ASUS MESN User Manual

®

MES-N

Socket 370 NLX Motherboard

USER’S MANUAL

USER'S NOTICE

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”).

ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND,
EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED T O THE IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANT ABILITY 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.

Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or
altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2)
the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.

Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trade­marks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identification or
explanation and to the owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.

• SiS is a trademark of Silicon Integrated Corporation.

• Intel, Celeron, LANDesk, and Pentium are trademarks of Intel Corporation.

• IBM and OS/2 are registered trademarks of International Business Machines.

• Symbios is a registered trademark of Symbios Logic Corporation.

• Windows and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

• Adobe and Acrobat are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.

• YAMAHA, DS-XG, XGstudio, Ystation32 are trademarks of Yamaha Corporation.
The product name and revision number are both printed on the product itself. Manual revi-

sions are released for each product design represented by the digit before and after the period
of the manual revision number. Manual updates are represented by the third digit in the manual
revision number.

For previous or updated manuals, BIOS, drivers, or product release information, contact ASUS
at http://www.asus.com.tw or through any of the means indicated on the following page.

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 MA Y APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUD­ING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.

Copyright © 1999 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.

Product Name: ASUS MES-N
Manual Revision: 1.01 E392
Release Date: July 1999

2 ASUS MES-N User’s Manual

ASUS CONTACT INFORMATION

ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (Asia-Pacific)

Marketing

Address: 150 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 112
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Technical Support

Tel (English): [phone] ext. 706
Tel (Chinese): [phone] ext. 111
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Newsgroup: news2.asus.com.tw
WWW: www.asus.com.tw
FTP: ftp.asus.com.tw/pub/ASUS

ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL (America)

Marketing

Address: 6737 Mowry Avenue, Mowry Business Center, Building 2

Newark, CA 94560, USA
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Technical Support

Fax: [phone]
BBS: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
WWW: www.asus.com
FTP: ftp.asus.com.tw/pub/ASUS

ASUS COMPUTER GmbH (Europe)

Marketing

Address: Harkort Str. 25, 40880 Ratingen, BRD, Germany
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Technical Support

Hotline: [phone]
BBS: 49-2102-448690
Email: [e-mail]
WWW: www.asuscom.de
FTP: ftp.asuscom.de/pub/ASUSCOM

ASUS MES-N User’s Manual 3

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................. 7

1.1 How This Manual Is Organized .................................................. 7

1.2 Item Checklist ............................................................................. 7

2. FEATURES ........................................................................................ 8

2.1 The ASUS MES-N Motherboard ................................................ 8

2.1.1 Specifications..................................................................... 8

2.1.2 Performance ....................................................................... 9

2.1.3 Intelligence....................................................................... 10

2.2 Motherboard Parts..................................................................... 11

3. HARDWARE SETUP ..................................................................... 12

3.1 Motherboard Layout ................................................................. 12

3.2 Riser Card Parts & Layout ........................................................ 14

3.3 Hardware Setup Procedure ....................................................... 17

3.4 Motherboard Settings................................................................ 17

3.5 System Memory (DIMM) ......................................................... 24

3.5.1 General DIMM Notes ...................................................... 24

3.5.2 DIMM Memory Installation ............................................ 25

3.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................. 26

3.7 Expansion Cards ....................................................................... 27

3.7.1 Expansion Card Installation Procedure............................ 27

3.7.2 Assigning IRQs for Expansion Cards .............................. 27

3.7.3 Assigning DMA Channels for ISA Cards ........................ 28

3.8 External Connectors.................................................................. 29

3.8.1 Back Panel Connectors .................................................... 29

3.8.2 Midboard Connectors ...................................................... 32

3.8.3 Riser Card Connectors ..................................................... 35

3.9 Power Connection Procedures .................................................. 41

4. BIOS SETUP.................................................................................... 42

4.1 Flash Memory Writer Utility .................................................... 42

4.1.1 Main Menu....................................................................... 42

4.1.2 Managing and Updating Your BIOS ................................ 44

4.2 BIOS Setup Program ................................................................ 45

4.2.1 BIOS Menu Bar ............................................................... 46

4.2.2 Legend Bar....................................................................... 46

4.3 Main Menu................................................................................ 48

4 ASUS MES-N User’s Manual

CONTENTS

4.3.1 Primary & Secondary Master/Slave ................................ 49

4.4 Advanced .................................................................................. 54

4.4.1 Chip Configuration .......................................................... 55

4.4.2 I/O Device Configuration ................................................ 57

4.4.3 PCI Configuration............................................................ 59

4.4.4 Shadow Configuration ..................................................... 62

4.5 Power Menu .............................................................................. 63

4.5.1 Power Up Control ............................................................ 65

4.5.2 Hardware Monitor............................................................ 66

4.6 Boot Menu ................................................................................ 67

4.7 Exit Menu ................................................................................. 69

5. SOFTWARE SETUP ....................................................................... 71

5.1 Operating Systems .................................................................... 71

5.1.1 Windows 98 First Time Installation................................. 71

5.2 MES-N Support CD .................................................................. 72

5.2.1 Installation Menu ............................................................. 72

5.3 Install ASUS PC Probe Vx.xx .................................................. 73

5.4 Install Bus Master IDE Driver .................................................. 74

5.5 Install VGA Driver.................................................................... 75

For Windows 95 .................................................................... 76

5.6 Install Audio Driver (only with onboard audio option) ............ 76

5.7 Install YAMAHA XG-STUDIO................................................ 77

5.8 Install YAMAHA YST ATION32 .............................................. 78

5.9 Install Network Driver .............................................................. 79

5.10 Install PC-Cillin 98 Vx.xx ........................................................ 80

5.11 Install ADOBE AcroBat Reader Vx.x ...................................... 81

5.12 Uninstalling Programs .............................................................. 82

6. SOFTWARE REFERENCE ........................................................... 83

6.1 ASUS PC Probe ........................................................................ 83

6.2 SiS 620 Display Properties ....................................................... 89

6.3 Using YAMAHA XGstudio Player........................................... 93

6.4 Using YAMAHA XGstudio Mixer ........................................... 95

6.5 YSTATION32 ........................................................................... 97

7. APPENDIX..................................................................................... 103

7.1 ASUS PCI-L101 Fast Ethernet Card ...................................... 103

ASUS MES-N User’s Manual 5

FCC & DOC COMPLIANCE

Federal Communications Commission Statement

This device complies with FCC Rules Part 15. 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:

• Re-orient 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.

