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... (CPU 1-3 1.4 System memory 1-3 1.4.1 Overview 1-3 1.4.2 Memory configurations 1-3 1.5 Expansion slots 1-6 1.5.1 Installing an expansion card 1-6 1.5.2 Configuring an expansion card 1-7 1.5.3 PCI slot 1-7 1.5.4 PCI Express x1 slot 1-7 1.5.5 PCI Express x16 slot 1-7 1.6 Jumpers 1-7 1.7 Connectors 1-9 1.7.1 Rear panel ports 1-9 1.7.2 Internal connectors 1-10 1.8 Software support 1-15 1.8.1 Installing an operating system 1-15 1.8.2 Support DVD information 1-15 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS 2-1 2.1.1 ASUS Update utility 2-1 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash...
... (CPU 1-3 1.4 System memory 1-3 1.4.1 Overview 1-3 1.4.2 Memory configurations 1-3 1.5 Expansion slots 1-6 1.5.1 Installing an expansion card 1-6 1.5.2 Configuring an expansion card 1-7 1.5.3 PCI slot 1-7 1.5.4 PCI Express x1 slot 1-7 1.5.5 PCI Express x16 slot 1-7 1.6 Jumpers 1-7 1.7 Connectors 1-9 1.7.1 Rear panel ports 1-9 1.7.2 Internal connectors 1-10 1.8 Software support 1-15 1.8.1 Installing an operating system 1-15 1.8.2 Support DVD information 1-15 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS 2-1 2.1.1 ASUS Update utility 2-1 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash...
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...+ CPU only. M2A74-AM SE specifications summary CPU Chipset System bus Memory Graphics Expansion slots Storage Audio USB AMD® Phenom™ X4 / Phenom™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors (socket AM2+/AM2) Compatible with max. AMD® 740G / SB700 2000 / 1600MT/s Dual-channel memory architecture 2 x 240-pin DIMM slots support unbuffered ECC and non-ECC DDR2 1066/800/667MHz memory modules Supports up to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List...
...+ CPU only. M2A74-AM SE specifications summary CPU Chipset System bus Memory Graphics Expansion slots Storage Audio USB AMD® Phenom™ X4 / Phenom™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors (socket AM2+/AM2) Compatible with max. AMD® 740G / SB700 2000 / 1600MT/s Dual-channel memory architecture 2 x 240-pin DIMM slots support unbuffered ECC and non-ECC DDR2 1066/800/667MHz memory modules Supports up to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL (Qualified Vendors List...
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...ix M2A74-AM SE specifications summary LAN ASUS overclocking features Other features Back panel I/O ports Internal I/O connectors BIOS Accessories Support DVD Form Factor PCIe 10/100 LAN SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection) from 200MHz to 550MHz at 1MHz increment Adjustable DRAM voltage ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) ASUS Q-FAN ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS AI NET 2 ASUS MyLogo 2 1 x PS/2 Keyboard port 1 x PS/2 Mouse port 1 x RJ45 port 1 x VGA port 1 x COM port 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 6-channel audio I/O ports 2 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 4 USB 2.0/1.1 ports...
...ix M2A74-AM SE specifications summary LAN ASUS overclocking features Other features Back panel I/O ports Internal I/O connectors BIOS Accessories Support DVD Form Factor PCIe 10/100 LAN SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection) from 200MHz to 550MHz at 1MHz increment Adjustable DRAM voltage ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) ASUS Q-FAN ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS AI NET 2 ASUS MyLogo 2 1 x PS/2 Keyboard port 1 x PS/2 Mouse port 1 x RJ45 port 1 x VGA port 1 x COM port 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 6-channel audio I/O ports 2 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 4 USB 2.0/1.1 ports...
User Manual
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... chassis. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-7 1-1 16. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI slots 1-7 ASUS M2A74-AM SE 1-2 Place six screws into the chassis in the correct orientation. Doing so can damage the motherboard. 1.2.2 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED 1. DDR2 DIMM slots 6. DO NOT overtighten the screws! Standby power LED (SB_PWR) Page Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED 1-8 9. The edge with external ports goes to the chassis. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD) 1-10 1-10 14. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-14 1-12 15. USB device wake-up (3-pin...
... chassis. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-7 1-1 16. PCIe x16/PCIe x1/PCI slots 1-7 ASUS M2A74-AM SE 1-2 Place six screws into the chassis in the correct orientation. Doing so can damage the motherboard. 1.2.2 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED 1. DDR2 DIMM slots 6. DO NOT overtighten the screws! Standby power LED (SB_PWR) Page Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED 1-8 9. The edge with external ports goes to the chassis. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD) 1-10 1-10 14. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-14 1-12 15. USB device wake-up (3-pin...
