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Asus M2N32-SLI Premium VISTA Edition User Manual
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Asus M2N32-SLI Premium VISTA Edition User Manual

Asus M2N32-SLI Premium VISTA Edition User Manual

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Summary of Contents for Asus M2N32-SLI Premium VISTA Edition

  • Page 1 M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition...
  • 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 M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 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...
  • Page 4 Managing and updating your BIOS ..........4-1 4.1.1 ASUS Update utility ............4-1 4.1.2 Creating a bootable floppy disk ........4-4 4.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ........... 4-5 4.1.4 Updating the BIOS ............4-6 4.1.5 Saving the current BIOS file ..........4-8 4.1.6 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ........
  • Page 5 4.6.6 Security ................. 4-41 Tools menu ................. 4-43 4.7.1 ASUS O.C. Profile ............4-43 4.7.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ............4-46 Exit menu ..................4-47 Chapter 5: Software support Installing an operating system ........... 5-1 Support DVD information ............5-1 5.2.1...
  • Page 6 Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology ..........5-11 ™ 5.3.3 SoundMAX High Definition Audio utility ....... 5-13 ® 5.3.4 ASUS PC Probe II ............5-18 5.3.5 ASUS AI Suite ............... 5-24 5.3.6 ASUS AI N.O.S ............. 5-26 5.3.7 ASUS AI Gear ............... 5-27 5.3.8 ASUS AI Nap ..............

  • 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

    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 10: Conventions Used In This Guide

    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.

  • Page 11: M2N32-Sli Premium Vista Edition Specifications Summary

    M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition specifications summary Socket AM2 for AMD Athlon 64 X2 / Athlon 64 / Athlon ™ ™ ™ 64 FX / Sempron processor ™ Supports AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology ™ AMD64 architecture enables simultaneous 32-bit and...
  • Page 12 - ScreenDUO - AI Remote - ASAP (ASUS Accelerated Propeller) - TPM Support (the module is purchased separately) - AP Trigger *ASUS ScreenDUO, AI Remote, and TPM can run both Windows Vista and XP ® ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution: - ASUS AI Gear...
  • Page 13 - AI NOS (Non-delay Overclocking System) ™ - AI Overclocking (intelligent CPU frequency tuner) - AI Clock Skew - ASUS O.C. Profile: overclocking configuration-sharing tool Precision Tweaker: - vDIMM: 25-step DRAM voltage control - vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.0125V...
  • Page 14 Accessories 1 x SLI bridge 1 x ASUS Array Mic 1 x ASUS optional fan 1 x ASUS Q-Connector kit (USB, 1394, system panel; Retail version only) 1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable 1 x Floppy disk drive cable 6 x SATA cables 3 x SATA power cables for 6 devices 1 x 2-port USB 2.0 module...

  • Page 15: Chapter 1: Product Introduction

    This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports. Product introduction...
  • Page 16 Chapter summary Welcome! ..................1-1 Package contents ................. 1-1 Special features ................1-2 ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition...

  • Page 17: Welcome

    ® The motherboard delivers a host of new features and the 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 18: 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/Athlon™ 64/Athlon™ 64 FX/Sempron™ processor. 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 19 192KHz/24-bit audio output, jack-sensing feature, retasking functions and multi- streaming technology that simultaneously sends different audio streams to different destinations. You can now talk to your partners on the headphone while playing multi-channel network games. See page 2-23 and 2-24 for details. ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition...

  • Page 20: Asus Ai Lifestyle Features

    CPU voltage and frequency for a cool and quiet operating environment. See page 4-27 for details. 1.3.2 ASUS AI Lifestyle features AI Remote The revolutionary AI Remote gives you unprecedented control from the comfort of your couch.

  • Page 21: Tpm Support

    Encryption hardware requirement for a more secure working environment. See page 2-34 and 4-42 for details. The TPM module is purchased separately. Use the ASUS TPM module ONLY. AI Gear AI Gear allows users to choose from four modes to adjust CPU and Vcore voltage, minimizing noise and power consumption.
  • Page 22 Advanced Thermal Design ASUS Stack Cool 2 ASUS Stack Cool 2 is a fan-less and zero-noise cooling solution that lowers the temperature of critical heat generating components. The motherboard uses a special design on the printed circuit board (PCB) to dissipate heat that critical components generate.

  • Page 23: Asus Special Features

    See page 4-5 for details. ASUS MyLogo 3 ASUS My Logo 3 is the new feature present in the motherboard that allows you to personalize and add style to your system with customizable and animated boot logos. See page 5-9 for details.

  • Page 24: Asus Intelligent Overclocking Features

    This is about getting the most out of your machine and taking pride in your customized computer. vDIMM takes control of how much power is going into the memory modules. ASUS gives you 25-step voltage control to the DIMM vCore finds out “exactly”...

  • Page 25: Asus Features And The Supporting Os

    1.3.5 ASUS features and the supporting OS Refer to the following table for the OS that supports ASUS features. Win 2000 XP 32bit XP 64bit Vista 32bit Vista 64bit ScreenDUO AI Remote AP Trigger ASAP Function as USB Flash only...
  • Page 26 1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction...

