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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... information and for product and software updates. 1. Where to find more information Refer to the ASUS contact information. 2. 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... 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 It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer...
... information and for product and software updates. 1. Where to find more information Refer to the ASUS contact information. 2. 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... 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 It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer...
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... 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 cable I/O shield ASUS SLI™ Bridge 1 x ASUS Q-Connector Kit (USB, System panel; ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- Thank you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices...
... 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 cable I/O shield ASUS SLI™ Bridge 1 x ASUS Q-Connector Kit (USB, System panel; ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- Thank you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices...
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... data transfer rates of up to automatically increase the bus speed and NVIDIA® SLI™ technology for scalable graphics performance. DDR2 memory support The motherboard supports DDR2 memory that allows multiple GPUs to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the...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...
... data transfer rates of up to automatically increase the bus speed and NVIDIA® SLI™ technology for scalable graphics performance. DDR2 memory support The motherboard supports DDR2 memory that allows multiple GPUs to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the...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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... USB 1.1. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- USB 2.0 is backward compatible with existing PCI specifications. This high speed interface is Microsoft Vista-ready. The controller uses the PCI Express segment to provide faster data bandwidth for details. PCI Express™ interface The motherboard fully supports PCI...the IEEE 1394a standard. See page 2-22 and 2-27 for your growing networking needs. 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...
... USB 1.1. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- USB 2.0 is backward compatible with existing PCI specifications. This high speed interface is Microsoft Vista-ready. The controller uses the PCI Express segment to provide faster data bandwidth for details. PCI Express™ interface The motherboard fully supports PCI...the IEEE 1394a standard. See page 2-22 and 2-27 for your growing networking needs. 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...
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...plugging in one complete module. See page 4-9 for details. See page 4-5 for details. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- ASUS motherboard's fanless concept is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. ASUS has devoted special efforts to connect or disconnect chassis front panel cables in the most notably the... Northbridge and Southbridge. See page 5-9 and 5-10 for details. ASUS MyLogo2™ This new feature present in the motherboard allows you to address the thermal issues across the motherboard, and most efficient manner. Simply press the predefined hotkey to dissipate...
...plugging in one complete module. See page 4-9 for details. See page 4-5 for details. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- ASUS motherboard's fanless concept is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. ASUS has devoted special efforts to connect or disconnect chassis front panel cables in the most notably the... Northbridge and Southbridge. See page 5-9 and 5-10 for details. ASUS MyLogo2™ This new feature present in the motherboard allows you to address the thermal issues across the motherboard, and most efficient manner. Simply press the predefined hotkey to dissipate...
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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. This is a reminder that the ATX power supply is detached from the wall socket before touching any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location of the following precautions before you should shut down the system and ... or remove any component, ensure that 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- Failure to do so may cause severe damage...
...off mode. This is a reminder that the ATX power supply is detached from the wall socket before touching any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location of the following precautions before you should shut down the system and ... or remove any component, ensure that 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- Failure to do so may cause severe damage...
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... Make sure to do so can damage the motherboard. Do not overtighten the screws! Failure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard. Place this side towards the rear of the chassis M2N-PLUS SLI ® 2- Chapter 2: Hardware information 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 ...
... Make sure to do so can damage the motherboard. Do not overtighten the screws! Failure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard. Place this side towards the rear of the chassis M2N-PLUS SLI ® 2- Chapter 2: Hardware information 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 ...
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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) 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®...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) 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®...FLOPPY USB56 Refer to 2.7 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-
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... in completely. 2- Chapter 2: Hardware information M2N-PLUS SLI ® M2N-PLUS SLI CPU Socket AM2 2. Socket lever Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to a 90º angle; The AM2 socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the AM2 socket. 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2...
... in completely. 2- Chapter 2: Hardware information M2N-PLUS SLI ® M2N-PLUS SLI CPU Socket AM2 2. Socket lever Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to a 90º angle; The AM2 socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the AM2 socket. 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2...
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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. 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! 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.
CPU_FAN M2N-PLUS SLI ® M2N-PLUS SLI CPU fan connector • Do not forget to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. 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! 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.
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...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 2.4.2 Memory configurations You may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2GB unbuffered ECC/non-ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. Populated Populated DIMM_B2 - 2.4 System memory 2.4.1 Overview The motherboard...Populated Populated Populated Sockets DIMM_B1 DIMM_A2 Populated - - - Populated ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-11 Populated - DDR2 DIMMs are notched differently to the 184-pin DDR DIMM.
...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 2.4.2 Memory configurations You may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2GB unbuffered ECC/non-ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. Populated Populated DIMM_B2 - 2.4 System memory 2.4.1 Overview The motherboard...Populated Populated Populated Sockets DIMM_B1 DIMM_A2 Populated - - - Populated ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-11 Populated - DDR2 DIMMs are notched differently to the 184-pin DDR DIMM.
