(continued on the next page)
Chipset System bus Memory

Expansion slots

Scalable Link Interface (SLI) Storage

LAN Audio

IEEE 1394a USB 2.0 ASUS Exclusive Overclocking features
Special features ASUS EZ DIY: - Q-Connector - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 - ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS Q-Fan 2 ASUS MyLogox Parallel port 1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple) 1 x PS/2 mouse port (green) 1 x IEEE 1394a port 1 x COM port 1 x S/PDIF Out port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) ports 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 8-channel audio ports 2 x USB 2.0 connectors support four additional USB 2.0 ports 1 x Floppy disk drive connector 2 x IDE connector for four devices 4 x Serial ATA connectors 1 x CPU / 1 x Chassis / 1 x Power fan connectors 1 x IEEE 1394a connector S/PDIF out connector Front panel audio connector CD audio in connectors 24-pin ATX power connector 4-pin ATX 12 V power connector System panel connector 4 Mb BIOS ROM, AWARD BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.3 WOL by PME, WOR by PME, Chassis intrusion, PXE ATX power supply with 24-pin and 4-pin 12V plugs ATX 12V 2.0 compliant Device drivers ASUS PC Probe II ASUS Update NVIDIA MediaShield RAID Anti-virus software (OEM version)

Rear panel

Internal connectors
BIOS features Manageability Power requirements Support CD contents
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.
This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports.

Product introduction

Chapter summary

1.1 1.2 1.3

Welcome!... 1-1 Package contents... 1-1 Special features... 1-2

ASUS M2N-E SLI

Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS M2N-E SLI 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.

Package contents

ASUS M2N-E SLI motherboard 2 x Serial ATA signal cables 1 x Serial ATA power cable with dual plugs 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable 1 x Floppy disk drive cable I/O shield ASUS SLI bridge 1 x ASUS Q-Connector Kit (USB, System panel; Retail version only) ASUS motherboard support CD User guide
Check your motherboard package for the following items. Motherboard Cables Accessories Application CDs Documentation

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

Special features

Product highlights
Latest processor technology
The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2 socket that supports AMD Athlon 64 FX/AMD Athlon 64 X2/AMD Athlon 64/AMD Sempron processors. With an integrated low-latency high-bandwidth memory controller and a highly scalable HyperTransport technology-based system bus, the motherboard provides a powerful platform for your diverse computing needs, increased office productivity, and enhanced digital media experience. See page 2-5 for details.
Scalable Link Interface (SLI) technology
The NVIDIA Scalable Link Interface (SLI) technology allows two graphics processing units (GPUs) in a single system. This technology takes advantage of the PCI Express bus architecture and features intelligent hardware and software solutions that allows multiple GPUs to work together and achieve exceptional graphics performance. See Chapter 6 for details.
AMD Cool n Quiet! Technology
The motherboard supports the AMD Cool n Quiet! Technology that dynamically and automatically changes the CPU speed, voltage and amount of power depending on the task the CPU performs. See pages 4-25, 53 and 5-9.

Gigabit LAN

The motherboard comes with a Gigabit LAN controller built into the NVIDIA nForce 500 SLI chipset to meet your growing networking needs. The controller uses the PCI Express segment to provide faster data bandwidth for your Internet, LAN, and file sharing requirements. See page 2-22 for details.

DDR2 memory support

The motherboard supports DDR2 memory that features data transfer rates of 800/667/533 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel DDR2 architecture doubles the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system performance, eliminating bottlenecks with peak bandwidths of up to 12.8 GB/s. See pages 210 to 2-13 for details.

Serial ATA 3Gb/s RAID

The motherboard supports the next-generation Serial ATA hard drives based on the SATA 3Gb/s storage specification. The onboard NVIDIA nForce 500 SLI MCP allows RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD. See page 225.

