Asus M3N-H User Manual

M3N-H/ HDMI

Motherboard

E3620

First Edition March 2008

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

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

product is defaced or missing.

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

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

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

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

Contents ...................................................................................................... iii

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

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

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

M3N-H/HDMI 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 AI Lifestyle unique features .................................. 1-4

1.3.3 ASUS intelligent performance and

overclocking features ...................................................... 1-6

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) ................................................... 2-6

2.3.1 Installing the CPU ........................................................... 2-6

2.3.2 Installing the heatsink and fan ........................................ 2-8

2.4 System memory ......................................................................... 2-11

2.4.1 Overview ........................................................................2-11

2.4.2 Memory congurations .................................................. 2-12

2.4.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 2-16

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 2-16

2.5 Expansion slots .......................................................................... 2-17

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 2-17

2.5.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 2-17

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments ................................................... 2-18

2.5.4 PCI slots ........................................................................ 2-18

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

iii

Contents

2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot ............................................... 2-19

2.6 Jumper ........................................................................................ 2-20

2.7 Connectors ................................................................................. 2-21

2.7.1 Rear panel connectors .................................................. 2-21

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

Chapter 3: Powering up

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

3.2 Turning 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 ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 4-1

4.1.2 Creating a bootable oppy disk ....................................... 4-4

4.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ................................................... 4-5

4.1.4 Updating the BIOS .......................................................... 4-6

4.1.5 Saving the current BIOS le ............................................ 4-8

4.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 4-9

4.2.1 BIOS menu screen ........................................................ 4-10

4.2.2 Menu bar ....................................................................... 4-10

4.2.3 Legend bar .....................................................................4-11

4.2.4 Menu items ....................................................................4-11

4.2.5 Sub-menu items .............................................................4-11

4.2.6 Conguration elds ........................................................4-11

4.2.7 Pop-up window ............................................................. 4-12

4.2.8 General help ................................................................. 4-12

4.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 4-13

4.3.1 System Time ................................................................. 4-13

4.3.2 System Date ................................................................. 4-13

4.3.3 Legacy Diskette A ......................................................... 4-13

4.3.4 Primary IDE Master/Slave ............................................. 4-14

4.3.5 SATA1/2/3/4 .................................................................. 4-16

4.3.6 HDD SMART Monitoring ............................................... 4-17

4.3.7 Installed Memory ........................................................... 4-17

Contents

4.3.8 Usable Memory ............................................................. 4-17

4.4 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 4-18

4.4.1 JumperFree Conguration ............................................ 4-18

4.4.2 Ai Net 2 ......................................................................... 4-20

4.4.3 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 4-20

4.4.4 Chipset .......................................................................... 4-22

4.4.5 PCIPnP ......................................................................... 4-23

4.4.6 Onboard Device Conguration ...................................... 4-24

4.4.7 USB Conguration ........................................................ 4-26

4.5 Power menu ................................................................................ 4-27

4.5.1 ACPI Suspend Type ...................................................... 4-27

4.5.2 ACPI APIC Support ....................................................... 4-27

4.5.3 APM Conguration ........................................................ 4-27

4.5.4 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 4-29

4.6 Boot menu .................................................................................. 4-31

4.6.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 4-31

4.6.2 Removable Drives ......................................................... 4-31

4.6.3 Boot Settings Conguration ......................................... 4-32

4.6.4 Security ......................................................................... 4-33

4.7 Tools menu ................................................................................. 4-35

4.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 .......................................................... 4-35

4.7.2 Express Gate Lite ......................................................... 4-36

4.8 Exit menu .................................................................................... 4-37

Chapter 5: Software support

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

5.2 Support DVD information ............................................................ 5-1

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

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

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

5.2.4 Make Disk menu ............................................................. 5-5

5.2.5 Manual menu .................................................................. 5-6

5.2.6 ASUS Contact information .............................................. 5-6

5.2.7 Other information ............................................................ 5-7

5.3 Software information ................................................................... 5-9

5.3.1 ASUS MyLogo2™ ........................................................... 5-9

Contents

5.3.2 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology ..........................................5-11

5.3.3 Audio congurations ..................................................... 5-14

5.3.4 ASUS PC Probe II ......................................................... 5-18

5.3.5 ASUS AI Suite ............................................................... 5-24

5.3.6 ASUS AI Gear 2 ............................................................ 5-26

5.3.7 ASUS AI Nap ................................................................ 5-27

5.3.8 ASUS Q-Fan 2 .............................................................. 5-28

5.3.9 ASUS AI Booster ........................................................... 5-29

5.3.10 ASUS Express Gate Lite ............................................... 5-30

5.4 RAID congurations .................................................................. 5-37

5.4.1 RAID denitions ............................................................ 5-37

5.4.2 NVIDIA® RAID congurations........................................ 5-38

5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk ....................................................... 5-45

5.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS .... 5-45

5.5.2 Creating a RAID/SATA driver disk in Windows® ............ 5-45

Notices

Federal Communications Commission Statement

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

• This device may not cause harmful interference, and

• This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation.

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

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

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

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Canadian Department of Communications Statement

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

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

vii

Safety information

Electrical safety

• To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the

electrical outlet before relocating the system.

• When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.

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

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

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

• If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied

service technician or your retailer.

Operation safety

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

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

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

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

• Place the product on a stable surface.

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

service technician or your retailer.

viii

This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical, electronic equipment, and mercury-containing button cell battery) should not be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.

About this guide

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

the motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:

• Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

• Chapter 2: Hardware information

This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes description of the switches, jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard.

• Chapter 3: Powering up

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

• Chapter 4: BIOS setup

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

• Chapter 5: Software support

This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package and the software.

Where to nd more information

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

1. ASUS websites

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

2. Optional documentation

Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty

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

part of the standard package.

