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Asus M2N4-SLI User Manual
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Asus M2N4-SLI User Manual

Asus M2N4-SLI User Manual

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  • Page 1 M2N4-SLI...
  • Page 2 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.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Notices ...vii Safety information ...viii About this guide ... ix Typography ... x M2N4-SLI specifications summary... xi Chapter 1: Product introduction Welcome! ... 1-1 Package contents ... 1-1 Special features ... 1-2 1.3.1 Product highlights ... 1-2 1.3.2 ASUS Special features ... 1-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information Before you proceed ...
  • Page 4 Creating a bootable floppy disk ... 4-1 Updating the BIOS ... 4-2 Saving the current BIOS file ... 4-4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ... 4-5 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ... 4-7 ASUS Update utility ... 4-8 BIOS menu screen ... 4-12 Menu bar ...
  • Page 5 4.6.4 Boot Settings Configuration ... 4-39 4.6.5 Security ... 4-41 Tools menu ... 4-43 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ... 4-43 Exit menu ... 4-44 Chapter 5: Software support Installing an operating system ... 5-1 Support CD information ... 5-1 5.2.1 Running the support CD ...
  • Page 6 Contents 5.4.1 5.4.2 Creating a RAID driver disk ... 5-25 Chapter 6: NVIDIA Overview ... 6-1 Requirements ... 6-1 Dual graphics card setup ... 6-2 6.2.1 6.2.2 6.2.3 Installing hard disks ... 5-17 NVIDIA RAID configurations ... 5-18 ® SLI™ technology support ®...

  • Page 7: Notices

    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.

  • Page 8: Safety Information

    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.

  • Page 9: About This Guide

    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.

  • Page 10: Typography

    Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information. Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer.

  • Page 11: M2N4-Sli Specifications Summary

    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) SLI™-ready graphics card...
  • Page 12 Power requirements Support CD contents Form factor *Specifications are subject to change without notice. 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)

  • Page 13: Chapter 1: Product Introduction

    This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports. Product introduction...
  • Page 14 Chapter summary Welcome! ... 1-1 Package contents ... 1-1 Special features ... 1-2 ASUS M2N4-SLI...

  • Page 15: Welcome

    Thank you for buying an ASUS 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.

  • Page 16: Special Features

    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.
  • Page 17 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...

  • Page 18: Asus Special Features

    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.

  • Page 19: 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 jumpers and connectors on the motherboard. Hardware information...
  • Page 20 Chapter summary Before you proceed ... 2-1 Motherboard overview ... 2-2 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ... 2-5 System memory ... 2-10 Expansion slots ... 2-16 Jumpers ... 2-19 Connectors ... 2-22 ASUS M2N4-SLI...

  • Page 21: Before You Proceed

    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 M2N4-SLI Onboard LED ASUS M2N4-SLI SB_PWR Standby Powered...

  • Page 22: Motherboard Overview

    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 Chapter 2: Hardware information...

  • Page 23: Motherboard Layout

    KBPWR PS/2KBMS T : Mouse ATX12V B: Keyboard COM1 USB12 USBPW34 LAN_USB34 Attansic AUDIO ALC850 FP_AUDIO PCIEX1_1 SPDIF_OUT PCIEX1_2 ASUS M2N4-SLI 23.0cm (9.0in) M2N4-SLI PCIEX16_1 PCIEX16_2 CLRTC PCI1 CR2032 3V Lithium Cell CMOS Power PCI2 USB56 USB78 USBPW56 USBPW78 USBPW910...

  • Page 24: Layout Contents

    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.

  • Page 25: Central Processing Unit (Cpu)

    Installing the CPU To install a CPU: Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. M2N4-SLI M2N4-SLI CPU Socket AM2 Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sideways, then lift it up to a 90º angle. Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to a 90º angle; otherwise, the CPU will not fit in completely.
  • Page 26 Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with a small triangle. 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.

  • Page 27: Installing The Heatsink And Fan

    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 Retention bracket Retention bracket lock...
  • Page 28 Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base. Align the other end of the retention bracket (near the retention bracket lock) to the retention module base. A clicking sound denotes that the retention bracket is in place. Make sure that the fan and heatsink assembly perfectly fits the retention mechanism...
  • Page 29 When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. M2N4-SLI 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.

