Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 3
... 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
Page 5
... 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...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 6
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
Page 9
... Your product package may have 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 standard package. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on the motherboard. • Chapter 3: Powering up This chapter describes...
... Your product package may have 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 standard package. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on the motherboard. • Chapter 3: Powering up This chapter describes...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 11
... 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... MHz memory modules - Supports TCP/IP Acceleration C-Media Superior Quality Audio 7.1 channel CODEC (Vista-ready) - 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...
... 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... MHz memory modules - Supports TCP/IP Acceleration C-Media Superior Quality Audio 7.1 channel CODEC (Vista-ready) - 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...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 12
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: - AP Trigger *ASUS AI Remote, AP Trigger, and TPM run with both Windows® Vista and XP ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution: - Fixed PCI/PCIe frequencies ASUS EZ DIY: - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 - TPM Support (the module is purchased separately) - ASUS AI...
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: - AP Trigger *ASUS AI Remote, AP Trigger, and TPM run with both Windows® Vista and XP ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution: - Fixed PCI/PCIe frequencies ASUS EZ DIY: - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 - TPM Support (the module is purchased separately) - ASUS AI...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 13
... only) AI Remote (Retail version only) User's manual Drivers ASUS PC Probe II ASUS Update NVIDIA® MediaShield™ RAID Anti-virus software (OEM version) ATX form factor: 12 in x 8.6 in (30.5 cm x 21.8 cm) *Specifications are subject to change without notice. xiii M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition specifications summary BIOS features Manageability Accessories Support CD Form...
... only) AI Remote (Retail version only) User's manual Drivers ASUS PC Probe II ASUS Update NVIDIA® MediaShield™ RAID Anti-virus software (OEM version) ATX form factor: 12 in x 8.6 in (30.5 cm x 21.8 cm) *Specifications are subject to change without notice. xiii M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition specifications summary BIOS features Manageability Accessories Support CD Form...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 17
... 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! 1.1 Welcome! ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- Retail version only) AI Remote (Retail version only) ASUS motherboard support CD User guide If any of ASUS quality motherboards! Thank you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices...
... 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! 1.1 Welcome! ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- Retail version only) AI Remote (Retail version only) ASUS motherboard support CD User guide If any of ASUS quality motherboards! Thank you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 18
... on the SATA 3Gb/s storage specification. The onboard NVIDIA nForce® 500 SLI™ MCP allows RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD. AMD Cool 'n' Quiet!™ Technology The motherboard supports the AMD Cool 'n' Quiet!™ Technology that features data transfer rates ...in a single system. 1.3 Special features 1.3.1 Product highlights Latest processor technology The motherboard comes with peak bandwidths of up to 12.8 GB/s. NVIDIA nForce® 500 SLI™ NVIDIA nForce® 500 SLI™ media and communication processors (MCPs) deliver a complete range of solutions for...
... on the SATA 3Gb/s storage specification. The onboard NVIDIA nForce® 500 SLI™ MCP allows RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD. AMD Cool 'n' Quiet!™ Technology The motherboard supports the AMD Cool 'n' Quiet!™ Technology that features data transfer rates ...in a single system. 1.3 Special features 1.3.1 Product highlights Latest processor technology The motherboard comes with peak bandwidths of up to 12.8 GB/s. NVIDIA nForce® 500 SLI™ NVIDIA nForce® 500 SLI™ media and communication processors (MCPs) deliver a complete range of solutions for...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 19
... with digital connectivity to 400 Mbps transfer rates through the S/PDIF interfaces on the rear panel. Gigabit LAN The motherboard comes with USB 1.1. C-Media Superior Quality Audio C-Media CM6501 onboard 8-channel superior audio CODEC transfers audio signal over...PC connectivity to a wide range of peripherals and devices compliant to 5-15 for your growing networking needs. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- S/PDIF digital sound ready The motherboard supports the S/PDIF technology through simple, low-cost, high-bandwidth asynchronous (real-time) data interfacing between...