V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
HYB18T256800AF3S(ECC) SS HYB18T512800AF3S(ECC) SS HYB18T512800AF3S(ECC) DS HYB18T512800BF3S(ECC) SS HYB18T512800BF3S(ECC) DS HYB18T512160BF-3S HYB18T512800BF3S HYB18T512800BF3S K4T51163QC-ZCE6 ZCE6K4T51083QC ZCE6K4T51083QC HY5PS12821AFP-Y5 HY5PS1G831FP-Y5(ECC) SS SS DS SS SS DS SS SS
HY5PS12821AFP-Y5(ECC) SS HY5PS12821AFP-Y5(ECC) DS HY5PS12821AFP-Y4 64M8CFEG 64M8CFEG E2508AB-6E-E E5108AE-6E-E AD29608A8A-3EG AD29608A8A-3EG Heat-Sink Package Heat-Sink Package E5108AE-6E-E AM4B5708GQJS7E AM4B5708GQJS7E AM4B5708GQJS7E N/A KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX SS SS SS SS SS SS DS DS DS DS SS DS SS DS SS DS HY5PS12821AFP-Y4(ECC) SS
DDR2 Size 512MB 1024MB 512MB 1024MB Vendor Model
DIMM socket support A* B* V V V V C* V V V V
Transcend Transcend Transcend Transcend
E5108AE-6E-E E5108AE-6E-E J12Q3AB-6 J12Q3AB-6

SS DS SS DS

TS64MLQ64V6J TS128MLQ64V6J JM367Q643A-6 JM388Q643A-6

V V V V

Qualified Vendors List DDR2-533
DDR2 Size 256MB 512MB 1024MB 256MB 512MB 1024MB 256MB 512MB 256MB 1024MB 512MB 1024MB 1024MB 512MB 512MB 1024MB 512MB 512MB 512MB 512MB 1024MB Vendor Model
DIMM socket support A* B* V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V C* V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
KINGSTON KINGSTON KINGSTON Qimonda Qimonda Qimonda Qimonda Qimonda Qimonda Qimonda Hynix Hynix Hynix Hynix Hynix Hynix ELPIDA ELPIDA KINGMAX KINGMAX KINGMAX
E5116AF-5C-E HYB18T512800AF37 5YDIID9GCT HYB18T512160AF-3.7 HYB18T512800AF37 HYB18T512800AF37 HYB18T5121608BF-3.7 HYB18T512800BF37

SS SS DS SS SS DS SS SS

KVR533D2N4/256 KVR533D2N4/512 KVR533D2N4/1G HYS64T32000HU-3.7-A HYS64T64000HU-3.7-A HYS64T128020HU-3.7-A HYS64T32000HU-3.7-B HYS64T64000HU-3.7-B HYS72T32000HU-3.7-A HYS72T128020HU-3.7-A HYMP564U648-C4 HYMP512U648-C4 HYMP512U728-C4 HYMP564U728-C4 HYMP564U64AP8-C3 HYMP512U64AP8-C3 EBE51ED8ABFA-5C-E EBE51UD8ABFA-5C-E KLBC28F-A8EB4 KLBC28F-A8KE4 KLBD48F-A8ME4
V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
HYB18T256800AF37(ECC) SS HYB18T512800AF37(ECC) DS HY5PS12821F-C4 HY5PS12821F-C4 HY5PS12821F-C4(ECC) HY5PS12821FP-C4(ECC) HY5PS12821AFP-C3 HY5PS12821AFP-C3 E5108AB-5C-E(ECC) E5108AB-5C-E E5108AE-5C-E KKEA88E4AAK-37 5MB22D9DCN SS DS DS SS SS DS SS SS SS SS DS
Side(s): SS - Single-sided DS - Double-sided DIMM Support: A - Supports one module inserted in any slot for a single-channel memory configuration. B - Supports one pair of modules inserted into either the yellow slots or the black slots as one pair of dual-channel memory configuration. C - Supports three modules inserted into both the yellow and black slots as two pairs of dual-channel memory configuration.
Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) for the latest memory Qualified Vendor List (QVL). 2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware information

M2N-E SLI Keyboard Power Setting

Connectors

Rear panel connectors

1. 2. 3. 4.

PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse. Parallel port. This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a scanner, or other devices. IEEE 1394a port. This 6-pin IEEE 1394a port provides high-speed connectivity for audio/video devices, storage peripherals, PCs, or portable devices. LAN (RJ-45) port. Supported by the NVIDIA nForce 500 Gigabit MAC with external Attansic PHY, this port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. Refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indications.

LAN port LED indications

Status OFF GREEN BLINKING Description No link Linked Data activity
ACT/LINK LED SPEED LED Status OFF ORANGE GREEN Description 10 Mbps connection 100 Mbps connection 1 Gbps connection

ACT/LINK SPEED LED LED

LAN port
Side Speaker Out port (gray). This port connects the side speakers in an 8-channel audio configuration. Rear Speaker Out port (black). This port connects the rear speakers in a 4-channel, 6-channel, or 8-channel audio configuration.

7. 8. 9.

Line In port (light blue). This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player, or other audio sources. Line Out port (lime). This port connects a headphone or a speaker. In 4-channel, 6-channel, and 8-channel configuration, the function of this port becomes Front Speaker Out. Microphone port (pink). This port connects a microphone.
Refer to the audio configuration table below for the function of the audio ports in 2, 4, 6 or 8-channel configuration.
10. Center/Subwoofer port (orange). This port connects the center/ subwoofer speakers.
Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration
Port Light Blue Lime Pink Orange Black Gray Headset 2-channel Line In Line Out Mic In 4-channel Line In Front Speaker Out Mic In Rear Speaker Out 6-channel Line In Front Speaker Out Mic In Center/Subwoofer Rear Speaker Out 8-channel Line In Front Speaker Out Mic In Center/Subwoofer Rear Speaker Out Side Speaker Out
11. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices. 12. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices. 13. Serial port (COM port). This 9-pin COM port is for pointing devices and other serial devices. 14. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device via a coaxial S/PDIF cable. 15. PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.
Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) This connector is for the provided floppy disk drive (FDD) signal cable. Insert one end of the cable to this connector, then connect the other end to the signal connector at the back of the floppy disk drive.

c. Click Start, then select Run. d. From the Open field, type 2. D:\bootdisk\makeboot a: assuming that D: is your optical drive.
e. Press <Enter>, then follow screen instructions to continue. Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS file to the bootable floppy disk.

4.1.2 Updating the BIOS

The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) can be updated using the AwardBIOS Flash Utility. Follow these instructions to update the BIOS using this utility. 1. Download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS web site. Rename the file to m2nesli.bin and save it to a floppy disk.
Save only the updated BIOS file in the floppy disk to avoid loading the wrong BIOS file.
Copy the AwardBIOS Flash Utility (awdflash.exe) from the Software folder of the support CD to the floppy disk with the latest BIOS file. Boot the system in DOS mode using the bootable floppy disk you created earlier.
4. When the A:> appears, replace the bootable floppy disk with the floppy disk containing the new BIOS file and the Award BIOS Flash Utility. 5. At the prompt, type awdflash then press <Enter>. The Award BIOS Flash Utility screen appears.
AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.01 (C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved For NF-CK804-M2N-E SLI DATE: 11/18/2004 Flash Type - SST 49LF004A/B /3.3V File Name to Program:
Message: Please input File Name!
Type the BIOS file name in the File Name to Program field, then press <Enter>.
AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.01 (C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved For NF-CK804-M2N-E SLI DATE: 11/18/2004 Flash Type - SST 49LF004A/B /3.3V File Name to Program: m2nesli.bin
Message: Do You Want To Save Bios (Y/N)
Press <N> when the utility prompts you to save the current BIOS file. The following screen appears. The utility verifies the BIOS file in the floppy disk and starts flashing the BIOS file.
AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.01 (C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved For NF-CK804-M2N-E SLI DATE: 11/18/2004 Flash Type - SST 49LF004A/B /3.3V File Name to Program: m2nesli.bin Program Flashing Memory - OFE00 OK

