Asus M2N SLI - Deluxe AiLifestyle Series Motherboard User Manual
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Asus M2N SLI - Deluxe AiLifestyle Series Motherboard User Manual

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  • Page 1 M2N-SLI...
  • Page 2 Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Welcome! ..................1-1 Package contents ................. 1-1 Special features ................1-2 1.3.1 Product highlights ............1-2 1.3.2 ASUS Special features ........... 1-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information Before you proceed ..............2-1 Motherboard overview ..............2-2 2.2.1 Placement direction ............2-2 2.2.2...
  • Page 4 4.1.2 Updating the BIOS ............4-2 4.1.3 Saving the current BIOS file ..........4-4 4.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ........4-5 4.1.5 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ........... 4-7 4.1.6 ASUS Update utility ............4-8 BIOS setup program ..............4-11 4.2.1...
  • Page 5 4.6.3 Boot Settings Configuration ......... 4-40 4.6.4 Security ................. 4-42 Tools menu ................. 4-44 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ................. 4-44 Exit menu ..................4-45 Chapter 5: Software support Installing an operating system ........... 5-1 Support CD information .............. 5-1 5.2.1 Running the support CD ..........
  • Page 6 Contents RAID configurations ..............5-20 5.4.1 Installing hard disks ............5-21 5.4.2 NVIDIA RAID configurations........5-22 ® Creating a RAID driver disk ............5-29 Chapter 6: NVIDIA SLI™ technology support ® Overview ..................6-1 Requirements ................. 6-1 Dual graphics card setup ............6-2 6.2.1 Installing SLI-ready graphics cards .........

  • Page 7: Notices

    Notices Federal Communications Commission Statement This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: • This device may not cause harmful interference, and • This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation.

  • Page 8: Safety Information

    Safety information Electrical safety • To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating the system. • When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.

  • Page 9: About This Guide

    About this guide This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the motherboard. How this guide is organized This manual contains the following parts: • Chapter 1: Product introduction This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports.

  • Page 10: Typography

    Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information. Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer.

  • Page 11: M2N-Sli Specifications Summary

    AI Overclocking (intelligent CPU frequency tuner) Overclocking features Stepless Frequency Selection(SFS) allows FSB tuning from 200 MHz up to 400 MHz at 1 MHz increment ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) Adjustable FSB/DDR2 ratio. Fixed PCI/PCIe frequencies (continued on the next page)
  • Page 12 M2N-SLI specifications summary Special features ASUS EZ DIY: - Q-Connector - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 - ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS Q-Fan 2 ASUS MyLogo2 Rear panel 1 x Parallel port 1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple) 1 x PS/2 mouse port (green)

  • Page 13: Chapter 1: Product Introduction

    This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports. Product introduction...
  • Page 14 Chapter summary Welcome! ..................1-1 Package contents ................1-1 Special features ................1-2 ASUS M2N-SLI...

  • Page 15: Welcome

    ® The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards! Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in your package with the list below.

  • Page 16: Special Features

    Special features 1.3.1 Product highlights Latest processor technology The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2 socket that supports AMD Athlon™ 64 FX/AMD Athlon™ 64 X2/AMD Athlon™ 64/AMD Sempron™ processors. With an integrated low-latency high-bandwidth memory controller and a highly scalable HyperTransport™...
  • Page 17 The IEEE 1394a interface allows up to 400 Mbps transfer rates through simple, low-cost, high-bandwidth asynchronous (real-time) data interfacing between computers, peripherals, and consumer electronic devices such as camcorders, VCRs, printers, TVs, and digital cameras. See page 2-28 for details. ASUS M2N-SLI...

  • Page 18: Asus Special Features

    ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data from a USB flash disk containing the BIOS file. This utility saves users the cost and hassle of buying a replacement BIOS chip. See page 4-5 for details.

  • Page 19: Chapter 2: Hardware Information

    This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes description of the jumpers and connectors on the motherboard. Hardware information...
  • Page 20 Chapter summary Before you proceed ................ 2-1 Motherboard overview ..............2-2 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ............2-6 System memory ................2-11 Expansion slots ................2-17 Jumpers ..................2-20 Connectors ................... 2-23 ASUS M2N-SLI...

  • Page 21: Before You Proceed

    The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED. M2N-SLI SB_PWR Standby Powered Power M2N-SLI Onboard LED ASUS M2N-SLI...

  • Page 22: Motherboard Overview

    Motherboard overview Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard fits into it. Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.

