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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.
Welcome! ... 1-2 Package contents ... 1-2 Special features ... 1-2 1.3.1 Product highlights ... 1-2 1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ... 1-5 Before you proceed ... 1-6 Motherboard overview ... 1-7 1.5.1 Motherboard layout ... 1-7 1.5.2 Placement direction ... 1-8 1.5.3...
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Creating a bootable floppy disk ... 2-2 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash utility ... 2-3 2.1.3 AFUDOS utility ... 2-4 2.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility ... 2-6 2.1.5 ASUS Update utility ... 2-8 BIOS setup program ... 2-11 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen ... 2-12 2.2.2...
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Running the support CD ... 3-2 3.2.2 Drivers menu ... 3-3 3.2.3 Utilities menu ... 3-4 3.2.4 Make Disk menu ... 3-5 3.2.5 Manual menu ... 3-6 3.2.6 ASUS Contact information ... 3-7 3.2.7 Other information ... 3-7 Creating a RAID driver disk ... 3-9...
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.
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.
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.
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.
PHY 10 / 100 Mbps LAN Supports up to 8 USB 2.0 / 1.1 ports ASUS Q-Fan ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 ASUS EZ Flash ASUS MyLogo 8Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.5, ACPI 2.0...
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Wfm 2.0, DMI 2.0, WOL by PME, WOR, PXE MicroATX Form Factor, 9.6 in x 7.6 in (24.5 cm x 19.4 cm) Device drivers ASUS PC Probe II AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ utility ASUS Live Update utility Anti-virus software (OEM version)
! 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.
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The motherboard supports next-generation SATA hard drives based on the new SATA 3Gb/s storage specification. The onboard NVIDIA southbridge allows RAID 0, RAID 1, and JBOD configurations for four SATA connectors. ASUS M2N-MX SE PLUS Gigabit and NVIDIA MediaShield storage ®...
10 / 100 Mbps LAN Easy connectivity to your network or broadband connection with the onboard LAN port. Allows you to play online games without buying expensive additional LAN cards. See page 1-23 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.
Green ASUS This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.
Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component. • Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, before handling components to avoid damaging them due to static electricity •...
USB34 PS2_USBPW1-4 LAN_USB12 Attansic AUDIO Super I/O BIOS ALC662 SPDIF_OUT AAFP AM2+ socket is backward compatible with AM2 socket. ASUS M2N-MX SE PLUS 19.3cm (7.6in) CPU_FAN M2N-MX SE PLUS PCIEX16 CLRTC CR2032 3V Lithium Cell CMOS Power SB_PWR PCI1 PCI2...
1.5.2 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. 1.5.3 Screw holes Place six (6) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis.
Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sideways, then lift it up to a 90°-100° angle. Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90°-100° angle, otherwise the CPU does not fit in completely. ASUS M2N-MX SE PLUS Socket lever...
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Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with a small triangle. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it fits in place. The CPU fits only in one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU! When the CPU is in place, push down the socket lever to secure the...
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 M2N-MX SE PLUS Retention bracket Retention bracket lock 1-11...
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Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base. Align the other end of the retention bracket (near the retention bracket lock) to the retention module base. A clicking sound denotes that the retention bracket is in place. Make sure that the fan and heatsink assembly perfectly fits the retention mechanism module...
• 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. ASUS M2N-MX SE PLUS Sockets...
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512MB VDATA M2YVD5G3H31P4I1C52 512MB VDATA M2GVD5G3H166I1C52 VDATA M2GVD5G3I41P6I1C52 VDATA M2GVD5G3I41C4I1C52 VDATA M2GVD5G3I4176I1C52 512MB AL6E8E63B-6E1K 512MB AL6E8E63J-6E1 ASUS M2N-MX SE PLUS Brand SS/DS Component Kingston SS D3216TLSAKL3U Infineon HYB18T256800AF3SW65 33154 • Elpida E5108AGBG-6E-E Kingston DS D6408TEBGGL3U Elpida E5108AGBG-6E-E Samsung SS K4T51083QC...
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A - Supports one module inserted in any slot for a single-channel memory configuration. B - Supports one pair of modules inserted into the yellow slots. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) for the latest memory Qualified Vendor List (QVL). 1-16...
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 M2N-MX SE PLUS DDR2 DIMM notch Unlocked retaining clip...
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.
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. ASUS M2N-MX SE PLUS Standard Function System Timer Keyboard Controller...
1.8.3 PCI slots The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. The figure shows a LAN card installed on a PCI slot. 1.8.4 PCI Express x16 slot This motherboard has supports PCI Express x16 graphic cards that comply with PCI Express specifications.
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 M2N-MX SE PLUS CLRTC Normal Clear RTC...