Write OK

No Update

Write Fail

Warning: Dont Turn Off Power Or Reset System!
Do not turn off or reset the system during the flashing process!
The utility displays a Flashing Complete message indicating that you have successfully flashed the BIOS file. Remove the floppy disk then press <F1> to restart the system.
AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.01 (C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved For NF-CK804-M2N-E SLI DATE: 11/18/2004 Flash Type - SST 49LF004A/B /3.3V File Name to Program: m2nesli.bin Flashing Complete Press <F1> to Continue

Write OK F1 Reset

4.1.3 Saving the current BIOS file
You can use the AwardBIOS Flash Utility to save the current BIOS file. You can load the current BIOS file when the BIOS file gets corrupted during the flashing process.
Make sure that the floppy disk has enough disk space to save the file.
To save the current BIOS file using the AwardBIOS Flash Utility: 1. Follow steps 1 to 6 of the previous section. 2. Press <Y> when the utility prompts you to save the current BIOS file. The following screen appears.
AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.01 (C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved For NF-CK804-M2N-E SLI DATE: 11/18/2004 Flash Type - SST 49LF004A/B /3.3V File Name to Program: m2nesli.bin Save current BIOS as:

Message:

Type a filename for the current BIOS file in the Save current BIOS as field, then press <Enter>.
AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.01 (C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved For NF-CK804-M2N-E SLI DATE: 11/18/2004 Flash Type - SST 49LF004A/B /3.3V File Name to Program: m2nesli.bin Checksum: DAD6H Save current BIOS as: m2nesli2.bin

Message: Please Wait!

4. The utility saves the current BIOS file to the floppy disk, then returns to the BIOS flashing process.
AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.01 (C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved For NF-CK804-M2N-E SLI DATE: 11/18/2004 Flash Type - SST 49LF004A/B /3.3V File Name to Program: m2nesli2.bin Now Backup System BIOS to File!
4.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility
The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can update a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support CD, floppy, or USB flash disk that contains the updated BIOS file.
Prepare the motherboard support CD, floppy, or USB flash disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility.

DRAM Configuration Memory Clock Frequency [Auto] DRAM Timing Control Tcl [Auto] Trcd [Auto] Trp [Auto] Tras [Auto] Trc [Auto] Twr [Auto] Trrd [Auto] Trwt [Auto] Twtr [Auto] Trtp [Auto] Twrrd [Auto] Twrwr [Auto] Trdrd [Auto] Trfc [Auto] 1T/2T Memory Timing [Auto] F1:Help ESC: Exit : Select Item : Select Menu -/+: Change Value Enter: Select Sub-menu
Memory Clock Frequency[Auto] Sets platform Memclock or limit value. Configuration options: [Auto] [DDR2 400] [DDR2 533] [DDR2 667] [DDR2 800]

DRAM Timing Control

Load Fail-Safe Defaults
Configuration options: [YES] [NO]
USB Keyboard Support [Enabled]
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
USB Mouse Support [Enabled]
Onboard FDC Controller [Enabled]

CKE Fine Delay [Auto]

Configuration options: [Auto] [No delay] [1/64 MEMCLK delay] [2/64 MEMCLK delay] [3/64 MEMCLK delay] [4/64 MEMCLK delay] [5/64 MEMCLK delay].[30/64 MEMCLK delay] [31/64 MEMCLK delay]

CKE Setup Time [Auto]

Configuration options: [Auto] [1/2 MEMCLK] [1 MEMCLK]

CS/ODT Fine Delay [Auto]

CS/ODT Setup Time [Auto]
Address/Command Fine Delay [Auto]
Address/Command Setup Time [Auto]
Tcl[Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [3] [4] [5] [6]
Trcd[Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [3] [4] [5] [6] Trp[Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [3] [4] [5] [6]

Tras[Auto]

Configuration options: [Auto] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11]

Trc[Auto]

Configuration options: [Auto] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17]
Twr[Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [3] [4] [5] [6] Trrd[Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [2] [3] [4] [5] Trwt[Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] Twtr[Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] Trtp[Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [2/4] [3/5] Twrrd[Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] Twrwr[Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3] Trdrd[Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [2] [3] [4] [5]
Trfc[Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] 1T/2T Memory Timing[Auto] Configuration Options: [Auto] [1T] [2T]
Hyper Transport Frequency [Auto]
Configuration options: [1x] [2x] [3x] [4x] [5x] [Auto]

AMD Live! [Disabled]

Enables or disables AMD Live! technology. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
AMD CoolnQuiet Function [Disabled]
Enables or disables the AMD CoolnQuiet function. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled]

4.4.4 PCIPnP

Advanced Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility PCIPnP Plug & Play O/S Primary Display Adapter [No] [PCI] Select Menu Item Specific Help Enable or Disable LAN cable check during POST.

