Asus M4N98TD EVO User Manual

M4N98TD
EVO

Motherboard

E5365

First Edition (V1)
February 2010

Copyright © 2010 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, 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
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LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE),
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SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR
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etc to this email address).

ii

Contents

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

Notices ......................................................................................................................

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

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

M4N98TD EVO specications summary ..................................................................xi

Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

1.2 Package contents

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

1.3.2 ASUS unique features

Chapter 2: Hardware information

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

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

2.2.1 Motherboard layout .....................................................................

2.2.2 Layout contents ...........................................................................

2.2.3 Placement direction

2.2.4 Screw holes

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

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

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

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

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

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

2.4.3 Installing a DIMM ......................................................................

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

2.5 Expansion slots

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card

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

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments

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

2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slots .................................................................

2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots .........................................................

2.6 Jumpers ....................................................................................................

2.7 Onboard switches ....................................................................................

2.8 Connectors ...............................................................................................

2.8.1 Rear panel connectors ..............................................................

....................................................................................... 1-1

.......................................................................................... 1-2

........................................................................ 1-2

................................................................. 1-3

2-2

2-2

2-3

..................................................................... 2-4

................................................................................. 2-4

2-5

2-5

2-7

2-10

2-10

2-11

2-14

2-14

........................................................................................ 2-15

...................................................... 2-15

2-15

................................................................ 2-16

2-17

2-17

2-17

2-18

2-20

2-22

2-22

vii

iii

Contents

2.8.2 Audio I/O connections ............................................................... 2-23

2.8.3 Internal connectors

2.8.4. ASUS Q-Connector (system panel) ..........................................

2.9 Onboard LEDs ..........................................................................................

2.10 Starting up for the rst time ....................................................................

2.11 Turning off the computer .........................................................................

Chapter 3: BIOS setup

3.1 Knowing BIOS ............................................................................................3-1

3.2 Updating BIOS ............................................................................................

3.2.1 ASUS Update utility

3.2.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ...............................................................

3.2.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility

3.3 BIOS setup program ..................................................................................

3.3.1 BIOS menu screen ......................................................................

3.3.2 Menu bar .....................................................................................

3.3.3 Navigation keys ...........................................................................

3.3.4 Menu items

3.3.5 Submenu items ...........................................................................

3.3.6 Conguration elds .....................................................................

3.3.7 Pop-up window

3.3.8 Scroll bar .....................................................................................

3.3.9 General help

3.4 Main menu ..................................................................................................

3.4.1

3.4.2 Storage Conguration ...............................................................

3.4.3 System Information ...................................................................

3.5 Ai Tweaker menu ......................................................................................

3.5.1 Ai Overclock Tuner ....................................................................

3.5.2 DRAM Timing Conguration

3.5.3 CPU Ratio .................................................................................

3.5.4 DRAM Frequency

3.5.5

3.5.6 HT Link Speed ..........................................................................

3.5.7 DRAM Driving Conguration .....................................................

3.5.8 Processor Voltage .....................................................................

3.5.9 CPU/NB Voltage

3.5.10 CPU VDDA Voltage ...................................................................

3.5.11 DRAM Voltage

Primary IDE Master/Slave; SATA 1–4 .........................................3-8

CPU/NB Frequency................................................................... 3-12

.................................................................... 2-26

..................................................................... 3-2

................................................... 3-5

.................................................................................. 3-7

............................................................................ 3-7

................................................................................ 3-7

...................................................... 3-12

...................................................................... 3-12

........................................................................ 3-14

........................................................................... 3-14

2-34

2-35

2-37

2-37

3-1

3-4

3-6

3-6

3-6

3-7

3-7

3-7

3-7

3-8

3-10

3-10

3-11

3-11

3-12

3-12

3-13

3-14

3-14

iv

Contents

3.5.12 HT Voltage ................................................................................3-14

3.5.13 NB Voltage ................................................................................

3.5.14 nForce200 Voltage ....................................................................