  • Page 30: System Memory

    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 M2N4-SLI 240-pin DDR2 DIMM Sockets Channel Channel A Channel B 2.4.2...
  • Page 31 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...

  • Page 32: Qualified Vendors List

    Qualified Vendors List DDR2-533 DDR2 Vendor Size 256MB KINGSTON 1024MB KINGSTON 512MB Qimonda 256MB Qimonda 512MB Qimonda 256MB Qimonda 512MB Qimonda 1024MB Qimonda 512MB Hynix 1024MB Hynix 1024MB Hynix 512MB Hynix 512MB Hynix 512MB ELPIDA 512MB KINGMAX 512MB KINGMAX 1024MB KINGMAX 2-12 Model...
  • Page 33 Heat-Sink Package 1024MB crucial Heat-Sink Package 512MB A-DATA E5108AE-6E-E 512MB A-DATA AD29608A8B-3EG 512MB Transcend E5108AE-6E-E 1024MB Transcend E5108AE-6E-E 512MB Transcend J12Q3AB-6 ASUS M2N4-SLI Model Component Side(s) 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...
  • Page 34 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). 2-14 Model...

  • Page 35: Installing A Dimm

    Support the DIMM lightly with your fingers when pressing the retaining clips. The DIMM might get damaged when it flips out with extra force. Remove the DIMM from the socket. ASUS M2N4-SLI DDR2 DIMM notch Unlocked retaining clip DDR2 DIMM notch 2-15...

  • Page 36: Expansion Slots

    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.

  • Page 37: Interrupt Assignments

    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 shared shared shared...

  • Page 38: Pci Express X1 Slot

    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.

  • Page 39: Jumpers

    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 CLRTC Normal Clear CMOS...
  • Page 40 S3 and S4 sleep modes (no power to CPU, DRAM in slow refresh, power supply in reduced power mode). M2N4-SLI M2N4-SLI USB device Wake up • 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.
  • Page 41 [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). M2N4-SLI M2N4-SLI Keyboard Power Setting ASUS M2N4-SLI KBPWR +5VSB...

  • Page 42: Connectors

    Connectors 2.7.1 Rear panel connectors PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse. Parallel port. This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a scanner, or other devices. LAN (RJ-45) port. Supported by the NVIDIA with external Attansic PHY, this port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub.

  • Page 43: Internal Connectors

    The Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable connection when using an FDD cable with a covered Pin 5. M2N4-SLI M2N4-SLI Floppy Disk Drive Connector ASUS M2N4-SLI 4-channel 6-channel...

  • Page 44: Ide Connectors

    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 M2N4-SLI IDE Connectors 2-24 Drive jumper setting...

  • Page 45: Serial Ata Connectors

    RAID Enabled item in the SATA Configuration sub-menu in the BIOS. See section “4.4.7 Onboard Device Configuration” for details. M2N4-SLI M2N4-SLI SATA Connectors Connect the right-angle side of the SATA signal cable to the SATA device or you may...
  • Page 46 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. M2N4-SLI M2N4-SLI Fan Connectors...
  • Page 47 These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed. M2N4-SLI M2N4-SLI USB 2.0 Connectors Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard! The USB module is purchased separately.
  • Page 48 • 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. M2N4-SLI M2N4-SLI ATX Power Connector 2-28 ATX12V +12V DC +12V DC EATXPWR +3 Volts...
  • Page 49 HD or legacy AC ‘97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector. M2N4-SLI M2N4-SLI Front panel audio connector ASUS M2N4-SLI (black) Right Audio Channel Ground Ground Left Audio Channel...

  • Page 50: System Panel Connector

    System panel connector (20-pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. M2N4-SLI 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.
  • Page 51 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.

  • Page 52: Chapter 3: Powering Up

    This chapter describes the power up sequence and ways of shutting down the system. Powering up...
  • Page 53 Chapter summary 3.1 Starting up for the first time ... 3-1 Powering off the computer ... 3-2 ASUS M2N4-SLI...