Conventions used in this guide

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

DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself

when trying to complete a task.

CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components

when trying to complete a task.

IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a

task.

NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a

task.

Typography

Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.

Italics

Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.

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

means that you must press the enclosed key.

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

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

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

Example: <Ctrl+Alt+D>

Command Means that you must type the command exactly

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

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

afudos /i /iM3N-H.ROM

M3N-H/HDMI specications summary

CPU AMD® Socket AM2/AM2+ for Phenom™ FX / Phenom™ /

Chipset NVIDIA® GeForce® 8300

System bus Up to 5200 MT/s; HyperTransport™ 3.0 interface

Memory Dual-channel memory architecture

VGA Integrated NVIDIA® 8 Series GPU

Expansion slots 1 x PCIe x16 slot

Storage 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33 interface

LAN NVIDIA Gigabit MAC

High Denition audio Realtek® ALC1200 8-channel High Denition audio

IEEE 1394 LSI® FW322 controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a ports

USB 12 x USB 2.0 ports (6 at mid-board; 6 on the rear panel)

Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors

AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology AMD Live!™ Ready

for AM2+ CPU 2000 / 1600 MT/s for AM2 CPU

- 4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support unbufferred ECC/ ECC/ECC/ non-ECC DDR2 1066*/800/667 MHz memory modules

- Supports up to 8 GB system memory *DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+ CPUs only.

- Maximum shared memory of 512MB

- Supports HDMI™ Technology with HDCP compliant with max. resolution up to 1920 x 1200

- Supports DVI Technology with max. resolution up to 1920 x 1440 @ 60 Hz

- Supports D-Sub with max. resolution up to 1920 x 1440 @ 75 Hz

- Multi VGA output support: HDMI/DVI & D-Sub

- Hybrid SLI Support (For Windows Vista only)

2 x PCIe x1 slots 3 x PCI 2.2 slots Supports PCIe 2.0/1.0 architecture

6 x SATA 3Gb/s ports (Use SATA 1-4 for IDE mode) NVIDIA® MediaShield™ RAID supports RAID 0, 1, 0+1, 5, and JBOD

Atheros® F1 Gigabit PHY featuring AI NET 2

CODEC

- Supports Jack-Detection and Multi-StreamingSupports Jack-Detection and Multi-StreamingMulti-Streaming

- Coaxial S/PDIF Out port at back I/O S/PDIF Out port at back I/O

(1 at mid-board; 1 on the rear panel)

(continued on the next page)

M3N-H/HDMI specications summary

ASUS AI Lifestyle unique features

Other features ASUS MyLogo 2™

ASUS exclusive overclocking features

ASUS Express Gate Lite:

- Web browser, le downloading and uploading*

- Further free features upgradable * File downloading and uploading through USB devices only.

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:

- ASUS 4+1 Phase Power Design

- ASUS AI Gear 2

- ASUS AI Nap

- ASUS Q-Fan 2

ASUS Crystal Sound:

- ASUS Noise Filter

ASUS EZ DIY:

- ASUS Q-Shield

- ASUS Q-Connector

- ASUS EZ Flash 2

Intelligent overclocking tools:

- AI Overclocking (intelligent CPU frequency tuner)

- ASUS AI Booster utility

Precision Tweaker:

- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.0125V increment

- vDIMM: 8-step DRAM voltage control

- vChipset: 4-step Chipset voltage control

SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection):

- FSB tuning from 200MHz up to 600MHz at 1MHz increment

- Memory tuning from 533MHz up to 1066MHz

- PCI Express frequency tuning from 100MHz to 200 MHz at 1MHz increment

Overclocking protection:

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

(continued on the next page)

xii

M3N-H/HDMI specications summary

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

Internal I/O connectors 3 x USB connectors support additional 6 USB ports

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

Support DVD contents Drivers

Form factor ATX form factor: 12 in x 9.6 in (30.5 cm x 24.4 cm)

*Specications are subject to change without notice.

1 x S/PDIF Out (Coaxial) 1 x HDMI Out 1 x IEEE 1394a port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) 6 x USB 2.0/1.1 8-channel audio I/O

1 x Floppy disk drive connector 1 x COM connector 1 x VGA connector 1 x IDE connector 6 x SATA connectors 1 x CPU Fan connector 1 x Chassis Fan connector 1 x Power Fan connector 1 x IEEE1394a connector 1 x Front panel audio connector 1 x S/PDIF Out Header 1 x Chassis Intrusion connector 1 x CD audio in 1 x 24-pin ATX Power connector 1 x 4-pin ATX 12V Power connector 1 x System Panel (Q-Connector)

SM BIOS 2.3, ACPI 2.0a, ASUS EZ Flash 2

Express Gate Lite ASUS AI Suite ASUS PC Probe II ASUS Update Anti-virus Utility (OEM version)

xiii

xiv

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

Chapter 1: Product

introduction

Chapter summary

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

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

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

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® M3N-H/HDMI 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.

1.2 Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

Motherboard ASUS M3N-H/HDMI

Cables 2 x Serial ATA power cable for 3 devices 2 x Serial ATA power cable for 3 devices2 x Serial ATA power cable for 3 devices 3 x Serial ATA signal cables 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable 1 x Floppy disk drive cable

Accessories 1 x ASUS Q-Shield 1 x ASUS Q-ShieldASUS Q-Shield 1 x ASUS Q-Connector Kit (USB, 1394, system panel; Retail version only) 1 x D-Sub connector module 1 x HDMI to DVI converter

Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD

Documentation User guide

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

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 1-1

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

Green ASUS

This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision

of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard

consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.

AMD® Socket AM2+ Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ CPU support

This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM2+ multi-core processors with unique L3 cache and delivers better overclocking capabilities with less power consumption. It features dual-channel DDR2 1066 memory support and accelerates data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s via HyperTransport™ 3.0 based system bus. See page 2-6 for details.

