(continued on the next page)
Chipset System bus Memory

Expansion slots

Storage

High Definition Audio

USB ASUS AI Lifestyle features
ASUS Exclusive Overclocking features Intelligent overclocking tools: - AI NOS (Non-delay Overclocking System) - AI Overclocking (intelligent CPU frequency tuner) - ASUS PEG Link ASUS O.C. Profile: overclocking configuration-sharing tool Precision Tweaker: - vDIMM: 4-step DRAM voltage control - vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.0125 V increment - Stepless Frequency Selection(SFS) allows FSB tuning from 200 MHz up to 400 MHz at 1 MHz increment - PCI Express frequency allows PCI Express x16 frequency tuning from 100 MHz to 200 MHz at 1 MHz increment Overclocking protection: - ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) ASUS AI Booster Utility 3 x USB 2.0 connectors support six additional USB 2.0 ports 1 x Floppy disk drive connector 1 x IDE connector for two devices 6 x Serial ATA connectors 1 x CPU / 4 x Chassis / 1 x Power fan connectors 1 x ADH connector 1 x Parallel connector 1 x S/PDIF Out connector Chassis intrusion connector Front panel audio connector CD audio in connector 24-pin ATX power connector 4-pin ATX 12 V power connector System panel connector ASUS EZ DIY: - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 - ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS Music Alarm

Internal connectors

Special features
Rear panel 1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple) 1 x PS/2 mouse port (green) 1 x Serial (COM1) port 1 x Coaxial S/PDIF Out port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) ports 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 8-channel audio ports 4 Mb 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 AI Booster ASUS PC Probe II ASUS Update NVIDIA MediaShield RAID Anti-virus software (OEM version) ATX form factor: 12 in x 9.6 in (30.5 cm x 24.5 cm)
BIOS features Manageability Power requirements Support CD contents

Form factor

*Specifications are subject to change without notice.
This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports.

Product introduction

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

ASUS M2N-E

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

Gigbit LAN

The NVIDIA native Gigabit LAN controller delivers transfer speeds up to ten times faster than conventional 10/100 Ethernet connections. Gigabit LAN is the networking standard for the early future and is ideal for handling large amounts of data such as video, audio, and voice.
S/PDIF digital sound ready
The motherboard supports the S/PDIF technology through the S/PDIF interfaces on the rear panel. The S/PDIF technology turns your computer into a high-end entertainment system with digital connectivity to powerful audio and speaker systems. See pages 2-21 and 2-24 for details.

USB 2.0 technology

The motherboard implements the Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 specification, dramatically increasing the connection speed from the 12Mbps bandwidth on USB 1.1 to a fast 480 Mbps on USB 2.0. USB 2.0 is backward compatible with USB 1.1. See pages 2-21 and 2-24 for details.
AMD Cool n Quiet Technology
The motherboard supports the AMD Cool n Quiet Technology, which monitors system operation and automatically adjusts CPU voltage and frequency for a cool and quiet operating environment. See page 4-26 for details.

AI Gear

ASUS AI Lifestyle features
AI Gear provides four modes that adjust the CPU frequency and Vcore voltage minimizing system noise and power consumption. You can choose the mode that best suits your computing needs. See page 5-21 for details

AI Nap

With AI Nap, the system can continue running at minimum power and noise when the user is temporarily away. To wake the system and return to the OS environment, simply click the mouse or press a key. See page 5-20 for details.

ASUS Crystal Sound

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

Advanced Thermal Design

Fanless Design and Heat-pipe The ASUS fanless design allows multi-directional heat flow from major thermal sources in the motherboard to lower overall system temperature, resulting in quieter operation and longer system life. ASUS has devoted special efforts to address the thermal issues across the motherboard, and most notably in the following areas: CPU, power, VGA, and chipset. The heat pipe, heatsink, and strategic board layout were tailor made to dissipate heat in the most efficient manner.

Hardware information

2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7
Before you proceed... 2-1 Motherboard overview... 2-2 Central Processing Unit (CPU).. 2-6 System memory... 2-11 Expansion slots... 2-16. Jumper.... 2-19 Connectors.... 2-20

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. Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or to a metal object, such as the power supply case, before handling components to avoid damaging them due to static electricity. Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them. Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the bag that came with the component. Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, and/or components.

Onboard LED

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

SB_PWR

ON Standby Power

OFF Powered Off

M2N-E Onboard LED

Motherboard overview

Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard fits into it.
Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.