  • Page 23: Motherboard Layout

    COM1 1394_USB34 USBPW34 LAN_USB12 Attansic AUDIO2 M2N-SLI AUDIO1 FP_AUDIO PCIEX16_1 CM6501 PCIEX1_1 Nvidia NF560 SLI PCIEX1_2 VT6308P PCIEX16_2 CLRTC BIOS PCI1 CR2032 3V SB_PWR SATA3 Lithium Cell SATA1 CMOS Power SATA2 SATA4 PCI2 CHASSIS USB56 USB78 FLOPPY IE1394_1 ASUS M2N-SLI...

  • Page 24: Layout Contents

    2.2.4 Layout Contents Slots Page 1. DDR2 DIMM slots 2-11 2. PCI slots 2-18 3. PCI Express x16 slot 2-19 4. PCI Express x1 slot 2-19 Slots Page 1. CLRTC (3-pin CLRTC1) 2-20 2. USB device wake-up 2-21 2-21 (3-pin USBPW12, USBPW34, USBPW56, USBPW78, USBPW910) 3.
  • Page 25 12. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) 2-32 • System power LED (2-pin LED) • Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED) • System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER) • ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWR) • Reset button (2-pin RESET) ASUS M2N-SLI...

  • Page 26: Central Processing Unit (Cpu)

    Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2 socket designed for the AMD Athlon™ 64 X2/AMD Athlon™ 64 FX/AMD Athlon™ 64 and AMD Sempron™ processors. Make sure you use a CPU is designed for the AM2 socket. The CPU fits in only one correct orientation.
  • Page 27 When the CPU is in place, push down the socket lever to secure the CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab to indicate that it is locked. Install a CPU heatsink and fan following the instructions that came with the heatsink package. ASUS M2N-SLI...

  • Page 28: Installing The Heatsink And Fan

    2.3.2 Installing the heatsink and fan The the AMD Athlon™ FX, AMD Athlon 64™, AMD Sempron™ or AMD Athlon™ X2 processor require a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance. Make sure that you use only qualified heatsink and fan assembly. Follow these steps to install the CPU heatsink and fan.
  • Page 29 Push down the retention bracket lock on the retention mechanism to secure the heatsink and fan to the module base. ASUS M2N-SLI...
  • Page 30 When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. CPU_FAN M2N-SLI M2N-SLI CPU Fan Connector Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector.

  • Page 31: System Memory

    DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 DIMM_B2 Populated – – – – Populated – – Single Channel – – Populated – – – – Populated Populated – Populated – Dual-channel (1) – Populated – Populated Populated Populated Populated Populated Dual-channel (2) ASUS M2N-SLI 2-11...
  • Page 32 Always use identical DDR2 DIMM pairs for dual-channel model. For optimum compatibility, we recommend that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) for the latest Qualified Vendors List. When using only one memory module, start installing the DDR2 DIMMs from slot DIMM_A1 and DIMM_B1 for better overcloking capability.
  • Page 33 Vendor Model Component Side(s) Size 512MB KINGSTON E5108AE-6E-E KVR667D2N5/512 1024MB KINGSTON E5108AE-6E-E KVR667D2N5/1G 512MB KINGSTON E5108AE-6E-E KVR667D2E5/512 256MB KINGSTON HYB18T256800AF3 KVR667D2N5/256 512MB KINGSTON D6408TEBGGL3U KVR667D2N5/512 1024MB KINGSTON D6408TEBGGL3U KVR667D2N5/1G 256MB KINGSTON HYB18T256800AF3S KVR667D2N5/256 256MB Qimonda HYB18T512160AF-3S HYS64T32000HU-3S-A ASUS M2N-SLI 2-13...
  • Page 34 Qualified Vendors List DDR2-667 DIMM Socket DDR2 support Vendor Model Component Side(s) Size 512MB Qimonda HYB18T512800AF3S HYS64T64000HU-3S-A 1024MB Qimonda HYB18T512800AF3S HYS64T128020HU-3S-A 256MB Qimonda HYB18T256800AF3S(ECC) HYS72T32000HU-3S-A 512MB Qimonda HYB18T512800AF3S(ECC) HYS72T64000HU-3S-A 1024MB Qimonda HYB18T512800AF3S(ECC) HYS72T128020HU-3S-A 512MB Qimonda HYB18T512800BF3S(ECC) HYS72T64000HU-3S-B 1024MB Qimonda HYB18T512800BF3S(ECC) HYS72T128020HU-3S-B 256MB Qimonda...
  • Page 35 C - Supports three modules inserted into both the yellow and black slots as two pairs of dual-channel memory configuration. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) for the latest memory Qualified Vendor List (QVL). ASUS M2N-SLI...

  • Page 36: Installing A Dimm

    2.4.3 Installing a DIMM Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. To install a DIMM: DDR2 DIMM notch Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward.

  • Page 37: Expansion Slots

    When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Share IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments; otherwise, conflicts will arise between the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable. ASUS M2N-SLI 2-17...