WARNING! Any changes or modifications to this product not expressly ap-

proved by the manufacturer could void any assurances of safety or performance
and could result in violation of Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

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.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

6 ASUS MES-N User’s Manual

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 How This Manual Is Organized

This manual is divided into the following sections:

1) INTRODUCTION Manual information and checklist

2) FEATURES Product information and specifications

3) HARDWARE SETUP Instructions on setting up the motherboard

4) BIOS SETUP Instructions on setting up the BIOS software

5) SOFTWARE SETUP Instructions on setting up the included software

6) SOFTWARE REFERENCE Reference material for the included software

7) APPENDIX Optional items and general reference

1.2 Item Checklist

Check that your package is complete. If you discover damaged or missing items,
please contact your retailer.

Sections/Checklist

1. INTRODUCTION

1.2.1 Motherboard

(1) ASUS Motherboard
(1) Support CD with drivers and utilities
(1) This Motherboard User’s Manual

(1) NLX form-factor system housing, riser card, and power supply
ASUS slim CD-ROM (optional)
LCD panel connector with bracket (for LCD model only)
ASUS IrDA-compliant infrared module (optional)
ASUS PCI-L101 Wake-On-LAN 10/100 Fast Ethernet Card (optional)

NOTE: This motherboard only works with ASUS riser cards. See your dealer for
more information.

1.2.2 Riser Card

(1) ASUS Riser Card
(1) Ribbon cable for master and slave UltraDMA/33 & UltraDMA/66 IDE drives
(1) Ribbon cable for (1) 3.5” floppy disk drive
(1) FDC slim CD-ROM cable
(1) Bag of spare jumper caps

ASUS MES-N User’s Manual 7

2. FEATURES

Features

2. FEATURES

2.1 The ASUS MES-N Motherboard

The ASUS MES-N motherboard is carefully designed for the demanding PC user
who wants many intelligent features in a small package.

2.1.1 Specifications

• Intel Processor Support: Supports Intel’s Celeron processor designed for the
Socket 370 and packaged in Plastic Pin Grid Array (PPGA).

• SiS AGPset: SiS 620 AGPset with built-in 6326 AGP 2X graphics controller
supports a 100MHz Front Side Bus (FSB) and UltraDMA/66, which allows burst
mode data transfer rates of up to 66.6MB/sec.

• Enhanced ACPI & Anti-Boot Virus BIOS: Programmable BIOS (Flash
EEPROM), offering enhanced ACPI for W indows 98 compatibility , built-in firm­ware-based virus protection, and autodetection of most devices for virtually au­tomatic setup.

• PC100 Memory Support: Equipped with two DIMM sockets to support Intel
PC100-compliant SDRAMs (up to 512MB).

• 100/10Mbps LAN: Features an onboard Intel 82559 Ethernet LAN Controller
(fully integrated 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX) and a LAN Activity LED for moni­toring network conditions.

• Integrated Graphics: Integrated AGP 2X graphics controller can use shared
system memory or optional dedicated onboard VGA memory (up to 8MB
SDRAM).

• Onboard PCI Audio with AC’97 CODEC (optional): Features Yamaha’s PCI
audio chip with 3D surround and positioning capability and connected to an
audio CODEC that enhances DAC, ADC, and analog mixing quality.

• Riser Card: Provides NLX power, IDE, floppy disk drive, LAN wake-up con-
nectors, PCI/ISA slots, and USB/infrared support.

• Wake-On-LAN Connector: Supports Wake-On-LAN activity through an op-
tional Ethernet card (see 7.1 ASUS PCI-L101 Fast Ethernet Card).

• Super Multi-I/O: Provides two high-speed UART compatible serial ports and
one parallel port with EPP and ECP capabilities.

• Desktop Management Interface (DMI): Supports DMI through BIOS, which
allows hardware to communicate within a standard protocol creating a higher
level of compatibility. (Requires DMI-enabled components.)

• IrDA: Supports an optional infrared port module on the riser card for wireless
interface.

• Slim CD-ROM: Supports an optional ASUS slim CD-ROM drive for ASUS’
custom designed NLX form factor.

8 ASUS MES-N User’s Manual

2. FEATURES

• UltraDMA/66 & UltraDMA/33: Comes with an onboard PCI Bus Master IDE

controller with two connectors that support four IDE devices on two channels.
Supports UltraDMA/66, UltraDMA/33, PIO Modes 3 & 4 and Bus Master IDE
DMA Mode 2, and Enhanced IDE devices, such as Tape Backup, CD-ROM, CD­R/RW, and LS-120 drives.

2.1.2 Performance

• 66/100MHz Asynchr onous & 100/100MHz Synchronous Host/DRAM Clock
Support: CPU frequency can operate at 66MHz or 100MHz while system

memory operates at 100MHz or 66MHz. This can optimize the VGA perfor­mance under shared memory configuration.