Placement direction

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

Screw holes

Place nine (9) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis.
Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
Place this side towards the rear of the chassis
PS/2KBMS T: Mouse B: Keyboard

SPDIF_O1

Motherboard layout

Qualified Vendors List DDR2-800
DDR2 Size 512MB 1024MB 512MB 512MB 512MB 512MB 512MB 256MB Vendor KINGSTON KINGSTON Infineon Hynix MICRON MICRON MICRON A-DATA Model K4T51083QC K4T51083QC HYB18T256800AF25F HY5PS12821BFP-S5 5JAIIZ9DQQ 5ZD22D9GKX 6CD22D9GKX E2508AB-GE-E Side(s) SS DS DS SS SS SS SS SS Component KVR800D2N5/512 KVR800D2N5/1G HYS64T64020HU-25F-A HYMP564U64BP8-S5 MT8HTF6464AY-80EA3 MT8HTF6464AY-80ED4 MT8HTF6464AY-80ED4 M20EL6F3G3160A1D0Z DIMM socket support A* B* C*
Side(s): SS - Single-sided DIMM Support:

DS - Double-sided

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 two pairs of modules inserted into 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).

Installing a DIMM

Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components.
To install a DIMM: 1. 2. 3. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the socket. Firmly insert the DIMM into the socket until the retaining clips snap back in place and the DIMM is properly seated.

DDR2 DIMM notch

Unlocked retaining clip
A DDR2 DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction. Do not force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM. The DDR2 DIMM sockets do not support DDR DIMMs. DO not install DDR DIMMs to the DDR2 DIMM sockets.

Removing a DIMM

To remove a DIMM: Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to unlock the DIMM.
Support the DIMM lightly with your fingers when pressing the retaining clips. The DIMM might get damaged when it flips out with extra force.
Remove the DIMM from the socket.
In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following subsections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support.
Make sure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Installing an expansion card
To install an expansion card: Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with it and make the necessary hardware settings for the card. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a chassis). Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screw for later use. Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is completely seated on the slot. Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier. Replace the system cover.

Configuring an expansion card
After installing the expansion card, configure the it by adjusting the software settings. 1. 2. 3. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See Chapter 4 for information on BIOS setup. Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.
When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support Share IRQ or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments; otherwise, conflicts will arise between the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable.

IRQ 13 14

Interrupt assignments
Priority 9 Standard function System Timer Keyboard Controller Redirect to IRQ#9 Communications Port (COM1)* IRQ Holder for PCI Steering* Floppy Disk Controller Printer Port (LPT1)* System CMOS/Real Time Clock IRQ Holder for PCI Steering* IRQ Holder for PCI Steering* IRQ Holder for PCI Steering* PS/2 Compatible Mouse Port* Numeric Data Processor Primary IDE Channel
Standard interrupt assignments
* These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices.
IRQ assignments for this motherboard
A PCI Slot 1 PCI Slot 2 PCI Slot 3 PCIe x16 slot 1 PCIe x4 slot 1 PCIe x1 slot 1 PCIe x1 slot 2 shared shared shared shared B shared shared shared C D E F G H

PCI slots

The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. Refer to the figure below for the location of the slots.
We recommend that you use PCI3 slot for long PCI cards.
PCI Express x4 slot & PCI Express x1 slot
This motherboard supports PCI Express x4 and PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. Refer to the figure below for the location of the slot.

PCI Express x16 slots

This motherboard supports PCI Express x16 graphics cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. Refer to the figure below for the location of the slots.

5. Center/Subwoofer port (orange). This port connects the center/subwoofer speakers. 6. 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. Side Speaker Out port (gray). This port connects the side speakers in an 8-channel audio configuration.
Refer to the audio configuration table below for the function of the audio ports in 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration.
Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration
Port Light Blue Lime Pink Gray Black Orange 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 Rear Speaker Out Center/Subwoofer 8-channel Line In Front Speaker Out Mic In Side Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out Center/Subwoofer
10. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2, 3 and 4. These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices. 11. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device via an coaxial S/PDIF cable. 12. 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.
Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable connection when using a FDD cable with a covered Pin 5.
FLOPPY M2N-E Floppy Disk Drive Connector
NOTE: Orient the red markings on the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1.
IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) The onboard IDE connector is for the Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable. There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable: blue, black, and gray. Connect the blue connector to the motherboards IDE connector, then select one of the following modes to configure your device.
Drive jumper setting Single device Two devices Cable-Select or Master Cable-Select Master Slave Mode of device(s) Master Slave Master Slave Cable connector Black Black Gray Black or gray

SPDIF_OUT M2N-E Digital Audio Connector The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.

SPDIFOUT GND

USB+5V USB_P7USB_P7+ GND

USB+5V USB_P5USB_P5+ GND

M2N-E USB 2.0 Connectors
USB+5V USB_P6 USB_P6+ GND NC
CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN1, 3-pin CHA_FAN2, 3-pin CHA_FAN3, 3-pin CHA_FAN4, 3-pin PWR_FAN) The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350 mA ~ 2000 mA (24 W max.) or a total of 1 A ~ 7 A (84 W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, making sure that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector.
Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. These are not jumpers! Do not place jumper caps on the fan connectors! CPU_FAN