  • Page 54: Starting Up For The First Time

    Check the jumper settings and connections or call your retailer for assistance. At power on, hold down the <Del> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the instructions in Chapter 4. ASUS M2N4-SLI...

  • Page 55: Powering Off The Computer

    Powering off the computer 3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function If you are using Windows Click the Start button then click Shut Down... Make sure that the Shut Down option button is selected, then click the OK button to shut down the computer. The power supply should turn off after Windows If you are using Windows Click the Start button then select Turn Off Computer.

  • Page 56: Chapter 4: Bios Setup

    This chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided. BIOS setup...
  • Page 57 Chapter summary Managing and updating your BIOS ... 4-1 BIOS setup program ... 4-11 Main menu ... 4-15 Advanced menu ... 4-20 Power menu ... 4-32 Boot menu ... 4-37 Tools menu ... 4-43 Exit menu ... 4-44 ASUS M2N4-SLI...

  • Page 58: Managing And Updating Your Bios

    CD when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted.) ASUS EZ Flash 2 (Updates the BIOS in DOS using a floppy disk or the motherboard support CD.) ASUS Update (Updates the BIOS in Windows Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.

  • Page 59: Updating The Bios

    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.
  • Page 60 BIOS file. Remove the floppy disk then press <F1> to restart the system. ASUS M2N4-SLI AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.01 (C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved For NF-KC804-M2N4-SLI Flash Type - SST 49LF004A/B /3.3V File Name to Program: m2n4sli.bin...

  • Page 61: Saving The Current Bios File

    4. The utility saves the current BIOS file to the floppy disk, then returns to the BIOS flashing process. AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.01 (C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved For NF-KC804-M2N4-SLI Flash Type - SST 49LF004A/B /3.3V File Name to Program: m2n4sli.bin...

  • Page 62: Asus Crashfree Bios 3 Utility

    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.
  • Page 63 Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process. 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. Chapter 4: BIOS setup...

  • Page 64: Updating Bios Using Ez Flash 2

    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>...

  • Page 65: Asus Update Utility

    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: • Save the current BIOS file • Download the latest BIOS file from the Internet •...

  • Page 66: Updating The Bios Through The Internet

    Updating the BIOS through the Internet To update the BIOS through the Internet: Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update main window appears. Select Update BIOS from...

  • Page 67: Updating The Bios Through A Bios File

    Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file To update the BIOS through a BIOS file: Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows clicking Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update main window appears. Select Update BIOS from a file option from the drop-down menu, then click Next.

  • Page 68: Bios Setup Program

    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...

  • Page 69: Bios Menu Screen

    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. 4-12 Configuration fields Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility...

  • Page 70: Legend Bar

    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 Function Displays the General Help screen...

  • Page 71: Pop-Up Window

    4-14 Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Power Boot Exit 15 : 30 : 36 Wed, Nov 5 2004 [1.44M, 3.5 in.] [ST321122A] [ASUS CDS520/A] ... [ ] [None] ... [ ] [None] ... [ ] [None] [None] [None] [None]...

  • Page 72: Main Menu

    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 Boot Exit : 30 : 36 Wed, Nov 5 2004 [1.44M, 3.5 in.]...

  • Page 73: Primary And Secondary Ide Master/Slave

    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 Primary IDE Master Access Mode...
  • Page 74 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...

  • Page 75: Sata 1, 2, 3, 4

    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 Extended IDE Drive Access Mode...

  • Page 76: Hdd Smart Monitoring

    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...

  • Page 77: Advanced Menu

    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. Main Advanced JumperFree Configuration CPU Configuration...
  • Page 78 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 Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters. Loads the optimal settings for the system.
  • Page 79 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] 4-22 Chapter 4: BIOS setup...

  • Page 80: Cpu Configuration

    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 Item Specific Help DRAM timing and control [4x] [Disabled] [Disabled]...
  • Page 81 Trcd[Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [3] [4] [5] [6] Trp[Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [3] [4] [5] [6] Tras[Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [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] Configuration options: [Auto] [3] [4] [5] [6]...