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USB device wake-up (3-pin PS2_USBPW1-4, USBPW5-8) 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).
4-channel/ 6-channel configuration, the function of this port becomes Front Speaker Out. Microphone port (pink). This port connects a microphone. Refer to the audio configuration table for the function of the audio ports in 2, 4, or 6-channel configuration. ASUS M2N-MX SE PLUS GREEN LED Status Description No Link...
Audio 2, 4, or 6-channel configuration Port Light Blue Line In Lime green Line Out Pink Mic In USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.
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Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33 IDE devices. If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select,” make sure all other device jumpers have the same setting. M2N-MX SE PLUS M2N-MX SE PLUS ASUS M2N-MX SE PLUS Drive jumper setting Mode of device(s) IDE Connector...
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Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2) 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 Gb/s is backward compatible with Serial ATA 1.5Gb/s specification. The current Serial ATA I interface allows up to 150 MB/s data transfer rate while Serial ATA II allows up to 300 MB/s data transfer rate, faster than the standard parallel ATA with 133 MB/s (Ultra DMA133).
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Connect the S/PDIF module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. The S/PDIF module is purchased separately. M2N-MX SE PLUS M2N-MX SE PLUS Digital Audio Connector ASUS M2N-MX SE PLUS CPU_FAN CHA_ FAN Rotation CPU FAN PWM...
USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78) 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.
Speaker connector (4-pin SPEAKER) This connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings. M2N-MX SE PLUS M2N-MX SE PLUS Speaker Out Connector ASUS M2N-MX SE PLUS Azalia-compliant Legacy AC’97-compliant pin definition pin definition...
10. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) These connectors are for ATX power supply plugs. The plugs from the power supply are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit. •...
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. ASUS M2N-MX SE PLUS PWR LED PWR BTN F_PANEL HD LED RESET System Panel Connector...
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...
The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup. ASUS EZ Flash: Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a floppy disk or the motherboard support CD. ASUS AFUDOS: Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a bootable floppy disk.
2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash utility The ASUS EZ Flash 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. The EZ Flash utility is built-in the BIOS chip so it is accessible by pressing <Alt>...
Main filename Press <Enter>. The utility copies the current BIOS file to the floppy disk. A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB)) Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved. Reading flash ... done Write to file... ok A:\>...
Updating the BIOS file To update the BIOS file using the AFUDOS utility: Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) and download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. Save the BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk. Write the BIOS filename on a piece of paper. You need to type the exact BIOS filename at the DOS prompt.
2.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 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 or the floppy disk that contains the updated BIOS file.
Start flashing... 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. ASUS M2N-MX SE PLUS...
2.1.5 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows • Save the current BIOS file • Download the latest BIOS file from the Internet • Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS file •...
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Updating the BIOS through the Internet To update the BIOS through the Internet: Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update main window appears. Select Update BIOS from the Internet option from the drop-down menu, then click Next.
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Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file To update the BIOS through a BIOS file: Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows > 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.
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 M2N-MX SE PLUS...
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Menu bar System Time System Date Legacy Diskette A IDE Configuration Primary IDE Master Primary IDE Slave SATA1 SATA2 System Information Sub-menu items 2.2.2 Menu bar The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items: Main For changing the basic system configuration Advanced...
Down> keys to display the other items on the screen. 2.2.9 General help At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected item. ASUS M2N-MX SE PLUS System Time [11:10:19] Use [ENTER], [TAB] System Date [Thu 03/27/2003]...
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 “2.2.1 BIOS menu screen” for information on the menu screen items and how to navigate through them. System Time System Date Legacy Diskette A...
Primary IDE Master Device : Not Detected Type LBA/Large Mode Block(Multi-sector Transfer) M PIO Mode DMA Mode SMART Monitoring 32Bit Data Transfer ASUS M2N-MX SE PLUS Disabled: disables the integrated IDE Controller. [Enabled] Enabled: enables [Enabled] the integrated IDE Controller. [Disabled]...
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The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Device, Vendor, Size, LBA Mode, Block Mode, PIO Mode, Async DMA, Ultra DMA, and SMART monitoring). These values are not user-configurable. These items show N/A if no IDE device is installed in the system. Type [Auto] Selects the type of IDE drive.
When set to [Disabled], the data transfer from and to the device occurs one sector at a time. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] ASUS M2N-MX SE PLUS Exit Disabled: Disables LBA Mode.
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. CPU Configuration Chipset Onboard Devices Configuration PCIPnP USB Configuration ASUS M2N-MX SE PLUS Exit 2-19...
2.4.1 CPU Configuration The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. CPU Configuration Module Version: 13.11 AGESA Version: 03.00.09 Physical Count: 1 Logical Count: 2 AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3200+ Revision: F2 Cache L1: 128KB Cache L2: 128KB Cache L3: N/A Speed...
