Vista Edition Motherboard M2N-Plus SLI
E3166 Second Edition V2 April 2007 Copyright © 2007 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
Contents Notices......................................................................................................... vii Safety information..................................................................................... viii About this guide.......................................................................................... ix M2N-Plus SLI Vista Editionspecifications summary................................ xi Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome!..................................
Contents 2.6 2.7 Jumper......................................................................................... 2-20 Connectors.................................................................................. 2-22 2.7.1 2.7.2 Chapter 3: 3.1 3.2 3.2.1 Using the dual function power switch............................... 3-2 BIOS setup 4.1.1 ASUS Update utility......................................................... 4-1 4.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility.................................................
Contents 4.4 Advanced menu.......................................................................... 4-19 4.4.1 JumperFree Configuration............................................. 4-19 4.4.3 PCIPnP.......................................................................... 4-24 4.4.2 4.4.4 4.5 4.4.5 4.5.1 4.5.4 Hardware Monitor.......................................................... 4-32 4.6.1 Boot Device Priority....................................................... 4-34 4.6.
Contents 5.3.4 ASUS PC Probe II.......................................................... 5-16 5.3.6 ASUS AI Nap................................................................. 5-23 5.3.5 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.3.7 6.2 5.4.1 ASAP (ASUS Accelerated Propeller).....................5-32 5.5.1 Installing hard disks....................................................... 5-34 RAID configurations................................................................... 5-33 5.5.2 NVIDIA® RAID configurations.........
Notices Federal Communications Commission Statement This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: • • This device may not cause harmful interference, and This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
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.
About this guide This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the motherboard. How this guide is organized This guide contains the following parts: • Chapter 1: Product introduction This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports.
Conventions used in this guide To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task. CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task. IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task. NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition specifications summary CPU Socket AM2 for AMD Athlon™ 64 FX / AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 / AMD Athlon 64™ / AMD Sempron™ processors Supports AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology AMD64 architecture enables simultaneous 32-bit and 64-bit computing AMD Live!™ ready Chipset NVIDIA® nForce® 500 SLI™ MCP System bus 2000 / 1600 MT/s Memory Dual-channel memory architecture - 4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support unbufferred ECC/non-ECC DDR2 800/667/533 MHz memory modules - Supports up to 8 GB sy
M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition specifications summary ASUS AI Lifestyle features ASUS AI Lifestyle Vista Edition features: - AI Remote - ASAP (ASUS Accelerated Propeller) - TPM Support (the module is purchased separately) - AP Trigger *ASUS AI Remote, AP Trigger, and TPM run with both Windows® Vista and XP ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution: - ASUS AI Gear - ASUS AI Nap Overclocking features AI Overclocking (intelligent CPU frequency tuner) Stepless Frequency Selection (SFS) allows FSB tuning from 200 MHz up to 400
M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition specifications summary BIOS features 4 Mb BIOS ROM, AWARD BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.
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This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports.
Chapter summary 1 1.1 Welcome!....................................................................................... 1-1 1.3 Special features............................................................................. 1-2 1.2 Package contents..........................................................................
1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS® M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition motherboard! 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. 1.2 Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items.
1.3 Special features 1.3.1 Product highlights Latest processor technology The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2 socket that supports AMD Athlon™ 64 X2/Athlon™ 64/Athlon™ 64 FX/Sempron™ processor. With an integrated lowlatency high-bandwidth memory controller and a highly scalable HyperTransport™ technology-based system bus, the motherboard provides a powerful platform for your diverse computing needs, increased office productivity, and enhanced digital media experience. See page 2-6 for details.
PCI Express™ interface The motherboard fully supports PCI Express, the latest I/O interconnect technology that speeds up the PCI bus. PCI Express features point‑to‑point serial interconnections between devices and allows higher clockspeeds by carrying data in packets. This high speed interface is software compatible with existing PCI specifications. See page 2-18 and 2-19 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. With just a touch of the button, you can quickly do your usual computer activities such as turn ON/OFF your PC, launch your favorite applications by enabling AP Trigger function, or control AI Gear and AI Nap. The AI Remote also gives you the comfort of a traditional remote on media player.
1.3.3 ASUS Special features Fanless Design Cooling fans, though a popular thermal solution, also come with noise and malfunction likelihood. ASUS motherboard’s fanless concept is specifically created to provide a cool environment without all the baggage. ASUS has devoted special efforts to address the thermal issues across the motherboard, and most notably the areas that reside the CPU, power, Northbridge and Southbridge.
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. 1.3.4 ASUS features and the supporting OS Refer to the following table for the OS that supports ASUS features.
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.
Chapter summary 2 2.1 Before you proceed...................................................................... 2-1 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU).................................................... 2-6 2.2 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 Motherboard overview.................................................................. 2-2 System memory.......................................................................... 2-11 Expansion slots...........................................................................
