Asus Deluxe M2N32 SLI User Manual

M2N32-SLI  
Deluxe  
Contents  
Notices........................................................................................................ vii  
Safety information .................................................................................... viii  
About this guide ......................................................................................... ix  
M2N32-SLI Deluxe specifications summary............................................. xi  
Chapter 1:  
Product introduction  
1.1  
1.2  
1.3  
Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1  
Package contents......................................................................... 1-1  
Special features............................................................................ 1-2  
1.3.1  
1.3.2  
1.3.3  
1.3.4  
Product highlights ........................................................... 1-2  
ASUS AI Lifestyle features ............................................. 1-5  
ASUS Special features ................................................... 1-6  
ASUS Intelligent Overclocking features.......................... 1-8  
Chapter 2:  
Hardware information  
2.1  
2.2  
Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1  
Motherboard overview................................................................. 2-2  
2.2.1  
2.2.2  
2.2.3  
2.2.4  
2.2.5  
Placement direction ........................................................ 2-2  
Screw holes .................................................................... 2-2  
ASUS Stack Cool 2......................................................... 2-3  
Motherboard layout......................................................... 2-4  
Layout contents............................................................... 2-5  
2.3  
2.4  
Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-7  
2.3.1  
2.3.2  
Installing the CPU ........................................................... 2-7  
Installing the heatsink and fan ........................................ 2-9  
System memory ......................................................................... 2-12  
2.4.1  
2.4.2  
2.4.3  
2.4.4  
Overview....................................................................... 2-12  
Memory configurations.................................................. 2-12  
Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 2-14  
Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 2-14  
2.5  
Expansion slots.......................................................................... 2-16  
2.5.1  
2.5.2  
2.5.3  
2.5.4  
2.5.5  
2.5.6  
Installing an expansion card ......................................... 2-16  
Configuring an expansion card ..................................... 2-16  
Interrupt assignments ................................................... 2-17  
PCI slots........................................................................ 2-18  
PCI Express x4 slot....................................................... 2-18  
Two PCI Express x16 slots ........................................... 2-18  
iii  
Contents  
2.6  
2.7  
Jumper ........................................................................................ 2-19  
Connectors ................................................................................. 2-20  
2.7.1  
2.7.2  
Rear panel connectors.................................................. 2-20  
Internal connectors ....................................................... 2-23  
Chapter 3:  
Powering up  
3.1  
Starting up for the first time........................................................ 3-1  
3.2  
Powering off the computer.......................................................... 3-2  
3.2.1  
3.2.2  
Using the OS shut down function.................................... 3-2  
Using the dual function power switch.............................. 3-2  
Chapter 4:  
4.1  
BIOS setup  
Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 4-1  
4.1.1  
4.1.2  
4.1.3  
4.1.4  
4.1.5  
4.1.6  
ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 4-1  
Creating a bootable floppy disk....................................... 4-4  
ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility................................................... 4-5  
Updating the BIOS.......................................................... 4-6  
Saving the current BIOS file............................................ 4-8  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ...................................... 4-9  
4.2  
BIOS setup program .................................................................. 4-10  
4.2.1  
4.2.2  
4.2.3  
4.2.4  
4.2.5  
4.2.6  
4.2.7  
4.2.8  
BIOS menu screen.........................................................4-11  
Menu bar........................................................................4-11  
Legend bar.................................................................... 4-12  
Menu items ................................................................... 4-12  
Sub-menu items............................................................ 4-12  
Configuration fields ....................................................... 4-12  
Pop-up window ............................................................. 4-13  
General help ................................................................. 4-13  
4.3  
Main menu .................................................................................. 4-14  
4.3.1  
4.3.2  
4.3.3  
4.3.4  
4.3.5  
4.3.6  
System Time ................................................................ 4-14  
System Date ................................................................. 4-14  
Language...................................................................... 4-14  
Legacy Diskette A ........................................................ 4-14  
Primary IDE Master/Slave............................................. 4-15  
SATA1-6..........................................................................................4-17  
iv  
Contents  
4.3.7  
4.3.8  
4.3.9  
HDD SMART Monitoring............................................... 4-18  
Installed Memory........................................................... 4-18  
Usable Memory............................................................. 4-18  
4.4  
Advanced menu ......................................................................... 4-19  
4.4.1  
4.4.2  
