Asus M2N L User Manual

M2N-L  
 
Contents  
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  
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  
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:  
®
M2N-L  
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.  
ASUS M2N-L  
2-ꢀꢀ  
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.  
2-ꢀ2  
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.  
ASUS M2N-L  
2-ꢀꢁ  
2.5.3  
Interrupt assignments  
Standard interrupt assignments  
IRQ  
0
Priority Standard function  
1
2
System Timer  
Keyboard Controller  
1
2
Redirect to IRQ#9  
3
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
3
Communications Port (COM2)  
Communications Port (COM1)*  
IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*  
Floppy Disk Controller  
4
5
6
7
Printer Port (LPT1)*  
8
System CMOS/Real Time Clock  
IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*  
IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*  
IRQ Holder for PCI Steering*  
PS/2 Compatible Mouse Port*  
Numeric Data Processor  
Primary IDE Channel  
9
4
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
5
6
7
8
9
* These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices.  
2.5.4  
PCI Express x16 slot  
This motherboard supports a PCI  
Express x16 graphics card that comply  
with the PCI Express specifications. The  
figure shows a graphics card installed on  
the PCI Express x 16 slot.  
2-ꢀꢂ  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.5.5  
PCI Express x1 slot  
This motherboard supports PCI Express  
x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other  
cards that comply with the PCI Express  
specifications. The following figure shows a  
network card installed on the PCI Express x1  
slot.  
2.5.6  
PCI slot  
The PCI slot supports cards such as a LAN  
card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards  
that comply with PCI specifications. The figure  
shows a LAN card installed on a PCI slot.  
ASUS M2N-L  
2-ꢀꢃ  
2.6  
Jumpers  
1.  
Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC1)  
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. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3. Keep the cap on  
pins 2-3 for about 5~10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2.  
4. Reinstall the battery.  
5. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.  
6. Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup  
to re-enter data.  
Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC1 jumper  
default position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!  
CLRTC1  
1
2
2
3
®
M2N-L  
Normal  
(Default)  
Clear RTC  
M2N-L Clear RTC RAM  
Make sure to re-enter your previous BIOS settings after you clear the  
CMOS.  
2-ꢀꢄ  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.  
BIOS Recovery (3-pin RECOVERY1)  
This jumper allows you to recover your original BIOS from a floppy disk in  
case the BIOS codes and data are corrupted.  
To recover the BIOS:  
1. Turn OFF your computer and unplug the power cord.  
2. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3.  
3. Insert a floppy disk with the original or updated BIOS file  
named “M2N-L.rom”.  
4. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.  
5. The system searches for the BIOS file in the floppy then reflashes  
the BIOS.  
6. When finished, shut down your computer.  
7. Replace the jumper cap from pins 2-3 to pins 1-2.  
8. Reboot your computer.  
9. Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS  
setup to re-enter data.  
RECOVERY1  
®
1 2  
Normal  
(Default)  
2
BIOS recovery  
3
M2N-L  
M2N-L BIOS Recovery Setting  
ASUS M2N-L  
2-ꢀꢅ  
2.7  
Connectors  
2.7.1  
Rear panel connectors  
1
6
7
5
4
3
2
1.  
PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse.  
2/3. LAN 2/1 (RJ-45) port. Both ports are supported by the Marvell 8056 LAN  
controller and allow Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN)  
through a network hub. Refer to the table below for the LAN port LED  
indications.  
LAN port LED indications  
ACT/LINK SPEED  
LED LED  
Activity/Link LED  
Speed LED  
Status  
Status  
OFF  
Description  
Description  
No link  
OFF  
10Mbps connection  
100Mbps connection  
1Gbps connection  
GREEN  
BLINKING  
Linked  
ORANGE  
GREEN  
Data activity  
LAN port  
4.  
5.  
VGA port. This port is for a VGA monitor or other VGA-compatible devices.  
Serial (COM1) port. This 9-pin communication port is for pointing devices or  
other serial devices.  
6.  
7.  
USB 2.0/1.1 ports 1 and 2. These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are  
available for connecting USB 2.0/1.1 devices.  
PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.  
2-ꢀꢆ  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.7.2  
Internal connectors  
1.  
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.  
FLOPPY  
PIN1  
NOTE: Orient the red markings on  
the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1.  
®
M2N-L  
M2N-L Floppy Disk Drive Connector  
IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)  
2.  
The onboard IDE connector is for the Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33 signal cable.  
There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33 signal cable:  
blue, black, and gray. Connect the blue connector to the motherboard’s IDE  
connector, then select one of the following modes to configure your device.  
PRI_IDE  
®
M2N-L  
NOTE: Orient the red markings  
(usually zigzag) on the IDE  
ribbon cable to PIN 1.  
M2N-L IDE Connector  
ASUS M2N-L  
2-ꢀꢇ  
Drive jumper setting  
Mode of  
Cable connector  
device(s)  
Single device  
Two devices  
Cable-Select or Master  
Cable-Select  
-
Black  
Black  
Master  
Slave  
Master  
Slave  
Gray  
Master  
Slave  
Black or gray  
Pin 20 on the IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole on the  
Ultra DMA cable connector. This prevents incorrect insertion when you  
connect the IDE cable.  
Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for Ultra DMA 133/100/66/33 IDE  
devices.  
If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select,” make sure all other device  
jumpers have the same setting.  
3.  
Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA4, SATA5,  
SATA6)  
Supported by the NVIDIA® nForce® 570 SLI MCP (MCP55P) chipset, these  
connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk drives  
that allows up to 3Gb/s of data transfer rate.  
If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, RAID 1,  
RAID 0+1, RAID 5, or JBOD configuration. Refer to Chapter 5 for details on  
how to set up the RAID configurations.  
These connectors are set to SATA by default. In SATA mode, you can connect  
Serial ATA boot or data hard disk drives to these connectors. If you intent to  
create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, enable the RAID function  
of each port from the nVIDIA RAID Setup sub-menu item in the BIOS. See  
section “4.4.3 Onboard Device Configuration” for details.  
SATA1 SATA3 SATA5  
®
M2N-L  
SATA2 SATA4 SATA6  
M2N-L SATAConnectors  
2-20  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
4.  
CPU, Front and Rear fan connectors (3-pin CPU_FAN1,  
3-pin FRNT_FAN1/2, 3-pin Rear_FAN1)  
The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350mA~2000mA (24 W max.) or  
a total of 1A~3.48A (41.76 W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cables to the  
fan connectors on the motherboard, making sure that the black wire of each  
cable matches the ground pin of the connector.  
Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors. Lack  
of sufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard  
components. These are not jumpers! DO NOT place jumper caps on the  
fan connectors!  
