Asus M2N-L User Manual
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Asus M2N-L User Manual

Asus M2N-L User Manual

M2n-l series user's manual english edition
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  • Page 1 M2N-L...
  • 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

    Package contents ................. 1-1 Serial number label ..............1-1 Special features ................1-2 1.4.1 Product highlights ............1-2 1.4.2 ASUS Special features ........... 1-3 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 Managing and updating your BIOS ..........4-1 4.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk ........4-1 4.1.2 AFUDOS utility ..............4-2 4.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility ........4-5 BIOS setup program ..............4-7 4.2.1 BIOS menu screen ............4-8 4.2.2 Menu bar ................. 4-8 4.2.3...
  • Page 5 Drivers menu ..............5-2 5.2.3 Management Software menu .......... 5-3 5.2.4 Utilities menu ..............5-4 5.2.5 ASUS Contact information ..........5-5 5.2.6 Other information ............5-5 Software information ..............5-7 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology ............5-7 RAID configurations ..............5-8 Installing hard disks ................

  • Page 6: 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 7: 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.

  • Page 8: About This Guide

    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 9: Conventions Used In This Guide

    Conventions used in this guide To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task. CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task.

  • Page 10: M2N-L Specifications Summary

    AMD Cool 'n' Quiet™ Technology Core Logic NVIDIA nForce 570 SLI MCP (MCP55P) ® ® Form Factor ATX, 12 in x 9.6 in (30.5 cm x 24.5 cm) ASUS Smart Fan Smart Fan Features ASWM2.0 � Memory Total Slots Capacity...
  • Page 11 M2N-L specifications summary Networking Dual Onboard Marvell 8056 PCIe GbE LAN ® controllers Graphic ® Volari™ Z9s VGA Controller / 32MB DDR2 DRAM Onboard I/O Floppy Connector Connectors PSU Connectors 24-pin ATX power connector + 4-pin ATX 12V power connector USB Connectors 1 (for 2 USB 2.0/1.1 ports) Fan Headers...

  • Page 13: Chapter 1: Product Introduction

    This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports. Product introduction...

  • Page 14: Welcome!

    Chapter summary Welcome! ..................1-1 Package contents ................. 1-1 Serial number label ..............1-1 Special features ................1-2 ASUS M2N-L...

  • Page 15: Welcome

    Before requesting support from the ASUS Technical Support team, you must take note of the motherboard's serial number containing 12 characters xxM0Axxxxxxx shown as the figure below. With the correct serial number of the product, ASUS Technical Support team members can then offer a quicker and satisfying solution to your problems.

  • Page 16: Special Features

    Special features 1.4.1 Product highlights Latest processor technology The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2 socket that supports AMD Athlon™ 64 x2, AMD Athlon™ 64, AMD Athlon™ 64 FX, AMD Sempron™, AMD Opteron™ 64 1000 series (dual core), and AMD Phenom™ processors. With an integrated low- latency high-bandwidth memory controller and a highly scalable HyperTransport™...

  • Page 17: Asus Special Features

    BIOS file in case when the BIOS codes and data are corrupted. This protection eliminates the need to buy a replacement ROM chip. ASUS Smart Fan technology The ASUS Smart Fan technology smartly adjusts the fan speeds according to the system loading to ensure quiet, cool, and efficient operation. ASUS M2N-L...
  • Page 18 Chapter 1: Product introduction...

  • 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 ................2-13 Jumpers ..................2-16 Connectors ................. 2-18 ASUS M2N-L...

  • Page 21: Before You Proceed

    The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED. SB_PWR1 ® M2N-L Standby Powered Power M2N-L Onboard LED ASUS M2N-L...

  • 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 Place this side towards the rear of the chassis ® M2N-L ASUS M2N-L...

  • Page 24: Motherboard Layout

    2.2.3 Motherboard layout 24.5cm (9.6in) ATXPWR1 PS/2KBMS FLOPPY1 T: Mouse B: Keyboard DDR2 DIMM_A2 (64 bit,240-pin module) USB12 SuperI/O DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64 bit,240-pin module) DDR2 DIMM_B2 (64 bit,240-pin module) DDR2 DIMM_B1 (64 bit,240-pin module) ATX12V1 Socket AM2 LAN1 LAN2 Marvell 8056 PCIE1 Marvell...

  • Page 25: Layout Contents

    4. CPU fan, Front fan, and Rear fan connectors 2-21 (CPU_FAN1, FRONT_FAN1/2, REAR_FAN1) 5. USB connector (10-1 pin USB34) 2-21 6. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM2) 2-22 7. ATX power connectors (24-pin ATXPWR1, 4-pin ATX12V1) 2-23 8. System panel connector (20-1 pin PANEL1) 2-24 ASUS M2N-L...

