Contents
Chapter 1: Product introduction
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
Placement direction ........................................................ 2-2
Screw holes .................................................................... 2-2
Motherboard layout......................................................... 2-4
Layout contents............................................................... 2-5
2.3
2.4
Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-6
2.3.1
2.3.2
Installing the CPU ........................................................... 2-6
Installing the heatsink and fan ........................................ 2-8
System memory ......................................................................... 2-11
2.4.1
2.4.2
2.4.3
2.4.4
Overview........................................................................2-11
Memory configurations...................................................2-11
Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 2-12
Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 2-12
2.5
Expansion slots.......................................................................... 2-13
2.5.1
2.5.2
2.5.3
2.5.4
2.5.5
2.5.6
Installing an expansion card ......................................... 2-13
Configuring an expansion card ..................................... 2-13
Interrupt assignments ................................................... 2-14
PCI Express x16 slot..................................................... 2-14
PCI Express x1 slot....................................................... 2-15
PCI slot ......................................................................... 2-15
2.6
2.7
Jumpers ...................................................................................... 2-16
Connectors ................................................................................. 2-18
iii
Contents
2.7.1
2.7.2
Rear panel connectors.................................................. 2-18
Internal connectors ....................................................... 2-19
Chapter 3: Powering up
Chapter 4: BIOS setup
4.1
Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 4-1
4.1.1
4.1.2
4.1.3
Creating a bootable floppy disk....................................... 4-1
AFUDOS utility................................................................ 4-2
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility ...................................... 4-5
4.2
BIOS setup program .................................................................... 4-7
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.......................................................... 4-8
Menu bar......................................................................... 4-8
Navigation keys............................................................... 4-9
Menu items ..................................................................... 4-9
Sub-menu items.............................................................. 4-9
Configuration fields ......................................................... 4-9
Pop-up window ............................................................... 4-9
General help ................................................................... 4-9
4.3
Main menu .................................................................................. 4-10
4.3.1
4.3.2
4.3.3
4.3.4
4.3.5
4.3.6
System Time ................................................................. 4-10
System Date ................................................................. 4-10
Legacy Diskette A ........................................................ 4-10
Primary IDE Master/Slave, SATA1~6.............................4-11
IDE Configuration.......................................................... 4-12
System Information....................................................... 4-14
4.4
Advanced menu ......................................................................... 4-15
4.4.1
4.4.2
4.4.3
4.4.4
4.4.5
4.4.6
CPU Configuration........................................................ 4-15
Chipset.......................................................................... 4-16
Onboard Devices Configuration.................................... 4-21
PCI PnP ........................................................................ 4-23
MPS Configuration........................................................ 4-24
USB Configuration ........................................................ 4-24
iv
Contents
4.4.7
Remote Access Configuration....................................... 4-25
4.5
Power menu................................................................................ 4-26
4.5.1
4.5.2
4.5.3
4.5.4
4.5.5
Suspend Mode ............................................................. 4-26
ACPI 2.0 Support.......................................................... 4-26
ACPI APIC Support ...................................................... 4-26
APM Configuration........................................................ 4-27
Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 4-28
4.6
4.7
Boot menu .................................................................................. 4-29
4.6.1
4.6.2
4.6.3
Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 4-29
Boot Settings Configuration .......................................... 4-30
Security......................................................................... 4-31
Exit menu.................................................................................... 4-33
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
Running the support CD ................................................. 5-1
Drivers menu................................................................... 5-2
Management Software menu.......................................... 5-3
Utilities menu .................................................................. 5-4
ASUS Contact information.............................................. 5-5
Other information ............................................................ 5-5
5.3
5.4
5.5
Software information ................................................................... 5-7
Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology.......................................................... 5-7
RAID configurations .................................................................... 5-8
Installing hard disks........................................................................ 5-9
NVIDIA® RAID configurations.................................................... 5-10
5.5.1
5.5.2
5.5.3
5.5.4
5.5.5
Entering the NVIDIA® RAID Utility ................................ 5-10
Creating a RAID Volume ...............................................5-11
Rebuilding a RAID set................................................... 5-13
Deleting a RAID array................................................... 5-15
Clearing the MBR.......................................................... 5-16
5.6
Creating a RAID driver disk....................................................... 5-17
Appendix: Reference information
M2N-L block diagram...................................................................A-1
v
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.
vi
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.
This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical
and electronic equipment, Mercury-containing button cell battery) should not
be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic
products.
vii
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.
viii
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 connected with a plus sign (+).
Example: <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<D>
Command
Means that you must type the command exactly as
shown.
Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line:
format A:/S
ix
M2N-L specifications summary
Processor / System Bus
1 x Socket AM2 supports:
AMD Sempron™
AMD Athlon™ 64
AMD Athlon™ 64 X2
AMD Athlon™ 64 FX
AMD Opteron™ 64 1000 series (dual core)
AMD Phenom™
Single Core/ Dual Core/Quad Core processor
HT Bus Link Speed: 2000 MT/s
AMD64 Technology
AMD Cool 'n' Quiet™ Technology
Core Logic
NVIDIA® nForce® 570 SLI MCP (MCP55P)
Form Factor
ATX, 12 in x 9.6 in (30.5 cm x 24.5 cm)
ASUS
Smart Fan
Smart Fan
Features
ASWM2.0
�
Memory
Total Slots
Capacity
4
Maximum up to 8GB
Memory Type
Unbuffered DIMM DDR2 800/667/533 ECC/
Non-ECC
Memory Size
128MB, 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, 2GB
6
Expansion
Slots
Total PCI/PCI-X/
PCIe Slots
(follow SSI
Loacation #)
Slot Location 1
Slot Location 2
Slot Location 3
Slot Location 4
Slot Location 5
Slot Location 6
IDE Controller
1 x PCI slot (33MHz/32-bit/3.3V/PCI2.2)
1 x PCI slot (33MHz/32-bit/3.3V/PCI2.2)
1 x PCI Express x16 slot (x8 link, PCIE4)
1 x PCI Express x1 slot (x1 link)
1 x PCI Express x1 slot (x1 link)
1 x PCI Express x16 slot (x16 link, PCIE1)
Storage
NVIDIA® nForce® 570 SLI MCP (MCP55P)
- 1 x IDE connector for up to two Ultra DMA
133/100/66/33 devices
SATA Controller
NVIDIA® nForce® 570 SLI MCP (MCP55P)
- 6 x Serial ATA II 3.0 Gb/s devices with
RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and
JBOD configurations
(continued on the next page)
x
M2N-L specifications summary
Networking
Graphic
LAN
VGA
Dual Onboard Marvell® 8056 PCIe GbE LAN
controllers
XGI® Volari™ Z9s VGA Controller / 32MB
DDR2 DRAM
Onboard I/O
Connectors
Floppy Connector
PSU Connectors
1
24-pin ATX power connector + 4-pin ATX 12V
power connector
USB Connectors
Fan Headers
1 (for 2 USB 2.0/1.1 ports)
4 x 3-pin (CPU_FAN1, FRNT_FAN1/2,
REAR_FAN1)
Chassis Intruder
Serial Port Header
External Serial Port
External USB ports
VGA Port
1
1
Rear I/O
Connectors
1
2 (Both support USB 2.0/1.1)
1
RJ-45 Port
2
PS/2 KB/Mouse
1 mouse port + 1 keyboard port
ASWM 2.0
Management Software
Solutions
Monitoring
CPU Temperature
�
�
�
FAN RPM
EMI
US (FCC, CFR47
Part 15, Class B)
Europe (CE,
EN55022 & EN
55024)
�
Operating temperature: 10 oC ~ 35 oC
Non operating temperature: -40 oC ~ 70 oC
Non operating humidity: 20% ~ 90%
(Non condensing)
Environment
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.
xi
xii
This chapter describes the motherboard
features and the new technologies
it supports.
Product
1
introduction
Chapter summary
1
1.1
1.2
Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1
Package contents......................................................................... 1-1
ASUS M2N-L
1.1
Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS® M2N-L 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.
MB Retail Pack
MB Bulk Pack
Cables
Serial ATA signal cable
Serial ATA power cable
6
3
1
-
-
-
2-in-1 Floppy/Ultra ATA
disk drive cable
Accessories
I/O shield
1
1
1
10
10
10
Application CD
Documentation
M2N-L support CD
User guide
MB Packing Quantity M2N-L motherboard
1 piece per box
10 pieces per carton
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
1.3
Serial number label
Before requesting support from the ASUS Technical Support team, you must take
note of the motherboard's serial number containing 12 characters xxM0Axxxxxxx
shown as the figure below. With the correct serial number of the product, ASUS
Technical Support team members can then offer a quicker and satisfying solution
to your problems.
