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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... 4-19 4.4.1 JumperFree Configuration 4-19 4.4.2 CPU Configuration 4-21 4.4.3 PCIPnP 4-24 4.4.4 Onboard Device Configuration 4-24 4.4.5 SLI Configuration 4-28 4.5 Power menu 4-29 4.5.1 ACPI Suspend Type [S1&S3 4-29 4.5.2 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled ... 4.6.2 Removable Drives 4-35 4.6.3 Hard Disk Drives 4-35 4.6.4 CDROM Drives 4-35 4.6.5 Boot Settings Configuration 4-36 4.6.6 Security 4-37 4.7 Tools menu 4-39 4.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 4-39 4.8 Exit menu 4-40 Chapter 5: Software support 5.1 Installing an operating system 5-1 5.2 Support CD information 5-1 5.2.1 Running the support CD...
... 4-19 4.4.1 JumperFree Configuration 4-19 4.4.2 CPU Configuration 4-21 4.4.3 PCIPnP 4-24 4.4.4 Onboard Device Configuration 4-24 4.4.5 SLI Configuration 4-28 4.5 Power menu 4-29 4.5.1 ACPI Suspend Type [S1&S3 4-29 4.5.2 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled ... 4.6.2 Removable Drives 4-35 4.6.3 Hard Disk Drives 4-35 4.6.4 CDROM Drives 4-35 4.6.5 Boot Settings Configuration 4-36 4.6.6 Security 4-37 4.7 Tools menu 4-39 4.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 4-39 4.8 Exit menu 4-40 Chapter 5: Software support 5.1 Installing an operating system 5-1 5.2 Support CD information 5-1 5.2.1 Running the support CD...
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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
Motherboard Installation Guide
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How this guide This user guide contains the information you have been added by your dealer. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on the motherboard. • Chapter 3: Powering up This chapter describes the power up sequence and ways of shutting down the system. &#... to install SLI-ready PCI Express graphics cards. Where to find more information Refer to the following parts: • Chapter 1: Product introduction This chapter describes the features of the support CD that comes with the motherboard package. • Chapter 6: NVIDIA® SLI™ technology...
How this guide This user guide contains the information you have been added by your dealer. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on the motherboard. • Chapter 3: Powering up This chapter describes the power up sequence and ways of shutting down the system. &#... to install SLI-ready PCI Express graphics cards. Where to find more information Refer to the following parts: • Chapter 1: Product introduction This chapter describes the features of the support CD that comes with the motherboard package. • Chapter 6: NVIDIA® SLI™ technology...
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...Acceleration C-Media Superior Quality Audio 7.1 channel CODEC (Vista-ready) - Supports 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 ... 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...
...Acceleration C-Media Superior Quality Audio 7.1 channel CODEC (Vista-ready) - Supports 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 ... 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...
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... from 200 MHz up to 400 MHz at 1 MHz increment ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) Adjustable FSB/DDR2 ratio. ASUS Q-Connector - 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 - ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS Q-Fan 2 ASUS MyLogo2 1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple) 1 x PS/2 mouse port (green) 1 x LAN...
... from 200 MHz up to 400 MHz at 1 MHz increment ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) Adjustable FSB/DDR2 ratio. ASUS Q-Connector - 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 - ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS Q-Fan 2 ASUS MyLogo2 1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple) 1 x PS/2 mouse port (green) 1 x LAN...
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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; xiii Retail version...
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; xiii Retail version...
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... 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 ASUS quality motherboards! Before you for two devices 1 x Ultra...
... 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 ASUS quality motherboards! Before you for two devices 1 x Ultra...
Motherboard Installation Guide
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.... The onboard NVIDIA nForce® 500 SLI™ MCP allows RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD. See page 2‑25. 1- Chapter 1: Product introduction See page 2-6 for details. Serial ATA 3Gb/s RAID The motherboard supports the next-generation Serial ATA hard ...scalable graphics performance. NVIDIA® Scalable Link Interface (SLI™) The NVIDIA® Scalable Link Interface (SLI™) technology allows two graphics processing units (GPUs) in a single system. AMD Cool 'n' Quiet!™ Technology The motherboard supports the AMD Cool 'n' Quiet!™ Technology ...
.... The onboard NVIDIA nForce® 500 SLI™ MCP allows RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD. See page 2‑25. 1- Chapter 1: Product introduction See page 2-6 for details. Serial ATA 3Gb/s RAID The motherboard supports the next-generation Serial ATA hard ...scalable graphics performance. NVIDIA® Scalable Link Interface (SLI™) The NVIDIA® Scalable Link Interface (SLI™) technology allows two graphics processing units (GPUs) in a single system. AMD Cool 'n' Quiet!™ Technology The motherboard supports the AMD Cool 'n' Quiet!™ Technology ...