2.1 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 to a metal object, such as the power supply case, before handling components to avoid damaging them due to static electricity. • Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
2.2 Motherboard overview Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard fits into it. Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 2.2.1 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in the correct orientation.
2.2.3 Motherboard layout 24.5cm (9.6in) AUDIO2 AUDIO1 M2N-PLUS SLI SEC_EIDE 30.5cm (12.
2.2.4 Layout contents Slots 1. 2. 3. 4. DDR2 DIMM slots PCI slots PCI Express x 1 slot PCI Express x16 slots Page 2-11 2-18 2-18 2-19 Jumper 1. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) Page 2-20 2. 3. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW12, USBPW34, USBPW56, USBPW78) Keyboard power (3-pin KBPWR) Rear panel connectors 1. PS/2 mouse port (green) 2. Parallel port 3. IEEE 1394a port 4. LAN (RJ-45) port. 5. Rear Speaker Out port (black) 6. Side Speaker Out port (gray) 7. Line In port (light blue) 8.
Internal connectors 1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) 2. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE, SEC_IDE) 3. NVIDIA® nForce® 500 SLI Southbridge Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1 [red], SATA2 [red], SATA3 [red], SATA4 [red]) 4. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin PWR_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN ) 5. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, ASAP) 6. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2) 7. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS) 8.
2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2 socket designed for the Athlon™ 64 X2/Athlon™ 64/Athlon™ 64FX/Sempron™ processor. The AM2 socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the AMD Opteron processor. Make sure you use a CPU designed for the AM2 socket. The CPU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and damaging the CPU! 2.3.
3. 4. 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 5. 6. 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. Install a CPU heatsink and fan following the instructions that came with the heatsink package.
2.3.2 Installing the heatsink and fan The AMD Athlon™ 64FX/Athlon™ 64/Athlon™ 64 X2/Sempron™ processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance. Make sure that you use only AMD-certified heatsink and fan assembly. To install the CPU heatsink and fan: 1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, making sure that the heatsink fits properly on the retention module base.
2. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base. 3. Align the other end of the retention bracket (near the retention bracket lock) to the retention module base. A clicking sound denotes that the retention bracket is in place. Make sure that the fan and heatsink assembly perfectly fits the retention mechanism module base, otherwise you cannot snap the retention bracket in place. 4.
5. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. M2N-PLUS SLI ® GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM CPU_FAN M2N-PLUS SLI CPU fan connector 2-10 • 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.
2.4 System memory 2.4.1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. A DDR2 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR DIMM but has a 240-pin footprint compared to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. DDR2 DIMMs are notched differently to prevent installation on a DDR DIMM socket.
• • • When using only one memory module, start installing the DDR2 DIMMs from slot DIMM_A1 or DIMM_B1 for better overclocking capability. For dual-channel configuration (2), you may: • install identical DIMMs in all four sockets OR • install identical DIMM pair in DIMM_A1 and DIMM_B1 (yellow sockets) and another identical DIMM pair in DIMM_A2 and DIMM_B2 (black sockets) Always use identical DDR2 DIMM pairs for dual channel mode.
2.4.3 Installing a DIMM Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. 2 To install a DIMM: 1. 2. 3. 3 Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the socket.
M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-800 MHz capability 2-14 SS/ Vendor Chip No.
DDR2-667 MHz capability SS/ Vendor Chip No.
DDR2-533 MHz capability SS/ Vendor Chip No. A* B* C* 256MB KINGSTON E5116AF-5C-E SS KVR533D2N4/256 • • • 512MB KINGSTON HYB18T512800AF37 SS KVR533D2N4/512 • • • 1024MB KINGSTON 5YDIID9GCT DS KVR533D2N4/1G • • • 512MB Qimonda HYB18T512800BF37 SS HYS64T64000HU-3.7-B • • • 1024MB Qimonda HYB18T512800BF37 DS HYS64T128020HU-3.
2.5 Expansion slots In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub‑sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support. Make sure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 2.5.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
2.5.
2.5.6 PCI Express x16 slots This motherboard supports two NVIDIA® SLI™-ready PCI Express x16 graphic cards that comply with PCI Express specifications. Refer to the figure below for the location of the slots. PCI Express x16_1 slot (blue) PCI slot PCI Express x1 slot PCI Express x1 slot PCI slot PCI Express x16_2 slot (black) • Connect a rear chassis fan to the chassis (CHA_FAN1) connector when using two graphics cards for better thermal environment. See page 2-26 for details.
2.6 1. 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. To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2. Remove the onboard battery. 3.
2. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW12, USBPW34, USBPW56, USBPW78) Set these jumpers to +5V to wake up the computer from S1 sleep mode (CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in low power mode) using the connected USB devices. Set to +5VSB to wake up from S3 and S4 sleep modes (no power to CPU, DRAM in slow refresh, power supply in reduced power mode). USBPW12 M2N-PLUS SLI ® 3 2 2 1 +5V (Default) 3.
2.7 Connectors 2.7.1 Rear panel connectors 1 2 3 4 56 7 8 9 14 1. 2. 3. 4. 13 12 11 10 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. IEEE 1394a port. This 6-pin IEEE 1394a port provides high-speed connectivity for audio/video devices, storage peripherals, PCs, or portable devices. LAN (RJ-45) port.
9. Microphone port (pink). This port connects a microphone. 10. Center/Subwoofer port (orange). This port connects the center/subwoofer speakers. Refer to the audio configuration table below for the function of the audio ports in 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration. Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration Port Light Blue Lime Pink Orange Black Gray 11.
2.7.2 1. 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. M2N-PLUS SLI ® FLOPPY NOTE: Orient the red markings on the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1.
NOTE: Orient the red markings (usually zigzag) on the IDE ribbon cable to PIN 1. M2N-PLUS SLI M2N-PLUS SLI IDE connectors 3. PRI_IDE SEC_IDE ® PIN 1 NVIDIA® nForce® 500 SLI Southbridge Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1 [red], SATA2 [red], SATA3 [red], SATA4 [red]) These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s hard disk and optical disk drives. The Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s is backward compatible with Serial ATA 1.5 Gb/s specification.
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. 4. right angle side CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin PWR_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN) The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350 mA~2000 mA (24 W max.) or a total of 1 A~7 A (84 W max.) at +12V.
USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB 78, ASAP) 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. USB56 PIN1 USB+5V USB_P5USB_P5+ GND NC GND USB_P10+ USB_P10USB+5V PIN1 M2N-PLUS SLI USB 2.
7. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS) This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detection sensor or switch. Connect one end of the chassis intrusion sensor or switch cable to this connector. The chassis intrusion sensor or switch sends a high-level signal to this connector when a chassis component is removed or replaced. The signal is then generated as a chassis intrusion event.
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. • Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when configuring a system with more power-consuming devices. The system may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.
11. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port(s). Connect the S/PDIF Out module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. M2N-PLUS SLI SPDIF_OUT ® GND SPDIFOUT +5V M2N-PLUS SLI Digital audio connector The S/PDIF module is purchased separately. 12.
13. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. PANEL M2N-PLUS SLI ® SPEAKER PLED Speaker Ground Ground +5V PLEDPLED+ Ground Reset RESET Ground PWR PWRSW IDE_LEDIDE_LED+ IDE_LED * Requires an ATX power supply.
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 QConnector. 1. Connect the front panel cables to the ASUS Q-Connector. Refer to the labels on the Q-Connector to know the detailed pin definitions, then match them to the respective front panel cable labels. 2-32 2.
This chapter describes the power up sequence, the vocal POST messages, and ways of shutting down the system.
Chapter summary 3.1 3.2 3 Starting up for the first time......................................................... 3-1 Turning off the computer..............................................................
3.1 Starting up for the first time 1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover. 3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis. 2. 4. 5. Be sure that all switches are off. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector. Turn on the devices in the following order: a. Monitor c. System power b. 6. 7.
3.2 Turning off the computer 3.2.1 Using the OS shut down function If you are using Windows® 2000: 1. 2. 3. 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® shuts down. If you are using Windows® XP: 1. Click the Start button then select Turn Off Computer. 3. The power supply should turn off after Windows® shuts down. 2.
This chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
Chapter summary 4 4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS............................................. 4-1 4.3 Main menu................................................................................... 4-14 4.2 4.4 4.5 BIOS setup program................................................................... 4-10 Advanced menu.......................................................................... 4-19 Power menu................................................................................. 4-29 4.
4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup. 1. ASUS Update (Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.) 3. Award BIOS Flash Utility (Updates the BIOS using a bootable floppy disk / USB flash disk or a CD ROM.) ASUS EZ Flash 2 (Updates the BIOS in DOS using a floppy disk / USB flash disk, or the motherboard support CD.) 2.
Quit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility. Updating the BIOS through the Internet To update the BIOS through the Internet: 4- 1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update main window appears. 2. Select Update BIOS from the Internet option from the drop‑down menu, then click Next. 3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network traffic, or click Auto Select.
4. 5. From the FTP site, select the BIOS version that you wish to download. Click Next. Follow the screen instructions to complete the update process. The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself through the Internet. Always update the utility to avail all its features. Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file To update the BIOS through a BIOS file: 1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate.
4.1.2 1. 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 . Windows® XP environment a. Insert a 1.44 MB floppy disk to the floppy disk drive. b. Click Start from the Windows® desktop, then select My Computer. c. Select the 3 1/2 Floppy Drive icon. d. Click File from the menu, then select Format.
