Asus M2N4-SLI Computer Hardware User manual

M2N4-SLI

E2670

First Edition

July 2006 ii

Copyright © 2006 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.

No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).

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

ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER

EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES

OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE

LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES

(INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE

OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN

ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR

ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.

SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED

FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME

WITHOUT NOTICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY

ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR

INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS

AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.

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

Contents

Notices ................................................................................................vii

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

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

Typography .......................................................................................... x

M2N4-SLI specifications summary....................................................... xi

Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

1.2 Package contents ................................................................. 1-1

1.3 Special features .................................................................... 1-2

1.3.1 Product highlights ................................................... 1-2

1.3.2 ASUS Special features ............................................. 1-4

Chapter 2: Hardware information

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

2.2 Motherboard overview .......................................................... 2-2

2.2.1 Placement direction ................................................ 2-2

2.2.2 Screw holes ............................................................. 2-2

2.2.3 Motherboard layout ................................................ 2-3

2.2.4 Layout Contents ..................................................... 2-4

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) .............................................. 2-5

2.3.1 Installing the CPU .................................................... 2-5

2.3.2 Installing the heatsink and fan ................................ 2-7

2.4 System memory .................................................................. 2-10

2.4.1 Overview ............................................................... 2-10

2.4.2 Memory configurations ......................................... 2-10

2.4.3 Installing a DIMM ................................................... 2-15

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM .................................................. 2-15

2.5 Expansion slots ................................................................... 2-16

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card .................................. 2-16

2.5.2 Configuring an expansion card .............................. 2-16

2.5.3 Interrupt assignments ........................................... 2-17

2.5.4 PCI slots ................................................................ 2-17

2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slot ............................................... 2-18

2.5.6 PCI Express x16 slots ............................................ 2-18 iii

iv

Contents

2.6 Jumpers .............................................................................. 2-19

2.7 Connectors ......................................................................... 2-22

2.7.1 Rear panel connectors .......................................... 2-22

2.7.2 Internal connectors ............................................... 2-24

Chapter 3: Powering up

3.1 Starting up for the first time ................................................ 3-1

3.2 Powering off the computer ................................................... 3-2

3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function ........................... 3-2

3.2.2 Using the dual function power switch ..................... 3-2

Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ........................................ 4-1

4.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk .............................. 4-1

4.1.2 Updating the BIOS ................................................... 4-2

4.1.3 Saving the current BIOS file .................................... 4-4

4.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ................................ 4-5

4.1.5 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ............................................ 4-7

4.1.6 ASUS Update utility ................................................ 4-8

4.2 BIOS setup program ............................................................ 4-11

4.2.1 BIOS menu screen ................................................. 4-12

4.2.2 Menu bar ............................................................... 4-12

4.2.3 Legend bar ............................................................ 4-13

4.2.4 Menu items ........................................................... 4-13

4.2.5 Sub-menu items .................................................... 4-13

4.2.6 Configuration fields ............................................... 4-13

4.2.7 Pop-up window ...................................................... 4-14

4.2.8 General help .......................................................... 4-14

4.3 Main menu ........................................................................... 4-15

4.3.1 System Time ........................................................ 4-15

4.3.2 System Date ........................................................ 4-15

4.3.3 Legacy Diskette A ............................................... 4-15

4.3.5 Primary and Secondary IDE Master/Slave ............. 4-16

4.3.6 SATA 1, 2, 3, 4 ..................................................... 4-18

4.3.7 HDD SMART Monitoring ......................................... 4-19

Contents

4.3.8 Installed Memory ................................................... 4-19

4.4 Advanced menu .................................................................. 4-20

4.4.1 JumperFree Configuration ..................................... 4-20

4.4.3 CPU Configuration ................................................. 4-23

4.4.4 PCIPnP ................................................................... 4-25

4.4.5 Onboard Device Configuration .............................. 4-26

4.4.6 SLI Configuration ................................................... 4-31

4.5 Power menu ........................................................................ 4-32

4.5.1 ACPI Suspend Type .............................................. 4-32

4.5.2 ACPI APIC Support ............................................... 4-32

4.5.3 APM Configuration ................................................ 4-33

4.5.4 Hardware Monitor .................................................. 4-35

4.6 Boot menu .......................................................................... 4-37

4.6.1 Boot Device Priority .............................................. 4-37

4.6.2 Removable Drives .................................................. 4-38

4.6.3 Hard Disk Drives .................................................... 4-38

4.6.4 Boot Settings Configuration ................................ 4-39

4.6.5 Security ................................................................. 4-41

4.7 Tools menu ......................................................................... 4-43

ASUS EZ Flash 2 .................................................................. 4-43

4.8 Exit menu ............................................................................ 4-44

Chapter 5: Software support

5.1 Installing an operating system .............................................. 5-1

5.2 Support CD information ........................................................ 5-1

5.2.1 Running the support CD .......................................... 5-1

5.2.2 Drivers menu ........................................................... 5-2

5.2.3 Utilities menu .......................................................... 5-3

5.2.4 Manuals menu ......................................................... 5-4

5.2.5 ASUS Contact information ...................................... 5-5

5.2.6 Other information ................................................... 5-5

5.3 Software information ............................................................ 5-8

5.3.1 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology ................................... 5-8

5.3.2 ASUS PC Probe II ................................................... 5-10

5.4 RAID configurations ............................................................ 5-16 v

vi

Contents

5.4.1 Installing hard disks ............................................... 5-17

5.4.2 NVIDIA ® RAID configurations ................................. 5-18

5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk ................................................. 5-25

Chapter 6: NVIDIA

®

SLI™ technology support

6.1 Overview ............................................................................... 6-1

Requirements ........................................................................ 6-1

6.2 Dual graphics card setup ...................................................... 6-2

6.2.1 Installing SLI-ready graphics cards .......................... 6-2

6.2.2 Installing the device drivers .................................... 6-5

6.2.3 Enabling the multi-GPU feature in Windows ............ 6-5

Notices

Federal Communications Commission Statement

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

• This device may not cause harmful interference, and

• This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a

Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Canadian Department of Communications Statement

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference

Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian

ICES-003.

vii

viii

Safety information

Electrical safety

• To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating the system.

• When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.

• Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all power cables are unplugged.

• Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord.

These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.

• 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.

The symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product

(electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This manual contains the following parts:

• Chapter 1: Product introduction

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

• Chapter 2: Hardware information

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

• Chapter 3: Powering up

This chapter describes the power up sequence, the vocal POST messages, and ways of shutting down the system.

• Chapter 4: BIOS setup

This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS

Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.

• Chapter 5: Software support

This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with the motherboard package.

• Chapter 6: NVIDIA ® SLI™ technology support

This chapter tells how to install SLI-ready PCI Express graphics cards.

ix

x

Where to find more information

Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates.

1. ASUS websites

The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.

2. Optional documentation

Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the standard package.

Conventions used in this guide

To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual.

DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task.

CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task.

IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.

NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.

Typography

Bold text

Italics

<Key>

<Key1>+<Key2>+<Key3>

Command

Indicates a menu or an item to select

Used to emphasize a word or a phrase

Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign means that you must press the enclosed key

Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or

Return key

If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key names are linked with a plus sign (+)

Example: <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<D>

Means that you must type the command exactly as shown, then supply the required item or value enclosed in brackets

Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line:

awdflash M2N4SLI.ROM

M2N4-SLI specifications summary

CPU

Chipset

System bus

Memory

Expansion slots

Scalable Link Interface

(SLI™)

Storage

LAN

Audio

USB 2.0

ASUS Exclusive

Overclocking features

Socket AM2 for AMD Athlon™ 64 FX/AMD Athlon™ 64 X2

/AMD Athlon 64™/AMD Sempron™ processors

Supports AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology

AMD64 architecture enables simultaneous 32-bit and

64-bit computing

AMD Live!™ ready

NVIDIA ® nForce ® 4 SLI™ MCP

2000 / 1600 MT/s

Dual-channel memory architecture

- 4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support unbuffered

ECC/non-ECC DDR2 800/667/533 MHz memory

modules

- Supports up to 8 GB system memory

2 x PCI Express™ x16 slots

Supports NVIDIA ® SLI™ Technology (both at x8 mode)

2 x PCI Express™ x1 slots

2 x PCI 2.2 slots

Supports two identical NVIDIA ® SLI™-ready graphics card

ASUS two-slot thermal design

NVIDIA ® nForce ® 4 SLI™ MCP supports:

- 2 x IDE connector for up to four Ultra DMA

133/100/66/33 devices

- 4 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors support four

Serial ATA devices

- RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD

configurations spanning across Serial ATA drives

NVIDIA ® nForce ® 4 SLI™ MCP built-in Gigabit MAC with

external Attansic PHY

Supports TCP/IP Acceleration

Realtek ® ALC850 6-channel AC’97 CODEC

Supports Jack-Sensing and Enumeration Technology

Supports S/PDIF Out interface

Supports up to 10 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (six at mid-board,

four on the rear panel)

AI Overclocking (intelligent CPU frequency tuner)

Stepless Frequency Selection(SFS) allows FSB tuning

from 200 MHz up to 400 MHz at 1 MHz increment

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

Adjustable FSB/DDR2 ratio. Fixed PCI/PCIe frequencies

(continued on the next page) xi

xii

M2N4-SLI specifications summary

Special features

Rear panel

Internal connectors

BIOS features

Manageability

Power requirements

Support CD contents

ASUS EZ DIY:

- Q-Connector

- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

- ASUS EZ Flash 2

ASUS Q-Fan 2

ASUS MyLogo2

1 x Parallel port

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

6-channel audio ports

3 x USB 2.0 connectors support six additional USB 2.0

ports

1 x Floppy disk drive connector

2 x IDE connector for four devices

4 x Serial ATA connectors

1 x CPU / 1 x Chassis / 1 x Power fan connectors

S/PDIF out connector

Front panel audio connector

CD/AUX audio in connectors

24-pin ATX power connector

4-pin ATX 12 V power connector

System panel connector

4 Mb BIOS ROM, AWARD BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM2.0,

SM BIOS 2.3

WOL by PME, WOR by PME, Chassis intrusion, PXE

ATX power supply with 24-pin and 4-pin 12V plugs

ATX 12V 2.0 compliant

Device drivers

ASUS PC Probe II

ASUS Update

NVIDIA ® MediaShield™ RAID

Anti-virus software (OEM version)

ATX form factor: 12 in x 9 in (30.5 cm x 22.8 cm) Form factor

*Specifications are subject to change without notice.

This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports.

1

introduction

Chapter summary

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

1.2 Package contents ................................................................. 1-1

1.3 Special features .................................................................... 1-2

ASUS M2N4-SLI

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS ® M2N4-SLI motherboard!

The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!

Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in your package with the list below.

1.2 Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

Motherboard

Cables

Accessories

ASUS M2N4-SLI motherboard

2 x Serial ATA signal cables

1 x Serial ATA power cable with dual plugs

1 x Ultra DMA/133 cable

1 x Floppy disk drive cable

I/O shield

ASUS SLI™ bridge

1 x ASUS Q-Connector Kit

(USB, System panel; Retail version only)

Application CDs

Documentation

ASUS motherboard support CD

User guide

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

ASUS M2N4-SLI 1-1

1-2

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

Latest processor technology

The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2 socket that supports AMD

Athlon™ 64 X2/AMD Athlon™ 64/AMD Athlon™ 64 FX/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 ® nForce4 ® 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, 5-3 and 5-9.

Gigabit LAN

The motherboard comes with a Gigabit LAN controller built into the

NVIDIA ® nForce™4 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 2-10 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 ® 4 SLI™ MCP allows RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD.

See page 2-25.

PCI Express™ interface

The motherboard fully supports PCI Express, the latest I/O interconnect technology that speeds up the PCI bus. PCI Express features point-to-point 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.