Rotation +12V GND

CHA_FAN1

GND +12V Rotation

CHA_FAN2

CHA_FAN3

CHA_FAN4

M2N-E Fan Connectors

Only the CPU_FAN, CHA_FAN1, CHA_FAN2, CHA_FAN3, and CHA_FAN4 connectors support the ASUS Q-Fan2 feature.
Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS) This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detection sensor or switch. Connect one end of the chassis intrusion sensor or switch cable to this connector. The chassis intrusion sensor or switch sends a high-level signal to this connector when a chassis component is removed or replaced. The signal is then generated as a chassis intrusion event. By default, the pins labeled Chassis Signal and Ground are shorted with a jumper cap. Remove the jumper caps only when you intend to use the chassis intrusion detection feature.
CHASSIS M2N-E Chassis Intrusion Connector

(Default)

Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD) This connector allows you to receive stereo audio input from an optical drive such as DVD or CD-ROM.
CD (black) M2N-E Internal Audio Connector
Right Audio Channel Ground Ground Left Audio Channel

Chassis Signal GND

+5VSB_MB
Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports either HD Audio or legacy AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.
Azalia-compliant pin definition
GND PRESENCE# SENSE1_RETUR SENSE2_RETUR
AC 97-compliant pin definition
M2N-E Azalia Front Panel Audio Connector We recommend that you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the motherboards high-definition audio capability. By default, this connector is set to AC97 Audio. If you want to connect a High Definition front panel audio module to this connector, set the Front Panel Support Type item in the BIOS to [HD Audio]. See section 4.4.7 Onboard Device Configuration for details.

Landing Zone Sector

Shows the number of landing zone per track. This item is not configurable. Shows the number of sectors per track. This item is not configurable.
HDD SMART Monitoring [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the HDD Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology (SMART) feature. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

4.3.7 4.3.8

Installed Memory [xxx MB] Usable Memory [XXX MB]
Shows the size of installed memory.
Shows the size of usable memory.

Advanced menu

The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices.
Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction.
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot Tools Exit Select Menu Item Specific Help Adjust system frequency/ voltage.
JumperFree Configuration AI NET2 PEG Link Mode CPU Configuration Chipset PCIPnP Onboard Device Configuration

JumperFree Configuration

Advanced Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Select Menu Item Specific Help Press [Enter] to select overclock profile. JumperFree Configuration

x x x x x x

AI Tuning Overclock Options N.O.S. Option CPU Frequency DDR2 Voltage Control CPU Voltage CPU Multiplier Advanced Voltage Control
[Auto] Disabled Disabled 200.0 Auto Auto Auto
-/+: Change Value Enter: Select Sub-menu

AI Tuning [Auto]

Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU internal frequency. Selct either one of the preset overclocking configuration options: Manual Auto Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters. Loads the optimal settings for the system.
Standard AI Overclock AI N.O.S.
Loads the standard settings for the system. Loads overclocking profiles with optimal parameters for stability when overclocking. The ASUS Non-delay Overclocking System feature intelligently determines the system load and automatically boosts the performance for the most demanding tasks.
The following item becomes user-configurable when you set AI Tuning to [AI Overclocking].
Overclock Options [Disabled]
Allows you to set the overclocking options. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Overclock 3%] [Overclock 5%] [Overclock 8%] [Overclock 10%]

DCQ Bypass Maximum

Configuration options: [Auto] [0x] [1x] [2x] [3x].[14x] [15x]

DRAM Burst Length

Configuration options: [Auto] [64-byte] [32-byte]

RdPadRcvFIFO Delay

Configuration options: [Auto] [1.5] [2] [2.5] [3] [3.5]

Disable Jitter

Configuration options: [Auto] [OFF] [ON]

DRAM Bank Interleaving

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Bank Swizzle Mode

DRAM Timing Control

CKE Fine Delay

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

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

CS/ODT Fine Delay

CS/ODT Setup Time
Address/Command Fine Delay
Address/Command Setup Time

Read DQS Timing Control

Configuration options: [Auto] [No delay] [1/96 MEMCLK delay] [2/96 MEMCLK delay] [3/96 MEMCLK delay] [4/96 MEMCLK delay] [5/96 MEMCLK delay].[46/96 MEMCLK delay] [47/96 MEMCLK delay]
Write Data Timing Control
DQS Receiver Enable Timing
Configuration options: [Auto] [0 ps] [50 ps] [100 ps] [150 ps] [200 ps] [250 ps] [300 ps] [350 ps] [400 ps].[8550 ps] [8600 ps] [8650 ps] [8700 ps]

Output Driver Control

CKE Drive Strength
Configuration options: [Auto] [1.00x] [1.25x] [1.50x] [2.00x]

CS/ODT Drive Strength

Add/CMD Drive Strength

MEMCLK Drive Strength

Configuration options: [Auto] [0.75x] [1.00x] [1.25x] [1.50x]

Data Drive Strength

DQS Drive Strength

DRAM Drivers Weak Mode

Configuration options: [Auto] [Normal] [Weak]
AMD Cool n Quiet Function [Disabled]
Enables or disables the AMD Cool n Quiet technology. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

Chipset

Advanced Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Chipset Select Menu Item Specific Help
CPU<->MCP55 HT Speed CPU<->MCP55 HT Width