• High-Speed Data Transfer Interface: This motherboard with its chipset and
support for Ultra DMA/66 doubles the Ultra DMA/33 burst transfer rate to

66.6MB/s. Ultra DMA/66 is backward compatible with both DMA/33 and DMA
and with existing DMA devices and systems so there is no need to upgrade cur­rent EIDE/IDE drives and host systems. (Ultra DMA/66 requires a 40-pin 80­conductor cable to be enabled and/or for Ultra DMA Mode 4.)

Smart Series

2. FEATURES

• Concurrent PCI: Concurrent PCI allows multiple PCI transfers from PCI mas-
ter buses to memory to CPU.

• SDRAM Optimized Performance: ASUS smart series motherboards support
the new generation memory, Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory
(SDRAM), which increases the data transfer rate to 800MB/s max using PC100­compliant SDRAM.

• ACPI Ready: ACPI (Advanced Configuration and Power Interface) is also imple­mented on all ASUS smart series motherboards. ACPI provides more Energy
Saving Features for future operating systems (OS) supporting OS Direct Power
Management (OSPM) functionality . W ith these features implemented in the OS,
PCs can be ready around the clock, yet satisfy all the energy saving standards.
To fully utilize the benefits of ACPI, an ACPI-supported OS, such as Windows
98, must be used.

• PC’98 Compliant: Both the BIOS and hardware levels of the motherboard meets
PC’98 compliancy . The new PC’98 requirements for systems and components are
based on the following high-level goals: Support for Plug and Play compatibility
and power management for configuring and managing all system components,
and 32-bit device drivers and installation procedures for W indows 95/98/NT.

ASUS MES-N User’s Manual 9

2. FEATURES

2.1.3 Intelligence

• Fan Status Monitoring and Alarm: To prevent system overheat and system

damage, the CPU, power supply, and system fans can be monitored for RPM
and failure. All the fans are set for its normal RPM range and alarm thresholds.

• Temperature Monitoring and Alert: To prevent system overheat and system

damage, this motherboard supports Socket 370 processor thermal sensing.

2. FEATURES

Smart Series

• Voltage Monitoring and Alert: System voltage levels are monitored to ensure

stable current to critical motherboard components. Voltage specifications are
more critical for future processors, so monitoring is necessary to ensure proper
system configuration and management.

• System Resources Alert: Today’s operating systems such as Windows 95/98/

NT , and OS/2, require much more memory and hard drive space to present enor­mous user interfaces and run large applications. The system resource monitor
will warn the user before the system resources are used up to prevent possible
application crashes. Suggestions will give the user information on managing
their limited resources more efficiently.

• Auto Fan Off: The system fans will power off automatically even in sleep
mode. This function reduces both energy consumption and system noise, and is

an important feature to implement silent PC systems.

• Remote Ring On (requires modem): This allows a computer with this
motherboard to be turned on remotely through an internal or external modem.
With this feature, users can access their computer from anywhere in the world!

• Message LED (requires ACPI OS support): Chassis LEDs now act as infor­mation providers. Through the way a particular LED illuminates, the user can
determine the stage the computer is in. A simple glimpse provides useful infor­mation to the user.

• Keyboard Wake Up: Keyboard Wake Up can be enabled or disabled to allow
the computer to be powered ON using your keyboard.

10 ASUS MES-N User’s Manual

2. FEATURES

2.2 Motherboard Parts

321 456 7 8

21

9
10

T: T op
B: Bottom

20

19

18 17 16

15

11
12

13

14

2. FEATURES

Motherboard Parts

COM1 Connector (B)

1

Parallel Connector (

2

COM2 Connector (

3
4

PS/2 Mouse (
RJ-45 Connector

5
6

LAN LED
VGA Connector

7

Joystick/MIDI Connector

8
9

LCD Header (w/ LCD Chip onboard)
LCD Chip (optional)

10

11

Audio CODEC (optional)

T)/Keyboard (B) Connector

T)

B)

ASUS MES-N User’s Manual 11

12

LAN Controller Chip (optional)

13

Y amaha Audio Chip (on audio model only)

14

Slim CD-ROM Connector

15

Programmable Flash EEPROM

16

SiS South Bridge
with Integrated Hardware Monitoring

17

Multi-I/O Chip

18

CPU ZIF Socket 370

19

DIMM Sockets

20

SiS Chipset with Heatsink

21

Optional VGA Memory (up to 8MB)

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.1 Motherboard Layout

COM 1

VIRQ

Motherboard Layout

3. H/W SETUP

Parallel

Port

Connector

2 MB

SDRAM

PCTS

VEN_DIS

SiS 620

SCTS

AGP 2X VGA)

Socket 370

COM 2

2 MB

SDRAM

Chipset

(Integrated

PS/2

TOP:

KB

MOUSE
BOTTOM:

MS

KEYBOARD

2 MB

SDRAM

2 MB

SDRAM

RJ-45

KB_UP

LCD

Encoder

®

LAN

VGA

LAN_LED

LCDHD

Intel Fast

Ethernet

Joystick/MIDI

GAME

JACK_CON

CD_IN AUX_IN

Audio

AUDIO_EN

Codec

Yamaha

Audio

Chipset

MODEM

MES-N

SiS5595

with Hardware

BF3

BF2

BF1

BF0

DIMM Socket 2 (64/72-bit, 168-pin module)

DIMM Socket 1 (64/72-bit, 168-pin module)

CPU_FAN

FREQ
MULT

32

10

Row

FS0

FS1

FS2

FS3

Super I/O

BUS

FREQ

Grayed items are optional at the time of purchase.