  • Page 27: 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 28 Chapter summary Before you proceed ..............2-1 Motherboard overview ..............2-2 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ........... 2-7 System memory ................. 2-13 Expansion slots ................2-19 Jumper ..................2-22 Connectors ................. 2-23 ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition...

  • Page 29: Before You Proceed

    The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED. SB_PWR M2N32-SLI PREMIUM Standy Powered Power M2N32-SLI PREMIUM Onboard LED connector ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition...

  • Page 30: Motherboard Overview

    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.

  • Page 31: Asus Stack Cool 2

    2.2.3 ASUS Stack Cool 2 The motherboard comes with the ASUS Stack Cool 2 cooling solution that lowers the temperature of critical heat generating components by 20ºC. The motherboard uses a special design on the printed circuit board (PCB) to dissipate heat that critical components generate.

  • Page 32: Motherboard Layout

    2.2.4 Motherboard layout 24.5cm (9.6in) PS2/2KBMS SATA_RAID2 T:Mouse B:Keyboard DDR2 DIMM_B2 (64 bit, 240-pin module) DDR2 DIMM_A2 (64 bit, 240-pin module) DDR2 DIMM_B1 (64 bit, 240-pin module) CPU_FAN DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64 bit, 240-pin module) ESATA_1394 SOCKET AM2 LAN1_USB12 LAN2_USB34 AUDIO USB910_ASAP ®...

  • Page 33: Layout Contents

    Side Speaker Out port (gray) 2-24 USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2, 3 and 4 2-24 External SATA port 2-24 Optical S/PDIF Out port 2-25 Coaxial S/PDIF Out port 2-25 PS/2 keyboard port (purple) 2-25 ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition...
  • Page 34 Internal connectors Page Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) 2-26 IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) 2-26 NVIDIA nForce 590 SLI Southbridge Serial ATA 2-27 ® ® connectors (7-pin SATA1 [red], SATA2 [red], SATA3 [red], SATA4 [red], SATA5 [red], SATA6 [red]) Silicon Image Serial ATA RAID connector (7-pin SATA_RAID2) 2-28...

  • Page 35: Central Processing Unit (Cpu)

    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 M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition...
  • Page 36 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. Gold triangle Small triangle When the CPU is in place, push down the socket lever to secure the CPU.

  • Page 37: 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 M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition...
  • Page 38 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...
  • Page 39 CPU Fan connectors • Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector. • This connector is backward compatiable with old 3-pin CPU fan. ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 2-11...

  • Page 40: Installing The Optional Fan

    2.3.3 Installing the optional fan Install the optional fan only if you are using a passive cooler or a water cooler. Installing the optional fan with an active CPU cooler will interfere with the airflow and destabilize the system. Position the fan above the pipe Fit the grooved edge to the and heatsink assembly.

  • Page 41: System Memory

    You may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2GB unbuffered ECC/non-ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. Recommended Memory Configurations Sockets Mode DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B2 Populated Single-Channel Populated Dual-channel (1) Populated Populated Dual-channel (2) Populated Populated Populated Populated ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 2-13...
  • Page 42 Always use identical DDR2 DIMM pairs for dual channel mode. For optimum compatibility, it is recommended 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 ®...

  • Page 43: Installing A Dimm

    DIMM. Support the DIMM lightly with your fingers when pressing the retaining clips. The DIMM might DDR2 DIMM notch get damaged when it flips out with extra force. Remove the DIMM from the socket. ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 2-15...
  • Page 44 M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-800 MHz capability DIMM support Size Vendor Chip No. Part No. 512MB KINGSTON Het-Sink Package KHX6400D2/512 • • 512MB KINGSTON K4T51083QC KVR800D2N5/512 • • • 1024MB KINGSTON K4T51083QC KVR800D2N5/1G • •...

  • Page 45: Asus M2N32-Sli Premium Vista Edition

    E5108AE-6E-E EBEB1UD8AEFA-6E-E • • • 1024MB WINTEC 4WAIID9CWX 39137282 • • • 512MB WINTEC 4UA12D9CRZ 39127282W24965R • 512MB 18D51280D-3 M512-667-8 • • • 1024MB 18D51280D-3 M924-667-16 • • 1024MB Heat-Sink Package OCZ26672048EBDCPE-K • • ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 2-17...
  • Page 46 Dual-channel memory configuration. • C*: Supports 4 modules inserted into both the yellow and black slots as two pairs of Dual-channel memory configuration. Visit the ASUS website for the latest DDR2-800/667/533 MHz QVL. 2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware information...

  • Page 47: Expansion Slots

    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 M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 2-19...