USB 2.0 technology

The motherboard implements the Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 specification, dramatically increasing the connection speed from the

12 Mbps 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 page 2-23 and 2-27 for details.

ASUS M2N4-SLI 1-3

1-4

1.3.2 ASUS Special features

ASUS Two-slot thermal design

The motherboard is designed with two PCI Express x1 slots placed between the PCI Express x16 slots allowing an increase in airflow between the two

PCI Express x16 graphics cards. This special design permits more room for ventilation thus lowering the overall system temperature.

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data from a USB flash disk containing the BIOS file. This utility saves users the cost and hassle of buying a replacement BIOS chip. See page 4-5 for details.

ASUS EZ Flash 2

EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply press the predefined hotkey to launch the utility and update the BIOS without entering the OS.

Update your BIOS easily without preparing a bootable diskette or using an

OS-based flash utility. See page 4-7 for details.

ASUS Q-Connector

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

ASUS Q-Fan 2 technology

The ASUS Q-Fan technology smartly adjusts the CPU and chassis fan speeds according to the system loading to ensure quiet, cool, and efficient operation. See page 4-35 for details.

ASUS MyLogo2™

This new feature present in the motherboard allows you to personalize and add style to your system with customizable boot logos.


This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components.

It includes description of the jumpers and connectors on the motherboard.

2

information

Chapter summary

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

2.2 Motherboard overview .......................................................... 2-2

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) .............................................. 2-5

2.4 System memory .................................................................. 2-10

2.5 Expansion slots ................................................................... 2-16

2.6 Jumpers .............................................................................. 2-19

2.7 Connectors ......................................................................... 2-22

ASUS M2N4-SLI

2.1 Before you proceed

Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings.

• Make sure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least the minimum power required by your system. See “8. ATX power connectors” on page 2-26 for details.

• 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 that lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off 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.

M2N4-SLI

R

M2N4-SLI Onboard LED

ON

Power

SB_PWR

OFF

Off

ASUS M2N4-SLI 2-1

2-2

2.2 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.

2.2.1 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.

2.2.2 Screw holes

Place six (6) 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

M2N4-SLI

R


2.2.3 Motherboard layout

23.0cm (9.0in)

PS/2KBMS

B: Keyboard

KBPWR

ATX12V

CPU_FAN

COM1

USB12

USBPW34

LAN_USB34

Attansic

F1

M2N4-SLI

R AUDIO

AUX

ALC850

FP_AUDIO

SPDIF_OUT

PCIEX1_1

PCIEX16_1

PCIEX1_2

PCIEX16_2

PCI1

PCI2

USBPW56

USBPW78

USBPW910

NVIDIA NF4 SLI

CLRTC

Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

SB_PWR

4Mb

BIOS

USB56 USB78 USB910

CHASSIS

F_PANEL

FLOPPY

ASUS M2N4-SLI 2-3

2-4

2.2.4 Layout Contents

Slots

1. DDR2 DIMM slots

2. PCI slots

3. PCI Express x16 slot

4. PCI Express x1 slot

Slots

1. CLRTC (3-pin CLRTC1)

2. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW12, USBPW34, USBPW56,

USBPW78, USBPW910)

3. Keyboard Power (3-pin KBPWR)

Rear panel connectors

1. PS/2 mouse port (green)

2. Parallel port

3. Serial (COM) port

4. LAN (RJ-45) port

5. Line In port (light blue)

6. Microphone port (pink)

7. Line Out port (lime)

8. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4

9. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2

10. Coaxial S/PDIF out port

11. PS/2 keyboard port (purple)

Internal connectors

1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)

2. Primary/Secondary IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE, SEC_IDE)

3. nForce 4 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, USB910)

8. ATX power connector (24-pin EATXPWR1)

9. ATX 12V power connector (4-pin ATX12V1)

10. Internal audio connectors (4-pin CD/AUX)

11. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin FP_AUDIO)

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

• System power LED (2-pin LED)

• Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED)

• System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)

• ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWR)

• Reset button (2-pin RESET)

Page

2-10

2-17

2-18

2-18

Page

2-19

2-20

2-21

Page

2-22

2-22

2-23

2-23

2-23

2-22

2-22

2-22

2-22

2-22

2-23

Page

2-23

2-24

2-25

2-26

2-26

2-26

2-27

2-28

2-28

2-29

2-29

2-30


2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2 socket designed for the AMD

Athlon™ 64 X2/AMD Athlon™ 64 FX/AMD Athlon™ 64 and AMD Sempron™ processors.

Make sure you use a CPU is designed for the AM2 socket. The CPU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and damaging the CPU!

2.3.1 Installing the CPU

To install a CPU:

1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.

M2N4-SLI

R

M2N4-SLI CPU Socket AM2

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

Socket lever

Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to a 90º angle; otherwise, the CPU will not fit in completely.

ASUS M2N4-SLI 2-5

3. Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with a small triangle.

Gold triangle

Small triangle

5. When the CPU is in place, push down the socket lever to secure the CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab to indicate that it is locked.

6. Install a CPU heatsink and fan following the instructions that came with the heatsink package.

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.3.2 Installing the heatsink and fan

The the AMD Athlon™ FX, AMD Athlon 64™, AMD Sempron™ or AMD

Athlon™ X2 processor require a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance.

Make sure that you use only qualified heatsink and fan assembly.

Follow these steps to install the CPU heatsink and fan.

1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, making sure that the heatsink fits properly on the retention module base.

• The retention module base is already installed on the motherboard upon purchase.

• You do not have to remove the retention module base when installing the CPU or installing other motherboard components.

• If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, make sure that a Thermal Interface Material is properly applied to the CPU heatsink or CPU before you install the heatsink and fan assembly.

CPU Fan

CPU Heatsink

Retention Module Base

Retention bracket Retention bracket lock

Your boxed CPU heatsink and fan assembly should come with installation instructions for the CPU, heatsink, and the retention mechanism. If the instructions in this section do not match the CPU documentation, follow the latter.

ASUS M2N4-SLI 2-7

2-8

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

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

Make sure that the fan and heatsink assembly perfectly fits the retention mechanism module base, otherwise you cannot snap the retention bracket in place.

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


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

CPU_FAN

GND CPU F

M2N4-SLI

R

M2N4-SLI CPU Fan Connectors

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

ASUS M2N4-SLI 2-9

2.4 System memory

2.4.1 Overview

The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline

Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets.

A DDR2 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR DIMM but has a 240-pin footprint compared to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. DDR2 DIMMs are notched differently to prevent installation on a DDR DIMM socket.

The figure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets:

M2N4-SLI

R

2-10

M2N4-SLI 240-pin DDR2 DIMM Sockets

Channel

Channel A

Channel B

Sockets

DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2

DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2

2.4.2 Memory configurations

You may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2GB unbuffered ECC/non-ECC

DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.

Recommended Memory Configurations

Mode

Single Channel

Dual-channel (1)

Dual-channel (2)

DIMM_A1

Populated

–

–

–

Populated

–

Populated

DIMM_A2

Sockets

DIMM_B1

–

Populated

–

–

–

–

Populated

–

–

Populated

Populated

Populated

–

Populated

DIMM_B2

–

–

–

Populated

–

Populated

Populated


* For dual-channel memory configuration (2), you may:

• install identical DIMMs in all four sockets OR

• install an identical DIMM pair in DIMM_A1 and DIMM_B1 (yellow sockets) and another identical DIMM pair in DIMM_A2 and

DIMM_B2 (black sockets)

* Always use identical DDR2 DIMM pairs for dual-channel model. For optimum compatibility, we recommend that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.

com) for the latest Qualified Vendors List.

Important notice on installing Windows ® XP 32-bit version

If you install Windows ® XP 32-bit version Operating System (OS), the limitation of this OS version is that it may reserve a certain amount of memory space for system devices. We recommend that you install less than 3 GB system memory if you would like to work under Windows ® XP

32-bit version OS. The excess memory installation will not cause any usage problem, but it will not give users the benefit of manipulating this excess memory space.

Visit the ASUS FAQ site for further explanation: http://support.asus.com/faq/faq.

aspx?SLanguage=en-us

Under General Search, make the selections as shown, then click Search. Click the article titled “4GB memory installed but less memory size detected.”

This motherboard can support 8 GB physical memory on the operating systems listed below. You may install a maximum of 2 GB DIMMs on each slot.

32-bit

Windows® 2000 Advanced Server Windows® Server 2003 Standard x64 Edition

64-bit

Windows® Server 2003 Enterprise

Edition Windows® XP Professional x64

Edition

Windows® Server 2003 Enterprise x64 Edition

ASUS M2N4-SLI 2-11

Qualified Vendors List

DDR2-533

DDR2

Size

Vendor

256MB

1024MB

512MB

256MB

512MB

256MB

512MB

1024MB

512MB

1024MB

1024MB

512MB

512MB

512MB

512MB

512MB

1024MB

KINGSTON

KINGSTON

Qimonda

Qimonda

Qimonda

Qimonda

Qimonda

Qimonda

Hynix

Hynix

Hynix

Hynix

Hynix

ELPIDA

KINGMAX

KINGMAX

KINGMAX

Model

Side(s)

E5116AF-5C-E

5YDIID9GCT

SS

DS

HYB18T512800AC37 SS

HYB18T512160AF-3.7 SS

HYB18T512800AF37 SS

HYB18T5121608BF-3.7 SS

HYB18T512800BF37 SS

HYB18T512800BF37

HY5PS12821F-C4

HY5PS12821F-C4

DS

SS

DS

HY5PS12821F-C4(ECC) DS

HY5PS12821FP-C4(ECC) SS

HY5PS12821AFP-C3

E5108AB-5C-E

E5108AE-5C-E

KKEA88E4AAK-37

5MB22D9DCN

SS

SS

SS

SS

DS

Component

KVR533D2N4/256

KVR533D2N4/1G

HYS64T64000GU-3.7-A

HYS64T32000HU-3.7-A

HYS64T64000HU-3.7-A

HYS64T32000HU-3.7-B

HYS64T64000HU-3.7-B

HYS64T128020HU-3.7-B

HYMP564U648-C4

HYMP512U648-C4

HYMP512U728-C4

HYMP564U728-C4

HYMP564U64AP8-C3

EBE51UD8ABFA-5C-E

KLBC28F-A8EB4

KLBC28F-A8KE4

KLBD48F-A8ME4

DIMM socket support

A* B* C*

V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V V

V V V

V V V

V

V

V V V

V V

V V

V V V

V V V

V

V V V

V V V



DDR2-667

DDR2

Size

Vendor

Infineon

Infineon

Infineon

Infineon

Infineon

Infineon

Infineon

Infineon

Infineon

Infineon

Infineon

Hynix

Hynix

KINGSTON

KINGSTON

KINGSTON

KINGSTON

SAMSUNG

SAMSUNG

SAMSUNG

SAMSUNG

MICRON

Hynix

Hynix

Hynix

Hynix

Hynix

Hynix

ELPIDA

ELPIDA

ELPIDA crucial crucial

A-DATA

A-DATA

Transcend

Transcend

Transcend

256MB

512MB

1024MB

256MB

512MB

1024MB

512MB

1024MB

256MB

512MB

1024MB

512MB

1024MB

512MB

1024MB

512MB

256MB

256MB

256MB

512MB

1024MB

512MB

1024MB

512MB

1024MB

512MB

512MB

512MB

1024MB

512MB

512MB

1024MB

512MB

1024MB

512MB

1024MB

256MB

512MB

Model

Side(s)