Allows you to enable or disable the USB 2.0 controller. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
USB Legacy Support [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable support for USB devices on legacy operating systems (OS). Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
4-30 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

Onboard NV LAN [Enabled]

Enables or disables the onboard NVIDIA LAN controller. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the onboard LAN boot ROM. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
Primary Display Adapter [PCI-E Slot]
Allows you to select the graphics controller to use as the primary boot device. Configuration options: [PCI Slot] [PCI-E slot]

HD Audio [Auto]

Allows you to disable or set the High-Definition audio function. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled]
Front Panel Support Type [AC97]
Allows you to set the front panel audio support type. Configuration options: [AC97] [HD Audio]
Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]
Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address. Configuration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4] [2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3] [Auto]
Parallel Port Address [378/IRQ7]
Allows you to select the Parallel Port address. Configuration options: [Disabled] [378/IRQ7] [278/IRQ5] [3BC/IRQ7]

Parallel Port Mode [EPP]

Allows you to select the Parallel Port mode. Configuration options: [Normal] [EPP] [ECP] [Bi-Directional]
The ECP Mode Use DMA item becomes user-configurable when the Parallel Port Mode item is set to [ECP] or [Bi-Directional]

ECP Mode Use DMA [3]

Allows selection of ECP Mode. Configuration options: [1] [3]

Power menu

The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) and the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options.
Main Advanced Power Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot Tools Exit [S1&S3] [Enabled] Select Menu Item Specific Help Press [Enter] to select whether or not to restart the system after AC power loss.
ACPI Suspend Type ACPI APIC support APM Configuration Hardware Monitor
ACPI Suspend Type [S1&S3]
Allows you to select the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) state to be used for system suspend. Configuration options: [S1 (POS)] [S3(STR)] [S1&S3]
ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]

Date of Month Alarm [Disabled]
To set the date of alarm, highlight this item and press <Enter> to display the Date of Month Alarm pop-up menu. Key-in a value within the specified range then press <Enter>. Configuration options: [Min=0] [Max=31]
Time (hh:mm:ss) Alarm [Disabled]
To set the time of alarm: 1. Highlight this item and press <Enter> to display a pop-up menu for the hour field. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Key-in a value (Min=0, Max=23), then press <Enter>. Press <TAB> to move to the minutes field then press <Enter>. Key-in a minute value (Min=0, Max=59), then press <Enter>. Press <TAB> to move to the seconds field then press <Enter>. Key-in a value (Min=0, Max=59), then press <Enter>.
Power On 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]

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 x x CPU Q-Fan Control CPU Q-Fan Profile Chassis Q-Fan Control Chassis Q-Fan Profile Vcore Voltage 3.3V Voltage 5V Voltage 12V Voltage CPU Temperature M/B Temperature CPU FAN Speed CHA_FAN1 Speed CHA_FAN2 Speed CHA_FAN3 Speed CHA_FAN4 Speed PWR_FAN Speed CPU Fan Speed warning [Disabled] Performance [Disabled] Performance 1.47V 3.15V 5.05V 11.58V 48C 41C 3068 RPM 0 RPM 0 RPM 0 RPM 0 RPM 0 RPM [ 800 RPM]
CPU Q-Fan Control [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the CPU Q-Fan controller. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
The CPU Q-Fan Profile item becomes user-configurable when you set the CPU Q-Fan Control item to [Enabled].

If you want to boot the system from a hard disk drive included in a RAID set, copy first the RAID driver from the support CD to a floppy disk before you install an operating system to a selected hard disk drive. Refer to section 5.6 Creating a RAID driver disk for details.

Installing hard disks

The motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal performance, install identical drives of the same model and capacity when creating a disk array.
Installing Serial ATA (SATA) hard disks
To install the SATA hard disks for a RAID configuration: 1. 2. 3. Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays. Connect the SATA signal cables. Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector on each drive.
Refer to the RAID controllers user manual in the motherboard support CD for detailed information on RAID configurations. See section 5.2.4 Manuals menu.
NVIDIA MediaShield RAID configurations
The motherboard includes a high performance SATA RAID controller integrated in the NVIDIA nForce 570 Ultra southbridge chipset. It supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5 and JBOD for six independent Serial ATA channels.
Setting the BIOS RAID items
After installing the hard disk drives, make sure to set the necessary RAID items in the BIOS before setting your RAID configuration. To set the BIOS RAID items: 1. 2. 3. 4. Boot the system and press <Del> during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to enter the BIOS Setup Utility. From the Main > IDE Configuration menu item in the BIOS set the nVidia RAID Function item to Enabled. Select and enable the SATA drive(s) that you want to configure as RAID. See section 4.3.6 IDE Configuration for details. Save your changes and Exit Setup.
Make sure to re-enter your NVRAID settings after the CMOS is cleared; otherwise, the system will not recognize your RAID setup. For detailed descriptions on the NVIDIA RAID configuration, refer to the NVIDIA MediaShield RAID Users Manual found in your motherboard support CD. When using Windows 2000 operating system, make sure to install the Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 or later versions.
Entering the NVIDIA MediaShield RAID utility
To enter the NVIDIA RAID utility: 1. Boot up your computer. 2. During POST, press <F10> to display the main menu of the utility.
The RAID BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference only, and may not exactly match the items on your screen.