  • Page 38: Interrupt Assignments

    2.5.3 Interrupt assignments Standard interrupt assignments Priority Standard function System Timer Keyboard Controller – Redirect to IRQ#9 Communications Port (COM1)* IRQ Holder for PCI Steering* Floppy Disk Controller Printer Port (LPT1)* System CMOS/Real Time Clock IRQ Holder for PCI Steering* IRQ Holder for PCI Steering* IRQ Holder for PCI Steering* PS/2 Compatible Mouse Port*...

  • Page 39: Pci Express X1 Slot

    PCIe x16 graphics card PCIe x16 graphics card PCIe x16 graphics card PCIe x16 graphics card Other PCIe devices x8, x4, x1 Dual graphics Two identical NVIDIA SLI™ Edition graphics cards at x8, x8 speed ® card in SLI Mode ASUS M2N-SLI 2-19...

  • Page 40: Jumpers

    Jumpers Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC) This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords.
  • Page 41 500mA on the +5VSB lead for each USB port; otherwise, the system would not power up. • The total current consumed must NOT exceed the power supply capability (+5VSB) whether under normal condition or in sleep mode. ASUS M2N-SLI 2-21...
  • Page 42 Keyboard power (3-pin KBPWR) This jumper allows you to enable or disable the keyboard wake-up feature. Set this jumper to pins 2-3 (+5VSB) if you wish to wake up the computer when you press a key on the keyboard (the default value is [Disabled]). This feature requires an ATX power supply that can supply at least 1A on the +5VSB lead, and a corresponding setting in the BIOS (see section 2.5.5 APM Configuration).

  • Page 43: Connectors

    1 Gbps connection Side Speaker Out port (gray). This port connects the side speakers in an 8-channel audio configuration. Rear Speaker Out port (black). This port connects the rear speakers in a 4-channel, 6-channel, or 8-channel audio configuration. ASUS M2N-SLI 2-23...
  • Page 44 Line In port (light blue). This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player, or other audio sources. Line Out port (lime). This port connects a headphone or a speaker. In 4- channel, 6-channel, and 8-channel configuration, the function of this port becomes Front Speaker Out.

  • Page 45: Internal Connectors

    Ultra DMA cable connector. This prevents incorrect insertion when you connect the IDE cable. • Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for Ultra DMA 100/66 IDE devices. If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select,” make sure all other device jumpers have the same setting. ASUS M2N-SLI 2-25...
  • Page 46 NOTE: Orient the red markings (usually zigzag) on the ID ribbon cable to PIN 1. M2N-SLI M2N-SLI IDE Connectors Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA4) These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s hard disk and optical disk drives.
  • Page 47 These are not jumpers! DO NOT place jumper caps on the 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 you plug the rear chassis fan cable to the motherboard connector labeled CHA_FAN for better thermal environment.
  • Page 48 USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78) These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. 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. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed.
  • Page 49 By default , the pin labeled “Chassis Signal” and “Ground” are shorted with a jumper cap. Remove the jumper caps only when you intend to use the chassis intrusion detection feature. M2N-SLI ® CHASSIS (Default) M2N-SLI Chassis intrusion connector ASUS M2N-SLI 2-29...
  • Page 50 ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR1,4-pin ATX12V) These connectors are for an ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit. •...
  • Page 51 Connect the S/PDIF Out module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. M2N-SLI SPDIF_OUT SPDIFOUT M2N-SLI Digital Audio Connector The S/PDIF module is purchased separately. ASUS M2N-SLI 2-31...

  • Page 52: System Panel Connector

    12. System panel connector (20-pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. Speaker Ground Ground Reset Ground M2N-SLI Ground PLED- IDE_LED- PLED+ IDE_LED+ Requires an ATX power supply M2N-SLI System Panel Connector • System power LED (2-pin PLED) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector.
  • Page 53 Q-Connector (System panel) ASUS Q-Connector allows you to easily to connect the chassis front panel cables to the motherboard. Perform these steps to install ASUS Q-Connector. Step 1 Connect the front panel cables to their respective connectors on the ASUS Q-Connector.
  • Page 54 2-3 Chapter 2: Hardware information...

  • Page 55: Chapter 3: Powering Up

    This chapter describes the power up sequence and ways of shutting down the system. Powering up...
  • Page 56 Chapter summary Starting up for the first time ............3-1 Powering off the computer ............. 3-2 ASUS M2N-SLI...

  • Page 57: Starting Up For The First Time

    Check the jumper settings and connections or call your retailer for assistance. At power on, hold down the <Del> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the instructions in Chapter 4. ASUS M2N-SLI...