  • Page 82: Pcipnp

    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 PCIPnP [No] [PCI] -/+: Change Value...

  • Page 83: Onboard Device Configuration

    4.4.5 Onboard Device Configuration Advanced Onboard Device Configuration 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 F1:Help ↑↓ : Select Item ESC: Exit →←: Select Menu IDE Function Setup...
  • Page 84 Allows to disable or enable to switch to support SATA2 DMA tranfer Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 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. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS M2N4-SLI 4-27...
  • Page 85 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 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...

  • Page 86: Usb Configuration

    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 Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS M2N4-SLI [Enabled] Item Specific Help [Enabled] [Enabled] Press [Enter] to set.
  • Page 87 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. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] AC97 Audio[Enabled] Enable or Disable Onboard AC 97.

  • Page 88: Sli Configuration

    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 [Auto] Item Specific Help -/+: Change Value...

  • Page 89: Power Menu

    Power menu The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) and the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options. Main Advanced Power ACPI Suspend Type ACPI APIC support APM Configuration...

  • Page 90: Apm Configuration

    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 [Power-Off] Item Specific Help [Instant-Off]...
  • Page 91 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. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Day of Month Alarm [Disabled] To set the date of alarm, highlight this item and press <Enter>...

  • Page 92: Hardware Monitor

    3.3V Voltage[3.31V] Allows you to set or ignore the 3.3V voltage. Configuration options: [3.31V] [Ignore] 5V Voltage[4.97V] Allows you to set or ignore the 5V voltage. Configuration options: [1.42V] [Ignore] ASUS M2N4-SLI [Disabled] Item Specific Help Performance [Disabled] Press [Enter] to...
  • Page 93 12V Voltage[11.96V] Allows you to set or ignore the 12V voltage. Configuration options: [11.96V] [Ignore] CPU Temperature, M/B Temperature The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the motherboard and CPU temperatures. These items are not user-configurable. CPU FAN Speed, CHASSIS FAN Speed, POWER Fan Speed The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the Chassis, CPU, and power fan speeds in rotations per minute (RPM).

  • Page 94: Boot Menu

    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 Boot Exit -/+: Change Value Enter: Select Sub-menu...

  • Page 95: Removable Drives

    4.6.2 Removable Drives Boot Removable Drives Floppy Disks F1:Help ↑↓ : Select Item ESC: Exit →←: Select 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 1st Master: XXXXXXXXX F1:Help ↑↓...

  • Page 96: Boot Settings Configuration

    Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Quick Boot [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the system quick boot feature. When Enabled, the system skips certain tests while booting. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS M2N4-SLI [Enabled] Item Specific Help [Enabled] [Disabled]...
  • Page 97 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]...

  • Page 98: Security

    Select the password field and press <Enter> twice. The following message appears: PASSWORD DISABLED !!! Press any key to continue... Press any key to continue. The password field setting is changed to Clear. ASUS M2N4-SLI Clear Item Specific Help Clear [Setup] Supervisor password controls full access, <Enter>...
  • Page 99 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.

  • Page 100: Tools Menu

    ASUS EZ Flash 2 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.

  • Page 101: Exit Menu

    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 Exit & Save Changes Exit & Discard Changes Load Setup Default Discard Changes F1:Help...

  • Page 102: Load Setup Defaults

    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...

  • Page 103: Chapter 5: Software Support

    This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with the motherboard package. Software support...
  • Page 104 Chapter summary Installing an operating system ... 5-1 Support CD information ... 5-1 Software information ... 5-8 RAID configurations ... 5-16 Creating a RAID driver disk ... 5-25 ASUS M2N4-SLI...

  • Page 105: Installing An Operating System

    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.

  • Page 106: Drivers Menu

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

  • Page 107: Utilities Menu

    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.

  • Page 108: Manuals Menu

    Microsoft DirectX Installs the Microsoft a multimedia technology that enhances computer graphics and sound. DirectX improves the multimedia features of you computer so you can ® enjoy watching TV and movies, capturing videos, or playing games in your computer. Visit the Microsoft website (www.microsoft.com) for updates. Anti-virus Utility The anti-virus application detects and protects your computer from viruses that destroys data.