Power Up By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]
When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to use the PS/2 mouse to turn on the system. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]
Allows you to disable the Power On by PS/2 keyboard function or set specific keys on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Space Bar] [Ctrl-ESC] [Power Key]

4.5.4 Hardware Monitor

The items in this sub-menu displays the hardware monitor values automatically detected by the BIOS. It also allows you to change CPU Q-Fan feature-related parameters. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options.
Power Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Select Menu Item Specific Help Press [Enter] to enable or disable
Hardware Monitor CPU Q-Fan Control x CPU Q-Fan Profile Chassis Q-Fan Control x Chassis Q-Fan Profile Vcore Voltage 3.3V Voltage 5V Voltage 12V Voltage CPU Temperature M/B Temperature CPU FAN Speed CHASSIS FAN Speed Power FAN Speed CPU Fan Speed warning F1:Help ESC: Exit : Select Item : Select Menu [Disabled] Performance [Disabled] Performance [1.36V] [3.31V] [4.97V] [11.90V] 45C 36C 3260 RPM 0 RPM 0 RPM [800 RPM] -/+: Change Value Enter: Select Sub-menu
CPU/Chassis Q-Fan Control [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the CPU/Chassis Q-Fan controller. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
CPU/Chassis Q-Fan Profile [Performance]
Allows you to set the CPU/Chassis Q-Fan type. Configuration options: [Performance] [Optimal] [Silent]
Only when the Q-Fan Control is set to [Enabled], Q-Fan Profile are configurable.

VCORE Voltage[1.36V]

Allows you to enable or ignore the VCore voltage. Configuration options: [1.36V] [Ignore]

3.3V Voltage[3.31V]

Allows you to set or ignore the 3.3V voltage. Configuration options: [3.31V] [Ignore]

5V Voltage[4.97V]

Allows you to set or ignore the 5V voltage. Configuration options: [4.97V] [Ignore]

12V Voltage[11.90V]

Allows you to set or ignore the 12V voltage. Configuration options: [11.90V] [Ignore]
CPU Temperature, M/B Temperature
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the motherboard and CPU temperatures. These items are not user-configurable.
CPU FAN Speed, CHASSIS FAN Speed, POWER Fan Speed
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the Chassis, CPU, and power fan speeds in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the motherboard, the field shows 0. These items are not user-configurable.
CPU Fan Speed warning [800 RPM]
Enables or disables the CPU Fan speed warning feature. Configuration options: [Disabled] [800 RPM] [1200 RPM] [1600 RPM]
Please be careful when the CPU Fan speed warning is set to [Disabled]. It will not produce and warning message during POST even the fan is bad or not present.

Boot menu

The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.
Main Advanced Power Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot Exit Select Menu Item Specific Help
Boot Device Priority Removable Drives Boot Settings Configuration Security
4.6.1 Boot Device Priority
Power Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Select Menu Item Specific Help Select your boot device priority
Boot Device Priority 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Boot Boot Boot Boot Device Device Device Device [Removable] [Hard Disk] [CDROM] [Disabled]
1st ~ xxth Boot Device [Removable]
These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices. The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices installed in the system. Configuration options: [Removable] [Hard Disk] [CDROM] [Disabled]

4.6.2 Removable Drives

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot Removable Drives 1. Floppy Disks 2. Netac OnlyDisk 2010 Select Menu Item Specific Help Use <> or <> to select a device, then press <+> to move it up, or <-> to move it down the list. Press <ESC> to exit this menu.

1. Floppy Disks

Allows you to assign a removable drive attached to the system.

