ASUS M2N-E SLI User Manual

Page 1

Motherboard

M2N-E SLI

Page 2

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.

E2830

First Edition October 2006

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iii

Contents

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

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

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

Typography .......................................................................................... x

M2N-E SLI specications summary ...................................................... xi

Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

1.2 Package contents ................................................................. 1-1

1.3 Special features .................................................................... 1-2

1.3.1 Product highlights ................................................... 1-2

1.3.2 ASUS Special features ............................................. 1-4

Chapter 2: Hardware information

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

2.2 Motherboard overview .......................................................... 2-2

2.2.1 Placement direction ................................................ 2-2

2.2.2 Screw holes ............................................................. 2-2

2.2.3 Motherboard layout ................................................ 2-3

2.2.4 Layout Contents ..................................................... 2-4

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) .............................................. 2-5

2.3.1 Installing the CPU .................................................... 2-5

2.3.2 Installing the heatsink and fan ................................ 2-7

2.4 System memory .................................................................. 2-10

2.4.1 Overview ............................................................... 2-10

2.4.2 Memory congurations .........................................2-10

2.4.3 Installing a DIMM ...................................................2-15

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM .................................................. 2-15

2.5 Expansion slots ................................................................... 2-16

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card .................................. 2-16

2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card .............................. 2-16

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments ........................................... 2-17

2.5.4 PCI slots ................................................................ 2-17

2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slot ............................................... 2-18

2.5.6 PCI Express x16 slots ............................................ 2-18

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Contents

2.6 Jumpers .............................................................................. 2-19

2.7 Connectors .........................................................................2-22

2.7.1 Rear panel connectors .......................................... 2-22

2.7.2 Internal connectors ............................................... 2-24

Chapter 3: Powering up

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

3.2 Powering off the computer ................................................... 3-2

3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function ........................... 3-2

3.2.2 Using the dual function power switch ..................... 3-2

Chapter 4: BIOS setup

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

4.1.1 Creating a bootable oppy disk .............................. 4-1

4.1.2 Updating the BIOS ................................................... 4-2

4.1.3 Saving the current BIOS le .................................... 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

4.2 BIOS setup program ............................................................ 4-11

4.2.1 BIOS menu screen ................................................. 4-12

4.2.2 Menu bar ............................................................... 4-12

4.2.3 Legend bar ............................................................ 4-13

4.2.4 Menu items ........................................................... 4-13

4.2.5 Sub-menu items .................................................... 4-13

4.2.6 Conguration elds ............................................... 4-13

4.2.7 Pop-up window ...................................................... 4-14

4.2.8 General help .......................................................... 4-14

4.3 Main menu ........................................................................... 4-15

4.3.1 System Time ........................................................ 4-15

4.3.2 System Date ........................................................ 4-15

4.3.3 Legacy Diskette A ...............................................4-15

4.3.5 Primary and Secondary IDE Master/Slave ............. 4-16

4.3.6 SATA 1, 2, 3, 4 ..................................................... 4-18

4.3.7 HDD SMART Monitoring ......................................... 4-19

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Contents

4.3.8 Installed Memory ................................................... 4-19

4.4 Advanced menu .................................................................. 4-20

4.4.1 JumperFree Conguration ..................................... 4-20

4.4.3 CPU Conguration ................................................. 4-23

4.4.4 PCIPnP ................................................................... 4-25

4.4.5 Onboard Device Conguration .............................. 4-26

4.4.6 SLI Conguration ................................................... 4-31

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

4.5.1 ACPI Suspend Type .............................................. 4-32

4.5.2 ACPI APIC Support ............................................... 4-32

4.5.3 APM Conguration ................................................4-33

4.5.4 Hardware Monitor .................................................. 4-35

4.6 Boot menu .......................................................................... 4-37

4.6.1 Boot Device Priority .............................................. 4-37

4.6.2 Removable Drives .................................................. 4-38

4.6.3 Hard Disk Drives .................................................... 4-38

4.6.4 Boot Settings Conguration ................................4-39

4.6.5 Security ................................................................. 4-41

4.7 Tools menu ......................................................................... 4-43

ASUS EZ Flash 2 .................................................................. 4-43

4.8 Exit menu ............................................................................ 4-44

Chapter 5: Software support

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

5.2 Support CD information ........................................................ 5-1

5.2.1 Running the support CD .......................................... 5-1

5.2.2 Drivers menu ........................................................... 5-2

5.2.3 Utilities menu .......................................................... 5-3

5.2.4 Manuals menu ......................................................... 5-4

5.2.5 ASUS Contact information ...................................... 5-5

5.2.6 Other information ................................................... 5-5

5.3 Software information ............................................................ 5-8

5.3.1 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology ................................... 5-8

5.3.2 ASUS PC Probe II ................................................... 5-10

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Contents

5.4 RAID congurations ............................................................ 5-16

5.4.1 Installing hard disks ............................................... 5-17

5.4.2 NVIDIA® RAID congurations ................................. 5-18

5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk ................................................. 5-25

Chapter 6: NVIDIA® SLI™ technology support

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

Requirements ........................................................................ 6-1

6.2 Dual graphics card setup ...................................................... 6-2

6.2.1 Installing SLI-ready graphics cards .......................... 6-2

6.2.2 Installing the device drivers .................................... 6-5

6.2.3 Enabling the multi-GPU feature in Windows ............ 6-5

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vii

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.

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.

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.

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viii

The symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.

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 adapter 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.

Page 9

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and

conguring 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.

• 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, the vocal POST

messages, 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 how to install SLI-ready PCI Express graphics cards.

Page 10

Conventions used in this guide

To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual.

