Motherboard Installation Guide
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... 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 2-6 2.3.1 Installing the CPU 2-6 2.3.2 Installing...
... 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 2-6 2.3.1 Installing the CPU 2-6 2.3.2 Installing...
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...4.4 Advanced menu 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...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 5-1 5.2.2 Drivers menu 5-2 5.2.3 Utilities menu 5-3 5.2.4 Make Disk menu 5-5 5.2.5 Manual menu 5-6 5.2.6 ASUS Contact information 5-6 5.2.7 Other information 5-7 5.3 Software information 5-9 5.3.1 ASUS...
...4.4 Advanced menu 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...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 5-1 5.2.2 Drivers menu 5-2 5.2.3 Utilities menu 5-3 5.2.4 Make Disk menu 5-5 5.2.5 Manual menu 5-6 5.2.6 ASUS Contact information 5-6 5.2.7 Other information 5-7 5.3 Software information 5-9 5.3.1 ASUS...
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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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... ATA connectors 1 x CPU / 1 x Chassis / 1 x Power fan connectors 1 x IEEE 1394a connector 1 x S/PDIF Out connector Front panel audio connector CD audio in 24-pin ATX power connector 4-pin ATX 12 V power connector System panel connector (continued on the next page) xii ASUS AI Gear - AI Remote - ASAP (ASUS Accelerated Propeller) - M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition specifications summary ASUS AI Lifestyle features...
... ATA connectors 1 x CPU / 1 x Chassis / 1 x Power fan connectors 1 x IEEE 1394a connector 1 x S/PDIF Out connector Front panel audio connector CD audio in 24-pin ATX power connector 4-pin ATX 12 V power connector System panel connector (continued on the next page) xii ASUS AI Gear - AI Remote - ASAP (ASUS Accelerated Propeller) - M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition specifications summary ASUS AI Lifestyle features...
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...; 64 FX/Sempron™ processor. Serial ATA 3Gb/s RAID The motherboard supports the next-generation Serial ATA hard drives based on the task the CPU performs. See page 4-24. The onboard NVIDIA nForce® 500 SLI™ MCP allows RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and...memory controller and a highly scalable HyperTransport™ technology-based system bus, the motherboard provides a powerful platform for details. NVIDIA® Scalable Link Interface (SLI™) The NVIDIA® Scalable Link Interface (SLI™) technology allows two graphics processing units (GPUs) in a single system....
...; 64 FX/Sempron™ processor. Serial ATA 3Gb/s RAID The motherboard supports the next-generation Serial ATA hard drives based on the task the CPU performs. See page 4-24. The onboard NVIDIA nForce® 500 SLI™ MCP allows RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and...memory controller and a highly scalable HyperTransport™ technology-based system bus, the motherboard provides a powerful platform for details. NVIDIA® Scalable Link Interface (SLI™) The NVIDIA® Scalable Link Interface (SLI™) technology allows two graphics processing units (GPUs) in a single system....
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...4-38 for details. 1- Chapter 1: Product introduction The TPM module is temporarily away. To wake the system and return to adjust CPU and Vcore voltage, minimizing noise and power consumption. Users can quickly turn ON/OFF your PC, launch your PC and launch predefined ... the user is purchased separately. 1.3.2 ASUS AI Lifestyle features AI Remote The revolutionary AI Remote gives you with your system. TPM Support This motherboard supports the Trusted Platform Module (TPM), which improves system performance under Windows® Vista. With just a touch of the button...
...4-38 for details. 1- Chapter 1: Product introduction The TPM module is temporarily away. To wake the system and return to adjust CPU and Vcore voltage, minimizing noise and power consumption. Users can quickly turn ON/OFF your PC, launch your PC and launch predefined ... the user is purchased separately. 1.3.2 ASUS AI Lifestyle features AI Remote The revolutionary AI Remote gives you with your system. TPM Support This motherboard supports the Trusted Platform Module (TPM), which improves system performance under Windows® Vista. With just a touch of the button...
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... across the motherboard, and most efficient manner. ASUS has devoted special efforts to provide a cool environment without preparing a bootable diskette or using an OS-based flash utility. See page 4-5 for details. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- This utility saves users the cost and hassle of plugging in the most notably the areas that reside the CPU, power, Northbridge...