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 + during the Power-On Self Tests (POST). To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2: 1. 2. 3. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard.
4.1.4 Updating the BIOS The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) can be updated using the AwardBIOS Flash Utility. Follow these instructions to update the BIOS using this utility. 1. Download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS web site. Rename the file to M2NPLUSSLI.BIN and save it to a floppy disk, CD ROM or a USB flash disk in FAT 16/12 format. Save only the updated BIOS file in the disk to avoid loading the wrong BIOS file. 2. 3. 4. 5. 4- Copy the AwardBIOS Flash Utility (awdflash.
6. Type the BIOS file name in the File Name to Program field, then press . AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.14 (C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved For NF590-SLI-M2N-PLUS SLI DATE:03/30/2006 Flash Type - PMC Pm49FL004T LPC/FWH File Name to Program: M2NPLUSV.bin Message: Do You Want To Save Bios (Y/N) 7. 8. Press when the utility prompts you to save the current BIOS file. The following screen appears.
4.1.5 Saving the current BIOS file You can use the AwardBIOS Flash Utility to save the current BIOS file. You can load the current BIOS file when the BIOS file gets corrupted during the flashing process. Make sure that the floppy disk, CD ROM or a USB flash disk has enough disk space to save the file. To save the current BIOS file using the AwardBIOS Flash Utility: 1. 2. Follow steps 1 to 6 of the previous section. Press when the utility prompts you to save the current BIOS file.
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 CD, the floppy disk, or the USB flash disk that contains the updated BIOS file. Prepare the motherboard support CD, the floppy disk or the USB flash disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility.
4.2 BIOS setup program This motherboard supports a programmable Low-Pin Count (LPC) chip that you can update using the provided utility described in section “4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS.” Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconfiguring your system, or prompted to “Run Setup.” This section explains how to configure your system using this utility. Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you can change the configuration of your computer in the future.
4.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Main Menu bar Advanced Power Configuration fields Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot Tools Exit System Time System Date 15 : 30 : 36 Thu, Apr 6 2006 Legacy Diskette A: [1.44M, 3.5 in.
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.
4.2.7 Pop-up window Select a menu item then press to display a pop-up window with the configuration options for that item. Main Advanced Power Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot Tools Exit System Time System Date 15 : 30 : 36 Thu, Apr 6 2006 Legacy Diskette A: [1.44M, 3.5 in.] A: [None] [None] ..... [ ] [None] ..... [ ] [None] ..... [ ] [None] [None] [None] [None] [Disabled] Legacy Diskette Primary IDE Master Primary IDE SlaveDisabled Secondary IDE Master 720K , 3.5 in.
4.3 Main menu When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic system information. Refer to section 4.2.1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen items and how to navigate through them. Main Advanced Power Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot Tools Exit System Time System Date 15 : 30 : 36 Thu, Apr 6 2006 Legacy Diskette A: [1.44M, 3.5 in.
4.3.4 Primary/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 to display the IDE device information.
Capacity Displays the auto-detected hard disk capacity. This item is not configurable. Cylinder Shows the number of the hard disk cylinders. This item is not configurable. Head Shows the number of the hard disk read/write heads. This item is not configurable. Sector Shows the number of sectors per track. This item is not configurable. PIO Mode [Auto] Sets the PIO mode for the IDE device.
4.3.5 SATA1~4 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 to display the SATA device information.
Head Shows the number of the hard disk read/write heads. This item is not configurable. Landing Zone Shows the number of landing zone per track. This item is not configurable. Sector Shows the number of sectors per track. This item is not configurable. After entering the IDE hard disk drive information into BIOS, use a disk utility, such as FDISK, to partition and format new IDE hard disk drives. This is necessary so that you can write or read data from the hard disk.
4.4 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. Main Advanced Power Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot Tools Exit Select Menu JumperFree Configuration Item Specific Help CPU Configuration PCIPnP Onboard Device Configuration SLI Configuration F1:Help ESC: Exit 4.4.
AI Tuning [Auto] Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU internal frequency. Selct either one of the preset overclocking configuration options: Manual Allows you to individually set overclocking parameters. Auto Loads the optimal settings for the system. Standard Loads the standard settings for the system. AI Overclock Loads overclocking profiles with optimal parameters for stability when overclocking.
4.4.2 CPU Configuration Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced Select Menu CPU Configuration CPU Type AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3000+ CPU Speed 1600 MHz Cache RAM 256K DRAM Configuration Hyper Transport Frequency AMD Live! AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Function F1:Help ESC: Exit Item Specific Help DRAM timing and control.