Typography

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.

NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a

task.

IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a

task.

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 M2N-E SLI.ROM

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.

Page 11

M2N-E SLI specications summary

(continued on the next page)

CPU Socket AM2 for AMD Athlon™ 64 FX/AMD Athlon™ 64 X2

/AMD Athlon 64™/AMD Sempron™ processors Supports AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology AMD64 architecture enables simultaneous 32-bit and 64-bit computing AMD Live!™ ready

Chipset NVIDIA® nForce® 500 SLI™ MCP

System bus 2000 / 1600 MT/s

Memory Dual-channel memory architecture

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

modules

- Supports up to 8 GB system memory

Expansion slots 2 x PCI Express™ x16 slots

Supports NVIDIA® SLI™ Technology (both at x8 mode) 2 x PCI Express™ x1 slots 2 x PCI 2.2 slots

Scalable Link Interface (SLI™)

Supports two identical NVIDIA® SLI™-ready graphics card ASUS two-slot thermal design

Storage NVIDIA® nForce® 500 SLI™ MCP supports:

- 2 x IDE connector for up to four Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33 devices

- 4 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors support four Serial ATA devices

- RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD congurations spanning across Serial ATA drives

LAN NVIDIA® nForce® 500 SLI™ MCP built-in Gigabit MAC

with external Attansic PHY Supports TCP/IP Acceleration

Audio C-Media Superior Quality Audio 7.1 channel audio

CODEC (Vista ready) Supports S/PDIF Out interface

IEEE 1394a VIA 1394 controller supports 2 x 1394a ports

USB 2.0 Supports up to 8 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (four at mid-board,

four on the rear panel)

ASUS Exclusive Overclocking features

AI Overclocking (intelligent CPU frequency tuner) 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

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xii

M2N-E SLI specications 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) 1 x IEEE 1394a port 1 x COM port 1 x S/PDIF Out port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) ports 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 8-channel audio ports

Internal connectors 2 x USB 2.0 connectors support four additional USB 2.0

ports

1 x Floppy disk drive connector 2 x IDE connector for four devices 4 x Serial ATA connectors 1 x CPU / 1 x Chassis / 1 x Power fan connectors 1 x IEEE 1394a connector S/PDIF out connector Front panel audio connector CD audio in connectors 24-pin ATX power connector 4-pin ATX 12 V power connector System panel connector

BIOS features 4 Mb BIOS ROM, AWARD BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM2.0,

SM BIOS 2.3

Manageability WOL by PME, WOR by PME, Chassis intrusion, PXE

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

ATX 12V 2.0 compliant

Support CD contents Device drivers

ASUS PC Probe II ASUS Update NVIDIA® MediaShield™ RAID Anti-virus software (OEM version)

*Specications are subject to change without notice.

Page 13

Product

introduction

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

Page 14

ASUS M2N-E SLI

Chapter summary

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

1.2 Package contents ................................................................. 1-1

1.3 Special features .................................................................... 1-2

Page 15

ASUS M2N-E SLI 1-1

1.1 Welcome!

Than k you f o r buyin g an AS U S® M2N - E SLI m o therbo a rd!

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.

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

1.2 Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

Motherboard ASUS M2N-E SLI motherboard

Cables 2 x Serial ATA signal cables 1 x Serial ATA power cable with dual plugs 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable 1 x Floppy disk drive cable

Accessories I/O shield

ASUS SLI™ bridge 1 x ASUS Q-Connector Kit

(USB, System panel; Retail version only)

Application CDs ASUS motherboard support CD

Documentation User guide

Page 16

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction

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 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™ 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 2-5 for details.

Scalable Link Interface (SLI™) technology

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. See Chapter 6 for details.

AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology

The motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology that

dynamically and automatically changes the CPU speed, voltage and amount of power depending on the task the CPU performs. See pages 4-25, 5-3 and 5-9.

Gigabit LAN

The motherboard comes with a Gigabit LAN controller built into the NVIDIA® nForce™ 500 SLI™ chipset to meet your growing networking needs. The controller uses the PCI Express segment to provide faster data

bandwidth for your Internet, LAN, and le sharing requirements. See page

2-22 for details.

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 2-10 to 2-13 for details.

Page 17

ASUS M2N-E SLI 1-3

Serial ATA 3Gb/s RAID

The motherboard supports the next-generation Serial ATA hard drives

based on the SATA 3Gb/s storage specication. The onboard NVIDIA

nForce® 500 SLI™ MCP allows RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD. See page 2-25.

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.

S/PDIF digital sound ready

The motherboard supports the S/PDIF Out function 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 page 2-23 for details.

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 page 2-23 and 2-27 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, 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 2-26 for details.

This function can only work under C-Media ofcial driver.

Page 18

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.3.2 ASUS Special features

ASUS Two-slot thermal design

The motherboard is designed with two PCI Express x1 slots placed between

the PCI Express x16 slots allowing an increase in airow between the two

PCI Express x16 graphics cards. This special design permits more room for ventilation thus lowering the overall system temperature.

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 4-5 for details.

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 4-7 for details.

ASUS Q-Connector

ASUS Q-Connector allows you to easily connect or disconnect the chassis

front panel cables to the motherboard. This unique module eliminates the trouble of connecting the system panel cables one at a time and avoiding wrong cable connections.

ASUS Q-Fan 2 technology

The ASUS Q-Fan technology smartly adjusts the CPU and chassis fan speeds according to the system loading to ensure quiet, cool, and efcient

operation. See page 4-35 for details.

ASUS MyLogo2™

This new feature present in the motherboard allows you to personalize and add style to your system with customizable boot logos.

