] [PCI-E] 4.4.4 Onboard Device Configuration Advanced Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Onboard Device Configuration IDE Function Setup NVRAID Configuration USB Configuration Onboard nVidia LAN Onboard LAN Boot ROM Onboard USB Audio ASUS ASAP Onboard 1394 Serial Port1 Address Parallel Port Address Parallel Port Mode x ECP Mode Use DMA [Enabled] [Disabled] [Enabled] [Disabled] [Enabled] [3F8/IRQ4] [378/IRQ7] [EPP] 3 Select Menu Item Specific Help Press [Enter] to set to [No], the BIOS configures all the devices in the system. Select No if you install a Plug...
... options: [PCI] [PCI-E] 4.4.4 Onboard Device Configuration Advanced Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Onboard Device Configuration IDE Function Setup NVRAID Configuration USB Configuration Onboard nVidia LAN Onboard LAN Boot ROM Onboard USB Audio ASUS ASAP Onboard 1394 Serial Port1 Address Parallel Port Address Parallel Port Mode x ECP Mode Use DMA [Enabled] [Disabled] [Enabled] [Disabled] [Enabled] [3F8/IRQ4] [378/IRQ7] [EPP] 3 Select Menu Item Specific Help Press [Enter] to set to [No], the BIOS configures all the devices in the system. Select No if you install a Plug...
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... [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4-27 Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] When USB 2.0 Controller is set to enable or disable the USB 2.0 controller. Advanced Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility USB Configuration USB Controller USB2.0 Controller USB Legacy support [Enabled] [Enabled] [Enabled] Select Menu Item Specific Help Enable or Disable USB 1.1 and 2.0 Controller. USB Legacy Support [Enabled] Allows you to [Disabled], audio function will be disabled. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Onboard nVidia LAN [Enabled] Enable or Disable...
... [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4-27 Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] When USB 2.0 Controller is set to enable or disable the USB 2.0 controller. Advanced Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility USB Configuration USB Controller USB2.0 Controller USB Legacy support [Enabled] [Enabled] [Enabled] Select Menu Item Specific Help Enable or Disable USB 1.1 and 2.0 Controller. USB Legacy Support [Enabled] Allows you to [Disabled], audio function will be disabled. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Onboard nVidia LAN [Enabled] Enable or Disable...
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... CMOS Setup Utility Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit ACPI Suspend Type ACPI APIC support APM Configuration Hardware Monitor [S1&S3] [Enabled] Select Menu Item Specific Help Select the ACPI state used for the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) and the Advanced Power Management (APM). When set to Enabled, the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC). Configuration options: [S1(POS)] [S3(STR)] [S1&S3] 4.5.2 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable...
... CMOS Setup Utility Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit ACPI Suspend Type ACPI APIC support APM Configuration Hardware Monitor [S1&S3] [Enabled] Select Menu Item Specific Help Select the ACPI state used for the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) and the Advanced Power Management (APM). When set to Enabled, the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC). Configuration options: [S1(POS)] [S3(STR)] [S1&S3] 4.5.2 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable...
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CPU Temperature M/B Temperature CPU FAN Speed CHASSIS FAN Speed POWER FAN Speed CPU Fan Speed warning 30ºC 33ºC 2884 RPM 0 RPM 0 RPM [ 800 RPM] F1:Help ESC: Exit ↑↓ : Select Item →←: Select Menu -/+: Change Value Enter: Select SubMenu F5: Setup Defaults F10: Save and Exit CPU Q-Fan Control [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the CPU Q-Fan controller. Set this sub-menu displays the hardware monitor values automatically detected by the BIOS. Configuration options: [Performance] [Optimal] [Silent] Chassis Q-Fan Control [Disabled] Allows you to ...
CPU Temperature M/B Temperature CPU FAN Speed CHASSIS FAN Speed POWER FAN Speed CPU Fan Speed warning 30ºC 33ºC 2884 RPM 0 RPM 0 RPM [ 800 RPM] F1:Help ESC: Exit ↑↓ : Select Item →←: Select Menu -/+: Change Value Enter: Select SubMenu F5: Setup Defaults F10: Save and Exit CPU Q-Fan Control [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the CPU Q-Fan controller. Set this sub-menu displays the hardware monitor values automatically detected by the BIOS. Configuration options: [Performance] [Optimal] [Silent] Chassis Q-Fan Control [Disabled] Allows you to ...
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... options: [Removable] [Hard Disk] [CDROM] [Disabled] 4-34 Chapter 4: BIOS setup Select an item then press to change the system boot options. 4.6 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to display the sub-menu. Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Boot Device Priority Removable Drives Hard Disk Drives CDROM Drives Boot Settings Configuration Security Select Menu Item Specific Help Select Boot Device Priority F1:Help ESC: Exit ↑↓ : Select Item →←: Select Menu -/+: Change Value Enter: Select Sub-menu F5: Setup Defaults...
... options: [Removable] [Hard Disk] [CDROM] [Disabled] 4-34 Chapter 4: BIOS setup Select an item then press to change the system boot options. 4.6 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to display the sub-menu. Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Boot Device Priority Removable Drives Hard Disk Drives CDROM Drives Boot Settings Configuration Security Select Menu Item Specific Help Select Boot Device Priority F1:Help ESC: Exit ↑↓ : Select Item →←: Select Menu -/+: Change Value Enter: Select Sub-menu F5: Setup Defaults...
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... the selections you attempt to exit the Setup program without saving your changes to the BIOS items. Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Exit & Save Changes Exit & Discard Changes Load Setup Default Discard Changes Select Menu Item Specific Help This option save your selections, choose this menu or from the Exit menu to the non-volatile RAM. Select [YES] to load default values. Pressing does not immediately exit...
... the selections you attempt to exit the Setup program without saving your changes to the BIOS items. Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Exit & Save Changes Exit & Discard Changes Load Setup Default Discard Changes Select Menu Item Specific Help This option save your selections, choose this menu or from the Exit menu to the non-volatile RAM. Select [YES] to load default values. Pressing does not immediately exit...