4.4.3  
4.4.4  
4.4.5  
4.4.6  
4.4.7  
JumperFree Configuration ............................................ 4-19  
LAN Cable Status ......................................................... 4-22  
PEG Link Mode............................................................. 4-23  
CPU Configuration........................................................ 4-23  
Chipset.......................................................................... 4-27  
PCIPnP ......................................................................... 4-28  
Onboard Device Configuration...................................... 4-29  
4.5  
4.6  
Power menu................................................................................ 4-32  
4.5.1  
4.5.2  
4.5.3  
2.5.4  
ACPI Suspend Type...................................................... 4-32  
ACPI APIC Support....................................................... 4-32  
APM Configuration........................................................ 4-33  
Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 4-35  
Boot menu .................................................................................. 4-37  
4.6.1  
4.6.2  
4.6.3  
4.6.4  
4.6.5  
4.6.6  
Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 4-37  
Removable Drives......................................................... 4-38  
Hard Disk Drives........................................................... 4-38  
CDROM Drives ............................................................. 4-38  
Boot Settings Configuration ......................................... 4-39  
Security......................................................................... 4-40  
4.7  
4.8  
Tools menu ................................................................................. 4-42  
4.7.1  
4.7.2  
4.7.4  
ASUS Music Alarm........................................................ 4-42  
ASUS O.C. Profile......................................................... 4-44  
ASUS EZ Flash 2.......................................................... 4-46  
Exit menu.................................................................................... 4-47  
v
Contents  
Chapter 5:  
Software support  
5.1  
5.2  
Installing an operating system ................................................... 5-1  
Support CD information .............................................................. 5-1  
5.2.1  
5.2.2  
5.2.3  
5.2.4  
5.2.5  
5.2.6  
5.2.7  
Running the support CD ................................................. 5-1  
Drivers menu................................................................... 5-2  
Utilities menu .................................................................. 5-3  
Make Disk menu ............................................................. 5-4  
Manuals menu ................................................................ 5-5  
ASUS Contact information.............................................. 5-6  
Other information ............................................................ 5-6  
5.3  
Software information  
5.3.1  
5.3.2  
5.3.3  
5.3.4  
5.3.5  
5.3.6  
5.3.7  
ASUS MyLogo3 .............................................................. 5-8  
Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology.......................................... 5-10  
ASUS PC Probe II......................................................... 5-13  
ASUS Ai Gear ............................................................... 5-19  
ASUS Ai Nap................................................................. 5-21  
ASUS Music Alarm........................................................ 5-22  
SoundMAX ADI1988..................................................... 5-25  
5.4  
RAID configurations .................................................................. 5-30  
5.4.1  
5.4.2  
5.4.3  
Installing hard disks ...................................................... 5-31  
NVIDIA® MediaShield RAID configurations.................. 5-32  
Silicon Image RAID configurations ............................... 5-39  
5.5  
Creating a RAID driver disk....................................................... 5-46  
Chapter 6:  
NVIDIA® SLI™ technology support  
6.1  
6.2  
Overview ....................................................................................... 6-1  
Dual graphics card setup ............................................................ 6-2  
6.2.1  
6.2.2  
6.2.3  
Installing SLI-ready graphics cards................................. 6-2  
Installing the device drivers............................................. 6-5  
Enabling the multi-GPU feature in Windows® ................ 6-5  
vi  
Notices  
Federal Communications Commission Statement  
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the  
following two conditions:  
This device may not cause harmful interference, and  
This device must accept any interference received including interference that  
may cause undesired operation.  
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a  
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are  
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a  
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio  
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s  
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,  
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If  
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,  
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is  
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following  
measures:  
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.  
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the  
receiver is connected.  
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.  
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is  
required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modifications  
to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance  
could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.  
Canadian Department of Communications Statement  
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions  
from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the  
Canadian Department of Communications.  
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.  
vii  
Safety information  
Electrical safety  
To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the  
electrical outlet before relocating the system.  