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... notched differently to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. Use a 64-bit Windows® OS if you install 4GB or more memory on the motherboard. • This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up to install 4GB or more memory on this motherboard. 1.4 System memory 1.4.1 Overview This motherboard comes with a CPU socket designed for the dual-channel configuration. You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. Any excess memory from the same vendor. •...
... notched differently to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. Use a 64-bit Windows® OS if you install 4GB or more memory on the motherboard. • This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up to install 4GB or more memory on this motherboard. 1.4 System memory 1.4.1 Overview This motherboard comes with a CPU socket designed for the dual-channel configuration. You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. Any excess memory from the same vendor. •...
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... enter BIOS setup to pins 2-3. See Chapter 2 for the expansion card. When using PCI cards on BIOS setup. 2. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS, which include system setup information such as LAN cards, SCSI cards, USB cards, and other cards that comply with the PCI specifications. 1.5.4 PCI Express x1 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. 1.5.5 PCI Express x16 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x16 graphics cards...
... enter BIOS setup to pins 2-3. See Chapter 2 for the expansion card. When using PCI cards on BIOS setup. 2. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS, which include system setup information such as LAN cards, SCSI cards, USB cards, and other cards that comply with the PCI specifications. 1.5.4 PCI Express x1 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. 1.5.5 PCI Express x16 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x16 graphics cards...
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..., remove the onboard battery and move the jumper again to enable or disable the keyboard wake-up from S1 sleep mode (CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in low power mode) using the connected USB devices. USB device wake-up the computer by pressing a key on the +5VSB lead for each USB port; When you set this jumper to overclocking, use the CPU Parameter Recall (C.P.R.) feature. For system failure due to pins 2-3 (+5VSB), you to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. Keyboard power (3-pin KBPWR) This jumper allows...
..., remove the onboard battery and move the jumper again to enable or disable the keyboard wake-up from S1 sleep mode (CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in low power mode) using the connected USB devices. USB device wake-up the computer by pressing a key on the +5VSB lead for each USB port; When you set this jumper to overclocking, use the CPU Parameter Recall (C.P.R.) feature. For system failure due to pins 2-3 (+5VSB), you to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. Keyboard power (3-pin KBPWR) This jumper allows...
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Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to change at www.asus.com for better compatibility and system stability. 1.8.2 Support DVD information The Support DVD that comes with the motherboard package contains drivers, software applications, and utilities that you install Windows® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions / Windows® Vista Service Pack 1 or later versions before installing the drivers for updates. The DVD automatically displays the Drivers menu if the Autorun function is NOT enabled on your...
Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to change at www.asus.com for better compatibility and system stability. 1.8.2 Support DVD information The Support DVD that comes with the motherboard package contains drivers, software applications, and utilities that you install Windows® XP Service Pack 3 or later versions / Windows® Vista Service Pack 1 or later versions before installing the drivers for updates. The DVD automatically displays the Drivers menu if the Autorun function is NOT enabled on your...
User Manual
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... drive. c. Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-1 Follow the onscreen instructions to avoid network traffic, or click Auto Select then click Next. Chapter 2 BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the Support DVD that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. • ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either of updating...
... drive. c. Chapter 2: BIOS information 2-1 Follow the onscreen instructions to avoid network traffic, or click Auto Select then click Next. Chapter 2 BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the Support DVD that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. • ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either of updating...
User Manual
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... EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.27 FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L8005 Current ROM BOARD: M2A74-AM SE VER: 0203 (H:00 B:01) DATE: 02/05/2009 Update ROM BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown PATH: A:\ A: Note [Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info [Up/Down/Home/End] Move[B] Backup [Esc] Exit • Enter the BIOS setup program. Go to the Tools menu to select EZ Flash 2 and press to prevent system boot failure! 2-2 ASUS M2A74-AM SE...
... EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.27 FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L8005 Current ROM BOARD: M2A74-AM SE VER: 0203 (H:00 B:01) DATE: 02/05/2009 Update ROM BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown PATH: A:\ A: Note [Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch [V] Drive Info [Up/Down/Home/End] Move[B] Backup [Esc] Exit • Enter the BIOS setup program. Go to the Tools menu to select EZ Flash 2 and press to prevent system boot failure! 2-2 ASUS M2A74-AM SE...