2. Netac OnlyDisk 2010

4.6.3 Boot Settings Configuration
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot Boot Settings Configuration Case Open Warning Quick Boot Boot Up Floppy Seek Bootup Num-Lock Typematic Rate Setting x Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec) x Typematic Delay (Msec) OS Select For DRAM > 64MB Full Screen LOGO Halt On [Enabled] [Enabled] [Disabled] [On] [Disabled] [Non-OS2] [Enabled] [All, But Keyboard] Select Menu Item Specific Help Press [Enter] to enable or disable.
Case Open Warning [Enabled]
Enables or disables the chassis open status feature. Setting to Enabled, clears the chassis open status. Refer to section 2.7 Internal connectors for setting details. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Quick Boot [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the system quick boot feature. When Enabled, the system skips certain tests while booting. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Boot Up Floppy Seek [Disabled]
Enable this item to check for a boot floppy disk during POST. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Bootup Num-Lock [On]

Allows you to select the power-on state for the NumLock. Configuration options: [Off] [On]
Typematic Rate Setting [Disabled]
Allows you to set the keystroke rate. Enable this item to configure the Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec) and the Typematic Delay (Msec). Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
The items Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec) and Typematic Delay (Msec) becomes user-configurable only when the item Typematic Rate Setting is enabled.
Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec) [6]
Allows you to select the rate at which a character repeats when you hold a key. Configuration options: [6] [8] [10] [12] [15] [20] [24] [30]
Typematic Delay (Msec) [250]
Allows you to set the delay before keystrokes begin to repeat. Configuration options: [250] [500] [750] [1000]
OS Select for DRAM > 64MB [Non-OS2]

NVIDIA nForce Chipset Driver
Installs the NVIDIA Chipset drivers for the NVIDIA nForce 500 SLI chipset.
C-Media CM6501 Audio Driver
Installs the C-Media CM6501 audio driver and application.

AMD CoolnQuiet Driver

Installs the AMD Cool n Quiet! driver and application.

USB 2.0 Driver

Installs the Universal Serial Bus 2.0 (USB 2.0) driver.

5.2.3 Utilities menu

The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports.

ASUS PC Probe II

This smart utility monitors the fan speed, CPU temperature, and system voltages, and alerts you of any detected problems. This utility helps you keep your computer in healthy operating condition.

ASUS Update

Allows you to download the latest version of the BIOS from the ASUS website.
Before using the ASUS Update, make sure that you have an Internet connection so you can connect to the ASUS website.
ASUS AMD Cool n Quiet Utility
Installs the AMD Cool n Quiet! software.
ADOBE Acrobat Reader V7.0
Installs the Adobe Acrobat Reader that allows you to open, view, and print documents in Portable Document Format (PDF).

Microsoft DirectX 9.0c

Installs the Microsoft DirectX 9.0 driver. The Microsoft DirectX 9.0 is a multimedia technology that enhances computer graphics and sound. DirectX improves the multimedia features of you computer so you can enjoy watching TV and movies, capturing videos, or playing games in your computer. Visit the Microsoft website (www.microsoft.com) for updates.

Anti-virus Utility

The anti-virus application detects and protects your computer from viruses that destroys data.

5.2.4 Make Disk menu

The Make Disk menu contains items to create the NVIDIA nForce 500-SLI or Silicon Image SATA RAID driver disk.
Make NV SATA/RAID 32bit 2000 Driver Make NV SATA/RAID 32bit XP Driver Make NV SATA/RAID 32bit 2003 Driver
Allows you to create an NVIDIA Serial ATA RAID driver disk for a 32-bit 2000/XP/2003 system.
Make NV SATA/RAID 64bit XP Driver Make NV SATA/RAID 64bit 2003 Driver
Allows you to create an NVIDIA Serial ATA RAID driver disk for a 64-bit XP/2003 system.

5.2.5 Manuals menu

The Manuals menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to open the folder of the user manual.
Most user manual files are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the Adobe Acrobat Reader from the Utilities menu before opening a user manual file. Some user manuals listed in this menu may not be applicable for this motherboard model.

