Asus M2N32-SLI User Manual

M2N32-SLI

Deluxe

Motherboard

E2697

Third Edition V3 July 2006

No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).

Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the

product is defaced or missing.

ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.

SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.

Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or

copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.

Contents

Notices ........................................................................................................ vii

Safety information .................................................................................... viii

About this guide ......................................................................................... ix

M2N32-SLI Deluxe specications summary ............................................. xi

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 Package contents .........................................................................

1.3 Special features ............................................................................

1.3.1 Product highlights ...........................................................

1.3.2 ASUS AI Lifestyle features .............................................

1.3.3 ASUS Special features ...................................................

1.3.4 ASUS Intelligent Overclocking features ..........................

Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview .................................................................

2.2.1 Placement direction ........................................................

2.2.2 Screw holes ....................................................................

2.2.3 ASUS Stack Cool 2 .........................................................

2.2.4 Motherboard layout .........................................................

2.2.5 Layout contents ...............................................................

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ...................................................

2.3.1 Installing the CPU ...........................................................

2.3.2 Installing the heatsink and fan ........................................

2.4 System memory .........................................................................

2.4.1 Overview .......................................................................

2.4.2 Memory congurations ..................................................

2.4.3 Installing a

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................

2.5 Expansion slots ..........................................................................

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card .........................................

2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card .....................................

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments ...................................................

2.5.4 PCI slots ........................................................................

2.5.5 PCI Express x4 slot .......................................................

2.5.6 Two PCI Express x16 slots ...........................................

DIMM .......................................................... 2-14

1-1

1-2

1-5

1-6

1-8

2-2

2-3

2-4

2-5

2-7

2-9

2-12

2-14

2-16

2-17

2-18

iii

Contents

2.6 Jumper ........................................................................................ 2-19

2.7 Connectors .................................................................................

2.7.1 Rear panel connectors ..................................................

2.7.2 Internal connectors .......................................................

Chapter 3: Powering up

3.1 Starting up for the rst time ........................................................ 3-1

3.2 Powering off the computer ..........................................................

3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function ....................................

3.2.2 Using the dual function power switch ..............................

Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 4-1

4.1.1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................

4.1.2 Creating a bootable oppy disk .......................................

4.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ...................................................

4.1.4 Updating the BIOS ..........................................................

4.1.5 Saving the current BIOS le ............................................

4.1.6 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ......................................