  • Page 48: Interrupt Assignments

    2.5.3 Interrupt assignments Standard interrupt assignments Priority Standard function System Timer Keyboard Controller – Redirect to IRQ#9 Communications Port (COM1)* IRQ Holder for PCI Steering* Floppy Disk Controller Printer Port (LPT1)* System CMOS/Real Time Clock IRQ Holder for PCI Steering* IRQ Holder for PCI Steering* IRQ Holder for PCI Steering* PS/2 Compatible Mouse Port*...

  • Page 49: Pci Slots

    • We recommend that you provide sufficient power when running NVIDIA ® mode. See page 2-31 and 2-32 for details. ™ ™ • See chapter 6 for details on the NVIDIA SLI technology feature. ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 2-21...

  • Page 50: Jumper

    Jumper Clear RTC RAM (3-pin 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.

  • Page 51: Connectors

    Line In port (light blue). This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player, or other audio sources. Line Out port (lime). This port connects a headphone or a speaker. In 4-channel, 6-channel, and 8-channel configuration, the function of this port becomes Front Speaker Out. ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 2-23...
  • Page 52 Microphone port (pink). This port connects a microphone. 10. Side Speaker Out port (gray). This port connects the side speakers in an 8-channel audio configuration. Refer to the audio configuration table below for the function of the audio ports in 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration.
  • Page 53 S/PDIF cable. 14. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device via a coaxial S/PDIF cable. 15. PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard. ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 2-25...

  • Page 54: Internal Connectors

    2.7.2 Internal connectors Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) This connector is for the provided floppy disk drive (FDD) signal cable. Insert one end of the cable to this connector, then connect the other end to the signal connector at the back of the floppy disk drive. Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable connection when using a FDD cable with a covered Pin 5.

  • Page 55: Sata Connectors

    Enabled item in the SATA Configuration sub-menu in the BIOS. See section 4.4.6 Onboard Device Configuration for details. SATA5 SATA6 SATA5 SATA6 SATA3 SATA4 SATA3 SATA4 M2N32-SLI PREMIUM SATA1 SATA2 SATA1 SATA2 M2N32-SLI PREMIUM M2N32-SLI PREMIUM SATA connectors M2N32-SLI PREMIUM SATA connectors ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 2-27...
  • Page 56 right angle side Connect the right-angle side of SATA signal cable to SATA device. Or you may connect the right-angle side of SATA cable to the onboard SATA port to avoid mechanical conflict with huge graphics cards. Silicon Image Serial ATA RAID connector (7-pin SATA_RAID2) ®...
  • Page 57 Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard! You can connect the USB cable to ASUS Q-Connector (USB, blue) first, and then install the Q-Connector (USB) to the USB connector onboard. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_1) This connector is for a IEEE 1394a port.
  • Page 58 Never connect a USB cable to the IEEE 1394a connector. Doing so will damage the motherboard! You can connect the 1394 cable to ASUS Q-Connector (1394, red) first, and then install the Q-Connector (1394) to the 1394 connector onboard. CPU, chassis, power, and chipset fan connectors...

  • Page 59: Chassis Intrusion Connector

    +5 Volts Power OK -5 Volts +12V DC Ground Ground +5 Volts Ground Ground Ground +5 Volts PSON# Ground Ground +3 Volts -12 Volts M2N32-SLI PREMIUM +3 Volts +3 Volts M2N32-SLI PREMIUM ATX power connector ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 2-31...
  • Page 60 • For a fully configured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit (PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specification 2.0 (or later version) and provides a minimum power of 600 W. • Do not forget to connect the 4-pin ATX +12 V power plug; otherwise, the system will not boot.
  • Page 61 This connector is for a parallel port. Connect the parallel port module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. M2N32-SLI PREMIUM M2N32-SLI PREMIUM Parallel port connector The parallel port cable is purchased separately. ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 2-33...
  • Page 62 See section “4.6.6 Security” for details. M2N32-SLI PREMIUM M2N32-SLI PREMIUM TPM connector The TPM module is purchased separately. Use the ASUS TPM module ONLY. 2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware information...

  • Page 63: System Panel Connector

    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. ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 2-35...
  • Page 64 ASUS Q-Connector (system panel) You can use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect chassis front panel cables in a few steps. Refer to the instructions below to install the ASUS Q- Connector. Connect the front panel cables to the ASUS Q-Connector.

  • Page 65: Chapter 3: Powering Up

    This chapter describes the power up sequence, the vocal POST messages, and ways of shutting down the system. Powering up...
  • Page 66 Chapter summary Starting up for the first time ............3-1 Turning off the computer ............. 3-2 ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition...

  • Page 67: Starting Up For The First Time

    Check the jumper settings and connections or call your retailer for assistance. At power on, hold down the <Delete> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the instructions in Chapter 4. ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition...

  • Page 68: Turning Off The Computer

    Turning off the computer 3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function ® If you are using Windows 2000: 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.

  • Page 69: 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 70 Managing and updating your BIOS ..........4-1 BIOS setup program ..............4-10 Main menu .................. 4-14 Advanced menu ................. 4-19 Power menu ................4-33 Boot menu .................. 4-38 Tools menu ................. 4-43 Exit menu ..................4-47 ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition...