3.5.15 CPU/LDT Spread Spectrum ......................................................

3.5.16 PCIE Spread Spectrum .............................................................

3.5.17 SATA Spread Spectrum ............................................................

3.5.18 PCI Spread Spectrum ...............................................................

3.6 Advanced menu .......................................................................................

3.6.1 CPU Conguration ....................................................................

3.6.2 Chipset ......................................................................................

3.6.3 Onboard Devices Conguration ................................................

3.6.4 PCIPnP .....................................................................................

3.6.5 USB Conguration ....................................................................

3.7 Power menu ..............................................................................................

3.7.1 Suspend Mode ..........................................................................

3.7.2 ACPI 2.0 Support ......................................................................

3.7.3 ACPI APIC Support ...................................................................

3.7.4 APM Conguration ....................................................................

3.7.5 Hardware Monitor

3.8 Boot menu ................................................................................................

3.8.1 Boot Device Priority

3.8.2 Boot Settings Conguration ......................................................

3.8.3 Security .....................................................................................

3.9 Tools menu ...............................................................................................

3.9.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ......................................................................

3.9.2 Express Gate ............................................................................

3.9.3 ASUS O.C. Prole .....................................................................

3.9.4 AI NET 2 ....................................................................................

3.10 Exit menu ..................................................................................................

...................................................................... 3-24

................................................................... 3-26

3-14

3-15

3-15

3-15

3-15

3-15

3-16

3-16

3-18

3-20

3-21

3-21

3-22

3-22

3-22

3-22

3-23

3-26

3-27

3-28

3-30

3-30

3-30

3-31

3-32

3-33

Chapter 4: Software support

4.1 Installing an operating system .................................................................4-1

4.2 Support DVD information ..........................................................................

4.2.1 Running the support DVD ...........................................................

4.2.2 Obtaining the software manuals

4.3 Software information .................................................................................

4.3.1 ASUS PC Probe II .......................................................................

4.3.2 ASUS AI Suite .............................................................................

4.3.3 ASUS Fan Xpert

.......................................................................... 4-5

.................................................. 4-2

4-1

4-1

4-3

4-3

4-4

v

Contents

4.3.4 ASUS EPU .................................................................................. 4-6

4.3.5 ASUS Express Gate

4.3.6 Audio congurations

4.3.7 ASUS AI Nap

4.3.8 ASUS TurboV ............................................................................

4.3.9 ASUS Turbo Key .......................................................................

4.4 RAID congurations ................................................................................

4.4.1 RAID denitions ........................................................................

4.4.2 Installing Serial ATA hard disks .................................................

4.4.3 Setting the RAID item in BIOS ..................................................

4.4.4 NVIDIA

®

MediaShield BIOS RAID congurations ..................... 4-13

4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk

4.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS ................

4.5.2 Creating a RAID driver disk in Windows

4.5.3 Installing the RAID driver during Windows

4.5.4 Using a USB oppy disk drive ...................................................

Chapter 5: NVIDIA® SLI™ technology support

5.1 NVIDIA® SLI™ technology ......................................................................... 5-1

5.1.1 Requirements ..............................................................................

5.1.2 Installing two SLI-ready graphics cards ......................................

5.1.3 Installing the device drivers .........................................................

5.1.4 Enabling the NVIDIA

5.2 NVIDIA

®

Hybrid SLI™ technology ............................................................ 5-5

.................................................................... 4-7

.................................................................... 4-8

............................................................................... 4-9

..................................................................... 4-17

®

.................................. 4-17

®

OS installation ...... 4-18

®

SLI™ technology ..................................... 5-2

4-10

4-11

4-12

4-12

4-12

4-13

4-17

4-18

5-1

5-1

5-2

vi

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.

REACH

Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of
Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at
ASUS REACH website at http://green.asus.com/english/REACH.htm.

DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to
enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin
indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in
municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.

DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. This symbol
of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal
waste.

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 adapter or extension cord. These devices
could interrupt the grounding circuit.

• Ensure 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, ensure all cables are correctly connected and the power
cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.

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

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

• Place the product on a stable surface.

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

technician or your retailer.

viii

About this guide

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

motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This guide contains the following parts:

• Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

• Chapter 2: Hardware information

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

• Chapter 3: 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 4: Software support

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

• Chapter 5: NVIDIA

This chapter describes the NVIDIA® SLI™ feature and shows the graphics card
installation procedures.

