Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 9
...and software updates. 1. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are not part of the support CD that comes with the motherboard package. • Chapter 6: NVIDIA® SLI™ technology support This chapter tells how to install SLI-ready PCI Express graphics cards. ix These ...Refer to perform when installing system components. 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. • Chapter 4: BIOS setup This chapter tells how to the...
...and software updates. 1. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are not part of the support CD that comes with the motherboard package. • Chapter 6: NVIDIA® SLI™ technology support This chapter tells how to install SLI-ready PCI Express graphics cards. ix These ...Refer to perform when installing system components. 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. • Chapter 4: BIOS setup This chapter tells how to the...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 12
...174; Vista and XP ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution: - Fixed PCI/PCIe frequencies ASUS EZ DIY: - ASUS AI Gear - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 - ASUS AI Nap AI Overclocking (intelligent CPU frequency tuner) Stepless Frequency Selection (SFS) allows FSB tuning from 200 MHz up to 400 MHz at 1 MHz increment ASUS C.P.R. ...4-pin ATX 12 V power connector System panel connector (continued on the next page) xii ASAP (ASUS Accelerated Propeller) - M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition specifications summary ASUS AI Lifestyle features Overclocking features Special features Rear panel I/O ports Internal connectors...
...174; Vista and XP ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution: - Fixed PCI/PCIe frequencies ASUS EZ DIY: - ASUS AI Gear - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 - ASUS AI Nap AI Overclocking (intelligent CPU frequency tuner) Stepless Frequency Selection (SFS) allows FSB tuning from 200 MHz up to 400 MHz at 1 MHz increment ASUS C.P.R. ...4-pin ATX 12 V power connector System panel connector (continued on the next page) xii ASAP (ASUS Accelerated Propeller) - M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition specifications summary ASUS AI Lifestyle features Overclocking features Special features Rear panel I/O ports Internal connectors...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 13
... 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...
... 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
Page 21
.... Update your system with one complete module. This unique adapter eliminates the trouble of buying a replacement BIOS chip. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- The heatsinks and strategic board layout are tailor made to connect or disconnect chassis front panel cables in...for details. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to ensure quiet, cool, and efficient operation. ASUS Q-Connector The ASUS Q-Connector allows you to personalize and add style to address the thermal issues across the motherboard, and most efficient manner. 1.3.3 ASUS Special features...
.... Update your system with one complete module. This unique adapter eliminates the trouble of buying a replacement BIOS chip. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- The heatsinks and strategic board layout are tailor made to connect or disconnect chassis front panel cables in...for details. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to ensure quiet, cool, and efficient operation. ASUS Q-Connector The ASUS Q-Connector allows you to personalize and add style to address the thermal issues across the motherboard, and most efficient manner. 1.3.3 ASUS Special features...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 27
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,... PCIEX1_2 VIA VT6308P Super I/O PCIEX16_2 PCI1 PCI2 TPM IE1394_2 ASAP ® nForcNeV® I5D0I0ASLI™ PWR_FAN CHA_FAN CLRTC CR2032 3V Lithium Cell CMOS Power 4Mb BIOS SATA1 SATA3 PANEL SB_PWR USBPW56 USBPW78 SATA2 USB78 CHASSIS SATA4 FLOPPY USB56 Refer to 2.7 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.
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,... PCIEX1_2 VIA VT6308P Super I/O PCIEX16_2 PCI1 PCI2 TPM IE1394_2 ASAP ® nForcNeV® I5D0I0ASLI™ PWR_FAN CHA_FAN CLRTC CR2032 3V Lithium Cell CMOS Power 4Mb BIOS SATA1 SATA3 PANEL SB_PWR USBPW56 USBPW78 SATA2 USB78 CHASSIS SATA4 FLOPPY USB56 Refer to 2.7 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 41
... to the tables on BIOS setup. 2. Assign an IRQ to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Refer to the chassis with the slot and press firmly until the card is already installed in a chassis). 3. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-17 2.5 Expansion slots... In the future, you may cause you removed earlier. 6. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is completely seated on the slot. 5. otherwise, conflicts will arise between...
... to the tables on BIOS setup. 2. Assign an IRQ to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Refer to the chassis with the slot and press firmly until the card is already installed in a chassis). 3. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-17 2.5 Expansion slots... In the future, you may cause you removed earlier. 6. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is completely seated on the slot. 5. otherwise, conflicts will arise between...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 44
...and turn ON the computer. 6. Hold down and reboot the system so the BIOS can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. M2N-PLUS SLI ® M2N-PLUS SLI Clear RTC RAM CLRTC 12 23 Normal (Default) Clear RTC • Make ...sure to re-enter your previous BIOS settings after you to pins 1-2. 4. 2.6 Jumper 1. The onboard button cell battery powers...