... with digital connectivity to 400 Mbps transfer rates through the S/PDIF interfaces on the rear panel. Gigabit LAN The motherboard comes with USB 1.1. C-Media Superior Quality Audio C-Media CM6501 onboard 8-channel superior audio CODEC transfers audio signal over...PC connectivity to a wide range of peripherals and devices compliant to 5-15 for your growing networking needs. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- S/PDIF digital sound ready The motherboard supports the S/PDIF technology through simple, low-cost, high-bandwidth asynchronous (real-time) data interfacing between...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 21
...containing the BIOS file. Simply press the predefined hotkey to address the thermal issues across the motherboard, and most efficient manner. See page 4-5 for details. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- ASUS EZ Flash 2 EZ Flash 2 is specifically created to your BIOS easily without preparing a... bootable diskette or using an OS-based flash utility. ASUS has devoted special efforts to launch the utility ...
...containing the BIOS file. Simply press the predefined hotkey to address the thermal issues across the motherboard, and most efficient manner. See page 4-5 for details. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- ASUS EZ Flash 2 EZ Flash 2 is specifically created to your BIOS easily without preparing a... bootable diskette or using an OS-based flash utility. ASUS has devoted special efforts to launch the utility ...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 24
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
Page 25
...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 to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is switched off mode. Onboard LED The motherboard...with a standby power LED. The illustration below shows the location of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component. • Use...
...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 to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is switched off mode. Onboard LED The motherboard...with a standby power LED. The illustration below shows the location of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component. • Use...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 26
Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard. Failure to do so can damage the motherboard. Do not overtighten the screws! Place this side towards the rear of the chassis M2N-PLUS SLI ® 2- Chapter 2: Hardware information Doing so can cause you place it into the chassis in the image below...
Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard. Failure to do so can damage the motherboard. Do not overtighten the screws! Place this side towards the rear of the chassis M2N-PLUS SLI ® 2- Chapter 2: Hardware information Doing so can cause you place it into the chassis in the image below...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 27
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-
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 30
...; angle; Socket lever Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to a 90º angle. 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 Unlock the ...it up to prevent bending the connectors on the motherboard. The AM2 socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the Athlon™ 64 X2/Athlon™ 64/Athlon™ 64FX/Sempron™ processor. M2N-PLUS SLI ® M2N-PLUS SLI CPU Socket AM2 2. Make sure you use ...
...; angle; Socket lever Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to a 90º angle. 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 Unlock the ...it up to prevent bending the connectors on the motherboard. The AM2 socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the Athlon™ 64 X2/Athlon™ 64/Athlon™ 64FX/Sempron™ processor. M2N-PLUS SLI ® M2N-PLUS SLI CPU Socket AM2 2. Make sure you use ...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 31
Position the CPU above the socket such that came with a small triangle. 4. 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. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2- 3. The lever clicks on the side tab to indicate that it fits in place, push down the socket lever to secure the CPU. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it is in place.
Position the CPU above the socket such that came with a small triangle. 4. 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. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2- 3. The lever clicks on the side tab to indicate that it fits in place, push down the socket lever to secure the CPU. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it is in place.
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 33
2. Push down the retention bracket lock on the retention mechanism to secure the heatsink and fan to the retention module base. Align the other end of the retention bracket to the retention module base. 3. Attach one end of the retention bracket (near the retention bracket lock) to the module base. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2- 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. Make sure that the retention bracket is in place. 4.
2. Push down the retention bracket lock on the retention mechanism to secure the heatsink and fan to the retention module base. Align the other end of the retention bracket to the retention module base. 3. Attach one end of the retention bracket (near the retention bracket lock) to the module base. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2- 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. Make sure that the retention bracket is in place. 4.
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 34
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 Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. 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.
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 Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. 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.
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 35
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 DIMM_B2 2.4.2 ...DIMM socket. Populated Populated DIMM_B2 - Populated - DDR2 DIMMs are notched differently to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. 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. Recommended Memory Configurations Mode ...
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 DIMM_B2 2.4.2 ...DIMM socket. Populated Populated DIMM_B2 - Populated - DDR2 DIMMs are notched differently to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. 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. Recommended Memory Configurations Mode ...