... across the motherboard, and most efficient manner. ASUS has devoted special efforts to provide a cool environment without preparing a bootable diskette or using an OS-based flash utility. See page 4-5 for details. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- This utility saves users the cost and hassle of plugging in the most notably the areas that reside the CPU, power, Northbridge...
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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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... the 940-pin socket designed for the AM2 socket. Locate the CPU socket on the socket and damaging the CPU! 2.3.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU: 1. Make sure you use a CPU designed for the AMD Opteron processor. 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 Athlon™...
... the 940-pin socket designed for the AM2 socket. Locate the CPU socket on the socket and damaging the CPU! 2.3.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU: 1. Make sure you use a CPU designed for the AMD Opteron processor. 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 Athlon™...
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3. When the CPU is locked. 6. The lever clicks on the side tab to secure the CPU. Gold triangle Small triangle 5. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2- Position the CPU above the socket such that came with a small triangle. 4. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it is in place, push down the socket lever to indicate that it fits in place. 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.
3. When the CPU is locked. 6. The lever clicks on the side tab to secure the CPU. Gold triangle Small triangle 5. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2- Position the CPU above the socket such that came with a small triangle. 4. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it is in place, push down the socket lever to indicate that it fits in place. 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.
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Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, making sure that the heatsink fits properly on the motherboard upon purchase. • You do not match the CPU documentation, follow the latter. 2- Chapter 2: Hardware information Make sure that a Thermal Interface Material is already installed on...requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to remove the retention module base when installing the CPU or installing other motherboard components. • If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, make sure that you install the heatsink and fan assembly. If the...
Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, making sure that the heatsink fits properly on the motherboard upon purchase. • You do not match the CPU documentation, follow the latter. 2- Chapter 2: Hardware information Make sure that a Thermal Interface Material is already installed on...requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to remove the retention module base when installing the CPU or installing other motherboard components. • If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, make sure that you install the heatsink and fan assembly. If the...
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GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM 5. 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 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!
GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM 5. 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 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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Reinstall the battery. 5. 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 clear the ...! Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to overclocking. Shut down the key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) This jumper allows you clear the CMOS. • You do not need to clear the RTC when...
Reinstall the battery. 5. 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 clear the ...! Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to overclocking. Shut down the key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) This jumper allows you clear the CMOS. • You do not need to clear the RTC when...
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...) 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 from S1 sleep mode (CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in reduced power mode). Set this jumper to pins 2-3...section 4.5.3 APM Configuration. Set to +5VSB to CPU, DRAM in slow refresh, power supply in low power mode) using the connected USB devices. M2N-PLUS SLI ® KBPWR 12 23 +5V (Default) +5VSB M2N-PLUS SLI Keyboard power setting ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-21 USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW12, ...
...) 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 from S1 sleep mode (CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in reduced power mode). Set this jumper to pins 2-3...section 4.5.3 APM Configuration. Set to +5VSB to CPU, DRAM in slow refresh, power supply in low power mode) using the connected USB devices. M2N-PLUS SLI ® KBPWR 12 23 +5V (Default) +5VSB M2N-PLUS SLI Keyboard power setting ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-21 USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW12, ...
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...on the fan connectors! These are not jumpers! 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 Q FAN2 feature. • If you install two VGA ... Do not forget to connect the fan cables to SATA device. Do not place jumper caps on the motherboard, making sure that you may damage the motherboard components. Insufficient air flow inside the system may connect the right-angle side of SATA cable to the onboard...
...on the fan connectors! These are not jumpers! 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 Q FAN2 feature. • If you install two VGA ... Do not forget to connect the fan cables to SATA device. Do not place jumper caps on the motherboard, making sure that you may damage the motherboard components. Insufficient air flow inside the system may connect the right-angle side of SATA cable to the onboard...
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...Help Press [Enter] to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit JumperFree Configuration CPU Configuration PCIPnP Onboard Device Configuration SLI Configuration Select Menu Item Specific Help Adjust system frequency/...Item →←: Select Menu -/+: Change Value Enter: Select Sub-menu F5: Setup Defaults F10: Save and Exit ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4-19 Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction.
...Help Press [Enter] to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit JumperFree Configuration CPU Configuration PCIPnP Onboard Device Configuration SLI Configuration Select Menu Item Specific Help Adjust system frequency/...Item →←: Select Menu -/+: Change Value Enter: Select Sub-menu F5: Setup Defaults F10: Save and Exit ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4-19 Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction.