All fan features the ASUS Smart Fan technology.  
CPU_FAN1  
TACHO  
+12V  
GND  
REAR_FAN1 FRNT_FAN2  
GND  
+12V  
TACHO  
GND  
+12V  
TACHO  
FRNT_FAN1  
®
M2N-L  
M2N-L Fan Connectors  
5.  
USB connector (10-1 pin USB34)  
The connector is for USB 2.0 ports. These connectors comply with the USB  
2.0 specification that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed.  
USB34  
®
M2N-L  
M2N-L USB 2.0 Connector  
The expansion USB ports module is optional.  
ASUS M2N-L  
2-2ꢀ  
6.  
Serial port connector (10-1 pin COM2)  
This connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module  
cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back  
of the system chassis.  
COM2  
PIN1  
®
M2N-L  
M2N-L COM Port Connector  
The COM2 serial port module cable is optional.  
2-22  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
7.  
ATX power connectors (24-pin ATXPWR1,4-pin ATX12V1)  
These connectors are for an ATX power supply plugs. The power supply  
plugs are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the  
proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.  
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.  
Make sure that your power supply unit (PSU) can provide at least the  
minimum power required by your system. See the table below for details.  
ATXPWR1  
ATX12V1  
®
M2N-L  
M2N-L ATX Power Connector  
ASUS M2N-L  
2-2ꢁ  
8.  
System panel connector (20-1pin PANEL1)  
This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.  
1
2
3
PANEL1  
®
M2N-L  
M2N-L System Panel Connector  
4
5
6
The system panel connector is color-coded for easy connection. Refer to the  
connector description below for details.  
1.  
2.  
System power LED (Green 3-pin POWERLED)  
This 3-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis  
power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when  
you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.  
Message LED (Brown 2-pin MLED)  
This 2-pin connector is for the message LED cable that connects to the  
front message LED. The message LED is controlled by Hardware monitor to  
indicate an abnormal event occurance.  
3.  
4.  
System warning speaker (Orange 4-pin SPKROUT)  
This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The  
speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.  
Hard disk drive activity (Red 2-pin HDDLED)  
This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity  
LED cable to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or flashes when data is  
read from or written to the HDD.  
If an optional SATA add-in card is installed, the read or write activities of any  
device connected to the SATA add-in card causes this LED to light up.  
5.  
6.  
Power/Soft-off button (Yellow 2-pin POWERBTN)  
This connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power button  
turns the system ON or puts the system in SLEEP or SOFT-OFF mode  
depending on the BIOS settings. Pressing the power switch for more than  
four seconds while the system is ON turns the system OFF.  
Reset button (Blue 2-pin RESETBTN)  
This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system  
reboot without turning off the system power.  
2-2ꢂ  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
This chapter describes the power up  
sequence and ways of shutting down the  
system.  
Powering up  
3
Chapter summary  
3
3.1  
Starting up for the first time........................................................ 3-1  
3.2  
Powering off the computer.......................................................... 3-2  
ASUS M2N-L  
3.1  
Starting up for the first time  
1.  
2.  
3.  
After making all the connections, replace the system case cover.  
Be sure that all switches are off.  
Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system  
chassis.  
4.  
5.  
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  
b. External SCSI devices (starting with the last device on the chain)  
c. System power  
6.  
After applying power, the system power LED on the system front panel case  
lights up. For systems with ATX power supplies, the system LED lights up  
when you press the ATX power button. If your monitor complies with “green”  
standards or if it has a “power standby” feature, the monitor LED may light up  
or switch between orange and green after the system LED turns on.  
The system then runs the power-on self tests or POST. While the tests are  
running, the BIOS beeps or additional messages appear on the screen.  
If you do not see anything within 30 seconds from the time you turned on  
the power, the system may have failed a power-on test. Check the jumper  
settings and connections or call your retailer for assistance.  
7.  
At power on, hold down the <Del> key to enter the BIOS Setup. Follow the  
instructions in Chapter 4.  
ASUS M2N-L  
ꢁ-ꢀ  
3.2  
Powering off the computer  
3.2.1  
Using the OS shut down function  
If you are using Windows® 2000:  
1.  
2.  
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.  
3.  
The power supply should turn off after Windows® shuts down.  
If you are using Windows® 2003:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Click the Start button then select Turn Off Computer.  
Click the Turn Off button to shut down the computer.  
The power supply should turn off after Windows® shuts down.  
3.2.2  
Using the dual function power switch  
While the system is ON, pressing the power switch for less than four seconds puts  
the system to sleep mode or to soft-off mode, depending on the BIOS setting.  
Pressing the power switch for more than four seconds lets the system enter the  
soft-off mode regardless of the BIOS setting. Refer to section “4.5 Power Menu”  
in Chapter 4 for details.  
ꢁ-2  
Chapter ꢁ: Powering up  
This chapter tells how to change  
the system settings through the BIOS  
Setup menus. Detailed descriptions  
of the BIOS parameters are also  
provided.  
BIOS setup  
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.  
2.  
ASUS AFUDOS (Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a bootable floppy  
disk.)  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 (Updates the BIOS using a bootable floppy when  
the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted.)  
Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.  
Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk in  
case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard  
BIOS using AFUDOS utilities.  
4.1.1  
Creating a bootable floppy disk  
1.  
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:/Sthen press <Enter>.  
Windows® 2000 environment  
To create a set of boot disks for Windows® 2000:  
a. Insert a formatted, high density 1.44 MB floppy disk into the drive.  
b. Insert the Windows® 2000 CD to the optical drive.  
c. Click Start, then select Run.  
d. In the Open field, type D:\bootdisk\makeboot a:  
assuming that D is your optical drive letter.  
e. Press <Enter>, then follow screen instructions to continue.  
2.  
Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS file to the bootable floppy  
disk.  
ASUS M2N-L  
4-1  
4.1.2  
AFUDOS utility  
The AFUDOS utility allows you to update the BIOS file in DOS environment using  
a bootable floppy disk with the updated BIOS file. This utility also allows you to  
copy the current BIOS file that you can use as backup when the BIOS fails or gets  
corrupted during the updating process.  
Copying the current BIOS  
To copy the current BIOS file using the AFUDOS utility:  
Make sure that the floppy disk is not write-protected and has at least 1.1MB  
free space to save the file.  
The succeeding BIOS screens are for reference only. The actual BIOS  
screen displays may not be same as shown.  
1.  
2.  
Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support CD to  
the bootable floppy disk you created earlier.  
Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the prompt type:  
afudos /o[filename]  
where the [filename] is any user-assigned filename not more than eight  
alphanumeric characters for the main filename and three alphanumeric  
characters for the extension name.  