®

SLI™ technology support

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.

ix

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.

Italic

s 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> + <Del>

x

M4N98TD EVO specications summary

CPU AMD® Socket AM3; Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100

Chipset NVIDIA nForce® 980a SLI®

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

Memory 4 x DIMM, max. 16 GB, DDR3 2000(O.C.) / 1333 / 1066 MHz,

Multi-GPU support Supports NVIDIA® SLI™ Technology (dual at x16)

Expansion slots 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x16 slots (dual @ x16)

Storage NVIDIA nForce® 980a SLI® chipset

LAN Broadcom® B5071 Gigabit LAN controller featuring AI NET 2

Audio VIA® VT1708S 8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC

IEEE 1394 VIA® VT6308P controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a ports

USB 12 x USB 2.0 ports (6 ports at midboard; 6 ports at back panel)

Series Processors
AMD® 140W CPU Support
Supports 45nm CPU

Supports NVIDIA Clock Calibration (NVCC) function

ECC / non-ECC, un-buffered memory
Dual-channel memory architecture
* When you install a total memory of 4 GB capacity or more,

Windows® 32-bit operating system may only recognize less
than 3 GB. We recommend using a maximum of 3 GB system
memory if you are using a Windows® 32-bit OS.

** Refer to www.asus.com or this user manual for the Memory

QVL (Qualied Vendors Lists)

Supports NVIDIA® Hybrid SLI™ Technology

2 X PCI Express x1 slots
2 x PCI 2.2 slots

- 1 x Ultra DMA 133 / 100 port

- 5 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports (Legacy IDE operation is only
supported on ports 1–4)

- NVIDIA® MediaShield™ RAID supports RAID 0, 1, 0+1, 5, and
JBOD

- 1 x External SATA 3.0 Gb/s port (SATA On-the-Go)

- Supports Jack-Detection, Multi-Streaming, and Front Panel
Jack-Retasking

- Coaxial / Optical S/PDIF Out ports at back I/O

- ASUS Noise Filter

(one at midboard; one at back panel)

(continued on the next page)

xi

M4N98TD EVO specications summary

ASUS unique features ASUS Exclusive Features

ASUS exclusive
overclocking features

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

- Core Unlocker

- MemOK!

ASUS Power Solutions

- ASUS 8+1 Phase Power Design

- 100% Long-Life Solid Cap.

- EPU

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solutions

- ASUS Fanless Design: Heat pipe solution

- Stack Cool 3+

- Fan Xpert

ASUS Express Gate

ASUS Crystal Sound

- ASUS Noise Filter

ASUS EZ DIY

- ASUS Q-Connector

- ASUS O.C. Prole

- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

- ASUS EZ Flash 2

- ASUS MyLogo 2™

- Multi-language BIOS

ASUS exclusive overclocking tools

- ASUS TurboV

- ASUS Turbo Key

Precision Tweaker 2:

- vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.0125V increment

- vHT Bus: Adjustable HT voltage at 0.02V increment

- vDIMM: Adjustable DRAM voltage at 0.02V increment

- vChipset: Adjustable NB voltage at 0.02V increment

SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection):

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

- Memory tuning from 1066MHz up to 2000MHz

- PCIe frequency tuning from 100MHz to 200MHz at 1MHz

increment

Overclocking protection:

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

1 x PS/2 mouse port (green)
1 x Coaxial S/PDIF Out port
1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port
1 x External SATA port
1 x IEEE 1394a port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
6 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports
8-channel Audio I/O ports

(continued on the next page)

xii

M4N98TD EVO specications summary

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

BIOS features 8 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, SPI, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM 2.0,

Manageability WOL by PME, WOR by PME, WOR by Ring, PXE

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 IDE connector
1 x COM connector
5 x SATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors
1 x CPU Fan connector
2 x Chassis Fan connectors (1 x 4-pin, 1 x 3-pin)
1 x Power Fan connector
1 x IEEE1394a connector
1 x S/PDIF Out header
1 x MemOK! button
1 x Core Unlocker switch
Front panel audio connector
24-pin ATX Power connector
8-pin ATX 12V Power connector
System Panel (Q-Connector)

SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI 2.0a, ASUS EZ Flash 2,
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

ASUS Utilities
ASUS Update
Anti-virus software (OEM version)

xiii

xiv

Chapter 1

User Manual

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® M4N98TD EVO 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.

