Asus M2N-VM DH User Manual

M2N-VM DH

Motherboard

E2684

First Edition V1

August 2006

Copyright © 2006 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.

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, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.

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 identification or explanation and to the owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.

ii

Contents

Notices.................................................................................................	vi
Safety information...............................................................................	vii
M2N-VM DH specifications summary..................................................	viii

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1	Welcome!...............................................................................		1-2
1.2	Package contents..................................................................		1-2
1.3	Special features.....................................................................		1-2
	1.3.1	Product highlights ....................................................	1-2
	1.3.2	Innovative ASUS features .......................................	1-5
	1.3.3	Digital Home features .............................................	1-6
1.4	Before you proceed...............................................................		1-8
1.5	Motherboard overview...........................................................		1-9
	1.5.1	Motherboard layout .................................................	1-9
	1.5.2	Placement direction ...............................................	1-10
	1.5.3	Screw holes . ..........................................................	1-10
1.6	Central Processing Unit (CPU).............................................		1-11
	1.6.1	Installing the CPU . .................................................	1-11
	1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan..............................		1-13
1.7	System memory..................................................................		1-15
	1.7.1	Overview ................................................................	1-15
	1.7.2	Memory configurations ..........................................	1-15
	1.7.3	Installing a DIMM ....................................................	1-19
	1.7.4	Removing a DIMM ...................................................	1-19
1.8	Expansion slots....................................................................		1-20
	1.8.1	Installing an expansion card ...................................	1-20
	1.8.2	Configuring an expansion card ...............................	1-20
	1.8.3	PCI slots .................................................................	1-22
	1.8.4	PCI Express x1 slot ................................................	1-22
	1.8.5	PCI Express x16 slot ..............................................	1-22
1.9	Jumpers	...............................................................................	1-23
1.10	Connectors..........................................................................		1-26
	1.10.1	Rear panel connectors ...........................................	1-26
	1.10.2 ................................................	Internal connectors	1-28

iii

Contents

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS.........................................			2-2
	2.1.1	ASUS Update utility.................................................	2-2
	2.1.2 Creating a bootable floppy disk...............................		2-5
	2.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility............................................		2-6
	2.1.4	Updating the BIOS...................................................	2-7
	2.1.5 Saving the current BIOS file.....................................		2-9
	2.1.6 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility...............................		2-10
2.2	BIOS setup program............................................................		2-12
	2.2.1	BIOS menu screen.................................................	2-13
	2.2.2	Menu bar................................................................	2-13
	2.2.3	Legend bar............................................................	2-14
	2.2.4	Menu items............................................................	2-14
	2.2.5	Sub-menu items.....................................................	2-14
	2.2.6	Configuration fields................................................	2-14
	2.2.7	Pop-up window......................................................	2-15
	2.2.8	General help...........................................................	2-15
2.3	Main menu...........................................................................		2-16
	2.3.1	System Time..........................................................	2-16
	2.3.2	System Date..........................................................	2-16
	2.3.3	Legacy Diskette A.................................................	2-16
	2.3.4	Primary IDE Master/Slave......................................	2-17
	2.3.5	SATA 1-4...............................................................	2-19
	2.3.6	HDD SMART Monitoring.........................................	2-19
	2.3.7	Installed Memory...................................................	2-19
	2.3.8	Usable Memory......................................................	2-19
2.4	Advanced menu...................................................................		2-21
	2.4.1	JumperFree Configuration......................................	2-21
	2.4.2	CPU Configuration..................................................	2-23
	2.4.3	Chipset..................................................................	2-23
	2.4.4	PCIPnP....................................................................	2-26
	2.4.5	Onboard Devices Configuration.............................	2-27
	2.4.6	USB Configuration..................................................	2-30

iv

Contents

2.5	Power menu.........................................................................		2-30
	2.5.1	ACPI Suspend Type................................................	2-30
	2.5.2	ACPI APIC Support.................................................	2-31
	2.5.3	APM Configuration.................................................	2-31
	2.5.4	Hardware Monitor..................................................	2-33
2.6	Boot menu...........................................................................		2-34
	2.6.1	Boot Device Priority...............................................	2-34
	2.6.2	Removable Drives..................................................	2-35
	2.6.3	Hard Disk Drives....................................................	2-35
	2.6.4	CDROM Drives........................................................	2-35
	2.6.5	Boot Settings Configuration .................................	2-36
	2.6.6	Security.................................................................	2-37
2.7	Tools menu..........................................................................		2-39
	2.7.1	ASUS 0.C. Profile...................................................	2-39
	2.7.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2....................................................		2-41
2.8	Exit menu............................................................................		2-42