Page 19

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.

Page 20

ASUS M2N-E SLI

Chapter summary

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

2.2 Motherboard overview .......................................................... 2-2

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) .............................................. 2-5

2.4 System memory .................................................................. 2-10

2.5 Expansion slots ................................................................... 2-16

2.6 Jumpers .............................................................................. 2-19

2.7 Connectors .........................................................................2-22

Page 21

ASUS M2N-E SLI 2-1

Onboard LED

The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that 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.

2.1 Before you proceed

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

• Make sure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least

the minimum power required by your system. See “8. ATX power

connectors” on page 2-26 for details.

• 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.

M2N-E SLI

Onboard LED

SB_PWR

Standby

Power

OFF

Powered

Off

Page 22

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information

M2N-E SLI

2.2 Motherboard overview

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.

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

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 six (6) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis.

Place this side towards the rear of the chassis

Page 23

ASUS M2N-E SLI 2-3

2.2.3 Motherboard layout

21.8cm(8.6in)

30.5cm(12.0in)

Socket AM2

CPU_FAN

PRI_IDE

SEC_IDE

DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64 bit,240-pin module)

DDR2 DIMM_B1 (64 bit,240-pin module)

DDR2 DIMM_A2 (64 bit,240-pin module)

DDR2 DIMM_B2 (64 bit,240-pin module)

PWR_FANCHA_FAN

PANEL

SATA1

SATA3

SATA2

SATA4

4Mb

BIOS

SB_PWR

CR2032 3V Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

USB56 USB78

FLOPPY

CHASSIS

Nvidia

NF500 SLI

PCI1

PCI2

PCIEX16_2

PCIEX16_1

PCIEX1_1

PCIEX1_2

EATXPWR

USBPW78

USBPW56

Super I/O

SPDIF_OUT

FP_AUDIO

USBPW34

M2N-E SLI

AUDIO2

AUDIO1

LAN_USB12

1394_USB34

SPDIF_O1

PARALLE PORT

COM1

PS/2KBMS T: Mouse B: Keyboard

Attansic

CM6501

USBPW12

KBPWR

ATX12V

CLRTC

IE1394_1

Page 24

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Internal connectors Page

1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) 2-23

2. Primary/Secondary IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE, SEC_IDE) 2-24

3. nForce 500 SLI Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA4) 2-25

4. CPU fan connector (3-pin CPU_FAN) 2-26

5. Power fan connector (3-pin PWR_FAN) 2-26

6. Chassis fan connector (3-pin CHA_FAN) 2-26

7. USB headers (10-1 USB56, USB78) 2-27

8. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_1) 2-27

9. ATX power connector (24-pin EATXPWR1) 2-28

10. ATX 12V power connector (4-pin ATX12V1) 2-28

11. Internal audio connectors (4-pin CD/AUX) 2-29

12. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin FP_AUDIO) 2-29

13. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) 2-30

•

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)

2.2.4 Layout Contents

Slots Page

1. DDR2 DIMM slots 2-10

2. PCI slots 2-17

3. PCI Express x16 slot 2-18

4. PCI Express x1 slot 2-18

Rear panel connectors Page

1. PS/2 mouse port (green) 2-22

2. Parallel port 2-22

3. Serial (COM) port 2-22

4. IEEE 1394a port 2-22

5. LAN (RJ-45) port 2-22

6. Line In port (light blue) 2-22

7. Microphone port (pink) 2-22

8. Line Out port (lime) 2-22

9. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4 2-23

10. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2 2-23

11. Coaxial S/PDIF out port 2-23

12. PS/2 keyboard port (purple) 2-23

Slots Page

1. CLRTC (3-pin CLRTC1) 2-19

2. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW12, USBPW34, USBPW56, USBPW78, USBPW910) 2-20

3. Keyboard Power (3-pin KBPWR) 2-21

Page 25

ASUS M2N-E SLI 2-5

2.3.1 Installing the CPU

To install a CPU:

1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.

Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to a 90º angle; otherwise,

the CPU will not t in completely.

2. Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sideways, then lift it up to a 90º angle.

2.3 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.

Socket lever

Make sure you use a CPU is designed for the AM2 socket. The CPU ts in

only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and damaging the CPU!

M2N-E SLI

CPU Socket M2

Page 26

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information

3. Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with a small triangle.

5. 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.

6. Install a CPU heatsink and fan following the instructions that came with the heatsink package.

Gold triangle

Small triangle

Page 27

ASUS M2N-E SLI 2-7

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.

Follow these steps to install the CPU heatsink and fan.

1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, making sure that the

heatsink ts properly on the retention module base.

Retention Module Base

CPU Heatsink

CPU Fan

Retention bracket lockRetention bracket

• The retention module base is already installed on the motherboard upon purchase.

• You do not have to remove the retention module base when installing the CPU or installing other motherboard components.

• If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, make

sure that a Thermal Interface Material is properly applied to the CPU heatsink or CPU before you install the heatsink and fan assembly.

Your boxed CPU heatsink and fan assembly should come with installation instructions for the CPU, heatsink, and the retention mechanism. If the instructions in this section do not match the CPU documentation, follow the latter.

Make sure that you use only qualied heatsink and fan assembly.

Page 28

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base.

3. Align the other end of the retention bracket (near the retention bracket lock) to the retention module base. A clicking sound denotes that the retention bracket is in place.

4. Push down the retention bracket lock on the retention mechanism to secure the heatsink and fan to the module base.

Make sure that the fan and heatsink assembly perfectly

ts the retention mechanism

module base, otherwise you cannot snap the retention bracket in place.

Page 29

ASUS M2N-E SLI 2-9

5. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN.

Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector.

M2N-E SLI

CPU Fan Connector

CPU_FAN

GND

CPU FAN PWR

CPU FAN IN

CPU FAN PWM

Page 30

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.4 System memory

2.4.1 Overview

The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets.

A DDR2 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR DIMM but has a 240-pin footprint compared to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. DDR2 DIMMs are notched differently to prevent installation on a DDR DIMM socket.

The gure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets:

Channel Sockets

Channel A DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2

Channel B DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2

2.4.2 Memory congurations

You may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2GB unbuffered ECC/non-ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.

Recommended Memory Congurations

Mode

Sockets

DIMM_A1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 DIMM_B2

Single Channel

Populated – – –

– Populated – – – – Populated – – – – Populated

Dual-channel (1)

Populated – Populated –

– Populated – Populated

Dual-channel (2)

Populated Populated Populated Populated

M2N-E SLI

240-pin DDR2 DIMM Sockets

112 Pins

128 Pins

DIMM_A1

DIMM_A2

DIMM_B1

DIMM_B2

Page 31

ASUS M2N-E SLI 2-11

Important notice on installing Windows® XP 32-bit version

If you install Windows® XP 32-bit version Operating System (OS), the limitation of this OS version is that it may reserve a certain amount of memory space for system devices. We recommend that you install less than 3 GB system memory if you would like to work under Windows

32-bit version OS. The excess memory installation will not cause any

usage problem, but it will not give users the benet of manipulating this

excess memory space.

Visit the ASUS FAQ site for further

explanation: http://support.asus.com/faq/faq. aspx?SLanguage=en-us Under General Search, make the selections as shown, then click Search. Click the article titled “4GB memory installed but less memory size detected.”

* For dual-channel memory conguration (2), you may:

• install identical DIMMs in all four sockets OR

• install an identical DIMM pair in DIMM_A1 and DIMM_B1 (yellow sockets) and another identical DIMM pair in DIMM_A2 and DIMM_B2 (black sockets)

* 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 Qualied Vendors List.

This motherboard can support 8 GB physical memory on the operating systems listed below. You may install a maximum of 2 GB DIMMs on each slot.

32-bit 64-bit

Windows® 2000 Advanced Server

Windows® Server 2003 Enterprise Edition

Windows® Server 2003 Standard x64 Edition

Windows® XP Professional x64 Edition

Windows® Server 2003 Enterprise x64 Edition

Page 32

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Qualied Vendors List DDR2-800