Monitor
Keyboard
Controller

CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell

(CMOS Power)

CHASIS_FAN

&

CL_RTC

Flash EEPROM

(Programmable BIOS)

CDROM Connector

12 ASUS MES-N User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

Motherboard Settings

1) KB_UP p.18 Keyboard Wake Up Setting (Enable/Disable)

2) VEN_DIS p.18 Onboard VGA Setting (Enable/Disable)

3) VIRQ p.19 VGA IRQ Setting (Enable/Disable)

4) AUDIOEN p.19 Onboard Audio Setting (Enable/Disable)

5) LAN p.20 Onboard LAN Setting (Enable/Disable)

6) PCTS p.20 Primary Cable Type Status (80 pin/40 pin)

7) SCTS p.21 Secondary Cable Type Status (80 pin/40 pin)

8) FS0, FS1, FS2, FS3 p.22 CPU External Frequency Setting

9) BF0, BF1, BF2, BF3 p.23 CPU Core:External Frequency Multiple Setting

10) CL_RTC p.53 CMOS RTC RAM Setting

Sockets

1) DIMM1, DIMM2 p.24 168-Pin DIMM Memory Support

2) Socket 370 p.26 Central Processing Unit (CPU) Socket

Back Panel Connectors

1) PARALLEL p.29 Parallel Port Connector (25-pin female)

2) COM1/COM2 p.29 Serial Port Connector (Two 9-pin male)

3) PS2KBMS p.30 PS/2 Mouse Port Connector (6-pin female)

4) PS2KBMS p.30 PS/2 Keyboard Port Connector (6-pin female)

5) RJ-45 p.30 Fast-Ethernet Port Connector (optional)

6) LAN_LED p.30 LAN Diagnostic LEDs

7) VGA p.31 Monitor (VGA) Output Connector (15-pin female)

8) GAME p.31 Joystick/MIDI Connector (15-pin female) (optional)

Midboard Connectors

1) CHASIS_, CPU_FAN p.32 Chassis & CPU Fan Connectors (Two 3 pins)

2) CDROM p.32 CDROM Connector (50-1 pins)

3) CD_IN/AUX_IN/MODEM_IN p.33 Internal Audio Connectors (Four 4 pins)

4) JACK_CON p.33 Audio Jack Connector (10-1 pins)

5) LCDHD p.34 LCD Output Header (20-1 pins)

3. H/W SETUP

Motherboard Contents

ASUS MES-N User’s Manual 13

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.2 Riser Card Layout

3.2.1 NLX-R

PCI2

®

CHASS_DET

NLX_EXT

NLX-R

PCI1

ISA

NLX-R Riser Card Front

LAN LED

WOL_CON

HEAD_SPK

NLX_SLOT

FLOPPY

FCON

MIC-CON

USB

Riser Card Parts & Layout

3. H/W SETUP

3.2.2 B9-N

CHASS_DET

NLX_EXT

B9-N Riser Card Front

PCI3

®

PCI2

PCI1

ISA

B9-N

WAKEUP

IR

CIR

NLX-R Riser Card Back

IDEA

IDEB

FLOPPY

NLX_SLOT

ATXPWR

POWER

IDE1

LED_CTRL

IR

HEAD_SPK

JP-2K

USB1

B9-N Riser Card Back

3.2.3 Yeong-Yang

PCI1

SWITCH

YEONG-YANG

CDIN

NLX_EXT

Yeong-Yang Riser Card Front

14 ASUS MES-N User’s Manual

SLOT1

PCI2

SLOT1A

WOL_CON

RISER

IDE2
IDE1

FLOPPY

Yeong-Yang Riser Card Back

MIC
USB
IR

Panel

PWRLED

HDD_LED

RESET

PWRSW

SPKR

Power

3. HARDWARE SETUP

Expansion Slots

1) ISA (NLX-R) p.27 16-bit ISA Bus Expansion Slot
ISA (B9-N) 16-bit ISA Bus Expansion Slot
SLOT1/1A (Yeong-Yang) 16-bit ISA Bus Expansion Slot

2) PCI1, PCI2 (NLX-R) p.27 32-bit PCI Bus Expansion Slots
PCI1, PCI2, PCI3 (B9-N) 32-bit PCI Bus Expansion Slots
PCI1, PCI2 (Yeong-Yang) 32-bit PCI Bus Expansion Slots

Connectors

1) LAN_LED (NLX-R) p.35 LAN Activity Connector (2 pins)
WOL_CON (NLX-R) LAN Activity Connector (3 pins)
WAKEUP (B9-N) LAN Activity Connector (3 pins)
WOL_CON (Yeong-Yang) LAN Activity Connector (3 pins)

2) MIC-CON (NLX-R) p.35 Front Panel Microphone Connector (2 pins)
JP-2K (B9-N) Front Panel Microphone Connector (2 pins)
MIC (Yeong-Yang) Front Panel Microphone Connector (2 pins)

3) POWER (NLX-R) p.36 NLX Power Supply Connector (20 pins)
ATXPWR (B9-N) NLX Power Supply Connector (20 pins)
Power (Yeong-Yang) NLX Power Supply Connector (20 pins)

4) IDE1 (NLX-R) p.36 IDE Connector (40-1 pins)
IDEA, IDEB (B9-N) IDE Connectors (40-1 pins)
IDE1, IDE2 (Yeong-Yang) IDE Connectors (40-1 pins)

5) FLOPPY (NLX-R) p.37 3.5” Floppy Disk Drive Connnector (34-1 pins)
FLOPPY (B9-N) 3.5” Floppy Disk Drive Connnector (34-1 pins)
FLOPPY (Yeong-Yang) 3.5” Floppy Disk Drive Connnector (34-1 pins)

6) USB (NLX-R) p.37 Universal Serial Bus (USB) Ports (Two 4-pin sockets)
USB1 (B9-N) Universal Serial Bus (USB) Ports (Two 4-pin sockets)
USB (Yeong-Yang) USB Module Connector (5-1 pins)