Component

E5108AE-6E-E

E5108AE-6E-E

E5108AE-6E-E

HYB18T256800AF3

K4T56083QF-ZCE6

K4T51163QC-ZCE6

ZCE6K4T51083QC

ZCE6K4T51083QC

4VB41D9CZM

HYB18T512160AF-3S SS

HYB18T512800AF3S SS

HYB18T512800AF3S DS

HYB18T256800AF3S(ECC) SS

HYB18T512800AF3S(ECC) SS

HYB18T512800AF3S(ECC) DS

HYB18T512800BF3S(ECC) SS

HYB18T512800BF3S(ECC) DS

HYB18T512160BF-3S SS

HYB18T512800BF3S SS

HYB18T512800BF3S DS

HY5PS12821AFP-Y5

HY5PS12821AFP-Y5

SS

DS

SS

SS

SS

DS

DS

SS

DS

SS

SS

HY5PS12821AFP-Y5(ECC) SS

HY5PS12821AFP-Y5(ECC) DS

HY5PS12821AFP-Y4 SS

HY5PS12821AFP-Y4 DS

HY5PS12821AFP-Y4(ECC) SS

HY5PS12821AFP-Y4(ECC) DS

E2508AB-6E-E

E5108AE-6E-E

SS

SS

Engineering Sample

Heat-Sink Package

Heat-Sink Package

E5108AE-6E-E

AD29608A8B-3EG

E5108AE-6E-E

E5108AE-6E-E

J12Q3AB-6

DS

SS

DS

SS

SS

SS

DS

SS

KVR667D2N5/512

KVR667D2N5/1G

KVR667D2E5/512

KVR667D2N5/256

M378T3253FZ0-CE6

M378T3354CZ0-CE6

M378T6553CZ0-CE6

M378T2953CZ0-CE6

MT16HTF6464AY-667B4

HYS64T32000HU-3S-A

HYS64T64000HU-3S-A

HYS64T128020HU-3S-A

HYS72T32000HU-3S-A

HYS72T64000HU-3S-A

HYS72T128020HU-3S-A

HYS72T64000HU-3S-B

HYS72T128020HU-3S-B

HYS64T32000HU-3S-B

HYS64T64000HU-3S-B

HYS64T128020HU-3S-B

HYMP564U64AP8-Y5

HYMP512U64AP8-Y5

HYMP564U72AP8-Y5

HYMP512U72AP8-Y5

HYMP564U64AP8-Y4

HYMP512U64AP8-Y4

HYMP564U72AP8-Y4

HYMP512U72AP8-Y4

EBE25UC8ABFA-6E-E

EBE51UD8AEFA-6E-E

EBE11UD8AEFA-6E-E

BL6464AA663.8FD

BL12864AA663.16FD

M20EL5G3H3160B1C0Z

M20AD5Q3H3163J1C52

TS64MLQ64V6J

TS128MLQ64V6J

JM367Q643A-6

DIMM socket support

A* B* C*

V V V

V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V V V

V

V V V

V V

ASUS M2N4-SLI 2-13

2-14

512MB

1024MB

1024MB

1024MB

256MB

512MB

512MB

512MB

1024MB

1024MB

256MB

512MB

512MB

1024MB

512MB

512MB

512MB

1024MB

512MB

1024MB

512MB

1024MB

MICRON

MICRON

CORSAIR

CORSAIR

A-DATA

A-DATA

A-DATA

Crucial

Crucial

Crucial

Apacer

KINGSTON

KINGSTON

KINGSTON

SAMSUNG

Infineon

Hynix

Hynix

MICRON

MICRON

MICRON

MICRON


DDR2-800

DDR2

Size

Vendor Model

Heat-Sink Package

K4T51083QC

K4T51083QC

EDD339XX SS

HYB18T256800AF25 DS

HY5PS12821BFP-S5 SS

HY5PS12821BFP-S5

5JAIIZ9DQQ

5JAIIZ9DQQ

5ZD22D9GKX

5ZD22D9GKX

DS

SS

DS

SS

DS

SS

SS

DS

6CD22D9GKX

6CD22D9GKX

Heat-Sink Package

Heat-Sink Package

E2508AB-GE-E

N/A

AD29608A8A-25EG

Heat-Sink Package

Heat-Sink Package

Heat-Sink Package

E2508AB-GE-E

SS

DS

DS

DS

SS

SS

SS

SS

DS

DS

SS

Side(s) Component

DIMM socket support

A* B* C*

KHX6400D2/512

KVR800D2N5/512

KVR800D2N5/1G

V V

V V V

V V V

M378T6553CZ3-CE7

HYS64T64520HU-2.5-A

HYMP564U64BP8-S5

V V V

V V V

V V V

HYMP512U64BP8-S5

MT8HTF6464AY-80EA3

V

V V

V

V

MT16HTF12864AY-80EA3 V V V

MT8HTF6464AY-80ED4 V V V




CM2X1024-6400PRO V V V

CM2X1024-6400C4

M20EL6F3G3160A1D0Z

M2OAD6G3H3160J1E52

M20AD6G3H3160I1E5E

BL6464AA804.8FA

V

V

V

V

V

V

V

V

V

V

V

BL12864AA804.16FA

BL12864AA804.16FD

78.81091.420

V V V

V V

V

Side(s): SS - Single-sided DS - Double-sided

DIMM Support:

A - Supports one module inserted in any slot for a single-channel memory configuration.

B - Supports one pair of modules inserted into either the yellow slots or the black slots as one pair of dual-channel memory configuration.

C - Supports 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).


2.4.3 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. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward.

2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the

DIMM matches the break on the socket.

3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the socket until the retaining clips snap back in place and the DIMM is properly seated.

1

3

2

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.

2.4.4 Removing a DIMM

To remove a DIMM:

1. 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.

1

2

DDR2 DIMM notch

1

2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.

ASUS M2N4-SLI 2-15

2-16

2.5 Expansion slots

In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections 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.

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card

To install an expansion card:

1. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with it and make the necessary hardware settings for the card.

2. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a chassis).

3. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screw for later use.

4. Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is completely seated on the slot.

5. Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier.

6. Replace the system cover.

2.5.2 Configuring an expansion card

After installing the expansion card, configure the it by adjusting the software settings.

1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any.

See Chapter 4 for information on BIOS setup.

2. Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page.

3. 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.


2.5.3 Interrupt assignments

Standard interrupt assignments

9

10

11

12

13

14

5

6

7

8

IRQ

0

1

2

4

4

5

6

7

Priority Standard function

1

2

System Timer

Keyboard Controller

–

12

Redirect to IRQ#9

Communications Port (COM1)*

8

9

13

14

15

3

IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*

Floppy Disk Controller

Printer Port (LPT1)*

System CMOS/Real Time Clock




PS/2 Compatible Mouse Port*

Numeric Data Processor

Primary IDE Channel

* These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices.

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

C D A

PCI Slot 1

PCI Slot 2

PCIe x16 slot 1 shared

PCIe x16 slot 2

PCIe x1 slot 1

PCIe x1 slot 2

B shared shared

E shared

F shared

G shared

H

2.5.4 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.

ASUS M2N4-SLI 2-17

2.5.5 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.

2.5.6 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)

2-18

• 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_FAN1 or CHA_

FAN2) 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

Dual graphics card in SLI Mode

PCIEX16_1 (Blue) slot

Card type

PCIe x16 graphics card



Speed x16 x8 x8

PCIE16_2 (Black) slot

Card type

NA


Other PCIe devices

Speed x8 x8, x4, x1

Two identical NVIDIA ® SLI™ Edition graphics cards at x8, x8 speed


2.6 Jumpers

1. 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. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord.

2. Remove the onboard battery.

3. 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.

4. Re-install the battery.

5. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.

6. Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-enter data.

Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC jumper default position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!

M2N4-SLI

R

M2N4-SLI Clear RTC RAM

1 2

CLRTC

Normal

(Default)

2 3

Clear CMOS

You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking. For system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU

Parameter Recall) feature. Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS can automatically reset parameter settings to default values.

ASUS M2N4-SLI 2-19

2. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW12, USBPW34, USBPW56,

USBPW78, USBPW910)

Set these jumpers to +5V to wake up the computer from S1 sleep mode (CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in low power mode) using the connected USB devices. Set to +5VSB to wake up from S3 and S4 sleep modes (no power to CPU, DRAM in slow refresh, power supply in reduced power mode).

USBPW12 USBPW34

1 2 2 3

+5V

(Default)

+5VSB

M2N4-SLI

R

+5V

(Default)

+5VSB

USBPW56

USBPW78

USBPW910

1 2 2 3

M2N4-SLI USB device Wake up

+5V +5VSB

(Default)

• The USB device wake-up feature requires a power supply that can provide 500mA on the +5VSB lead for each USB port; otherwise, the system would not power up.

• The total current consumed must NOT exceed the power supply capability (+5VSB) whether under normal condition or in sleep mode.


3. Keyboard power (3-pin KBPWR)

This jumper allows you to enable or disable the keyboard wake-up feature. Set this jumper to pins 2-3 (+5VSB) if you wish to wake up the computer when you press a key on the keyboard (the default value is [Disabled]). This feature requires an ATX power supply that can supply at least 1A on the +5VSB lead, and a corresponding setting in the BIOS (see section 2.5.5 APM Configuration).

1 2

KBPWR

2 3

+5V

(Default)

+5VSB

M2N4-SLI

R

M2N4-SLI Keyboard Power Setting

ASUS M2N4-SLI 2-21

2-22

2.7 Connectors

2.7.1 Rear panel connectors

1 2 3

4

5

6

11 10 9 8 7

1. PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse.

2. Parallel port. This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a scanner, or other devices.

3. LAN (RJ-45) port. Supported by the NVIDIA ® nForce™ 4 Gigabit MAC with external Attansic PHY, this port allows Gigabit connection to a

Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. Refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indications.

LAN port LED indications

ACT/LINK LED

Status

OFF

Description

No link

GREEN Linked

BLINKING Data activity

SPEED LED

Status

OFF

Description

10 Mbps connection

ORANGE 100 Mbps connection

GREEN 1 Gbps connection

ACT/LINK

LED

SPEED

LED

LAN port

4. Line In port (light blue). This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player, or other audio sources.

5. 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.

6. Microphone port (pink). This port connects a microphone.

Refer to the audio configuration table below for the function of the audio ports in 2, 4, or 6-channel configuration.


Audio 2, 4, or 6-channel configuration

Port

Light Blue

Lime

Pink

Headset

2-channel

Line In

4-channel

Rear Speaker Out

6-channel

Rear Speaker Out

Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out

Mic In Mic In Center/Subwoofe

7. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

8. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

9. Serial port (COM port). This 9-pin COM port is for pointing devices and other serial devices.

10. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device via a coaxial S/PDIF cable.

11. PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.

2.7.2 Internal connectors

1. 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.

The Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable connection when using an FDD cable with a covered Pin 5.

FLOPPY

M2N4-SLI

R

M2N4-SLI Floppy Disk Drive Connector

ASUS M2N4-SLI 2-23

2-24

2. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE, SEC_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 motherboard’s IDE connector, then select one of the following modes to configure your device.

Drive jumper setting

Single device Cable-Select or Master

Two devices Cable-Select

Master

Slave

Mode of device(s)

-

Master

Slave

Master

Slave

Cable connector

Black

Black

Gray

Black or gray

• Pin 20 on the IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole on the Ultra DMA cable connector. This prevents incorrect insertion when you connect the IDE cable.

• Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for Ultra DMA 100/66 IDE devices.

If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select,” make sure all other device jumpers have the same setting.

M2N4-SLI

R

M2N4-SLI IDE Connectors


3. Serial ATA connectors

(7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA4)

These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA

3.0 Gb/s hard disk and optical disk drives. The Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s is backward compatible with Serial ATA 1.5 Gb/s specification.

If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0,

RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, or JBOD configuration through the onboard

NVIDIA ® MediaShield™ controller.

The RAID function of these connectors is set to [Disabled] by default.

If you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, enable the RAID Enabled item in the SATA Configuration sub-menu in the

BIOS. See section “4.4.7 Onboard Device Configuration” for details.

