The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the users authority to operate this equipment.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications. This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Safety information

Electrical safety
To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating the system. When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device. Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all power cables are unplugged. Seek professional assistance before using an adpater or extension cord. These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit. Make sure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power company. If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified service technician or your retailer.

Operation safety

Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals that came with the package. Before using the product, make sure all cables are correctly connected and the power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately. To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry. Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area where it may become wet. Place the product on a stable surface. If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified service technician or your retailer.

Fanless DesignHeat-pipe The Heat Pipe design effectively directs the heat generated by the chipsets to the heatsink near the back IO ports, where it can be carried away by existing airflow from CPU fan or bundled optional fan. The purpose of the innovative heat pipe design on this motherboard is that the groundbreaking fanless design does not have lifetime problems as a chipset fan does. Furthermore, it provides options for users to install side-flow fan or passive cooler. The Heat Pipe design is the most reliable fanless thermal solution to date.
DO NOT uninstall the heat-pipe by yourself. Doing so may bend the tubing and affect the heat dissipation performance.
Optional Fan (for Water-Cooling or Passive-Cooling only) The optional fan is specifically designed to provide sufficient airflow over the CPU power modules and chipset area when water-cooling or passive-cooling is utilized, ensuring effective heat dissipation for the entire system. See page 2-11 for details. Q-Fan 2 ASUS Q-Fan2 technology intelligently adjusts both CPU fan and chassis fan speeds according to system loading to ensure quiet, cool and efficient operation.

ASUS Crystal Sound

This feature can enhance speech-centric applications like Skype, online game, video conference and recording. Noise Filter This feature detects repetitive and stationary noises (non-voice signals) like computer fans, air conditioners, and other background noises then eliminates it in the incoming audio stream while recording. AI Audio 2 AI Audio 2 creates a virtual center channel that expands the overall sound field without introducing a picket fencing effect. Preserving the dialogue or solo performances with downmixing from multi-channels allows you to experience true-to-life high quality audio. See page 5-13 for details.

ASUS EZ DIY

ASUS EZ DIY feature collection provides you easy ways to install computer components, update the BIOS or back up your favorite settings. ASUS Express Gate With only 5 seconds boot-up time, the ASUS Express Gate allows you to instantly surf the Internet without entering Windows or the Hard Disk. You can now enjoy Skype, IM, YouTube, webmail and internet file downloads and sharing whenever and wherever you want! See page 5-34 for details.

Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base.
Align the other end of the retention bracket (near the retention bracket lock) to the retention module base. A clicking sound denotes that the retention bracket is in place.
Make sure that the fan and heatsink assembly perfectly fits the retention mechanism module base, otherwise you cannot snap the retention bracket in place.
Push down the retention bracket lock on the retention mechanism to secure the heatsink and fan to the module base.
When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN.
GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM
M3N-HT DELUXE CPU fan connector
Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector. This connector is backward compatiable with old 3-pin CPU fan.
Installing the optional fans
Install the optional fan only if you are using a passive cooler or a water cooler. Installing the optional fan with an active CPU cooler will interfere with the airflow and destabilize the system.
1. Position the fan above the pipe and heatsink assembly.
2. Fit the fan to the grooved edge of the heatsink.
Make sure that the ASUS logo faces to the CPU socket.
3. Carefully push down the fan until it snugly fits the heatsink, then connect the fan cable.
4. The photo shows the fan installed on the motherboard.
Plug the optional fan cable to the CHA_FAN1/2 connector on the motherboard. Make sure the optional fan is installed correctly to prevent damage to the fan and motherboard components. 2-11

System memory

Overview
The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. The figure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets:
M3N-HT DELUXE 240-pin DDR2 DIMM sockets
Channel Channel A Channel B
Sockets DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2

Memory configurations

You may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered ECC and nonECC DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. Recommended Memory Configurations
Mode Single-Channel Dual-channel (1) Dual-channel (2) DIMM_A1 (yellow) Populated Populated Populated Sockets DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 (black) (yellow) Populated Populated Populated Populated DIMM_B2 (black) Populated
You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation. Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum compatibility, it is recommended that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor. If you install four 1 GB memory modules, the system may only recognize less than 3GB because the address space is reserved for other critical functions. This limitation appears on Windows XP/Vista 32-bit operation system which does not support Physical Address Extension (PAE). If you install Windows XP/Vista 32-bit operation system, a total memory of less than 3GB is recommended. This motherboard does not support memory modules made up of 128 Mb chips.