DRAM Timing Control Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced DRAM Timing Control Load Fail-Safe Defaults Precomp Landing Zone Precomp Landing Zone Precomp Landing Zone Precomp Landing Zone USB Keyboard Support USB Mouse Support Precomp x Power On By Button Onboard FDC controller CKE Fine Delay CKE Setup Time CS/ODT Fine Delay F1:Help ESC: Exit ↑↓ : Select Item →←: Select Menu 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 [Disabled] [Disabled] 0 Enabeld [Enabled] [Auto] [Auto] [Auto] -/+: Change Value Enter: Select Sub-menu S
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] Trc [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [11] [12] [13]~[25] [26] Twr [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [3] [4] [5] [6] Trrd [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [2] [3] [4] [5] Trwt [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] Twtr [Auto] Configuration
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Function [Disabled] Enables or disables the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet technology. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] 4.4.3 PCIPnP Advanced Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility PCIPnP Select Menu Plug & Play O/S [No] Item Specific Help Primary Display Adapter [PCI] Select Yes if you are using a Plug and Play capable operating system. Select No if you need the BIOS to configure non-boot devices.
IDE Function Setup This sub-menu contains IDE function-related items. Select an item then press to edit.
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] NVRAID Configuration This item in this sub-menu allows you to set up RAID feature.
USB Configuration The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an item then press to display the configuration options. Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced USB Configuration USB Controller USB2.0 Controller USB Legacy support [Enabled] [Enabled] [Enabled] Select Menu Item Specific Help Enable or Disable USB 1.1 and 2.0 Controller. USB Controller [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the onchip USB controller.
Onboard 1394 [Enabled] Enable or Disable Onboard 1394. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address. Configuration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4] [2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3] [Auto] Parallel Port Address [378/IRQ7] Allows you to select the Parallel Port base addresses. Configuration options: [Disabled] [378/IRQ7] [278/IRQ5] [3BC/IRQ7] Parallel Port Mode [EPP] Allows you to select the Parallel Port mode.
4.5 Power menu The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) and the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an item then press to display the configuration options. Main Advanced Power Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot Tools Exit ACPI Suspend Type ACPI APIC support APM Configuration Hardware Monitor 4.5.1 [S1&S3] [Enabled] Select Menu Item Specific Help Select the ACPI state used for System Suspend.
4.5.
Date (of Month) Alarm [xx] To set the date of alarm, highlight this item then press <+> or <-> to make the selection (Min=0; Max=31). Alarm Time (hh:mm:ss) [xx:xx:xx] To set the time of alarm, use or < → > / < ← > to select a field, then press <+> or <-> to make the selection (Min=0, Max=23 for the hour field; Min=0, Max=59 for the minutes/seconds field).
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 to display the configuration options. Power Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Hardware Monitor x x Select Menu CPU Q-Fan Control CPU Q-Fan Profile Chassis Q-Fan Control Chassis Q-Fan Profile Vcore Voltage 3.
Chassis Q-Fan Profile [Performance] Allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the chassis Q-Fan. When set to [Optimal], the chassis fan automatically adjusts depending on the chassis temperature. Set this item to [Silent] to minimize fan speed for quiet chassis fan operation, or [Performance] to achieve maximum chassis fan speed. Configuration options: [Performance] [Optimal] [Silent] Vcore Voltage, 3.
4.6 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press to display the sub-menu. Main Advanced Power Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot Tools Exit Select Menu Boot Device Priority Removable Drives Hard Disk Drives CDROM Drives Boot Settings Configuration Security F1:Help ESC: Exit 4.6.
4.6.2 Removable Drives Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot Removable Drives 1. Floppy Disks Select Menu Item Specific Help 1. Floppy Disks Allows you to assign a removable drive attached to the system. 4.6.3 Hard Disk Drives Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot Hard Disk Drives 1. SATA1: XXXXXXXXX Select Menu Item Specific Help 1. SATA1: XXXXXXXXX Allows you to assign hard disk drives attached to the system. 4.6.
4.6.
Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec) [6] Allows you to select the rate at which a character repeats when you hold a key. Configuration options: [6] [8] [10] [12] [15] [20] [24] [30] Typematic Delay (Msec) [250] Allows you to set the delay before keystrokes begin to repeat. Configuration options: [250] [500] [750] [1000] OS Select for DRAM > 64MB [Non-OS2] Set this item to OS2 only when you are running on an OS/2 operating system with an installed RAM of greater than 64 KB.
3. When prompted, confirm the password by typing the exact characters again, then press . The password field setting is changed to Set. To clear the password: 1. Select the password field and press twice. The following message appears: PASSWORD DISABLED !!! Press any key to continue... 2. Press any key to continue. The password field setting is changed to Clear. A note about passwords The Supervisor password is required to enter the BIOS Setup program preventing unauthorized access.