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...profiles with optimal parameters for the system. Overclock Options [Disabled] Allows you set the PCI Express clock. Setting a very high CPU frequency may cause the system to 400.0. The following item becomes user-configurable when you to set AI Tuning to [AI Overclock... Mode [Auto] Sets the PCI Clock Synchronization mode. Auto Loads the optimal settings for stability when overclocking. Configuration options: [Auto] [To CPU] [33.33MHz] 4-20 Chapter 4: BIOS setup If this item. Standard Loads the standard settings for the system. The bus frequency (external...
...profiles with optimal parameters for the system. Overclock Options [Disabled] Allows you set the PCI Express clock. Setting a very high CPU frequency may cause the system to 400.0. The following item becomes user-configurable when you to set AI Tuning to [AI Overclock... Mode [Auto] Sets the PCI Clock Synchronization mode. Auto Loads the optimal settings for stability when overclocking. Configuration options: [Auto] [To CPU] [33.33MHz] 4-20 Chapter 4: BIOS setup If this item. Standard Loads the standard settings for the system. The bus frequency (external...
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...] Sets the memory clock frequency. Configuration options: [Auto] [DDR2 400] [DDR2 533] [DDR2 667] [DDR2 800] ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4-21 4.4.2 CPU Configuration Advanced Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility CPU Configuration Select Menu CPU Type AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3000+ CPU Speed 1600 MHz Cache RAM 256K DRAM Configuration Hyper Transport Frequency AMD Live! AMD Cool 'n' Quiet Function...
...] Sets the memory clock frequency. Configuration options: [Auto] [DDR2 400] [DDR2 533] [DDR2 667] [DDR2 800] ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4-21 4.4.2 CPU Configuration Advanced Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility CPU Configuration Select Menu CPU Type AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3000+ CPU Speed 1600 MHz Cache RAM 256K DRAM Configuration Hyper Transport Frequency AMD Live! AMD Cool 'n' Quiet Function...
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...39V] [ 2.76V] [ 4.48V] [11.32V] Select Menu Item Specific Help Press [Enter] to display the configuration options. CPU Temperature M/B Temperature CPU FAN Speed CHASSIS FAN Speed POWER FAN Speed CPU Fan Speed warning 30ºC 33ºC 2884 RPM 0 RPM 0 RPM [ 800 RPM] F1:Help ESC: Exit ↑↓...: Select Item →←: Select Menu -/+: Change Value Enter: Select SubMenu F5: Setup Defaults F10: Save and Exit CPU Q-Fan Control [Disabled] Allows you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control item. When set the Chassis Q-Fan Control item to [Enabled]. 4-32 Chapter 4: BIOS setup Select an...
...39V] [ 2.76V] [ 4.48V] [11.32V] Select Menu Item Specific Help Press [Enter] to display the configuration options. CPU Temperature M/B Temperature CPU FAN Speed CHASSIS FAN Speed POWER FAN Speed CPU Fan Speed warning 30ºC 33ºC 2884 RPM 0 RPM 0 RPM [ 800 RPM] F1:Help ESC: Exit ↑↓...: Select Item →←: Select Menu -/+: Change Value Enter: Select SubMenu F5: Setup Defaults F10: Save and Exit CPU Q-Fan Control [Disabled] Allows you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control item. When set the Chassis Q-Fan Control item to [Enabled]. 4-32 Chapter 4: BIOS setup Select an...
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... fan speed. Chassis Q-Fan Profile [Performance] Allows you to disable or set the CPU fan warning speed. Configuration options: [Disabled] [800 RPM] [1200 RPM] [1600 RPM] ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4-33 CPU Temperature, M/B Temperature The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the motherboard and CPU temperatures. These items are not user-configurable. Configuration options: [Performance] [Optimal] [Silent...
... fan speed. Chassis Q-Fan Profile [Performance] Allows you to disable or set the CPU fan warning speed. Configuration options: [Disabled] [800 RPM] [1200 RPM] [1600 RPM] ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4-33 CPU Temperature, M/B Temperature The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the motherboard and CPU temperatures. These items are not user-configurable. Configuration options: [Performance] [Optimal] [Silent...