  • Page 58: Powering Off The Computer

    Powering off the computer 3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function If you are using Windows 2000: ® Click the Start button then click Shut Down. Make sure that the Shut Down option button is selected, then click the OK button to shut down the computer.

  • Page 59: Chapter 4: Bios Setup

    This chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided. BIOS setup...
  • Page 60 Chapter summary Managing and updating your BIOS ..........4-1 BIOS setup program ..............4-11 Main menu ................... 4-15 Advanced menu ................4-20 Power menu ................. 4-33 Boot menu ..................4-38 Tools menu ................... 4-44 Exit menu ..................4-45 ASUS M2N-SLI...

  • Page 61: Managing And Updating Your Bios

    CD when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted.) ASUS EZ Flash 2 (Updates the BIOS in DOS using a floppy disk or the motherboard support CD.) ASUS Update (Updates the BIOS in Windows environment.)

  • Page 62: Updating The Bios

    The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) can be updated using the AwardBIOS Flash Utility. Follow these instructions to update the BIOS using this utility. 1. Download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS web site. Rename the file to m2nsli.bin and save it to a floppy disk.
  • Page 63 Type the BIOS file name in AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.01 the File Name to Program (C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved field, then press <Enter>. For NF-CK804-M2N-SLI DATE: 11/18/2004 Flash Type - SST 49LF004A/B /3.3V File Name to Program: m2nsli.bin...

  • Page 64: Saving The Current Bios File

    Make sure that the floppy disk has enough disk space to save the file. To save the current BIOS file using the AwardBIOS Flash Utility: AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.01 Follow steps 1 to 6 of the (C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved previous section.

  • Page 65: Asus Crashfree Bios 3 Utility

    4.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can update a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support CD, floppy, or USB flash disk that contains the updated BIOS file.

  • Page 66: Recovering The Bios From A Floppy Disk

    Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process. The recovered BIOS may not be the latest BIOS version for this motherboard. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file. Chapter 4: BIOS setup...

  • Page 67: Asus Ez Flash 2 Utility

    4.1.5 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go through the long process of booting from a floppy disk and using a DOS-based utility. You can launch ASUS EZ Flash 2 by press <Alt> + <F2> during the Power- On Self-Test (POST).

  • Page 68: Asus Update Utility

    4.1.6 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows environment. The ASUS Update utility allows you ® • Save the current BIOS file • Download the latest BIOS file from the Internet •...
  • Page 69 To update the BIOS through the Internet: Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows desktop by clicking Start ® > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update main window appears. Select Update BIOS from the Select the ASUS FTP site nearest...
  • Page 70 To update the BIOS through a BIOS file: Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows desktop by clicking Start ® > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update main window appears. Select Update BIOS from a file option from the drop-down menu, then click Next.

  • Page 71: Bios Setup Program

    The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen. • Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for this motherboard. ASUS M2N-SLI...

  • Page 72: Bios Menu Screen

    The BIOS setup screens shown in this chapter are for reference purposes only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen. • Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS information. 4-12 Chapter 4: BIOS setup...

  • Page 73: Legend Bar

    A configurable field is enclosed in brackets, and is highlighted when selected. To change the value of a field, select it then press <Enter> to display a list of options. Refer to “4.2.7 Pop-up window.” ASUS M2N-SLI 4-13...

  • Page 74: Pop-Up Window

    Legacy Diskette A: [1.44M, 3.5 in.] drive A. Disabled ..[ ] Primary IDE Master [ST321122A] Primary IDE Slave [ASUS CDS520/A] 720K , 3.5 in..[ ] Secondary IDE Master [None] 1.44M, 3.5 in..[ ] Secondary IDE Slave...

  • Page 75: Main Menu

    Allows you to set the system time. 4.3.2 System Date [Day, xx/xx/xxxx] Allows you to set the system date. 4.3.3 Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.] Sets the type of floppy drive installed. Configuration options: [Disabled] [720K , 3.5 in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.] ASUS M2N-SLI 4-15...

  • Page 76: Primary And Secondary Ide Master/Slave

    4.3.5 Primary and Secondary IDE Master/Slave While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each IDE device. Select a device item then press <Enter> to display the IDE device information. Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Primary IDE Master...

  • Page 77: Pio Mode

    FDISK, to partition and format new IDE hard disk drives. This is necessary so that you can write or read data from the hard disk. Make sure to set the partition of the Primary IDE hard disk drives to active. ASUS M2N-SLI 4-17...

  • Page 78: Sata 1, 2, 3, 4

    4.3.6 SATA 1, 2, 3, 4 While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of Serial ATA devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each SATA device. Select a device item then press <Enter> to display the SATA device information. Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main SATA 1...