...and turn ON the computer. 6. Hold down and reboot the system so the BIOS can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. M2N-PLUS SLI ® M2N-PLUS SLI Clear RTC RAM CLRTC 12 23 Normal (Default) Clear RTC • Make ...sure to re-enter your previous BIOS settings after you to pins 1-2. 4. 2.6 Jumper 1. The onboard button cell battery powers...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 45
... 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 +5VSB lead, and a corresponding setting in low power mode) using the connected USB devices. otherwise, the system would not power up from S1 sleep mode (CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in the BIOS...
... 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 +5VSB lead, and a corresponding setting in low power mode) using the connected USB devices. otherwise, the system would not power up from S1 sleep mode (CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in the BIOS...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 49
... 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 can create a RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, or JBOD configuration through the onboard NVIDIA® MediaShield™ controller. The RAID function of these connectors, enable the RAID Enable item in the SATA Configuration sub-menu in the BIOS. M2N-PLUS SLI ® NOTE: Orient...
... 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 can create a RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, or JBOD configuration through the onboard NVIDIA® MediaShield™ controller. The RAID function of these connectors, enable the RAID Enable item in the SATA Configuration sub-menu in the BIOS. M2N-PLUS SLI ® NOTE: Orient...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 55
.... • Reset button (2-pin RESET) This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. The speaker allows you turn on the BIOS settings. Connect the chassis power LED cable to the HDD. • System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER) This 4-pin connector is for...System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. M2N-PLUS SLI System panel connector • System power LED (2-pin PLED) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-31 13. Connect the HDD Activity LED cable to hear system beeps and ...
.... • Reset button (2-pin RESET) This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. The speaker allows you turn on the BIOS settings. Connect the chassis power LED cable to the HDD. • System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER) This 4-pin connector is for...System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. M2N-PLUS SLI System panel connector • System power LED (2-pin PLED) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-31 13. Connect the HDD Activity LED cable to hear system beeps and ...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 59
... may have failed a power-on the devices in Chapter 4. Turn on test. If you do not see BIOS beep codes table below) or additional messages appear on . ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 3- Check the jumper settings and connections or call your monitor complies with ATX power supplies, the system LED ...connector at the back of the system chassis. 4. If your retailer for the first time 1. After making all switches are running, the BIOS beeps (see anything within 30 seconds from the time you press the ATX power button. While the tests are off. 3. Follow the ...
... may have failed a power-on the devices in Chapter 4. Turn on test. If you do not see BIOS beep codes table below) or additional messages appear on . ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 3- Check the jumper settings and connections or call your monitor complies with ATX power supplies, the system LED ...connector at the back of the system chassis. 4. If your retailer for the first time 1. After making all switches are running, the BIOS beeps (see anything within 30 seconds from the time you press the ATX power button. While the tests are off. 3. Follow the ...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 62
Chapter summary 4 4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS 4-1 4.2 BIOS setup program 4-10 4.3 Main menu 4-14 4.4 Advanced menu 4-19 4.5 Power menu 4-29 4.6 Boot menu 4-34 4.7 Tools menu 4-39 4.8 Exit menu 4-40 ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition
Chapter summary 4 4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS 4-1 4.2 BIOS setup program 4-10 4.3 Main menu 4-14 4.4 Advanced menu 4-19 4.5 Power menu 4-29 4.6 Boot menu 4-34 4.7 Tools menu 4-39 4.8 Exit menu 4-40 ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 63
.... 2. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- 4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS The following utilities allow you to your system. Award BIOS Flash Utility (Updates the BIOS using the ASUS Update or Award BIOS Flash utilities. 4.1.1 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that comes with the motherboard package. Click the Utilities tab, then click Install ASUS Update VX.XX.XX. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 (Updates the BIOS using...
.... 2. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- 4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS The following utilities allow you to your system. Award BIOS Flash Utility (Updates the BIOS using the ASUS Update or Award BIOS Flash utilities. 4.1.1 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that comes with the motherboard package. Click the Utilities tab, then click Install ASUS Update VX.XX.XX. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 (Updates the BIOS using...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 65
... the screen instructions to complete the update process. The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself through a BIOS file: 1. Follow the screen instructions to complete the update process. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the drop‑down menu, then click Next. 3. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- Locate the BIOS file from the Open window, then click Open. 4.
... the screen instructions to complete the update process. The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself through a BIOS file: 1. Follow the screen instructions to complete the update process. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the drop‑down menu, then click Next. 3. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- Locate the BIOS file from the Open window, then click Open. 4.