  • Page 71: Managing And Updating Your Bios

    ASUS Update (Updates the BIOS in Windows environment.) ® ASUS EZ Flash 2 (Updates the BIOS in DOS using a floppy disk / USB flash disk, or the motherboard support DVD.) Award BIOS Flash Utility (Updates the BIOS using a bootable floppy disk / USB flash disk or a CD ROM.)
  • Page 72 To update the BIOS through the Internet: Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows desktop by clicking Start ® > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update main window appears. Select Update BIOS from the Select the ASUS FTP site nearest...
  • Page 73 To update the BIOS through a BIOS file: Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows desktop by 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 74: Creating A Bootable Floppy Disk

    4.1.2 Creating a bootable floppy disk 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 ®...

  • Page 75: Asus Ez Flash 2 Utility

    4.1.3 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. The EZ Flash 2 utility is built-in the BIOS chip so it is accessible by pressing <Alt>...

  • Page 76: Updating The Bios

    Flash Utility. Follow these instructions to update the BIOS using this utility. Download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS web site. Rename the file to M2N32SLI.BIN and save it to a floppy disk, CD ROM or a USB flash disk in FAT 16/12 format.
  • Page 77 Type the BIOS file name in AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.14 the File Name to Program (C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved field, then press <Enter>. For NF590-SLI-M2N32-SLI-PREMIUM DATE:03/30/2006 Flash Type - PMC Pm49FL004T LPC/FWH File Name to Program: M2N32SLI.bin...

  • Page 78: Saving The Current Bios File

    To save the current BIOS file using the AwardBIOS Flash Utility: Follow steps 1 to 6 of the AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.14 previous section. (C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved For NF590-SLI-M2N32-SLI-PREMIUM DATE:03/30/2006 Press <Y>...

  • Page 79: Asus Crashfree Bios 3 Utility

    4.1.6 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 DVD, the floppy disk, or the USB flash disk that contains the updated BIOS file.

  • Page 80: 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. 4-10...

  • Page 81: 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. ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition...

  • Page 82: Legend Bar

    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 Function <F1>...

  • Page 83: Pop-Up Window

    ESC: Exit →←: Select Menu Enter: Select SubMenu F10: Save and Exit 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. ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 4-13...

  • Page 84: Main Menu

    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. Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Advanced...

  • Page 85: Primary Ide Master/Slave

    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] ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 4-15...
  • Page 86 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.

  • Page 87: Sata 1-6

    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. ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 4-17...

  • Page 88: Hdd Smart Monitoring

    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.

  • Page 89: Advanced Menu

    Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU internal frequency. Selct either one of the preset overclocking configuration options: Manual Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters. Auto Loads the optimal settings for the system. ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 4-19...
  • Page 90 Loads overclocking profiles with optimal parameters for stability when overclocking. AI N.O.S. The ASUS Non-delay Overclocking System feature intelligently determines the system load and automatically boosts the performance for the most demanding tasks. The following item becomes user-configurable when you set AI Tuning to...
  • Page 91 Allows you to set the DDR2 termination voltage. Configuration options: [0.5 x DDR2 Voltage] [0.6 x DDR2 Voltage] CPU to NB HT Voltage [Auto] Allows you to set the CPU to Northbridge HT voltage. Configuration options: [Auto] [1.200V] [1.225V] [1.250V]~[1.500V] ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 4-21...

  • Page 92: Ai Net2

    NB to SB HT Voltage [Auto] Allows you to set the NB to SB HT voltage. Configuration options: [Auto] [+1.300V] [+1.325V] [+1.350V]~[+1.500V] NB Core/PCI-E Voltage [Auto] Allows you to set the NB Core/PCI-E voltage. Configuration options: [Auto] [+1.200V] [+1.250V] [+1.300V] [+1.350V] [+1.400V] SB Core/PCI-E Voltage [Auto] Allows you to set the Southbridge core/PCI Express voltage.

  • Page 93: Cpu Configuration

    Tcl [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [3] [4] [5] [6] Trcd [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [3] [4] [5] [6] Trp [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [3] [4] [5] [6] Tras [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [5] [6] [7]~[18] ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 4-23...
  • Page 94 1T/2T Memory Timing [Auto] Sets the memory timing. Configuration options: [Auto] [1T] [2T] DRAM ECC Enable [Disabled] Enables or disables the DRAM ECC function. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] This item appears only when you install DRAM modules that support ECC function.
  • Page 95 Configuration options: [Auto] [No delay] [1/64 MEMCLK delay] [2/64 MEMCLK delay] [3/64 MEMCLK delay] [4/64 MEMCLK delay] [5/64 MEMCLK delay]~[30/64 MEMCLK delay] [31/64 MEMCLK delay] CKE Setup Time [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1/2 MEMCLK] [1 MEMCLK] ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 4-25...
  • Page 96 CS/ODT Fine Delay [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [No delay] [1/64 MEMCLK delay] [2/64 MEMCLK delay] [3/64 MEMCLK delay] [4/64 MEMCLK delay] [5/64 MEMCLK delay]~[30/64 MEMCLK delay] [31/64 MEMCLK delay] CS/ODT Setup Time [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [1/2 MEMCLK] [1 MEMCLK] Address/Command Fine Delay [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [No delay] [1/64 MEMCLK delay] [2/64 MEMCLK delay] [3/64 MEMCLK delay] [4/64 MEMCLK delay] [5/64 MEMCLK delay]~[30/64...