4.7 Tools menu The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select an item then press to display the sub-menu. Main Advanced Power Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot Tools Exit ASUS EZ Flash 2 Select Menu Item Specific Help Press Enter to Run ASUS EZ Flash 2 F1:Help ESC: Exit 4.7.1 ↑↓ : Select Item →←: Select Menu -/+: Change Value Enter: Select Sub-menu F5: Setup Defaults F10: Save and Exit ASUS EZ Flash 2 Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2.
4.8 Exit menu The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. Main Advanced Power Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot Tools Exit Exit & Save Changes Exit & Discard Changes Load Setup Default Discard Changes Select Menu Item Specific Help This option save data to CMOS and exiting the setup menu. Pressing does not immediately exit this menu.
This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with the motherboard package.
Chapter summary 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5 Installing an operating system.................................................... 5-1 Support CD information............................................................... 5-1 Software informtion...................................................................... 5-9 Windows® Vista feature.............................................................. 5-32 RAID configurations...................................................................
5.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows® 2000/XP/64-bit XP/Vista/64-bit Vista operating systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware. 5.2 • Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Use the setup procedures presented in this chapter for reference only. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed information.
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. ASUS InstAll-Installation Wizard for Drivers Installs all of the drivers through the Installation Wizard. NVIDIA nForce Chipset Driver Installs the NVIDIA® Chipset drivers for the NVIDIA® nForce® 500 SLI chipset. C-Media CM6501 Audio Driver Installs the C-Media CM6501 audio driver and application.
5.2.3 Utilities menu The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports. ASUS InstAll-Installation Wizard for Utilities Installs all of the utilities through the Installation Wizard. ASUS PC Probe II This smart utility monitors the fan speed, CPU temperature, and system voltages, and alerts you of any detected problems. This utility helps you keep your computer in healthy operating condition.
You can also install the following utilities from the ASUS Superb Software Library CD. ADOBE Acrobat Reader V7.0 Installs the Adobe® Acrobat® Reader that allows you to open, view, and print documents in Portable Document Format (PDF). Microsoft DirectX 9.0c Installs the Microsoft® DirectX 9.0 driver. The Microsoft DirectX® 9.0 is a multimedia technology that enhances computer graphics and sound.
5.2.4 Make Disk menu The Make Disk menu contains items to create the NVIDIA® nForce™ 500-SLI SATA RAID driver disk. NVIDIA 32/64bit 2000/XP/Vista SATA RAID Driver Allows you to create an NVIDIA® Serial ATA RAID driver disk for a 32/64-bit 2000/ XP/Vista system.
5.2.5 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® Reader from the ASUS Superb Software Library CD 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.
5.2.7 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. Click an icon to display the specified information. Motherboard Info Displays the general specifications of the motherboard. 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.
5.3 Software information Most of the applications in the support CD have wizards that will conveniently guide you through the installation. View the online help or readme file that came with the software application for more information. 5.3.1 ASUS MyLogo2™ The ASUS MyLogo2™ utility lets you customize the boot logo. The boot logo is the image that appears on screen during the Power‑On‑Self-Tests (POST).
7. When the logo images appear on the right window pane, select an image to enlarge by clicking on it. 8. Adjust the boot image to your desired size by selecting a value on the Ratio box. 9. 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.
5.3.2 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology The motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology that dynamically and automatically change the CPU speed, voltage, and amount of power depending on the task the CPU performs. Enabling Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology To enable Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology: 1. 2. 3. 4. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Turn on the system and enter BIOS by pressing the key during the Power On Self-Tests (POST).
• Make sure to install the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ driver and application before using this feature. • The AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ technology feature works only with the AMD heatsink and fan assembly with monitor chip • If you purchased a separate heatsink and fan package, use the ASUS Q-Fan technology feature to automatically adjust the CPU fan speed according to your system loading.
5.3.3 C-Media CM6501 audio utility The C-Media Superior Quality Audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability through the C-Media 6501 sound configuration software to deliver the ultimate audio experience on your computer. The software provides high quality audio synthesis/rendering, 3D sound positioning, and S/PDIF Out support. Follow the installation wizard to install the C-Media CM6501 Audio Driver from the support CD that came with the motherboard package.
7.1 Virtual Speaker Shifter Click to enable this function. Click to adjust the volume. Click to arrange the position of the virtual speakers. Click to reset the speaker positions. Click to effect the settings and exit. Mixer The Mixer option allows you to configure audio output/input (record) volume. Click the control tab and turn the volume button to adjust the output volume.
Effect The Effect option allows you to set your listening environment, adjust the equalizer, or select pre-programmed equalizer settings for your listening pleasure. Click the shortcut buttons or the drop-down menus for options on changing the acoustic environment. You may manually adjust the equalizer or select a predefined mode according to music genre. To select an environment size, simply click the shortcut buttons. Click OK to effect the settings and exit.
