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 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! 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 on...
... 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! 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 on...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 19
... 2-27 for details. The IEEE 1394a interface allows up the PCI bus. USB 2.0 is Microsoft Vista-ready. S/PDIF digital sound ready The motherboard supports the S/PDIF technology through simple, low-cost, high-bandwidth asynchronous (real-time) data interfacing ... for details. PCI Express™ interface The motherboard fully supports PCI Express, the latest I/O interconnect technology that speeds up to provide faster data bandwidth for your Internet, LAN, and file sharing requirements. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- PCI Express features point‑to powerful...
... 2-27 for details. The IEEE 1394a interface allows up the PCI bus. USB 2.0 is Microsoft Vista-ready. S/PDIF digital sound ready The motherboard supports the S/PDIF technology through simple, low-cost, high-bandwidth asynchronous (real-time) data interfacing ... for details. PCI Express™ interface The motherboard fully supports PCI Express, the latest I/O interconnect technology that speeds up to provide faster data bandwidth for your Internet, LAN, and file sharing requirements. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- PCI Express features point‑to powerful...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 21
...predefined hotkey to address the thermal issues across the motherboard, and most efficient manner. ASUS motherboard's fanless concept is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. See page 4-32 and 4-33 for details. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to ensure quiet,...details. This unique adapter eliminates the trouble of buying a replacement BIOS chip. See page 2-33 for details. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- ASUS Q-Connector The ASUS Q-Connector allows you to personalize and add style to connect or disconnect chassis front panel cables in one easy ...
...predefined hotkey to address the thermal issues across the motherboard, and most efficient manner. ASUS motherboard's fanless concept is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. See page 4-32 and 4-33 for details. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to ensure quiet,...details. This unique adapter eliminates the trouble of buying a replacement BIOS chip. See page 2-33 for details. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 1- ASUS Q-Connector The ASUS Q-Connector allows you to personalize and add style to connect or disconnect chassis front panel cables in one easy ...
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
... shut down the system and unplug the power cable before 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- Onboard LED The motherboard comes with the component. • Before you install or remove any...
... shut down the system and unplug the power cable before 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- Onboard LED The motherboard comes with the component. • Before you install or remove any...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 26
... the configuration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard fits into it into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to do so can damage the motherboard. Failure to the chassis. Make sure to the rear part of the chassis M2N-PLUS SLI ® 2- Chapter 2: Hardware information Place this side towards the rear...
... the configuration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard fits into it into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to do so can damage the motherboard. Failure to the chassis. Make sure to the rear part of the chassis M2N-PLUS SLI ® 2- Chapter 2: Hardware information Place this side towards the rear...
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
The CPU fits in completely. 2- Chapter 2: Hardware information M2N-PLUS SLI ® M2N-PLUS SLI CPU Socket AM2 2. otherwise, the CPU will not fit in only one correct orientation. Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sideways, then lift it ... CPU! 2.3.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU: 1. Socket lever Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to prevent bending the connectors on the motherboard. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to a 90º angle. Make sure you use a CPU designed for the AMD Opteron processor. 2.3 Central Processing...
The CPU fits in completely. 2- Chapter 2: Hardware information M2N-PLUS SLI ® M2N-PLUS SLI CPU Socket AM2 2. otherwise, the CPU will not fit in only one correct orientation. Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sideways, then lift it ... CPU! 2.3.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU: 1. Socket lever Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to prevent bending the connectors on the motherboard. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to a 90º angle. Make sure you use a CPU designed for the AMD Opteron processor. 2.3 Central Processing...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 34
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! 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.
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 35
... Populated Populated Sockets DIMM_B1 DIMM_A2 Populated - - - 2.4 System memory 2.4.1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. Populated ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-11 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...
... Populated Populated Sockets DIMM_B1 DIMM_A2 Populated - - - 2.4 System memory 2.4.1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. Populated ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-11 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...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 37
... DIMMs to the DDR2 DIMM sockets. 2.4.4 Removing a DIMM To remove a DIMM: 1. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward 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. Do ... force. 2. The DIMM might get damaged when it fits in only one direction. Remove the DIMM from the socket. 2 1 DDR2 DIMM notch ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-13 To install a DIMM: 1. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward. 2. Firmly insert the DIMM into a socket to...
... DIMMs to the DDR2 DIMM sockets. 2.4.4 Removing a DIMM To remove a DIMM: 1. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward 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. Do ... force. 2. The DIMM might get damaged when it fits in only one direction. Remove the DIMM from the socket. 2 1 DDR2 DIMM notch ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-13 To install a DIMM: 1. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward. 2. Firmly insert the DIMM into a socket to...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 41
...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 on BIOS setup. 2. Assign an IRQ to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. otherwise... settings for later use . Turn on the next page. 3. Refer to use . 4. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-17 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. Remove the bracket opposite...