Chapter 3: Software support

3.1	Installing an operating system..............................................		3-2
3.2	Support CD information.........................................................		3-2
	3.2.1 Running the support CD..........................................		3-2
	3.2.2	Drivers menu...........................................................	3-3
	3.2.3	Utilities menu...........................................................	3-4
	3.2.4	Make Disk menu.......................................................	3-5
	3.2.5	Manual menu............................................................	3-6
	3.2.6	ASUS Contact information.......................................	3-7
	3.2.7	Other information....................................................	3-7

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 modifications 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.

vi

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 fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified 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 qualified service technician or your retailer.

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

vii

M2N-VM DH specifications summary

CPU

Chipset

Front Side Bus

Memory

Expansion slots

Graphics

Storage

High Definition

Audio

Support AMD socket AM2 for AMD Athlon™ 64FX/ Athlon™ 64 X2/Athlon™ 64/Sempron processors

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

Supports AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology

AMD Live!™ Ready

NVIDIA® GeForce™ 6100/nForce™ 430 MCP

2000/1600 MT/s

Dual-channel memory architecture

4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support up to 8 GB of unbufferred non-ECC 800/667/533 MHz

DDR2 memory modules

1 x PCI Express™ x16 slot

1 x PCI Express™ x1 slot

2 x PCI slots

Integrated in the NVIDIA® GeForce™ 6100 Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

Dual VGA output: DVI-D and RGB

High definition video processing with maximum resolution of 1920 x 1440 pixels (@75Hz) for RGB display, and 1600 x 1200 pixels (@65Hz) for DVI-D display

Note: DVI-D only supports digital display. You cannot convert DVI-D to output RGB signal to CRT display.

NVIDIA® nForce™ 430 MCP media and communications processor (MCP) supports:

-1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33 interfaces for two hard disk drives

-4 x Serial ATA 3 Gb/s hard disk drives supporting RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD configuration

JMicron® JMB363 SATA controller supports:

-1 x Internal Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s

-1 x External Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s on the rear panel

-RAID 0, RAID 1, and JBOD configuration

ADI AD1988 8-channel CODEC

Support Jack-Sensing, Enumeration, Multi-streaming Technology

S/PDIF out interface

(continued on the next page)

viii

M2N-VM DH specifications summary

LAN

IEEE 1394

USB

ASUS Digital

Home features

ASUS Exclusive

Overclocking

features

Manageability

Other ASUS

special features

BIOS features

Broadcom® BCM5071A2 PHY Gigabit LAN controller Wireless LAN: 54 Mbps IEEE 802.11b/g (ASUS WiFi-AP

Solo™)

TI 1394 controller supports:

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

Supports up to 8 USB 2.0 ports

ASUS WiFi-AP Solo

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

-Access point mode

-Station mode: Infrastructure mode or Ad-Hoc mode

ASUS DH Remote™

-Power

-Quick Power

-Noise off

-EZ WiFi

-AP Launch

-Full Screen

-Media Control Zone

ASUS MP3-In™

Precision Tweaker:

-Stepless Frequency Selection(SFS) allows FSB tuning from 200 MHz up to 300 MHz at 1 MHz increment

Overclocking protection:

- ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)

WOL by PME, WOW, WO by USB, WOR by PME, Chassis Intrusion

ASUS Q-Fan 2

ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)

ASUS O.C. Profile

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2

ASUS EZ Flash 2

ASUS MyLogo™ 2

Note: ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 and ASUS EZ Flash 2

only support VGA output.