M2N4-SLI

R

M2N4-SLI SATA Connectors

SATA1

GND

RSATA_RXN1

RSATA_RXP1

GND

RSATA_TXP1

GND

SATA2

GND

RSATA_RXN2

RSATA_RXP2

GND

RSATA_TXP2

GND

SATA3

GND

RSATA_RXP3

GND

RSATA_TXN3

SATA4

GND

RSATA_RXN4

RSATA_RXP4

GND

RSATA_TXP4

GND right angle side

Connect the right-angle side of the SATA signal cable to the SATA device or you may connect the right-angle side of the SATA cable to the onboard SATA port to avoid placement conflict with huge graphics cards.

ASUS M2N4-SLI 2-25

2-26

4. CPU, Chassis, and Power fan connectors

(3-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin PWR_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN)

The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350mA~2000mA (24

W max.) or a total of 1A~3.48A (41.76 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. Lack of sufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. These are not jumpers! DO NOT place jumper caps on the fan connectors!

• The ASUS Q-Fan function is supported using the CPU Fan (CPU_FAN) and Chassis Fan (CHA_FAN) connectors only.

CPU_FAN

M2N4-SLI

R

M2N4-SLI Fan Connectors

GND CPU F

PWR_FAN

Rotation

CHA_FAN

Rotation


5. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, USB910)

These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed.

M2N4-SLI

R

- +

USB56

USB+5V USB_P6 USB_P6 GN

M2N4-SLI USB 2.0 Connectors

1

USB+5V USB_P5

USB78

1

USB+5V USB_P8

USB910

USB+5V USB_P10- USB_P10+

1

USB+5V USB_P7

Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard!

USB+5V USB_P9

The USB module is purchased separately.

ASUS M2N4-SLI 2-27

6. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR1,4-pin ATX12V)

These connectors are for an ATX power supply plugs. The power supply plugs are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.

• 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.

GND

+12V DC

GND

+12V DC

M2N4-SLI

R

M2N4-SLI ATX Power Connector

EATXPWR

+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


7. Internal audio connectors (4-pin CD, AUX)

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

AUX

(White)

M2N4-SLI

R

Ground Ground

M2N4-SLI Internal Audio Connectors

8. 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.

FP_AUDIO

M2N4-SLI

R

AGND +5V

M2N4-SLI Front panel audio connector

ASUS M2N4-SLI 2-29

2-30

9. System panel connector (20-pin PANEL)

This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

PANEL

PLED SPEAKER

Ground Ground

M2N4-SLI

R

IDE_LED RESET

PWRSW

* Requires an ATX power supply

M2N4-SLI System Panel Connector

• 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.

• Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED)

This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD

Activity LED cable to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or flashes when data is read from or written to the HDD.

• System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)

This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.

• ATX power button/soft-off button (2-pin PWRSW)

This connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power button turns the system on or puts the system in sleep or soft-off mode depending on the BIOS settings. Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds while the system is ON turns the system OFF.

• Reset button (2-pin RESET)

This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system reboot without turning off the system power.


Q-Connector (System panel)

ASUS Q-Connector allows you to easily to connect the chassis front panel cables to the motherboard. Perform these steps to install ASUS Q-

Connector.

Step 1

Connect the front panel cables to their respective connectors on the

ASUS Q-Connector. Refer to the labels on the Q-Connector for proper connection and pin definition.

Step 2

Carefully connect the ASUS

Q-Connector to the System panel connector.

The ASUS Q-Connector fits only in one orientation; if it doesn’t fit, try reversing it.

When installed, the Q-connector appears as shown.

ASUS M2N4-SLI 2-31

This chapter describes the power up sequence and ways of shutting down the system.

Chapter summary

3

3.1 Starting up for the first time ........................................................ 3-1

3.2 Powering off the computer .......................................................... 3-2

ASUS M2N4-SLI

3.1 Starting up for the first time

1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover.

2. Be sure that all switches are off.

3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis.

4. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector.

5. Turn on the devices in the following order: a. Monitor b. External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain) c. System power

6. After applying power, the system power LED on the system front panel case lights up. For systems with ATX power supplies, the system

LED lights up when you press the ATX power button. If your monitor complies with “green” standards or if it has a “power standby” feature, the monitor LED may light up or switch between orange and green after the system LED turns on.

The system then runs the power-on self tests or POST. While the tests are running, the BIOS beeps or additional messages appear on the screen. If you do not see anything within 30 seconds from the time you turned on the power, the system may have failed a power-on test. Check the jumper settings and connections or call your retailer for assistance.

7. At power on, hold down the <Del> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the instructions in Chapter 4.

ASUS M2N4-SLI 3-1

3.2 Powering off the computer

3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function

If you are using Windows ® 2000:

1. Click the Start button then click Shut Down...

2. Make sure that the Shut Down option button is selected, then click the OK button to shut down the computer.

3. The power supply should turn off after Windows ® shuts down.

If you are using Windows ® XP:

1. Click the Start button then select Turn Off Computer.

2. Click the Turn Off button to shut down the computer.

3. The power supply should turn off after Windows ® shuts down.

3.2.2 Using the dual function power switch

While the system is ON, pressing the power switch for less than four seconds puts the system to sleep mode or to soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting. Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds lets the system enter the soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS setting.

Refer to section “4.5 Power Menu” in Chapter 4 for details.

3-2 Chapter 3: Powering up

This chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS

Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.

Chapter summary

4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ........................................ 4-1

4.2 BIOS setup program ............................................................ 4-11

4.3 Main menu ........................................................................... 4-15

4.4 Advanced menu .................................................................. 4-20

4.5 Power menu ........................................................................ 4-32

4.6 Boot menu .......................................................................... 4-37

4.7 Tools menu ......................................................................... 4-43

4.8 Exit menu ............................................................................ 4-44

ASUS M2N4-SLI

4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS

The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard

Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup.

1. Award BIOS Flash Utility (Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a bootable floppy disk.)

2. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 (Updates the BIOS using a bootable USB flash disk, floppy disk or the motherboard support CD when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted.)

3. ASUS EZ Flash 2 (Updates the BIOS in DOS using a floppy disk or the motherboard support CD.)

4. ASUS Update (Updates the BIOS in Windows ® environment.)

Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.

Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update or AwardBIOS Flash utilities.

4.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk

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.

ASUS M2N4-SLI 4-1

4-2 c. Click Start, then select Run.

d. From the Open field, type

D:\bootdisk\makeboot a:

assuming that D: is your optical drive.

e. Press <Enter>, then follow screen instructions to continue.

2. 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 M2N4SLI.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.

2. Copy the AwardBIOS Flash Utility (awdflash.exe) from the Software folder of the support CD to the floppy disk with the latest BIOS file.

3. 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-KC804-M2N4-SLI DATE: 11/18/2004

Flash Type - SST 49LF004A/B /3.3V

File Name to Program:

Message: Please input File Name!


6. Type the BIOS file name in the File Name to

Program field, then press

<Enter>.





File Name to Program: m2n4sli.bin

Message: Do You Want To Save Bios (Y/N)

7. Press <N> when the utility prompts you to save the current BIOS file.

The following screen appears.

8. The utility verifies the

BIOS file in the floppy disk and starts flashing the BIOS file.






Program Flashing Memory OFE00 OK

Write OK No Update Write Fail

Warning: Don’t Turn Off Power Or Reset System!

Do not turn off or reset the system during the flashing process!

9. The utility displays a Flashing Complete message indicating that you have successfully flashed the BIOS file.

Remove the floppy disk then press <F1> to restart the system.






Flashing Complete

Press <F1> to Continue

Write OK No Update Write Fail

F1 Reset

ASUS M2N4-SLI 4-3

4.1.3 Saving the current BIOS file

You can use the AwardBIOS Flash Utility to save the current BIOS file. You can load the current BIOS file when the BIOS file gets corrupted during the flashing process.

Make sure that the floppy disk has enough disk space to save the file.

To save the current BIOS file using the AwardBIOS Flash Utility:

1. Follow steps 1 to 6 of the previous section.

2. Press <Y> when the utility prompts you to save the current

BIOS file. The following screen appears.






Save current BIOS as:

Message:

3. Type a filename for the current BIOS file in the Save current BIOS as field, then press

<Enter>.






Checksum: DAD6H

Save current BIOS as: m2n4sli2.bin

4-4

Message: Please Wait!

4. The utility saves the current BIOS file to the floppy disk, then returns to the BIOS flashing process.





File Name to Program: m2n4sli2.bin

Now Backup System BIOS to

File!

Message: Please Wait!


4.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility

The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can update a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support CD, floppy, or USB flash disk that contains the updated BIOS file.

Prepare the motherboard support CD, floppy, or USB flash disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility.

Recovering the BIOS from the support CD

To recover the BIOS from the support CD:

1. Turn on the system.

2. Insert the motherboard support CD to the optical drive.

3. 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.





Found CDROM, try to Boot from it... Pass

4. 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. Insert the USB flash disk that contains BIOS file to the USB port.

2. Turn on the system.

3. 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.


• Use only a USB flash disk smaller than 8GB with single partition and FAT

32/16/12 format.

• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can cause system boot failure!

ASUS M2N4-SLI 4-5

4-6

Recovering the BIOS from a floppy disk

To recover the BIOS from the support CD:

1. Remove any CD from the optical drive, then turn on the system.

2. Insert the floppy disk with the original or updated BIOS file to the floppy disk drive.

3. 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.





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

DOS-based 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. Go to the ASUS website (www.asus.com) and download the latest

BIOS file for your motherboard.

2. Save the BIOS file to a floppy disk or a USB flash disk then restart your computer.

3. 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.

ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility B312

FLASH TYPE: Winbond W39V080A 8Mb LPC

Current ROM

BOARD: M2N4-SLI

VER: 0122

DATE: 06/27/2006

Update ROM

BOARD: Unknown

VER: Unknown

DATE: Unknown

PATH: C:\M2N320C

A:

C:

WIN98SE <DIR>

NETTERM <DIR>

DRIVERS <DIR>

RECYCLED <DIR>

WUTEMP <DIR>

NEWFOL~1 <DIR>

INSTALL <DIR>

TEST_REB <DIR>

MSDOWNLD.TMP <DIR>

Note

[Enter] Select [S] Save [ESC] Exit

[Tab] Switch [Up/Down/Home/End] Move

(2) Enter BIOS setup program. Go to the Tools menu then select EZ

Flash 2 and press <Enter>.

You can switch between drives by pressing <Tab> before the correct file is found. Then press <Enter>.

4. When the correct BIOS file is found, EZ Flash 2 performs the BIOS update process and automatically reboots the system when done.

• This function can support devices such as USB flash disk, hard disk, or floppy disk with FAT 32/16/12 format only.

• Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent system boot failure!

ASUS M2N4-SLI 4-7

4-8

4.1.6 ASUS Update utility

The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows allows you to:

® environment. The ASUS Update utility

• Save the current BIOS file

• Download the latest BIOS file from the Internet

• Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS file

• Update the BIOS directly from the Internet, and

• View the BIOS version information.

This utility is available in the support CD that comes with the motherboard package.

ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Installing ASUS Update

To install ASUS Update:

1. Place the support CD in the optical drive. The Drivers menu appears.

2. Click the Utilities tab, then click Install ASUS Update VX.XX.XX. See page 5-3 for the Utilities screen menu.

3. The ASUS Update utility is copied to your system.

Quit all Windows ® utility.

applications before you update the BIOS using this


Updating the BIOS through the Internet

To update the BIOS through the Internet:

1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows

Update main window appears.

® desktop by clicking

Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS

2. Select Update BIOS from the Internet option from the drop-down menu, then click

Next.

3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network traffic, or click Auto Select.

Click Next.

ASUS M2N4-SLI 4-9

4. From the FTP site, select the

BIOS version that you wish to download. Click Next.

5. Follow the screen instructions to complete the update process.

The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself through the Internet. Always update the utility to avail all its features.

Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file

To update the BIOS through a BIOS file:

1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows clicking Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The

ASUS Update main window appears.