HyperTransport™ 3.0 support

HyperTransport™ 3.0 technology provides 2.6 times more bandwidth than

HyperTransport™ 1.0, radically improving system efciency to create a smoother,

faster computing environment.

AMD® Socket AM2 Athlon™ Series / Sempron™ CPU support

This motherboard supports AMD processors. It features 2000/1600 MT/s HyperTransport™-based system bus, dual-channel un-buffered DDR2 800 memory support, and AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology. See page 2-6 for details.

Socket AM2 Athlon™ Series / Sempron™

NVIDIA® GeForce 8300

NVIDIA® GeForce 8300 offers the latest support of Hybrid SLI Technology, DirectX® 10 graphics features, HD video playback with HDMI/DVI output. It also supports HyperTransport™ 3.0 interface, PCI Express™ 2.0 bus architecture,

Serial ATA 3 Gb/s devices and is optimized with AMD’s latest AM2+ and multi-core

CPUs to provide excellent system performance.

Native DDR2 1066 support

This motherboard is the rst AMD® platform with native DDR2 1066 support.

It provides faster data transfer rate and more bandwidth to increase memory

computing efciency, enhancing system performance in 3D graphics and other

memory demanding applications. See page 2-11 for details.

DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+ CPUs only.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

NVIDIA® Hybrid SLI Technology

Hybrid SLI™ Technology is a unique hybrid multi-GPU technology. It includes two primary features: GeForce Boost and HybridPower™. GeForce Boost turbo-charges performance of discrete graphics cards when combined with M3N series motherboard GPUs. HybridPower™ unleashes graphics performance for demanding 3D applications and enables low-power operation for everyday computing needs. You can switch from the discrete GeForce GPU(s) to the motherboard GPU for a quiet, low power PC experience. See page 2-19 for details.

Geforce Boost and HybridPower™ are independent on select GeForce GPUs. Visit www.nvidia.com/hybridsli for more information.

HDMI/DVI/D-Sub Interface

HDMI (High-Denition Multimedia Interface) is a set of digital video standards that

delivers multi-channel audio and uncompressed digital video through a single cable for full HD 1080p visuals. Supporting HDCP copy protection such as HD DVD and Blu-ray Discs, HDMI provides you with the highest-quality home theater experience.

DVI (Digital Visual Interface) provides high quality visuals for digital display devices like LCD monitors. See page 2-22 for details.

This motherboard is bundled with an HDMI-to-DVI conversion adaptor.

PCIe 2.0 support

This motherboard supports the latest PCIe 2.0 devices for double speed and bandwidth which enhances system performance. See page 2-19 for details.

Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s technology

This motherboard supports the next-generation hard disk drives based on the

Serial ATA (SATA) 3Gb/s storage specications, delivering enhanced scalability

and doubling the bus bandwidth for high-speed data retrieval and save. It allows

RAID 0, 1, 0+1 and 5 congurations for two SATA connectors. See page 2-26 for

details.

IEEE 1394a support

The IEEE 1394a interface provides high speed digital interface for audio/video appliances such as digital television, digital video camcorders, storage peripherals, and other PC portable devices. See page 2-21 and 2-28 for details.

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 1-3

S/PDIF digital sound ready

This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio systems via the coaxial S/PDIF (SONY-PHILIPS Digital Interface) Out jack. It allows digital audio transferring without converting it to analog format, and therefore well preserves signal quality. See page 2-22 and 2-34 for details.

High Denition Audio

Enjoy high-end sound quality on your PC! The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High Denition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality 192KHz/24-bit audio output that simultaneously sends different audio streams to

different destinations. You can now talk to your partners on the headphones while playing multi-channel network games. See page 2-21 and 2-22 for details.

1.3.2 ASUS AI Lifestyle unique features

ASUS Express Gate Lite

Just 5 seconds to boot up, the ASUS Express Gate Lite allows you to instantly surf the Internet without entering Windows. You can now enjoy Skype, IM, YouTube,

webmail and Internet le downloads and sharing whenever and wherever you want! See page 4-36, 5-30 to 5-36 for details .

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution

ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the overclocking capability.

AI Gear 2

AI Gear 2 allows you to choose from proles to adjust CPU frequency and vCore voltage, minimizing system noise and saving CPU power consumption

at most. You can real-time chnage the mode under operating system to suit your needs. See page 5-26 for details.

AI Nap

With AI Nap, the system can continue running at minimum power and noise when you are temporarily away. To wake the system and return to the OS environment, simply click the mouse or press a key. See page 5-27 for details.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Q-Fan 2

ASUS Q-Fan2 technology intelligently adjusts both CPU fan and chassis

fan speeds according to system loading to ensure quiet, cool and efcient

operation. See page 4-29 and 5-28 for details.

ASUS Crystal Sound

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

Noise Filter

This feature detects repetitive and stationary noises (non-voice signals) like computer fans, air conditioners, and other background noises then eliminates it in the incoming audio stream while recording. See page 5-17 for details.

ASUS EZ DIY

ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you easy ways to install computer components, update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings.

ASUS Q-Shield

The specially designed ASUS Q-Shield does without the usual “ngers”—

making it convenient and easy to install. With better electric conductivity, it ideally protects your motherboard against static electricity and shields it against Electronic Magnetic Interference (EMI).

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. See page 2-36 for details.

ASUS EZ Flash 2

ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply press the

predened hotkey to launch the utility and update the BIOS without entering

the OS. Update your BIOS easily without preparing a bootable diskette or

using an OS-based ash utility. See page 4-5 and 4-35 for details.

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 1-5

Smart Support DVD

This feature provides a checklist that allows the user to know which drivers are already installed, as well as those that are not. When using ASUS PC Probe II, you can easily monitor the critical components of the computer.