ASUS M4N98TD EVO motherboard 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100 cable

4 x Serial ATA cables 1 x ASUS SLI™ bridge connector

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 1-1

1 x 2-in-1 ASUS Q-Connector kit 1 x I/O Shield

User guide Support DVD

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

• The illustrated items above are for reference only. Actual product specications may

vary with different models.

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

Chapter 1

AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 Series Processors (socket AM3)

This motherboard supports AMD® AM3 multi-core processors with unique L3 cache and
delivers better overclocking capabilities with less power consumption. It features
dual-channel DDR3 1333 memory support and accelerates data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s
via HyperTransport™ 3.0 based system bus. This motherboard also supports AMD® CPUs in
the new 45nm manufacturing process.

NVIDIA nForce® 980a SLI® chipset

NVIDIA nForce® 980a SLI® media and communication processors (MCPs) power the most
feature-rich, high performance motherboards for AMD AM3 CPUs. The MCPs support the
NVIDIA® Scalable Link Interface (SLI) technology that allows two graphics processing units
(GPUs) in a single system. The NVIDIA nFORCE® 980a SLI® chipset also supports six Serial
ATA 3.0 Gb/s devices, PCI Express x16 slots with NVIDIA® SLI™ support at dual x16 mode,
and up to 12 USB 2.0 ports.

DDR3 2000(O.C.) support

This motherboard supports DDR3 2000(O.C.), which provides faster data transfer rate

and more bandwidth to increase memory data transfer rate and computing efciency. This

enhances system performance in 3D graphics and other memory demanding applications.

NVIDIA® SLI® Technology support

NVIDIA SLI® (Scalable Link Interface) makes use of the PCI Express 2.0 bus architecture´s
increased bandwidth and features intelligent hardware and software that allows two GPUs

to efciently work together to deliver earth-shattering, scalable performance. For some

applications, this translates into nearly double the performance!

NVIDIA® Hybrid SLI™

Hybrid SLI™ technology is a unique hybrid multi-GPU technology built upon NVIDIA. Hybrid
SLI™ turbo-charges performance of NVIDIA discrete graphics cards when combined with this
series motherboard GPUs. Hybrid SLI™ is independent on selected GeForce
to www.nvidia.com/hybridsli for more information.

®

GPUs. Refer

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

1.3.2 ASUS unique features

ASUS Power Solutions

ASUS power solutions intelligently and automatically provide balanced computing power and
energy consumption.

8+1 Phase Power Design

To fully unleash the next-generation AM3 CPU’s potential, the ASUS M4N98TD EVO
motherboard has adopted a brand new 8-phase VRM power design. It delivers high

power efciency and supreme overclocking ability. Furthermore, high quality power

components can effectively lower system temperature to ensure longer component
lifespan. This series also features an extra 1 phase power dedicated to integrated
memory/HT controller.

100% Long-Life Solid Cap.

This motherboard uses all long-life capacittors onboard for durability, imporved
lifespan, and enhanced thermal capacity.

ASUS EPU

The ASUS EPU (Energy Processing Unit) provides total system power management by
detecting current PC loadings and intelligently moderating power usage for critical PC
components in real-time–helping save power and money! Refer to page 4-6 for details.

ASUS Quiet Thermal Solutions

ASUS Quiet Thermal solutions make the system more stable and enhance the overclocking
capability.

ASUS Fanless Design–Heat pipe solution

The Heat Pipe design effectively directs the heat generated by the chipsets to the

heatsink near the back IO ports, where it can be carried away by existing airow from

CPU fan. The purpose of the innovative heat pipe design on this motherboard is that
the groundbreaking fanless design does not have lifetime problems as a chipset fan

does. Furthermore, it provides options for users to install side-ow fan or passive

cooler. The Heat Pipe design is the most reliable fanless thermal solution to date.