4.2 BIOS setup program ..................................................................

4.2.1 BIOS menu screen .........................................................

4.2.2 Menu bar ........................................................................

4.2.3 Legend bar ....................................................................

4.2.4 Menu items ...................................................................

4.2.5 Sub-menu items ............................................................

4.2.6 Conguration elds .......................................................

4.2.7 Pop-up window .............................................................

4.2.8 General help .................................................................

4.3 Main menu ..................................................................................

4.3.1 System Time ................................................................

4.3.2 System Date .................................................................

4.3.3 Language ......................................................................

4.3.4 Legacy Diskette A ........................................................

4.3.5 Primary IDE Master/Slave .............................................

4.3.6

SATA 1-6 ..........................................................................................4-17

2-20

2-23

3-2

4-1

4-4

4-5

4-6

4-8

4-9

4-10

4-11

4-12

4-13

4-14

4-15

Contents

4.3.7 HDD SMART Monitoring ............................................... 4-18

4.3.8 Installed Memory ...........................................................

4.3.9 Usable Memory ............................................................. 4-18

4.4 Advanced menu .........................................................................

4.4.1 JumperFree Conguration ............................................

4.4.2 LAN Cable Status .........................................................

4.4.3

4.4.4 CPU Conguration ........................................................

4.4.5 Chipset ..........................................................................

4.4.6 PCIPnP .........................................................................

4.4.7 Onboard Device Conguration ......................................

4.5 Power menu ................................................................................ 4-32

4.5.1 ACPI Suspend Type ......................................................

4.5.2 ACPI APIC Support .......................................................

4.5.3 APM Conguration ........................................................

2.5.4 Hardware Monitor .........................................................

4.6 Boot menu ..................................................................................

4.6.1 Boot Device Priority ......................................................

4.6.2 Removable Drives .........................................................

4.6.3 Hard Disk Drives ...........................................................

4.6.4 CDROM Drives .............................................................

4.6.5 Boot Settings Conguration .........................................

4.6.6 Security .........................................................................

4.7 Tools menu .................................................................................

4.7.1 ASUS Music Alarm ........................................................

4.7.2 ASUS O.C. Prole .........................................................

4.7.4 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ..........................................................

4.8 Exit menu ....................................................................................

PEG Link Mode ............................................................. 4-23

4-18

4-19

4-22

4-23

4-27

4-28

4-29

4-32

4-33

4-35

4-37

4-38

4-39

4-40

4-42

4-44

4-46

4-47

Contents

Chapter 5: Software support

5.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 5-1

5.2 Support CD information ..............................................................

5.2.1 Running the support CD .................................................

5.2.2 Drivers menu ...................................................................

5.2.3 Utilities menu ..................................................................

5.2.4 Make Disk menu .............................................................

5.2.5 Manuals menu ................................................................

5.2.6 ASUS Contact information ..............................................

5.2.7 Other information ............................................................

5.3 Software information

5.3.1 ASUS MyLogo3 ..............................................................

5.3.2 Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology ..........................................

5.3.3 ASUS PC Probe II .........................................................

5.3.4 ASUS Ai Gear ...............................................................

5.3.5 ASUS Ai Nap .................................................................

5.3.6 ASUS Music Alarm ........................................................

5.3.7 SoundMAX ADI1988 .....................................................

5.4 RAID congurations ..................................................................

5.4.1 Installing hard disks ......................................................

5.4.2 NVIDIA® MediaShield RAID congurations ..................

5.4.3 Silicon Image RAID congurations ...............................

5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk .......................................................

5-1

5-2

5-3

5-4

5-5

5-6

5-8

5-10

5-12

5-18

5-20

5-21

5-24

5-29

5-30

5-31

5-38

5-45

Chapter 6: NVIDIA® SLI™ technology support

6.1 Overview ....................................................................................... 6-1

6.2 Dual graphics card setup ............................................................

6.2.1 Installing SLI-ready graphics cards .................................

6.2.2 Installing the device drivers .............................................

6.2.3 Enabling the multi-GPU feature in Windows® ................

6-2

6-5

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.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio

frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s

instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

•

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•

Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

•

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is

required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modications

to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance

could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Canadian Department of Communications Statement

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

vii

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.

•

Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all power cables are unplugged.

•

Seek professional assistance before using an adpater or extension cord. These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.

•

Make sure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power company.

•

If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied service technician or your retailer.

Operation safety

•

Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals that came with the package.

•

Before using the product, make sure all cables are correctly connected and the power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.

•

To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.

•

Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area where it may become wet.

•

Place the product on a stable surface.

•

If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied

service technician or your retailer.

viii

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring

the motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:

• Chapter 1: Product introduction

This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports.

• 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 switches, jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard.

• Chapter 3: Powering up

This chapter describes the power up sequence and ways of shutting down the system.

• Chapter 4: BIOS setup

This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.

• Chapter 5: Software support

This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with the motherboard package.

• Chapter 6: NVIDIA® SLI™ technology support

This chapter tells ow to install SLI-ready PCI Express graphics cards.

Where to nd more information

Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates.

1. ASUS websites

The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.

2. Optional documentation

Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty

yers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not

part of the standard package.

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.

IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a

task.

NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a

task.

Typography

Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.

Italics

Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.

<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign

means that you must press the enclosed key.

Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or Return key.

<Key1+Key2+Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the

key names are linked with a plus sign (+).

Example: <Ctrl+Alt+D>

Command Means that you must type the command exactly

as shown, then supply the required item or value enclosed in brackets.

Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line:

awdash M2N32SLI.bin

M2N32-SLI Deluxe specications summary

CPU Socket AM2 for AMD Athlon™ 64 X2/

Chipset NVIDIA® nForce® 590 SLI™ MCP

System bus 2000 / 1600 MT/s

Memory Dual-channel memory architecture

Expansion slots 2 x PCI Express™ x16 slots with NVIDIA® SLI™ support

Scalable Link Interface (SLI™)

Storage NVIDIA® nForce® 590 SLI™ MCP supports:

LAN Dual Gigabit LAN controllers support NVIDIA® DualNet

Athlon™64 /Athlon™ 64 FX/Sempron™ processor Supports AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology

AMD64 architecture enables simultaneous 32-bit and 64-bit computing

AMD LIVE!™ Ready

NVIDIA® LinkBoost™ Technology

- 4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support unbufferred ECC/non-ECC DDR2 800/667/533 MHz memory modules

- Supports up to 8 GB system memory

at full x16, x16 speed 1 x PCI Express™ x4 slot (supports PCI Express™ x4 or x1 card) 1 x PCI Express™ x1 slot 2 x PCI 2.2 slots

Supports two identical NVIDIA® SLI™-ready graphics cards, both at x16 mode ASUS two-slot thermal design ASUS PEG Link

- 1 x IDE connector for up to two Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33 devices

- 6 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors support six Serial ATA devices

- RAID 0, RAID1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD congurations spanning across Serial ATA drives via the onboard NVIDIA® MediaShield™ RAID controller

Silicon Image® Sil3132 Serial ATA controller supports:

- 1 x Internal Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s

- 1 x External Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s on the rear panel with Port Multiplier function (SATA-On-The-Go)

- RAID 0, RAID 1, and JBOD conguration

technology NVIDIA® nForce® 590 SLI™ MCP built-in dual Gigabit MAC with external Marvell® PHY

- Supports Teaming and Fail-Over functions

- Supports TCP/IP Acceleration

(continued on the next page)

M2N32-SLI Deluxe specications summary

High Denition Audio SoundMAX® ADI AD1988B 8-channel CODEC

Wireless LAN (Optional) Wi-Fi-AP Solo USB wireless module supports IEEE

IEEE 1394 T1 1394 controller supports:

USB Wireless Edition: Supports up to 8 USB 2.0/1.1 ports

ASUS AI Lifestyle features

Supports Jack-Sensing, Enumeration, Multi-Streaming, and Jack-Retasking Technology Optical and Coaxial S/PDIF Out interfaces Supports DTS® Connect function

802.11 b/g

- 2 x IEEE 1394a connectors (1 at mid-board, 1 on the rear panel)

Standard Version: Supports up to 10 USB 2.0/1.1 ports

AI Nap AI Gear Advanced Thermal Design

- ASUS Fanless Design: Heat-pipe Thermal solution

- ASUS 8-Phase Power Design

- Stack Cool 2 ASUS Crystal Sound

- ASUS Array Microphone

- Noise Filer WiFi-AP Solo™ (Optional)

- 54 Mbps IEEE 802.11g and backwards compatible with 11 Mbps IEEE 802.11b

- Software Access point mode

- Infrastructure mode: Client or Ad-Hoc mode

(continued on the next page)

xii

M2N32-SLI Deluxe specications summary

ASUS Exclusive Overclocking features

Special features ASUS EZ DIY:

Rear panel 1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple)

Intelligent overclocking tools:

- AI NOS™ (Non-delay Overclocking System)

- AI Overclocking (intelligent CPU frequency tuner)

- AI Clock Skew

- ASUS PEG Link (automatic performance tuning for graphics cards) ASUS O.C. Prole: overclocking conguration-sharing tool Precision Tweaker:

- vDIMM: 25-step DRAM voltage control

- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.0125 V increment

- Stepless Frequency Selection(SFS) allows FSB tuning from 200 MHz up to 450 MHz at 1 MHz increment