ASUS MyLogo 2™

This feature allows you to convert your favorite photo into a 256-color boot logo for a more colorful and vivid image on your screen. See page 4-33 and 5-9 for details.

1.3.3 ASUS intelligent performance and overclocking

features

Precision Tweaker

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

increment to achieve maximum system performance.

AI Booster

The ASUS AI Booster allows you to overclock the CPU speed in Windows environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS. See page 5-29 for details.

C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)

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

1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes description of the jumpers and connectors on the motherboard.

Chapter 2: Hardware

information

Chapter summary

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

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

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-6

2.4 System memory ......................................................................... 2-11

2.5 Expansion slots .......................................................................... 2-17

2.6 Jumper ........................................................................................ 2-20

2.7 Connectors ................................................................................. 2-21

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI

2.1 Before you proceed

M3N-H/HDMI

SB_PWR

Standy Power Powered Off

OFF

M3N-H/HDMI Onboard LED

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

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

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

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

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

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

Onboard LED

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

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI

2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview

M3N-H/HDMI

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

Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.

2.2.1 Placement direction

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

2.2.2 Screw holes

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

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

Place this side towards

the rear of the chassis

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.2.3 Motherboard layout

24.5cm (9.6in)

30.5cm (12.0in)

M3N-H/HDMI

DDR DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module)

DDR DIMM_B1 (64bit, 240-pin module)

DDR DIMM_A2 (64bit, 240-pin module)

DDR DIMM_B2 (64bit, 240-pin module)

PCIEX16_1

FLOPPY

ALC883

Attansic

AAFP

SPDIF_OUT

CHA_FAN1

PWR_FAN

COM1 IE1394_2 USB78

BIOS

USB910

VGA

USB1112

CLRTC

PRI_IDE

SATA2

SATA4

SATA3

SATA1

SATA5

SATA6

CHASSIS

PANEL

SB_PWR

PCI1

PCI2

PCI3

PCIEX1_1

PCIEX1_2

ATX12V

EATXPWR

CPU_FAN

KB_USB56

F_USB34

HDMI

SPDIF_O1

LAN1_USB12

AUDIO

nVidia

GeForce 8300

Super

I/O

agere

L-FW3227

SOCKET AM2

Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI

Refer to 2.7 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and

2-3

internal connectors.

2.2.4 Layout contents

Slots Page

1. DDR2 DIMM slots 2-11

2. PCI slots 2-18

3. PCI Express x1 slots 2-18

4. PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot 2-19

Jumper Page

Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 2-20

Rear panel connectors Page

1. PS/2 keyboard port (purple)PS/2 keyboard port (purple) 2-21

2. IEEE 1394a port 2-21

3. LAN (RJ-45) port. 2-21

4. Center/Subwoofer port (orange) 2-21

5. Rear Speaker Out port (black) 2-21

6. Line In port (light blue) 2-21

7. Line Out port (lime) 2-21

8. Microphone port (pink) 2-21

9. Side Speaker Out port (gray) 2-21

10. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2 2-22

11. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4 2-22

12. HDMI Out portHDMI Out port 2-22

13. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port Coaxial S/PDIF Out port 2-22

14. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6 2-22

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Internal connectors Page

1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) 2-24

2. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) 2-25

3. NVIDIA GeForce 8300 Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1-6) 2-26

4. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112)USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112)

5. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2) 2-28

6. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN1, 3-pin PWR_FAN)

7. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS) 2-30

8. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 4-pin ATX12V) 2-31

9. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 2-32

10. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD) 2-33

11. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1) 2-33

12. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 2-34

13. Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) connector (16-pin VGA) 2-34

14. System panel connector (20-8-pin PANEL) 2-35

15. ASUS Q-Connector (system panel) 2-36

2-27

2-29

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI

2-5

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

M3N-H/HDMI

M3N-H/HDMI CPU SOCKET AM2

The motherboard comes with an AM2+/AM2 socket designed for AMDAM2+/AM2 socket designed for AMD socket designed for AMDAMD® Socket AM2+ Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors or for SocketPhenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors or for Socket AM2 Athlon series / Sempron processors.

The AM2+/AM2 socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the AMD Opteron processor. Make sure you use a CPU designed for the

AM2+/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!

2.3.1 Installing the CPU

To install a CPU:

1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.

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

Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to a 90º angle; otherwise, the CPU will not t in completely.

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Socket lever

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 ts in place.

Gold triangle

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.

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI

2-7

2.3.2 Installing the heatsink and fan

The AMD® Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™/ Sempron™ processor requires aPhenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™/ Sempron™ processor requires aprocessor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.

Make sure that you use only AMD-certied heatsink and fan assembly.

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.

•

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.

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.

Make sure that the fan and

heatsink assembly perfectly ts

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.

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 2-9

5. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable

M3N-H/HDMI

M3N-H/HDMI CPU fan connector

CPU_FAN

CPU FAN PWM

CPU FAN IN

CPU FAN PWR

GND

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.

• This connector is backward compatiable with old 3-pin CPU fan.

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.4 System memory

M3N-H/HDMI

M3N-H/HDMI 240-pin DDR2 DIMM sockets

2.4.1 Overview

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

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

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 2-11

2.4.2 Memory congurations

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

Recommended Memory Congurations

Sockets

Mode

Single-Channel

Dual-channel (1) Populated – Populated –

Dual-channel (2) Populated Populated Populated Populated

• You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The

• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum

• If you install four 1 GB memory modules, the system may only recognize

• If you install Windows® XP/Vista 32-bit operation system, a total memory of

• This motherboard does not support memory modules made up of 128 Mb

DIMM_A1

(yellow)

– – Populated –

Populated – – –

system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel conguration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then

mapped for single-channel operation.

compatibility, it is recommended that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor.

less than 3GB because the address space is reserved for other critical functions. This limitation appears on Windows® XP/Vista 32-bit operation system which does not support Physical Address Extension (PAE).

less than 3GB is recommended.

chips.