  • Page 97: Chipset

    Allows you to set the Northbridge to Southbridge HT Speed. Configuration options: [1xNB to SB HT Frequency] [2xNB to SB HT Frequency] [3xNB to SB HT Frequency] [4xNB to SB HT Frequency] [5xNB to SB HT Frequency] ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 4-27...
  • Page 98 SB-->NB HT Speed [5xSB to NB HT Frequency] Allows you to set the Southbridge to Northbridge HT Speed. Configuration options: [1xSB to NB HT Frequency] [2xSB to NB HT Frequency] [3xSB to NB HT Frequency] [4xSB to NB HT Frequency] [5xSB to NB HT Frequency] CPU<->NB HT Width [↓16 ↑16] Allows you to set the CPU to Northbridge HT width.

  • Page 99: Pcipnp

    IRQ-xx assigned to When set to [PCI Device], the specific IRQ is free for use of PCI/PnP devices. When set to [Reserved], the IRQ is reserved for legacy ISA devices. Configuration options: [PCI Device] [Reserved] ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 4-29...

  • Page 100: Onboard Device Configuration

    Onboard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled] Primary Display Adapter [PCI-E slot] HD Audio [Auto] Front Panel Support Type [AC97] Silicon SATAII Controller [SATA Mode] ASUS ASAP [Disabled] Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Parallel Port Address [378/IRQ7] Parallel Port Mode [EPP] ECP Mode Use DMA F1:Help ↑↓...

  • Page 101: Usb Configuration

    Allows you to enable or disable the USB 2.0 controller. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] USB Legacy Support [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable support for USB devices on legacy operating systems (OS). Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 4-31...
  • Page 102 Allows you to disable or set the function of the extended SATA II controller. Configuration options: [Disabled] [SATA Mode] [RAID Mode] ASUS ASAP [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the onboard USB flash module for the ASUS ASAP feature that supports Windows Vista ReadyBoost function.

  • Page 103: Power Menu

    Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) support in the Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller (APIC). When set to Enabled, the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 4-33...

  • Page 104: Apm Configuration

    4.5.3 APM Configuration Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Power APM Configuration Select Menu Restore on AC Power Loss [Power-Off] Item Specific Help PWR Button < 4 secs [Instant-Off] Power Up On PCI/PCIE Devices [Disabled] Press [Enter] to Power On By External Modems [Disabled] select whether or not Power On by RTC Alarm...
  • Page 105 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] ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 4-35...

  • Page 106: Hardware Monitor

    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. Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Power Hardware Monitor Select Menu...
  • Page 107 0. These items are not user-configurable. CPU Fan Speed warning [ 800 RPM] Allows you to disable or set the CPU fan warning speed. Configuration options: [Disabled] [800 RPM] [1200 RPM] [1600 RPM] ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 4-37...

  • Page 108: Boot Menu

    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. Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Select Menu Boot Device Priority Removable Drives Hard Disk Drives Item Specific Help CDROM Drives...

  • Page 109: Removable Drives

    4.6.4 CDROM Drives Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot CDROM Drives Select Menu 1. 1st Slave: XXXXXXXXX Item Specific Help 1. 1st Slave: XXXXXXXXX Allows you to assign optical drives attached to the system. ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 4-39...

  • Page 110: Boot Settings Configuration

    4.6.5 Boot Settings Configuration Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot Boot Settings Configuration Select Menu Case Open Warning [Enabled] Item Specific Help Quick Boot [Enabled] Boot Up Floppy Seek [Disabled] Press [Enter] to Bootup Num-Lock [On] enable or disable. Typematic Rate Setting [Disabled] Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec) Typematic Delay (Msec)

  • Page 111: Security

    Full Screen LOGO [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Make sure that the above item is set to [Enabled] if you want to use the ASUS MyLogo3 feature. ™...

  • Page 112: Password Check

    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: Select the password field and press <Enter> twice. The following message appears: PASSWORD DISABLED !!! Press any key to continue...

  • Page 113: Tools Menu

    Load from Profile 2 Load from File Load BIOS Profile from Profile 1. Load from Profile 1/2 Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Press <Enter> to load the file. ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 4-43...

  • Page 114: Save Bios Profile

    Load from File Allows you to load the previous BIOS file saved in the hard disk/floppy disk/USB flash disk with the FAT32/16/12 format. Follow the instructions below to load the BIOS file. 1. Insert the storage devices that contains the “xxx.CMO” file. 2.
  • Page 115 <DIR> DOCUME"1 <DIR> PROGRA"1 <DIR> SYSTEM"1 <DIR> M2NSLI <DIR> RECYCLED <DIR> TEST_REB <DIR> BOOTFONT.BIN 213830 2001-09-05 20:00:00 Note [Enter] Select [Y] Yes [N/Eec] No [Left/Right]: Switch The BIOS file will be saved as “xxx.CMO“. ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 4-45...