M2N-L
Made
in
China
合格
xxM0Axxxxxxx
ASUS M2N-L
1-1
1.4
Special features
1.4.1
Product highlights
Latest processor technology
The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2 socket that supports AMD Athlon™ 64
x2, AMD Athlon™ 64, AMD Athlon™ 64 FX, AMD Sempron™, AMD Opteron™ 64
1000 series (dual core), and AMD Phenom™ processors. With an integrated low-
latency high-bandwidth memory controller and a highly scalable HyperTransport™
technology-based system bus, the motherboard provides a powerful platform for
your diverse computing needs, increased office productivity, and enhanced digital
media experience.
It provides extremely high performances and shortened data access time by
supporting 2000 MT/s HyperTransport Bus, dual-channel un-buffered DDR2 800
memory and AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology. See page 2-6 for details.
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.
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.
RAID solution
Onboard RAID controllers allow you to select the best RAID solution using Serial
ATA devices.
The NVIDIA® nForce® 570 SLI MCP (MCP55P) chipset allows RAID 0, RAID 1,
RAID 5, RAID 0+1, and JBOD configurations for six SATA disks.
Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology
The motherboard supports the next-generation Serial ATA II 3Gb/s technology
through the Serial ATA interfaces and the NVIDIA® nForce® 570 SLI MCP
(MCP55P) chipset. The Serial ATA 3Gb/s specification provides twice the
bandwidth of the current Serial ATA products. Additionally, Serial ATA allows for
thinner, more flexible cables with lower pin count and reduced voltage required.
1-2
Chapter 1: Product introduction
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.
Dual Gigabit LAN solution
The motherboard comes with dual Gigabit LAN controllers to provide the total
solution for your networking needs. These network controllers use the PCI Express
segment to provide faster data bandwidth for your wired or wireless Internet, LAN,
and file sharing requirements.
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.
1.4.2
ASUS Special features
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2
This feature allows you to restore the original BIOS data from a bootable floppy disk
containing the BIOS file in case when the BIOS codes and data are corrupted. This
protection eliminates the need to buy a replacement ROM chip.
ASUS Smart Fan technology
The ASUS Smart Fan technology smartly adjusts the fan speeds according to the
system loading to ensure quiet, cool, and efficient operation.
ASUS M2N-L
1-3
1-4
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
ASUS M2N-L
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.
SB_PWR1
®
M2N-L
ON
Standby
Power
OFF
Powered
Off
M2N-L Onboard LED
ASUS M2N-L
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. Refer to the illustration on the next page.
Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
2-2
Chapter 2: Hardware information
Place this
side towards
the rear of
the chassis
®
M2N-L
ASUS M2N-L
2-ꢁ
2.2.3
Motherboard layout
24.5cm (9.6in)
ATXPWR1
PS/2KBMS
T: Mouse
B: Keyboard
FLOPPY1
DDR2 DIMM_A2 (64 bit,240-pin module)
DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64 bit,240-pin module)
USB12
SuperI/O
DDR2 DIMM_B2 (64 bit,240-pin module)
DDR2 DIMM_B1 (64 bit,240-pin module)
ATX12V1
Socket AM2
LAN1
LAN2
Marvell
8056
PCIE1
Marvell
8056
PCIE2
NVIDIA
NF570 SLI
PCIE3
8Mb
BIOS
PCIE4
CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
XGI
Z9s
®
CLRTC1
M2N-L
SATA1
PCI5
PCI6
SATA3
SATA5
SATA6
FRNT_FAN1
SATA4
SATA2
RECOVERY1
USB34
PANEL1
CHASSIS1
COM2
SB_PWR1
2-ꢂ
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.2.4
Layout contents
Slots
Page
2-6
1. CPU sockets
2. DDR2 DIMM sockets
3. PCI Express x16 slot
4. PCI Express x1 slot
5. PCI slot
2-12
2-14
2-15
2-15
Jumper
Page
2-16
2-17
1. Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC1)
2. BIOS Recovery
Rear panel connectors
1. PS/2 mouse port (green)
2. LAN 1 (RJ-45) port
3. LAN 2 (RJ-45) port
4. VGA port
Page
2-18
2-18
2-18
2-18
2-18
2-18
2-18
5. Serial (COM1) port
6. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2
7. PS/2 keyboard port (purple)
Internal connectors
Page
2-19
2-19
2-20
1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)
2. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)
3. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA4, SATA5,
SATA6)
4. CPU fan, Front fan, and Rear fan connectors
(CPU_FAN1, FRONT_FAN1/2, REAR_FAN1)
2-21
5. USB connector (10-1 pin USB34)
2-21
2-22
2-23
2-24
6. Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM2)
7. ATX power connectors (24-pin ATXPWR1, 4-pin ATX12V1)
8. System panel connector (20-1 pin PANEL1)
ASUS M2N-L
2-ꢃ
2.3
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2 socket designed for AMD Athlon™ 64
X2, AMD Athlon™ 64, AMD Athlon™ 64 FX, AMD Sempron™, AMD Opteron™ 64
1000 series (dual core), and AMD Phenom™ processors.