Size Vendor Chip No. SS/DS Part No. DIMM support A* 512MB 512MB TwinMOS TwinMOS E5108AE-GE-E TMM6208G8M30C SS SS 8G-25JK5-EBT 8D-23JK5M2ETP B* C*
M3N-HT Deluxe Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-533MHz capability
Size Vendor Chip No. SS/DS Part No. DIMM support A* 512MB 1024MB 2048MB 512MB 1024MB 256MB 1024MB 256MB 512MB 1024MB 512MB 512MB 1024MB 512MB 1024MB 512MB 1024MB 512MB 1024MB 512MB 1024MB 1024MB 512MB 512MB KINGSTON KINGSTON KINGSTON Qimonda Qimonda Hynix Hynix CORSAIR CORSAIR CORSAIR ELPIDA ELPIDA ELPIDA KINGMAX KINGMAX KINGMAX KINGMAX Apacer Apacer Super Talent Super Talent PQI PQI TwinMOS HYB18T512800AF37 D6408TPAGGL3U E1108AB-6E-E HYB18T512800BF37 HYB18T512800BF37 HY5PS121621CFP-C4 HY5PS12821CFP-C4 32M16CEDG MI110052432M8CEC 64M8CEDG E5108AB-5C-E E5108AB-5C-E E5108AB-5C-E E5108AE-5C-E E5108AE-5C-E KKEA88E4AAK-37 5MB22D9DCN AM4B5708GQJS5D AM4B5708GQJS5D Heat-Sink Package Heat-Sink Package 64MX8D2-E 64MX8D2-E K4T51083QB-GCD5 SS DS DS SS DS SS DS SS DS DS SS SS DS SS DS SS DS SS DS SS DS DS SS SS KVR533D2N4/512 KVR533D2N4/1G KVR533D2N4/2G HYS64T64000HU-3.7-B HYS64T128020HU-3.7-B HYMP532U64CP6-C4 HYMP512U64CP8-C4 VS256MB533D2 VS512MB533D2 VS1GB533D2 EBE51UD8ABFA-5C EBE51UD8ABFA-5C-E EBE11UD8ABFA-5C-E KLBC28F-A8EB4 KLBD48F-A8EB4 KLBC28F-A8KE4 KLBD48F-A8ME4 AU512E533C4KBGC AU01GE533C4KBGC T5UA512C4 T5UB1G8C4 MEAB-323LA MEAB-423LA 8D-22JB5-K2T B* C*
Installing ASUS Cool Mempipe (Mempipe Edition only)
Install ASUS Cool Mempipe to your motherboard to achieve excellent thermal dissipation for your memory modules. To install ASUS Cool Mempipe: 1. Secure the motherboard to your chassis with nine screws. 2. Install memory modules to sockets DIMM_A1/B1 first.
Loosen the four nuts to part the heat spreaders.
Remove the four pieces of protective film on the heat spreaders.
Align the Cool Mempipe with the northbridge heatsink and ensure the memory modules are located between the heat spreaders.
Fasten the Cool Mempipe to the northbridge heatsink with four screws.

Shows the size of installed memory.
Shows the size of usable memory.