4 Mb Flash ROM, Award BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, ACPI 2.0a, SM BIOS 2.3, PXE

(continued on the next page)

ix

M2N-VM DH specifications summary

Rear panel

Internal connectors

Power

Requirement

Form Factor

Support CD contents

1 x LAN (RJ-45) port

4 x USB 2.0 ports

1 x IEEE 1394a port

1 x External Serial ATA port

1 x S/PDIF out port

1 x WiFi-AP Solo™ antenna jack

1 x VGA port

1 x DVI-D port

1 x PS/2 keyboard port

1 x PS/2 mouse port

8-channel audio ports

1 x Front panel audio connector

1 x Floppy disk drive connector

5 x Serial ATA connector

1 x IDE connector

1 x CD audio in connector

1 x Chassis intrusion connector

1 x CPU /1 x Chassis / 1 x Power/1 x Chipset fan connectors

1 x COM connector

1 x S/PDIF Out connector

1 x IEEE 1394a port

2 x USB connectors support additional 4 USB ports

1 x 24-pin ATX power connector

1 x 4-pin x ATX 12V power connector 1 x System panel connector

1 x MP3 audio-in connector

1 x Printport connector

ATX power supply (with 24-pin and 4-pin 12 V plugs) ATX 12 V 2.0 compliant

uATX: 9.6 in. x 9.6 in. (24.5cm x 24.5cm)

Device drivers

ASUS PC Probe II

NVIDIA® MediaShield RAID

AMD Cool ‘n’Quiet™ utility

ASUS Live Update utility

Anti-virus software (OEM version)

ASUS DH Remote™ Application

ASUS WiFi-AP Solo Wizard

*Specifications are subject to change without notice.

This chapter describes the motherboard		1
features and the new technologies
it supports.		Product
	introduction

1.1Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® M2N-VM DH motherboard!

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.

1.2Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

Motherboard	ASUS M2N-VM DH motherboard
Cables	1 x Serial ATA signal cables
	1 x Serial ATA power cable
	1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable
	1 x Floppy disk drive cable
Accessories	I/O shield
	ASUS DH Remote
	ASUS DH Remote Receiver
	ASUS WiFi-AP Solo™ Antenna
	ASUS MP3-In module
Application CD	ASUS motherboard support CD
Documentation	User guide

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

1.3Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

Latest processor technology

The motherboard supports AMD socket AM2 single-core Athlon 64/ Sempron and dual-core Athlon 64 X2/Athlon 64 FX processors with 2MB/1MB/512KB L2 cache, which is based on 64-bit architecture. It features 2000/1600 MT/s HyperTransport Bus, dual-channel un-buffered

DDR2 800 memory support and AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology. See page

1-11 for details.

1-	Chapter 1: Product introduction

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 2-23 for details.

NVIDIA® nForce™ 430 MCP chipsets

The NVIDIA® nForce™ 430 media and communications processor (MCP) Southbridge delivers NVIDIA® Gigabit and NVIDIA® MediaShield storage management technology allowing easy RAID configuration (RAID 0, RAID 1,

RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD) for Serial ATA 3Gb/s.

DDR2 memory support

The motherboard supports DDR2 memory which features data transfer rates of 800MHz/667 MHz/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 1-15 to 1-18 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 to­point serial interconnections between devices and allows higher clockspeeds by carrying data in packets. This high speed interface is software compatible with existing PCI specifications. See page 1-22 for details.

IEEE 1394a support

The motherboard supports the IEEE 1394a interface that provides high speed and flexible PC connectivity to a wide range of peripherals and devices compliant to IEEE 1394a standards. 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 1-36 and for details.

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Serial ATA I/II technology and SATA-On-The-Go

The motherboard fully supports the Serial ATA II 3.0 Gb/s technology through the Serial ATA interfaces and the Intel® ICH7R MCH. The Serial

ATA 3 Gb/s specification 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 flexible 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 Jmicron® JMB363 Serial ATA controller are two Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (one at mid-board and one on the rear panel) provide smart setup, and hot-plug function. See pages 1-27 and 1-31 for details.

Gigabit LAN solution

NVIDIA® Gb LAN controller delivers transfer speeds up to ten times faster than conventional 10/100 Ethernet connections. Gigabit LAN is the networking standard for the early future and is ideal for handling large amounts of data such as video, audio, and voice. See pages 1-26 for details.

USB 2.0 technology

The motherboard implements the Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 specification, 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 1-33 for details.

8-Channel High Definition Audio

The motherboard supports 8-channel audio through the onboard ADI 1988 CODEC with 16-bit DAC, a stereo 16-bit ADC, and an AC97 2.3 compatible multi-channel audio designed for PC multimedia systems. See pages 1-27 and 2-29 for details.