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.... See page 2-22 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- IEEE 1394a support The IEEE 1394a interface provides high-speed and flexible PC connectivity...
.... See page 2-22 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- IEEE 1394a support The IEEE 1394a interface provides high-speed and flexible PC connectivity...
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... and strategic board layout are tailor made to dissipate heat in the motherboard allows you to provide a cool environment without entering the OS. See page 5-9 and 5-10 for details. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to ensure quiet, cool, and efficient ... See page 4-5 for details. ASUS has devoted special efforts to your BIOS easily without preparing a bootable diskette or using an OS-based flash utility. This utility saves users the cost and hassle of plugging in one easy step with noise and malfunction likelihood. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1-
... and strategic board layout are tailor made to dissipate heat in the motherboard allows you to provide a cool environment without entering the OS. See page 5-9 and 5-10 for details. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to ensure quiet, cool, and efficient ... See page 4-5 for details. ASUS has devoted special efforts to your BIOS easily without preparing a bootable diskette or using an OS-based flash utility. This utility saves users the cost and hassle of plugging in one easy step with noise and malfunction likelihood. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1-
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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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... antistatic pad or in the bag that came with a standby power LED. The green LED lights up to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or components. Onboard LED The motherboard comes with the component. • Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the system is ON, ...as the power supply case, before removing or plugging in soft‑off or the power cord is switched 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.
... antistatic pad or in the bag that came with a standby power LED. The green LED lights up to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or components. Onboard LED The motherboard comes with the component. • Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the system is ON, ...as the power supply case, before removing or plugging in soft‑off or the power cord is switched 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.
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...with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis M2N-PLUS SLI ® 2- Chapter 2: Hardware information Doing so can cause you place it . Make sure to do so can damage the motherboard. Place this side towards the rear of the chassis as ... Do not overtighten the screws! 2.2 Motherboard overview Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to ensure that 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...
...with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis M2N-PLUS SLI ® 2- Chapter 2: Hardware information Doing so can cause you place it . Make sure to do so can damage the motherboard. Place this side towards the rear of the chassis as ... Do not overtighten the screws! 2.2 Motherboard overview Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to ensure that 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...
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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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... the socket to a 90º angle; Socket lever Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to a 90º angle. M2N-PLUS SLI ® M2N-PLUS SLI CPU Socket AM2 2. 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2 socket designed for the AMD Opteron processor. The CPU fits in completely. 2- Chapter 2: Hardware information...
... the socket to a 90º angle; Socket lever Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to a 90º angle. M2N-PLUS SLI ® M2N-PLUS SLI CPU Socket AM2 2. 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2 socket designed for the AMD Opteron processor. The CPU fits in completely. 2- Chapter 2: Hardware information...
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Gold triangle Small triangle 5. Install a CPU heatsink and fan following the instructions that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with the heatsink package. When the CPU is locked. 6. 3. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2- Position the CPU above the socket such that came with a small triangle. 4. The lever clicks on the side tab to secure the CPU. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it fits in place, push down the socket lever to indicate that it is in place.
Gold triangle Small triangle 5. Install a CPU heatsink and fan following the instructions that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with the heatsink package. When the CPU is locked. 6. 3. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2- Position the CPU above the socket such that came with a small triangle. 4. The lever clicks on the side tab to secure the CPU. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it fits in place, push down the socket lever to indicate that it is in place.
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Make sure that the retention bracket is in place. 4. 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. Push down the retention bracket lock on the retention mechanism to secure the heatsink and fan to the retention module base. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2- 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. 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. Push down the retention bracket lock on the retention mechanism to secure the heatsink and fan to the retention module base. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2- 2. Attach one end of the retention bracket (near the retention bracket lock) to the module base.
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CPU_FAN M2N-PLUS SLI ® M2N-PLUS SLI CPU fan connector • Do not forget to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. 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. 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. 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. 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!
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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 ... - Recommended Memory Configurations Mode Single-Channel Dual-channel (1) Dual-channel (2) DIMM_A1 - Populated Populated DIMM_B2 - Populated - 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. A DDR2 module has the same...
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 ... - Recommended Memory Configurations Mode Single-Channel Dual-channel (1) Dual-channel (2) DIMM_A1 - Populated Populated DIMM_B2 - Populated - 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. A DDR2 module has the same...
