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...
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... S/PDIF Out interface VIA 1394 controller supports 2 x 1394a ports Supports up to 8 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (four at x8 mode ASUS two-slot thermal design NVIDIA® nForce® 500 SLI™ MCP supports: - 2 x IDE connectors for AMD Athlon™ 64 FX / AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 / ... cards, both at mid-board, four on the rear panel) (continued on the next page) xi M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition specifications summary CPU Chipset System bus Memory Expansion slots Scalable Link Interface (SLI™) Storage LAN Audio IEEE 1394a USB 2.0 Socket AM2 for four Ultra DMA133/100/66/33 devices ...
... S/PDIF Out interface VIA 1394 controller supports 2 x 1394a ports Supports up to 8 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (four at x8 mode ASUS two-slot thermal design NVIDIA® nForce® 500 SLI™ MCP supports: - 2 x IDE connectors for AMD Athlon™ 64 FX / AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 / ... cards, both at mid-board, four on the rear panel) (continued on the next page) xi M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition specifications summary CPU Chipset System bus Memory Expansion slots Scalable Link Interface (SLI™) Storage LAN Audio IEEE 1394a USB 2.0 Socket AM2 for four Ultra DMA133/100/66/33 devices ...
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... next page) xii AI Remote - M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition specifications summary ASUS AI Lifestyle features Overclocking features Special features Rear panel I/O ports Internal connectors ASUS AI Lifestyle Vista Edition features: - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 - AP Trigger *ASUS AI Remote, AP Trigger, and TPM run with both Windows® Vista and XP ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution: - ASAP (ASUS Accelerated Propeller) - ASUS AI Nap AI Overclocking (intelligent...
... next page) xii AI Remote - M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition specifications summary ASUS AI Lifestyle features Overclocking features Special features Rear panel I/O ports Internal connectors ASUS AI Lifestyle Vista Edition features: - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 - AP Trigger *ASUS AI Remote, AP Trigger, and TPM run with both Windows® Vista and XP ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution: - ASAP (ASUS Accelerated Propeller) - ASUS AI Nap AI Overclocking (intelligent...
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... only) AI Remote (Retail version only) User's manual Drivers ASUS PC Probe II 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...
... only) AI Remote (Retail version only) User's manual Drivers ASUS PC Probe II 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...
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... long line 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! Thank you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it another standout in your package with the...
... long line 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! Thank you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it another standout in your package with the...
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... devices such as camcorders, VCRs, printers, TVs, and digital cameras. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- The S/PDIF technology turns your computer into the NVIDIA® nForce™ 500 SLI™ chipset to meet your Internet, LAN, and file sharing requirements. PCI Express™ interface The motherboard fully supports PCI Express, the latest I/O interconnect technology that speeds up...
... devices such as camcorders, VCRs, printers, TVs, and digital cameras. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- The S/PDIF technology turns your computer into the NVIDIA® nForce™ 500 SLI™ chipset to meet your Internet, LAN, and file sharing requirements. PCI Express™ interface The motherboard fully supports PCI Express, the latest I/O interconnect technology that speeds up...
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... and chassis fan speeds according to the system loading to dissipate heat in the motherboard allows you to launch the utility and update the BIOS without all the baggage. ASUS Q-Connector The ASUS Q-Connector allows you to personalize and add style to address the thermal issues across...Flash 2 EZ Flash 2 is specifically created to restore corrupted BIOS data from a USB flash disk containing the BIOS file. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- ASUS motherboard's fanless concept is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. This utility saves users the cost and hassle of plugging in one...
... and chassis fan speeds according to the system loading to dissipate heat in the motherboard allows you to launch the utility and update the BIOS without all the baggage. ASUS Q-Connector The ASUS Q-Connector allows you to personalize and add style to address the thermal issues across...Flash 2 EZ Flash 2 is specifically created to restore corrupted BIOS data from a USB flash disk containing the BIOS file. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- ASUS motherboard's fanless concept is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. This utility saves users the cost and hassle of plugging in one...