  • Page 79: Hdd Smart Monitoring

    Primary IDE hard disk drives to active. 4.3.7 HDD SMART Monitoring [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the HDD Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology (SMART) feature. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 4.3.8 Installed Memory Shows the size of installed memory. ASUS M2N-SLI 4-19...

  • Page 80: Advanced Menu

    Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Advanced Power...
  • Page 81 200 to 400. Refer to the following table for the correct Front Side Bus and CPU External Frequency settings. Selecting a very high CPU frequency may cause the system to become unstable! If this happens, revert to the default setting. ASUS M2N-SLI 4-21...
  • Page 82 PCI Express Clock [100MHz] Allows you to set the PCI Express clock. Key-in a decimal value between 100-200 MHz. Configuration options: [100Mhz] [101Mhz~[145Mhz] DDR2 Voltage [Auto] Sets the operating DDR voltage. Configuration options: [Auto] [1.80V] [1.85V] [1.90V] [1.95V] CPU Multiplier [Auto] Sets the operating CPU multiplier.

  • Page 83: Cpu Configuration

    F5: Setup Defaults Twrwr [Auto] ESC: Exit →←: Select Menu Enter: Select Sub-menu F10: Save and Exit Trdrd [Auto] Memory Clock Frequency[Auto] Sets platform Memclock or limit value. Configuration options: [Auto] [DDR2 400] [DDR2 533] [DDR2 667] [DDR2 800] ASUS M2N-SLI 4-23...
  • Page 84 DRAM Timing Control Load Fail-Safe Defaults Configuration options: [YES] [NO] USB Keyboard Support [Enabled] Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] USB Mouse Support [Enabled] Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Onboard FDC Controller [Enabled] Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] CKE Fine Delay [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [No delay] [1/64 MEMCLK delay] [2/64 MEMCLK delay] [3/64 MEMCLK delay] [4/64 MEMCLK delay] [5/64 MEMCLK delay]...[30/64 MEMCLK delay] [31/64 MEMCLK delay] CKE Setup Time [Auto]...
  • Page 85 Configuration options: [Auto] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] Twtr[Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] Trtp[Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [2/4] [3/5] Twrrd[Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] Twrwr[Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] Trdrd[Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [2] [3] [4] [5] ASUS M2N-SLI 4-25...

  • Page 86: Pcipnp

    Trfc[Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] 1T/2T Memory Timing[Auto] Configuration Options: [Auto] [1T] [2T] Hyper Transport Frequency [Auto] Configuration options: [1x] [2x] [3x] [4x] [5x] [Auto] AMD Live! [Disabled] Enables or disables AMD Live! technology. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] AMD Cool’n’Quiet Function [Disabled] Enables or disables the AMD Cool’n’Quiet function.

  • Page 87: Onboard Device Configuration

    Allows to disable or enable OnChip IDE Channel0 Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] OnChip IDE Channel1[Enabled] Allows to disable or enable OnChip IDE Channel1 Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] IDE DMA transfer access[Enabled] Allows to disable or enable IDE DMA transfer access Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS M2N-SLI 4-27...
  • Page 88 SATA Port 1, 2[Enabled] Allows to disable or enable OnChip SATA(Port 1, Port 2) Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] SATA DMA transfer [Enabled] Allows to disable or enable to switch to support SATA DMA tranfer Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] SATA Port 3, 4[Enabled] Allows to disable or enable OnChip SATA2(Port 3, Port 4) Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] SATA2 DMA transfer [Enabled]...

  • Page 89: Nvraid Configuration

    SATA 2 RAID[Disabled] Selects this device as RAID set. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] SATA 3 RAID[Disabled] Selects this device as RAID set. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] SATA 4 RAID[Disabled] Selects this device as RAID set. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS M2N-SLI 4-29...

  • Page 90: Usb Configuration

    USB Configuration The items in this sub-menu allows you to set the USB configuration. Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced USB Configuration Select Menu Item Specific Help USB Controller [Enabled] USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled] Press [Enter] to set. USB Legacy support [Enabled] F1:Help ↑↓...
  • Page 91 Configuration options: [Disabled] [378/IRQ7] [278/IRQ5] [3BC/IRQ7] Parallel Port Mode [EPP] Allows you to select the Parallel Port mode. Configuration options: [Normal] [EPP] [ECP] [Bi-Directional] ECP Mode Use DMA [3] Allows selection of ECP Mode. Configuration options: [1] [3] ASUS M2N-SLI 4-31...

  • Page 92: Sli Configuration

    4.4.6 SLI Configuration Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced SLI Configuration Select Menu Item Specific Help AI-Selector [Auto] F1:Help ↑↓ : Select Item -/+: Change Value F5: Setup Defaults ESC: Exit →←: Select Menu Enter: Select Sub-menu F10: Save and Exit AI-Selector[Auto] Allows selection of the Scalable Link Interface mode.