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 67
... Then press . 4. Save the BIOS file to download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. 2. Press + during the Power-On Self Tests (POST). 4.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go through the long...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] Switch [S] Save [ESC] Exit [Up/Down/Home/End] Move (2) Enter BIOS setup program. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- To update the BIOS using a DOS...
... Then press . 4. Save the BIOS file to download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. 2. Press + during the Power-On Self Tests (POST). 4.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go through the long...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] Switch [S] Save [ESC] Exit [Up/Down/Home/End] Move (2) Enter BIOS setup program. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- To update the BIOS using a DOS...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 68
... the file to M2NPLUSSLI.BIN and save it to update the BIOS using this utility. 1. Copy the AwardBIOS Flash Utility (awdflash.exe) from the ASUS web site. Under the DOS mode, use (X stands for AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.14 (C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. At the prompt, type Message... BIOS fileand AwardBIOS Flash Utility. 5. Download the latest BIOS file from the Software folder of the disk assignment) to switch to the floppy disk, CD ROM or a USB flash disk with the latest BIOS file. 3. All Rights Reserved the name of the support CD to For NF590-SLI-M2N-PLUS SLI ...
... the file to M2NPLUSSLI.BIN and save it to update the BIOS using this utility. 1. Copy the AwardBIOS Flash Utility (awdflash.exe) from the ASUS web site. Under the DOS mode, use (X stands for AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.14 (C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. At the prompt, type Message... BIOS fileand AwardBIOS Flash Utility. 5. Download the latest BIOS file from the Software folder of the disk assignment) to switch to the floppy disk, CD ROM or a USB flash disk with the latest BIOS file. 3. All Rights Reserved the name of the support CD to For NF590-SLI-M2N-PLUS SLI ...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 69
... to Program: M2NPLUSV.bin Flashing Complete Press to Program: M2NPLUSV.bin Message: Do You Want To Save Bios (Y/N) 7. PMC Pm49FL004T LPC/FWH File Name to Continue Write OK F1 Reset No Update Write Fail ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- OFE00 OK Write OK No Update Write Fail Warning: Don't Turn Off Power Or Reset System! The...
... to Program: M2NPLUSV.bin Flashing Complete Press to Program: M2NPLUSV.bin Message: Do You Want To Save Bios (Y/N) 7. PMC Pm49FL004T LPC/FWH File Name to Continue Write OK F1 Reset No Update Write Fail ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- OFE00 OK Write OK No Update Write Fail Warning: Don't Turn Off Power Or Reset System! The...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 70
... (C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved For NF590-SLI-M2N-PLUS SLI DATE:03/30/2006 Flash Type - Message: Please Wait! 4- Chapter 4: BIOS setup Type a filename for the current BIOS file in the AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.14 (C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. The utility saves the current BIOS file to the disk, then returns to Program: 0112...
... (C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved For NF590-SLI-M2N-PLUS SLI DATE:03/30/2006 Flash Type - Message: Please Wait! 4- Chapter 4: BIOS setup Type a filename for the current BIOS file in the AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.14 (C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. The utility saves the current BIOS file to the disk, then returns to Program: 0112...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 71
...devices for the BIOS file. The device size should be smaller than 8GB. • DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- BIOS ROM checksum error... Detecting IDE ATAPI device... The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the CD for the BIOS file When found , the utility reads the BIOS file and starts flashing the corrupted BIOS file. Insert the USB flash disk that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it ... Prepare the motherboard...
...devices for the BIOS file. The device size should be smaller than 8GB. • DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- BIOS ROM checksum error... Detecting IDE ATAPI device... The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the CD for the BIOS file When found , the utility reads the BIOS file and starts flashing the corrupted BIOS file. Insert the USB flash disk that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it ... Prepare the motherboard...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 73
ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4-11 Installed Memory Usable Memory 512MB 511MB F1:Help ESC: Exit ↑↓ : Select Item →←: Select Menu -/+: Change Value Enter: Select SubMenu F5: ... right or left arrow key on the keyboard until the desired item is highlighted. • The BIOS setup screens shown in .] [None] [None] [None] [None] [None] [None] [None] [None] [Disabled] Change the internal time. 4.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Menu bar Configuration fields General help Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Advanced...
ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4-11 Installed Memory Usable Memory 512MB 511MB F1:Help ESC: Exit ↑↓ : Select Item →←: Select Menu -/+: Change Value Enter: Select SubMenu F5: ... right or left arrow key on the keyboard until the desired item is highlighted. • The BIOS setup screens shown in .] [None] [None] [None] [None] [None] [None] [None] [None] [Disabled] Change the internal time. 4.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Menu bar Configuration fields General help Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Advanced...