When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the  
power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are  
connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system  
before you add a device.  
Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure  
that all power cables are unplugged.  
Seek professional assistance before using an adpater or extension cord.  
These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.  
Make sure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area.  
If you are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using,  
contact your local power company.  
If the power supply is broken, do not try to fix it by yourself. Contact a  
qualified service technician or your retailer.  
Operation safety  
Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all  
the manuals that came with the package.  
Before using the product, make sure all cables are correctly connected and the  
power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer  
immediately.  
To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from  
connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.  
Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in  
any area where it may become wet.  
Place the product on a stable surface.  
If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified  
service technician or your retailer.  
viii  
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.  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
This chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform  
when installing system components. It includes description of the switches,  
jumpers, and connectors on the motherboard.  
Chapter 3: Powering up  
This chapter describes the power up sequence and ways of shutting down  
the system.  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup  
menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.  
Chapter 5: Software support  
This chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with the  
motherboard package.  
Where to find more information  
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and  
software updates.  
1.  
2.  
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. These documents are not  
part of the standard package.  
ix  
Conventions used in this guide  
To make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following  
symbols used throughout this manual.  
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself  
when trying to complete a task.  
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components  
when trying to complete a task.  
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a  
task.  
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a  
task.  
Typography  
Bold text  
Italics  
Indicates a menu or an item to select.  
Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.  
<Key>  
Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign  
means that you must press the enclosed key.  
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the  
Enter or Return key.  
<Key1+Key2+Key3>  
If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the  
key names are linked with a plus sign (+).  
Example: <Ctrl+Alt+D>  
Command  
Means that you must type the command exactly  
as shown, then supply the required item or value  
enclosed in brackets.  
Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line:  
awdflash M2N32SLI.bin  
x
M2N32-SLI Deluxe specifications summary  
CPU  
Socket AM2 for AMD Athlon™ 64 X2/  
Athlon™64 /Athlon™ FX/Sempron™ processor  
Supports AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology  
AMD64 architecture enables simultaneous 32-bit and  
64-bit computing  
AMD LIVE!™ Ready  
Chipset  
NVIDIA® nForce® 590 SLI™ MCP  
NVIDIA® LinkBoost™ Technology  
System bus  
Memory  
2000 / 1600 MT/s  
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 system memory  
Expansion slots  
2 x PCI Express™ x16 slots with NVIDIA® SLI™ support  
at full x16, x16 speed  
1 x PCI Express™ x4 slot (supports PCI Express™ x4 or  
x1 card)  
1 x PCI Express™ x1 slot  
2 x PCI 2.2 slots  
Scalable Link Interface  
(SLI™)  
Supports two identical NVIDIA® SLI™-ready graphics  
cards, both at x16 mode  
ASUS two-slot thermal design  
ASUS PEG Link  
Storage  
NVIDIA® nForce® 590 SLI™ MCP supports:  
-
-
-
1 x IDE connector for up to two Ultra DMA  
133/100/66/33 devices  
6 x Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors support six  