Advanced menu

Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction.
The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for system devices.
Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Power Boot Tools Exit Select Menu
JumperFree Configuration AI NET 2 CPU Configuration Chipset PCIPnP Onboard Device Configuration USB Configuration
Item Specific Help Adjust system frequency/voltage.
: Select Item : Select Menu
-/+: Change Value Enter: Select SubMenu

x x x

JumperFree Configuration
Advanced Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Select Menu JumperFree Configuration
AI Tuning Overclocking Options CPU Voltage VDDA Voltage Memory Voltage NB BR04 CHIP Voltage 1.2V HT Voltage NB CHIP Voltage CPU Multiplier CPU Frequency
[Auto] Disabled [Auto] [Auto] [Auto] [Auto] [Auto] [Auto] Auto 200
Item Specific Help Press [Enter] to select overclock profile

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 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 item becomes user-configurable when you set AI Tuning to [AI Overclock].
Overclock Options [Disabled]
Allows you to set the overclocking options. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Overclock 3%] [Overclock 5%] [Overclock 8%] [Overclock 10%]

CPU Voltage [AUTO]

Allows you to set the CPU voltage. Configuration options: [AUTO] [0.8000v] [0.8125v].[1.6750v] [1.6875v]

VDDA Voltage [AUTO]

Allows you to set the VDDA voltage. Configuration options: [AUTO] [2.52V] [2.622V].[2.728V] [2.83V]

Memory Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the memory voltage. Configuration options: [Auto] [1.800V] [1.820V].[2.480V] [2.500V]
NB BR04 CHIP Voltage [Auto] 1.2V HT Voltage [Auto]
Configuration options: [Auto] [1.20V] [1.22V].[1.54V] [1.56V] Configuration options: [Auto] [1.20V] [1.22V].[1.48V] [1.50V]

Power Up 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.
x x Power Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility [DC] [Disabled] Performance [Disabled] Performance [ 1.34V] [ 3.20V] [ 4.83V] [11.52V] 48C 36C 1464 RPM 0 RPM 0 RPM 0 RPM [800 RPM] F5: Setup Defaults F10: Save and Exit Select Menu
Hardware Monitor CPU Fan Type 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 PWR_FAN Speed CPU Fan Speed Warning
Item Specific Help Press [Enter] to enable or disable

CPU Fan Type [DC]

Allows you to select the CPU fan type. Configuration options: [DC] [PWM]
CPU Q-Fan Control [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the CPU Q-Fan controller. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
The CPU Fan Profile item becomes user-configurable when you enable the CPU Q-Fan Control feature.
CPU Q-Fan Profile [Performance]
Allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU Q-Fan. When set to [Optimal], the CPU fan automatically adjusts depending on the CPU temperature. Set this item to [Silent Mode] to minimize fan speed for quiet CPU fan operation, or [Performance Mode] to achieve maximum CPU fan speed. Configuration options: [Performance] [Optimal] [Silent]
Chassis Q-Fan Control [Enabled]
Allows you to enable or disable the Chassis Q-fan. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
The Chassis Q-Fan Profile item becomes user-configurable when you enable the Chassis Q-Fan Control feature.
Chassis Q-Fan Profile [Performance]
Allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the Chassis Q-Fan. Configuration options: [Performance] [Optimal] [Silent]
Vcore Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard voltage regulators. Select [Ignored] if you do not want to detect this item.
CPU Temperature [xxxC/xxxF] M/B Temperature [xxxC/xxxF]
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the motherboard and CPU temperatures. Select [Ignored] if you do not wish to display the detected temperatures.

PASSWORD DISABLED !!! Press any key to continue.
Press any key to continue. The password field setting is changed to Clear. A note about passwords The Supervisor password is required to enter the BIOS Setup program preventing unauthorized access. The User password is required to boot the system preventing unauthorized use. Forgot your password? If you forget your password, you can clear it by erasing the CMOS Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM. The RAM data containing the password information is powered by the onboard button cell battery. If you need to erase the CMOS RAM, refer to section 2.6 Jumper for instructions.

Password Check

This field requires you to enter the password before entering the BIOS setup or the system. Select [Setup] to require the password before entering the BIOS Setup. Select [System] to require the password before entering the system. Configuration options: [Setup] [System]

Tools menu

The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.
Main Advanced Power Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot Tools Exit Select Menu
ASUS O.C. Profile ASUS EZ Flash 2 Express Gate

ASUS O.C. Profile

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Tools ASUS BIOS Profile Select Menu
This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings.
Load BIOS Profile Save BIOS Profile
Item Specific Help Press [Enter] to select.