- PCI Express frequency allows PCI Express x16

frequency tuning from 100 MHz to 200 MHz at 1 MHz increment

Overclocking protection:

- ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) ASUS AI Booster Utility

- Q-Connector

- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

- ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS Music Alarm ASUS MyLogo3

1 x PS/2 mouse port (green) 1 x Serial (COM1) port 1 x IEEE 1394a port 1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port 1 x Coaxial S/PDIF Out port 2 x LAN (RJ-45) ports 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 1 x WiFi-g™ antenna jack (Wireless Edition only) 8-channel audio ports

(continued on the next page)

xiii

M2N32-SLI Deluxe specications summary

Internal connectors Wireless Edition: 2 x USB 2.0 connectors support four

BIOS features 8 Mb Flash ROM, AWARD BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM2.0,

Manageability WOL by PME, WOR by PME,

Power requirements ATX power supply (with 24-pin and 4-pin 12 V plugs)

Support CD contents Device drivers

Form factor ATX form factor: 12 in x 9.6 in (30.5 cm x 24.5 cm)

additional USB 2.0 ports Standard Version: 3 x USB 2.0 connectors support six additional USB 2.0 ports 1 x Floppy disk drive connector 1 x IDE connector for two devices 7 x Serial ATA connectors 1 x CPU / 4 x Chassis / 1 x Chipset / 1 x Power fan connectors 1 x IEEE 1394a connector 1 x Parallel connector 1 x S/PDIF Out connector 1 x ADH connector for future upgrade Chassis intrusion connector Front panel audio connector CD audio in connector 24-pin ATX power connector 4-pin ATX 12 V power connector System panel connector

SM BIOS 2.3

Chassis intrusion, PXE

ATX 12 V 2.0 compliant

ASUS WiFi-AP Solo™ Wizard ASUS AI Booster ASUS PC Probe II ASUS Update NVIDIA® MediaShield™ RAID Anti-virus Utility (OEM version)

*Specications are subject to change without notice.

xiv

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

Product

introduction

Chapter summary

1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 Package contents .........................................................................

1.3 Special features ............................................................................

1-1

1-2

ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® M2N32-SLI Deluxe motherboard!

The motherboard delivers a host of new features and the 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.

1.2 Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

Motherboard ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe/WiFi or ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe

I/O modules IEEE 1394a module 1 x 2-port USB 2.0 module

Cables 6 x Serial ATA cables 3 x Serial ATA power cables for six devices 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable 1 x Floppy disk drive cable

Accessories Wireless antenna (for Wireless Edition only) I/O shield

ASUS SLI™ Bridge

ASUS Array Mic ASUS Optional Fan 1 x ASUS Q-Connector Kit (USB, 1394, system

panel; Retail version only)

Application CD ASUS motherboard support CD InterVideo® Media Launcher (OEM version)

Documentation User guide

If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.

ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe 1-1

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

Latest processor technology

The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2 socket that supports AMD Athlon™ 64 X2/Athlon™ 64/Athlon™ 64 FX/Sempron™ processor. With an integrated lowlatency high-bandwidth memory controller and a highly scalable HyperTransport™

technology-based system bus, the motherboard provides a powerful platform for

your diverse computing needs, increased ofce productivity, and enhanced digital

media experience. See page 2-7 for details.

NVIDIA® Scalable Link Interface (SLI™)

The NVIDIA® Scalable Link Interface (SLI™) technology allows two graphics processing units (GPUs) in a single system. This technology takes advantage of

the PCI Express™ bus architecture and features intelligent hardware and software

solutions that allows multiple GPUs to work together and achieve exceptional graphics performance.

NVIDIA nForce

NVIDIA nForce the tools and performance PC enthusiasts demand. When combined with selected NVIDIA GeForce graphics cards and other system components, you get automatic access to faster bus speeds. Ready for system overclocking and greater data throughput.