DIMM_A2

(black)

DIMM_B1

(yellow)

DIMM_B2

(black)

Due to OS limitation, this motherboard can only support up to 8 GB on the operating systems listed below. You may install a maximum of 2 GB DIMMs on each slot.

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Windows® XP Professional x64 Edition

Windows

64-bit

Vista x64 Edition

M3N-H/HDMI Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-800MHz capability for AM2 CPU

DIMM socket support

Chip

Size Vendor Chip No. CL

512MB KINGSTON K4T51083QC 5 SEC SS KVR800D2N5/512 • •

1GB KINGSTON V59C1512804QBF25 N/A N/A DS KVR800D2N5/1G •

512MB Qimonda HYB18T512800BF25F 5-5-5 N/A SS HYS64T64000HU-25F-B • • •

1GB Qimonda HYB18T512800BF25F 5-5-5 N/A DS HYS64T128020HU-25F-B •

2GB Qimonda HYB18T1G800C2F-25F 5 QIMONDA DS HYS64T256020EU-25F-C2 •

512MB Hynix HY5PS12821CFP-S5 5-5-5 Hynix SS HYMP564U64CP8-S5 • • •

1GB Hynix HY5PS12821CFP-S5 5-5-5 Hynix DS HYMP512U64CP8-S5 • •

512MB MICRON D9GKX N/A N/A SS MT8HTF6464AY-80ED4 • • •

1GB CORSAIR Heat-Sink Package 4 N/A DS CM2X1024-6400C4 • • •

1GB ELPIDA E1108AB-8E-E(ECC) 5 ELPIDA SS EBE10EE8ABFA-8E-E • •

1GB Crucial Heat-Sink Package 4 N/A DS BL12864AA804.16FD • •

1GB Crucial Heat-Sink Package 4 N/A DS BL12864AL804.16FD3 • • •

1GB Crucial Heat-Sink Package 4 N/A DS BL12864AA804.16FD3 • •

1GB Apacer Heat-Sink Package 5 N/A DS AHU01GE800C5K1C • •

2GB Apacer AM4B5808CQJS8E 5 APACER DS 78.A1GA0.9K4 •

512MB A-DATA AD29608A8A-25EG N/A N/A SS M2OAD6G3H3160G1E53 • • •

512MB KINGMAX KKA8FEIBF-HJK-25A N/A KINGMAX SS KLDC28F-A8KI5 • •

1GB KINGMAX KKA8FEIBF-HJK-25A N/A KINGMAX DS KLDD48F-ABKI5 • •

512MB Super Talent Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A SS T800UA12C4 • • •

512MB NANYA NT5TU64M8BE-25C 5 NANYA SS NT512T64U880BY-25C • • •

1GB NANYA NT5TU64M8BE-25C 5 NANYA DS NT1GT64U8HB0BY-25C • •

1GB NANYA NT5TU64M8CE-25D N/A NANYA DS NT1GT64U8HCOBY-25D • •

512MB PSC A3R12E3HEF641B9A05 5 PSC SS AL6E8E63B8E1K • • •

1GB PSC A3R12E3HEF641B9A05 5 PSC DS AL7E8E63B-8E1K • • •

256MB TwinMOS E2508AB-GE-E 5 ELPIDA SS 8G-24IK2-EBT • •

1GB Elixir N2TU51280BE-25C N/A Elixir DS M2Y1G64TU8HB0B-25C • • •

Brand

SS/ DS

Part No.

(Optional)

A* B* C*

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 2-13

M3N-H/HDMI Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-667MHz capability for AM2 CPU