Load BIOS Profile

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Tools Load BIOS Profile Select Menu
Load from Profile 1 Load from Profile 2 Load from File
Item Specific Help Load BIOS Profile from Profile 1.

Load from Profile 1/2

Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Press <Enter> to load the file.

Load from File

Allows you to load the previous BIOS file saved in the hard disk/floppy disk/USB flash disk with the FAT32/16/12 format. Follow the instructions below to load the BIOS file. 1. Insert the storage devices that contains the xxx.CMO file. 2. Turn on the system. 3. Enter BIOS setup program. Go to the Tools menu to select ASUS O.C. Profile > Load from File. Press <Enter> then the setup screen will appear. 4. Press <Tab> to switch between drives before the correct xxx.CMO file is found. Then press <Enter> to load the file. 5. A pop-up message will inform you when the loading process finishes.

Reset User Data [No] Allows you to clear Express Gates user data. Configuration options: [No] [Reset] When set to [Reset], the user data will be cleared and this item will return to the default setting. Set to [No] to keep the user data and personal information you have saved under the Express Gate.
The first time wizard will run again when you enter the Express Gate environment after clearing its settings.

Exit menu

The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items.
Main Advanced Power Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot Tools Exit Select Menu
Exit & Save Changes Exit & Discard Changes Load Setup Default Discard Changes
Item Specific Help This option save data to CMOS and exiting the setup menu. F5: Setup Defaults F10: Save and Exit
Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options from this menu or <F10> from the legend bar to exit.

Exit & Save Changes

Once you are finished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit menu to ensure the values you selected are saved to the CMOS RAM. An onboard backup battery sustains the CMOS RAM so it stays on even when the PC is turned off. When you select this option, a confirmation window appears. Select YES to save changes and exit.
If you attempt to exit the Setup program without saving your changes, the program prompts you with a message asking if you want to save your changes before exiting. Press <Enter> to save the changes while exiting.
Exit & Discard Changes
Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you made to the Setup program. If you made changes to fields other than System Date, System Time, and Password, the BIOS asks for a confirmation before exiting.

Load Setup Default

This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a confirmation window appears. Select YES to load default values. Select Exit & Save Changes or make other changes before saving the values to the non-volatile RAM.

Discard Changes

This option allows you to discard the selections you made and restore the previously saved values. After selecting this option, a confirmation appears. Select YES to discard any changes and load the previously saved values.
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.

5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5

Installing an operating system.. 5-1 Support DVD information... 5-1 Software informtion... 5-9 RAID configurations.. 5-41 Creating a RAID driver disk.. 5-49.

drop-down list button
Profile list appears after clicking the Enable Q-Fan 2 box. Click the drop-down list button and select a profile. Optimal mode makes the fans adjust speed with the temperature; Silent mode minimizes fan speed for quiet fan operation; Performance mode boosts the fan to achieve maximal fan speed for the best cooling effect.
click to display the dropdown list and select a Q-Fan 2 mode
Click Apply at the bottom to save the setup.
5-32 Chapter 5: Software support

5.3.10

ASUS AI Booster 2
The ASUS AI Booster 2 application allows you to overclock the CPU speed in WIndows environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS. After installing AI Suite from the bundled support DVD, you can launch the utility by double-clicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows OS taskbar and click the AI Booster 2 button on the AI Suite main window.
The options on the taskbar allow you to use the default settings, adjust CPU/ Memory/PCI-E frequency manually, or create and apply your personal overclocking configurations.

5.3.12

ASUS Express Gate is an instant-on environment that gives you quick access to web and Skype. Within a few seconds of powering on your computer, you will be at the Express Gate menu where you can start the web browser, Skype, or other Express Gate applications.
Express Gate is entirely self-contained on the motherboard, so you can use it at any time, even without a hard drive attached!