Chapter 1

DO NOT uninstall the heat pipe by yourself. Doing so may bend the tubing and affect the
heat dissipation performance.

Up to 20ºC (36ºF) Cooler—Stack Cool 3+

Stack Cool 3+ is a fanless cooling solution offered exclusively by ASUS. It effectively
and noiselessly transfers heat generated by the critical components to the other side
of the specially designed PCB (printed circuit board) for effective heat dissipation—
making temperatures cooler by up to 20ºC.

Fan Xpert

ASUS Fan Xpert intelligently allows you to adjust both the CPU and chassis fan speeds
according to different ambient temperatures caused by different climate conditions
in different geographic regions and your PC’s loading. The built-in variety of useful

proles offer exible controls of fan speed to achieve a quiet and cool environment.

Refer to page 4-5 for details.

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 1-3

ASUS Exclusive Features

Core Unlocker

Chapter 1

ASUS Core Unlocker simplies the activation of a latent AMD® CPU—with just a simple

switch or hot key. Enjoy an instant performance boost by simply unlocking the extra
cores, without performing complicated BIOS changes. Refer to page 2-21 for details.

MemOK!

Memory compatibility is among the top concerns during computer upgrades. Worry no
more. MemOK! is the fastest memory booting solution today. This remarkable memory
rescue tool requires nothing but a push of a button to patch memory issues and get
your system up and running in no time. The technology is able to determine failsafe
settings that can dramatically improve your system booting success. Refer to page
2-20 for details.

ASUS exclusive overclocking features

TurboV

Feel the adrenaline rush of real-time OC—now a reality with the ASUS TurboV. This

easy OC tool allows you to overclock without exiting or rebooting the OS; and its user-

friendly interface makes overclock with just a few clicks away. Moreover, the ASUS OC

proles in TurboV provides the best O.C. settings in different scenarios. Refer to page

4-10 for details.

Turbo Key

ASUS Turbo Key allows the user to turn the PC power button into a physical overclocking
button. After the easy setup, Turbo Key can boost performances without interrupting
ongoing work or games—with just one touch! Refer to page 4-11 for details.

Express Gate

Express Gate is an ASUS exclusive OS that provides you with quick access to the Internet and
key applications before entering the Windows® OS. Refer to pages 3-30 and 4-7 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-Connector

ASUS Q-Connector allows you to easily connect or disconnect the chassis front panel
cables to the motherboard. This unique module eliminates the trouble of connecting the
system panel cables one at a time and avoiding wrong cable connections.

ASUS O.C. Prole

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

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

a separate le, giving users freedom to share and distribute their favorite settings.

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.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction

Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.1 Before 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.

• Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded
object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, 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, or components.

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 2-1

2.2 Motherboard overview

2.2.1 Motherboard layout

Chapter 2

Refer to

2.8 Connectors

connectors.

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information

for more information about rear panel connectors and internal

2.2.2 Layout contents

Connectors/Jumpers/Slots Page

1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 8-pin EATX12V)

2. AM3 CPU socket

3. DDR3 DIMM slots

4. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN,
4-pin CHA_FAN1, 3-pin CHA_FAN2, 3-pin PWR_FAN)

5. Core Unlocker switch (CORE_UNLOCKER)

6. MemOK! switch

7. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)

8. CPU overvoltage setting (3-pin OV_CPU)

9. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)

Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1–5) 2-27

10.

11. Standby Power LED

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

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

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

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

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

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

2-31

2-5

2-10

2-30

2-21

2-20

2-26

2-19

2-18

2-35

2-33

2-28

2-29

2-29

2-32

2-32

Chapter 2

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 2-3

2.2.3 Placement direction

When installing the motherboard, ensure 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.

2.2.4 Screw holes

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

Chapter 2

DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.

Place this side towards

the rear of the chassis

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with an AM3 socket designed for AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II /
Sempron™ 100 Series Processors.

Ensure that all power cables are unplugged before installing the CPU.

The AM3 socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the AMD

Opteron processor. Ensure that you use a CPU designed for the AM3 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.