5.3.4 ASUS PC Probe II PC Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects and alerts you of any problem with these components. PC Probe II senses fan rotations, CPU temperature, and system voltages, among others. Because PC Probe II is software-based, you can start monitoring your computer the moment you turn it on. With this utility, you are assured that your computer is always at a healthy operating condition. Refer to page 1-6 for the OS that supports this utility.
Button Function Opens the Configuration window Opens the Report window Opens the Desktop Management Interface window Opens the Peripheral Component Interconnect window Opens the Windows Management Instrumentation window Opens the hard disk drive, memory, CPU usage window Shows/Hides the Preference section Minimizes the application Closes the application Sensor alert When a system sensor detects a problem, the main window right handle turns red, as the illustrations below show.
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.
Monitoring sensor alert The monitor panel turns red when a component value exceeds or is lower than the threshold value. Refer to the illustrations below. Small display Large display WMI browser Click to display the WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation) browser. This browser displays various Windows® management information. Click an item from the left panel to display on the right panel. Click the plus sign (+) before WMI Information to display the available information.
PCI browser Click to display the PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) browser. This browser provides information on the PCI devices installed on your system. Click the plus sign (+) before the PCI Information item to display available information. Usage The Usage browser displays real-time information on the CPU, hard disk drive space, and memory usage. Click to display the Usage browser. CPU usage The CPU tab displays realtime CPU usage in line graph representation.
Memory usage The Memory tab shows both used and available physical memory. The pie chart at the bottom of the window represents the used (blue) and the available physical memory. Configuring PC Probe II Click to view and adjust the sensor threshold values. The Config window has two tabs: Sensor/Threshold and Preference. The Sensor/ Threshold tab enables you to activate the sensors or to adjust the sensor threshold values.
5.3.5 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. After installing AI Gear from the bundled support CD, you can launch AI Gear by double-clicking the AI Gear icon on your Windows OS taskbar. Shift the gear to the performance setting that you like.
5.3.6 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 Nap from the bundled support CD, you can launch the utility by double-clicking the AI Nap icon on the Windows OS taskbar. Click Yes on the confirmation screen. To exit AI Nap mode, press the system power or mouse button then click Yes on the confirmation screen.
5.3.7 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. Overview of the ASUS AI Remote 1. Power 3. AI Gear 2. Full Screen 4. AI Nap 5. AP-1/2 Trigger 6. AP Menu Volume Up 7. Media Control Zone Play/Pause Next Previous Volume Down 1. Power: Turns the computer on/off. 2. Full Screen: Puts the media application into full screen. 3.
USB IR Receiver Your motherboard will come bundled with a IR Receiver, simply connect the USB end to your PC USB ports under the LAN2 port and place the IR receiver end at a suitable place without hindrance. ASUS >>USB receiver IR Receiver USB end Infrared end USB Ports 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.
Activating HID-Compliant Devices Due to the limitation of the operating system, if you remove the IR receiver from the previous port and have it reinstall into the other USB port, the IR receiver will not function. To activate the HID-compliant devices again, go to Device Manager/ Power Manager and check the box of Allow this device to bring the computer out of standby. 5-26 1. Click Windows icon and choose Control Panel. 2. Double click System and Maintenance. 3. Click Device Manager. 4.
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 2 3 1. Power On / Off Key Enable power key Click this box to enable this power button. Enable power on after power loss Click this box to restart the system after the AC power loss.
2. AP-1/2 You are allowed to configure two sets of applications for AP-1 Trigger and AP-2 Trigger buttons. After the setup, you can easily launch the pre-defined application by pressing the designated button. (1) Click the box before Use Profile, and you are able to select a default application from the drop-down menu. (2) To launch a non-default application, unclick the box before Use Profile. (3) Click the Browse button and locate the executable (.
AP Menu Button and Application menu Navigate with the media control zone. upward leftward downward rightward enter 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. Select Application Path If the software fails to locate the executable file of the applicaton at the first-time use, the Select Application Path screen will appear.
Define Hotkeys for Application 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. User Define After clicking the box before Use Hotkeys for Application, you are free to define the hotkeys of the User Define applications.
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.
5.4 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 1-6 for the OS that supports ASAP. Before activating ASAP, install the ASAP utility from the bundled support CD. To activate ASAP: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. From the Windows® Vista desktop, click Start > Computer.
5.5 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.
If you want to boot the system from a hard disk drive included in a RAID set, copy first the RAID driver from the support CD to a floppy disk before you install an operating system to a selected hard disk drive. Refer to section 5.6 Creating a RAID driver disk for details. 5.5.1 Installing hard disks The motherboard supports Ultra DMA /133/100/66 and Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal performance, install identical drives of the same model and capacity when creating a disk array.