® desktop by

2. Select Update BIOS from a file option from the drop-down menu, then click Next.

4-10

3. Locate the BIOS file from the

Open window, then click Open.

4. Follow the screen instructions to complete the update process.


4.2 BIOS setup program

This motherboard supports a programmable Low-Pin Count (LPC) chip that you can update using the provided utility described in section “4.1

Managing and updating your BIOS.”

Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconfiguring your system, or prompted to“Run Setup.” This section explains how to configure your system using this utility.

Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you can change the configuration of your computer in the future. For example, you can enable the security password feature or change the power management settings. This requires you to reconfigure your system using the BIOS Setup program so that the computer can recognize these changes and record them in the CMOS RAM of the LPC chip.

The LPC chip on the motherboard stores the Setup utility. When you start up the computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program. Press <Del> during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to enter the

Setup utility; otherwise, POST continues with its test routines.

If you wish to enter Setup after POST, reboot the system by doing any of the following procedures:

• Restart using the OS standard shut-down procedure.

• Press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del> simultaneously.

• Press the reset button on the system chassis.

• Press the power button to turn the system off then back on.

Using the power button, reset button, or the <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del> keys to force reset from a running operating system can cause damage to your data or system. We recommend to always shut-down the system properly from the operating system.

The Setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. Being a menu-driven program, it lets you scroll through the various sub-menus and make your selections from the available options using the navigation keys.

• The default BIOS settings for this motherboard apply for most conditions to ensure optimum performance. If the system becomes unstable after changing any BIOS settings, load the default settings to ensure system compatibility and stability. Select the Load Default

Settings item under the Exit Menu. See section “4.8 Exit Menu.”

• The BIOS setup screens shown in this section 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 file for this motherboard.

ASUS M2N4-SLI 4-11

4-12

4.2.1 BIOS menu screen

Menu items Menu bar Configuration fields General help

Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility

Main Advanced Power Boot Exit

System Time 15 : 30 : 36

System Date Wed, Nov 5 2004

Legacy Diskette A: [1.44M, 3.5 in.]

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

[ST321122A]

[ASUS CDS520/A]

[None]

[None]

[None]

[None]

[None]

[None]

[Disabled]

256MB

256MB

Select Menu

Item Specific Help

Change the day, month, year and century.

F1:Help ↑↓ : Select Item

ESC: Exit →←: Select Menu

-/+: Change Value F5: Setup Defaults

Enter: Select Sub-menu F10: Save and 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 sub-menu

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

4.2.4 Menu items

The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items.

The other items (Advanced, Power, Boot, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items.

4.2.5 Sub-menu items

A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen means that the iteam has a sub-menu. To display the sub-menu, select the item and press

<Enter>.

4.2.6 Configuration fields

These fields show the values for the menu items. If an item is user-configurable, you can change the value of the field opposite the item.

You cannot select an item that is not user-configurable.

A configurable field is enclosed in brackets, and is highlighted when selected. To change the value of a field, select it then press <Enter> to display a list of options. Refer to “4.2.7 Pop-up window.”

ASUS M2N4-SLI 4-13

4.2.7 Pop-up window

Select a menu item then press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the configuration options for that item.



System Tim 15 : 30 : 36


Select Menu



Legacy Diskette A:



First SATA Master

Second SATA Slave

Third SATA Master

Fourth SATA Slave


[ST321122A]

[ASUS CDS520/A]

[None]

1.44M, 3.5 in. ..... [ ]

[None]

[None]

[None]

[Disabled]

Specifies the capacity and physical size of diskette drive A.

Installed Memory 256MB





Pop-up menu

4.2.8 General help

At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected item.

4-14 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

4.3 Main menu

When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic system information.

Refer to section “4.2.1 BIOS menu screen” for information on the menu screen items and how to navigate through them.



System Tim 15 : 30 : 36






Secondary IDE Slave

SATA 1

SATA 2

SATA 3

SATA 4


Installed Memory

Usable Memory

[ST321122A]

[ASUS CDS520/A]

[None]

[None]

[None]

[None]

[None]

[None]

[Disabled]

256MB

256MB

Select Menu


Change the day, month, year and century.





4.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx]

Allows you to set the system time.

4.3.2 System Date [Day, xx/xx/xxxx]

Allows you to set the system date.

4.3.3 Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]

Sets the type of floppy drive installed. Configuration options: [Disabled]

[720K , 3.5 in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.]

ASUS M2N4-SLI 4-15

4.3.5 Primary and Secondary IDE Master/Slave

While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each IDE device. Select a device item then press <Enter> to display the IDE device information.

Main


Access Mode

Capacity

Cylinder

Head

Sector

PIO Mode

UDMA Mode

Transfer Mode



[ Auto ]

[Auto] xxxxx MB xxxxx

xx

xx

[Auto]

[Auto] xxxxxxx

Select Menu


Press [Enter] to select

4-16





The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items

(Capacity, Cylinder, Head, Sector and Transfer Mode). These values are not user-configurable. These items show N/A if no IDE device is installed in the system.

Primary IDE Master/Slave [Auto];

Secondary IDE Master/Slave [Auto]

Select [Auto] to automatically detect an IDE hard disk drive. If automatic detection is successful, the BIOS automatically fills in the correct values for the remaining fields on this sub-menu. If the hard disk was already formatted on a previous system, the setup BIOS may detect incorrect parameters. Select [Manual] to manually enter the IDE hard disk drive parameters. If no drive is installed select [None].

Configuration options: [None] [Auto] [Manual]

Access Mode [Auto]

The default [Auto] allows automatic detection of an IDE hard disk drive.

Select [CHS] for this item if you set the IDE Primary Master/Slave to

[Manual]. Configuration options: [CHS] [LBA] [Large] [Auto]

Before attempting to configure a hard disk drive, make sure you have the correct configuration information supplied by the drive manufacturer.

Incorrect settings may cause the system to fail to recognize the installed hard disk.


Capacity

Displays the auto-detected hard disk capacity. This item is not configurable.

Cylinder

Shows the number of the hard disk cylinders. This item is not configurable.

Head

Shows the number of the hard disk read/write heads. This item is not configurable.

Sector

Shows the number of sectors per track. This item is not configurable.

PIO Mode

Sets the PIO mode for the IDE device.

Configuration options: [Auto] [Mode 0] [Mode 1] [Mode 2] [Mode 3]

[Mode 4]

UDMA Mode

Disables or sets the UDMA mode. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

Transfer Mode

Shows the Transfer mode. This item is not configurable.

After entering the IDE hard disk drive information into BIOS, use a disk utility, such as FDISK, to partition and format new IDE hard disk drives.

This is necessary so that you can write or read data from the hard disk.

Make sure to set the partition of the Primary IDE hard disk drives to active.

ASUS M2N4-SLI 4-17

4.3.6 SATA 1, 2, 3, 4

While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of Serial

ATA devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each SATA device. Select a device item then press <Enter> to display the SATA device information.


Main

SATA 1

Extended IDE Drive

Access Mode

Capacity

Cylinder

Head

Landing Zone

Sector

[Auto

[Auto] xxxxx MB xxxxx xx xx xx

]

Select Menu


Press [Enter] to select

4-18





The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items

(Capacity, Cylinder, Head, Precomp, Landing Zone and Sector). These values are not user-configurable. These items show 0 if no SATA device is installed in the system.

Extended Drive

Selects the type of fixed disk connected to the system.

Configuration options: [None] [Auto]

Access Mode

Sets the sector addressing mode. Configuration options: [Large] [Auto]

Before attempting to configure a hard disk drive, make sure you have the correct configuration information supplied by the drive manufacturer.

Incorrect settings may cause the system to fail to recognize the installed hard disk.

Capacity

Displays the auto-detected hard disk capacity. This item is not configurable.

Cylinder

Shows the number of the hard disk cylinders. This item is not configurable.


Head

Shows the number of the hard disk read/write heads. This item is not configurable.

Landing Zone

Shows the number of landing zone per track. This item is not configurable.

Sector

Shows the number of sectors per track. This item is not configurable.

After entering the IDE hard disk drive information into BIOS, use a disk utility, such as FDISK, to partition and format new IDE hard disk drives.

This is necessary so that you can write or read data from the hard disk.

Make sure to set the partition of the Primary IDE hard disk drives to active.

4.3.7 HDD SMART Monitoring

Allows you to enable or disable the HDD Self-Monitoring Analysis and

Reporting Technology (SMART) feature.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

4.3.8 Installed Memory

Shows the size of installed memory.

ASUS M2N4-SLI 4-19

4-20

4.4 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.



JumperFree Configuration

CPU Configuration

PCIPnP

Onboard Device Configuration

SLI Configuration

Select Menu


Press Enter to Set





4.4.1 JumperFree Configuration


Advanced

JumperFree Configuration

DRAMAI Tuning

x Overclock Options

x CPU Frequency

x PCI Express Clock

x DDR2 Voltage

x CPU Multiplier

x CPU Voltage

x PCI Clock Sychronization Mod

[ Auto ]

Disabled

200.0

100Mhz

Auto

Auto

Auto

Auto

Select Menu


DPress [Enter] to select overclock profile






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]

ASUS M2N4-SLI 4-21

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


CPU Type AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3200+

CPU Speed 1800MHz

Cache RAM 128K

Dram Configuration

Hyper Transport Frequency

AMD Cool’n’Quiet Function

AMD Live! Function

[4x]

[Disabled]

[Disabled]

Select Menu


DRAM timing and control





DRAM Configuration

The items in this sub-menu show the DRAM-related information auto-detected by the BIOS.


Advanced

DRAM Configuration

Select Menu

Memory Clock Frequency

Tcl

Trcd

Trp

Tras

Trc

Twr

Trrd

[ Auto ]

[Auto]

[Auto]

[Auto]

[Auto]

[Auto]

[Auto]

[Auto]

Trwt

Twtr

Trtp

Twrrd

[Auto]

[Auto]

[Auto]

[Auto]

Twrwr

Trdrd

[Auto]

[Auto]

Trfc [Auto]

DQS Signal Timing Training Con [Perform DQS]




Setting platform Memclock or limit valu



Memory Clock Frequency[Auto]

Sets platform Memclock or limit value. Configuration options:

[Auto] [DDR2 400] [DDR2 533] [DDR2 667] [DDR2 800]

Tcl[Auto]

Configuration options: [Auto] [3] [4] [5] [6]

ASUS M2N4-SLI 4-23

4-24

Trcd[Auto]


Trp[Auto]


Tras[Auto]

Configuration options: [Auto] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13]

[14] [15] [16] [17] [18]

Trc[Auto]

Configuration options: [Auto] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18]

[19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] [25] [26]

Twr[Auto]


Trrd[Auto]


Trwt[Auto]

Configuration options: [Auto] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9]

Twtr[Auto]

Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3]

Trtp[Auto]

Configuration options: [Auto] [2/4] [3/5]

Twrrd[Auto]


Twrwr[Auto]

Configuration options: [Auto] [1] [2] [3]

Trdrd[Auto]



Trfc[Auto]


DQS Signal Timing Training Control[Perform DQS]

Configuration Options: [Skip DQS] [Perform DQS]

Hyper Transport Frequency[4x]

Configuration options: [1x] [2x] [3x] [4x] [5x]

AMD Cool’n’Quiet Function[Disabled]

Enables or disables the AMD Cool’n’Quiet function.

Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled]

AMD Live! Function [Disabled]

Enable or disables AMD Live! technology.


4.4.4 PCIPnP


Advanced

Plug & Play O/S

Primary Display Adapter

PCIPnP

[ No ]

[PCI]

Select Menu


Enable or Disable LAN cable check during POST.





Plug & Play O/S[No]

When set to [No], the BIOS configures all the devices in the system.

When set to [Yes] and if you install a Plug and Play operating system, the operating system configures the Plug and Play devices not required for boot.Configuration options: [No] [Yes]

Primary Display Adapter[PCI]

Allows selection of graphics controller to use as the primary boot device.