Serial ATA devices  
RAID 0, RAID1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD  
configurations spanning across Serial ATA drives  
via the onboard NVIDIA® MediaShield™ RAID  
controller  
Silicon Image® Sil3132 Serial ATA controller supports:  
-
-
1 x Internal Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s  
1 x External Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s on the rear panel  
with Port Multiplier function (SATA-On-The-Go)  
RAID 0, RAID 1, and JBOD configuration  
-
LAN  
Dual Gigabit LAN controllers support NVIDIA® DualNet  
technology  
NVIDIA® nForce® 590 SLI™ MCP built-in dual Gigabit  
MAC with external Marvell® PHY  
-
-
Supports Teaming and Fail-Over functions  
Supports TCP/IP Acceleration  
(continued on the next page)  
xi  
M2N32-SLI Deluxe specifications summary  
High Definition Audio  
SoundMAX® ADI AD1988B 8-channel CODEC  
Supports Jack-Sensing, Enumeration, Multi-Streaming,  
and Jack-Retasking Technology  
Optical and Coaxial S/PDIF Out interfaces  
Supports DTS® Connect function  
Wireless LAN (Optional)  
IEEE 1394  
Wi-Fi-AP Solo USB wireless module supports IEEE  
802.11 b/g  
T1 1394 controller supports:  
-
2 x IEEE 1394a connectors (1 at mid-board, 1 on  
the rear panel)  
USB  
Wireless Edition: Supports up to 8 USB 2.0/1.1 ports  
Standard Version: Supports up to 10 USB 2.0/1.1 ports  
ASUS AI Lifestyle  
features  
AI Nap  
AI Gear  
Advanced Thermal Design  
-
-
-
ASUS Fanless Design: Heat-pipe Thermal solution  
ASUS 8-Phase Power Design  
Stack Cool 2  
ASUS Crystal Sound  
-
-
ASUS Array Microphone  
Noise Filer  
WiFi-AP Solo™ (Optional)  
-
54 Mbps IEEE 802.11g and backwards comatible  
with 11 Mbps IEEE 802.11b  
-
-
Software Access point mode  
Infrastructure mode: Client or Ad-Hoc mode  
(continued on the next page)  
xii  
M2N32-SLI Deluxe specifications summary  
ASUS Exclusive  
Intelligent overclocking tools:  
Overclocking features  
-
-
-
-
AI NOS™ (Non-delay Overclocking System)  
AI Overclocking (intelligent CPU frequency tuner)  
AI Clock Skew  
ASUS PEG Link (automatic performance tuning for  
graphics cards)  
ASUS O.C. Profile: overclocking configuration-sharing tool  
Precision Tweaker:  
-
-
vDIMM: 25-step DRAM voltage control  
vCore: Adjustable CPU voltage at 0.0125 V  
increment  
-
-
Stepless Frequency Selection(SFS) allows FSB  
tuning from 200 MHz up to 400 MHz at 1 MHz  
increment  
PCI Express frequency allows PCI Express x16  
frequency tuning from 100 MHz to 200 MHz at 1  
MHz increment  
Overclocking protection:  
ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)  
-
ASUS AI Booster Utility  
Special features  
ASUS EZ DIY:  
-
-
-
Q-Connector  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
ASUS Music Alarm  
ASUS MyLogo3  
Rear panel  
1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple)  
1 x PS/2 mouse port (green)  
1 x Serial (COM1) port  
1 x IEEE 1394a port  
1 x Optical S/PDIF Out port  
1 x Coaxial S/PDIF Out port  
2 x LAN (RJ-45) ports  
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports  
1 x WiFi-g™ antenna jack (Wireless Edition only)  
8-channel audio ports  
(continued on the next page)  
xiii  
M2N32-SLI Deluxe specifications summary  
Internal connectors  
Wireless Edition: 2 x USB 2.0 connectors support four  
additional USB 2.0 ports  
Standard Version: 3 x USB 2.0 connectors support six  
additional USB 2.0 ports  
1 x Floppy disk drive connector  
1 x IDE connector for two devices  
7 x Serial ATA connectors  
1 x CPU / 4 x Chassis / 1 x Chipset / 1 x Power fan  
connectors  
1 x IEEE 1394a connector  
1 x Parallel connector  
1 x S/PDIF Out connector  
1 x ADH connector for future upgrade  
Chassis intrusion connector  
Front panel audio connector  
CD audio in connector  
24-pin ATX power connector  
4-pin ATX 12 V power connector  
System panel connector  
BIOS features  
Manageability  
8 Mb AWARD BIOS, PnP, DMI 2.0, WfM2.0, SM BIOS 2.3  
WOL by PME, WOR by PME,  
Chassis intrusion, PXE  
Power requirements  
Support CD contents  
ATX power supply (with 24-pin and 4-pin 12 V plugs)  
ATX 12 V 2.0 compliant  
Device drivers  
ASUS WiFi-AP Solo™ Wizard  
ASUS AI Booster  
ASUS PC Probe II  
ASUS Update  
NVIDIA® MediaShield™ RAID  
Anti-virus Utility (OEM version)  
Form factor  
ATX form factor: 12 in x 9.6 in (30.5 cm x 24.5 cm)  
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.  
xiv  
This chapter describes the motherboard  
features and the new technologies  
it supports.  