DD R2

Si ze

Ve ndo r M od e l S ide( s) C om p on en t

DI MM so ck e t

su ppo rt

A* B* C*

512MB KINGSTON K4T51083QC SS KVR800D2N5/512 V V V

1024MB KINGSTON K4T51083QC DS KVR800D2N5/1G V V V

1024MB KINGSTON Heat-Sink Package DS KHX6400D2LL/1G V V V

1024MB KINGSTON Heat-Sink Package SS KHX6400D2LLK2/1GN V V V

2048MB KINGSTON Heat-Sink Package DS KHX6400D2K2/2G V V V

512MB Qimonda HYB18T256800AF25F DS HYS64T64020HU-25F-A V V V

256MB Qimonda HYB18T512160BF-25F SS HYS64T32000HU-25F-B V V V

512MB Qimonda HYB18T512800BF25F SS HYS64T64000HU-25F-B V V V

1024MB Qimonda HYB18T512800BF25F DS HYS64T128020HU-25F-B V V V

512MB SAMSUNG EDD339XX SS M378T6553CZ3-CE7 V V V

256MB SAMSUNG K4T51163QC-ZCE7 SS M378T3354CZ3-CE7 V V V

512MB Hynix HY5PS12821BFP-S5 SS HYMP564U64BP8-S5 V V V

1024MB Hynix HY5PS12821BFP-S5 DS HYMP512U64BP8-S5 V V V

512MB MICRON 5JAIIZ9DQQ SS MT8HTF6464AY-80EA3 V V V

1024MB MICRON 5JAIIZ9DQQ DS MT16HTF12864AY-80EA3 V V V

512MB MICRON 5ZD22D9GKX SS MT8HTF6464AY-80ED4 V V V

1024MB MICRON 5ZD22D9GKX DS MT16HTF12864AY-80ED4 V V V

512MB MICRON 6CD22D9GKX SS MT8HTF6464AY-80ED4 V V V

1024MB MICRON 6CD22D9GKX DS MT16HTF12864AY-80ED4 V V V

1024MB CORSAIR Heat-Sink Package DS CM2X1024-6400C4 V V V

1024MB ELPIDA E1108AB-8E-E(ECC) SS EBE10EE8ABFA-8E-E V V V

2048MB ELPIDA E1108AB-8E-E(ECC) DS EBE21EE8ABFA-8E-E V V V

512MB A-DATA N/A SS M2OAD6G3H3160J1E52 V V V

512MB A-DATA AD29608A8A-25EG SS M20AD6G3H3160I1E5E V V V

512MB Crucial Heat-Sink Package SS BL6464AA804.8FD V V V

1024MB Crucial Heat-Sink Package DS BL12864AA804.16FD V V V

1024MB Apacer Heat-Sink Package DS AHU01GE800C5K1C V V V

Page 33

ASUS M2N-E SLI 2-13

Qualied Vendors List DDR2-667

DD R2

Si ze

Ve ndo r M od e l S ide( s) C om p on en t

DI MM so ck e t

su ppo rt

A* B* C*

512MB KINGSTON E5108AE-6E-E SS KVR667D2N5/512 V V V

1024MB KINGSTON E5108AE-6E-E DS KVR667D2N5/1G V V V

512MB KINGSTON E5108AE-6E-E SS KVR667D2E5/512 V V V

256MB KINGSTON HYB18T256800AF3 SS KVR667D2N5/256 V V V

512MB KINGSTON D6408TEBGGL3U SS KVR667D2N5/512 V V V

1024MB KINGSTON D6408TEBGGL3U DS KVR667D2N5/1G V V V

256MB KINGSTON HYB18T256800AF3S SS KVR667D2N5/256 V V V

256MB Qimonda HYB18T512160AF-3S SS HYS64T32000HU-3S-A V V V

512MB Qimonda HYB18T512800AF3S SS HYS64T64000HU-3S-A V V V

1024MB Qimonda HYB18T512800AF3S DS HYS64T128020HU-3S-A V V V

256MB Qimonda HYB18T256800AF3S(ECC) SS HYS72T32000HU-3S-A V V V

512MB Qimonda HYB18T512800AF3S(ECC) SS HYS72T64000HU-3S-A V V V

1024MB Qimonda HYB18T512800AF3S(ECC) DS HYS72T128020HU-3S-A V V V

512MB Qimonda HYB18T512800BF3S(ECC) SS HYS72T64000HU-3S-B V V V

1024MB Qimonda HYB18T512800BF3S(ECC) DS HYS72T128020HU-3S-B V V V

256MB Qimonda HYB18T512160BF-3S SS HYS64T32000HU-3S-B V V V

512MB Qimonda HYB18T512800BF3S SS HYS64T64000HU-3S-B V V V

1024MB Qimonda HYB18T512800BF3S DS HYS64T128020HU-3S-B V V V

256MB SAMSUNG K4T51163QC-ZCE6 SS M378T3354CZ0-CE6 V V V

512MB SAMSUNG ZCE6K4T51083QC SS M378T6553CZ0-CE6 V V V

1024MB SAMSUNG ZCE6K4T51083QC DS M378T2953CZ0-CE6 V V V

512MB Hynix HY5PS12821AFP-Y5 SS HYMP564U64AP8-Y5 V V V

1024MB Hynix HY5PS1G831FP-Y5(ECC) SS HYMP112U72P8-Y5 V V V

512MB Hynix HY5PS12821AFP-Y5(ECC) SS HYMP564U72AP8-Y5 V V V

1024MB Hynix HY5PS12821AFP-Y5(ECC) DS HYMP512U72AP8-Y5 V V V

512MB Hynix HY5PS12821AFP-Y4 SS HYMP564U64AP8-Y4 V V V

512MB Hynix HY5PS12821AFP-Y4(ECC) SS HYMP564U72AP8-Y4 V V V

512MB CORSAIR 64M8CFEG SS VS512MB667D2 V V V

1024MB CORSAIR 64M8CFEG SS VS1GB667D2 V V V

256MB ELPIDA E2508AB-6E-E SS EBE25UC8ABFA-6E-E V V V

512MB ELPIDA E5108AE-6E-E SS EBE51UD8AEFA-6E-E V V V

512MB A-DATA AD29608A8A-3EG SS M2OAD5G3H3166I1C52 V V V

1024MB A-DATA AD29608A8A-3EG DS M2OAD5G3I4176I1C52 V V V

1024MB crucial Heat-Sink Package DS BL12864AA663.16FD V V V

1024MB crucial Heat-Sink Package DS BL12864AL664.16FD V V V

1024MB Apacer E5108AE-6E-E DS 78.01092.420 V V V

512MB Apacer AM4B5708GQJS7E SS AU512E667C5KBGC V V V

1024MB Apacer AM4B5708GQJS7E DS AU01GE667C5KBGC V V V

512MB Apacer AM4B5708GQJS7E SS AU512E667C5KBGC V V V

1024MB Apacer N/A DS AU01GE667C5KBGC V V V

512MB Kingmax KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX SS KLCC28F-A8KB5 V V V

1024MB Kingmax KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX DS KLCD48F-A8KB5 V V V

Page 34

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Side(s): SS - Single-sided DS - Double-sided

DIMM Support:

A - Supports one module inserted in any slot for a single-channel memory

conguration.

B - Supports one pair of modules inserted into either the yellow slots or

the black slots as one pair of dual-channel memory conguration.

C - Supports three modules inserted into both the yellow and black slots

as two pairs of dual-channel memory conguration.

Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) for the latest memory Qualied Vendor List (QVL).