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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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... off mode. M2N-PLUS SLI ® SB_PWR ON M2N-PLUS SLI Onboard LED Standby Power OFF Powered Off ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2- 2.1 Before you proceed Take note of the onboard LED. The illustration below shows the location of the following precautions before you uninstall any component, place it on them. • Whenever you install motherboard components or change any motherboard component. The...
... off mode. M2N-PLUS SLI ® SB_PWR ON M2N-PLUS SLI Onboard LED Standby Power OFF Powered Off ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2- 2.1 Before you proceed Take note of the onboard LED. The illustration below shows the location of the following precautions before you uninstall any component, place it on them. • Whenever you install motherboard components or change any motherboard component. The...
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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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When the CPU is locked. 6. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2- Gold triangle Small triangle 5. The lever clicks on the side tab to secure the CPU. Install a CPU heatsink and fan following the instructions that it fits in place, push down the socket lever to indicate that came with a small triangle. 4. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it is in place. 3. Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with the heatsink package.
When the CPU is locked. 6. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2- Gold triangle Small triangle 5. The lever clicks on the side tab to secure the CPU. Install a CPU heatsink and fan following the instructions that it fits in place, push down the socket lever to indicate that came with a small triangle. 4. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it is in place. 3. Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with the heatsink package.
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2. Push down the retention bracket lock on the retention mechanism to secure the heatsink and fan to the retention module base. Align the other end of the retention bracket to the retention module base. 3. A clicking sound denotes that the fan and heatsink assembly perfectly fits the retention mechanism module base, otherwise you cannot snap the retention bracket in place. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2- Attach one end of the retention bracket (near the retention bracket lock) to the module base. Make sure that the retention bracket is in place. 4.
2. Push down the retention bracket lock on the retention mechanism to secure the heatsink and fan to the retention module base. Align the other end of the retention bracket to the retention module base. 3. A clicking sound denotes that the fan and heatsink assembly perfectly fits the retention mechanism module base, otherwise you cannot snap the retention bracket in place. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2- Attach one end of the retention bracket (near the retention bracket lock) to the module base. Make sure that the retention bracket is in place. 4.
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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... Mode Single-Channel Dual-channel (1) Dual-channel (2) DIMM_A1 - Populated - Populated Populated DIMM_B2 - Populated ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-11 2.4 System memory 2.4.1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. DDR2 DIMMs...
...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... Mode Single-Channel Dual-channel (1) Dual-channel (2) DIMM_A1 - Populated - Populated Populated DIMM_B2 - Populated ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-11 2.4 System memory 2.4.1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. DDR2 DIMMs...
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...insert the DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM. • The DDR2 DIMM sockets do so can cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. The DIMM might get damaged when it fits in place and the DIMM is properly seated. 2 3 DDR2 DIMM notch Unlocked...not support DDR DIMMs. DO not install DDR DIMMs to unlock the DIMM. Remove the DIMM from the socket. 2 1 DDR2 DIMM notch ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-13 Support the DIMM lightly with extra force. 2. 2.4.3 Installing a DIMM Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components....
...insert the DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM. • The DDR2 DIMM sockets do so can cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. The DIMM might get damaged when it fits in place and the DIMM is properly seated. 2 3 DDR2 DIMM notch Unlocked...not support DDR DIMMs. DO not install DDR DIMMs to unlock the DIMM. Remove the DIMM from the socket. 2 1 DDR2 DIMM notch ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-13 Support the DIMM lightly with extra force. 2. 2.4.3 Installing a DIMM Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components....
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...; DS JM388Q643A-6 ••• SS T6UA512C5 ••• DS T6UB1GC5 ••• SS TB3D2667C58S ••• DS TB4D2667C58D ••• ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-15
...; DS JM388Q643A-6 ••• SS T6UA512C5 ••• DS T6UB1GC5 ••• SS TB3D2667C58S ••• DS TB4D2667C58D ••• ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-15
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...sure to install expansion cards. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-17 2.5 Expansion slots In the future, you may cause you removed earlier. 6. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that they support. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is completely seated on the... 3. The following sub‑sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that came with the screw you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 2.5.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1. Turn on the slot. 5. See Chapter 4 for later...