DIMM socket support

Size Vendor Chip No. CL

512MB KINGSTON D6408TEBGGL3U 5 KINGSTON SS KVR667D2N5/512 • • •

256MB KINGSTON HYB18T256800AF3S 5 N/A SS KVR667D2N5/256 •

256MB KINGSTON 6SBI2D9DCG 5 MICRON SS KVR667D2N5/256 • •

1GB KINGSTON E5108AGBG-6E-E N/A KINGSTON DS KVR667D2N5/1G • • •

2GB KINGSTON E1108AB-6E-E N/A ELPIDA DS KVR667D2N5/2G • •

512MB Qimonda HYB18T512800BF3S(ECC) 5-5-5 N/A SS HYS72T64000HU-3S-B •

1GB Qimonda HYB18T512800BF3S(ECC) 5-5-5 N/A DS HYS72T128020HU-3S-B • •

512MB Qimonda HYB18T512800BF3S 5 N/A SS HYS64T64000HU-3S-B • •

1GB Qimonda HYB18T512800BF3S 5 N/A DS HYS64T128020HU-3S-B •

512MB SAMSUNG K4T51163QE-ZCE6 5 SAMSUNG DS M378T3354EZ3-CE6 •

256MB SAMSUNG K4T51083QE 5 SAMSUNG SS M378T6553EZS-CE6 • • •

1GB SAMSUNG K4T51083QE 5 SAMSUNG DS M378T2953EZ3-CE6 • • •

256MB Hynix HY5PS121621CFP-Y5 5 Hynix SS HYMP532U64CP6-Y5 • •

1GB Hynix HY5PS12821CFP-Y5 5 Hynix DS HYMP512U64CP8-Y5 • • •

256MB CORSAIR MIII00605 N/A N/A SS VS256MB667D2 • •

512MB CORSAIR 64M8CFEG N/A N/A SS VS512MB667D2 • • •

1GB CORSAIR 64M8CFEG N/A N/A DS VS1GB667D2 • •

256MB ELPIDA E2508AB-6E-E 5 ELPIDA SS EBE25UC8ABFA-6E-E • •

512MB A-DATA AD29608A8A-3EG 5 A-DATA SS M2OAD5G3H3166I1C52 • • •

1GB A-DATA AD29608A8A-3EG 5 A-DATA DS M2OAD5G3I4176I1C52 • • •

2GB A-DATA NT5TU128M8BJ-3C N/A N/A DS M2ONY5H3J4170I1C5Z • •

512MB crucial Heat-Sink Package 3 N/A SS BL6464AA663.8FD • • •

1GB crucial Heat-Sink Package 3 N/A DS BL12864AA663.16FD • •

1GB crucial Heat-Sink Package 3 N/A DS BL12864AL664.16FD • • •

512MB Apacer AM4B5708GQJS7E0628F 5 APACER SS AU512E667C5KBGC • •

1GB Apacer AM4B5708GQJS7E 5 APACER DS AU01GE667C5KBGC • •

256MB Kingmax N2TU51216AG-3C 5 NANYA SS KLCB68F-36KH5 •

512MB Kingmax KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX 5 KINGMAX SS KLCC28F-A8KB5 • •

1GB Kingmax KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX 5 KINGMAX DS KLCD48F-A8KB5 • •

512MB Super Talent Heat-Sink Package 5 N/A SS T6UA512C5 • • •

1GB Super Talent Heat-Sink Package 5 N/A DS T6UB1GC5 • • •

512MB NANYA NT5TU64M8BE-3C 5 NANYA SS NT512T64U88B0BY-3C • • •

512MB PSC A3R12E3GEF637BLC5N 5 PSC SS AL6E8E63B-6E1K • • •

1GB PSC A3R12E3GEF637BLC5N 5 PSC DS AL7E8E63B-6E1K • • •

512MB TwinMOS TMM6208G8M30C 5 TwinMOS SS 8D-23JK5M2ETP • • •

Chip Brand

SS/

Part No.

(Optional)

A* B* C*

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware information

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

• A*: Supports one module inserted into either slot as Single-channel

memory conguration.

• B*: Supports two modules inserted into either the yellow slots or the black

slots as one pair of Dual-channel memory conguration.

• C*: Supports four modules inserted into both the yellow slots and the

black slots as two pairs of Dual-channel memory conguration.

Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL.

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 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.

• 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.

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM

To remove a DIMM:

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

DDR2 DIMM notch

Unlocked retaining clip

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

2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 2-17

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments

Standard interrupt assignments

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 Reserved

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 Reserved

13 8 Numeric Data Processor

14 9 Primary IDE Channel

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

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

A B C D E F G H

PCIE x16_1 shared shared shared shared – – – – USB 1.0 controller 1 – – – shared – – – – USB 1.0 controller 2 – – – shared – – – – USB 1.0 controller 3 – – – shared – – – – USB 1.0 controller 4 – – – shared – – – – USB 2.0 controller – – – shared – – – – HD audio shared – – – – – – – Onboard SATA – – – – shared – –

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 on the next page for

the location of the slots.

2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slots

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 on the

next page for the locatino of the slots.

2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot

This motherboard supports PCI Express 2.0 x16 graphics cards that complies with

the PCI Express specications. Refer to the gure below for the location of the slot.

PCI Express x1_1 slot

PCI Express 2.0 x16_1 slot

PCI_1 slot

PCI_2 slot

PCI_3 slot

PCI Express x 1_2 slot

• Currently, only Windows® Vista operation system supports Hybrid SLI™ mode.

• Currently, only NVIDIA® GeForce® 8500 GT and GeForce® 8400 GS graphics cards support GeForce Boost function under Hybrid SLI™ mode.

• Currently, only NVIDIA® GeForce® 9800 GX2 and GeForce® 9800 GTX graphics cards support Hybrid Power function under Hybrid SLI™ mode.

• Use only the onboard HDMI/DVI/D-Sub port for video signal output when activating the Hybird Power function under Hybrid SLI™ mode.

• Visit www.nvidia.com/hybridsli for more information about Hybrid SLI™ support.

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 2-19

M3N-H/HDMI

M3N-H/HDMI Clear RTC RAM

Disable (Default)

Enable

CLRTC

2.6 Jumper

Clear RTC RAM (3-pin 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. 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.

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

4. 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!

If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and move the jumper again to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. After the CMOS clearance, reinstall the battery.

• 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.

• Due to the chipset limitation, AC power off is required prior using C.P.R. function. You must turn off and on the power supply or unplug and plug the power cord before reboot the system.

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.7 Connectors

1 2 3 4

91114 1013

5 687

2.7.1 Rear panel connectors

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

2. IEEE 1394a port.IEEE 1394a port. This 6-pin IEEE 1394a port provides high-speed

connectivity for audio/video devices, storage peripherals, PCs, or portable devices.

3. LAN (RJ-45) port. Supported by Marvell® 88E1116 Gigabit LAN controller,

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.

LAN port LED indications

Activity/Link LED Speed LED Status Description Status Description

OFF No link OFF 10 Mbps connection

ORANGE Linked ORANGE 100 Mbps connection

BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1 Gbps connection

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

speakers.

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

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

6. Line In port (light blue). This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player, or

other audio sources.

7. 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.

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

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

8-channel audio conguration.

ACT/LINK

LED

LAN port

SPEED

LED

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

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 2-21

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

Port

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 Ou Rear Speaker Out

Gray – – – Side Speaker Out

10. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are

11. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are

12. HDMI Out port. This port is for a high-denition multimedia interface (HDMI)

Headset 2-channel

4-channel 6-channel 8-channel

available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

connector.

• This motherboard comes with dual-VGA outputs that features different displays on 2 monitors at the same time if you connect 2 monitors to both the onboard VGA and HDMI ports.