Product  
1
introduction  
Chapter summary  
1
1.1  
1.2  
1.3  
Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1  
Package contents......................................................................... 1-1  
Special features............................................................................ 1-2  
ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe  
1.1  
Welcome!  
Thank you for buying an ASUS® M2N32-SLI Deluxe motherboard!  
The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it  
another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!  
Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the  
items in your package with the list below.  
1.2  
Package contents  
Check your motherboard package for the following items.  
Motherboard  
I/O modules  
Cables  
ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe/WiFi or  
ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe  
IEEE 1394a module  
1 x 2-port USB 2.0 module  
6 x Serial ATA cables  
3 x Serial ATA power cables for six devices  
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable  
1 x Floppy disk drive cable  
Accessories  
Wireless antenna (for Wireless Edition only)  
I/O shield  
ASUS SLI™ Bridge  
ASUS Array Mic  
ASUS Optional Fan  
1 x ASUS Q-Connector Kit (USB, 1394, system  
panel; Retail version only)  
Application CD  
Documentation  
ASUS motherboard support CD  
InterVideo® Media Launcher (OEM version)  
User guide  
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.  
ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe  
1-1  
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™ 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. See page 2-7 for details.  
NVIDIA® Scalable Link Interface (SLI™)  
The NVIDIA® Scalable Link Interface (SLI™) technology allows two graphics  
processing units (GPUs) in a single system. This technology takes advantage of  
the PCI Express™ bus architecture and features intelligent hardware and software  
solutions that allows multiple GPUs to work together and achieve exceptional  
graphics performance.  
NVIDIA nForce® 590 SLI™ (NVIDIA LinkBoost™ certified)  
NVIDIA nForce® 590 SLI™ media and communication processors (MCPs) deliver  
the tools and performance PC enthusiasts demand. When combined with selected  
NVIDIA GeForce graphics cards and other system components, you get automatic  
access to faster bus speeds. Ready for system overclocking and greater data  
throughput.  
DDR2 memory support  
The motherboard supports DDR2 memory that features data transfer rates of  
800/667/533 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest  
3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications. The dual-channel DDR2  
architecture doubles the bandwidth of your system memory to boost system  
performance, eliminating bottlenecks with peak bandwidths of up to 12.8 GB/s.  
See pages 2-12 to 2-13 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 for details.  
1-2  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s technology and SATA-On-The-Go  
The motherboard fully supports the Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s technology through the Serial  
ATA interfaces and the NVIDIA® nForce® 590 SLI™ chipset. The Serial ATA 3 Gb/s  
specification provides twice the bandwidth of the current Serial ATA products with  
a host of new features, including Nativa Command Queueing (NCQ), and Power  
Management (PM) Implementation Algorithm. Serial ATA allows for thinner, more  
flexible cables with lower pin count and reduced voltage required. Leveraging these  
Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s features is the SATA-On-The-Go. Supported by the Silicon  
Image Sil3132 Serial ATA controller, two Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s connectors (one at mid-  
board and one on the rear panel) provide smart setup, and hot-plug function. See  
pages 2-21, 2-24, and 2-25 for details.  
Dual RAID solution  
Onboard RAID controllers provide the motherboard with dual-RAID functionality that  
allows you to select the best RAID solution using Serial ATA devices.  
The NVIDIA® nForce® 590 SLI™ chipset allows RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID  
5, and JBOD configuration for six SATA 3.0 Gb/s connector. See pages 2-24.  
The Silicon Image® Sil3132 controller supports two additional Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s  
connectors (one at mid-board and one on the rear panel) and allows RAID 0, RAID  
1, and JBOD configurations on these ports. See pages 2-25 for details.  
IEEE 1394a support  
The IEEE 1394a interface provides high-speed and flexible PC connectivity to a  
wide range of peripherals and devices compliant to the IEEE 1394a standard. The  
IEEE 1394a interface allows up to 400 Mbps transfer rates through simple, low-  
cost, high-bandwidth asynchronous (real-time) data interfacing between computers,  
peripherals, and consumer electronic devices such as camcorders, VCRs, printers,  
TVs, and digital cameras. See pages 2-20 and 2-26 for details.  