7) IR, CIR (NLX-R) p.38 IrDA-Compliant Infrared Module (Lenses)
IR (B9-N) Infrared Module Connector (10-1 pins)
IR (Yeong-Yang) Infrared Module Connector (5-1 pins)

8) CDIN (Yeong-Yang) p.39 Stereo Audio In Connector (4 pins)

9) FCON/HEAD_SPK (NLX-R) p.39 Front Panel Connector (16-1 pins)
LED_CTRL/HEAD_SPK (B9-N) Front Panel Connector (16-1 pins)
Panel (Yeong-Yang) Front Panel Connectors (13 pins)

3. H/W SETUP

Riser Card Contents

ASUS MES-N User’s Manual 15

(This page was intentionally left blank.)

16 ASUS MES-N User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.3 Hardware Setup Procedure

NOTE: The following procedure assumes that you have already installed the
motherboards in an appropriate housing or case.

Before using your computer, you must complete the following steps:

1. Check Motherboard Settings

2. Install Memory Modules

3. Install the Central Processing Unit (CPU)

4. Install Expansion Cards

5. Connect Ribbon Cables, Panel Wires, and Power Supply

3.4 Motherboard Settings

This section explains in detail how to change your motherboard’s function settings
through the use of switches and/or jumpers.

W ARNING! Computer motherboards and expansion cards contain very delicate

Integrated Circuit (IC) chips. To protect them against damage from static electric­ity, you should follow some precautions whenever you work on your computer.

1. Unplug your computer when working on the inside.

2. Use a grounded wrist strap before handling computer components. If you do
not have one, touch both of your hands to a safely grounded object or to a metal
object, such as the power supply case.

3. Hold components by the edges and try not to touch the IC chips, leads or con­nectors, or other components.

4. Place components on a grounded antistatic pad or on the bag that came with the
component whenever the components are separated from the system.

3. H/W SETUP

Motherboard Settings

ASUS MES-N User’s Manual 17

1) Keyboard Power Up Setting (3-pin KB_UP)

This allows you to disable or enable the keyboard power up function. Set this
jumper to Enable if you wish to use your keyboard (by pressing any key or the
spacebar depending on your motherboard) to power up your computer. This
feature requires an NLX power supply that can supply at least 300mA on the
+5VSB lead. The default is set to Disable because not all computers have the
appropriate NLX power supply. Your computer will not power ON if you set
this to Enable and do not have the appropriate NLX power supply.

Motherboard Settings

3. H/W SETUP

3. HARDWARE SETUP

TOP:
MOUSE
BOTTOM:
KEYBOARD

KB_UP

®

MES-N

321

Disable

(Default)

321

Enable

MES-N Keyboard Wake Up

2) Onboard VGA Setting (VEN_DIS)

The onboard AGP VGA may be enabled or disabled using this switch. Disable
the onboard VGA if you are using a VGA card on the expansion slot.

Setting VEN_DIS

Enable [2-3] (default)
Disable [1-2]

TOP:
MOUSE
BOTTOM:
KEYBOARD

VEN_DIS

®

MES-N

3
2
1

Disable

3
2
1

Enable

(Default)

MES-N Onboard VGA Setting

18 ASUS MES-N User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3) VGA IRQ Setting (VIRQ)

VIRQ allows you to set the VGA interrupt method. Some TV tuners or MPEG
cards may require the interrupt to be assigned by the onboard chipset, in which
case VIRQ must be enabled (default setting). The default enables the chipset’s
internal interrupt routing.

Setting VIRQ

Enable [2-3] (default)
Disable [1-2]

TOP:
MOUSE
BOTTOM:
KEYBOARD

VIRQ

®

MES-N

3
2
1

Disable

3
2
1

Enable

(Default)

MES-N Onboard VGA IRQ Setting

4) Onboard Audio Setting (AUDIOEN)

The onboard 32-bit PCI audio may be enabled or disabled using this jumper.
Disable the onboard audio if you are using an audio card on the expansion slot.
NOTE: This setting is available only on motherboards with the onboard audio
option.

Setting AUDIOEN

Enable [2-3] (default)
Disable [1-2]

TOP:
MOUSE
BOTTOM:
KEYBOARD

3. H/W SETUP

Motherboard Settings

®

MES-N

3
2
1

Disable

MES-N Onboard Audio Setting

ASUS MES-N User’s Manual 19

AUDIO_EN

3
2
1

Enable

(Default)

3. HARDWARE SETUP

5) Onboard LAN Setting (LAN_EN) available on LAN model only

The onboard LAN may be enabled or disabled by this jumper.

Setting LAN_EN

Enable [1-2] (default)
Disable [2-3]

TOP:
MOUSE
BOTTOM:
KEYBOARD

LAN

Motherboard Settings

3. H/W SETUP

MES-N Onboard LAN Setting

6) Primary Cable Type Status (PCTS)

Setting this jumper to 80-pin will allow an UltraDMA/66 IDE device that is
connected to the primary IDE connector with a 40-pin 80-conductor IDE cable
to handle transfer rates up to 66MB/s.

Setting PCTS

40 pin [2-3] (default)
80 pin [1-2]

®

MES-N

TOP:
MOUSE
BOTTOM:
KEYBOARD

Disable

3
2
1

3
2
1

Enable

(Default)

PCTS

®

MES-N

80-pin Cable

3
2
1

3
2
1

40-pin Cable

(Default)

MES-N Primary Cable Type Status

20 ASUS MES-N User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

7) Secondary Cable Type Status (SCTS)

Setting this jumper to 80-pin will allow an UltraDMA/66 IDE device that is
connected to the secondary IDE connector with a 40-pin 80-conductor IDE cable
to handle transfer rates up to 66MB/s.