DVI -D onboard

The motherboard supports DVI-D (Digital Visual Interface) which provides high visual quality of digital display devices, such as LCD monitor. DVI-D interface is compatible with DVI-I connector. and See pages 1-26 for details.

1-	Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features

CrashFree BIOS 2

This feature allows you to restore the original BIOS data from the support CD in case when the BIOS codes and data are corrupted. This protection eliminates the need to buy a replacement ROM chip. See page 2-10 for details.

ASUS EZ Flash 2

ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply press the predefined 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 flash utility. See page 2-6 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.

Fanless Design

The ASUS fanless design allows multi-directional heat flow 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 address the thermal issues across the motherboard, and most notably in the following areas: CPU, power, VGA, Northbridge and Southbridge.

ASUS MyLogo 2

ASUS My Logo 2 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 pages 2-37 for details.

ASUS M2N-VM DH

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S/PDIF digital sound ready

This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio systems via coaxial and optical S/PDIF-out (SONY-PHILIPS Digital Interface) jack. It allows to transfer digital audio without converting to analog format and keeps the best signal quality. See pages1-35 for details.

ASUS Q-Fan 2 technology

The ASUS Q-Fan 2 technology smartly adjusts the speed of CPU, chassis, and power fans according to the system loading to ensure quiet, cool, and efficient operation.

1.3.3 Digital Home features

ASUS WiFi -AP Solo™

WiFi AP Solo™ allows a new level of versitility for your PC, enabling it to create a complete wireless home network in either AP or wirelesss client mode. Users will be able to play LAN games, connecting to the Internet, access and share printers, and use Skype from anywhere within range. WiFiAP Solo™ can provide these functions even when the PC is in sleep mode, so users can use Skype as a true replacement for tradition long distance telephone service. WiFi-AP Solo™ is an on board feature, which means that users will save the extra WiFi-AP cost. (Refer to the ASUS Wi-Fi AP Solo™ user guide for details.)

ASUS DH Remote™

DH Remote™ is a convenient PC remote controller that gives users unprecedented control over their PCs from the comfort of their couches. With the touch of a button, users can instantly operate the following functions: (Refer to the ASUS DH Remote™ user guide for details.)

Power: Turns the computer on/off.

Quick Power: Puts the computer quickly into sleep mode. Noise Off: Reduces the noise coming from the computer.

EZ WiFi: Puts the computer quickly into sleep mode but allowing WiFi-AP Solo™ to still operate.

Full Screen: Puts the media application into full screen. AP Launch: Launches the media application.

Media Control Zone: Controls the media application.

1-	Chapter 1: Product introduction

ASUS MP3-In™

A convenient interface between computers and MP3 players, the ASUS MP3-In™ feature enables MP3 players to connect to PC speakers even when the PC power is off, which means that users can enjoy the sound quality from PC speakers without additional stereo equipment cost. (Refer to the ASUS MP3-In™ quick installation guide for details.)

ASUS M2N-VM DH

1-

1.4Before you proceed

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 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 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.

SB_PWR
M2N-VM DH
ON	OFF
Standby	Powered
Power	Off

M2N-VM DH Onboard LED

1-	Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.5Motherboard overview

1.5.1 Motherboard layout

24.5cm (9.6in)

PS/2KBMS	KBPWR	ADP3186	CPU_FAN
T: Mouse
B: Keyboard

01

SPDIF

ATX12V

VGA

IE1394_1

LPT

SATA_USB12

USBPW12

LAN_USB34

RAID1SATA

AUDIO

CHA_ FAN

USBPW34
USBPW56
DVI	M2N-VM DH
	PCIE_SW
	USB56_WFGBT
JMicron	PCIEX16
JMB363
	R

SB_PWR

CR2032 3V

PCIEX1_1

Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

B5071A2KFBG

OUT

PCI2

TSB43AB22A

_

ADI1988B

SPDIF

PCI1

MP3IN CD

AAFP

IE1394_2

PWR_FAN

Super I/O

Socket AM2	(64 bit,240-pin module)	(64 bit,240-pin module)	(64 bit,240-pin module)	(64 bit,240-pin module)		EATXPWR	FLOPPY
	DDR2 DIMM_B1	DDR2 DIMM_B2	DDR2 DIMM_A1	DDR2 DIMM_A2			PRI_IDE	24.5cm (9.6in)
					CHIP_FAN
	NVIDIA MCP61P			SATA1	SATA2	SATA3	SATA4
				CHASSIS	CLRTC	4Mb BIOS
		USBPW78			COM1
		USBPW910
		USB78		USB910	PANEL

ASUS M2N-VM DH

1-

1.5.2 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.