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... sockets do so can cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. Align a DIMM on the socket such that it flips out 1 with your fingers when pressing the retaining clips. Remove the DIMM from the socket. 2 1 DDR2 DIMM notch ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-13 The DIMM might get damaged when it fits in...
... sockets do so can cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. Align a DIMM on the socket such that it flips out 1 with your fingers when pressing the retaining clips. Remove the DIMM from the socket. 2 1 DDR2 DIMM notch ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-13 The DIMM might get damaged when it fits in...
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... the system unstable and the card inoperable. 2.5 Expansion slots In the future, you may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 2.5.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1. Replace the system cover. 2.5.2 Configuring an expansion card... setup. 2. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-17 Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that you intend to the chassis with the slot and press firmly until the card is already installed in a chassis). 3. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is completely seated...
... the system unstable and the card inoperable. 2.5 Expansion slots In the future, you may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 2.5.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1. Replace the system cover. 2.5.2 Configuring an expansion card... setup. 2. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-17 Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that you intend to the chassis with the slot and press firmly until the card is already installed in a chassis). 3. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is completely seated...
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See pages 2-28 and 2-29 for details. • See chapter 6 for better thermal environment. 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 x8 PCIe x16 ...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 2.5.6 PCI Express x16 slots This motherboard supports two NVIDIA® SLI™-ready PCI Express x16 graphic cards that you provide sufficient power when running NVIDIA...
See pages 2-28 and 2-29 for details. • See chapter 6 for better thermal environment. 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 x8 PCIe x16 ...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 2.5.6 PCI Express x16 slots This motherboard supports two NVIDIA® SLI™-ready PCI Express x16 graphic cards that you provide sufficient power when running NVIDIA...
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...the Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable. Pin 5 on the connector is for the provided floppy disk drive (FDD) signal cable. PIN 1 M2N-PLUS SLI Floppy disk drive connector 2. Single device Two devices Drive jumper setting Cable-Select or Master Cable-Select Master Slave Mode of the following modes to...or gray • Pin 20 on the Ultra DMA cable connector. M2N-PLUS SLI ® FLOPPY NOTE: Orient the red markings on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable: blue, black, and gray. Connect the blue connector to the motherboard's IDE connector, then select one end of the cable to the ...
...the Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable. Pin 5 on the connector is for the provided floppy disk drive (FDD) signal cable. PIN 1 M2N-PLUS SLI Floppy disk drive connector 2. Single device Two devices Drive jumper setting Cable-Select or Master Cable-Select Master Slave Mode of the following modes to...or gray • Pin 20 on the Ultra DMA cable connector. M2N-PLUS SLI ® FLOPPY NOTE: Orient the red markings on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable: blue, black, and gray. Connect the blue connector to the motherboard's IDE connector, then select one end of the cable to the ...
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... angle side 4. 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 cards, we recommend that...cards. Or you plug the rear chassis fan cable to the fan connectors on the fan connectors! Connect the fan cables to the motherboard connector labled CHA_FAN for better themal environment. 2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information These are not jumpers! Do not forget to connect the fan...
... angle side 4. 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 cards, we recommend that...cards. Or you plug the rear chassis fan cable to the fan connectors on the fan connectors! Connect the fan cables to the motherboard connector labled CHA_FAN for better themal environment. 2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information These are not jumpers! Do not forget to connect the fan...
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Doing so will damage the motherboard! Connect the IEEE 1394a module cable to this ... USB module is purchased separately. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-27 IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2) This connector is for USB 2.0 ports. M2N-PLUS SLI ® TPA2GND TPB2+12V GND TPA2+ GND TPB2+ +12V IE1394_2 1 M2N-PLUS SLI IEEE 1394a connector The IEEE 1394a...pin USB56, USB 78, ASAP) These connectors are for a IEEE 1394a port. 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 PIN1 PIN1 USB+5V USB_P5USB_P5...
Doing so will damage the motherboard! Connect the IEEE 1394a module cable to this ... USB module is purchased separately. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-27 IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2) This connector is for USB 2.0 ports. M2N-PLUS SLI ® TPA2GND TPB2+12V GND TPA2+ GND TPB2+ +12V IE1394_2 1 M2N-PLUS SLI IEEE 1394a connector The IEEE 1394a...pin USB56, USB 78, ASAP) These connectors are for a IEEE 1394a port. 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 PIN1 PIN1 USB+5V USB_P5USB_P5...
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... requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The Drivers menu appears. 2. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- Copy the original motherboard BIOS using a floppy disk / USB flash disk, or the motherboard support CD.) 3. This utility is copied to your BIOS The following utilities allow you to the corresponding sections for the Utilities...
... requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The Drivers menu appears. 2. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- Copy the original motherboard BIOS using a floppy disk / USB flash disk, or the motherboard support CD.) 3. This utility is copied to your BIOS The following utilities allow you to the corresponding sections for the Utilities...