590 SLI™ (NVIDIA LinkBoost™ certied)

590 SLI™ media and communication processors (MCPs) deliver

DDR2 memory support

The motherboard supports DDR2 memory that features data transfer rates of

800/667/533 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest

3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel DDR2 architecture doubles the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system performance, eliminating bottlenecks with peak bandwidths of up to 12.8 GB/s. See pages 2-12 to 2-13 for details.

PCI Express™ interface

The motherboard fully supports PCI Express, the latest I/O interconnect technology that speeds up the PCI bus. PCI Express features point-to-point serial interconnections between devices and allows higher clockspeeds by carrying data in packets. This high speed interface is software compatible with existing PCI

specications. See page 2-18 for details.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction

Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s technology and SATA-On-The-Go

The motherboard fully supports the Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s technology through the Serial ATA interfaces and the NVIDIA® nForce® 590 SLI™ chipset. The Serial ATA 3 Gb/s

specication provides twice the bandwidth of the current Serial ATA products with

a host of new features, including Nativa Command Queueing (NCQ), and Power Management (PM) Implementation Algorithm. Serial ATA allows for thinner, more

exible cables with lower pin count and reduced voltage required. Leveraging these

Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s features is the SATA-On-The-Go. Supported by the Silicon Image Sil3132 Serial ATA controller, two Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (one at midboard and one on the rear panel) provide smart setup, and hot-plug function. See pages 2-21, 2-24, and 2-25 for details.

Dual RAID solution

Onboard RAID controllers provide the motherboard with dual-RAID functionality that allows you to select the best RAID solution using Serial ATA devices.

The NVIDIA® nForce® 590 SLI™ chipset allows RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID

5, and JBOD conguration for six SATA 3.0 Gb/s connector. See pages 2-24.

The Silicon Image® Sil3132 controller supports two additional Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (one at mid-board and one on the rear panel) and allows RAID 0, RAID

1, and JBOD congurations on these ports. See pages 2-25 for details.

IEEE 1394a support

The IEEE 1394a interface provides high-speed and exible PC connectivity to a

wide range of peripherals and devices compliant to the IEEE 1394a standard. The IEEE 1394a interface allows up to 400 Mbps transfer rates through simple, lowcost, high-bandwidth asynchronous (real-time) data interfacing between computers, peripherals, and consumer electronic devices such as camcorders, VCRs, printers, TVs, and digital cameras. See pages 2-20 and 2-26 for details.

S/PDIF digital sound ready

The motherboard supports the S/PDIF technology through the S/PDIF interfaces on the rear panel. The S/PDIF technology turns your computer into a high-end entertainment system with digital connectivity to powerful audio and speaker systems. See pages 2-22 and 2-31 for details.

ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe 1-3

USB 2.0 technology

The motherboard implements the Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 specication,

dramatically increasing the connection speed from the 12 Mbps bandwidth on USB

1.1 to a fast 480 Mbps on USB 2.0. USB 2.0 is backward compatible with USB 1.1. See pages 2-21 and 2-26 for details.

Dual Gigabit LAN solution

The motherboard comes with dual Gigabit LAN controllers to provide the total solution for your networking needs. These network controllers provide faster data

bandwidth for your wired or wireless Internet, LAN, and le sharing requirements.

See page 2-20 for details.

AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology

The motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology, which monitors

system operation and automatically adjusts CPU voltage and frequency for a cool and quiet operating environment. See page 4-26 for details.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.3.2 ASUS AI Lifestyle features

AI Gear

AI Gear allows users to choose from four modes to adjust CPU and Vcore voltage,

minimizing noise and power consumption. Users can choose the mode that best

suits their needs. See page 5-18 for details

AI Nap

With AI Nap, the system can continue running at minimum power and noise when the user is temporarily away. To wake the system and return to the OS environment, simply click the mouse or press a key. See page 5-20 for details.

ASUS Crystal Sound

This feature can enhance speech-centric applications like Skype, online game, video conference and recording. See page 5-24 for details.