  • Page 26: Central Processing Unit (Cpu)

    Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2 socket designed for AMD Athlon™ 64 X2, AMD Athlon™ 64, AMD Athlon™ 64 FX, AMD Sempron™, AMD Opteron™ 64 1000 series (dual core), and AMD Phenom™ processors. The AM2 socket has a different pin layout from the 940-pin socket designed for the AMD Opteron™...
  • 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-L...

  • Page 28: Installing The Heatsink And Fan

    2.3.2 Installing the heatsink and fan The AMD Athlon™ 64 X2, AMD Athlon™ 64, AMD Athlon™ 64 FX, AMD Sempron™, AMD Opteron™ 64 1000 series (dual core), and AMD Phenom™ processors require a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.
  • Page 29 Push down the retention bracket lock on the retention mechanism to secure the heatsink and fan to the module base. ASUS M2N-L...
  • Page 30 When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN1. CPU_FAN1 TACHO +12V ® M2N-L M2N-L 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

    2 GB DDR2 memory modules. • Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum compatibility, we recommend that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor. Refer to the Memory Qualified Vendors List at the ASUS web site. ASUS M2N-L 2-...

  • Page 32: 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 33: Expansion Slots

    Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See Chapter 4 for information on BIOS setup. Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page. Install the software drivers for the expansion card. ASUS M2N-L 2-...

  • Page 34: Interrupt Assignments

    2.5.3 Interrupt assignments Standard interrupt assignments Priority Standard function System Timer Keyboard Controller – Redirect to IRQ#9 Communications Port (COM2) 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 35: Pci Express X1 Slot

    2.5.6 PCI slot The PCI slot supports cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. The figure shows a LAN card installed on a PCI slot. ASUS M2N-L 2-...

  • Page 36: Jumpers

    Jumpers Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC1) 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 37 7. Replace the jumper cap from pins 2-3 to pins 1-2. 8. Reboot your computer. 9. Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-enter data. RECOVERY1 ® M2N-L Normal BIOS recovery (Default) M2N-L BIOS Recovery Setting ASUS M2N-L 2-...

  • Page 38: Connectors

    Connectors 2.7.1 Rear panel connectors PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse. 2/3. LAN 2/1 (RJ-45) port. Both ports are supported by the Marvell 8056 LAN controller and allow Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub.

  • Page 39: Internal Connectors

    Connect the blue connector to the motherboard’s IDE connector, then select one of the following modes to configure your device. PRI_IDE ® M2N-L NOTE: Orient the red markings (usually zigzag) on the IDE IDE Connector M2N-L ribbon cable to PIN 1. ASUS M2N-L 2-...
  • Page 40 Drive jumper setting Mode of Cable connector device(s) Single device Cable-Select or Master Black Black Two devices Cable-Select Master Slave Gray Master Master Black or gray Slave Slave • Pin 20 on the IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole on the Ultra DMA cable connector.
  • Page 41 Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Lack of sufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. These are not jumpers! DO NOT place jumper caps on the fan connectors! • All fan features the ASUS Smart Fan technology. CPU_FAN1 TACHO +12V REAR_FAN1...
  • Page 42 Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM2) This connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. COM2 PIN1 ®...
  • Page 43 • Make sure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least the minimum power required by your system. See the table below for details. ATXPWR1 ATX12V1 ® M2N-L M2N-L ATX Power Connector ASUS M2N-L 2-2...

  • Page 44: System Panel Connector

    System panel connector (20-1pin PANEL1) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. PANEL1 ® M2N-L M2N-L System Panel Connector The system panel connector is color-coded for easy connection. Refer to the connector description below for details. System power LED (Green 3-pin POWERLED) This 3-pin connector is for the system power LED.

  • Page 45: Chapter 3: Powering Up

    This chapter describes the power up sequence and ways of shutting down the system. Powering up...
  • Page 46 Chapter summary Starting up for the first time ............3-1 Powering off the computer ............3-2 ASUS M2N-L...

  • Page 47: 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-L...

  • Page 48: 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 49: 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 50 Chapter summary Managing and updating your BIOS ..........4-1 BIOS setup program ..............4-7 Main menu .................. 4-10 Advanced menu ................. 4-15 Power menu ................4-26 Boot menu .................. 4-29 Exit menu ..................4-33 ASUS M2N-L...

  • Page 51: Managing And Updating Your Bios

    The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup. ASUS AFUDOS (Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a bootable floppy disk.) ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 (Updates the BIOS using a bootable floppy when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted.)