[R] Rebuild

[D] Delete

[C] Clear Disk

[ENTER] Return
A new set of navigation keys is displayed on the bottom of the screen. Press <R> to rebuild a RAID array. The following screen appears.
Array 1 : NVIDIA MIRROR XXX.XXG - Select Disk Inside Array RAID Mode: Mirroring Striping Width: 1 Adapt Channel M/S Master Master Index 0 1

[] Select [F6] Back

Use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID array to rebuild, then press <F7>. The following confirmation message appears.

Rebuild array?

[ENTER] OK

[ESC] Cancel

Press <Enter> to start rebuilding array or press <Esc> to cancel. After the rebuild process, the Array list menu appears.

Deleting a RAID array

To delete 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.
A new set of navigation keys is displayed on the bottom of the screen. Press <D> to delete a RAID array. The following confirmation message appears.

Delete this array?

[N] No
Press <Y> to delete array or press <N> to cancel.
If you selected Yes, the Define a New Array menu appears.

Clearing a disk data

To clear disk data: 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.
A new set of navigation keys is displayed on the bottom of the screen. Press <C> to clear disk. The following confirmation message appears.
Press <Y> to clear the disk data or press <N> to cancel.
Creating a RAID driver disk
A floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows 2000/XP operating system on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set. To create a RAID driver disk: 1. 3. Place the motherboard support CD into the CD-ROM drive. From the Make Disk menu, select the RAID driver disk you want to create or browse the contents of the support CD to locate the driver disk utility.
Refer to section 5.2.4 Make Disk menu for details.

2. Select Make Disk tab.

4. Insert floppy disk to floppy disk drive. 5. Follow succeeding screen information to complete process. 6. Write-protect the floppy disk to avoid computer virus infection.
To install the RAID driver: 1. 2. 3. During the OS installation, the system prompts you to press the F6 key to install third-party SCSI or RAID driver. Press <F6> then insert the floppy disk with RAID driver into the floppy disk drive. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.

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.

PCI Express interface

The motherboard fully supports PCI Express, the latest I/O interconnect technology that speeds up the PCI bus. PCI Express features pointtopoint serial interconnections between devices and allows higher clockspeeds by carrying data in packets. This high speed interface is software compatible with existing PCI specifications. See page 2-18 for details.
S/PDIF digital sound ready
The motherboard supports the S/PDIF Out function through the S/PDIF interfaces on the rear panel. The S/PDIF technology turns your computer into a high-end entertainment system with digital connectivity to powerful audio and speaker systems. See page 2-23 for details.
This function can only work under C-Media official driver.

Place this side towards the rear of the chassis

Motherboard layout

21.8cm(8.6in)
PS/2KBMS T: Mouse B: Keyboard

SPDIF_O1

ATX12V

CPU_FAN

PARALLE PORT
DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64 bit,240-pin module)
DDR2 DIMM_B1 (64 bit,240-pin module)

USBPW12

1394_USB34

LAN_USB12

USBPW34

EATXPWR

AUDIO2 AUDIO1

Attansic F1

DDR2 DIMM_A2 (64 bit,240-pin module)
DDR2 DIMM_B2 (64 bit,240-pin module)

Socket AM2

30.5cm(12.0in)

FP_AUDIO

PCIEX16_1

CM6501

SEC_IDE PRI_IDE

SPDIF_OUT

PCIEX1_1 PCIEX1_2

PCIEX16_2

Super I/O

PCI1 PCI2

USBPW56 USBPW78

4Mb BIOS

SATA1 SATA2 SATA3 SATA4
CR2032 3V Lithium Cell CMOS Power

CHASSIS

IE1394_1

FLOPPY

CHA_FAN

Nvidia NF500 SLI

PWR_FAN

Layout Contents

2-10 2-17 2-18 2-18
Slots Page 1. DDR2 DIMM slots 2. PCI slots 3. PCI Express x16 slot 4. PCI Express x1 slot
Slots Page 1. CLRTC (3-pin CLRTC1) 2. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW12, USBPW34, USBPW56, USBPW78, USBPW910) 3. Keyboard Power (3-pin KBPWR) 2-19 2-20 2-21
Rear panel connectors Page 1. PS/2 mouse port (green) 2. Parallel port 3. Serial (COM) port 4. IEEE 1394a port 5. LAN (RJ-45) port 6. Line In port (light blue) 7. Microphone port (pink) 8. Line Out port (lime) 9. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4 10. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2 11. Coaxial S/PDIF out port 12. PS/2 keyboard port (purple) 2-22 2-22 2-22 2-22 2-22 2-22 2-22 2-22 2-23 2-23 2-23 2-23
Internal connectors Page 1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) 2. Primary/Secondary IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE, SEC_IDE) 3. nForce 500 SLI Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA4) 4. CPU fan connector (3-pin CPU_FAN) 5. Power fan connector (3-pin PWR_FAN) 6. Chassis fan connector (3-pin CHA_FAN) 7. USB headers (10-1 USB56, USB78) 8. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_1) 9. ATX power connector (24-pin EATXPWR1) 10. ATX 12V power connector (4-pin ATX12V1) 11. Internal audio connectors (4-pin CD/AUX) 12. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin FP_AUDIO) 13. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) 2-23 2-24 2-25 2-26 2-26 2-26 2-27 2-27 2-28 2-28 2-29 2-29 2-30