Setting SCTS

40 pin [2-3] (default)
80 pin [1-2]

TOP:
MOUSE
BOTTOM:
KEYBOARD

SCTS

®

MES-N

80-pin Cable

3
2
1

MES-N Secondary Cable Type Status

3
2
1

40-pin Cable

(Default)

3. H/W SETUP

Motherboard Settings

ASUS MES-N User’s Manual 21

3. HARDWARE SETUP

8) CPU External Frequency Setting (FS0, FS1, FS2, FS3)

This option tells the clock generator what frequency to send to the CPU, DRAM,
and the AGPset. This allows the selection of the CPU’ s External frequency . The
CPU external frequency multiplied by the Frequency Multiple equals the CPU’ s
Internal frequency (the advertised CPU speed). NOTE: You may set the memory
speed independently from the CPU external frequency. Depending on your
memory type PC66 (66MHz) or PC100 (100MHz), select the appropriate “RAM”
speed along with the appropriate “CPU” speed.

Motherboard Settings

3. H/W SETUP

MES-N CPU External
Frequency Setting

Sync

HOST

SDRAM

PCI

TOP:
MOUSE
BOTTOM:
KEYBOARD

HOST

®

MES-N

SDRAM

PCI

Async

HOST

SDRAM

PCI

HOST

SDRAM

PCI

3
2
1

66.6MHZ

→
→

66.6MHZ

→

33.0MHZ

3
2
1

100.0MHZ

→
→

100.0MHZ

→

3
2
1

→

66.7MHZ

→

100.0MHZ

→

33.3MHZ

3
2
1

100.0MHZ

→
→
→

FS1

FS2

FS0

FS1

FS2

FS0

33.3MHZ

FS1

FS2

FS0

FS1

FS2

FS0

66.7MHZ

33.3MHZ

FS3

FS3

FS3

FS3

3
2
1

3
2
1

3
2
1

3
2
1

FS1

FS2

FS0

75.0MHZ

75.0MHZ

30.0MHZ

FS1

FS2

FS0

112MHZ
112MHZ

37.3MHZ

FS1

FS2

FS0

90MHZ
90MHZ
30MHZ

FS1

FS2

FS0

112.0MHZ

74.7MHZ

37.3MHZ

FS3

3
2
1

FS3

3
2
1

FS3

3
2
1

FS3

3
2
1

FS1

FS2

FS0

83.3MHZ

83.3MHZ

33.0MHZ

FS1

FS2

FS0

124MHZ
124MHZ

31MHZ

FS1

FS2

FS0

95.0MHZ

63.3MHZ

31.7MHZ

FS1

FS2

FS0

124.0MHZ

82.7MHZ

31.0MHZ

FS3

3
2
1

FS3

3
2
1

FS3

3
2
1

FS3

3
2
1

FS1

FS2

FS0

95.0MHZ

95.0MHZ

31.7MHZ

FS1

FS2

FS0

133MHZ
133MHZ

33MHZ

FS1

FS2

FS0

100.0MHZ

75.0MHZ

30.0MHZ

FS1

FS2

FS0

133.0MHZ

88.9MHZ

33.0MHZ

FS3

FS3

FS3

FS3

22 ASUS MES-N User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

9) CPU Core:External Frequency Multiple Setting (BF0, BF1, BF2, BF3)

This option sets the frequency multiple between the Internal frequency of the
CPU and the CPU’ s External frequency . These must be set in conjunction with the

CPU External frequency.

BF2

BF1

TOP:
MOUSE
BOTTOM:
KEYBOARD

®

MES-N

MES-N CPU Core:Bus
Frequency Multiple
Selection

BF2

BF1

BF3

3
2
1

2.0x(2/1)

BF3

3
2
1

4.0x(4/1) 4.5x(9/2) 5.0x(5/1)

BF3

3
2
1

6.0x(6/1)

BF3

3
2
1

8.0x(8/1)

BF2

BF2

BF2

BF1

BF1

BF1

BF0

BF3

2.5x(5/2)

BF0

BF3

BF0

BF3

6.5x(13/2)

BF0

BF2

BF2

BF2

BF1

BF1

BF1

BF0

BF0

BF0

BF3

BF3

BF3

BF2

BF2

BF1

BF1

BF0

BF3

3.5x(7/2)3.0x(3/1)

BF3

BF0

5.5x(11/2)

BF0

BF3

7.5x(15/2)7.0x(7/1)

BF2

BF2

BF2

BF1

BF1

BF1

BF0

BF0

BF0

Set the jumpers by the Internal speed of your processor as follows:

(CPU External Frequency) (Frequency Multiple)

Intel CPU Model Speed Mult Freq. FS0 FS1 FS2 FS3 BF3 BF2 BF1 BF0

Celeron (PPGA) 500MHz 7.5x 66MHz [1-2] [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [2-3] [1-2] [1-2]
Celeron (PPGA) 466MHz 7.0x 66MHz [1-2] [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [2-3] [1-2] [2-3]
Celeron (PPGA) 433MHz 6.5x 66MHz [1-2] [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2]
Celeron (PPGA) 400MHz 6.0x 66MHz [1-2] [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [2-3] [2-3] [2-3]
Celeron (PPGA) 366MHz 5.5x 66MHz [1-2] [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [1-2] [1-2]
Celeron (PPGA) 333MHz 5.0x 66MHz [1-2] [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [1-2] [2-3]
Celeron (PPGA) 300MHz 4.5x 66MHz [1-2] [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [2-3] [1-2] [2-3] [1-2]

W ARNING! Frequencies above 100MHz exceed the specifications for the on-

board chipset and are not guaranteed to be stable. PCI frequencies above 33MHz
exceed the specifications for PCI cards and are not guaranteed to be stable.