  • Page 52: Afudos Utility

    Extension name Press <Enter>. The utility copies the current BIOS file to the floppy disk. A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.29(07.03.02BA)) Copyright (C) 2003 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved. Reading flash ..done Write to file..ok A:\>...

  • Page 53: Updating The Bios File

    Updating the BIOS file To update the BIOS file using the AFUDOS utility: Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) and download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. Save the BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk. Write the BIOS filename on a piece of paper. You need to type the exact BIOS filename at the DOS prompt.
  • Page 54 The utility returns to the DOS prompt after the BIOS update process is completed. Reboot the system from the hard disk drive. A:\>afudos /iM2N-L.ROM /pbnc AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.29(07.03.02BA)) Copyright (C) 2003 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved. WARNING!! Do not turn off power during flash BIOS Reading file ..

  • Page 55: Asus Crashfree Bios 2 Utility

    4.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 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 the floppy disk that contains the updated BIOS file.

  • Page 56: 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. Chapter 4: BIOS setup...

  • Page 57: 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. ASUS M2N-L...

  • Page 58: Navigation Keys

    4.2.3 Navigation keys At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that particular menu. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings. Some of the navigation keys differ from one screen to another. 4.2.4 Menu items The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu.

  • Page 59: Main Menu

    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] [360K, 5.25 in.] [1.2M, 5.25 in.] [720K, 3.5 in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.] [2.88M, 3.5 in.] ASUS M2N-L...

  • Page 60: Primary Ide Master/Slave, Sata1~6

    4.3.4 Primary IDE Master/Slave, SATA1~6 The BIOS automatically detects the connected 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. Select the type of Primary IDE Master device connected to the system.

  • Page 61: Ide Configuration

    ATA(PI) 80Pin Cable Detection [Host] OnBoard PCI IDE Controller [Enabled] Enables or disables primary IDE controllers. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Serial-ATA Devices [Device 0/1/2] Enables or disables the SATA0/1/2 IDE Interfaces. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Device 0] [Device 0/1] [Device 0/1/2] ASUS M2N-L -...
  • Page 62 nVidia RAID Setup Options RAID Setup Disable nVidia RAID Function [Disabled] Enable nVidia RAID Function [Disabled] Enables or disables the NVIDIA RAID function. ® Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The following items appear when this item is set to [Enabled]. SATA1 [Disabled] Sets the SATA 1 as RAID.

  • Page 63: System Information

    Processor Type : AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3200+ Speed : 1800 MHz Count System Memory Size : 512MB AMI BIOS Displays the auto-detected BIOS information Processor Displays the auto-detected CPU specification System Memory Displays the auto-detected system memory ASUS M2N-L -...

  • Page 64: 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. Configure CPU. CPU Configuration Chipset Onboard Devices Configuration...

  • Page 65: Chipset

    ECC Configuration DRAM Timing Configuration Alternate VID [Auto] Memory CLK :333 MHz CAS Latency(TCL) :5.0 RAS/CAS Delay(Trcd) :5 CLK Row Precharge Time(Trp) :5 CLK Min Active RAS(Tras) :15 CLK RAS/RAS Delay(Trrd) :3 CLK Row Cycle (Trc) :21 CLK ASUS M2N-L -...
  • Page 66 Memory Configuration The memory configuration menu allows you to change the memory settings. Select the DRAM Memory Configuration Frequency program Bank Interleaving [Disabled] method. If Auto, Channel Interleaving [Disabled] the DRAM speed will Enable Clock to All DIMMS [Disabled] be based on SPDs. MemClk Tristate C3/ALTVID [Disabled] If Limit, the DRAM...

  • Page 67: Ecc Configuration

    Disables or sets the Data Cache BG Scrub. This item allows the data cache BG Scrub RAM to be corrected when idle. Configuration options: [Disabled] [40ns] [80ns] [160ns] [320ns] [640ns] [1.28us] [2.56us] [5.12us] [10.2us] [20.5us] [41.0us] [81.9us] [163.8us] [327.7us] [655.4us] [1.31ms] [2.62ms] [5.24ms] [10.49ms] [20.97ms] [42.00ms] [84.00ms] ASUS M2N-L -...