The AM2 socket has a different pin layout from the 940-pin socket designed
for the AMD Opteron™ 200/800 series 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!
2.3.1
Installing the CPU
To install a CPU:
1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.
®
M2N-L
M2N-L CPU Socket AM2
2.
Unlock the socket by pressing the
lever sideways, then lift it up to a
90º angle.
Socket lever
Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to a 90º angle; otherwise, the CPU
will not fit in completely.
2-ꢄ
Chapter 2: Hardware information
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.
ASUS M2N-L
2-ꢅ
2.3.2
Installing the heatsink and fan
The AMD Athlon™ 64 X2, AMD Athlon™ 64, AMD Athlon™ 64 FX, AMD
Sempron™, AMD Opteron™ 64 1000 series (dual core), and AMD Phenom™
processors require 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.
•
•
•
The retention module base is already installed on the motherboard
upon purchase.
You do not have to remove the retention module base when
installing the CPU or installing other motherboard components.
If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, make
sure that a Thermal Interface Material is properly applied to the CPU
heatsink or CPU before you install the heatsink and fan assembly.
Retention bracket
Retention module base
Your boxed CPU heatsink and fan assembly should come with installation
instructions for the CPU, heatsink, and the retention mechanism. If the
instructions in this section do not match the CPU documentation, follow the
latter.
2-ꢆ
Chapter 2: Hardware information
2.
3.
4.
Attach one end of the retention
bracket to the retention module
base.
Align the other end of the retention
bracket (near the retention bracket
lock) to the retention module base.
A clicking sound denotes that the
retention bracket is in place.
Make sure that the fan and
heatsink assembly perfectly fits
the retention mechanism module
base, otherwise you cannot snap
the retention bracket in place.
Push down the retention bracket lock
on the retention mechanism to secure
the heatsink and fan to the module
base.
ASUS M2N-L
2-ꢇ
5.
When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable
to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN1.
CPU_FAN1
TACHO
+12V
GND
®
M2N-L
M2N-L CPU Fan Connector
•
Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring
errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector.
2-ꢀ0
Chapter 2: Hardware information
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.
The figure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets:
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Channel
Sockets
Channel A
Channel B
DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2
DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2
2.4.2
Memory configurations
You may install 128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB, or 2 GB unbuffered ECC/Non-ECC
DDR2 DIMMS into the DIMM sockets using the memory configurations in this
section.
•
For dual-channel configuration, the total size of memory module(s) installed
per channel must be the same for better performance (DIMM_A1+DIMM_
A2=DIMM_B1+DIMM_B2).
•
•
Due to chipset resource allocation, the system may detect less than 8 GB
of system memory when you installed four 2 GB DDR2 memory modules.
Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum
compatibility, we recommend that you obtain memory modules from the
same vendor. Refer to the Memory Qualified Vendors List at the ASUS web
site.
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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:
DDR2 DIMM notch
1.
2.
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.
1
Firmly insert the DIMM into the
socket until the retaining clips
snap back in place and the
DIMM is properly seated.
3
•
A DDR2 DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction. Do
not force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM.
•
The DDR2 DIMM sockets do not support DDR DIMMs. DO not install DDR
DIMMs to the DDR2 DIMM sockets.
2.4.4
Removing a DIMM
To remove a DIMM:
2
1. Simultaneously press the retaining
clips outward to unlock the DIMM.
1
Support the DIMM lightly with
your fingers when pressing the
retaining clips. The DIMM might
get damaged when it flips out
with extra force.
1
DDR2 DIMM notch
2.
Remove the DIMM from the socket.
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Chapter 2: Hardware information
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.
Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with
it and make the necessary hardware settings for the card.
Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already installed in a
chassis).
Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep the screw
for later use.
Align the riser card connector with the slot and press firmly until the riser card
is completely seated on the slot.
Align the card connector with the slot on the riser card and press firmly until
the card is completely seated on the riser card slot.
6.
7.
Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier.
Replace the system cover.
2.5.2
Configuring an expansion card
After installing the expansion card, configure it by adjusting the software settings.
1.
Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See
Chapter 4 for information on BIOS setup.
2.
3.
Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page.
Install the software drivers for the expansion card.
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