  • Page 93: Power Menu

    Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) support in the Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). When set to Enabled, the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS M2N-SLI 4-33...

  • Page 94: Apm Configuration

    4.5.3 APM Configuration Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Power Select Menu APM Configuration Item Specific Help Restore on AC Power Loss [Power-Off] PWR Button < 4 secs [Instant-Off] Press [ENTER] to select whether or not Power On By PCI/PCIE Devices [Disabled] to restart the system Power On By External Modems...
  • Page 95 Allows you to disable the Power On by PS/2 keyboard function or set specific keys on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Space Bar] [Ctrl-ESC] [Power Key] ASUS M2N-SLI 4-35...

  • Page 96: Hardware Monitor

    4.5.4 Hardware Monitor The items in this sub-menu displays the hardware monitor values automatically detected by the BIOS. It also allows you to change CPU Q-Fan feature-related parameters. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options. Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Power Hardware Monitor Select Menu...
  • Page 97 Configuration options: [Disabled] [800 RPM] [1200 RPM] [1600 RPM] Please be careful when the CPU Fan speed warning is set to [Disabled]. It will not produce and warning message during POST even the fan is bad or not present. ASUS M2N-SLI 4-37...

  • Page 98: Boot Menu

    Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu. Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Advanced Power Boot Exit Boot Device Priority Select Menu Removable Drives Item Specific Help Boot Settings Configuration Security...

  • Page 99: Removable Drives

    F1:Help ↑↓ : Select Item -/+: Change Value F5: Setup Defaults ESC: Exit →←: Select Menu Enter: Select Sub-menu F10: Save and Exit 1. Floppy Disks Allows you to assign a removable drive attached to the system. ASUS M2N-SLI 4-39...

  • Page 100: Boot Settings Configuration

    4.6.3 Boot Settings Configuration Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot Boot Settings Configuration Select Menu Item Specific Help Case Open Warning [Enabled] Quick Boot [Enabled] Press [Enter] to enable or disable. Boot Up Floppy Seek [Disabled] Bootup Num-Lock [On] Typematic Rate Setting [Disabled] Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec) Typematic Delay (Msec)
  • Page 101 Make sure that the above item is set to [Enabled] if you want to use the ASUS MyLogo2™ feature. • See section “5.4.1 ASUS MyLogo2™” for details. Halt On [All, But Keyboard] Allows you to error report type. Configuration options: [All Errors] [No Errors] [All, But Keyboard]...

  • Page 102: Security

    4.6.4 Security Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot Security Select Menu Item Specific Help Supervisor Password Clear User Password Clear Supervisor password controls full access, Password Check [Setup] <Enter> to change password. F1:Help ↑↓ : Select Item -/+: Change Value F5: Setup Defaults ESC: Exit →←: Select Menu...

  • Page 103: Password Check

    This field requires you to enter the password before entering the BIOS setup or the system. Select [Setup] to require the password before entering the BIOS Setup. Select [System] to require the password before entering the system. Configuration options: [Setup] [System] ASUS M2N-SLI 4-43...

  • Page 104: Tools Menu

    Item Specific Help ASUS EZ Flash 2 Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. Press <Enter> to start EZ Flash 2 then from the confirmation screen, use the left or right arrows to select [Yes] or [No] then press <Enter>. See page 4-5 for details.

  • Page 105: Exit Menu

    Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you made to the Setup program. If you made changes to fields other than System Date, System Time, and Password, the BIOS asks for a confirmation before exiting. ASUS M2N-SLI 4-45...

  • Page 106: Load Setup Defaults

    Load Setup Defaults This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a confirmation window appears. Select Yes to load default values. Select Exit & Save Changes or make other changes before saving the values to the non-volatile RAM.

  • Page 107: Chapter 5: Software Support

    This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with the motherboard package. Software support...
  • Page 108 Chapter summary Installing an operating system ............5-1 Support CD information ..............5-1 Software information ..............5-9 RAID configurations ..............5-20 Creating a RAID driver disk ............5-29 ASUS M2N-SLI...

  • Page 109: Installing An Operating System

    The contents of the support CD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the ASUS website(www.asus.com) for updates. 5.2.1 Running the support CD Place the support CD to the optical drive. The CD automatically displays the Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer.

  • Page 110: Drivers Menu

    5.2.2 Drivers menu The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices. NVIDIA nForce Chipset Driver Installs the NVIDIA Chipset drivers for the NVIDIA nForce 560 SLI chipset. ®...

  • Page 111: Utilities Menu

    ASUS Update Allows you to download the latest version of the BIOS from the ASUS website. Before using the ASUS Update, make sure that you have an Internet connection so you can connect to the ASUS website.