A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom  
Main filename  
Extension name  
3.  
Press <Enter>. The utility copies the current BIOS file to the floppy disk.  
A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom  
AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.29(07.03.02BA))  
Copyright (C) 2003 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.  
Reading flash ..... done  
Write to file...... ok  
A:\>  
The utility returns to the DOS prompt after copying the current BIOS file.  
4-2  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
Updating the BIOS file  
To update the BIOS file using the AFUDOS utility:  
1.  
Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) and download the latest BIOS file for  
the motherboard. Save the BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk.  
Write the BIOS filename on a piece of paper. You need to type the exact BIOS  
filename at the DOS prompt.  
2.  
3.  
Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support CD to  
the bootable floppy disk you created earlier.  
Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the prompt type:  
afudos /i[filename]  
where [filename] is the latest or the original BIOS file on the bootable floppy  
disk.  
A:\>afudos /iM2N-L.ROM  
4.  
The utility verifies the file and starts updating the BIOS.  
A:\>afudos /iM2N-L.ROM /pbnc  
AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.29(07.03.02BA))  
Copyright (C) 2003 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.  
WARNING!! Do not turn off power during flash BIOS  
Reading file ....... done  
Reading flash ...... done  
Advance Check ......  
Erasing flash ...... done  
Writing flash ...... 0x0008CC00 (9%)  
Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to  
prevent system boot failure!  
ASUS M2N-L  
4-3  
5.  
The utility returns to the DOS prompt after the BIOS update process is  
completed. Reboot the system from the hard disk drive.  
A:\>afudos /iM2N-L.ROM /pbnc  
AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.29(07.03.02BA))  
Copyright (C) 2003 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.  
WARNING!! Do not turn off power during flash BIOS  
Reading file ....... done  
Reading flash ...... done  
Advance Check ......  
Erasing flash ...... done  
Writing flash ...... done  
Verifying flash .... done  
Please restart your computer  
A:\>  
4-4  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4.1.3  
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 utility  
The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 2 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore  
the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can  
update a corrupted BIOS file using the the floppy disk that contains the updated  
BIOS file.  
Prepare the floppy disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before  
using this utility.  
Make sure that you rename the original or updated BIOS file in the floppy  
disk to M2N-L.ROM.  
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS!  
Doing so can cause system boot failure!  
Recovering the BIOS from a floppy disk  
To recover the BIOS from a floppy disk:  
1.  
Turn on the system.  
2.  
Insert the floppy disk with the original or updated BIOS file to the floppy disk  
drive.  
3.  
The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the  
floppy disk for the original or updated BIOS file.  
Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...  
Checking for floppy...  
When found, the utility reads the BIOS file and starts flashing the corrupted  
BIOS file.  
Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...  
Checking for floppy...  
Floppy found!  
Reading file “M2N-L.ROM”. Completed.  
Start flashing...  
4.  
Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.  
The recovered BIOS may not be the latest BIOS version for this motherboard.  
Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file.  
ASUS M2N-L  
4-5  
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. For example, you can enable the  
security password feature or change the power management settings. This  
requires you to reconfigure your system using the BIOS Setup program so that the  
computer can recognize these changes and record them in the CMOS RAM of the  
LPC chip.  
The LPC chip on the motherboard stores the Setup utility. When you start up the  
computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program. Press  
<Del> during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to enter the Setup utility; otherwise,  
POST continues with its test routines.  
If you wish to enter Setup after POST, reboot the system by doing any of the  
following procedures:  
• Restart using the OS standard shut-down procedure.  
• Press <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del> simultaneously.  
• Press the reset button on the system chassis.  
• Press the power button to turn the system off then back on.  
Using the power button, reset button, or the <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<Del> keys to  
force reset from a running operating system can cause damage to your data  
or system. We recommend to always shut-down the system properly from the  
operating system.  
The Setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. Being a  
menu-driven program, it lets you scroll through the various sub-menus and make  
your selections from the available options using the navigation keys.  
The default BIOS settings for this motherboard apply for most conditions  
to ensure optimum performance. If the system becomes unstable after  
changing any BIOS settings, load the default settings to ensure system  
compatibility and stability. Select the Load Setup Defaults item under the  
Exit Menu. See section “4.7 Exit Menu.”  
The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes  
only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.  
Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for  
this motherboard.  
4-6  
Chapter 4: BIOS setup  
4.2.1  
BIOS menu screen  
Menu items  
Menu bar  
Configuration fields  
General help  
System Time  
[04:00:03]  
[Mon 12/05/2007]  
[1.44M, 3.5 in.]  
Use [ENTER], [TAB]  
or [SHIFT-TAB] to  
select a field.  
System Date  
Legacy Diskette A  
Use [+] or [-] to  
configure system  
time.  
Primary IDE Master  
Primary IDE Slave  
SATA1  
:[Not Detected]  
:[Not Detected]  
:[ST380817AS]  
:[Not Detected]  
:[Not Detected]  
:[Not Detected]  
:[Not Detected]  
:[Not Detected]  
SATA2  
SATA3  
SATA4  
SATA5  
SATA6  
IDE Configuration  
System Information  
Sub-menu items  
Navigation keys  
4.2.2  
Menu bar  
The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:  
Main  
Select to change basic system configurations  
Advanced  
Power  
Boot  
Select to configure advanced system settings  
Select for advanced power management (APM) configurations  
Select to change system boot configuration  
Exit  
Select for the exit options and to load default BIOS settings  
To select an item on the menu bar, press the right or left arrow key on the keyboard  
until the desired item is highlighted.  
The BIOS setup screens shown in this chapter are for reference purposes  
only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.  
Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS  
information.  
ASUS M2N-L  
ꢂ-ꢅ  
4.2.3  
Navigation keys  
At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that  
particular menu. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change  
the settings.  
Some of the navigation keys differ from one screen to another.  
4.2.4  
Menu items  
The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu.  
For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items.  
The other items (Advanced, Power, Boot, and Exit) on the menu bar have their  
respective menu items.  
4.2.5  
Sub-menu items  
A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen means that the item has a  
sub-menu. To display the sub-menu, select the item and press <Enter>.  
4.2.6  
Configuration fields  
These fields show the values for the menu items. If an item is user-configurable,  
you can change the value of the field opposite the item. You cannot select an item  
that is not user-configurable.  
A configurable field is enclosed in brackets, and is highlighted when selected. To  
change the value of a field, select it then press <Enter> to display a list of options.  
Refer to “4.2.7 Pop-up window.”  
4.2.7  
Pop-up window  
Select a menu item then press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the  
configuration options for that item.  