1.5.3 Screw holes

Place eight (8) 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.

Place this side towards the rear of the chassis

M2N-VM DH

1-10	Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.6Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2 socket designed for the AMD Athlon™ 64 X2/Athlon™ 64/Athlon™ FX/Sempron™ processor.

The AM2 socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the AMD Opteron™ processor. Make sure you use a CPU is designed for the AM2 socket. The CPU fits 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!

1.6.1 Installing the CPU

To install a CPU.

1.Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.

M2N-VM DH

M2N-VM DH CPU Socket M2

2.Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sideways, then lift it up to a 90°-100° angle.

Socket lever

Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90°-100° angle, otherwise the CPU does not fit in completely.

ASUS M2N-VM DH

1-11

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

4.Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it fits in place.

Small triangle

Gold triangle

The CPU fits only in one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU!

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.

7.Connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU_FAN connector on the motherboard.

CPU_FAN

CPUFAN PWM CPU FAN IN

CPUFAN PWR GND

M2N-VM DH

M2N-VM DH CPU Fan Connector

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

1-12	Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan

The AMD Socket AM2 Athlon™ 64 X2/Athlon™ 64/Athlon™ FX/Sempron™ processor require a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.

Make sure that you use only qualified heatsink and fan assembly.

Follow these steps to install the CPU heatsink and fan.

1.Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, making sure that the heatsink fits properly on the retention module base.

•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.

CPU Fan

CPU Heatsink

Retention Module Base

Retention bracket Retention bracket lock

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.

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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.

Make sure that the fan and heatsink assembly perfectly fits the retention mechanism module base; otherwise, you cannot snap the retention bracket in place.

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

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1.7System memory

1.7.1 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 figure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets:

DIMM B1

DIMM B2

DIMM A1

DIMM A2

M2N-VM DH

Pins 112 Pins 128

M2N-VM DH 240-pin DDR2 DIMM Sockets

Channel	Sockets
Channel A	DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2
Channel B	DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2

1.7.2 Memory configurations

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

Recommended Memory Configurations

	Mode		Sockets
		DIMM_A1	DIMM_A2	DIMM_B1	DIMM_B2
		Populated	-	-	-
	Single Channel	-	Populated	-	-
		-	-	Populated	-
		-	-	-	Populated
	Dual-channel (1)	Populated	-	Populated	-
		-	Populated	-	Populated
	Dual-channel (2)	Populated	Populated	Populated	Populated

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*For dual-channel memory configuration (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 Qualified Vendors List.

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® XP 32-bit version OS. The excess memory installation will not cause any usage problem, but it will not give users the benefit 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.”

You also may check the URLs below for third party comments on this issue:

http://dlsvr01.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/4GB_Rev1.pdf http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/server/sb/cs-016594.htm

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® XP Professtional x64
		Edition

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Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL)

DDR2-800 MHz capability

						DIMM support
Size	Vendor	Model	Brand	Side(s)	Component	A	B	C
512MB	KINGSTON	K4T51083QC	N/A	SS	KVR800D2N5/512	•	•	•
1024MB	KINGSTON	K4T51083QC	N/A	DS	KVR800D2N5/1G	•	•	•
512MB	SAMSUNG	EDD339XX	N/A	SS	M378T6553CZ3-CE7	•	•
256MB	SAMSUNG	K4T51163QC-ZCE7	N/A	SS	M378T3354CZ3-CE7	•	•	•
512MB	Qimonda	HYB18T256800AF25F	N/A	DS	HYS64T64020HU-25F-A	•	•
512MB	Hynix	HY5PS12821BFP-S5	N/A	SS	HYMP564U64BP8-S5	•	•
1024MB	Hynix	HY5PS12821BFP-S5	N/A	DS	HYMP512U64BP8-S5	•	•	•
512MB	MICRON	5JAIIZ9DQQ	N/A	SS	MT8HTF6464AY-80EA3	•		•
1024MB	MICRON	5JAIIZ9DQQ	N/A	DS	MT16HTF12864AY-80EA3	•		•
512MB	MICRON	5ZD22D9GKX	N/A	SS	MT8HTF6464AY-80ED4	•		•
1024MB	MICRON	5ZD22D9GKX	N/A	DS	MT16HTF12864AY-80ED4	•	•	•
512MB	MICRON	6CD22D9GKX	N/A	SS	MT8HTF6464AY-80ED4	•	•	•
1024MB	MICRON	6CD22D9GKX	N/A	DS	MT16HTF12864AY-80ED4	•	•
1024MB	CORSAIR	Heat-Sink Package	N/A	DS	CM2X1024-6400C4	•	•	•
512MB	A-DATA	N/A	N/A	SS	M2OAD6G3H3160J1E52	•
512MB	A-DATA	AD29608A8A-25EG	N/A	SS	M20AD6G3H3160I1E5E		•
512MB	Crucial	Heat-Sink Package	N/A	SS	BL6464AA804.8FD	•
1024MB	Crucial	Heat-Sink Package	N/A	DS	BL12864AA804.16FD	•
256MB	Apacer	E2508AB-GE-E	N/A	SS	78.81091.420	•	•	•