  • Page 68: Dram Timing Configuration

    L2 Cache BG Scrub [Disabled] Disables or sets the L2 Cache BG Scrub. This item allows the cache RAM to be corrected when idle. Configuration options: [Disabled] [40ns] [80ns] [160na] [320ns] [640ns] [1.28us] [2.56us] [5.12us] [10.2us] [20.5us] [41.0us] [81.9us] [163.8us] [327.7us] [655.4us] [1.31ms] [2.62ms] [5.24ms] [10.49ms] [20.97ms] [42.00ms] [84.00ms] L3 Cache BG Scrub [2.56us] Disables or sets the L3 Cache BG Scrub.
  • Page 69 PCI Express -> PCI Primary Graphics Adapter [PCI Express -> PCI] PCI -> PCI Express Primary Graphics Adapter [PCI Express -> PCI] Allows you to select the primary graphics adapter. Configuration options: [PCI Express -> PCI] [PCI -> PCI Express] ASUS M2N-L -...

  • Page 70: Onboard Devices Configuration

    4.4.3 Onboard Devices Configuration Allows BIOS to Select Configure ITE8716F-S Super IO Chipset Serial Port1 Base Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Addresses. Serial Port2 Address [2F8/IRQ3] Serial Port2 Mode [Normal] Configure Onboard Device Onboard XGI Z9S VGA [Enabled] Onboard MARVELL8056 Lan A [Enabled] Onboard Lan BootROM [Disabled] Onboard MARVELL8056 Lan B [Enabled]...
  • Page 71 Enable or disable the Onboard MARVELL 8056 Lan B. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Onboard LAN B BootROM [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the option ROM in the onboard LAN B controller. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS M2N-L -2...

  • Page 72: Pci Pnp

    4.4.4 PCI PnP The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices. The menu includes setting IRQ and DMA channel resources for either PCI/PnP or legacy ISA devices, and setting the memory size block for legacy ISA devices.

  • Page 73: Mps Configuration

    Legacy USB Support [Auto] USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed] BIOS EHCI Hand-Off [Enabled] The Module Version and USB Devices Enabled items show the auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the USB Devices Enabled item shows None. ASUS M2N-L -2...

  • Page 74: Remote Access Configuration

    USB 1.1 Controller [Enabled] Enables or disables the USB 1.1 Controller. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled] Enables or disables the USB 2.0 Controller. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Legacy USB Support [Auto] Allows you to enable or disable support for legacy USB devices. Setting to [Auto] allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup.

  • Page 75: Power Menu

    (APIC). When set to Enabled, the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the Root System Description Table (RSDT) pointer list. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Do not change the ACPI APIC support after you have installed the operating system (OS), otherwise, a boot failure may occur. ASUS M2N-L -2...

  • Page 76: Apm Configuration

    4.5.4 APM Configuration APM Configuration Options Power Off Power On Resume on PME# [Disabled] Last State Resume on Ring [Disabled] Resume on RTC Alarm [Disabled] Restore on AC Power Loss [Last state] Resume On PME# [Disabled] When this item is set to [Enabled]. A PME (Power Management Event) can turn on the system.

  • Page 77: Hardware Monitor

    N/A. Select [Ignored] if you do not wish to display the detected temperatures. VCORE Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage [x.xxxV] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard voltage regulators. ASUS M2N-L -2...
  • Page 78 Smart FAN Function [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Smart FAN feature that smartly adjusts the fan speeds for more efficient system operation. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] The following items appear when the Smart FAN Function item is set to [Enabled].

  • Page 79: Boot Menu

    B05 D00 Yukon Boot Agent] [Network:B06 D00 Yukon Boot Agent] [Disabled] [Network:B05/B06 D00 Yukon Boot Agent] option appears only when the item Onboard Marvell8056 Lan B/A - Onboard Lan BootROM is set to [Enabled]. Refer to section 4.4.3 Onboard Devices Configuration for settings. ASUS M2N-L -2...

  • Page 80: Boot Settings Configuration

    4.6.2 Boot Settings Configuration Boot Settings Configuration Allows BIOS to skip certain tests while booting. This will Quick Boot [Enabled] decrease the time Full Screen Logo [Enabled] needed to boot the AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS] system. Bootup Num-Lock [On] PS/2 Mouse Support [Auto]...

  • Page 81: Security

    <Enter>. The message “Password Uninstalled” appears. If you forget your BIOS password, you can clear it by erasing the CMOS Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM. See section “2.6 Jumpers” for information on how to erase the RTC RAM. ASUS M2N-L -...

  • Page 82: Change User Password

    After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to change other security settings. BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Security Settings <Enter> to change password. Supervisor Password : Installed <Enter> again to User Password : Not Installed disabled password.

  • Page 83: Exit Menu

    If you attempt to exit the Setup program without saving your changes, the program prompts you with a message asking if you want to save your changes before exiting. Press <Enter> to save the changes while exiting. ASUS M2N-L -...

  • Page 84: Discard Changes

    Exit & Discard Changes 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. Discard Changes Allows you to discard the selections you made and restore the previously saved values.