Chapter 2

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

Ensure that the socket lever is lifted

up to a 90º angle; otherwise, the CPU
will not t in completely.

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 2-5

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.

Chapter 2

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.

Gold triangle

Small triangle

6. Apply some Thermal Interface Material
to the exposed area of the CPU that the
heatsink will be in contact with, ensuring
that it is spread in an even thin layer.

Some heatsinks come with pre-applied
thermal paste. If so, skip this step.

The Thermal Interface Material is
toxic and inedible. If it gets into your
eyes or touches your skin, wash it off
immediately, and seek professional
medical help.

To prevent contaminating the paste, DO NOT spread the paste with your nger.

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3.2 Installing the CPU heatsink and fan

The AMD® AM3 processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure
optimum thermal condition and performance.

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

CPU fan

Chapter 2

Retention bracket

Retention bracket

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 2-7

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.

CPU heatsink

Retention module
base

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

Chapter 2

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

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

Ensure that the fan and heatsink

assembly perfectly ts the retention

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

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware information

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

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

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

Chapter 2

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 2-9

2.4 System memory

2.4.1 Overview

The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules
(DIMM) sockets.

A DDR3 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR2 DIMM but is notched
differently to prevent installation on a DDR2 DIMM socket. DDR3 modules are developed for
better performance with less power consumption.

The gure illustrates the location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets:

Chapter 2

Recommended memory congurations

One DIMM:

You may install one memory module in any slot as a single-channel operation.

Two DIMMs (dual-channel operation):

Four DIMMs (dual-channel operation):

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.4.2 Memory congurations

You may install 1GB, 2GB and 4GB unbuffered ECC and non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the
DIMM sockets.

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

• We recommend that you install the memory modules from the blue slots for better
overclocking capability.

• Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum compatibility, it is
recommended that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor.

• Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows OS, when you install 4GB
or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can be
about 3GB or less. For effective use of memory, we recommend that you do any of the
following:

- Use a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32-bit Windows OS.

- Install a 64-bit Windows OS when you want to install 4GB or more on the

motherboard.
For more details, refer to the Microsoft® support site at
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929605/en-us.

• This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512Mb (64MB) chips or less
(Memory chip capacity counts in Megabit, 8 Megabit/Mb = 1 Megabyte/MB).

• The default memory operation frequency is dependent on its Serial Presence Detect
(SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module.
Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a
lower frequency than the vendor-marked value. To operate at the vendor-marked or at
a higher frequency, see section 3.5 Ai Tweaker menu for manual memory frequency
adjustment.

• For system stability, use a more efcient memory cooling system to support a full

memory load (4 DIMMs) or overclocking condition.

Chapter 2

ASUS M4N98TD EVO 2-11

M4N98TD EVO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR3-1600 MHz capability

Vendor Part No. Size SS/DS

A-DATA AD31600E001GMU 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65-1.85 • • •

A-DATA

CORSAIR CMG4GX3M2A1600C6 4GB( 2x 2GB ) DS - - 6-6-6-18 1.65 • • •

CORSAIR CMD4GX3M2A1600C8(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 •

Crucial BL12864BA1608.8SFB(XMP) 1GB SS - - - 1.8 • • •

Crucial BL25664BN1608.16FF(XMP) 2GB DS - - 8-8-8-24 1.65 • • •

G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-2GBNQ 2GB(2 x 1GB) SS - - - 1.6 •

G.SKILL

KINGMAX

KINGMAX FLGE85F-B8MF7(XMP) 2GB DS - - - •

KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K3/12GX(XMP) 12GB(3 x 4GB) DS - - - 1.65 • • •

KINGSTON KHX1600C9D3K3/12GX(XMP) 12GB(3 x 4GB) DS - - 9 1.65 • • •

OCZ OCZ3P1600LV3GK 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - 7-7-7 1.65 •

Super Talent WP160UX4G8(XMP)

Chapter 2

Super Talent WP160UX4G9(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 9 - • • •

M4N98TD EVO Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)
DDR3-1333 MHz capability