S/PDIF digital sound ready  
The motherboard supports the S/PDIF technology through the S/PDIF interfaces  
on the rear panel. The S/PDIF technology turns your computer into a high-end  
entertainment system with digital connectivity to powerful audio and speaker  
systems. See pages 2-22 and 2-31 for details.  
ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe  
1-3  
USB 2.0 technology  
The motherboard implements the Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 specification,  
dramatically increasing the connection speed from the 12 Mbps bandwidth on USB  
1.1 to a fast 480 Mbps on USB 2.0. USB 2.0 is backward compatible with USB 1.1.  
See pages 2-21 and 2-26 for details.  
Dual Gigabit LAN solution  
The motherboard comes with dual Gigabit LAN controllers to provide the total  
solution for your networking needs. These network controllers provide faster data  
bandwidth for your wired or wireless Internet, LAN, and file sharing requirements.  
See page 2-20 for details.  
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology  
The motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology, which monitors  
system operation and automatically adjusts CPU voltage and frequency for a cool  
and quiet operating environment. See page 4-26 for details.  
1-4  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
1.3.2  
ASUS AI Lifestyle features  
AI Gear  
AI Gear allows users to choose from four modes to adjust CPU and Vcore voltage,  
minimizing noise and power consumption. Users can choose the mode that best  
suits their needs. See page 5-19 for details  
AI Nap  
With AI Nap, the system can continue running at minimum power and noise  
when the user is temporarily away. To wake the system and return to the OS  
environment, simply click the mouse or press a key. See page 5-21 for details.  
ASUS Crystal Sound  
This feature can enhance speech-centric applications like Skype, online game,  
video conference and recording. See page 5-25 for details.  
ASUS Array Mic  
The Bundled Superbeam Array Microphone receives only the sound  
coming from the reception cone and ignores the sounds coming from other  
directions. This mechanism eliminates a large number of interferences,  
including neighboring speakers and revernerations. It also uses advanced  
de-reverberation techniques to reduce echo and minimize its effect on the  
speech engine. This feature can enchance speech-centric applications like  
Skype, online game, video conference, and recording.  
Noise Filter  
This feature detects repetitive and stationary noises (non-voice signals) like  
computer fans, air conditioners, and other background noises then eliminates  
it in the incoming audio stream while recording.  
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. See page 2-3 for details.  
ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe  
1-5  
8-Phase Power Design  
The ASUS 8-Phase Power Design prolongs CPU lifespan and keeps the  
system stable by preventing high power stress to the CPU and power supply  
module. The design ensures high efficiency operation to generate less heat  
compared with conventional power solutions, thus achieving cool system  
environment and making this motherboard ideal for overclocking.  
Fanless Design and Heat-pipe  
The ASUS fanless design allows multi-directional heat flow from major  
thermal sources in the motherboard to lower overall system temperature,  
resulting in quieter operation and longer system life. ASUS has devoted  
special efforts to address the thermal issues across the motherboard, and  
most notably in the following areas: CPU, power, VGA, Northbridge and  
Southbridge. The heat pipe, heatsink, and strategic board layout were tailor  
made to dissipate heat in the most efficient manner.  
WiFi-AP Solo™ (Optional)  
Why buy wireless AP off the store when you can have it on board? The essence of  
wireless home network! WiFi-AP Solo  
SLI Deluxe motherboard into wireless access point or client without extra costs.  
Bundled on the motherboard, WiFi-AP Solo can operate AP function even when  
turns the next generation ASUS M2N32-  
the PC sleeps, so the clients can still play LAN game, share printer, exchange files,  
conect to the Internet, and make Skype phone calls. Digitalize your home with  
WiFi-AP Solo  
.  
1.3.3  
ASUS Special features  
ASUS Music Alarm  
Wake up to the music of your choice instead of the irritating sound of an alarm  
clock. The ASUS Music Alarm gives you a personal wake-up call with your favorite  
CD music without having to enter the OS. See page 4-42 and 5-22 for details.  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3  
The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data from a  
USB flash disk containing the BIOS file. This utility saves users the cost and hassle  
of buying a replacement BIOS chip. See page 4-9 for details.  