  • Page 116: Asus Ez Flash 2

    4.7.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Enter>, a confirmation message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press <Enter> to confirm your choice. Please see page 4-5, section 4.1.3 for details.

  • Page 117: Exit Menu

    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 M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 4-47...
  • Page 118 4-48 Chapter 4: BIOS setup...

  • Page 119: Chapter 5: Software Support

    This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package. Software support...
  • Page 120 Chapter summary Installing an operating system ........... 5-1 Support DVD information ............5-1 Software informtion ..............5-9 Windows Vista feature ............. 5-39 ® RAID configurations ..............5-40 Creating a RAID driver disk ............5-56 ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition...

  • Page 121: Installing An Operating System

    The contents of the support DVD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the ASUS website(www.asus.com) for updates. 5.2.1 Running the support DVD Place the support DVD to the optical drive. The DVD automatically displays the Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer.

  • Page 122: Drivers Menu

    The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices. ASUS InstAll - Drivers Installation Wizard Installs all of the drivers through the installation wizard. AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Driver Installs the AMD Cool ‘n’...

  • Page 123: Utilities Menu

    Click to display the next screen Click to display the previous screen ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Utilities Installs all of the utilities through the installation wizard. ASUS Cool ‘n’ Quiet Utility Installs the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet software.
  • Page 124 ASUS Update The ASUS Update utility allows you to update the motherboard BIOS in Windows ® environment. This utility requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Before using the ASUS Update, make sure that you have an Internet connection so that you can connect to the ASUS website.

  • Page 125: Make Disk Menu

    Allows you to create an NVIDIA Serial ATA RAID driver disk for a 32-bit system. ® Silicon Image 32/64bit RAID/SATA Driver Allows you to create a Silicon Image Serial ATA/RAID driver disk for a 32/64-bit ® system ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition...

  • Page 126: Manuals Menu

    Reader from the Utilities menu before opening a user manual ® ® file. 5.2.6 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. Chapter 5: Software support...

  • Page 127: Other Information

    DVD. Click an icon to display the specified information. Motherboard Info Displays the general specifications of the motherboard. Browse this DVD Displays the support DVD contents in graphical format. ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition...

  • Page 128: Technical Support Form

    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 DVD and a brief description of each in text format. Chapter 5: Software support...

  • Page 129: Software Information

    The ASUS MyLogo3 utility lets you customize the boot logo. The boot logo is the ™ image that appears on screen during the Power-On Self-Tests (POST). The ASUS MyLogo3 is automatically installed when you install the ASUS Update utility from ™...
  • Page 130 Ratio box. When the screen returns to the ASUS Update utility, flash the original BIOS to load the new boot logo. 10. After flashing the BIOS, restart the computer to display the new boot logo during POST.

  • Page 131: Cool 'N' Quiet ™ Technology

    Double-click the Display icon in the Control Panel then select the Screen Saver tab. Click the Power button. The following dialogue box appears. From the Power schemes combo list box, select Minimal Power Management. Click OK to effect settings. ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 5-11...
  • Page 132 ™ 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 ™...

  • Page 133: Soundmax ® High Definition Audio Utility

    Refer to page 1-9 for the OS that supports SoundMAX • Jack Retasking function works on High Definition front panel audio ports only. If the SoundMAX audio utility is correctly installed, you ® will find the SoundMAX icon on the taskbar. ® ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 5-13...

  • Page 134: Audio Setup Wizard

    From the taskbar, double-click on the SoundMAX icon to display the SoundMAX ® ® Control Panel. Audio Setup Wizard By clicking the icon from the SoundMAX control panel, you can easily ® configure your audio settings. Simply follow succeeding screen instructions and begin enjoying High Definition Audio.
  • Page 135 Adjust microphone volume This screen helps you adjust microphone volume. You will be asked to read pre- written text to allow the AudioWizard to adjust the volume as you speak. ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 5-15...
  • Page 136 Audio preferences Click the icon to go to the Preferences page. This page allows you to change various audio settings. General options Click the General tab to choose your playback and recording devices, enable/ disable the AudioESP feature, and enable/disable digital output. ™...

  • Page 137: Microphone Options

    You can enable it when you have conference call to reduce echoes in the other side. • The directional Array and Speaker Phone function only when working with the ASUS Array Mic. • If you are using Windows Vista, you have ®...

  • Page 138: Asus Pc Probe Ii

    To launch the PC Probe II from the Windows desktop, click Start > All Programs ® > ASUS > PC Probe II > PC Probe II v1.xx.xx. The PC Probe II main window appears. After launching the application, the PC Probe II icon appears in the Windows ®...
  • Page 139 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 M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 5-19...
  • Page 140 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 141 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 M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 5-21...
  • Page 142 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 143 The Preference tab allows you to customize sensor alerts, or change the temperature scale. Loads the default Loads your saved threshold values for Cancels or configuration each sensor ignores your changes Applies your Saves your changes configuration ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 5-23...