  • Page 109: Asus Contact Information

    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.

  • Page 110: Technical Support Form

    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. Chapter 5: Software support...
  • Page 111 Filelist Displays the contents of the support CD and a brief description of each in text format. ASUS M2N4-SLI...

  • Page 112: Software Information

    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’...
  • Page 113 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’...

  • Page 114: Asus Pc Probe Ii

    ® To launch the PC Probe II from the Windows Programs > ASUS > PC Probe II > PC Probe II v1.00.43. The PC Probe II main window appears. After launching the application, the PC Probe II icon appears in the Windows taskbar.
  • Page 115 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 Function 5-11...
  • Page 116 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.
  • Page 117 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 Small display ® 5-13...
  • Page 118 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.
  • Page 119 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 ASUS M2N4-SLI Cancels or Loads your saved ignores your configuration changes Saves your...

  • Page 120: Raid Configurations

    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.

  • Page 121: Installing Hard Disks

    Connect the SATA signal cables. Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector on each drive. Refer to the RAID controllers user manual in the motherboard support CD for detailed information on RAID configurations. See section “5.2.4 Manuals menu”. ASUS M2N4-SLI 5-17...

  • Page 122: Nvidia ® Raid Configurations

    5.4.2 NVIDIA The motherboard includes a high performance IDE RAID controller integrated in the NVIDIA 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.

  • Page 123: Creating A Raid Volume

    ® Mode then press <Enter>. The following submenu appears. Use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID mode then press <Enter>. ASUS M2N4-SLI RAID utility ® NVIDIA RAID Utility Oct 5 2004 - Define a New Array -...
  • Page 124 Press <TAB> select the Striping Block then press <Enter>. The following submenu appears: 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.

  • Page 125: Rebuilding A Raid Array

    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. RAID Mode: Mirroring Striping Width: 1 Adapt Channel [R] Rebuild ASUS M2N4-SLI NVIDIA RAID Utility Oct 5 2004 - Array List - Status Vendor Array Model Name...
  • Page 126 A new set of navigation keys is displayed on the bottom of the screen. Press <R> to rebuild a RAID array. The following screen appears. RAID Mode: Mirroring Striping Width: 1 Adapt Channel Use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID array to rebuild, then press <F7>.

  • Page 127: Deleting A Raid Array

    Press <Y> to delete array or press <N> to cancel. Take caution in using this option. All data on the RAID drives will be lost! If you selected Yes, the Define a New Array menu appears. ASUS M2N4-SLI Array 1 : NVIDIA MIRROR XXX.XXG...
  • Page 128 Clearing a disk data To clear disk data: 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. RAID Mode: Mirroring Striping Width: 1 Adapt Channel [R] Rebuild A new set of navigation keys is displayed on the bottom of the...

  • Page 129: Creating A Raid Driver Disk

    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 ® RAID ® 5-25...
  • Page 130 5-26 Chapter 5: Software support...

  • Page 131: Chapter 6: Nvidia ® Sli™ Technology Support

    This chapter tells how to install SLI-ready PCI Express graphics cards. NVIDIA SLI™ ® technology support...
  • Page 132 Chapter summary Overview ... 6-1 Dual graphics cards setup ... 6-2 ASUS M2N4-SLI...

  • Page 133: Overview

    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).

  • Page 134: Dual Graphics Card Setup

    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: Prepare two graphics cards. Each graphics card should have goldfingers for the SLI connector.
  • Page 135 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...
  • Page 136 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. 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.

  • Page 137: Installing The Device Drivers

    Windows taskbar. From the pop-up menu, select nView Desktop Manager then click nView Properties. From the nView Desktop Manager window, select the Desktop Management tab. Click Properties to display the Display Properties dialog box. ASUS M2N4-SLI NVIDIA Settings icon...
  • Page 138 From the Display Properties dialog box, select the Settings tab then click Advanced. Select the NVIDIA GeForce tab. Click the slider to display the following screen, then select the SLI multi-GPU item. Click the Enable SLI multi-GPU check box. Click OK when done. Slider Chapter 6: NVIDIA SLI™...

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