  • Page 112: Make Disk Menu

    Microsoft DirectX 9.0c Installs the Microsoft DirectX 9.0 driver. The Microsoft DirectX 9.0 is a ® ® multimedia technology that enhances computer graphics and sound. DirectX ® improves the multimedia features of you computer so you can enjoy watching TV and movies, capturing videos, or playing games in your computer. Visit the Microsoft website (www.microsoft.com) for updates.

  • Page 113: Manuals Menu

    Reader from the Utilities menu before opening a user ® ® manual file. • Some user manuals listed in this menu may not be applicable for this motherboard model. NVIDIA RAID User’s Guide Allows you to open the NVIDIA RAID User’s Guide. ® ASUS M2N-SLI...

  • Page 114: Asus Contact Information

    5.2.6 ASUS Contact information Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can also find this information on the inside front cover of this user guide. 5.2.7 Other information The icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the motherboard and the contents of the support CD.

  • Page 115: Technical Support Form

    Browse this CD Displays the support CD contents in graphical format. Technical support Form Displays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to fill out when requesting technical support. ASUS M2N-SLI...
  • Page 116 Filelist Displays the contents of the support CD and a brief description of each in text format. Chapter 5: Software support...

  • Page 117: Software Information

    Click the Power... button. The following dialog box appears. From the Power schemes combo list box, select Minimal Power Management. Click OK to effect settings. Make sure to install the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ driver and application before using this feature. ASUS M2N-SLI...

  • Page 118: Launching The Cool 'N' Quiet!™ Software

    The AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ technology feature works only with the AMD heatsink and fan assembly with monitor chip • If you purchased a separate heatsink and fan package, use the ASUS Q-Fan technology feature to automatically adjust the CPU fan speed according to your system loading.

  • Page 119: Asus Pc Probe Ii

    To launch the PC Probe II from the Windows desktop, click Start > All Programs ® > ASUS > PC Probe II > PC Probe II v1.00.43. The PC Probe II main window appears. After launching the application, the PC Probe II icon appears in the Windows ®...
  • Page 120 Button Function Opens the Configuration window Opens the Report window Opens the Desktop Management Interface window Opens the Peripheral Component Interconnect window Opens the Windows Management Instrumentation window Opens the hard disk drive, memory, CPU usage window Shows/Hides the Preference section Minimizes the application Closes the application Sensor alert...
  • Page 121 Click to buttons. You can also adjust the threshold increase values using the Config window. value You cannot adjust the sensor threshold Click to values in a small monitoring panel. decrease value ASUS M2N-SLI 5-13...
  • Page 122 Monitoring sensor alert The monitor panel turns red when a component value exceeds or is lower than the threshold value. Refer to the illustrations below. Small display Large display WMI browser Click to display the WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation) browser. This browser displays various Windows ®...
  • Page 123 The left panel of the tab lists all logical drives. Click a hard disk drive to display the information on the right panel. The pie chart at the bottom of the window represents the used (blue) and the available HDD space. ASUS M2N-SLI 5-15...
  • Page 124 Memory usage The Memory tab shows both used and available physical memory. The pie chart at the bottom of the window represents the used (blue) and the available physical memory. Configuring PC Probe II Click to view and adjust the sensor threshold values. The Config window has two tabs: Sensor/Threshold and Preference.

  • Page 125: C-Media Cm6501 Audio Utility

    Click volume. select S/PDIF Output. Click the drop- down menu for digital and Click to effect analog options. the settings and exit. Click to Click to stop perform the the speaker speaker test. test. ASUS M2N-SLI 5-17...
  • Page 126 7.1 Virtual Speaker Shifter Click to enable this function. Click to adjust the volume. Click to arrange the position of the virtual speakers. Click to reset the speaker positions. Click to effect the settings and exit. Mixer The Mixer option allows you to configure audio output/input (record) volume. Click the control tab and turn the volume button to adjust the output volume.
  • Page 127 To select an environment size, simply click the shortcut buttons. Click OK to effect the settings and exit. Information Click the Information tab to diplay information about the 3D audio engine, audio codec, audio driver version, audio controller, and DirectX version. ASUS M2N-SLI 5-19...

  • Page 128: Raid Configurations

    RAID configurations The motherboard comes with the NVIDIA SLI Southbridge RAID controllers that ® allow you to configure IDE and Serial ATA hard disk drives as RAID sets. The motherboard supports the following RAID configurations. RAID 0 (Data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and write data in parallel, interleaved stacks.

  • Page 129: Installing Hard Disks

    Connect the SATA signal cables. Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector on each drive. Refer to the RAID controllers user manual in the motherboard support CD for detailed information on RAID configurations. See section “5.2.4 Manuals menu”. ASUS M2N-SLI 5-21...