DDR2-667 MHz capability

							DIMM support
	Size	Vendor	Model	Brand	Side(s)	Component	A	B	C
	512MB	KINGSTON	E5108AE-6E-E	N/A	SS	KVR667D2N5/512	•	•
	1024MB	KINGSTON	E5108AE-6E-E	N/A	DS	KVR667D2N5/1G	•	•	•
	512MB	KINGSTON	E5108AE-6E-E	N/A	SS	KVR667D2E5/512	•	•
	256MB	KINGSTON	HYB18T256800AF3	N/A	SS	KVR667D2N5/256	•	•	•
	256MB	SAMSUNG	K4T51163QC-ZCE6	N/A	SS	M378T3354CZ0-CE6	•	•	•
	512MB	SAMSUNG	ZCE6K4T51083QC	N/A	SS	M378T6553CZ0-CE6	•	•	•
	1024MB	SAMSUNG	ZCE6K4T51083QC	N/A	DS	M378T2953CZ0-CE6	•		•
	256MB	Qimonda	HYB18T512160AF-3S	N/A	SS	HYS64T32000HU-3S-A	•
	512MB	Qimonda	HYB18T512800AF3S	N/A	SS	HYS64T64000HU-3S-A	•	•	•
	1024MB	Qimonda	HYB18T512800AF3S	N/A	DS	HYS64T128020HU-3S-A	•		•
	256MB	Qimonda	HYB18T512160BF-3S	N/A	SS	HYS64T32000HU-3S-B	•	•	•
	512MB	Qimonda	HYB18T512800BF3S	N/A	SS	HYS64T64000HU-3S-B	•	•	•
	1024MB	Qimonda	HYB18T512800BF3S	N/A	DS	HYS64T128020HU-3S-B	•	•	•
	512MB	Hynix	HY5PS12821AFP-Y5	N/A	SS	HYMP564U64AP8-Y5	•
	1024MB	Hynix	HY5PS12821AFP-Y5	N/A	DS	HYMP512U64AP8-Y5	•	•	•
	512MB	Hynix	HY5PS12821AFP-Y4	N/A	SS	HYMP564U64AP8-Y4	•	•	•
	256MB	ELPIDA	E2508AB-6E-E	N/A	SS	EBE25UC8ABFA-6E-E	•	•	•
	512MB	ELPIDA	E5108AE-6E-E	N/A	SS	EBE51UD8AEFA-6E-E	•	•	•
	1024MB	Apacer	E5108AE-6E-E	N/A	DS	78.01092.420	•	•	•
	512MB	A-DATA	AD29608A8B-3EG	N/A	SS	M20AD5Q3H3163J1C52		•	•
	512MB	Transcend	E5108AE-6E-E	N/A	SS	TS64MLQ64V6J	•	•	•
	1024MB	Transcend	E5108AE-6E-E	N/A	DS	TS128MLQ64V6J	•	•	•
	512MB	Transcend	J12Q3AB-6	N/A	SS	JM367Q643A-6		•	•
	1024MB	Transcend	J12Q3AB-6	N/A	DS	JM388Q643A-6	•	•	•