Configuration options: [PCI] [PCI-E]

ASUS M2N4-SLI 4-25

4.4.5 Onboard Device Configuration


Advanced


IDE Funtion Setup

NVRAID Configuration

USB Configuration

Onboard nVidia LAN

Onboard LAN Boot ROM

AC97 Audio

Serial Port1 Address

Parallel Port Address

Parallel Port Mode

x ECP Mode Use DMA

[Enabled]

[Disabled]

[Enabled]

[3F8/IRQ4]

[378/IRQ7]

[EPP]

3

Select Menu






IDE Function Setup

This item in this sub-menu allows you to enable or disable IDE functions.


Advanced


OnChip IDE Channel0

OnChip IDE Channel1

IDE DMA transfer access

SATA Port 1,2

SATA DMA transfer

SATA Port 3,4

SATA2 DMA transfer

IDE Prefetch

[Enabled]

[Enabled]

[Enabled]

[Enabled]

[Enabled]

[Enabled]

[Enabled]

[Enabled]

Select Menu


4-26





OnChip IDE Channel0[Enabled]

Allows to disable or enable OnChip IDE Channel0


OnChip IDE Channel1[Enabled]

Allows to disable or enable OnChip IDE Channel1


IDE DMA transfer access[Enabled]

Allows to disable or enable IDE DMA transfer access



SATA Port 1, 2[Enabled]

Allows to disable or enable OnChip SATA(Port 1, Port 2)


SATA DMA transfer [Enabled]

Allows to disable or enable to switch to support SATA DMA tranfer


SATA Port 3, 4[Enabled]

Allows to disable or enable OnChip SATA2(Port 3, Port 4)


SATA2 DMA transfer [Enabled]

Allows to disable or enable to switch to support SATA2 DMA tranfer


IDE Prefetch Mode[Enabled]

Allows to disable or enable IDE PIO read prefetch mode. When prefetch is enabled, either 16-bit or 32-bit are allowed on IDE bus.


ASUS M2N4-SLI 4-27

NVRAID Configuration

This item in this sub-menu allows you to set up RAID feature.


Advanced

NVRAID Configuration

RAID Enable x IDE Primary Master RAID x IDE Primary Slave RAID x IDE Secondary Master RAID x IDE Secondary Slave RAID x First SATA Master RAID x Second SATA Master RAID x Third SATA Master RAID x Fourth SATA Master RAID

[Disabled]

[Disabled]

[Disabled]

[Disabled]

[Disabled]

[Disabled]

[Disabled]

[Disabled]

[Disabled]

Select Menu


4-28





RAID Enable[Disabled]

Allows to disable or enable nVIDIA RAID feature.


The following items are user-configurable only when the RAID Enable is set to [Enabled].

IDE Primary Master RAID[Disabled]

Selects this device as RAID set.


IDE Primary Slave RAID[Disabled]



IDE Secondary Master RAID[Disabled]



IDE Secondary Slave RAID[Disabled]



First SATA Maser RAID[Disabled]




Second SATA Maser RAID[Disabled]



Third SATA Maser RAID[Disabled]



Fourth SATA Maser RAID[Disabled]



USB Configuration

The items in this sub-menu allows you to set the USB configuration.


Advanced

USB Configuration

USB Controller

USB 2.0 Controller

USB Legacy support

[Enabled]

[Enabled]

[Enabled]

Select Menu


Press [Enter] to set.





USB Controller[enabled]

Enables or disables USB 1.1 and 2.0 Controller


When USB Controller is set to [Disabled], both USB 2.0 Controller and

USB Legacy support will be disabled..

USB 2.0 Controller[enabled]

Enables or disables 2.0 Controller


ASUS M2N4-SLI 4-29

4-30

USB 2.0 Legacy support[enabled]

Enables or disables USB legacy device (USB keyboard and USB mouse) support. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Onboard nVidia LAN[Enabled]

Enable or Disable Onboard NV LAN Interface.

Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Onboard LAN Boot ROM[Disabled]

Enable or Disable the bootrom of the onboard LAN.


AC97 Audio[Enabled]

Enable or Disable Onboard AC 97.


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 base addresses.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [378/IRQ7] [278/IRQ5] [3BC/IRQ7]

Parallel Port Mode [ECP+EPP]

Allows you to select the Parallel Port mode.

Configuration options: [SPP] [EPP] [ECP] [ECP+EPP]

ECP Mode Use DMA [3]

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


4.4.6 SLI Configuration


Advanced

AI-Selector

SLI Configuration

[Auto]

Select Menu






AI-Selector[Auto]

Allows selection of the Scalable Link Interface mode. When set to Auto,

BIOS detects the setting of SLI EZ Selector Card. Set to Normal when using single PCI-E graphic cardpluged.

Configuration: [Auto] [Single Video Card] [Dual Video Card]

ASUS M2N4-SLI 4-31

4-32

4.5 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.



ACPI Suspend Type

ACPI APIC support

APM Configuration

Hardware Monitor

[ S1&S3 ]

[Enabled]

Select Menu


Select the ACPI state used for System

Suspend.





4.5.1 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]

4.5.2 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Configuration and Power

Interface (ACPI) support in the Application-Specific Integrated Circuit

(ASIC). When set to Enabled, the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the

RSDT pointer list. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]


4.5.3 APM Configuration

Power


Restore on AC Power Loss

PWR Button < 4 secs

Power On By PCI/PCIE Devices

Power On By External Modems

Power-On by RTC Alarm x Date (of Month) x Resume Time (hh:mm)

Power Up By PS/2 Mouse

Power Up By PS/2 Keyboard

APM Configuration

[ Power-Off ]

[Instant-Off]

[Disabled]

[Disabled]

[Disabled]

0

0 : 0 : 0

[Disabled]

[Disabled]

Select Menu


Press [ENTER] to select whether or not to restart the system after AC power loss.





Restore on AC Power Loss [Power-Off]

Allows you to enable or disable the Restore on AC Power Loss function.

Configuration options: [Power-Off] [Power-On]

PWR Button < 4 secs [Instant-Off]

Allows you to set the event after the power button is pressed for more than 4 seconds. Configuration options: [Suspend] [Instant-Off]

Power On By PCI Devices [Disabled]

When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to turn on the system through a PCI LAN or modem card. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.


Power On By External Modems [Disabled]

This allows either settings of [Enabled] or [Disabled] for powering up the computer when the external modem receives a call while the computer is in

Soft-off mode. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

The computer cannot receive or transmit data until the computer and applications are fully running. Thus, connection cannot be made on the first try. Turning an external modem off and then back on while the computer is off causes an initialization string that turns the system power on.

ASUS M2N4-SLI 4-33

4-34

Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable RTC to generate a wake event. When this item is set to Enabled, the items Date of Month Alarm and Time (hh:mm:ss)

Alarm items become user-configurable with set values.


Day of Month Alarm [Disabled]

To set the date of alarm, highlight this item and press <Enter> to display the Day 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) 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. Key-in a value (Min=0, Max=23), then press <Enter>.

3. Press <TAB> to move to the minutes field then press <Enter>.

4. Key-in a minute value (Min=0, Max=59), then press <Enter>.

5. Press <TAB> to move to the seconds field then press <Enter>.

6. Key-in a value (Min=0, Max=59), then press <Enter>.

Power Up By PS/2 Mouse [Disabled]

When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to use the PS/2 mouse to turn on the system. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.


Power On By PS/2 Keyboard [Disabled]

Allows you to disable the Power On by PS/2 keyboard function or set specific keys on the PS/2 keyboard to turn on the system. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [Space Bar] [Ctrl-ESC] [Power Key]


4.5.4 Hardware Monitor

The items in this sub-menu displays the hardware monitor values automatically detected by the BIOS. It also allows you to change CPU Q-Fan feature-related parameters. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options.

Power


CPU Q-Fan Control x CPU Q-Fan Profile

Chassis Q-Fan Control x Chassis Q-Fan Profile

Vcore Voltage

3.3V Voltage

5V Voltage

12V Voltage

CPU Temperature

M/B Temperature

CPU FAN Speed

CHA FAN Speed

Power FAN Speed

CPU Fan Speed warning

Hardware Monitor

[ Disabled ]

Performance

[Disabled]

Performance

[1.50V]

[3.31V]

[4.94V]

[11.26V]

48ºC

38ºC

4962 RPM

0 RPM

5443 RPM

[880 RPM]

Select Menu


Press [Enter] to enable or disable





CPU/Chassis Q-Fan Control [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the CPU/Chassis Q-Fan controller.


CPU/Chassis Q-Fan Profile [Performance]

Allows you to set the CPU/Chassis Q-Fan type.

Configuration options: [Performance] [Optimal] [Silent]

Only when the Q-Fan Control is set to [Enabled], Q-Fan Profile are configurable.

VCORE Voltage[1.42V]

Allows you to enable or ignore the VCore voltage..

Configuration options: [1.42V] [Ignore]

3.3V Voltage[3.31V]

Allows you to set or ignore the 3.3V voltage.


5V Voltage[4.97V]

Allows you to set or ignore the 5V voltage.


ASUS M2N4-SLI 4-35

12V Voltage[11.96V]

Allows you to set or ignore the 12V voltage.


CPU Temperature, M/B Temperature

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the motherboard and CPU temperatures. These items are not user-configurable.

CPU FAN Speed, CHASSIS FAN Speed, POWER Fan Speed

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the

Chassis, CPU, and power fan speeds in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the motherboard, the field shows 0. These items are not user-configurable.

CPU Fan Speed warning [800 RPM]

Enables or disables the CPU Fan speed warning feature.

Configuration options: [Disabled] [800 RPM] [1200 RPM] [1600 RPM]

Please be careful when the CPU Fan speed warning is set to [Disabled].

It will not produce and warning message during POST even the fan is bad or not present.


4.6 Boot menu

The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.



Boot Device Priority

Removable Drives

Hard Disk Drives

Boot Settings Configuration

Security

Select Menu






4.6.1 Boot Device Priority

Power


Boot Device Priority

1st Boot Device

2nd Boot Device

3rd Boot Device

4th Boot Device

[ Removable ]

[Hard Disk]

[CDROM]

[Disabled]

Select Menu


Select your boot device priority





1st ~ xxth Boot Device [Removable]

These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices. The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of devices installed in the system.

Configuration options: [Removable] [Hard Disk] [CDROM] [Disabled]

ASUS M2N4-SLI 4-37

4.6.2 Removable Drives


Boot

Removable Drives

1.

Floppy Disks

Select Menu


Use <↑> or <↓> to select a device, then press <+> to move it up, or <-> to move it down the list. Press

<ESC> to exit this menu.





1. Floppy Disks

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

4.6.3 Hard Disk Drives


Boot

Hard Disk Drives

1.

1st Master: XXXXXXXXX

Select Menu


Use <↑> or <↓> to select a device, then press <+> to move it up, or <-> to move it down the list. Press

<ESC> to exit this menu.





1. 1st Master: XXXXXXXXX

Allows you to assign hard disk drives attached to the system.


4.6.4 Boot Settings Configuration


Boot


Case Open Warning

Quick Boot

Boot Up Floppy Seek

Bootup Num-Lock

Typematic Rate Setting x Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec) x Typematic Delay (Msec)

OS Select For DRAM > 64MB

Full Screen LOGO

Halt On

[ Enabled ]

[Enabled]

[Disabled]

[On]

[Disabled]

6

250

[Non-OS2]

[Enabled]

[All, But Keyboard]

Select Menu


Press [Enter] to enable or disable.





Case Open Warning [Enabled]

Enables or disables the chassis open status feature. Setting to Enabled, clears the chassis open status. Refer to section “2.7 Internal connectors” for setting details. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Quick Boot [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the system quick boot feature.

When Enabled, the system skips certain tests while booting.