5.5.2 NVIDIA® RAID configurations The motherboard includes a high performance IDE RAID controller integrated in the NVIDIA® SLI southbridge chipset. It supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, and JBOD with four independent Serial ATA channels. Setting the BIOS RAID items After installing the hard disk drives, make sure to set the necessary RAID items in the BIOS before setting your RAID configuration. To set the BIOS RAID items: 1. 2. 3. 4.
Entering the NVIDIA® RAID utility To enter the NVIDIA® RAID utility: 1. 2. Boot up your computer. During POST, press to display the main menu of the utility. The RAID BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference only, and may not exactly match the items on your screen. NVIDIA RAID Utility Oct 5 2004 - Define a New Array RAID Mode: Striping Striping Block: Free Disks Loc Disk Model Name Array Disks Loc Disk Model Name 1.0.M 1.1.M 2.0.M 2.1.
2. Press select the Striping Block then press . The following submenu appears: 8K ↑ 16K 32K 64K 128K Optim↓ If you selected Striping or Stripe Mirroring, use the up or down arrow keys to select the stripe size for your RAID 0 array then press .The available values range from 8 KB to 128 KB. The default selection is 128 KB. The strip value should be chosen based on the planned drive usage.
NVIDIA RAID Utility Oct 5 2004 - Array List Boot Id Status Vendor Array Model Name No 4 Healthy NVIDIA MIRROR [Ctrl-X]Exit 6. [↑↓]Select [B]Set Boot XXX.XXG [N]New Array [ENTER]Detail A new set of navigation keys is displayed on the bottom of the screen. Press to save settings and exit. Rebuilding a RAID array To rebuild a RAID array: 1. From the Array List menu, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID array then press . The RAID Array details appear.
2. A new set of navigation keys is displayed on the bottom of the screen. Press 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 Channel M/S Index Disk Model Name Capacity 2 1 1 0 Master Master 0 1 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX.XXGB XXX.XXGB [↑↓] Select [F6] Back 3.
Deleting a RAID array To delete a RAID array: 1. From the Array List menu, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID array then press . The RAID Array details appear. Array 1 : NVIDIA MIRROR XXX.XXG - Array Detail RAID Mode: Mirroring Striping Width: 1 Adapt Channel M/S Index Disk Model Name Capacity 2 1 1 0 Master Master 0 1 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX.XXGB XXX.XXGB [R] Rebuild 2.
Clearing a disk data To clear disk data: 1. From the Array List menu, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID array then press . The RAID Array details appear. Array 1 : NVIDIA MIRROR XXX.XXG - Array Detail RAID Mode: Mirroring Striping Width: 1 Adapt Channel M/S Index Disk Model Name Capacity 2 1 1 0 Master Master 0 1 XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX.XXGB XXX.XXGB [R] Rebuild 2.
5.6 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: 1. Place the motherboard support CD into the CD-ROM drive. 3. From the Make Disk menu, select the RAID driver disk you want to create or browse the contents of the support CD to locate the driver disk utility. 2. Select Make Disk tab. Refer to section 5.2.4 Make Disk menu for details.
This chapter tells how to install SLI‑ready PCI Express graphics cards.
Chapter summary 6.1 6.2 Overview........................................................................................ 6-1 Dual graphics cards setup...........................................................
6.1 Overview The motherboard supports the NVIDIA® SLI™ (Scalable Link Interface)‑Intel® Edition technology that allows you to install two identical PCI Express™ x16 graphics cards. Follow the installation procedures in this section. Requirements • • • You should have two identical SLI-ready graphics cards that are NVIDIA® certified. Make sure that your graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA® SLI™ technology. Download the latest driver from the NVIDIA website (www.nvidia. com).
6.2 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: 1. Prepare two graphics cards. Each graphics card should have goldfingers for the SLI connector. Goldfingers 2. 6- Remove the metal bracket covers opposite the two PCI Express x16 slots.
3. Insert one graphics card into either the blue or black slot. Make sure that the card is properly seated on the slot. 4. 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.
5. Align and insert the SLI connector to the goldfingers on each graphics card. Make sure that the connector is firmly in place. SLI connector 6. 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. Refer to the PSU documentation for dual VGA power requirements. 7. Connect a VGA cable or a DVI-I cable to the graphics card/s.
6.2.2 Installing the device drivers Refer to the documentation that came with your graphics card package to install the device drivers. Make sure that your PCI Express graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA SLI technology. Download the latest driver from the NVIDIA website (www.nvidia. com). 6.2.3 Enabling the multi-GPU feature in Windows® After installing your graphics cards and the device drivers, enable the Multi‑Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) feature in the NVIDIA nView properties.
5. From the Display Properties dialog box, select the Settings tab then click Advanced. 6. Select the NVIDIA GeForce tab. 7. Click the slider to display the following screen, then select the SLI multi‑GPU item. Slider 8. 9. 6- Click the Enable SLI multi-GPU check box. Click OK when done.