3. H/W SETUP

Motherboard Settings

For updated processor settings, visit the ASUS web site (see ASUS CONTACT INFORMATION)

ASUS MES-N User’s Manual 23

3.5 System Memory (DIMM)

NOTE: No hardware or BIOS setup is required after adding or removing memory.
This motherboard uses only Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMMs). Sockets are

available for 3.3Volt (power level) unbuffered Synchronous Dynamic Random Ac-
cess Memory (SDRAM).

The SiS chipset does not support ECC. However, ECC memory modules may still
be used, but the ECC function will not be available.

Memory speed setup is recommended through SDRAM Configuration in 4.4.1

Chip Configuration.

Install memory in any combination as follows:

DIMM Location 168-pin DIMM Total Memory

Socket 1 (Rows 0&1) SDRAM 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256MB x1
Socket 2 (Rows 2&3) SDRAM 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256MB x1

System Memory

3. H/W SETUP

3. HARDWARE SETUP

Total System Memory (Max 512MB) =

3.5.1 General DIMM Notes

• VGA shared memory with one DIMM: When using only one DIMM as shared

memory for the onboard VGA, it must be inserted into Socket 1, leaving Socket
2 empty.

• At the time this User’s Manual was written, 256MB DIMMs are either available
as registered memory or 128Mbit DIMMs.

• For the system CPU bus to operate at 100MHz, use only PC100-compliant
DIMMs. When this motherboard operates at 100MHz, most system will not
even boot if non-compliant modules are used because of the strict timing issues
involved under this speed. If your DIMMs are not PC100-compliant, set the
CPU external frequency to 66MHz RAM to ensure system stability. NOTE: If
your motherboard supports asynchronous mode, set the memory clock frequency
to 66MHz.

• ASUS motherboards support SPD (Serial Presence Detect) DIMMs. This is the
memory of choice for best performance vs. stability.

• SDRAM chips are generally thinner with higher pin density than EDO (Ex­tended Data Output) chips.

• BIOS shows SDRAM memory on bootup screen.

24 ASUS MES-N User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.5.2 DIMM Memory Installation

Insert the module(s) as shown. Because the number of pins are different on either
side of the breaks, the module will only fit in the orientation as shown. DIMM
modules are longer and have different pin contact on each side and therefore have a
higher pin density. SIMM modules have the same pin contact on both sides.

TOP:
MOUSE
BOTTOM:
KEYBOARD

20 Pins

®

60 Pins

MES-N

88 Pins

Lock

MES-N 168-pin DIMM Memory Sockets

The DIMMs must be 3.3V Unbuffered for this motherboard. T o determine the DIMM
type, check the notches on the DIMMs (see figure below).

168-Pin DIMM Notch Key Definitions (3.3V)

3. H/W SETUP

System Memory

DRAM Key Position

RFU

Buffered

Unbuffered

Voltage Key Position

5.0V

Reserved

3.3V

The notches on the DIMM module will shift between left, center, or right to identify
the type and also to prevent the wrong type from being inserted into the DIMM slot
on the motherboard. You must ask your retailer the correct DIMM type before pur­chasing. This motherboard supports four clock signals.

ASUS MES-N User’s Manual 25

3. H/W SETUP

CPU

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

This motherboard provides a ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) Socket 370. The CPU for
your motherboard should have a fan attached to it to prevent overheating. If this is
not the case, then purchase a fan before you turn on your system.

WARNING! Be sure that there is sufficient air circulation across the processor’s

heatsink by regularly checking that your CPU fan is working. W ithout sufficient
circulation, the processor could overheat and damage both the processor and the
motherboard. You may install an auxiliary fan, if necessary.

To install a CPU, first turn off your system and remove its cover. Locate the ZIF
socket and open it by first pulling the lever sideways away from the socket then
upwards to a 90-degree angle. Insert the CPU with the correct orientation as shown.
The notched corner should point toward the end of the lever . Because the CPU has
a corner pin for two of the four corners, the CPU will only fit in the orientation as
shown. The picture below is for reference only; you should have a CPU fan that
covers the face of the CPU. With the added weight of the CPU fan, no force is
required to insert the CPU. Once completely inserted, push the socket’ s lever down
while holding down the CPU.

NOTE: Do not forget to set the correct Bus Frequency and Multiple for your Socket
370 processor or else your system may start. Socket 370 processors provide internal
thermal sensing so that a socket mounted thermal resistor is not needed.

CAUTION! Be careful not to scrape the motherboard when mounting a clamp-

style processor fan or else damage may occur to the motherboard.

TOP:
MOUSE
BOTTOM:
KEYBOARD

Socket 370 CPU (Top) Socket 370 CPU (Bottom)

®

MES-N

Notch

MES-N Socket 370

26 ASUS MES-N User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.7 Expansion Cards

WARNING! Make sure that you unplug your power supply when adding or

removing expansion cards or other system components. Failure to do so may
cause severe damage to both your motherboard and expansion cards.

3.7.1 Expansion Card Installation Procedure

1. Read the documentation for your expansion card and make any necessary hard­ware settings for your expansion card, such as jumpers or switches.

2. Remove your computer system’s cover and the bracket plate on the slot you
intend to use. Keep the bracket for possible future use.