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1000 MHz] [x6.0 1200 MHz] [x7.0 1400 MHz] [x8.0 1600 MHz] [x9.0 1800 MHz] Processor Voltage [Auto] Sets the processor voltage. Configuration options: [1.400 V] [1.375 V] [1.350 V] [Auto] ASUS M2N-MX SE PLUS Configure CPU Frequence. [Auto] [Auto] 2-21...
2.4.2 Chipset The Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu. Advanced Chipset Settings WARNING: Setting wrong values in below sections may cause the system to NorthBridge Configuration Southbridge Configuration NorthBridge Configuration Memory Controller...
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Allows you to enable or disable the Force Unganged mode. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Power Down Control [Auto] Allows DIMMs to enter power down mode by deasserting the clock enable signal when DIMMs are not in use. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] ASUS M2N-MX SE PLUS 2-23...
This item allows you to set the Parallel Port ECP DMA. Configuration options: [DMA0] [DMA1] [DMA3] Parallel Port IRQ [IRQ7] Allows you to select parallel port IRQ. Configuration options: [IRQ5] [IRQ7] ASUS M2N-MX SE PLUS Allows BIOS to Select Serial Port1 Base Addresses.
2.4.4 PCI PnP The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices. The menu includes setting IRQ and DMA channel resources for either PCI/PnP or legacy ISA devices, and setting the memory size block for legacy ISA devices.
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto] USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed] Allows you to configure the USB 2.0 controller in HiSpeed (480 Mbps) or Full Speed (12 Mbps). Configuration options: [HiSpeed] [Full Speed] ASUS M2N-MX SE PLUS Enabled Disabled [Enabled] [Enabled]...
USB Mass Storage Device Configuration USB Mass Storage Device Configuration USB Mass Storage Reset Delay Device #1 Emulation Type USB Mass Storage Reset Delay [20 Sec] Allows you to set the numbers of seconds POST waits for the USB mass storage device after start unit command.
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] ASUS M2N-MX SE PLUS Exit Select the ACPI state [Auto]...
2.5.4 APM Configuration APM Configuration Power Button Mode Restore on AC Power Loss Power On By PCI(-E) Device Power On By Ring Power On By PS/2 KB/MS Power On By RTC Alarm Power Button Mode [On/Off] Allows the system to go into On/Off mode or suspend mode when the power button is pressed.
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard voltage regulators. Smart Q-Fan Function [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Q-Fan feature that smartly adjusts the fan speeds for more efficient system operation. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]...
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 settings Boot Device Priority Hard Disk Drives Boot Settings Configuration Security 2.6.1 Boot Device Priority Boot Device Priority 1st Boot Device 2nd Boot Device...
This allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo™ feature. Add On ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS] Sets the display mode for option ROM. Configuration options: [Force BIOS]...
Interrupt 19 Capture [Disabled] When set to [Enabled], this function allows the option ROMs to trap Interrupt 19. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.6.4 Security The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options. Security Settings Supervisor Password User Password...
When set to [Setup], BIOS checks for user password when accessing the Setup utility. When set to [Always], BIOS checks for user password both when accessing Setup and booting the system. Configuration options: [Setup] [Always] ASUS M2N-MX SE PLUS <Enter> to change password.
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. Exit Options Exit & Save Changes Exit & Discard Changes Discard Changes Load Setup Defaults Pressing <Esc>...
The contents of the support CD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the ASUS website(www.asus.com) for updates. 3.2.1 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.
The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices. ASUS Installl-Drivers Installation Wizard Installs the ASUS Install-Drivers Installation Wizard. NVIDIA Chipset Driver Program Installs the NVIDIA nForce™ Chipset Driver program.
This utility helps you keep your computer in healthy operating condition. ASUS Update The ASUS Update utility allows you to update the motherboard BIOS in a Windows environment. This utility require an Internet connection either through a ®...
NVIDIA Vista 64bit SATA RAID Driver ® Allows you to create an NVIDIA Vista system. ASUS M2N-MX SE PLUS Serial ATA (SATA) RAID driver disk for a 32-bit ® Serial ATA (SATA) RAID driver disk for a 32-bit XP ®...
3.2.5 Manual menu The Manual 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 ® file. NVIDIA SATA RAID User’s Manual ®...
3.2.6 ASUS Contact information Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can also find this information on the inside front cover of this user guide. 3.2.7 Other information The icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the motherboard and the contents of the support CD.
Browse this CD Displays the support CD contents in graphical format. Technical support Form Displays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to fill out when requesting technical support. Filelist Displays the contents of the support CD and a brief description of each in text format.
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 M2N-MX SE PLUS 2000/XP/ ® RAID configuration, refer to the...