NVIDIA RAID Users Guide

Allows you to open the NVIDIA RAID Users Guide.
5.2.6 ASUS Contact information
Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can also find this information on the inside front cover of this user guide.

5.2.7 Other information

The icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the motherboard and the contents of the support CD. Click an icon to display the specified information.

Motherboard Info

Displays the general specifications of the motherboard.

Browse this CD

Displays the support CD contents in graphical format.

Technical support Form

Displays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to fill out when requesting technical support.

Filelist

Displays the contents of the support CD and a brief description of each in text format.

Software information

Most of the applications in the support CD have wizards that will conveniently guide you through the installation. View the online help or readme file that came with the software application for more information.
5.3.1 Cool n Quiet! Technology
The motherboard supports the AMD Cool n Quiet! Technology that dynamically and automatically change the CPU speed, voltage, and amount of power depending on the task the CPU performs.
Enabling Cool n Quiet! Technology
To enable Cool n Quiet! Technology: 1. 2. 3. 4. Turn on the system and enter BIOS by pressing the <Del> key during the Power On Self-Tests (POST). Go to Advanced -> CPU Configuration -> AMD Cool nQuiet Function and set it to [Enabled]. See section 4.4 Advanced Menu. Save your changes and exit BIOS Setup. Reboot your computer and set your Power Option Properties depending on your operating system.

Windows 2000/XP

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. From the Windows 2000/XP operating system, click the Start button. Select Settings, then Control Panel. Make sure the Control Panel is set to Classic View. Double-click the Display icon in the Control Panel then select the Screen Saver tab. Click the Power. button. The following dialog box appears. From the Power schemes combo list box, select Minimal Power Management. Click OK to effect settings.
Make sure to install the Cool n Quiet! driver and application before using this feature.

The RAID BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference only, and may not exactly match the items on your screen.
NVIDIA RAID Utility Oct - Define a New Array RAID Mode: Striping Free Disks Loc Disk Model Name 1.0.M 1.1.M 2.0.M 2.1.M XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [] Add Striping Block: Optimal
Array Disks Loc Disk Model Name

[] Del

[F6] Back

[F7] Finish

[TAB] Navigate

[] Select

[ENTER] Popup
At the bottom of the screen are the navigation keys. These keys allow you to move through and select menu options.

Creating a RAID Volume

To create a RAID volume: 1. From the NVIDIA RAID utility Define a New Array menu, select RAID Mode then press <Enter>. The following submenu appears. Use the up or down arrow keys Mirroring to select a RAID mode then press Striping <Enter>. Stripe Mirroring

Spanning

Press <TAB> select the Striping Block then press <Enter>. The following submenu appears:
8K 16K 32K 64K 128K Optim
If you selected Striping or Stripe Mirroring, use the up or down arrow keys to select the stripe size for your RAID 0 array then press <Enter>.The available values range from 8 KB to 128 KB. The default selection is 128 KB. The strip value should be chosen based on the planned drive usage. 8 /16 KB - low disk usage 64 KB - typical disk usage 128 KB - performance disk usage
TIP: For server systems, we recommend using a lower array block size. For multimedia computer systems used mainly for audio and video editing, we recommend a higher array block size for optimum performance.
3.` Press <TAB> to select the Free Disks area. Use the left or right arrow keys to assign the array disks. 4. Press <F7> to create RAID set. The following message box appears.

Clear disk data?

[Y] YES

[N] NO

Press <Y> to clear the selected disks or <N> to proceed without clearing the disks. The following screen appears.
Take caution in using this option. All data on the RAID drives will be lost!
NVIDIA RAID Utility Oct - Array List Boot No Id 4 Status Healthy Vendor NVIDIA Array Model Name MIRROR XXX.XXG

[Ctrl-X]Exit

[]Select

[B]Set Boot

[N]New Array

[ENTER]Detail

A new set of navigation keys is displayed on the bottom of the screen. Press <Ctrl+X> to save settings and exit.

Rebuilding a RAID array

To rebuild a RAID array: 1. From the Array List menu, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID array then press <Enter>. The RAID Array details appear.