4.2.8  
General help  
At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected item.  
ꢂ-ꢆ  
Chapter ꢂ: BIOS setup  
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.  
Use [ENTER], [TAB]  
System Time  
[04:00:03]  
[Mon 12/05/2007]  
[1.44M, 3.5 in.]  
or [SHIFT-TAB] to  
select a field.  
System Date  
Legacy Diskette A  
Use [+] or [-] to  
configure system time.  
Primary IDE Master  
Primary IDE Slave  
SATA1  
:[Not Detected]  
:[Not Detected]  
:[ST380817AS]  
:[Not Detected]  
:[Not Detected]  
:[Not Detected]  
:[Not Detected]  
:[Not Detected]  
SATA2  
SATA3  
SATA4  
SATA5  
SATA6  
IDE Configuration  
System Information  
4.3.1  
System Time [xx:xx:xx]  
Allows you to set the system time.  
4.3.2  
System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]  
Allows you to set the system date.  
4.3.3  
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]  
Sets the type of floppy drive installed.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [360K, 5.25 in.] [1.2M, 5.25 in.] [720K, 3.5 in.]  
[1.44M, 3.5 in.] [2.88M, 3.5 in.]  
ASUS M2N-L  
ꢂ-ꢇ  
4.3.4  
Primary IDE Master/Slave, SATA1~6  
The BIOS automatically detects the connected IDE devices. There is a separate  
sub-menu for each IDE device. Select a device item, then press <Enter> to display  
the IDE device information.  
Select the type of  
device connected  
to the system.  
Primary IDE Master  
Device  
: Not Detected  
Type  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
LBA/Large Mode  
Block(Multi-Sector Transfer)M[Auto]  
PIO Mode  
DMA Mode  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
SMART Monitoring  
32Bit Data Transfer  
[Auto]  
[Enabled]  
The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Device,  
Vendor, Size, LBA Mode, Block Mode, PIO Mode, Async DMA, Ultra DMA, and  
SMART monitoring). These values are not user-configurable. These items show  
N/A if no IDE device is installed in the system.  
Type [Auto]  
Selects the type of IDE drive. Setting to [Auto] allows automatic selection of the  
appropriate IDE device type. Select [CDROM] if you are specifically configuring a  
CD-ROM drive. Select [ARMD] (ATAPI Removable Media Device) if your device is  
either a ZIP, LS-120, or MO drive.  
Configuration options: [Not Installed] [Auto] [CDROM] [ARMD]  
LBA/Large Mode [Auto]  
Enables or disables the LBA mode. Setting to [Auto] enables the LBA mode if the  
device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously formatted with LBA  
mode disabled. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto]  
Block (Multi-sector Transfer) Mode [Auto]  
Enables or disables data multi-sectors transfers. When set to [Auto], the data  
transfer from and to the device occurs multiple sectors at a time if the device  
supports multi-sector transfer feature. When set to [Disabled], the data transfer  
from and to the device occurs one sector at a time.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto]  
ꢂ-ꢀ0  
Chapter ꢂ: BIOS setup  
PIO Mode [Auto]  
Selects the PIO mode.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4]  
DMA Mode [Auto]  
Selects the DMA mode.  
Configuration options: [Auto]  
SMART Monitoring [Auto]  
Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology. Configuration  
options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]  
32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]  
Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
4.3.5  
IDE Configuration  
The items in this menu allow you to set or change the configurations for the IDE  
devices installed in the system. Select an item then press <Enter> if you wish to  
configure the item.  
DISABLED: disables  
the intergrated IDE  
Controller.  
ENABLED: enables  
the intergrated IDE  
Controller.  
IDE Configuration  
OnBoard PCI IDE Controller  
Serial-ATA Devices  
[Enabled]  
[Device 0/1/2]  
nVidia RAID Setup  
Hard Disk Write Protect  
IDE Dectect Time Out (Sec)  
ATA(PI) 80Pin Cable Detection  
[Disabled]  
[35]  
[Host]  
OnBoard PCI IDE Controller [Enabled]  
Enables or disables primary IDE controllers.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Serial-ATA Devices [Device 0/1/2]  
Enables or disables the SATA0/1/2 IDE Interfaces.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Device 0] [Device 0/1] [Device 0/1/2]  
ASUS M2N-L  
ꢂ-ꢀꢀ  
nVidia RAID Setup  
Options  
RAID Setup  
Disable  
Enable  
nVidia RAID Function  
[Disabled]  
nVidia RAID Function [Disabled]  
Enables or disables the NVIDIA® RAID function.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
The following items appear when this item is set to [Enabled].  
SATA1 [Disabled]  
Sets the SATA 1 as RAID.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
SATA 2 [Disabled]  
Sets the SATA 2 as RAID.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
SATA 3 [Disabled]  
Sets the SATA 3 as RAID.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
SATA 4 [Disabled]  
Sets the SATA 4 as RAID.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
SATA 5 [Disabled]  
Sets the SATA 5 as RAID.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
SATA 6 [Disabled]  
Sets the SATA 6 as RAID.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Hard Disk Write Protect [Disabled]  
Enables or disables the device write protection. This will be effective only if device  
is accessed through BIOS.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
IDE Detect Time Out (Sec) [35]  
Selects the time out value for detecting ATA/ATAPI devices.  
Configuration options: [0] [5] [10] [15] [20] [25] [30] [35]  
ATA(PI) 80Pin Cable Detection [Host]  
Selects the mechanism for detecting 80Pin ATA(PI) Cable.  
Configuration options: [Host & Device] [Host] [Device]  
ꢂ-ꢀ2  
Chapter ꢂ: BIOS setup  
4.3.6  
System Information  
This menu gives you an overview of the general system specifications. The BIOS  
automatically detects the items in this menu.  
AMIBIOS  
Version  
: 0127  
Build Date : 12/18/07  
Processor  
Type  
: AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3200+  
Speed  
Count  
: 1800 MHz  
: 1  
System Memory  
Size  
: 512MB  
AMI BIOS  
Displays the auto-detected BIOS information  
Processor  
Displays the auto-detected CPU specification  
System Memory  
Displays the auto-detected system memory  
ASUS M2N-L  
ꢂ-ꢀꢁ  
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.  
Configure CPU.  
CPU Configuration  
Chipset  
Onboard Devices Configuration  
PCIPnP  
MPS Configuration  
USB Configuration  
Remote Access Configuration  
4.4.1  
CPU Configuration  
The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS  
automatically detects.  
CPU Configuration  
This option should  
Module Version: 13.20  
AGESA Version: 3.1.4.0  
Physical Count: 1  
Logical Count : 4  
remain disabled for  
the normal operation.  