IRQ assignments for this motherboard
A PCI Slot 1 PCI Slot 2 On board 1394 PCIe x16 slot 1 PCIe x16 slot 2 PCIe x1 slot 1 PCIe x1 slot 2 shared shared shared shared shared B shared shared C D E F G H

PCI slots

The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. Refer to the figure below for the location of the slots.

PCI Express x1 slot

This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. Refer to the figure below for the location of the slot.

PCI Express x16 slots

This motherboard supports PCI Express x16 graphics cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. Refer to the figure below for the location of the slots.
PCI Express x16 blue slot (at x16 speed) PCI Express x1 slot
PCI slots PCI Express x 16 black slot (at x8 speed)
In single card mode, we recommend that you use the blue PCI Express x16 (PCIEX16_1) slot. Due to chipset limitation, the black PCI Express x16 (PCIEX16_2) slot can only operate at x8 speed. Connect a rear chassis fan to the chassis (CHA_FAN) connector when using two graphics cards for better thermal environment. See page 2-28 for details. We recommend that you provide sufficient power when running NVIDIA SLI mode. See pages 2-29 and 2-30 for details.
Recommended PCI Express x16 configurations
Mode Non-SLI mode PCIEX16_1 (Blue) slot Card type PCIe x16 graphics card PCIe x16 graphics card PCIe x16 graphics card Dual graphics card in SLI Mode Speed x16 x8 x8 PCIE16_2 (Black) slot Card type NA PCIe x16 graphics card Other PCIe devices x8 x8, x4, x1 Speed
Two identical NVIDIA SLI Edition graphics cards at x8, x8 speed

Jumpers

Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC) This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords.
To erase the RTC RAM: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. Remove the onboard battery. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the cap on pins 2-3 for about 5~10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2. Re-install the battery. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer. Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-enter data.

Do not forget to connect the 4-pin ATX +12 V power plug; otherwise, the system will not boot. Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when configuring a system with more power-consuming devices. The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate. Make sure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least the minimum power required by your system. See the table below for details. ATX12V EATXPWR

GND +12V DC

M2N-E SLI CPU ATX Power Connector
+3 Volts -12 Volts Ground PSON# Ground Ground Ground -5 Volts +5 Volts +5 Volts +5 Volts Ground
+3 Volts +3 Volts Ground +5 Volts Ground +5 Volts Ground Power OK +5V Standby +12 Volts +12 Volts +3 Volts
Internal audio connectors (4-pin CD) These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources such as a CD-ROM, TV-tuner, or MPEG card.

CD (black)

Right Audio Channel Ground Ground Left Audio Channel
M2N-E SLI CPU Internal Audio Connector
Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin FP_AUDIO) This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports either HD or legacy AC 97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.

AGND +5VA BLINE_OUT_R

M2N-E SLI Front panel audio connector
Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF) This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/ PDIF) port(s). Connect the S/PDIF Out module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.
NC Line out_L GND SPDIFOUT +5V
M2N-E SLI Digital Audio Connector The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.

MIC2 MICPWR

BLINE_OUT_L
10. System panel connector (20-pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

PA NEL

SPEAKER

Ground Reset Ground PWR

PLEDPLED+

IDE_LEDIDE_LED+

M2N-E SLI System Panel Connector
*Requires an ATX power supply
System power LED (2-pin PLED) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.

1. Do either one of the following to create a bootable floppy disk. DOS environment a. Insert a 1.44MB floppy disk into the drive. b. At the DOS prompt, type format A:/S then press <Enter>. Windows XP environment a. Insert a 1.44 MB floppy disk to the floppy disk drive. b. Click Start from the Windows desktop, then select My Computer. c. Select the 3 1/2 Floppy Drive icon. d. Click File from the menu, then select Format. A Format 3 1/2 Floppy Disk window appears. e. Select Create an MS-DOS startup disk from the format options field, then click Start. Windows 2000 environment To create a set of boot disks for Windows 2000: a. Insert a formatted, high density 1.44 MB floppy disk into the drive. b. Insert the Windows 2000 CD to the optical 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