...sure to install expansion cards. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-17 2.5 Expansion slots In the future, you may cause you removed earlier. 6. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that they support. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is completely seated on the... 3. The following sub‑sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that came with the screw you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 2.5.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1. Turn on the slot. 5. See Chapter 4 for later...
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... 2-29 for details. • See chapter 6 for better thermal environment. 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® SLI™ mode. PCI Express x16_1 slot (blue) PCI Express x1 slot PCI Express x1 slot... card x8 PCIE x16_2 (Black) slot Card type Speed NA - 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
... 2-29 for details. • See chapter 6 for better thermal environment. 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® SLI™ mode. PCI Express x16_1 slot (blue) PCI Express x1 slot PCI Express x1 slot... card x8 PCIE x16_2 (Black) slot Card type Speed NA - 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
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...can provide 500mA on the +5VSB lead, and a corresponding setting in sleep mode. 3. M2N-PLUS SLI ® USBPW12 2 1 +5V (Default) 3 2 +5VSB USBPW34 12 23 +5V +5VSB (Default) USBPW56 USBPW78 12 23 M2N-PLUS SLI USB device wake-up +5V (Default) +5VSB • The USB device wake-up... 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 Keyboard power (3-pin KBPWR) This jumper allows you press a key on the keyboard (...
...can provide 500mA on the +5VSB lead, and a corresponding setting in sleep mode. 3. M2N-PLUS SLI ® USBPW12 2 1 +5V (Default) 3 2 +5VSB USBPW34 12 23 +5V +5VSB (Default) USBPW56 USBPW78 12 23 M2N-PLUS SLI USB device wake-up +5V (Default) +5VSB • The USB device wake-up... 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 Keyboard power (3-pin KBPWR) This jumper allows you press a key on the keyboard (...
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... cable. 14. This port connects the center/subwoofer speakers. This 9-pin COM port is for the function of the audio ports in 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-23 This port is for connecting USB 2.0 devices. Center/Subwoofer port (orange). PS/2 keyboard port (purple). Serial port (COM port). 9. This port connects a microphone. 10...
... cable. 14. This port connects the center/subwoofer speakers. This 9-pin COM port is for the function of the audio ports in 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-23 This port is for connecting USB 2.0 devices. Center/Subwoofer port (orange). PS/2 keyboard port (purple). Serial port (COM port). 9. This port connects a microphone. 10...
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...; SATA2 SATA4 SATA2 SATA4 GND RSATA_RXN4 RSATA_RXP4 GND RSATA_TXN4 RGSNADTA_RXRGNSN4ADTA_TXP4 RSATA_RXP4 GND RSATA_TXN4 RSATA_TXP4 GND RSATA_TXP2 RSATA_TXN2 GND RRGSSNAADTTAA__RRXXRRRGPNSSSN22AAADTTTAAA___TTRXXXPNP222 RSATA_RXN2 GND GND GND M2N-PLUS SLI SATA connectors M2N-PLUS SLI SATA connectors ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-25 If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors is backward compatible...
...; SATA2 SATA4 SATA2 SATA4 GND RSATA_RXN4 RSATA_RXP4 GND RSATA_TXN4 RGSNADTA_RXRGNSN4ADTA_TXP4 RSATA_RXP4 GND RSATA_TXN4 RSATA_TXP4 GND RSATA_TXP2 RSATA_TXN2 GND RRGSSNAADTTAA__RRXXRRRGPNSSSN22AAADTTTAAA___TTRXXXPNP222 RSATA_RXN2 GND GND GND M2N-PLUS SLI SATA connectors M2N-PLUS SLI SATA connectors ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-25 If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors is backward compatible...