Vendor Part No. Size

A-DATA AD3133301GOU 1GB SS A-DATA AD30908C8D-15IG - - • • •

A-DATA AX3U1333PB2G7-2P 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.65-1.85 • • •

A-DATA AD31333E002G0U 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.65-1.85 • • •

A-DATA AX3U1333PB2G7-3P 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-20 1.65-1.85 • • •

Apacer 78.A1GC6.9L1 2GB DS Apacer AM5D5808DEWSBG 9 - • •

CORSAIR TR3X3G1333C9 (Ver2.1) 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 • • •

CORSAIR

Crucial CT12864BA1339.8SFD 1GB SS MICRON MT8JF12864AY-1G4D1 - - • •

Crucial CT25664BA1339.16SFD 2GB DS MICRON D9JNM - - • • •

ELPIDA EBJ10UE8BDF0-DJ-F 1GB SS ELPIDA J1108BDSE-DJ-F - - • •

ELPIDA EBJ21UE8BDF0-DJ-F 2GB DS ELPIDA J1108BDSE-DJ-F - - • •

G.SKILL F3-10600CL8D-2GBHK 2GB(2 x 1GB) SS - - - 1.65 • • •

G.SKILL F3-10666CL8D-4GBHK(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-21 1.5-1.6 • •

G.SKILL F3-10666CL8D-4GBRM(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 8-8-8-21 1.5-1.6 • •

G.SKILL F3-10666CL9T-6GBNQ 6GB(3 x 2GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.5 •

GEIL GG34GB1333C9DC 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS GEIL GL1L128M88BA12N 9-9-9-24 1.3 • • •

GEIL GV34GB1333C7DC 4GB(2 x 2GB) DS - - 7-7-7-24 1.5 • • •

Hynix HMT112U6BFR8C-H9 1GB SS Hynix H5TQ1G83BFR 9 - • •

Hynix HMT125U6BFR8C-H9 2GB DS Hynix H5TQ1G83BFRH9C 9 - • • •

KINGMAX FLFD45F-B8KG9 1GB SS KingMax KFB8FNGBF-ANX-15A - • • •

KINGMAX FLFE85F-B8KG9 2GB DS KingMax KFB8FNGBF-ANX-15A - • • •

KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9/1G 1G SS Kingston D1288JELDPGD9U - 1.5 • • •

KINGSTON KVR1333D3N9/4G 4GB DS SAMSUNG K4B2G0846B-HCH9 9 1.5 • • •

MICRON MT8JTF12864AZ-1G4F1 1GB SS MICRON 9FF22 D9KPT 9 - • •

MICRON MT16JTF25664AZ-1G4F1 2GB DS MICRON 9FF22 D9KPT 9 - •

OCZ OCZ3P1333LV3GK 3GB(3 x 1GB) SS - - 7-7-7 1.65 • • •

PSC AL7F8G73D-DG1 1GB SS PSC A3P1GF3DGF - - • • •

PSC AL8F8G73D-DG1 2GB DS PSC A3P1GF3DGF - - • • •

SAMSUNG M378B2873EH1-CH9 1GB SS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846E - - • •

SAMSUNG M378B5673EH1-CH9 2GB DS SAMSUNG K4B1G0846E - - • •

Super
Talent

Chip

Chip

Brand

SS/DSChip

Brand

DS -

DS -

-

Chip NO. Timing Voltage

AD31600F002GMU(XMP) 6GB(3 x 2GB)

F3-12800CL7D-4GBRH(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB)

FLGD45F-B8MF7(XMP) 1GB SS - - - • • •

4GB(2 x 2GB) DS

BoxP/N:TWIN3X2048-1333C9
(CM3X1024-1333C9)Ver1.1

W1333UX2G8(XMP) 2GB(2 x 1GB) SS - - 8 1.8 • • •

2GB(2 x 1GB) DS - - 9-9-9-24 1.70 •

Timing Voltage

NO.

7-7-7-20 1.75-1.85

-

7-7-7-24 1.65

-

- 8

DIMM socket support
(Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM

• •

-

DIMM socket support
(Optional)

1 DIMM 2 DIMM 4 DIMM

•

•

•

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware information