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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... items in 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! Before you for two devices 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable 1 x Floppy disk drive...
... items in 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! Before you for two devices 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable 1 x Floppy disk drive...
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...27 for details. See page 2-22 and 2-27 for details. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- See page 5-13 to powerful audio and speaker systems. See page 2-23 and 2-30 for details. S/PDIF digital sound ready The motherboard supports the S/PDIF technology through simple, low-cost, high-bandwidth ... data interfacing between devices and allows higher clockspeeds by carrying data in packets. This high speed interface is Microsoft Vista-ready. Gigabit LAN The motherboard comes with digital connectivity to 5-15 for details. The S/PDIF technology turns your computer into a high-end...
...27 for details. See page 2-22 and 2-27 for details. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- See page 5-13 to powerful audio and speaker systems. See page 2-23 and 2-30 for details. S/PDIF digital sound ready The motherboard supports the S/PDIF technology through simple, low-cost, high-bandwidth ... data interfacing between devices and allows higher clockspeeds by carrying data in packets. This high speed interface is Microsoft Vista-ready. Gigabit LAN The motherboard comes with digital connectivity to 5-15 for details. The S/PDIF technology turns your computer into a high-end...
Motherboard Installation Guide
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... cost and hassle of plugging in the motherboard allows you to provide a cool environment without all the baggage. See page 4-9 for details. ASUS motherboard's fanless concept is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. ASUS EZ Flash 2 EZ Flash 2 is ...ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to ensure quiet, cool, and efficient operation. The heatsinks and strategic board layout are tailor made to address the thermal issues across the motherboard, and most efficient manner. Update your system with noise and malfunction likelihood. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition...
... cost and hassle of plugging in the motherboard allows you to provide a cool environment without all the baggage. See page 4-9 for details. ASUS motherboard's fanless concept is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. ASUS EZ Flash 2 EZ Flash 2 is ...ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to ensure quiet, cool, and efficient operation. The heatsinks and strategic board layout are tailor made to address the thermal issues across the motherboard, and most efficient manner. Update your system with noise and malfunction likelihood. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition...
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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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... below 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- Onboard LED The motherboard comes with the component. • Before you should shut down... is switched off mode. 2.1 Before you proceed Take note of the onboard LED. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or components.
... below 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- Onboard LED The motherboard comes with the component. • Before you should shut down... is switched off mode. 2.1 Before you proceed Take note of the onboard LED. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or components.
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...you place it . Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 2.2.1 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, make sure that the motherboard fits into it into the chassis in the image below. 2.2.2 Screw holes Place six (6) screws into... the rear part of your chassis to ensure that you install the motherboard, study the configuration of the chassis as indicated in the correct orientation. Place this side towards the rear of the chassis M2N-PLUS SLI ® 2- Chapter 2: Hardware information Make sure to do so ...
...you place it . Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 2.2.1 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, make sure that the motherboard fits into it into the chassis in the image below. 2.2.2 Screw holes Place six (6) screws into... the rear part of your chassis to ensure that you install the motherboard, study the configuration of the chassis as indicated in the correct orientation. Place this side towards the rear of the chassis M2N-PLUS SLI ® 2- Chapter 2: Hardware information Make sure to do so ...
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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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...lever Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to prevent bending the connectors on the motherboard. 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2 socket designed for the AMD Opteron processor. The AM2 socket ...has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the Athlon™ 64 X2/Athlon™ 64/Athlon™ 64FX/Sempron™ processor. Make sure you use a CPU designed for the AM2 socket. M2N-PLUS SLI ® M2N-PLUS SLI...
...lever Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to prevent bending the connectors on the motherboard. 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2 socket designed for the AMD Opteron processor. The AM2 socket ...has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the Athlon™ 64 X2/Athlon™ 64/Athlon™ 64FX/Sempron™ processor. Make sure you use a CPU designed for the AM2 socket. M2N-PLUS SLI ® M2N-PLUS SLI...
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Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to plug this connector. • This connector is backward compatiable with old 3-pin CPU fan. 2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information CPU_FAN M2N-PLUS SLI ® M2N-PLUS SLI CPU fan connector • Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM 5.
Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to plug this connector. • This connector is backward compatiable with old 3-pin CPU fan. 2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information CPU_FAN M2N-PLUS SLI ® M2N-PLUS SLI CPU fan connector • Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM 5.
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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 ...(2) DIMM_A1 - 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 are notched differently to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. Populated Populated DIMM_B2 - Populated ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-11 Populated Populated Populated 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 ...(2) DIMM_A1 - 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 are notched differently to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. Populated Populated DIMM_B2 - Populated ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-11 Populated Populated Populated Sockets DIMM_B1 DIMM_A2 Populated ...
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... DIMM from the socket. 2 1 DDR2 DIMM notch ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-13 Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward. 2. Firmly 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. Do not force a DIMM into...
... DIMM from the socket. 2 1 DDR2 DIMM notch ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-13 Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward. 2. Firmly 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. Do not force a DIMM into...
Motherboard Installation Guide
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...to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Install the software drivers for information on the next page. 3. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-17 The following sub‑sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that you may cause you removed earlier. 6. ... IRQ" or 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. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is completely seated on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings,...
...to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Install the software drivers for information on the next page. 3. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-17 The following sub‑sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that you may cause you removed earlier. 6. ... IRQ" or 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. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is completely seated on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings,...
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... (black) • Connect a rear chassis fan to the figure below for details on the NVIDIA SLI™ technology feature. 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 ...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 ...
... (black) • Connect a rear chassis fan to the figure below for details on the NVIDIA SLI™ technology feature. 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 ...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 ...
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2.7.2 Internal connectors 1. M2N-PLUS SLI ® FLOPPY NOTE: Orient the red markings on the Ultra DMA cable connector. Connect the blue connector to prevent incorrect cable connection when using a FDD ... the motherboard's IDE connector, then select one end of the cable to this connector, then connect the other device jumpers have the same setting. 2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information Insert one of the floppy disk drive. Pin 5 on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable: blue, black, and gray. PIN 1 M2N-PLUS SLI Floppy...
2.7.2 Internal connectors 1. M2N-PLUS SLI ® FLOPPY NOTE: Orient the red markings on the Ultra DMA cable connector. Connect the blue connector to prevent incorrect cable connection when using a FDD ... the motherboard's IDE connector, then select one end of the cable to this connector, then connect the other device jumpers have the same setting. 2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information Insert one of the floppy disk drive. Pin 5 on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable: blue, black, and gray. PIN 1 M2N-PLUS SLI Floppy...
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... the fan cables to the fan connectors on the fan connectors! Do not place jumper caps on the motherboard, making sure that you may damage the motherboard components. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin PWR_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN) The fan... motherboard connector labled CHA_FAN for better themal environment. 2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information CPU_FAN GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN 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 ...
... the fan cables to the fan connectors on the fan connectors! Do not place jumper caps on the motherboard, making sure that you may damage the motherboard components. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin PWR_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN) The fan... motherboard connector labled CHA_FAN for better themal environment. 2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information CPU_FAN GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN 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 ...
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...then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-27 The USB module is for USB 2.0 ports. 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... USB+5V USB_P5USB_P5+ GND USB+5V USB_P5USB_P5+ GND NC GND USB_P10+ USB_P10USB+5V M2N-PLUS SLI USB 2.0 connectors Never connect a 1394 cable to 480 Mbps connection speed. Doing so will damage the motherboard! IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2) This connector is purchased separately. ...
...then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-27 The USB module is for USB 2.0 ports. 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... USB+5V USB_P5USB_P5+ GND USB+5V USB_P5USB_P5+ GND NC GND USB_P10+ USB_P10USB+5V M2N-PLUS SLI USB 2.0 connectors Never connect a 1394 cable to 480 Mbps connection speed. Doing so will damage the motherboard! IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2) This connector is purchased separately. ...
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... or an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk in Windows® environment. The Drivers menu appears. 2. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- Copy the original motherboard BIOS using a bootable floppy disk / USB flash disk or the motherboard support CD when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted.) Refer to...
... or an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk in Windows® environment. The Drivers menu appears. 2. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- Copy the original motherboard BIOS using a bootable floppy disk / USB flash disk or the motherboard support CD when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted.) Refer to...
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...it is built-in the BIOS chip so it . ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- The EZ Flash 2 utility is accessible by pressing + during POST to display the following. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. 2. Press + during the Power-On Self Tests ...while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure! ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility B318 FLASH TYPE: PMC Pm49FL004T LPC/FWH Current ROM BOARD: M2N-Plus SLI VER: 0107 DATE: 12/27/2006 Update ROM BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown PATH: C:\ A: C: Note [Enter] Select [Tab] ...
...it is built-in the BIOS chip so it . ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- The EZ Flash 2 utility is accessible by pressing + during POST to display the following. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. 2. Press + during the Power-On Self Tests ...while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure! ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility B318 FLASH TYPE: PMC Pm49FL004T LPC/FWH Current ROM BOARD: M2N-Plus SLI VER: 0107 DATE: 12/27/2006 Update ROM BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown PATH: C:\ A: C: Note [Enter] Select [Tab] ...
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... checks the devices for the BIOS file. Award BootBlock BIOS v1.0 Copyright (c) 2000, Award Software, Inc. Doing so can support ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- Turn on the system. 3. Pass 4. Insert the USB flash disk that contains the updated BIOS file. The device size should...reads the BIOS file and starts flashing the corrupted BIOS file. Prepare the motherboard support CD, the floppy disk or the USB flash disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using the motherboard support CD, the floppy disk, or the USB flash disk that contains BIOS...
... checks the devices for the BIOS file. Award BootBlock BIOS v1.0 Copyright (c) 2000, Award Software, Inc. Doing so can support ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- Turn on the system. 3. Pass 4. Insert the USB flash disk that contains the updated BIOS file. The device size should...reads the BIOS file and starts flashing the corrupted BIOS file. Prepare the motherboard support CD, the floppy disk or the USB flash disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using the motherboard support CD, the floppy disk, or the USB flash disk that contains BIOS...