ASUS M2N4-SLI 4-39

4-40

Boot Up Floppy Seek [Disabled]

Enable this item to check for a boot floppy disk during POST.


Bootup Num-Lock [On]

Allows you to select the power-on state for the NumLock.

Configuration options: [Off] [On]

Typematic Rate Setting [Disabled]

Allows you to set the keystroke rate. Enable this item to configure the Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec) and the Typematic Delay (Msec).


The items Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec) and Typematic Delay (Msec) becomes user-configurable only when the item Typematic Rate Setting is enabled.

Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec) [6]

Allows you to select the rate at which a character repeats when you hold a key. Configuration options: [6] [8] [10] [12] [15] [20] [24] [30]

Typematic Delay (Msec) [250]

Allows you to set the delay before keystrokes begin to repeat.

Configuration options: [250] [500] [750] [1000]

OS Select for DRAM > 64MB [Non-OS2]

Set this item to OS2 only when you are running on an OS/2 operating system with an installed RAM of greater than 64 KB.

Configuration options: [Non-OS2] [OS2]

Full Screen LOGO [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature.


• Make sure that the above item is set to [Enabled] if you want to use the ASUS MyLogo2™ feature.

• See section “5.4.1 ASUS MyLogo2™” for details.

Halt On [All, But Keyboard]

Allows you to error report type.

Configuration options: [All Errors] [No Errors] [All, But Keyboard]

[All, But Diskette] [All, But Disk/Key]


4.6.6 Security


Boot


Supervisor Password

User Password

Password Check

Clear

Clear

[Setup]

Select Menu


Supervisor password controls full access,

<Enter> to change password.





Supervisor Password

User Password

These fields allow you to set passwords:

To set a password:

1. Select an item then press <Enter>.

2. Type in a password using a combination of a maximum of eight (8) alpha-numeric characters, then press <Enter>.

3. When prompted, confirm the password by typing the exact characters again, then press <Enter>. The password field setting is changed to

Set.

To clear the password:

1. Select the password field and press <Enter> twice. The following message appears:

PASSWORD DISABLED !!!

Press any key to continue...

2. Press any key to continue. The password field setting is changed to

Clear.

ASUS M2N4-SLI 4-41

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 Jumpers” 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]


4.7 Tools menu

The Tools menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.


Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

ASUS EZ Flash 2 Select Menu


ASUS EZ Flash 2

Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. Press <Enter> to start EZ Flash 2 then from the confirmation screen, use the left or right arrows to select [Yes] or

[No] then press <Enter>. See page 4-5 for details.

The following screen appears if you select [Yes]. Follow screen instructions to flash the BIOS.

ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility B311

FLASH TYPE: Winbond W39V080A 8Mb LPC

Current ROM

BOARD: M2NSLI Deluxe

VER: 0122.bin

DATE: 05/12/2006

Update ROM

BOARD: Unknown

VER: Unknown

DATE: Unknown

PATH: C:\M2N320C

A:

C:

WIN98SE <DIR>

NETTERM <DIR>

DRIVERS <DIR>

RECYCLED <DIR>

WUTEMP <DIR>

NEWFOL~1 <DIR>

INSTALL <DIR>

TEST_REB <DIR>

MSDOWNLD.TMP <DIR>

Note

[Enter] Select [S] Save [ESC] Exit

[Tab] Switch [Up/Down/Home/End] Move

ASUS M2N4-SLI 4-43

4-44

4.8 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 Boot Tools Exit

Exit & Save Changes

Exit & Discard Changes

Load Setup Default

Discard Changes

Select Menu


This option save data to CMOS and exiting the setup menu.





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 Defaults

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.

ASUS M2N4-SLI 4-45

This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with the motherboard package.

5

support

Chapter summary

5.1 Installing an operating system .............................................. 5-1

5.2 Support CD information ........................................................ 5-1

5.3 Software information ............................................................ 5-8

5.4 RAID configurations ............................................................ 5-16

5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk ................................................. 5-25

ASUS M2N4-SLI

5.1 Installing an operating system

This motherboard supports Windows

Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware.

® 2000/XP operating systems (OS).

• Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Use the setup procedures presented in this chapter for reference only. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed information.

• Make sure that you install Windows ®

Windows ®

2000 Service Pack 4 or the

XP Service Pack2 or later versions before installing the drivers for better compatibility and system stability.

5.2 Support CD information

The support CD that came with the motherboard package contains the drivers, software applications, and utilities that you can install to avail all motherboard features.

The contents of the support CD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the ASUS website(www.asus.com) for updates.

5.2.1 Running the support CD

Place the support CD to the optical drive. The CD automatically displays the

Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer.

Click an icon to display support

CD/motherboard information

Click an item to install

If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support CD to locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Doubleclick the ASSETUP.EXE to run the CD.

ASUS M2N4-SLI 5-1

5.2.2 Drivers menu

The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices.

5-2

NVIDIA nForce Chipset Driver

Installs the NVIDIA ® Chipset drivers for the NVIDIA ® nForce™ 4 SLI chipset.

Realtek Audio Driver

Installs the Realtek ® audio driver and application.

AMD Cool’n’Quiet Driver

Installs the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet! driver and application.

USB 2.0 Driver

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


5.2.3 Utilities menu

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

ASUS PC Probe II

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

ASUS Update

Allows you to download the latest version of the BIOS from the ASUS website.

Before using the ASUS Update, make sure that you have an Internet connection so you can connect to the ASUS website.

ASUS Screen Saver

Bring life to your computer screen by installing the ASUS screen saver.

ASUS AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Utility

Installs the AMD ® Cool ‘n’ Quiet! software.

ADOBE Acrobat Reader

Installs the Adobe ® Acrobat ® Reader that allows you to open, view, and print documents in Portable Document Format (PDF).

ASUS M2N4-SLI 5-3

Microsoft DirectX

Installs the Microsoft a multimedia technology that enhances computer graphics and sound.

DirectX

® DirectX 9.0 driver. The Microsoft DirectX ® 9.0 is

® improves the multimedia features of you computer so you can enjoy watching TV and movies, capturing videos, or playing games in your computer. Visit the Microsoft website (www.microsoft.com) for updates.

Anti-virus Utility

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

5.2.4 Manuals menu

The Manuals menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to open the folder of the user manual.

• Most user manual files are in Portable Document Format (PDF).

Install the Adobe ® Acrobat opening a user manual file.

® Reader from the Utilities menu before

• Some user manuals listed in this menu may not be applicable for this motherboard model.

5-4

NVIDIA RAID User’s Guide

Allows you to open the NVIDIA ® RAID User’s Guide.


5.2.5 ASUS Contact information

Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can also find this information on the inside front cover of this user guide.

5.2.6 Other information

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

Motherboard Info

Displays the general specifications of the motherboard.

ASUS M2N4-SLI 5-5

Browse this CD

Displays the support CD contents in graphical format.

Technical support Form

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

5-6 Chapter 5: Software support

Filelist

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

ASUS M2N4-SLI 5-7

5-8

5.3 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. Turn on the system and enter BIOS by pressing the <Del> key during the Power On Self-Tests (POST).

2. Go to Advanced -> CPU Configuration -> AMD Cool ‘n’Quiet Function and set it to [Enabled]. See section “4.4 Advanced Menu.”

3. Save your changes and exit BIOS Setup.

4. Reboot your computer and set your Power Option Properties depending on your operating system.

Windows

®

2000/XP

1. From the Windows ® 2000/XP operating system, click the Start button.

Select Settings, then Control Panel.

2. Make sure the Control Panel is set to Classic View.

3. Double-click the Display icon in the Control Panel then select the

Screen Saver tab.

4. Click the Power... button. The following dialog box appears.

5. From the Power schemes combo list box, select Minimal Power

Management.

6. 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 system’s 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. If you are using Windows ® 2000, click the Start button. Select

Programs-> ASUS -> Cool & Quiet -> Cool & Quiet.

2. If you are using Windows ® XP, click the Start button. Select All

Programs-> ASUS -> Cool & Quiet -> Cool & Quiet.

3. The Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ technology screen appears and displays the current CPU Frequency and CPU Voltage.

ASUS M2N4-SLI 5-9

5-10

5.3.2 ASUS PC Probe II

PC Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects and alerts you of any problem with these components. PC Probe

II senses fan rotations, CPU temperature, and system voltages, among others. Because PC Probe II is software-based, you can start monitoring your computer the moment you turn it on. With this utility, you are assured that your computer is always at a healthy operating condition.

Installing PC Probe II

To install PC Probe II on your computer:

1. Place the support CD to the optical drive. The Drivers installation tab appears if your computer has an enabled Autorun feature.

If Autorun is not enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support CD to locate the setup.exe file from the ASUS PC Probe II folder.

Double-click the setup.exe file to start installation.

2. Click the Utilities tab, then click ASUS PC Probe II.

3. Follow the screen instructions to complete installation.

Launching PC Probe II

You can launch the PC Probe II right after installation or anytime from the

Windows ® desktop.

To launch the PC Probe II from the Windows main window appears.

® desktop, click Start > All

Programs > ASUS > PC Probe II > PC Probe II v1.00.43. The PC Probe II

After launching the application, the PC Probe II icon appears in the

Windows ® taskbar. Click this icon to close or restore the application.

Using PC Probe II

Main window

The PC Probe II main window allows you to view the current status of your system and change the utility configuration. By default, the main window displays the Preference section. You can close or restore the

Preference section by clicking on the triangle on the main window right handle.

Click to close the

Preference panel


Button Function

Opens the Configuration window

Opens the Report window

Opens the Desktop Management Interface window

Opens the Peripheral Component Interconnect window

Opens the Windows Management Instrumentation window

Opens the hard disk drive, memory, CPU usage window

Shows/Hides the Preference section

Minimizes the application

Closes the application

Sensor alert

When a system sensor detects a problem, the main window right handle turns red, as the illustrations below show.

When displayed, the monitor panel for that sensor also turns red. Refer to the Monitor panels section for details.

Preferences

You can customize the application using the

Preference section in the main window. Click the box before each preference to activate or deactivate.

ASUS M2N4-SLI 5-11

Hardware monitor panels

The hardware monitor panels display the current value of a system sensor such as fan rotation, CPU temperature, and voltages.

The hardware monitor panels come in two display modes: hexagonal (large) and rectangular (small). When you check the Enable Monitoring Panel option from the Preference section, the monitor panels appear on your computer’s desktop.

5-12

Small display

Large display

Changing the monitor panels position

To change the position of the monitor panels in the desktop, click the arrow down button of the Scheme options, then select another position from the list box. Click OK when finished.

Moving the monitor panels

All monitor panels move together using a magnetic effect. If you want to detach a monitor panel from the group, click the horseshoe magnet icon. You can now move or reposition the panel independently.

Adjusting the sensor threshold value

You can adjust the sensor threshold value in the monitor panel by clicking the or buttons. You can also adjust the threshold values using the Config window.

You cannot adjust the sensor threshold values in a small monitoring panel.

Click to increase value

Click to decrease value


Monitoring sensor alert

The monitor panel turns red when a component value exceeds or is lower than the threshold value. Refer to the illustrations below.

Small display

Large display

WMI browser

Click to display the

WMI (Windows Management

Instrumentation) browser. This browser displays various Windows ® management information. Click an item from the left panel to display on the right panel. Click the plus sign (+) before WMI Information to display the available information.

You can enlarge or reduce the browser size by dragging the bottom right corner of the browser.

DMI browser

Click to display the DMI

(Desktop Management Interface) browser. This browser displays various desktop and system information. Click the plus sign (+) before DMI Information to display the available information.

ASUS M2N4-SLI 5-13

5-14

PCI browser

Click to display the

PCI (Peripheral Component

Interconnect) browser. This browser provides information on the PCI devices installed on your system.

Click the plus sign (+) before the

PCI Information item to display available information.

Usage

The Usage browser displays real-time information on the CPU, hard disk drive space, and memory usage. Click to display the Usage browser.