The driver developer  
may enable it for  
testing purpose.  
AMD Opteron(tm) Processor 1354  
Revision: B2  
Cache L1: 512KB  
Cache L2: 2045KB  
Cache L3: 2MB  
Speed  
: 2200MHz, NB Clk: 1800MHz  
Able to Change Freq  
uCode Patch Level  
: Yes  
: 0x1000035  
GART Error Reporting  
Microcode Updation  
Secure Virtual Machine Mode  
Cool ‘N’ Quiet  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
ACPI SRAT Table  
ꢂ-ꢀꢂ  
Chapter ꢂ: BIOS setup  
GART Error Reporting [Disabled]  
Enables or disables the GART Error reporting feature.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Microcode Updation [Enabled]  
Enables or disables the Microcode Updation function.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Secure Virtual Machine Mode [Enabled]  
Enables or disables the Secure Virtual Machine Mode (SVM).  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Cool ‘n’ Quiet [Disabled]  
Enables or disables the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet technology.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
ACPI SRAT Table [Enabled]  
Enables or disables ACPI static resources affinity table.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
4.4.2  
Chipset  
The Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings. Select an  
item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.  
Advanced Chipset Setting  
Options for NB  
WARNING: Setting wrong values in below  
sections may cause system to malfunction.  
NorthBridge Configuration  
Southbridge/MCP55 Configuration  
NorthBridge Configuration  
NorthBridge Chihpset Configuration  
Memory Configuration  
ECC Configuration  
DRAM Timing Configuration  
Alternate VID  
[Auto]  
Memory CLK  
:333 MHz  
:5.0  
CAS Latency(TCL)  
RAS/CAS Delay(Trcd)  
:5 CLK  
Row Precharge Time(Trp) :5 CLK  
Min Active RAS(Tras)  
RAS/RAS Delay(Trrd)  
Row Cycle (Trc)  
:15 CLK  
:3 CLK  
:21 CLK  
ASUS M2N-L  
ꢂ-ꢀꢃ  
Memory Configuration  
The memory configuration menu allows you to change the memory settings.  
Select the DRAM  
Memory Configuration  
Frequency program  
method. If Auto,  
the DRAM speed will  
be based on SPDs.  
If Limit, the DRAM  
speed will not exceed  
the specific value.  
If Manual, the DRAM  
will be programmed  
regardless.  
Bank Interleaving  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Always]  
Channel Interleaving  
Enable Clock to All DIMMS  
MemClk Tristate C3/ALTVID  
Memory Hole Remapping  
DCT Unganged Mode support  
Power Down Enable  
[Enabled]  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
+-  
F1  
Change Option  
General Help  
F10 Save and Exit  
ESC Exit  
Bank Interleaving [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable the bank memory interleaving.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto]  
Channel Interleaving [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable the channel memory interleaving.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Address bits 6] [Address bits 12] [XOR of  
Address bits [20:16, 6]] [ XOR of Address bits [20:16, 9]]  
Enable Clock to All DIMMs [Disabled]  
Enables or disables unused Clocks to DIMMs when memory slots are not  
populated.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
MemClk Tristate C3/ALTVID [Disabled]  
Enables or disables MemClk Tri-Stating during C3 and Alt VID.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Memory Hole Remapping [Enabled]  
Enables or disables the memory remapping around memory hole.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
DCT Unganged Mode support [Always]  
Enables or disables DCT Unganged Mode.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [Always]  
Power Down Enable [Enabled]  
Enables or disables DDR power down mode.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
ꢂ-ꢀꢄ  
Chapter ꢂ: BIOS setup  
ECC Configuration  
The ECC configuration menu allows you to change the ECC settings.  
DRAM ECC allows  
ECC Configuration  
hardware to report  
and correct memory  
errors automatically  
maintaining system  
integrity.  
ECC Mode  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
DRAM ECC Enable  
DRAM SCRUB REDIRECT  
4-Bit ECC Mode  
DRAM BG Scrub  
Data Cache BG Scrub  
L2 Cache BG Scrub  
L3 Cache BG Scrub  
ECC Mode [Disabled]  
Allows you to set the ECC configuration. Configuration options: [Disabled]  
[Basic] [Good] [Super] [Max] [User]  
The flowing items are changeable when the ECC Mode is set to [User].  
DRAM ECC Enable [Disabled]  
Enables or disables the DRAM ECC that allows the hardware to report and  
correct memory errors automatically. Configuration options: [Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
DRAM SCRUB REDIRECT [Disabled]  
Enables or disables the DRAM SCRUB REDIRECT feature that allows the  
system to correct the DRAM ECC errors immediately when they occur.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
4-Bit ECC Mode (or ECC Chip Kill) [Disabled]  
Enables or disables the ECC chip kill feature.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
DRAM BG SCRUB [Disabled]  
Sets the DRAM BG Scrub. Configuration options: [Disabled] [40ns] [80ns]  
[160na] [320ns] [640ns] [1.28us] [2.56us] [5.12us] [10.2us] [20.5us]  
[41.0us] [81.9us] [163.8us] [327.7us] [655.4us] [1.31ms] [2.62ms] [5.24ms]  
[10.49ms] [20.97ms] [42.00ms] [84.00ms]  
Data Cache BG Scrub [Disabled]  
Disables or sets the Data Cache BG Scrub. This item allows the data  
cache BG Scrub RAM to be corrected when idle. Configuration options:  
[Disabled] [40ns] [80ns] [160ns] [320ns] [640ns] [1.28us] [2.56us] [5.12us]  
[10.2us] [20.5us] [41.0us] [81.9us] [163.8us] [327.7us] [655.4us] [1.31ms]  
[2.62ms] [5.24ms] [10.49ms] [20.97ms] [42.00ms] [84.00ms]  
ASUS M2N-L  
ꢂ-ꢀꢅ  
L2 Cache BG Scrub [Disabled]  
Disables or sets the L2 Cache BG Scrub. This item allows the cache  
RAM to be corrected when idle. Configuration options: [Disabled] [40ns]  
[80ns] [160na] [320ns] [640ns] [1.28us] [2.56us] [5.12us] [10.2us] [20.5us]  
[41.0us] [81.9us] [163.8us] [327.7us] [655.4us] [1.31ms] [2.62ms] [5.24ms]  
[10.49ms] [20.97ms] [42.00ms] [84.00ms]  
L3 Cache BG Scrub [2.56us]  
Disables or sets the L3 Cache BG Scrub. This item allows the cache  
RAM to be corrected when idle. Configuration options: [Disabled] [40ns]  
[80ns] [160na] [320ns] [640ns] [1.28us] [2.56us] [5.12us] [10.2us] [20.5us]  
[41.0us] [81.9us] [163.8us] [327.7us] [655.4us] [1.31ms] [2.62ms] [5.24ms]  
[10.49ms] [20.97ms] [42.00ms] [84.00ms]  
DRAM Timing Configuration  
The DRAM Timing configuration menu allows you to change the DRAM Timing  
settings.  