ASUS Array Mic

The Bundled Superbeam Array Microphone receives only the sound coming from the reception cone and ignores the sounds coming from other directions. This mechanism eliminates a large number of interferences, including neighboring speakers and reverberations. It also uses advanced

de-reverberation techniques to reduce echo and minimize its effect on the

speech engine. This feature can enchance speech-centric applications like Skype, online game, video conference, and recording.

Noise Filter

This feature detects repetitive and stationary noises (non-voice signals) like computer fans, air conditioners, and other background noises then eliminates it in the incoming audio stream while recording.

Advanced Thermal Design

ASUS Stack Cool 2

ASUS Stack Cool 2 is a fan-less and zero-noise cooling solution that lowers

the temperature of critical heat generating components. The motherboard uses a special design on the printed circuit board (PCB) to dissipate heat that critical components generate. See page 2-3 for details.

ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe 1-5

8-Phase Power Design

The ASUS 8-Phase Power Design prolongs CPU lifespan and keeps the system stable by preventing high power stress to the CPU and power supply

module. The design ensures high efciency operation to generate less heat

compared with conventional power solutions, thus achieving cool system environment and making this motherboard ideal for overclocking.

Fanless Design and Heat-pipe

The ASUS fanless design allows multi-directional heat ow from major

thermal sources in the motherboard to lower overall system temperature, resulting in quieter operation and longer system life. ASUS has devoted special efforts to addressing the thermal issues across the motherboard, and most notably in the following areas: CPU, power, VGA, Northbridge and Southbridge. The heat pipe, heatsink, and strategic board layout were tailor

made to dissipate heat in the most efcient manner.

WiFi-AP Solo™ (Optional)

Why buy wireless AP off the store when you can have it on board? The essence of wireless home network! WiFi-AP Solo™ turns the next generation ASUS M2N32-

SLI Deluxe motherboard into wireless access point or client without extra costs. Bundled on the motherboard, WiFi-AP Solo™ can operate AP function even when

the PC sleeps, so the clients can still play LAN game, share printer, exchange les, conect to the Internet, and make Skype phone calls. Digitalize your home with

WiFi-AP Solo™.

1.3.3 ASUS Special features

ASUS Music Alarm

Wake up to the music of your choice instead of the irritating sound of an alarm clock. The ASUS Music Alarm gives you a personal wake-up call with your favorite CD music without having to enter the OS. See page 4-42 and 5-21 for details.

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data from a

USB ash disk containing the BIOS le. This utility saves users the cost and hassle

of buying a replacement BIOS chip. See page 4-9 for details.

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction

ASUS EZ Flash 2

EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply press the predened

hotkey to launch the utility and update the BIOS without entering the OS. Update

your BIOS easily without preparing a bootable diskette or using an OS-based ash

utility. See page 4-5 for details.

ASUS MyLogo 3

ASUS My Logo 3 is the new feature present in the motherboard that allows you

to personalize and add style to your system with customizable and animated boot

logos. See page 5-8 for details.

ASUS Q-Connector

You can use ASUS Q-Connector to connect / disconnect chassis from panel cables by only a few easy steps. See page 2-33 for details.

DTS® Connect

This feature is consists of two elements: DTS interactive and DTS NEO:PC. DTS interactive re-encodes your stereo or multi-channel sound into a DTS audio signal and sends it out from your PC to any DTS enabled system. DTS NEO:PC turns your stereo audio such as MP3, WMA, CD, and other sound format into a convincing multi-channel audio experience.

PEG Link Mode

This feature enhances your PCI Express graphics card performance. It allows the motherboard to automatically adjust the PCI Express graphics link mode to the

correct frequency based on the system conguration. Four additional settings are

available for overclocking the PEG Link Mode. See page 4-23 for details.

Precision Tweaker

This feature allows you to ne tune the CPU/memory voltage and gradually increase the memory, Front Side Bus (FSB) and PCI Express frequency at 1MHz

increment to achieve maximum system performance.

ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe 1-7

ASUS Multi-language BIOS

The multi-language BIOS allows you to select the language from the available

options. The localized BIOS menus allow easier and faster conguration. See page

4-14 for details.

C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)

The C.P.R. feature of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to the BIOS default settings in case the system hangs due to overclocking. When the system hangs due to overclocking, C.P.R. eliminates the need to open the system chassis and clear the RTC data. Simply shut down and reboot the system, and the

BIOS automatically restores the CPU default setting for each parameter.

1.3.4 ASUS Intelligent Overclocking features

ASUS O.C. Prole

The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Prole that allows users to conveniently

store or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be stored in the

CMOS or a separate le, giving users freedom to share and distribute their favorite

settings. See page 4-44 for details.

AI NOS™ (Non-Delay Overclocking System)

ASUS Non-delay Overclocking System™ (NOS) is a technology that auto-detects

the CPU loading and dynamically overclocks the CPU speed only when needed. See page 4-20 for details.

1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction

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.

information

Hardware

Chapter summary

2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview .................................................................

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ...................................................

2.4 System memory .........................................................................

2.5 Expansion slots ..........................................................................

2.6 Jumper ........................................................................................

2.7 Connectors .................................................................................

2-2

2-7

2-12

2-16

2-19

2-20

ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe

2.1 Before you proceed

M2N32-SLI DELUXE

M2N32-SLI DELUXE Onboard LED connector

SB_PWR

Standy Power

Powered

Off

OFF

Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings.

• Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component.

• Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or to a metal object, such as the power supply case, before handling components to avoid damaging them due to static electricity.

• Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.

• Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the bag that came with the component.

• Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or components.

Onboard LED

The motherboard comes with a standby power LED. The green LED lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED.

ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe 2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview

M2N32-SLI DELUXE

Before you install the motherboard, study the conguration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard ts 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.

2.2.1 Placement direction

When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis as indicated in the image below.

2.2.2 Screw holes

Place nine (9) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis.

Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.

2-2

Place this side towards

the rear of the chassis

Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.2.3 ASUS Stack Cool 2

The motherboard comes with the ASUS Stack Cool 2 cooling solution that lowers the temperature of critical heat generating components by 20ºC. The motherboard uses a special design on the printed circuit board (PCB) to dissipate heat that critical components generate.

ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe 2-3

M2N32-SLI DELUXE

24.5cm (9.6in)

30.5cm (12in)

FLOPPY

PRI_IDE

PANEL

ADH

LPT

SATA1

Super

I/O

8Mb

BIOS

CHASSIS

CLRTC

SATA3

SATA5

SATA_RAID2

PWR_FAN CHIP_FAN

CHA_FAN3 CHA_FAN4

CR2032 3V Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

SATA2

SATA4

SATA6

USB56

USB78

SB_PWR

IE1394_1

AAFP

SPDIF_OUT

EATXPWR

CPU_FAN

SPDIF_O1SPDIF_O2

ESATA_1394

PS2/2KBMS T:Mouse B:Keyboard

CHA_FAN1

ATX12V

USB910_WFGBT

Marvell

88E1116

Marvell 88E1116

TSB43AB22A

AD1988B

PCIEX1_1

PCI1

PCI2

PCIEX16_2

PCIEX16_1

PCIEX4_1

CHA_FAN2

LAN1_USB12

COM1

LAN2_USB34

AUDIO

DDR2 DIMM_B2 (64 bit, 240-pin module)

DDR2 DIMM_A2 (64 bit, 240-pin module)

DDR2 DIMM_B1 (64 bit, 240-pin module)

DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64 bit, 240-pin module)

SOCKET AM2

nVidia

C51XE

nVidia

MCP55PXE

2.2.4 Motherboard layout

2-4

The USB910_WFGBT connector with onboard Wireless LAN module is for Wireless Edition only and is grayed out in the above illustration.

Chapter 2: Hardware information

+ 140 hidden pages