  • Page 144: Asus Ai Suite

    5.3.5 ASUS AI Suite ASUS AI Suite allows you to launch AI Gear, AI N.O.S., AI Booster, AI Nap, and Q-Fan utilities easily. Installing AI Suite To install AI Suite on your computer: Place the support DVD to the optical drive. The Drivers installation tab appears if your computer has an enabled Autorun feature.
  • Page 145 Displays the CPU/ system temperature, CPU/memory/PCIE voltage, and CPU/ chassis fan speed Displays the FSB/CPU frequency Click on right corner of the expanded window to switch the temperature from degrees Centigrade to degrees Fahrenheit. ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 5-25...

  • Page 146: Asus Ai N.o.s

    5.3.6 ASUS AI N.O.S. This ASUS Non-delay Overclocking System feature intelligently determines the system load and automatically boosts the performance for the most demanding tasks. After installing AI Suite from the bundled support DVD, you can launch the utility by double-clicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows OS taskbar and click the AI N.O.S.

  • Page 147: Asus Ai Gear

    5.3.7 ASUS AI Gear ASUS AI Gear provides four system performance options that allows you to select the best performance setting for your computing needs. This easy-to-use utility adjusts the processor frequency and vCore voltage to minimize system noise and power consumption.

  • Page 148: Asus Ai Nap

    5.3.8 ASUS AI Nap This feature allows you to minimize the power consumption of your computer whenever you are away. Enable this feature for minimum power consumption and a more quiet system operation. After installing AI Suite from the bundled support DVD, you can launch the utility by double-clicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows OS taskbar and click the AI Nap button on the AI Suite main window.

  • Page 149: Asus Ai Booster

    5.3.9 ASUS AI Booster The ASUS AI Booster application allows you to overclock the CPU speed in WIndows environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS. ® After installing AI Suite from the bundled support DVD, you can launch the utility...

  • Page 150: Asus Q-Fan

    5.3.10 ASUS Q-Fan This ASUS Q-Fan Control feature allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU Q-Fan or the Chassis Q-Fan for more efficient system operation. After enabling the Q-Fan function, the fans can be set to automatically adjust depending on the temperature, to decrease fan speed, or to achieve the maximum fan speed.
  • Page 151 5.3.11 AI Remote With the ASUS AI Remote, you can play, pause, or adjust the volume on any songs desired without leaving your sofa. Have AI Remote in your hand and do more with your PC at a distance away.

  • Page 152: Asus Ai Remote

    USB receiver • The valid IR function distance is 6m depending on the environment. Suggest you to aim at the IR receiver when using the ASUS AI Remote to ensure a smooth and successful operation. • These two USB ports support USB wake-up capability. So when the computer is not turned on, removing USB devices such as the ASUS IR receiver from these two ports will start up the PC.
  • Page 153 Power Manager and check the box of Allow this device to bring the computer out of standby. Click Windows icon and Double click System and choose Control Panel. Maintenance. Select HID-compliant device. Click Device Manager. Check the box of Allow this device to wake the computer. ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 5-33...
  • Page 154 ASUS AI Remote Settings After the installation of the ASUS AI Remote software, the utility screen will show up and allows you to configure the ASUS AI Remote settings. Set up the function keys following the instructions below. 1. Power On / Off Key Enable power key Click this box to enable this power button.
  • Page 155 Save after the .exe file path is directed. • If the executable file is relocated or the application is re-installed, you have to redirect the file path for a correct ASUS AI Remote operation. ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 5-35...
  • Page 156 AP Menu Button and Application menu Navigate with the media control zone. upward leftward rightward enter downward Select Application Profile After you press (AP Menu) on the remote control, an application profile will be displayed on the screen. Use the remote control to navigate and initiate a desired application.
  • Page 157 If you want to use the Media Control Zone to control non-default applications, such as ACDSee, you can select User Define from the drop-down menu and rename it by pressing Rename. The ASUS AI Remote software has correctly set up nine popular applications and defined the funtion buttons for your convenient operation.
  • Page 158 The Function Buttons and AP Profile The ASUS AI Remote software helps you set up the correspondence between the function buttons on the remote to the function hotkeys of nine popular applications in advance and leaves five sets for User Define.

  • Page 159: Windows ® Vista Feature

    Windows Vista feature ® 5.4.1 ASAP (ASUS Accelerated Propeller) This motherboard is equipped with the ASUS Accelerated Propeller (ASAP) feature. ASAP supports the Windows ReadyBoost technology that improves ® ™ system performance under Windows Vista. Refer to page 1-9 for the OS that ®...

  • Page 160: Raid Configurations

    RAID configurations ® The motherboard comes with the Silicon Image Sil3132 and the NVIDIA ™ nForce 590 SLI Southbridge RAID controllers that allow you to configure Serial ATA hard disk drives as RAID sets. The motherboard supports the following RAID configurations.