DRAM ECC allows  
hardware to report  
and correct memory  
errors automatically  
maintaining system  
integrity.  
DRAM Timing Configuration  
Memory Clock Mode  
DRAM Timing Mode  
[Auto]  
[Auto]  
Memory Clock Mode [Auto]  
Allows you to set the memory clock mode. Configuration options: [Auto]  
[Limit] [Manual]  
The following item shows when the Memory Clock Mode is set to [Limit] or  
[Manual]  
Memclock Value [266 MHz]  
Allows you to set the memory clock value.  
Configuration options: [266 MHz] [333 MHz] [400 MHz] [533 MHz]  
DRAM Timing Mode [Auto]  
Allows you to set the DIMM RAM Timing mode.  
Configuration options: [Auto] [DCT0]  
ꢂ-ꢀꢆ  
Chapter ꢂ: BIOS setup  
Alternate VID [Auto]  
Allows you to specify the alternate VID in low power states.  
Configuration options: [1.550 V] [1.525 V] [1.500 V] [1.475 V] [1.450 V] [1.425V]  
[1.400 V] [1.375 V] [1.350 V] [1.325 V] [1.300 V] [1.275 V] [1.250 V] [1.225 V]  
[1.200 V] [1.175V] [1.150V] [1.125V] [1.100V] [1.075V] [1.050V] [1.025V] [1.000V]  
[0.975V] [0.950V] [0.925V] [0.900V] [0.875V] [0.850V] [0.825V] [0.800V] [Auto]  
SouthBridge / MCP55 Configuration  
The SouthBridge Configuration menu allows you to change the SouthBridge  
settings.  
South Bridge/MCP55 Chipset Configuration  
Options  
PCI Express -> PCI  
PCI -> PCI Express  
Primary Graphics Adapter  
[PCI Express -> PCI]  
Primary Graphics Adapter [PCI Express -> PCI]  
Allows you to select the primary graphics adapter.  
Configuration options: [PCI Express -> PCI] [PCI -> PCI Express]  
ASUS M2N-L  
ꢂ-ꢀꢇ  
4.4.3  
Onboard Devices Configuration  
Allows BIOS to Select  
Configure ITE8716F-S Super IO Chipset  
Serial Port1 Base  
Serial Port1 Address  
Serial Port2 Address  
Serial Port2 Mode  
[3F8/IRQ4]  
[2F8/IRQ3]  
[Normal]  
Addresses.  
Configure Onboard Device  
Onboard XGI Z9S VGA  
[Enabled]  
Onboard MARVELL8056 Lan A [Enabled]  
Onboard Lan BootROM  
[Disabled]  
Onboard MARVELL8056 Lan B [Enabled]  
Onboard Lan BootROM  
[Disabled]  
Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]  
Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4] [3E8/IRQ4]  
Serial Port2 Address [2F8/IRQ3]  
Allows you to select the Serial Port2 base address.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [2F8/IRQ3] [2E8/IRQ3]  
Serial Port2 Mode [Normal]  
Allows you to set the BIOS selection mode for Serial Port2.Configuration  
options: [Normal] [IrDA] [ASK IR]  
The following items appear when the Serial Port2 Mode is set to IrDA or ASK IR.  
CMOS Port Dulpex Mode [Half Duplex]  
Allows you to select full or half duplex for Serial Port2 (IR Mode).  
Configuration options: [Half Duplex] [Full Duplex]  
Onboard XGI Z9S VGA [Enabled]  
Enable or disable the Onboard XGI Z9S VGA.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
ꢂ-20  
Chapter ꢂ: BIOS setup  
Onboard MARVELL 8056 Lan A [Enabled]  
Enable or disable the Onboard MARVELL 8056 Lan A.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Onboard LAN A BootROM [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the option ROM in the onboard LAN A  
controller. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Onboard MARVELL 8056 Lan B [Enabled]  
Enable or disable the Onboard MARVELL 8056 Lan B.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Onboard LAN B BootROM [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the option ROM in the onboard LAN B  
controller. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
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4.4.4  
PCI PnP  
The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP  
devices. The menu includes setting IRQ and DMA channel resources for either  
PCI/PnP or legacy ISA devices, and setting the memory size block for legacy ISA  
devices.  
Take caution when changing the settings of the PCI PnP menu items. Incorrect  
field values can cause the system to malfunction.  
Advanced PCI/PnP Settings  
NO: Lets the BIOS  
configue all the devices  
in the system.  
WARNING: Setting wrong values in below sections  
may cause system to malfunction.  
YES: Lets the operating  
system configure Plug  
and Play (PnP) devices  
not required for boot  
if your system has a  
Plug and Play operating  
system.  
Plug And Play O/S  
PCI Latency Timer  
Allocate IRQ to PCI VGA  
Palette Snooping  
[No]  
[64]  
[Yes]  
[Disabled]  
IRQ-3 assigned to  
IRQ-4 assigned to  
IRQ-5 assigned to  
IRQ-7 assigned to  
IRQ-9 assigned to  
IRQ-10 assigned to  
IRQ-11 assigned to  
IRQ-14 assigned to  
IRQ-15 assigned to  
[PCI Device]  
[PCI Device]  
[PCI Device]  
[PCI Device]  
[PCI Device]  
[PCI Device]  
[PCI Device]  
[PCI Device]  
[PCI Device]  
Plug And Play O/S [No]  
When set to [No], BIOS configures all the devices in the system. When set to  
[Yes] and if you install a Plug and Play operating system, the operating system  
configures the Plug and Play devices not required for boot.  
Configuration options: [No] [Yes]  
PCI Latency Timer [64]  
Allows you to select the value in units of PCI clocks for the PCI device latency  
timer register. Configuration options: [32] [64] [96] [128] [160] [192] [224] [248]  
Allocate IRQ to PCI VGA [Yes]  
When set to [Yes], BIOS assigns an IRQ to PCI VGA card if the card requests for  
an IRQ. When set to [No], BIOS does not assign an IRQ to the PCI VGA card even  
if requested. Configuration options: [No] [Yes]  
Palette Snooping [Disabled]  
When set to [Enabled], the pallete snooping feature informs the PCI devices that  
an ISA graphics device is installed in the system so that the latter can function  
correctly. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
ꢂ-22  
Chapter ꢂ: BIOS setup  
IRQ-xx assigned to [PCI Device]  
When set to [PCI Device], the specific IRQ is free for use of PCI/PnP devices.  