  • Page 85: Chapter 5: Software Support

    This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with the motherboard package. Software support...
  • Page 86 Chapter summary Installing an operating system ........... 5-1 Support CD information .............. 5-1 Software information ..............5-7 RAID configurations ..............5-8 NVIDIA RAID configurations ............ 5-10 ® Creating a RAID driver disk ............5-17 ASUS M2N-L...

  • Page 87: 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.

  • Page 88: 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 (MCP55) Chipset Installs the nVIDIA nForce (MCP55) Chipset driver. ® ® Marvell LAN CPA Config tool Installs the Marvell LAN CPA Config tool driver.

  • Page 89: Management Software Menu

    Management Software menu The Management Software menu displays all the available server management software applications. ASUS Network Utility Installs the ASUS Network Utility. Refer to the application help file for details. ASWM Installs the ASUS System Web-based Management (ASWM) software. ASUS M2N-L...

  • Page 90: Utilities Menu

    ASUS Screen Saver Bring life to your computer screen by installing the ASUS screen saver. ASUS Update The ASUS Update utility allows you to update the motherboard BIOS in Windows ® environment. This utility requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

  • Page 91: Asus Contact Information

    5.2.5 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. 5.2.6 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 92: 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. Chapter : Software support...

  • Page 93: 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-L...

  • Page 94: Raid Configurations

    RAID configurations The motherboard comes with the NVIDIA nForce 570 SLI MCP (MCP55P) RAID ® ® utility that allow you to configure 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 95: Installing Hard Disks

    Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays. 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. ASUS M2N-L...

  • Page 96: Nvidia ® Raid Configurations

    NVIDIA RAID configurations ® The motherboard includes a high performance SATA RAID controller integrated in the NVIDIA nForce 570 SLI MCP (MCP55P). It supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID ® ® 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD for six independent Serial ATA disks. The RAID BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference only, and may not exactly match the items on your screen.

  • Page 97: Creating A Raid Volume

    RAID set, then press the right arrow key to select. The selected hard disk drives appear in the Array Disks section. Repeat the process until all desired hard disk drives are added. ASUS M2N-L -...
  • Page 98 MediaShield BIOS Apr 20 2007 - Define a New Array - RAID Mode: Striped Stripe Block: Optimal Free Disks Array Disks Port Disk Model Capacity Port Disk Model Capacity XXXXXXXXXXXXX XX.XXGB [→] Add XXXXXXXXXXXXX XX.XXGB [←] Del [ESC] Quit [F6] Back [F7] Finish [TAB] Navigate [↑↓] Select [ENTER] Popup Press <F7>...

  • Page 99: Rebuilding A Raid Set

    Array 3 : NVIDIA MIRROR XX.XXGB - Array Detail - RAID Mode: Mirrored Stripe Width: 1 Stripe Block: 64K Port Index Disk Model Capacity XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX.XXGB XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX.XXGB [R] Rebuild [D] Delete [C] Clear MBR [ENTER] Return ASUS M2N-L -...
  • Page 100 Use the up or down arrow keys to select a the RAID set you want to rebuild, then press <F7>. A confirmation message appears. Array 1 : NVIDIA MIRROR XXX.XXG - Select Disk Inside Array - RAID Mode: Mirrored Stripe Width: 1 Stripe Block: 64K Port Index...

  • Page 101: Deleting A Raid Array

    You will lose all data on the drives if you delete a disk array! The Define a New Array menu appears when you press <Y>. Create a new RAID set following the instructions in the previous sections. ASUS M2N-L -...

  • Page 102: Clearing The Mbr

    5.5.5 Clearing the MBR You will lose all data when you clear the MBR! To clear the MBR: From the Array List, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID set, then press <ENTER>. The RAID set details appear. MediaShield BIOS Apr 20 2007 - Array List -...

  • Page 103: 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-L -...
  • Page 104 - Chapter : Software support...

  • Page 105: Appendix: Reference Information

    This appendix includes additional information that you may refer to when configuring the motherboard. Reference information...
  • Page 106 Appendix summary M2N-L block diagram ................A-1 ASUS M2N-L...

  • Page 107: M2N-L Block Diagram

    M2N-L block diagram DDR2-800 AM2 CPU DDR2-800 HT Bus x16 slot PCIE1 x1 slot 6 x SATA2 PCIE2 x1 slot PCI 33 PCIE3 x16 slot PCIE4 PCI5 NVIDIA NF570 SLI PCI6 Marvell XGI Z9s 8056 Marvell 8056 ASUS M2N-L...
  • Page 108 Appendix A: Reference information...

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