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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... as warranty flyers, that comes with the motherboard package. • Chapter 6: NVIDIA® SLI™ technology support This chapter tells how to the ASUS contact information. 2. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on the motherboard. • Chapter 3: Powering up This chapter... includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on ASUS hardware and software products. These documents are also provided. • Chapter 5: Software support This chapter describes the contents of the motherboard and the new technology it supports. • Chapter 2:...
... as warranty flyers, that comes with the motherboard package. • Chapter 6: NVIDIA® SLI™ technology support This chapter tells how to the ASUS contact information. 2. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on the motherboard. • Chapter 3: Powering up This chapter... includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on ASUS hardware and software products. These documents are also provided. • Chapter 5: Software support This chapter describes the contents of the motherboard and the new technology it supports. • Chapter 2:...
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... 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! Retail version only) AI Remote (Retail version only) ASUS motherboard support CD User guide If any of new features and the...
... 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! Retail version only) AI Remote (Retail version only) ASUS motherboard support CD User guide If any of new features and the...
Motherboard Installation Guide
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....8 GB/s. See page 2‑11 and 2-12 for details. The onboard NVIDIA nForce® 500 SLI™ MCP allows RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD. 1.3 Special features 1.3.1 Product highlights Latest processor technology The motherboard comes with peak bandwidths of the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. With an integrated lowlatency...
....8 GB/s. See page 2‑11 and 2-12 for details. The onboard NVIDIA nForce® 500 SLI™ MCP allows RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD. 1.3 Special features 1.3.1 Product highlights Latest processor technology The motherboard comes with peak bandwidths of the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. With an integrated lowlatency...
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...segment to 400 Mbps transfer rates through the S/PDIF interfaces on USB 2.0. The IEEE 1394a interface allows up the PCI bus. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- See page 5-13 to a fast 480 Mbps on the rear panel. C-Media Superior Quality Audio C-Media CM6501 onboard 8-channel...connection speed from the 12 Mbps bandwidth on USB 1.1 to 5-15 for your growing networking needs. 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...
...segment to 400 Mbps transfer rates through the S/PDIF interfaces on USB 2.0. The IEEE 1394a interface allows up the PCI bus. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- See page 5-13 to a fast 480 Mbps on the rear panel. C-Media Superior Quality Audio C-Media CM6501 onboard 8-channel...connection speed from the 12 Mbps bandwidth on USB 1.1 to 5-15 for your growing networking needs. 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...
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... allows you to personalize and add style to your BIOS easily without entering the OS. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- See page 4-9 for details. Update your system with customizable boot logos. ASUS motherboard's fanless concept is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply press the predefined hotkey to connect or disconnect chassis front panel cables in one cable...
... allows you to personalize and add style to your BIOS easily without entering the OS. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- See page 4-9 for details. Update your system with customizable boot logos. ASUS motherboard's fanless concept is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply press the predefined hotkey to connect or disconnect chassis front panel cables in one cable...
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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
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...as the power supply case, 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- This is a reminder that the ATX... electricity. • Hold components by the edges to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or components. Onboard LED The motherboard comes with the component. • Before you install or remove any motherboard component. 2.1 Before you proceed Take note of the onboard ...
...as the power supply case, 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- This is a reminder that the ATX... electricity. • Hold components by the edges to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or components. Onboard LED The motherboard comes with the component. • Before you install or remove any motherboard component. 2.1 Before you proceed Take note of the onboard ...
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... M2N-PLUS SLI ® 2- Chapter 2: Hardware information Doing so can cause you place it . Do not overtighten the screws! Place this side towards the rear of the chassis as indicated in the image below. 2.2.2 Screw holes Place six (6) screws into the chassis in the correct orientation. Failure to do so can damage the motherboard. 2.2 Motherboard...
... M2N-PLUS SLI ® 2- Chapter 2: Hardware information Doing so can cause you place it . Do not overtighten the screws! Place this side towards the rear of the chassis as indicated in the image below. 2.2.2 Screw holes Place six (6) screws into the chassis in the correct orientation. Failure to do so can damage the motherboard. 2.2 Motherboard...
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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) DDR2 DIMM_B1 (64 bit,...,240-pin module) DDR2 DIMM_B2 (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® I5D0I0ASLI™ PWR_FAN CHA_FAN CLRTC...
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) DDR2 DIMM_B1 (64 bit,...,240-pin module) DDR2 DIMM_B2 (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® I5D0I0ASLI™ PWR_FAN CHA_FAN CLRTC...
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DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the motherboard. Locate the CPU socket on the socket and damaging the CPU! 2.3.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU: 1. Unlock the socket by pressing the...designed for the AM2 socket. M2N-PLUS SLI ® M2N-PLUS SLI CPU Socket AM2 2. Make sure you use a CPU designed for the AMD Opteron processor. otherwise, the CPU will not fit in only one correct orientation. The CPU fits in completely. 2- Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with a 940-pin...
DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the motherboard. Locate the CPU socket on the socket and damaging the CPU! 2.3.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU: 1. Unlock the socket by pressing the...designed for the AM2 socket. M2N-PLUS SLI ® M2N-PLUS SLI CPU Socket AM2 2. Make sure you use a CPU designed for the AMD Opteron processor. otherwise, the CPU will not fit in only one correct orientation. The CPU fits in completely. 2- Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with a 940-pin...