Qualied Vendors List

DDR2-533

DD R2

Si ze

Ve ndo r M od e l S ide( s) C om p on en t

DI MM so ck e t

su ppo rt

A* B* C*

256MB KINGSTON E5116AF-5C-E SS KVR533D2N4/256 V V V

512MB KINGSTON HYB18T512800AF37 SS KVR533D2N4/512 V V V

1024MB KINGSTON 5YDIID9GCT DS KVR533D2N4/1G V V V

256MB Qimonda HYB18T512160AF-3.7 SS HYS64T32000HU-3.7-A V V V

512MB Qimonda HYB18T512800AF37 SS HYS64T64000HU-3.7-A V V V

1024MB Qimonda HYB18T512800AF37 DS HYS64T128020HU-3.7-A V V V

256MB Qimonda HYB18T5121608BF-3.7 SS HYS64T32000HU-3.7-B V V V

512MB Qimonda HYB18T512800BF37 SS HYS64T64000HU-3.7-B V V V

256MB Qimonda HYB18T256800AF37(ECC) SS HYS72T32000HU-3.7-A V V V

1024MB Qimonda HYB18T512800AF37(ECC) DS HYS72T128020HU-3.7-A V V V

512MB Hynix HY5PS12821F-C4 SS HYMP564U648-C4 V V V

1024MB Hynix HY5PS12821F-C4 DS HYMP512U648-C4 V V V

1024MB Hynix HY5PS12821F-C4(ECC) DS HYMP512U728-C4 V V V

512MB Hynix HY5PS12821FP-C4(ECC) SS HYMP564U728-C4 V V V

512MB Hynix HY5PS12821AFP-C3 SS HYMP564U64AP8-C3 V V V

1024MB Hynix HY5PS12821AFP-C3 DS HYMP512U64AP8-C3 V V V

512MB ELPIDA E5108AB-5C-E(ECC) SS EBE51ED8ABFA-5C-E V V V

512MB ELPIDA E5108AB-5C-E SS EBE51UD8ABFA-5C-E V V V

512MB KINGMAX E5108AE-5C-E SS KLBC28F-A8EB4 V V V

512MB KINGMAX KKEA88E4AAK-37 SS KLBC28F-A8KE4 V V V

1024MB KINGMAX 5MB22D9DCN DS KLBD48F-A8ME4 V V V

512MB Transcend E5108AE-6E-E SS TS64MLQ64V6J V V V

1024MB Transcend E5108AE-6E-E DS TS128MLQ64V6J V V V

512MB Transcend J12Q3AB-6 SS JM367Q643A-6 V V V

1024MB Transcend J12Q3AB-6 DS JM388Q643A-6 V V V

Qualied Vendors List

DDR2-667

DD R2

Si ze

Ve ndo r M od e l S ide( s) C om p on en t

DI MM so ck e t

su ppo rt

A* B* C*

Page 35

ASUS M2N-E SLI 2-15

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:

1. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward.

2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the socket.

3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the socket until the retaining clips snap back in place and the DIMM is properly seated.

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM

To remove a DIMM:

1. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to unlock the DIMM.

2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.

• A DDR2 DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it ts in only one

direction. Do not force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM.

• The DDR2 DIMM sockets do not support DDR DIMMs. DO not install DDR DIMMs to the DDR2 DIMM sockets.

Support the DIMM lightly with

your ngers when pressing

the retaining clips. The DIMM might get damaged when it

ips out with extra force.

DDR2 DIMM notch

Unlocked retaining clip

DDR2 DIMM notch

Page 36

2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.5 Expansion slots

In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support.

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card

To install an expansion card:

1. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with it and make the necessary hardware settings for the card.

2. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a chassis).

3. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screw for later use.

4. Align the card connector with the slot and press rmly until the card is

completely seated on the slot.

5. Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier.

6. Replace the system cover.

2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card

After installing the expansion card, congure the it by adjusting the

software settings.

1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See Chapter 4 for information on BIOS setup.

2. Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page.

3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.

Make sure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.

When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support

“Share IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments; otherwise, conicts will arise between the two PCI groups, making the system

unstable and the card inoperable.

Page 37

ASUS M2N-E SLI 2-17

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments

Standard interrupt assignments

* These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices.

IRQ Priority Standard function

0 1 System Timer

1 2

Keyboard Controller

2 – Redirect to IRQ#9

4 12 Communications Port (COM1)*

5 13 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*

6 14 Floppy Disk Controller

7 15 Printer Port (LPT1)*

8 3 System CMOS/Real Time Clock

9 4 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*

10 5 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*

11 6 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*

12 7 PS/2 Compatible Mouse Port*

13 8 Numeric Data Processor

14 9 Primary IDE Channel

A B C D E F G H

PCI Slot 1 shared

PCI Slot 2 shared

On board 1394 shared

PCIe x16 slot 1 shared

PCIe x16 slot 2 shared

PCIe x1 slot 1 shared

PCIe x1 slot 2 shared

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

2.5.4 PCI slots

The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and

other cards that comply with PCI specications. Refer to the gure below

for the location of the slots.

Page 38

2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware information

• In single card mode, we recommend that you use the blue PCI

Express x16 (PCIEX16_1) slot.

• Due to chipset limitation, the black PCI Express x16 (PCIEX16_2)

slot can only operate at x8 speed.

• Connect a rear chassis fan to the chassis (CHA_FAN) connector when using two graphics cards for better thermal environment. See page 2-28 for details.

• We recommend that you provide sufcient power when running

NVIDIA® SLI™ mode. See pages 2-29 and 2-30 for details.

PCI Express x 16 black slot (at x8 speed)

PCI Express x16 blue slot

(at x16 speed)

PCI slots

PCI Express x1 slot

2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slot

This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and

other cards that comply with the PCI Express specications. Refer to the gure below for the location of the slot.

2.5.6 PCI Express x16 slots

This motherboard supports PCI Express x16 graphics cards that comply

with the PCI Express specications. Refer to the gure below for the

location of the slots.

Recommended PCI Express x16 congurations

Mode

PCIEX16_1 (Blue) slot PCIE16_2 (Black) slot

Card type Speed Card type Speed

Non-SLI mode PCIe x16 graphics card x16 NA

PCIe x16 graphics card x8 PCIe x16 graphics card x8

PCIe x16 graphics card x8 Other PCIe devices x8, x4, x1

Dual graphics

card in SLI Mode

Two identical NVIDIA® SLI™ Edition graphics cards at x8, x8 speed

Page 39

ASUS M2N-E SLI 2-19

2.6 Jumpers

1. 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.

To erase the RTC RAM:

1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.

2. Remove the onboard battery.

3. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the cap on pins 2-3 for about 5~10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2.

4. Re-install the battery.

5. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.

6. Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-enter data.

Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC jumper default position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!