When set to [Reserved], the IRQ is reserved for legacy ISA devices.  
Configuration options: [PCI Device] [Reserved]  
4.4.5  
MPS Configuration  
The items in this menu allows you to configure the Multi-Processor Table. Select  
an item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options.  
MPS Configuration  
MPS Revision  
Select MPS  
Revision.  
[1.4]  
MPS Revision [1.4]  
Allows you to select the multi-processor system revision.  
Configuration options: [1.1] [1.4]  
4.4.6  
USB Configuration  
The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an  
item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options.  
USB Configuration  
Options  
Module Version - 2.24.0-12.4  
Enabled  
Disabled  
USB Devices Enabled: None  
None  
USB 1.1 Controller  
USB 2.0 Controller  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
Legacy USB Support  
USB 2.0 Controller Mode  
BIOS EHCI Hand-Off  
[Auto]  
[HiSpeed]  
[Enabled]  
The Module Version and USB Devices Enabled items show the  
auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the USB Devices Enabled  
item shows None.  
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USB 1.1 Controller [Enabled]  
Enables or disables the USB 1.1 Controller.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]  
Enables or disables the USB 2.0 Controller.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Legacy USB Support [Auto]  
Allows you to enable or disable support for legacy USB devices. Setting to [Auto]  
allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If detected,  
the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is detected, the  
legacy USB support is disabled.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]  
USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]  
Allows you to set the USB 2.0 controller mode to HiSpeed (480 Mbps) or  
FullSpeed (12 Mbps).  
Configuration options: [FullSpeed ] [HiSpeed ]  
BIOS EHCI Hand-Off [Enabled]  
Enables or disables the BIOS EHCI hand-off feature.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
4.4.7  
Remote Access Configuration  
The items in this menu allows you to configure the Remote Access type and and  
parameters.  
Configure Remote Access type and parameters  
Remote Access [Disabled]  
Select Remote Access  
type.  
Remote Access Type [Disabled]  
Allows you to set the Remote Access Type.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
ꢂ-2ꢂ  
Chapter ꢂ: BIOS setup  
4.5  
Power menu  
The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the ACPI and  
Advanced Power Management (APM) features. Select an item then press <Enter>  
to display the configuration options.  
Include ACPI state for  
system suspend.  
Suspend Mode  
ACPI 2.0 Support  
ACPI APIC support  
[Auto]  
[Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
APM Configuration  
Hardware Monitor  
4.5.1  
Suspend Mode [Auto]  
Allows you to select the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) state  
to be used for system suspend.  
Configuration options: [S1 (POS) Only] [S3 Only] [Auto]  
4.5.2  
ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled]  
Allows you to add more tables for Advanced Configuration and Power Interface  
(ACPI) 2.0 specifications.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
4.5.3  
ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Programmable Interrupt Controller  
(APIC). When set to Enabled, the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the Root  
System Description Table (RSDT) pointer list. Configuration options: [Disabled]  
[Enabled]  
Do not change the ACPI APIC support after you have installed the operating  
system (OS), otherwise, a boot failure may occur.  
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4.5.4  
APM Configuration  
APM Configuration  
Options  
Power Off  
Power On  
Resume on PME#  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Disabled]  
[Last state]  
Last State  
Resume on Ring  
Resume on RTC Alarm  
Restore on AC Power Loss  
Resume On PME# [Disabled]  
When this item is set to [Enabled]. A PME (Power Management Event) can turn on  
the system. Configuration Options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Resume On Ring [Disabled]  
This allows either settings of [Enabled] or [Disabled] for powering up the computer  
when the external modem receives a call while the computer is in Soft-off mode.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Resume On RTC Alarm [Disabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable RTC to generate a wake event. When this item is  
set to Enabled, the items RTC Alarm Date/ RTC Alarm Hour/ RTC Alarm Minute/  
RTC Alarm Second will become user-configurable with set values.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Restore on AC Power Loss [Last State]  
When set to Power Off, the system goes into off state after an AC power loss.  
When set to Power On, the system goes on after an AC power loss. When set to  
Last State, the system goes into either off or on state, whatever the system state  
was before the AC power loss.  
Configuration options: [Power Off] [Power On] [Last State]  
ꢂ-2ꢄ  
Chapter ꢂ: BIOS setup  
4.5.5  
Hardware Monitor  
Hardware Monitor  
CPU Temperature  
CPU Temperature  
MB Temperature  
CPU Fan Speed  
Front Fan1  
[42ºC/107.5ºF]  
[37ºC/98.5ºF]  
[5192RPM]  
[N/A]  
Front Fan2  
[N/A]  
Rear Fan1  
[N/A]  
VCORE Voltage  
3.3V Voltage  
5V Voltage  
[ 1.232V]  
[ 3.184V]  
[ 5.037V]  
[ 11.392V]  
12V Voltage  
Smart FAN Function  
[Enabled]  
[5.0V]  
FAN Auto Mode Start Voltage  
FAN Auto Mode Start Speed Temp  
FAN Auto Mode Full Speed Temp  
[25oC]  
[75oC]  
CPU Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]  
MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU  
and motherboard temperature. Select [Ignored] if you do not wish to display the  
detected temperatures.  
CPU Fan Speed [xxxxRPM]  
Front Fan1/Fan2 [N/A]  
Rear Fan1 [N/A]  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU, and  
chassis fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the  
motherboard, the field shows N/A. Select [Ignored] if you do not wish to display the  
detected temperatures.  
VCORE Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage [x.xxxV]  
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through  
the onboard voltage regulators.  
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Smart FAN Function [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Smart FAN feature that smartly adjusts  
the fan speeds for more efficient system operation.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
The following items appear when the Smart FAN Function item is set to  
[Enabled].  
FAN Auto Mode Start Voltage [x.xV]  
Shows the FAN start voltage in auto mode.  
FAN Auto Mode Start Speed Temp [xxoC]  
Shows the FAN temperature at start speed in auto mode.  
FAN Auto Mode Full Speed Temp [xxoC]  
Shows the FAN temperature at full speed in auto mode.  
ꢂ-2ꢆ  
Chapter ꢂ: BIOS setup  
4.6  
Boot menu  
The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item  
then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.  
Specifies the Boot  
Devices Priority  
sequence.  
Boot Settings  
Boot Device Priority  
A virtual floppy disk  
drive (Floppy Drive  
B:) may appear when  
you set the CD-ROM  
drive as the first boot  
device.  