The First Screen

Express Gates first screen appears within a few seconds after you power on. From here, you can immediately start the web browser or Skype. You can also choose to continue booting normally (e.g. to your installed OS such as Windows), enter BIOS setup, or power off. If you dont make any selection, Express Gate will automatically exit and boot to your normal OS after a certain amount of time. The timer countdown is shown on-screen inside the boot to OS button. As you move the mouse or type a key, the countdown stops and the timer disappears, so you can take your time to make a selection.
The Express Gate Environment
The very first time you enter the Express Gate environment (by launching either web or Skype from the first screen), a first time wizard will guide you through basic Express Gate configurations. Basic configurations include language, date and time and screen resolution. Once inside the Express Gate environment, click on the icons on the LaunchBar, by default at bottom of the screen, to launch or switch between applications. You can re-arrange, re-size and move windows. Bring a window to the foreground by clicking within it or by clicking on its corresponding application icon. Re-size a window by dragging any of its four corners. Move a window by dragging its title bar.

This icon tells you whether or not a removable USB device is inserted into the system. If a USB device is detected, the icon contains a green arrow. Click this icon to open the File Manager window, which lets you conveniently access the folders/files in the USB device. If no USB device is detected, then the icon will display as.
click to show network status; click to configure network. click to show mute status; click to change volume.
click to choose input language and method as well as keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl-Space by default) click to change LaunchBar options (auto-hide, docking position, etc). click to show About Express Gate. click to open Express Gate Help. click to bring up power options window to boot to OS, restart or power down. left-click to set date and time; right-click to choose between 12-hour and 24-hour display formats.
This power option window is also shown when you press Ctrl-Alt-Del on the keyboard.
How Do I Get on to the Internet
If Internet does not work in the Express Gate environment, check the following: 1. 2. Open Network tool. Open the Configuration Panel.
Make the proper network configurations in the Network dialog box. Each network interface is enabled immediately when you check the box next to it.
If you use a network cable connected to a home router (which is then connected to your DSL/cable modem), enable both LAN1 and LAN2. Express Gate will automatically use whichever port (LAN1 or LAN2) is connected.
If you plug the network cable into a different port while Express Gate is running (e.g. move the cable from LAN1 to LAN2), you may need to restart Express Gate for it to detect the change.
The most common scenario is for your computer to automatically obtain network settings (i.e. DHCP). If this is the case, you dont need to go into Setup for any LAN port. If this is not the case, enter Setup to configure the static IP settings manually. If you use wireless, go into Setup for the WiFi option. Under the WiFi tab, enter the SSID (name of your wireless access point). If your wireless access point has security enabled, select the security algorithm from the pulldown menu (e.g. WEPAUTO) and enter the password. Then enable WiFi to establish the wireless connection. If you use a network cable connected directly to your DSL/cable modem (no router in between), go into Setup for xDSL/cable dial-up. This method is also referred to as PPPoE. Choose whether the DSL/cable modem is connected to your computers LAN port. (Refer to the drawing in the Network tool to figure out which is LAN1 or LAN2.) Then enter the username and password for your dial-up account. Then enable xDSL/cable dial-up to establish the PPPoE connection. When PPPoE is enabled, the LAN port it uses will automatically be unchecked and grayed out.

Configuring Express Gate in BIOS Setup
Enter BIOS setup by pressing DEL key after powering on or by clicking on the BIOS setup icon on Express Gates first screen. Express Gate configuration options are under Tools configuration menu page.
Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Tools Select Menu ASUS Express Gate [Enabled] [10 Seconds] [No]
Express Gate Enter OS Timer Reset User Date
Express Gate [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Express Gate feature. The ASUS Express Gate feature is a unique instant-on environment that provides quick access to the Internet browser and Skype. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]
Enter OS Timer [10] Sets the amount of time the system waits at the Express Gates first screen before starting Windows or other installed OS. Set this item to [Prompt User] to stay at the first screen of the Express Gate for user action. Configuration options: [Prompt User] [1 second] [3 second] [5 second] [10 second] [15 second] [20 second] [30 seconds] Reset User Data [No] Allows you to clear Express Gates user data. Configuration options: [No] [Reset] When set to [Reset], the user data will be cleared and this item will return to the default setting. Set to [No] to keep the user data and personal information you have saved under the Express Gate. The first time wizard will run again when you enter the Express Gate environment after clearing its settings.