User Manual
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...you are specifically configuring a CD-ROM drive. Configuration options: [Not Installed] [Auto] [CDROM] [ARMD] LBA/Large Mode [Auto] Enables or disables the LBA mode. Setting to display the IDE device information. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] 32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled] Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer. The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Device, Vendor, Size, LBA Mode, Block Mode, PIO Mode, Async DMA, Ultra DMA, and SMART monitoring). Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.3.4 SATA 1-2 While entering Setup, the BIOS...
...you are specifically configuring a CD-ROM drive. Configuration options: [Not Installed] [Auto] [CDROM] [ARMD] LBA/Large Mode [Auto] Enables or disables the LBA mode. Setting to display the IDE device information. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] 32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled] Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer. The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Device, Vendor, Size, LBA Mode, Block Mode, PIO Mode, Async DMA, Ultra DMA, and SMART monitoring). Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.3.4 SATA 1-2 While entering Setup, the BIOS...
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... Type [SATA] Allows you to display the sub-menu. BIOS Information Displays the auto-detected BIOS information Processor Displays the auto-detected CPU specification System Memory Displays the auto-detected system memory 2-6 ASUS M2A74-AM SE The BIOS automatically detects the items in this menu. When set to [Disabled], the data transfer from and to configure your SATA device(s). Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.3.5 SATA Configuration The SATA Configuration menu allows you an overview of the general system specifications. Configuration options: [SATA] [RAID] [AHCI...
... Type [SATA] Allows you to display the sub-menu. BIOS Information Displays the auto-detected BIOS information Processor Displays the auto-detected CPU specification System Memory Displays the auto-detected system memory 2-6 ASUS M2A74-AM SE The BIOS automatically detects the items in this menu. When set to [Disabled], the data transfer from and to configure your SATA device(s). Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.3.5 SATA Configuration The SATA Configuration menu allows you an overview of the general system specifications. Configuration options: [SATA] [RAID] [AHCI...
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...when overclocking. Main Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Advanced Settings JumperFree Configuration CPU Configuration Chipset Onboard Devices Configuration PCIPnP USB Configuration Adjust System Frequency/Voltage etc. 2.4.1 JumperFree Configuration Depending on your AMD CPU type (AM2, AM2+ or AM3), the items on your screen. Manual - The following item appears only when the GPU Overclocking item is set to set overclocking parameters. CPU/HT Reference Clock (MHz) [200] Allows you to individually set the GPU engine clock. Overclock Options [Auto] Allows...
...when overclocking. Main Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Advanced Settings JumperFree Configuration CPU Configuration Chipset Onboard Devices Configuration PCIPnP USB Configuration Adjust System Frequency/Voltage etc. 2.4.1 JumperFree Configuration Depending on your AMD CPU type (AM2, AM2+ or AM3), the items on your screen. Manual - The following item appears only when the GPU Overclocking item is set to set overclocking parameters. CPU/HT Reference Clock (MHz) [200] Allows you to individually set the GPU engine clock. Overclock Options [Auto] Allows...
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...] Memory Voltage [Auto] Allows you to enable or disable the generation of ACPI_PPC, _PSS, and _PCT objects. Configuration options: [Auto] [+50mv] 2.4.2 CPU Configuration The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. GART Error Reporting [Disabled] This option should remain disabled for testing purpose. The driver developer may enable it for the normal operation. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Cool 'n' Quiet [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the AMD Secure Virtual Machine mode. Configuration options: [Enabled...
...] Memory Voltage [Auto] Allows you to enable or disable the generation of ACPI_PPC, _PSS, and _PCT objects. Configuration options: [Auto] [+50mv] 2.4.2 CPU Configuration The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. GART Error Reporting [Disabled] This option should remain disabled for testing purpose. The driver developer may enable it for the normal operation. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Cool 'n' Quiet [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the AMD Secure Virtual Machine mode. Configuration options: [Enabled...
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...] [Max] [User] Internal Graphics Primary Video Controller [PCIE/IGFX/PCI] Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address. Configuration options: [PCIE/IGFX/PCI] [PCI/PCIE/IGFX] [IGFX/PCIE/PCI] UMA Frame Buffer Size [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [32MB] [64MB] [128MB] [256MB] 2.4.4 Onboard Devices Configuration Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Allows you to set the primary video controller. NorthBridge Configuration Memory Configuration Bank Interleaving [Auto] Allows you to enable or disable C1E Dual-Core related CPU power State. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Memory...
...] [Max] [User] Internal Graphics Primary Video Controller [PCIE/IGFX/PCI] Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address. Configuration options: [PCIE/IGFX/PCI] [PCI/PCIE/IGFX] [IGFX/PCIE/PCI] UMA Frame Buffer Size [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [32MB] [64MB] [128MB] [256MB] 2.4.4 Onboard Devices Configuration Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Allows you to set the primary video controller. NorthBridge Configuration Memory Configuration Bank Interleaving [Auto] Allows you to enable or disable C1E Dual-Core related CPU power State. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Memory...
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... PCI PnP menu items allow you to enable or disable the Onboard LAN Boot ROM. The menu includes setting IRQ and DMA channel resources for either PCI/PnP or legacy ISA devices, and setting the memory size block for boot. Configuration options: [No] [Yes] 2.4.6 USB Configuration The items in this menu allows you to set the HD audio mode. If no USB device is detected, the legacy USB support is enabled. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Front Panel Select [HD Audio] Allows you to change the advanced settings for Legacy USB storage devices, including USB flash drives and USB hard...
... PCI PnP menu items allow you to enable or disable the Onboard LAN Boot ROM. The menu includes setting IRQ and DMA channel resources for either PCI/PnP or legacy ISA devices, and setting the memory size block for boot. Configuration options: [No] [Yes] 2.4.6 USB Configuration The items in this menu allows you to set the HD audio mode. If no USB device is detected, the legacy USB support is enabled. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Front Panel Select [HD Audio] Allows you to change the advanced settings for Legacy USB storage devices, including USB flash drives and USB hard...
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.... Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2-12 ASUS M2A74-AM SE Configuration options: [S1 (POS) Only] [S3 Only] [Auto] [S1(POS) Only] - Enables the system to enter the ACPI S1 (Power on From S5 By Ring [Disabled] Enable or disable RI to generate a wake event. When signaled by OS. 2.5.2 ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled] Allows you to add additional tables as per Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) 2.0 specifications. 2.5 Power menu The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for system suspend. Power Settings Suspend Mode ACPI 2.0 Support ACPI...
.... Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2-12 ASUS M2A74-AM SE Configuration options: [S1 (POS) Only] [S3 Only] [Auto] [S1(POS) Only] - Enables the system to enter the ACPI S1 (Power on From S5 By Ring [Disabled] Enable or disable RI to generate a wake event. When signaled by OS. 2.5.2 ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled] Allows you to add additional tables as per Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) 2.0 specifications. 2.5 Power menu The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for system suspend. Power Settings Suspend Mode ACPI 2.0 Support ACPI...
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... disable PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse to generate a wake event. When this item is not connected to display the detected temperatures. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] CPU Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage or [Ignored] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard voltage regulators. CPU Q-Fan Control [Disabled] Allows you to change the system boot options. Select Ignored if you do not wish to display the sub-menu. Select an item then press to display the detected speed. A virtual floppy disk drive (Floppy Drive...
... disable PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse to generate a wake event. When this item is not connected to display the detected temperatures. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] CPU Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage or [Ignored] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard voltage regulators. CPU Q-Fan Control [Disabled] Allows you to change the system boot options. Select Ignored if you do not wish to display the sub-menu. Select an item then press to display the detected speed. A virtual floppy disk drive (Floppy Drive...
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...' Message Display [Enabled] When set to Enabled, the system displays the message Press DEL to set or change the system security settings. Change Supervisor Password Select this item allows the BIOS to skip some power on state for the F1 key to be pressed when error occurs. Select the Change Supervisor Password item then press . 2. Configuration options: [Removable Device] [Hard Drive] [ATAPI CD-ROM ] [Disabled] 2.6.2 Boot Settings Configuration Quick Boot [Enabled] Enabling this item to run Setup during POST. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Set this item shows Installed...
...' Message Display [Enabled] When set to Enabled, the system displays the message Press DEL to set or change the system security settings. Change Supervisor Password Select this item allows the BIOS to skip some power on state for the F1 key to be pressed when error occurs. Select the Change Supervisor Password item then press . 2. Configuration options: [Removable Device] [Hard Drive] [ATAPI CD-ROM ] [Disabled] 2.6.2 Boot Settings Configuration Quick Boot [Enabled] Enabling this item to run Setup during POST. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Set this item shows Installed...
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... immediately exit this menu or from this menu. Select one of the Realtek LAN cable during the Power-On Self‑Test (POST). 2.7 Tools menu Main Advanced Tools Settings ASUS EZ Flash 2 Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit AI NET2 Press ENTER to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.8 Exit menu The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for this operation. Use the left/right arrow key to select...
... immediately exit this menu or from this menu. Select one of the Realtek LAN cable during the Power-On Self‑Test (POST). 2.7 Tools menu Main Advanced Tools Settings ASUS EZ Flash 2 Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit AI NET2 Press ENTER to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.8 Exit menu The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for this operation. Use the left/right arrow key to select...