  • Page 130: Nvidia ® Raid Configurations

    5.4.2 NVIDIA RAID configurations ® The motherboard includes a high performance IDE RAID controller integrated in the NVIDIA SLI southbridge chipset. It supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, and ® JBOD with four independent Serial ATA channels. Setting the BIOS RAID items After installing the hard disk drives, make sure to set the necessary RAID items in the BIOS before setting your RAID configuration.

  • Page 131: Creating A Raid Volume

    RAID utility Define a New Array menu, select RAID Mode ® then press <Enter>. The following submenu appears. Use the up or down arrow keys to Mirroring select a RAID mode then press Striping <Enter>. Stripe Mirroring Spanning ASUS M2N-SLI 5-23...
  • Page 132 Press <TAB> select the Striping ↑ Block then press <Enter>. The following submenu appears: 128K Optim↓ If you selected Striping or Stripe Mirroring, use the up or down arrow keys to select the stripe size for your RAID 0 array then press <Enter>.The available values range from 8 KB to 128 KB.

  • Page 133: Rebuilding A Raid Array

    Array 1 : NVIDIA MIRROR XXX.XXG - Array Detail - RAID Mode: Mirroring Striping Width: 1 Striping Block: 64K Adapt Channel Index Disk Model Name Capacity Master XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX.XXGB Master XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX.XXGB [R] Rebuild [D] Delete [C] Clear Disk [ENTER] Return ASUS M2N-SLI 5-25...
  • Page 134 A new set of navigation keys is displayed on the bottom of the screen. Press <R> to rebuild a RAID array. The following screen appears. Array 1 : NVIDIA MIRROR XXX.XXG - Select Disk Inside Array - RAID Mode: Mirroring Striping Width: 1 Striping Block: 64K Adapt...

  • Page 135: Deleting A Raid Array

    [N] No Press <Y> to delete array or press <N> to cancel. Take caution in using this option. All data on the RAID drives will be lost! If you selected Yes, the Define a New Array menu appears. ASUS M2N-SLI 5-27...

  • Page 136: Clearing A Disk Data

    Clearing a disk data To clear disk data: From the Array List menu, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID array then press <Enter>. The RAID Array details appear. Array 1 : NVIDIA MIRROR XXX.XXG - Array Detail - RAID Mode: Mirroring Striping Width: 1 Striping Block: 64K...

  • Page 137: Creating A Raid Driver Disk

    Press <F6> then insert the floppy disk with RAID driver into the floppy disk drive. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation. Due to chipset limitation, the Serial ATA ports supported by the NVIDIA chipset doesn’t support Serial Optical Disk Drives (Serial ODD) under DOS. ASUS M2N-SLI 5-29...
  • Page 138 5-30 Chapter 5: Software support...

  • Page 139: Chapter 6: Nvidia Sli™ Technology Support

    This chapter tells how to install SLI-ready PCI Express graphics cards. ® NVIDIA SLI™ technology support...
  • Page 140 Chapter summary Overview ..................6-1 Dual graphics cards setup .............. 6-2 ASUS M2N-SLI...

  • Page 141: Overview

    See “6. ATX power connectors” on page 2-28 for details. ® • The NVIDIA SLI technology supports Windows XP™ 32-bit/64bit operating system only. • Visit the NVIDIA zone website (http://www.nzone.com) for the latest certified graphics card and supported 3D application list. ASUS M2N-SLI...

  • Page 142: Dual Graphics Card Setup

    Dual graphics card setup 6.2.1 Installing SLI-ready graphics cards ® Install only identical SLI-ready graphics cards that are NVIDIA -certified. Different types of graphics cards will not work together properly. To install the graphics cards: Prepare two graphics cards. Each graphics card should have goldfingers for the SLI connector.
  • Page 143 Insert the second graphics card into the other slot. Make sure that the card is properly seated on the slot. If required, connect an auxiliary power source to the PCI Express graphics cards. ASUS M2N-SLI...
  • Page 144 Align and insert the SLI connector to the goldfingers on each graphics card. Make sure that the connector is firmly in place. SLI connector When installing two VGA cards using a 20-pin ATX PSU with sufficient+12v capability, we recommend that you connect the auxillary power source from the power supply to the graphics card.

  • Page 145: Installing The Device Drivers

    From the nView Desktop Manager w i n d o w, s e l e c t t h e D e s k t o p Management tab. Click Properties to display the Display Properties dialog box. ASUS M2N-SLI...
  • Page 146 From the Display Properties dialog box, select the Settings tab then click Advanced. Select the NVIDIA GeForce tab. Click the slider to display the following screen, then select the SLI multi-GPU item. Slider Click the Enable SLI multi-GPU check box. Click OK when done.

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