Express Gate Updater

Use the Express Gate Updater to update your existing Express Gate software to new versions or to restore the Express Gate software if it is ever corrupted. You can find Express Gate Updater Installer on the support DVD or download it from the ASUS support website. It runs on Windows. New versions of the Express Gate software will be released regularly, adding refinements or new applications. You can find original version of the software on the support DVD or download new versions from the ASUS support website. Express Gate software is released as an image file with.DFI extension. To install the Express Gate Updater, launch the installer and follow on-screen prompts.
To use the Express Gate Updater, launch the application and follow on-screen prompts.
The Updater can preserve your Express Gate settings and personal data (web browser bookmarks, etc.) while doing an update. Use the checkbox Keep user profile to decide whether the Updater should do so. Clearing the user data is useful in the rare case where corrupt settings prevent the Express Gate environment from launching properly.

RAID configurations

The motherboard comes with one RAID controllers that allow you to configure Serial ATA hard disk drives as RAID sets. The NVIDIA nForce 780a SLI Southbridge includes a high performance SATA RAID controller that supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5 and JBOD for six independent Serial ATA channels.

NVIDIA RAID configurations
The motherboard includes a high performance SATA RAID controller integrated in the NVIDIA nForce 780a SLI southbridge chipset. It supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5 and JBOD for six independent Serial ATA channels.
Installing Serial ATA (SATA) 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. 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 DVD for detailed information on RAID configurations. See section 5.2.5 Manuals menu.
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. Enable the RAID Enabled item in the BIOS. See section 4.5.3 Onboard Device Configuration > Serial-ATA Configuration for details. Select and enable the SATA drive(s) that you want to configure as RAID. See section 4.5.3 Onboard Device Configuration > Serial-ATA 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 RAID User Guide found in your motherboard Support DVD. When using Windows XP operating system, make sure to install the Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later versions.
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 to select a RAID mode then press <Enter>.
Mirroring Striping 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.

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NVIDIA nForce 780a/ASUS M3N-HT Deluxe Performance Preview
May 06, 2008 Brandon Sandman Bell > [View My Other Articles]
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NVIDIAs latest nForce 700 series chipsets incorporate a number of new features such as GeForce Boost, HybridPower, and ESA, in addition to supporting tried and true technologies like SLI-Ready Memory and NVIDIAs MediaShield and FirstPacket technologies. Weve discussed many of these new technologies in our EVGA nForce 790i and GeForce 9800 GX2 articles, but well provide a real quick refresher just in case you missed those articles. GeForce Boost is designed to give low-end value systems with integrated graphics (IGP) a boost in performance when the IGP (which is based on the same architecture as the GeForce 8400 GS with 16 stream processors) is paired with a GeForce 8400 GS or 8500 GT discrete graphics card. HybridPower and ESA are probably the features most enthusiasts would be most interested in. With HybridPower, discrete GPUs can be powered down when theyre not being heavily taxed, say for instance when youre browsing the Internet or typing up a Word document. In these cases, the discrete GPU can be powered down, allowing the IGP to handle these 2D tasks, and since the IGP supports NVIDIAs PureVideo HD, it can also be used for video playback duties as well. The only caveats are that a Phenom CPU (and its HyperTransport 3.0 link) is required when playing HD videos and that noise reduction must be disabled when using the IGP (Windows Vistas Aero interface is also disabled when HD video is being played). The IGP is capable of driving one single-link DVI or HDMI display (limiting the max resolution to 1920x1200), and with its 300MHz RAMDAC one VGA display with a max res of 1920x1440 at 75Hz. ESA, NVIDIAs Enthusiast System Architecture, is designed to provide a communications ecosystem for controlling and monitoring all the components inside the PC. This includes all fans within the system, as well as the CPU, GPU, power supply, RAM, water cooling, etc. With ESA the end user can manage and monitor the status, voltages, and temps of all these components.
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This is just a quick refresher on the new features NVIDIA has announced inside the new nForce chipsets, but there are other changes. The following chart summarizes the key features found inside NVIDIAs new 750a and 780a SLI chipsets:
nForce 7-series SLI Comparison
NVIDIA nForce 780a SLI CPU Support Memory Support HybridPower Technology SLI-Ready Memory PCI Express 2.0 NVIDIA SLI Technology PCI Express Lanes PCI Express Links GPU-to-GPU Direct Link (PWShort) Broadcast Support ESA Technology SATA/PATA Drives SATA Speed RAID NVIDIA MediaShield Native Gigabit Ethernet Connections NVIDIA FirstPacket Technology USB Ports PCI Slots Audio NVIDIA Control Panel Utility NVIDIA System Monitor Onboard Display NVIDA PureVideo AMD Phenom, Athlon 64 FX, Athlon 64 X2, Athlon 64 DDR2-1066 Yes Yes Yes Yes 3-Way (x16, x8,x8) 35 lanes 7 links (Configuration 2x16 or 4x8 or 1x16, 2x8 3x1) Yes Yes Yes 6/2 3Gbps 0, 1, 0+1, 5 Yes 1 Yes HDA (Azalia) Yes Yes RGB, DVI, HDMI PureVideo HD NVIDIA nForce 750a SLI AMD Phenom, Athlon 64 FX, Athlon 64 X2, Athlon 64 DDR2-1066 Yes Yes Yes Yes 2-Way (2x8) 19 lanes 4 links (Configuration 2x8, 2x1 or 1x16, 3x1) Yes Yes No 6/2 3Gbps 0, 1, 0+1, 5 Yes 1 Yes HDA (Azalia) Yes Yes RGB, DVI, HDMI PureVideo HD Table of Contents