CPU usage

The CPU tab displays real-time CPU usage in line graph representation.

Hard disk drive space usage

The Hard Disk tab displays the used and available hard disk drive space.

The left panel of the tab lists all logical drives. Click a hard disk drive to display the information on the right panel. The pie chart at the bottom of the window represents the used (blue) and the available

HDD space.


Memory usage

The Memory tab shows both used and available physical memory.

The pie chart at the bottom of the window represents the used (blue) and the available physical memory.

Configuring PC Probe II

Click to view and adjust the sensor threshold values.

The Config window has two tabs: Sensor/Threshold and Preference. The

Sensor/Threshold tab enables you to activate the sensors or to adjust the sensor threshold values. The Preference tab allows you to customize sensor alerts, or change the temperature scale.

Loads the default threshold values for each sensor

Applies your changes

Cancels or ignores your changes

Loads your saved configuration

Saves your configuration

ASUS M2N4-SLI 5-15

5.4 RAID configurations

The motherboard comes with the NVIDIA ® SLI Southbridge RAID controllers that allow you to configure IDE and Serial ATA hard disk drives as RAID sets. The motherboard supports the following RAID configurations.

RAID 0 (Data striping) optimizes two identical hard disk drives to read and write data in parallel, interleaved stacks. Two hard disks perform the same work as a single drive but at a sustained data transfer rate, double that of a single disk alone, thus improving data access and storage. Use of two new identical hard disk drives is required for this setup.

RAID 1 (Data mirroring) copies and maintains an identical image of data from one drive to a second drive. If one drive fails, the disk array management software directs all applications to the surviving drive as it contains a complete copy of the data in the other drive. This RAID configuration provides data protection and increases fault tolerance to the entire system. Use two new drives or use an existing drive and a new drive for this setup. The new drive must be of the same size or larger than the existing drive.

RAID 0+1 is data striping and data mirroring combined without parity

(redundancy data) having to be calculated and written. With the RAID

0+1 configuration you get all the benefits of both RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations. Use four new hard disk drives or use an existing drive and three new drives for this setup.

RAID 5 stripes both data and parity information across three or more hard disk drives. Among the advantages of RAID 5 configuration include better

HDD performance, fault tolerance, and higher storage capacity. The RAID 5 configuration is best suited for transaction processing, relational database applications, enterprise resource planning, and other business systems.

Use a minimum of three identical hard disk drives for this setup.

RAID 1+0 is a striped configuration with each stripe a RAID 1 array of drives. It combines the features of both RAID 1 and RAID 0. Fault tolerance is provided through mirroring while adding performance through striping.

This offers higher performance than a RAID 1 configuration but at a much higher cost. A minimum of four hard disk drives is required for this setup.

JBOD (Spanning) stands for Just a Bunch of Disks and refers to hard disk drives that are not yet configured as a RAID set. This configuration stores the same data redundantly on multiple disks that appear as a single disk on the operating system. Spanning does not deliver any advantage over using separate disks independently and does not provide fault tolerance or other

RAID performance benefits.


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. Set the jumpers of each hard disk as Master/Master or Slave/Slave.

2. Install the hard disks into the drive bays.

3. Connect the HDD signal cables.

4. 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. Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays.

2. Connect the SATA signal cables.

3. 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”.

ASUS M2N4-SLI 5-17

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. Boot the system and press <Del> during the Power-On Self-Test

(POST) to enter the BIOS Setup Utility.

2. From the Advanced > Onboard Devices Configuration > NVRAID

Configuration menu item in the BIOS set the RAID Enabled item to

Enabled. The succeeding items become user-configurable.

3. 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.

4. Save your changes and Exit Setup.

For detailed descriptions on the NVIDIA® RAID configuration, refer to the

“NVIDIA ® RAID User’s 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 5 2004

- Define a New Array -

RAID Mode: Striping

Free Disks

Loc Disk Model Name

Striping Block: Optimal

Array Disks

Loc Disk Model Name

1.0.M XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

1.1.M XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX [→] Add



[←] 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

ASUS M2N4-SLI 5-19

5-20

2. 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

5. 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 5 2004

- Array List -

Boot Id Status Vendor Array Model Name

No 4 Healthy NVIDIA 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.

6. 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.

Array 1 : NVIDIA MIRROR XXX.XXG

- Array Detail -

RAID Mode: Mirroring

Striping Width: 1 Striping Block: 64K

Adapt Channel M/S Index Disk Model Name Capacity

2 1 Master 0 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX.XXGB


ASUS M2N4-SLI

[R] Rebuild [D] Delete [C] Clear Disk [ENTER] Return

5-21

5-22


2. Press <R> to rebuild a RAID array. The following screen appears.


- Select Disk Inside Array -






[↑↓] Select [F6] Back [F7] Finish

3. 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

4. Press <Enter> to start rebuilding array or press <Esc> to cancel.

5. After the rebuild process, the Array list menu appears.


Deleting a RAID array

To delete a RAID array:












2. Press <D> to delete a RAID array. The following confirmation message appears.

Delete this array?

[Y] YES [N] No

3. Press <Y> to delete array or press <N> to cancel.


4. If you selected Yes, the Define a New Array menu appears.

ASUS M2N4-SLI 5-23

5-24

Clearing a disk data

To clear disk data:












2. Press <C> to clear disk. The following confirmation message appears.

Clear disk data?

[Y] YES [N]

5. Press <Y> to clear the disk data or press <N> to cancel.



5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk

A floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows set.

®

2000/XP operating system on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID

To create a RAID driver disk:

1. Place the motherboard support CD into the CD-ROM drive.

2. When the Drivers menu appears, select the RAID driver disk you want to create:

• Click Make NVIDIA RAID Driver to create an NVIDIA ® driver disk.

RAID

• Click Make Silicon SATA RAID Driver Disk to create a

Silicon Image SATARaid™ RAID driver disk.

Or

Browse the contents of the support CD to locate the driver disk utility.

• Go to \Drivers\Chipset\WINXP_2K\Driver_Disk for the

NVIDIA ® RAID driver disk utility.

• Go to \Drivers\Sil3114 for the Silicon Image RAID driver disk utility.

Refer to section “5.2.2 Drivers menu” for details.

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. During the OS installation, the system prompts you to press the F6 key to install third-party SCSI or RAID driver.

2. Press <F6> then insert the floppy disk with RAID driver into the floppy disk drive.

3. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.

Due to chipset limitation, the Serial ATA ports supported by the NVIDIA chipset doesn’t support Serial Optical Disk Drives (Serial ODD) under

DOS.

ASUS M2N4-SLI 5-25


This chapter tells how to install

SLI-ready PCI Express graphics cards.

NVIDIA ®

6

technology support

Chapter summary

6.1 Overview ............................................................................... 6-1

6.2 Dual graphics cards setup ..................................................... 6-2

ASUS M2N4-SLI

6.1 Overview

The motherboard supports the NVIDIA ® SLI™ (Scalable Link Interface) technology that allows you to install two identical PCI Express™ x16 graphics cards. Follow the installation procedures in this section.

Requirements

• You should have two identical SLI-ready graphics cards that are

NVIDIA ® certified.

• Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) for a list of qualified SLI-ready graphics cards for this motherboard.

• Make sure that your graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA SLI technology. Download the latest driver from the NVIDIA website

(www.nvidia.com).

• Make sure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least the minimum power required by your system. See “8. ATX power connectors” on page 2-26 for details.

• The NVIDIA SLI technology supports Windows ® system only.

XP™ operating

• Visit the NVIDIA website for the supported 3D applications.

• Visit the NVIDIA zone website (http://www.nzone.com) for the latest certified graphics card list.

ASUS M2N4-SLI 6-1

6.2 Dual graphics card setup

6.2.1 Installing SLI-ready graphics cards

Install only identical SLI-ready graphics cards that are ASUS and NVIDIA certified. Different types of graphics cards will not work together properly.

®

To install the graphics cards:

1. Prepare two graphics cards. Each graphics card should have goldfingers for the SLI connector.

Goldfingers

6-2

2. Remove the metal bracket covers opposite the two PCI Express x16 slots.

Chapter 6: NVIDIA ® SLI™ technology support

3. Insert one graphics card into the blue slot labeled PCIEX16_1. Make sure that the card is properly seated on the slot.

4. Insert the second graphics card into the black slot labeled PCIEX16_2.

Make sure that the card is properly seated on the slot.

If required, connect an auxiliary power source to the PCI Express graphics cards.

ASUS M2N4-SLI 6-3

5. Align and insert the SLI flexible cable connector to the goldfingers on each graphics card. Make sure that the connector is firmly in place.

SLI flexible cable connector

6. If using a 20-pin ATX power connector, connect a 4-pin ATX power cable to the EZ Plug™ labeled EZ_PLUG on your motherboard.

6-4

ASUS EZ Plug™

The onboard red warning LED lights up if you do not plug a 4-pin ATX power cable to the EZ Plug.

7. Connect a VGA cable or a DVI-I cable to the graphics card installed on the blue PCI Express slot.


6.2.2 Installing the device drivers

Refer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to install the device drivers.

Make sure that your PCI Express graphics card driver supports the

NVIDIA SLI technology. Download the latest driver from the NVIDIA website (www.nvidia.com).

6.2.3 Enabling the multi-GPU feature in Windows

After installing your graphics cards and the device drivers, enable the Multi-Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) feature in the NVIDIA nView properties.

To enable the multi-GPU feature:

1. Click the NVIDIA Settings icon on your Windows taskbar.

NVIDIA Settings icon

2. From the pop-up menu, select nView Desktop Manager then click nView Properties.

3. From the nView Desktop

Manager window, select the

Desktop Management tab.

4. Click Properties to display the

Display Properties dialog box.

ASUS M2N4-SLI 6-5

5. From the Display Properties dialog box, select the Settings tab then click Advanced.

6. Select the NVIDIA GeForce tab.

7. Click the slider to display the following screen, then select the SLI multi-GPU item.

6-6

Slider

8. Click the Enable SLI multi-GPU check box.

9. Click OK when done.


Asus M2N4-SLI Computer Hardware User manual

Assistant Bot

Contents

Chapter 1: Product introduction

Chapter 2: Hardware information

Contents

Chapter 3: Powering up

Chapter 4: BIOS setup

Contents

Chapter 5: Software support

Contents

Chapter 6: NVIDIA

SLI™ technology support

Notices

Safety information

About this guide

How this guide is organized

Where to find more information

Conventions used in this guide

Typography

M2N4-SLI specifications summary

M2N4-SLI specifications summary

introduction

Chapter summary

1.1 Welcome!

1.2 Package contents

1.3 Special features

Latest processor technology

Scalable Link Interface (SLI™) technology

AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology

Gigabit LAN

DDR2 memory support

Serial ATA 3Gb/s RAID

PCI Express™ interface

S/PDIF digital sound ready

USB 2.0 technology

ASUS Two-slot thermal design

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

ASUS EZ Flash 2

ASUS Q-Connector

ASUS Q-Fan 2 technology

ASUS MyLogo2™

information

Chapter summary

2.1 Before you proceed

Onboard LED

2.2 Motherboard overview

2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

2.4 System memory

Qualified Vendors List

DDR2-533

Qualified Vendors List

DDR2-667

Qualified Vendors List

DDR2-800

2.5 Expansion slots

Standard interrupt assignments

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

Recommended PCI Express x16 configurations

2.6 Jumpers

2.7 Connectors

1 2 3

4

5

6

11 10 9 8 7

LAN port LED indications

Audio 2, 4, or 6-channel configuration

Chapter summary

3.1 Starting up for the first time

3.2 Powering off the computer

Chapter summary

4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS

Recovering the BIOS from the support CD

Recovering the BIOS from the USB flash disk

Recovering the BIOS from a floppy disk

Installing ASUS Update

Updating the BIOS through the Internet

Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file

4.2 BIOS setup program