• With the bundled HDMI-to-DVI conversion adapter, this motherboard can also support DVI output.

• Playback of HD DVD and Blu-Ray Discs The speed and bandwidth of the CPU/Memory, DVD player, and drivers will

affect the playback quality. Following is a conguration example for your

reference. Using the CPU/Memory of higher speed and bandwidth with the higher-version DVD player and drivers will upgrade the playback quality.

CPU: AMD K8 M2 Athlon64 ADH1600IAA5DH/1M Rev.F3

DIMM: DDR2-800 1G x1 HDD: Maxtor 6Y120M0 (SATA150) ODD: LG GBW-H10N

• To play HD DVD or Blu-Ray Disc, make sure to use an HDCP compliant monitor.

Before enabling the HybridPower™ function, ensure that you have connected your display to the onboard VGA port or the HDMI/DVI port at the rear panel.

13. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port.Coaxial S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device

via a coaxial S/PDIF cable.

14. USB 2.0 ports 5 and 6. These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are

available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware information

Troubleshooting on HDTV overscaling or underscaling:

If your desktop is extending beyond the viewable display area or the desktop or

image is not lling the entire display area while using the onboard HDMI out port and the HDMI cable, you can resize the desktop appearing on your HDTV screen.

To resize your HDTV desktop:

1. Install NVIDIA Chipset Driver Program from the motherboard support DVD.

2. Right-click the desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel.

3. Under Video & Television, select Resize HDTV desktop.

4. Select Resize my desktop and click Resize Desktop.

5. A full-screen adjustment tool appears. Use the scroll bar to

resize the desktop to t your display

device. Click OK to exit.

The Resize my desktop function in the NVIDIA Control Panel appears only when you are using an HDTV compliance resolution such as 480i, 720i, or 1080i.

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 2-23

2.7.2 Internal connectors

M3N-H/HDMI

FLOPPY

NOTE:Orient the red markings on the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1.

PIN1

M3N-H/HDMI Floppy disk drive connector

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.

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

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information

M3N-H/HDMI

PRI_IDE

NOTE:Orient the red markings on the IDE ribbon cable to PIN 1.

PIN1

M3N-H/HDMI IDE connector

2. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)

The onboard IDE connector is for the Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33 signal cable. There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33 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.

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 2-25

Drive jumper setting Mode of

Cable connector

device(s)

Single device Cable-Select or Master – Black

Master Black

Slave Gray

Two devices

Cable-Select

Master Master Black or gray

Slave Slave

• Pin 20 on the IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole on the Ultra DMA cable connector. This prevents incorrect insertion when you connect the IDE cable.

• Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33 IDE devices.

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

3. NVIDIA® GeForce 8300 Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1-6)

M3N-H/HDMI

M3N-H/HDMI SATA connectors

GND RSATA_TXP5 RSATA_TXN5

GND RSATA_RXP5

RSATA_RXN5

GND

SATA5

GND RSATA_TXP2 RSATA_TXN2

GND RSATA_RXP2

RSATA_RXN2

GND

SATA2

GND RSATA_TXP1 RSATA_TXN1

GND RSATA_RXP1

RSATA_RXN1

GND

SATA1

GND RSATA_TXP4 RSATA_TXN4

GND RSATA_RXP4

RSATA_RXN4

GND

SATA4

GND RSATA_TXP6 RSATA_TXN6

GND RSATA_RXP6

RSATA_RXN6

GND

SATA6

GND RSATA_TXP3 RSATA_TXN3

GND RSATA_RXP3

RSATA_RXN3

GND

SATA3

These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk and optical disk drives.

If you install SATA hard disk drives to the SATA connectors, you can create

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

onboard NVIDIA® GeForce 8300 controller.

• SATA1-4 connectors are set to [IDE] by default. If you intend to create

a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, set the SATA Operation Mode item in the BIOS to [RAID].

• Before creating a RAID set, refer to the manual bundled in the motherboard support DVD.

• SATA 5-6 connectors support AHCI mode and RAID mode only. Make sure to install the AHCI driver or RAID driver in the bundled support DVD before connecting devices to SATA 5-6 connectors. Otherwise, the devices will not work.

• Due to chipset limitation, when set any of SATA ports to RAID mode, all SATA ports run at RAID mode together.

• You must install the Windows XP® Service Pack 1 before using Serial ATA hard disk drives. The Serial ATA RAID feature (RAID 0 and RAID 1) is available only if you are using Windows XP® or later version.

Right angle side

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

conict with huge graphics cards.

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information

4. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB 78, USB910, USB1112)

M3N-H/HDMI

M3N-H/HDMI USB 2.0 connectors

PIN 1

USB+5V

USB_P8-

USB_P8+

GND

USB+5V

USB_P7-

USB_P7+

GND

USB78

PIN 1

USB+5V

USB_P10-

USB_P10+

GND

USB+5V

USB_P9-

USB_P9+

GND

USB910

PIN 1

USB+5V

USB_P12-

USB_P12+

GND

USB+5V

USB_P11-

USB_P11+

GND

USB1112

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.

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

motherboard!

You can connect the front panel USB cable to the ASUS Q-Connector (USB,

blue) rst, and then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector

onboard if your chassis supports front panel USB ports.

The USB module is purchased separately.

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 2-27

5. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)

M3N-H/HDMI

M3N-H/HDMI IEEE 1394 connector

PIN 1

TPA2-

GND

TPB2-

+12V

GND

TPA2+

GND

TPB2+

+12V

IE1394_2

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.

Never connect a USB cable to the IEEE 1394a connector. Doing so will damage

the motherboard!

You can connect the front panel 1394 cable to the ASUS Q-Connector (1394,

red) rst, and then install the Q-Connector (1394) to the 1394 connector

onboard if your chassis supports front panel 1394 ports.