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Based on the chart above, one of the key differentiators between the nForce 780a SLI and 750a SLI is the number of lanes supported by the chipset 35 in nForce 780a SLI versus just 19 in nForce 750a SLI. These extra lanes allow the nForce 780a SLI chipset to support 3-Way SLI (two PCIe cards run in x8 mode, one x16) while the nForce 750a SLI is limited to just 2-Way SLI, and even in conventional 2-Way SLI, the nForce 750a SLI chipset is limited to running both cards in x8 mode (16 PCIe lanes are sent to each graphics card under the same 2-Way scenario with nForce 780a SLI). So how did NVIDIA manage to add the extra lanes to nForce 780a? Take a look at the block diagram of the nForce 780a versus the nForce 750a:
As you can see, the nForce 200 chip makes a return in the nForce 780a chipset. If you recall, nForce 200 was previously used to add PCIe 2.0 support to the nForce 780i SLI chipset for the Intel platform. Apparently NVIDIA has recycled it again to add PCIe lanes to yet another 780 chipset, in this case the nForce 780a SLI chipset. Other than the difference in PCIe configuration, the 750a and 780a chipsets are very similar. Both chipsets support HybridPower, PWShort, and Broadcast Power (which well discuss on the next page), although only the nForce 780a chipset supports ESA. The nForce 730a chipset is NVIDIAs chipset for gamers looking for a single GPU motherboard. Heres the block diagram for the 730a chipset:
In terms of pricing, nForce 780a motherboards are expected to sell for $250 and up, while nForce 750a http://www.firingsquad.com/hardware/nvidia_nforce_780a_chipset/page2.asp (3 of 4) [5/20/2008 9:30:52 AM]
motherboards will start around $120+. Pricing on nForce 730a motherboards is expected to start at $80 and go up from there.

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With support for HybridPower, NVIDIA's nForce 780a chipset for the AMD platform is designed to mix SLI performance in games with IGP power draw at idl.[ Read

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Xbox 360 Hits 10 Million Mark (29) Sims Shop IKEA? Who Knew? (8) EU: Rome Patched (0) New Fallout 3 Goodies Posted (5) MySims Kingdom Announced (5) Lost Planet Goes Even More Extreme (3) Million-Man March for Age of Conan (15)
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With support for HybridPower, NVIDIA's nForce 780a chipset for the AMD platform is designed to mix SLI performance in games with IGP power draw at idl.[ Read More ] Maintainer: Brandon Sandman Bell Date: May 06, 2008 Category: Hardware : Components Return to Article
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