1-6  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
ASUS EZ Flash 2  
EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply press the predefined  
hotkey to launch the utility and update the BIOS without entering the OS. Update  
your BIOS easily without preparing a bootable diskette or using an OS-based flash  
utility. See page 4-5 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 5-8 for details.  
ASUS Q-Connector  
You can use ASUS Q-Connector to connect / disconnect chassis fromt panel  
cables by only a few easy steps. See page 2-33 for details.  
DTS® Connect  
This feature is consists of two elements: DTS interactive and DTS NEO:PC. DTS  
interactive re-encodes your stereo or multi-channel sound into a DTS audio signal  
and send it out from your PC to any DTS enabled system. While DTS NEO:PC  
turns your stereo audio such as MP3, WMA, CD, and other sound format into a  
convincing multi-channel audio experience.  
PEG Link Mode  
This feature enhances your PCI Express graphics card performance. It allows the  
motherboard to automatically adjust the PCI Express graphics link mode to the  
correct frequency based on the system configuration. Four additional settings are  
available for overclocking the PEG Link Mode. See page 4-23 for details.  
Precision Tweaker  
This feature allows you to fine tune the CPU/memory voltage and gradually  
increase the memory Front Side Bus (FSB) and PCI Express frequency at 1MHz  
increment to achieve maximum system performance.  
ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe  
1-7  
ASUS Multi-language BIOS  
The multi-language BIOS allows you to select the language of your choice from the  
available options. The localized BIOS menus allow easier and faster configuration.  
See page 4-14 for details.  
C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)  
The C.P.R. feature of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to the  
BIOS default settings in case the system hangs due to overclocking. When the  
system hangs due to overclocking, C.P.R. eliminates the need to open the system  
chassis and clear the RTC data. Simply shut down and reboot the system, and the  
BIOS automatically restores the CPU default setting for each parameter.  
1.3.4  
ASUS Intelligent Overclocking features  
ASUS O.C. Profile  
The motherboard features the ASUS O.C. Profile that allows users to conveniently  
store or load multiple BIOS settings. The BIOS settings can be stored in the  
CMOS or a separate file, giving users freedom to share and distribute their favorite  
settings. See page 4-44 for details.  
AI NOS™ (Non-Delay Overclocking System)  
ASUS Non-delay Overclocking System™ (NOS) is a technology that auto-detects  
the CPU loading and dynamically overclocks the CPU speed only when needed.  
See page 4-20 for details.  
1-8  
Chapter 1: Product introduction  
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  
2
information  
Chapter summary  
2
2.1  
2.2  
2.3  
2.4  
2.5  
2.6  
2.7  
Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1  
Motherboard overview................................................................. 2-2  
Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-7  
System memory ......................................................................... 2-12  
Expansion slots.......................................................................... 2-16  
Jumper ........................................................................................ 2-19  
Connectors ................................................................................. 2-20  
ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe  
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.  
Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded  
antistatic pad or in the bag that came with the component.  
Before you install or remove any component, ensure  
that the ATX power supply is switched off or the power cord is detached  
from the power supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the  
motherboard, peripherals, and/or components.  
Onboard LED  
The motherboard comes with a standby power LED. The green LED lights up  
to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a  
reminder that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable  
before removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration  
below shows the location of the onboard LED.  
M2N32-SLI DELUXE  
SB_PWR  
ON  
OFF  
Powered  
Off  
Standy  
Power  
M2N32-SLI DELUXE  
Onboard LED connector  
ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe  
2-ꢀ  
2.2  
Motherboard overview  
Before you install the motherboard, study the configuration of your chassis to  
ensure that the motherboard fits into it.  
Make sure to unplug the power cord before installing or removing the  
motherboard. Failure to do so can cause you physical injury and damage  
motherboard components.  
2.2.1  
Placement direction  
When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in  
the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the  
chassis as indicated in the image below.  
2.2.2  
Screw holes  
Place nine (9) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard  
to the chassis.  
Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.  
Place this side towards  
the rear of the chassis  
M2N32-SLI DELUXE  
2-2  
Chapter 2: Hardware information