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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! CPU_FAN M2N-PLUS SLI ® M2N-PLUS SLI CPU fan connector • Do not forget to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM 5. When the fan and heatsink assembly is backward compatiable with old 3-pin CPU fan. 2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information
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! CPU_FAN M2N-PLUS SLI ® M2N-PLUS SLI CPU fan connector • Do not forget to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM 5. When the fan and heatsink assembly is backward compatiable with old 3-pin CPU fan. 2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information
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...Sockets DIMM_B1 DIMM_A2 Populated - - - 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... notched differently to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. Populated ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-11 Populated - Recommended Memory Configurations Mode Single-Channel Dual-channel (1) Dual-channel (2) DIMM_A1 - 2.4 System memory 2.4.1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual...
...Sockets DIMM_B1 DIMM_A2 Populated - - - 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... notched differently to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. Populated ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-11 Populated - Recommended Memory Configurations Mode Single-Channel Dual-channel (1) Dual-channel (2) DIMM_A1 - 2.4 System memory 2.4.1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual...
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... DIMM sockets do so can cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to the DDR2 DIMM sockets. 2.4.4 Removing a DIMM To remove a DIMM: 1. Remove the DIMM from the socket. 2 1 DDR2 DIMM notch ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-13 To install a DIMM: 1. 2.4.3 Installing a DIMM Unplug the power supply before...
... DIMM sockets do so can cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to the DDR2 DIMM sockets. 2.4.4 Removing a DIMM To remove a DIMM: 1. Remove the DIMM from the socket. 2 1 DDR2 DIMM notch ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-13 To install a DIMM: 1. 2.4.3 Installing a DIMM Unplug the power supply before...
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The following sub‑sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 2.5.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that they support.... Install the software drivers for information on BIOS setup. 2. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-17 Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that the cards do so may need IRQ assignments; Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is completely seated on shared slots, ensure that the drivers ...
The following sub‑sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 2.5.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that they support.... Install the software drivers for information on BIOS setup. 2. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-17 Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that the cards do so may need IRQ assignments; Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is completely seated on shared slots, ensure that the drivers ...
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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 PCI Express x16_1 slot (blue) PCI Express x1 slot PCI Express x1 slot PCI slot PCI slot PCI Express x16_2 slot (black) • ... PCIe x16 graphics card x8 PCIe x16 graphics card x8 PCIE x16_2 (Black) slot Card type Speed NA - 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®...
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 PCI Express x16_1 slot (blue) PCI Express x1 slot PCI Express x1 slot PCI slot PCI slot PCI Express x16_2 slot (black) • ... PCIe x16 graphics card x8 PCIe x16 graphics card x8 PCIE x16_2 (Black) slot Card type Speed NA - 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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... to this connector, then connect the other device jumpers have the same setting. 2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information Connect the blue connector to the motherboard's IDE connector, then select one end of the cable to PIN 1. 2.7.2 Internal connectors 1. If any device jumper is for Ultra DMA 100... Cable-Select or Master Cable-Select Master Slave Mode of the floppy disk drive. Pin 5 on the Ultra DMA cable connector. PIN 1 M2N-PLUS SLI Floppy disk drive connector 2. Master Slave Master Slave Cable connector Black Black Gray Black or gray • Pin 20 on the IDE connector...
... to this connector, then connect the other device jumpers have the same setting. 2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information Connect the blue connector to the motherboard's IDE connector, then select one end of the cable to PIN 1. 2.7.2 Internal connectors 1. If any device jumper is for Ultra DMA 100... Cable-Select or Master Cable-Select Master Slave Mode of the floppy disk drive. Pin 5 on the Ultra DMA cable connector. PIN 1 M2N-PLUS SLI Floppy disk drive connector 2. Master Slave Master Slave Cable connector Black Black Gray Black or gray • Pin 20 on the IDE connector...
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... PWM M2N-PLUS SLI ® PWR_FAN GND +12V Rotation CHA_FAN GND +12V 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 SATA signal cable to the motherboard connector...
... PWM M2N-PLUS SLI ® PWR_FAN GND +12V Rotation CHA_FAN GND +12V 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 SATA signal cable to the motherboard connector...
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... at the back of the system chassis. Doing so will damage the motherboard! ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-27 The USB module is purchased separately. M2N-PLUS SLI ® TPA2GND TPB2+12V GND TPA2+ GND TPB2+ +12V IE1394_2 1 M2N-PLUS SLI IEEE 1394a connector The IEEE 1394a module is purchased separately. 6. USB ... IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2) This connector is for USB 2.0 ports. 5. 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 USB+5V USB_P5USB_P5+ GND USB...
... at the back of the system chassis. Doing so will damage the motherboard! ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-27 The USB module is purchased separately. M2N-PLUS SLI ® TPA2GND TPB2+12V GND TPA2+ GND TPB2+ +12V IE1394_2 1 M2N-PLUS SLI IEEE 1394a connector The IEEE 1394a module is purchased separately. 6. USB ... IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2) This connector is for USB 2.0 ports. 5. 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 USB+5V USB_P5USB_P5+ GND USB...
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... BIOS Flash Utility (Updates the BIOS using a floppy disk / USB flash disk, or the motherboard support CD.) 3. Place the support CD in Windows® environment.) 2. See page 5-3 for details on these utilities. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk in case you to the corresponding sections for...
... BIOS Flash Utility (Updates the BIOS using a floppy disk / USB flash disk, or the motherboard support CD.) 3. Place the support CD in Windows® environment.) 2. See page 5-3 for details on these utilities. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk in case you to the corresponding sections for...