  • Page 161: Installing Hard Disks

    Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector on each drive. Refer to the RAID controllers user manual in the motherboard support DVD for detailed information on RAID configurations. See section 5.2.5 Manual menu. ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 5-41...

  • Page 162: Nvidia ® Mediashield Raid Configurations

    ® 5.5.2 NVIDIA MediaShield RAID configurations The motherboard includes a high performance RAID controller integrated in the ® ™ NVIDIA nForce 590 SLI southbridge chipset. It supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5 and JBOD for six independent Serial ATA channels. Setting the BIOS RAID items After installing the hard disk drives, make sure to set the necessary RAID items in the BIOS before setting your RAID configuration.

  • Page 163: Creating A Raid Volume

    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 Mirroring RAID mode then press <Enter>. Striping Stripe Mirroring Spanning ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 5-43...
  • Page 164 Press <TAB> select the Striping ↑ Block then press <Enter>. The following submenu appears: 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.

  • Page 165: Rebuilding A Raid Array

    - Array Detail - RAID Mode: Mirroring Striping Width: 1 Striping Block: 64K Adapt Channel Index Disk Model Name Capacity Master XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX.XXGB Master XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX.XXGB [R] Rebuild [D] Delete [C] Clear Disk [ENTER] Return ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 5-45...
  • Page 166 A new set of navigation keys is displayed on the bottom of the screen. Press <R> to rebuild a RAID array. The following screen appears. Array 1 : NVIDIA MIRROR XXX.XXG - Select Disk Inside Array - RAID Mode: Mirroring Striping Width: 1 Striping Block: 64K Adapt...

  • Page 167: 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 M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 5-47...
  • Page 168 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. Array 1 : NVIDIA MIRROR XXX.XXG - Array Detail - RAID Mode: Mirroring Striping Width: 1 Striping Block: 64K...

  • Page 169: Silicon Image Raid Configurations

    Start button and selecting All Programs > Silicon Image > Sam ™ For details on the Silicon Image SATARaid RAID configuration, refer to the “Sil3132 User Guide” in your motherboard support DVD. ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 5-49...
  • Page 170 Entering the Silicon Image BIOS RAID Configuration Utility To enter the Silicon Image BIOS RAID configuration utility: Boot up your computer. During POST, press <Ctrl+S> or <F4>. The RAID BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference only, and may not exactly match the items on your screen.
  • Page 171 Auto configuration chunk size press <Enter>. The Manual configuration following pop-up menu appears. b. Use the up or down 128K arrow keys to select a chunk size appropriate to your drive usage then press <Enter>. ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 5-51...
  • Page 172 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. c. The selection bar moves to PHYSICAL DRIVE the Physical Drive menu.
  • Page 173 The Create without data copy option disables the disk copy function of the Mirrored set. • If you selected Create without data copy, the RAID 1 set must be repartitioned and reformatted to guarantee the consistency of its contents. ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 5-53...
  • Page 174 e. If you selected MAIN MENU Create with data Auto configuration copy, the following Manual configuration online copy pop-up menu offline copy appears. The online copy option automatically copies the data to the target drives on the background while writing to the source drives. The offline copy option allows you to copy the contents of the source drive to the target drives now.

  • Page 175: Creating A Concatenation Set

    <Enter>. Press <Y> to confirm or <N> to return to the Main Menu. Configure a CONCATENATION set when using a single Serial ATA drive; otherwise, the system will not recognize the drive. ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition 5-55...

  • Page 176: Creating A Raid Driver Disk

    Creating a RAID driver disk ® A floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows 2000/XP/ Vista operating system on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set. To create a RAID driver disk: Place the motherboard support DVD into the DVD-ROM drive.

  • Page 177: Chapter 6: Nvidia Sli Technology Support

    This chapter tells how to install SLI-ready PCI Express graphics cards. ® ™ NVIDIA technology support...

  • Page 178: Chapter Summary

    Chapter summary Overview ..................6-1 Dual graphics cards setup ............6-2 ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition...

  • Page 179: Overview

    Visit the NVIDIA website (www.nvidia.com) for the ® ™ ® ™ NVIDIA technology under Windows Vista • Visit the NVIDIA zone website (http://www.nzone.com) for the latest certified graphics card and supported 3D application list. ASUS M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition...

  • Page 180: 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 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 181 Insert the second graphics card into the other slot. 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 M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition...
  • Page 182 Align and insert the SLI connector to the goldfingers on each graphics card. Make sure that the connector is firmly in place. SLI connector When installing two VGA cards using a 20-pin ATX PSU with sufficient+12v capability, we recommend that you connect the auxillary power source from the power supply to the graphics card.

  • Page 183: Installing The Device Drivers

    NVIDIA Settings icon 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 M2N32-SLI Premium Vista Edition...
  • Page 184 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. Slider Click the Enable SLI multi-GPU check box. Click OK when done.

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