The IEEE 1394a module is purchased separately.

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware information

6. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin

M3N-H/HDMI

M3N-H/HDMI Fan connectors

CHA_FAN1

CPU_FAN PWR_FAN

Rotation

+12V

GND

GND +12V Rotation

CPU FAN PWM

CPU FAN IN

CPU FAN PWR

GND

CHA_FAN1, 3-pin PWR_FAN)

The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350 mA~2000 mA (24 W max.) or a total of 1 A~7 A (84 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. Insufcient air ow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. These are not jumpers! Do not place jumper caps on the fan connectors!

Only the CPU_FAN and CHA_FAN 1 connectors support the ASUS Q FAN2 feature.

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI

2-29

7. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)

M3N-H/HDMI

M3N-H/HDMI Chassis intrusion connector

GND

Chassis Signal

+5VSB_MB

CHASSIS

This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detection sensor or switch. Connect one end of the chassis intrusion sensor or switch cable to this connector. The chassis intrusion sensor or switch sends a high-level signal to this connector when a chassis component is removed or replaced. The signal is then generated as a chassis intrusion event.

By default , the pin labeled “Chassis Signal” and “Ground” are shorted with a jumper cap. Remove the jumper caps only when you intend to use the chassis intrusion detection feature.

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware information

8. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR; 4-pin ATX12V)

M3N-H/HDMI

M3N-H/HDMI ATX power connectors

EATXPWR

PIN 1

GND +5 Volts +5 Volts +5 Volts

-5 Volts GND GND GND PSON# GND

-12 Volts +3 Volts

+3 Volts +12 Volts +12 Volts

+5V Standby

Power OK

GND

+5 Volts

GND

+5 Volts

GND +3 Volts +3 Volts

ATX12V

PIN 1

+12V DC +12V DC

GND GND

These connectors are for 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.

• For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit (PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specication 2.0 (or later version)

and provides a minimum power of 600 W.

• 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.

• If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your system, refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator at http://support.asus.com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator. aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details.

• The ATX 12 V Specication 2.0-compliant (500W) PSU has been tested

to support the motherboard power requirements with the following conguration: CPU: AMD FX-62 Memory 1024 MB DDR2-800 (x4) Graphics card: PCI Express x16 NVIDIA 7900GTX Serial ATA device: SATA hard disk drive (x2) Optical drives: DVD-RW

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI

2-31

M3N-H/HDMI

M3N-H/HDMI Analog front panel connector

PIN 1

AAFP

GND

PRESENCE#

SENSE1_RETUR

SENSE2_RETUR

PORT1 L

PORT1 R

PORT2 R

SENSE_SEND

PORT1 L

HD-audio-compliant

pin definition

PIN 1

AGNDNCNC

MIC2

MICPWR

Line out_R

Line out_L

Legacy AC’97

compliant definition

9. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)

This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.

• We recommend that you connect a high-denition front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the motherboard’s high-denition audio

capability.

• If you want to connect a high-denition front panel audio module to this

connector, set the Front Panel Support Type item in the BIOS setup to

[HD Audio]; if you want to connect an AC'97 front panel audio module to

this connector, set the item to [AC97]. By default, this connector is set to [HD Audio]. See section 4.4.6 Onboard Devices Conguration for details.

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware information

10. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD)

M3N-H/HDMI

Left Audio Channel GND GND Right Audio Channel

M3N-H/HDMI Internal audio connector

M3N-H/HDMI

M3N-H/HDMI Serial port (COM1) connector

COM1

These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card.

11. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM1)

This connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.

The COM module is purchased separately.

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI

2-33

12. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)

M3N-H/HDMI

M3N-H/HDMI Digital audio connector

+5V

SPDIFOUT

GND

SPDIF_OUT

M3N-H/HDMI

M3N-H/HDMI Onboard VGA connector

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.

13. Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) connector (16-pin VGA)

This connector is for the onboard VGA connection, allowing you to connect a display device to your system. Connect the VGA Out module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.

Graphics card

For easier VGA module installation, install the VGA module to an expansion slot below the discrete graphics card.

VGA module

2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware information

14. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)

M3N-H/HDMI

M3N-H/HDMI System panel connector

PIN 1

* Requires an ATX power supply

PLED SPEAKER

PLED+

PLED-

+5V

Ground

Speaker

IDE_LED+

IDE_LED-

PWR

Ground

Reset

Ground

PANEL

IDE_LED PWRSW RESET

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 PWRSR)

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.

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI

2-35

15. ASUS Q-Connector (system panel)

You can use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect chassis front panel cables in a few steps. Refer to the instructions below to install the ASUS Q-Connector.

1. Connect the front panel cables to the ASUS Q-Connector.

Refer to the labels on the Q-Connector

to know the detailed pin denitions, then

match them to the respective front panel cable labels.

2. Install the ASUS Q-Connector to the system panel connector, making sure the orientation matches the labels on the motherboard.

3. The front panel functions are now enabled.

The gure shows the Q-Connector properly

installed on the motherboard.

2-36 Chapter 2: Hardware information

This chapter describes the power up sequence, the vocal POST messages, and ways of shutting down the system.

Chapter 3:

Powering up

Chapter summary

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

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

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI

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 <Delete> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the instructions in Chapter 4.

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 3-1

3.2 Turning off the computer

3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function

If you are using Windows® XP:

1. Click the

2. Click the

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

If you are using Windows® Vista™:

1. Click the Start button then select ShutDown.

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

button then select

Start

Turn Off

button to shut down the computer.

Turn Off Computer

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 Chapter 4 for details.

4.5 Power Menu

3-2 Chapter 3: Powering up

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

Chapter 4:

BIOS setup