You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking. For system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature. Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS can automatically reset parameter settings to default values.

M2N-E SLI

M2N-E SLI Clear RTC RAM

CLRTC

Normal

Clear RTC

(Default)

1 2 2 3

Page 40

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW12, USBPW34, USBPW56, USBPW78)

Set these jumpers to +5V to wake up the computer from S1 sleep mode (CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in low power mode) using the connected USB devices. Set to +5VSB to wake up from S3 and S4 sleep modes (no power to CPU, DRAM in slow refresh, power supply in reduced power mode).

• The USB device wake-up feature requires a power supply that can

provide 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.

M2N-E SLI

M2N-E SLI USB Device Wake Up

3 2

USBPW5-8

+5V

(Default)

+5VSB

3 2

USBPW12

+5V

(Default)

+5VSB

USBPW34

+5V

(Default)

+5VSB

Page 41

ASUS M2N-E SLI 2-21

3. 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 Conguration).

M2N-E SLI

Keyboard Power Setting

(Default)

1 2 2 3

+5V

+5VSB

KBPWR

Page 42

2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.7 Connectors

2.7.1 Rear panel connectors

1. PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse.

2. Parallel port. This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a scanner, or other devices.

3. IEEE 1394a port. This 6-pin IEEE 1394a port provides high-speed connectivity for audio/video devices, storage peripherals, PCs, or portable devices.

4. LAN (RJ-45) port. Supported by the NVIDIA® nForce™ 500 Gigabit MAC with external Attansic PHY, this port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. Refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indications.

SPEED

LED

ACT/LINK

LED

LAN port

LAN port LED indications

ACT/LINK LED SPEED LED

Status Description Status Description

OFF No link OFF 10 Mbps connection GREEN Linked ORANGE 100 Mbps connection BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1 Gbps connection

5 6

11 10

2 4

14 13

5. Side Speaker Out port (gray). This port connects the side speakers in

an 8-channel audio conguration.

6. Rear Speaker Out port (black). This port connects the rear speakers in

a 4-channel, 6-channel, or 8-channel audio conguration.

Page 43

ASUS M2N-E SLI 2-23

7. Line In port (light blue). This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player, or other audio sources.

8. Line Out port (lime). This port connects a headphone or a speaker. In

4-channel, 6-channel, and 8-channel conguration, the function of this

port becomes Front Speaker Out.

9. Microphone port (pink). This port connects a microphone.

Refer to the audio conguration table below for the function of the audio ports in 2, 4, 6 or 8-channel conguration.

11. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

12. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

13. Serial port (COM port). This 9-pin COM port is for pointing devices and other serial devices.

14. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device via a coaxial S/PDIF cable.

15. PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.

Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel conguration

Port Headset

2-channel

4-channel 6-channel 8-channel

Light Blue Line In Line In Line In Line In

Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out

Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In

Orange – – Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer

Black – Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out

Gray – – – Side Speaker Out

10. Center/Subwoofer port (orange). This port connects the center/ subwoofer speakers.

Page 44

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE, SEC_IDE) The onboard IDE connector is for the Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal

cable. There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable: blue, black, and gray. Connect the blue connector to the

motherboard’s IDE connector, then select one of the following modes to congure your device.

• Pin 20 on the IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole on the 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.

Drive jumper setting Mode of

device(s)

Cable connector

Single device Cable-Select or Master - Black

Two devices Cable-Select Master

Black

Slave Gray

Master Master Black or gray

Slave Slave

If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select,” make sure all other device jumpers have the same setting.

2.7.2 Internal connectors

1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)

This connector is for the provided oppy disk drive (FDD) signal cable.

Insert one end of the cable to this connector, then connect the other

end to the signal connector at the back of the oppy disk drive.

The Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable connection when using an FDD cable with a covered Pin 5.

M2N-E SLI

Floppy Disk Drive Connector

PIN 1

NOTE:

Orient the red markings on

the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1.

FLOPPY

Page 45

ASUS M2N-E SLI 2-25

3. 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. The Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s is

backward compatible with Serial ATA 1.5 Gb/s specication.

If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0,

RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, or JBOD conguration through the onboard

NVIDIA® MediaShield™ controller.

The RAID function of these connectors is set to [Disabled] by default. If you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, enable the RAID Enabled item in the SATA Conguration sub-menu in the

BIOS. See section “4.4.7 Onboard Device Conguration” for details.

Connect the right-angle side of the SATA signal cable to the SATA device or you may connect the right-angle side of the SATA cable to the onboard SATA port to avoid

placement conict with huge

graphics cards.

right angle side

M2N-E SLI

IDE Connectors

NOTE: Orient the red markings

(usually zigzag) on the ID ribbon cable to PIN 1.

PRI_IDE

PIN1

SEC_IDE

PIN1

M2N-E SLI

SATA Connectors

GND

RSATA_TXP3

RSATA_TXN3

GND

RSATA_RXP3

RSATA_RXN3

GND

SATA3

GND

RSATA_TXP4

RSATA_TXN4

GND

RSATA_RXP4

RSATA_RXN4

GND

SATA4

GND

RSATA_TXP1

RSATA_TXN1

GND

RSATA_RXP1

RSATA_RXN1

GND

SATA1

GND

RSATA_TXP2

RSATA_TXN2

GND

RSATA_RXP2

RSATA_RXN2

GND

SATA2

Page 46

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information

4. CPU, Chassis, and Power fan connectors (3-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin PWR_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN)

The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350mA~2000mA (24 W max.) or a total of 1A~3.48A (41.76 W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, making sure that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector.

• Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Lack

of sufcient air ow inside the system may damage the motherboard

components. These are not jumpers! DO NOT place jumper caps on the fan connectors!