3. Carefully align the card’s connectors and press firmly.

4. Secure the card on the slot with the screw you removed above.

5. Replace the computer system’s cover.

6. Set up the BIOS if necessary
(such as IRQ xx Used By ISA: Yes)

7. Install the necessary software drivers for your expansion card.

3.7.2 Assigning IRQs for Expansion Cards

Some expansion cards need to use an IRQ to operate. Generally, an IRQ must be
exclusively assigned to one use. In a standard design, there are 16 IRQs available
but most of them are already in use, leaving 6 IRQs free for expansion cards. If your
motherboard has PCI audio onboard, an extra IRQ will be used, leaving 5 IRQs
free. If your motherboard has ISA audio onboard, an extra 3 IRQs will be used,
leaving 3 IRQs free.

Both ISA and PCI expansion cards may require IRQs. System IRQs are available to
cards installed in the ISA expansion bus first, then any remaining IRQs are available
to PCI cards. Currently, there are two types of ISA cards.

The original ISA expansion card design, now referred to as “Legacy” ISA cards,
requires that you configure the card’s jumpers manually and then install it in any
available slot on the ISA bus. To see a map of your used and free IRQs in Windows
98, the Control Panel icon in My Computer, contains a System icon, which gives
you a Device Manager tab. Double-clicking on a specific hardware device gives you
the Resources tab which shows the Interrupt number and address. Make sure that no
two devices use the same IRQ or your computer will experience problems when
those two devices are in use at the same time.

3. H/W SETUP

Expansion Cards

ASUS MES-N User’s Manual 27

To simplify this process, this motherboard complies with the Plug and Play (PnP)
specification, which was developed to allow automatic system configuration when­ever a PnP-compliant card is added to the system. For PnP cards, IRQs are assigned
automatically from those available.

If the system has both Legacy and PnP ISA cards installed, IRQs are
assigned to PnP cards from those not used by Legacy cards. The PCI and PnP con­figuration of the BIOS setup utility can be used to indicate which IRQs are being
used by Legacy cards. For older Legacy cards that do not work with the BIOS, you
can contact your vendor for an ISA Configuration Utility.

An IRQ number is automatically assigned to PCI expansion cards after those used
by Legacy and PnP ISA cards. In the PCI bus design, the BIOS automatically as­signs an IRQ to a PCI slot that has a card in it that requires an IRQ. To install a PCI
card, you need to set something called the INT (interrupt) assignment. Since all the
PCI slots on this motherboard use an INTA #, be sure that the jumpers on your PCI
cards are set to INT A.

Expansion Cards

3. H/W SETUP

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.7.3 Assigning DMA Channels for ISA Cards

Some ISA cards, both legacy and PnP, may also need to use a DMA (Direct Memory
Access) channel. DMA assignments for this motherboard are handled the same way
as the IRQ assignment process described earlier . T o select a DMA channel, see PCI/
PNP ISA DMA Resour ce Exclusion in 4.4.3 PCI Configuration. NOTE: The on­board audio by default uses DMA1.

IMPORTANT: To avoid conflicts, reserve the necessary IRQs and DMAs for

legacy ISA cards (see PCI/PNP ISA IRQ Resource Exclusion and PCI/PNP

DMA IRQ Resource Exclusion in 4.4.3 PCI Configuration). Choose Ye s in
IRQ xx Used By ISA and DMA x Used By ISA for those IRQs and DMAs you

want to reserve).

28 ASUS MES-N User’s Manual

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3.8 External Connectors

WARNING! Some pins are used for connectors or power sources. These are

clearly distinguished from jumpers in 3.1 Motherboard Layout. Placing jumper
caps over these connector pins will cause damage to your motherboard.

IMPORTANT: Ribbon cables should always be connected with the red stripe to

Pin 1 on the connectors. Pin 1 is usually on the side closest to the power connec­tor on hard drives and CD-ROM drives, but may be on the opposite side on
floppy disk drives. Check the connectors before installation because there may
be exceptions. IDE ribbon cables must be less than 46 cm (18 in.), with the
second drive connector no more than 15 cm (6 in.) from the first connector.

3.8.1 Back Panel Connectors

1) Parallel Connector (25-pin PRINTER)
You can enable the parallel port and choose the IRQ through Onboard Parallel
Port (see 4.4.2 I/O Device Configuration). NOTE: Serial printers must be

connected to the serial port.

Parallel Port (25-pin female)

2) Serial Port Connectors (Two 9-pin COM1 and COM2)

The two serial ports can be used for pointing devices or other serial devices. See

Onboard Serial Port 1 and Onboard Serial Port 2 in 4.2.2 I/O Device Con-
figuration for settings.

Connectors

3. H/W SETUP

COM 2 COM 1

Serial Ports (9-pin male)

ASUS MES-N User’s Manual 29

3. H/W SETUP

Connectors

3. HARDWARE SETUP

3) PS/2 Mouse Connector

The system will direct IRQ12 to the PS/2 mouse if one is detected. If not de­tected, expansion cards can use IRQ12. See PS/2 Mouse Function Control in

4.4 Advanced Menu.

PS/2 Mouse (6-pin female)

PS/2 Keyboard (6-pin female)

4) PS/2 Keyboard Connector (6-pin PS2KBMS)
This connector is for a standard keyboard using a PS/2 plug (mini DIN). This
connector will not allow standard AT size (large DIN) keyboard plugs. You
may use a DIN to mini DIN adapter on standard AT keyboards.

5) Fast-Ethernet Port Connector (RJ-45)

The RJ-45 connector is optional at the time of purchase. This connector allows the
motherboard to connect to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub.

RJ-45

6) LAN Diagnostic LEDs (LAN_LED)

These diagnostic LEDs help indicate if there is a problem with the network
connector, cable, or hub.

1

Green

2

Yellow

3

Green

LED on LED off

1 Speed 10Mbps 100Mbps
2 Activity No data Data transfer
3 Link Bad connection Good connection

30 ASUS MES-N User’s Manual