...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 on BIOS setup. 2. Assign an IRQ to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. otherwise... settings for later use . Turn on the next page. 3. Refer to use . 4. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-17 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. Remove the bracket opposite...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 43
... PCIe devices x8, x4, x1 Two identical NVIDIA® SLI™ Edition graphics cards at x8, x8 speed ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-19 See pages 2-28 and 2-29 for details. • See chapter 6 for better thermal environment. 2.5.6 PCI Express x16 slots This motherboard supports two NVIDIA® SLI™-ready PCI Express x16 graphic cards that you provide...
... PCIe devices x8, x4, x1 Two identical NVIDIA® SLI™ Edition graphics cards at x8, x8 speed ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-19 See pages 2-28 and 2-29 for details. • See chapter 6 for better thermal environment. 2.5.6 PCI Express x16 slots This motherboard supports two NVIDIA® SLI™-ready PCI Express x16 graphic cards that you provide...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 48
Connect the blue connector to the motherboard's IDE connector, then select one end of the cable to this ... Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) This connector is for the provided floppy disk drive (FDD) signal cable. M2N-PLUS SLI ® FLOPPY NOTE: Orient the red markings on the Ultra DMA cable connector. 2.7.2 Internal connectors 1. Single device Two...(s) - Pin 5 on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable: blue, black, and gray. PIN 1 M2N-PLUS SLI Floppy disk drive connector 2. This prevents incorrect insertion when you connect the IDE cable. • Use the 80-...
Connect the blue connector to the motherboard's IDE connector, then select one end of the cable to this ... Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) This connector is for the provided floppy disk drive (FDD) signal cable. M2N-PLUS SLI ® FLOPPY NOTE: Orient the red markings on the Ultra DMA cable connector. 2.7.2 Internal connectors 1. Single device Two...(s) - Pin 5 on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable: blue, black, and gray. PIN 1 M2N-PLUS SLI Floppy disk drive connector 2. This prevents incorrect insertion when you connect the IDE cable. • Use the 80-...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 50
... CHA_FAN for better themal environment. 2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information These are not jumpers! Do not place jumper caps on the motherboard, making sure that you may damage the motherboard components. Connect the right-angle side of 1 A~7 A (84 W max.) at +12V. Do not forget to connect ... the connector. 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...
... CHA_FAN for better themal environment. 2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information These are not jumpers! Do not place jumper caps on the motherboard, making sure that you may damage the motherboard components. Connect the right-angle side of 1 A~7 A (84 W max.) at +12V. Do not forget to connect ... the connector. 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...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 51
... USB module is purchased separately. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-27 Connect the USB module cable to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. Doing so will damage the motherboard! M2N-PLUS SLI ® TPA2GND TPB2+12V GND TPA2+ GND TPB2+ +12V IE1394_2 1 M2N-PLUS SLI IEEE 1394a connector The IEEE...
... USB module is purchased separately. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 2-27 Connect the USB module cable to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. Doing so will damage the motherboard! M2N-PLUS SLI ® TPA2GND TPB2+12V GND TPA2+ GND TPB2+ +12V IE1394_2 1 M2N-PLUS SLI IEEE 1394a connector The IEEE...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 63
... • View the BIOS version information. The Drivers menu appears. 2. See page 5-3 for details on these utilities. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk in case you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in DOS using a bootable floppy disk / USB flash disk or a CD ROM...
... • View the BIOS version information. The Drivers menu appears. 2. See page 5-3 for details on these utilities. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk in case you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in DOS using a bootable floppy disk / USB flash disk or a CD ROM...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 67
ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- The EZ Flash 2 utility is built-in the BIOS chip so it .... correct file is found . ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility B318 FLASH TYPE: PMC Pm49FL004T LPC/FWH 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... display the following. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. 2. To update the BIOS using a DOS‑based utility. 4.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you...
ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- The EZ Flash 2 utility is built-in the BIOS chip so it .... correct file is found . ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility B318 FLASH TYPE: PMC Pm49FL004T LPC/FWH 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... display the following. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. 2. To update the BIOS using a DOS‑based utility. 4.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you...
Motherboard Installation Guide
Page 71
...utility completes the updating process. You can update a corrupted BIOS file using this utility. Found CDROM, try to the optical drive. 3. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the CD for the BIOS file When found , the utility reads the BIOS ...flash disk To recover the BIOS from the USB flash disk: 1. Prepare the motherboard support CD, the floppy disk or the USB flash disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using the motherboard support CD, the floppy disk, or the USB flash disk that contains the ...
...utility completes the updating process. You can update a corrupted BIOS file using this utility. Found CDROM, try to the optical drive. 3. ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition 4- The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the CD for the BIOS file When found , the utility reads the BIOS ...flash disk To recover the BIOS from the USB flash disk: 1. Prepare the motherboard support CD, the floppy disk or the USB flash disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using the motherboard support CD, the floppy disk, or the USB flash disk that contains the ...