Prepare the motherboard support CD, floppy, or USB flash disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility.
Recovering the BIOS from the support CD
To recover the BIOS from the support CD: 1. 2. 3. Turn on the system. Insert the motherboard support CD to the optical drive. The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the CD for the BIOS file.
Award BootBlock BIOS v1.0 Copyright (c) 2000, Award Software, Inc. BIOS ROM checksum error Detecting IDE ATAPI device.
When found, the utility reads the BIOS file and starts flashing the corrupted BIOS file.
Award BootBlock BIOS v1.0 Copyright (c) 2000, Award Software, Inc. BIOS ROM checksum error Detecting IDE ATAPI device. Found CDROM, try to Boot from it. Pass
Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.
Recovering the BIOS from the USB flash disk
To recover the BIOS from the USB flash disk: 1. 2. 3. 4. Insert the USB flash disk that contains BIOS file to the USB port. Turn on the system. The utility will automatically checks the devices for the BIOS file When found, the utility reads the BIOS file and starts flashing the corrupted BIOS file. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.
UseonlyaUSBflashdisksmallerthan8GBwithsinglepartitionandFAT 32/16/12format. DONOTshutdownorresetthesystemwhileupdatingtheBIOS!Doingso cancausesystembootfailure! 4-
Recovering the BIOS from a floppy disk
To recover the BIOS from the support CD: 1. 2. 3. Remove any CD from the optical drive, then turn on the system. Insert the floppy disk with the original or updated BIOS file to the floppy disk drive. The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the floppy disk for the original or updated BIOS file.
When no CD is found, the utility automatically checks the optical drive for the original or updated BIOS file. The utility then updates the corrupted BIOS file.
Award BootBlock BIOS v1.0 Copyright (c) 2000, Award Software, Inc. BIOS ROM checksum error Detecting IDE ATAPI device. Found CDROM, try to Boot from it. Fail Detecting floppy drive A media.
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can cause system boot failure!
The recovered BIOS may not be the latest BIOS version for this motherboard. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file.
4.1.5 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility
The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go through the long process of booting from a floppy disk and using a DOSbased utility. You can launch ASUS EZ Flash 2 by press <Alt> + <F2> during the Power-On Self-Test (POST). To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2: 1. 2. 3. Go to the ASUS website (www.asus.com) and download the latest BIOS file for your motherboard. Save the BIOS file to a floppy disk or a USB flash disk then restart your computer. You can launch the EZ Flash 2 in two ways: (1) Insert the floppy disk or USB flash disk that contains the BIOS file into the floppy disk drive or the USB port. Press <Alt> + <F2> during POST to display the following.

4.2.1 BIOS menu screen

Menu items

Main

Menu bar

Configuration fields

General help

Advanced

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot Exit 1 : 5 : 16 Sun, Jan [1.44M, 3.5 in.] [None] [None] [None] [None] [None] [None] [None] [None] [Disabled] 256MB 256MB -/+: Change Value Enter: Select Sub-menu F5: Setup Defaults F10: Save and Exit Select Menu Item Specific Help Change the day, month, year and century.
System Time System Date Legacy Diskette A: Primary IDE Master Primary IDE Slave Secondary IDE Master Secondary IDE Slave SATA 1 SATA 2 SATA 3 SATA 4 HDD SMART Monitoring Installed Memory Usable Memory : Select Item : Select Menu

F1:Help ESC: Exit

Sub-menu items

Legend bar

4.2.2 Menu bar
The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items: Main Advanced Power Boot Exit For changing the basic system configuration For changing the advanced system settings For changing the advanced power management (APM) configuration For changing the system boot configuration For selecting the exit options and loading default settings
To select an item on the menu bar, press the right or left arrow key on the keyboard until the desired item is highlighted.
The BIOS setup screens shown in this chapter are for reference purposes only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS information.

4.2.3 Legend bar

At the bottom of the Setup screen is a legend bar. The keys in the legend bar allow you to navigate through the various setup menus. The following table lists the keys found in the legend bar with their corresponding functions.
Navigation Key <F1> <F5> <Esc> Left or Right arrow Up or Down arrow Page Down or (minus) Page Up or + (plus) <Enter> <F10> Function Displays the General Help screen Loads setup default values Exits the BIOS setup or returns to the main menu from a submenu Selects the menu item to the left or right Moves the highlight up or down between fields Scrolls backward through the values for the highlighted field Scrolls forward through the values for the highlighted field Brings up a selection menu for the highlighted field Saves changes and exit

JumperFree Configuration CPU Configuration PCIPnP Onboard Device Configuration SLI Configuration
4.4.1 JumperFree Configuration
Advanced Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility JumperFree Configuration [Auto] Disabled 200.0 100Mhz Auto Auto Auto Auto Select Menu Item Specific Help DPress [Enter] to select overclock profile
AI Tuning x Overclock Options x CPU Frequency x PCI Express Clock x DDR2 Voltage x CPU Multiplier x CPU Voltage x PCI Clock Synchronization Mod

Overclock Profile [Auto]

Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU internal frequency. Select either one of the preset overclocking configuration options: Manual Auto Standard AI Overclock Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters. Loads the optimal settings for the system. Loads the standard settings for the system. Loads overclocking profiles with optimal parameters for stability when overclocking.
The following items are user-configurable only when the Overclock Profile item is set to [Manual].
CPU Frequency [XXX] (value is auto-detected)
Indicates the frequency sent by the clock generator to the system bus and PCI bus. The bus frequency (external frequency) multiplied by the bus multiple equals the CPU speed. The value of this item is auto-detected by BIOS. The values range from 200 to 400. Refer to the following table for the correct Front Side Bus and CPU External Frequency settings.
Selecting a very high CPU frequency may cause the system to become unstable! If this happens, revert to the default setting.
PCI Express Clock [100MHz]
Allows you to set the PCI Express clock. Key-in a decimal value between 100-200 MHz. Configuration options: [100Mhz] [101Mhz~[145Mhz]

DDR2 Voltage [Auto]

Sets the operating DDR voltage. Configuration options: [Auto] [1.80V] [1.85V] [1.90V] [1.95V]

CPU Multiplier [Auto]

Sets the operating CPU multiplier. The configuration options vary depending on the type of CPU installed. Configuration options: [Auto] [5x] [6x] [7x] [8x] [9x]

CPU Voltage [Auto]

Sets the operating CPU voltage. The configuration options vary depending on the model of processor installed.
PCI Clock Synchronization Mode [Auto]
Sets the PCI Clock Synchronization mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [To CPU] [33.33MHz]

4.4.3 CPU Configuration

Advanced Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility CPU Configuration CPU Type AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3200+ Select Menu Item Specific Help DRAM timing and control [Auto] [Disabled] [Disabled]
CPU Speed 1800MHz Cache RAM 128K DRAM Configuration Hyper Transport Frequency AMD Live! AMD CoolnQuiet Function

DRAM Configuration

The items in this sub-menu show the DRAM-related information autodetected by the BIOS.
Advanced Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Select Menu Item Specific Help Setting platform Memclock or limit valu
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]

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 AMD Cool n Quiet! technology feature works only with the AMD heatsink and fan assembly with monitor chip If you purchased a separate heatsink and fan package, use the ASUS Q-Fan technology feature to automatically adjust the CPU fan speed according to your system loading.
Launching the Cool n Quiet! software
The motherboard support CD includes the Cool n Quiet! software that enables you to view your systems real-time CPU Frequency and voltage.
Make sure to install the Cool n Quiet! software from the motherboard support CD. Refer to section 5.2.3 Utilities menu for details.
To launch the Cool n Quiet! program: 1. 2. 3. If you are using Windows 2000, click the Start button. Select Programs-> ASUS -> Cool & Quiet -> Cool & Quiet. If you are using Windows XP, click the Start button. Select All Programs-> ASUS -> Cool & Quiet -> Cool & Quiet. The Cool n Quiet! technology screen appears and displays the current CPU Frequency and CPU Voltage.

If you want to boot the system from a hard disk drive included in a RAID set, copy first the RAID driver from the support CD to a floppy disk before you install an operating system to a selected hard disk drive. Refer to section 5.6 Creating a RAID driver disk for details.
5.4.1 Installing hard disks
The motherboard supports Ultra DMA /133/100/66 and Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal performance, install identical drives of the same model and capacity when creating a disk array.
Installing Parallel ATA hard disks
To install IDE hard disks for a RAID configuration: 1. 2. 3. 4. Set the jumpers of each hard disk as Master/Master or Slave/Slave. Install the hard disks into the drive bays. Connect the HDD signal cables. Connect a 4-pin power cable to the power connector on each drive.
Installing Serial ATA (SATA) hard disks
To install the SATA hard disks for a RAID configuration: 1. 2. 3. Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays. Connect the SATA signal cables. Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector on each drive.
Refer to the RAID controllers user manual in the motherboard support CD for detailed information on RAID configurations. See section 5.2.4 Manuals menu.
5.4.2 NVIDIA RAID configurations
The motherboard includes a high performance IDE RAID controller integrated in the NVIDIA SLI southbridge chipset. It supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, and JBOD with four independent Serial ATA channels.
Setting the BIOS RAID items
After installing the hard disk drives, make sure to set the necessary RAID items in the BIOS before setting your RAID configuration. To set the BIOS RAID items: 1. 2. 3. 4. Boot the system and press <Del> during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to enter the BIOS Setup Utility. From the Advanced > Onboard Devices Configuration > NVRAID Configuration menu item in the BIOS set the RAID Enabled item to Enabled. The succeeding items become userconfigurable. Select and enable the IDE or SATA drive(s) that you want to configure as RAID. See section 5.4.3 Onboard Devices Configuration for details. Save your changes and Exit Setup.
For detailed descriptions on the NVIDIA RAID configuration, refer to the NVIDIA RAID Users Manual found in your motherboard support CD.
Entering the NVIDIA RAID utility
To enter the NVIDIA RAID utility: 1. Boot up your computer. 2. During POST, press <F10> to display the main menu of the utility.
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.