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DDR2-533 MHz capability

							DIMM support
	Size	Vendor	Model	Brand	Side(s)	Component	A	B	C
	256MB	KINGSTON	E5116AF-5C-E	N/A	SS	KVR533D2N4/256			•
	512MB	KINGSTON	HYB18T512800AF37	N/A	SS	KVR533D2N4/512	•	•	•
	1024MB	KINGSTON	5YDIID9GCT	N/A	DS	KVR533D2N4/1G	•	•	•
	512MB	Qimonda	HYB18T512800AC37	N/A	SS	HYS64T64000GU-3.7-A	•	•	•
	256MB	Qimonda	HYB18T512160AF-3.7	N/A	SS	HYS64T32000HU-3.7-A	•	•	•
	512MB	Qimonda	HYB18T512800AF37	N/A	SS	HYS64T64000HU-3.7-A	•	•	•
	1024MB	Qimonda	HYB18T512800AF37	N/A	DS	HYS64T128020HU-3.7-A	•	•
	2048MB	Qimonda	HYB18T1G800AF-3.7	N/A	DS	HYS64T256020HU-3.7-A	•	•
	256MB	Qimonda	HYB18T5121608BF-3.7	N/A	SS	HYS64T32000HU-3.7-B	•		•
	512MB	Qimonda	HYB18T512800BF37	N/A	SS	HYS64T64000HU-3.7-B	•	•	•
	1024MB	Qimonda	HYB18T512800BF37	N/A	DS	HYS64T128020HU-3.7-B	•	•
	512MB	Hynix	HY5PS12821F-C4	N/A	SS	HYMP564U648-C4	•	•	•
	512MB	Hynix	HY5PS12821F-C4(ECC)	N/A	SS	HYMP564U728-C4	•	•
	1024MB	Hynix	HY5PS12821F-C4	N/A	DS	HYMP512U648-C4	•	•	•
	1024MB	Hynix	HY5PS12821FP-C4	N/A	DS	HYMP512U648-C4	•	•
	512MB	Hynix	HY5PS12821AFP-C3	N/A	SS	HYMP564U64AP8-C3	•	•	•
	1024MB	Hynix	HY5PS12821AFP-C3	N/A	DS	HYMP512U64AP8-C3	•	•	•
	512MB	ELPIDA	E5108AB-5C-E	N/A	SS	EBE51UD8ABFA-5C	•	•
	512MB	ELPIDA	E5108AB-5C-E	N/A	SS	EBE51UD8ABFA-5C-E	•	•	•
	256MB	Apacer	E5116AB-5C-E	N/A	SS	78.81077.420	•	•
	256MB	KINGMAX	E5116AB-5C-E	N/A	SS	KLBB68F-36EP4	•	•	•
	512MB	KINGMAX	E5108AE-5C-E	N/A	SS	KLBC28F-A8EB4	•	•
	1024MB	KINGMAX	E5108AE-5C-E	N/A	DS	KLBD48F-A8EB4	•
	512MB	KINGMAX	KKEA88E4AAK-37	N/A	SS	KLBC28F-A8KE4	•	•
	1024MB	KINGMAX	5MB22D9DCN	N/A	DS	KLBD48F-A8ME4	•	•

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

DIMM support:

A- Supports one module inserted in any slot as Single-channel memory configuration.

B- Supports one pair of modules inserted into either the yellow slots or the black slots as one pair of Dual-channel memory configuration.

C- Supports 4 modules inserted into both the yellow and black slots as two pairs of

Dual channel memory configuration.

Visit the ASUS website for the latest DDR2-800/667/533 MHz QVL.

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1.7.3 Installing a DIMM

Make sure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components.

			2
1.	Unlock a DIMM socket by	3	DDR2 DIMM notch
	pressing the retaining clips
	outward.		1
2.	Align a DIMM on the socket

such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the

socket. 1

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

is properly seated.

Unlocked retaining clip

• A DDR2 DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits 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.

	1.7.4 Removing a DIMM	2
	To remove a DIMM:
	1. Simultaneously press the	1
	retaining clips outward to unlock
	the DIMM.	1
		DDR2 DIMM notch

Support the DIMM lightly with your fingers when pressing the retaining clips. The DIMM might get damaged when it flips out with extra force.

2.Remove the DIMM from the socket.

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1.8Expansion 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.

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.

1.8.1 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 firmly 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.

1.8.2 Configuring an expansion card

After installing the expansion card, configure it by adjusting the software settings.

1.Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See Chapter 2 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.

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