• The ASUS Q-Fan function is supported using the CPU Fan (CPU_FAN)

and Chassis Fan (CHA_FAN) connectors only.

M2N-E SLI

Fan Connectors

CPU_FAN

GND

CPU FAN PWR

CPU FAN IN

CPU FAN PWM

CHA_FAN

GND

Rotatio

+12V

PWR_FAN

GND

Rotatio

+12V

Page 47

ASUS M2N-E SLI 2-27

Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard!

5. 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 specication that supports up to 480 Mbps

connection speed.

The USB module is purchased separately.

M2N-E SLI

USB 2.0 Connectors

USB78

USB+5V

USB_P8-

USB_P8+

GND

USB+5V

USB_P7-

USB_P7+

GND

USB56

USB+5V

USB_P6

GND

USB+5V

USB_P5-

USB_P5+

GND

5. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_1) This connector is for a IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IEEE 1394a

module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.

M2N-E SLI

IEEE 1394a Connector

IE1394_1

GND

+12V

TPB1-

GND

TPA1-

+12V

TPB1+

GND

TPA1+

The IEEE 1394a module is purchased separately.

Page 48

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware information

6. 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 t these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down rmly until the connectors completely t.

•

Do not forget to connect the 4-pin ATX +12 V power plug;

otherwise, the system will not boot.

• Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when

conguring a system with more power-consuming devices. The

system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.

• 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.

7. Internal audio connectors (4-pin CD) These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound

sources such as a CD-ROM, TV-tuner, or MPEG card.

M2N-E SLI

CPU

ATX Power Connector

+12V DC

GND

+12V DC

GND

ATX12V

+3 Volts +3 Volts Ground +5 Volts

+5 Volts

Ground

Ground Power OK +5V Standby +12 Volts

-5 Volts

+5 Volts

+3 Volts

-12 Volts Ground

Ground

PSON#

Ground

+5 Volts

+12 Volts +3 Volts

+5 Volts

Ground

EATXPWR

M2N-E SLI

CPU Internal Audio Connector

(black)

Right Audio Channel

Left Audio Channel

Ground

Page 49

ASUS M2N-E SLI 2-29

8. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin FP_AUDIO) This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module

that supports either HD or legacy AC ‘97 audio standard. Connect one

end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.

M2N-E SLI

M2N-E SLI Front panel audio connector

FP_AUDIO

Line out_L

BLINE_OUT_L

MIC2

MICPWR

BLINE_OUT_R

AGND

+5VA

M2N-E SLI

M2N-E SLI Digital Audio Connector

+5V

SPDIFOUT

GND

SPDIF_OUT

9. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF) This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/

PDIF) port(s). 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.

The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.

Page 50

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware information

10. System panel connector (20-pin PANEL)

This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

•

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. The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.

•

Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED) This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD

Activity LED cable to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or ashes

when data is read from or written to the HDD.

•

System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER) This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning

speaker. The speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.

•

ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWRSW)

This connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power button turns the system on or puts the system in sleep or soft-off mode depending on the BIOS settings. Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds while the system is ON turns the system OFF.

•

Reset button (2-pin RESET) This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for

system reboot without turning off the system power.

M2N-E SLI

System Panel Connector

* Requires an ATX power supply

NEL

PLED-

PWR

+5V

Speaker

Ground

RESET

Ground

Reset

Ground

PWRSW

PLED+

IDE_LEDIDE_LED+

IDE_LED

PLED SPEAKER

Page 51

ASUS M2N-E SLI 2-31

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. Refer to the labels on the Q-Connector for proper connection and pin denition.

Step 2

Carefully connect the ASUS

Q-Connector to the System panel

connector.

The ASUS Q-Connector ts only in one orientation; if it doesn’t t, try

reversing it.

When installed, the Q-connector

appears as shown.

Page 52

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Page 53

Powering up

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

Page 54

ASUS M2N-E SLI

Chapter summary

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

3.2 Powering off the computer .......................................................... 3-2

Page 55

ASUS M2N-E SLI 3-1

3.1 Starting up for the rst time

1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover.

2. Be sure that all switches are off.

3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis.

4. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector.

5. Turn on the devices in the following order:

a. Monitor b. External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain) c. System power

6. After applying power, the system power LED on the system front

panel case lights up. For systems with ATX power supplies, the system LED lights up when you press the ATX power button. If your monitor

complies with “green” standards or if it has a “power standby” feature, the monitor LED may light up or switch between orange and green after the system LED turns on.

The system then runs the power-on self tests or POST. While the

tests are running, the BIOS beeps or additional messages appear on the screen. If you do not see anything within 30 seconds from the time you turned on the power, the system may have failed a power-on test. Check the jumper settings and connections or call your retailer for assistance.

7. At power on, hold down the <Del> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the instructions in Chapter 4.

Page 56

3-2 Chapter 3: Powering up

3.2 Powering off the computer

3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function

If you are using Windows® 2000:

1. Click the Start button then click Shut Down...

2. Make sure that the Shut Down option button is selected, then click the OK button to shut down the computer.

3. The power supply should turn off after Windows® shuts down.

If you are using Windows® XP:

1. Click the Start button then select Turn Off Computer.

2. Click the Turn Off button to shut down the computer.

3. The power supply should turn off after Windows® shuts down.

3.2.2 Using the dual function power switch

While the system is ON, pressing the power switch for less than four seconds puts the system to sleep mode or to soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting. Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds lets the system enter the soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS setting. Refer to section “4.5 Power Menu” in Chapter 4 for details.

Page 57

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.

Page 58