Boot Settings Configuration  
Security  
4.6.1  
Boot Device Priority  
Boot Device Priority  
Specifies the boot  
sequence from the  
available devices.  
1st Boot Device  
2nd Boot Device  
3rd Boot Device  
4th Boot Device  
5th Boot Device  
[1st FLOPPY DRIVE]  
[ATAPI CD-ROM]  
[Hard Drive]  
[Network:B05 D00 Yu]  
[Network:B06 D00 Yu]  
A device enclosed  
in parenthesis has  
been disabled in the  
corresponding type  
menu.  
1st ~ xxth Boot Device [1st Floppy Drive]  
These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices.  
The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number of  
devices installed in the system.  
Configuration options: [1st Floppy Drive] [ATAPI CD-ROM] [Hard Drive] [Network:  
B05 D00 Yukon Boot Agent] [Network:B06 D00 Yukon Boot Agent] [Disabled]  
[Network:B05/B06 D00 Yukon Boot Agent] option appears only when the item  
Onboard Marvell8056 Lan B/A - Onboard Lan BootROM is set to [Enabled].  
Refer to section 4.4.3 Onboard Devices Configuration for settings.  
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4.6.2  
Boot Settings Configuration  
Boot Settings Configuration  
Allows BIOS to skip  
certain tests while  
booting. This will  
decrease the time  
needed to boot the  
system.  
Quick Boot  
Full Screen Logo  
AddOn ROM Display Mode  
Bootup Num-Lock  
PS/2 Mouse Support  
Wait For ‘F1’ If Error  
Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display  
Interrupt 19 Capture  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Force BIOS]  
[On]  
[Auto]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
[Enabled]  
Quick Boot [Enabled]  
Enabling this item allows the BIOS to skip some power on self tests (POST) while  
booting to decrease the time needed to boot the system. When set to [Disabled],  
BIOS performs all the POST items.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Full Screen Logo [Enabled]  
Allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Add On ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS]  
Sets the display mode for option ROM.  
Configuration options: [Force BIOS] [Keep Current]  
Bootup Num-Lock [On]  
Allows you to select the power-on state for the NumLock.  
Configuration options: [Off] [On]  
PS/2 Mouse Support [Auto]  
Allows you to enable or disable support for PS/2 mouse.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]  
Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]  
When set to Enabled, the system waits for the F1 key to be pressed when error  
occurs. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]  
When set to Enabled, the system displays the message “Press DEL to run Setup”  
during POST. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
ꢂ-ꢁ0  
Chapter ꢂ: BIOS setup  
Interrupt 19 Capture [Enabled]  
When set to [Enabled], this function allows the option ROMs to trap Interrupt 19.  
Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]  
4.6.3  
Security  
The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select  
an item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options.  
Security Settings  
<Enter> to change  
password.  
<Enter> again to  
disabled password.  
Supervisor Password  
User Password  
: Not Installed  
: Not Installed  
Change Supervisor Password  
Change User Passward  
Change Supervisor Password  
Select this item to set or change the supervisor password. The Supervisor  
Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a  
password, this item shows Installed.  
To set a Supervisor Password:  
1.  
2.  
Select the Change Supervisor Password item, then press <Enter>.  
From the password box, type a password composed of at least six letters  
and/or numbers, then press <Enter>.  
3.  
Confirm the password when prompted.  
The message “Password Installed” appears after you successfully set your  
password.  
To change the supervisor password, follow the same steps as in setting a user  
password.  
To clear the supervisor password, select the Change Supervisor Password then  
press <Enter>. The message “Password Uninstalled” appears.  
If you forget your BIOS password, you can clear it by erasing the CMOS Real  
Time Clock (RTC) RAM. See section “2.6 Jumpers” for information on how to  
erase the RTC RAM.  
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ꢂ-ꢁꢀ  
After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to  
change other security settings.  
BIOS SETUP UTILITY  
Boot  
Security Settings  
<Enter> to change  
password.  
<Enter> again to  
disabled password.  
Supervisor Password  
User Password  
: Installed  
: Not Installed  
Change Supervisor Password  
User Access Level  
Change User Password  
Password Check  
[Full Access]  
[Setup]  
Select Screen  
Select Item  
Enter Change  
F1  
F10  
ESC  
General Help  
Save and Exit  
Exit  
User Access Level [Full Access]  
This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items.  
Configuration options: [No Access] [View Only] [Limited] [Full Access]  
No Access prevents user access to the Setup utility.  
View Only allows access but does not allow change to any field.  
Limited allows changes only to selected fields, such as Date and Time.  
Full Access allows viewing and changing all the fields in the Setup utility.  
Change User Password  
Select this item to set or change the user password. The User Password item on  
top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this  
item shows Installed.  
To set a User Password:  
1.  
2.  
Select the Change User Password item and press <Enter>.  
On the password box that appears, type a password composed of at least six  
letters and/or numbers, then press <Enter>.  
3.  
Confirm the password when prompted.  
The message “Password Installed” appears after you set your password  
successfully.  
To change the user password, follow the same steps as in setting a user password.  
ꢂ-ꢁ2  
Chapter ꢂ: BIOS setup  
Password Check [Setup]  
When set to [Setup], BIOS checks for user password when accessing the Setup  
utility. When set to [Always], BIOS checks for user password both when accessing  
Setup and booting the system.  
Configuration options: [Setup] [Always]  
4.7  
Exit menu  
The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the  
BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items.  
Exit Options  
Exit & Save Changes  
Exit & Discard Changes  
Discard Changes  
Load Setup Defaults  
Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options  
from this menu or <F10> from the legend bar to exit.  
Exit & Save Changes  
Once you are finished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit  
menu to ensure the values you selected are saved to the CMOS RAM. An onboard  
backup battery sustains the CMOS RAM so it stays on even when the computer is  
turned off. When you select this option, a confirmation window appears. Select Ok  
to save the changes and exit.  
If you attempt to exit the Setup program without saving your changes, the  
program prompts you with a message asking if you want to save your changes  
before exiting. Press <Enter> to save the changes while exiting.  
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Exit & Discard Changes  
Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you made to  
the Setup program. If you made changes to fields other than System Date, System  
Time, and Password, the BIOS asks for a confirmation before exiting.  
Discard Changes  
Allows you to discard the selections you made and restore the previously saved  
values. After selecting this option, a confirmation appears. Select Ok to discard any  
changes and load the previously saved values.  
Load Setup Defaults  
Allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the Setup  
menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a confirmation window  
appears. Select Ok to load default values. Select Exit & Save Changes or make  
other changes before saving the values to the non-volatile RAM.  
ꢂ-ꢁꢂ  
Chapter ꢂ: BIOS setup  
This chapter describes the contents  
of the support CD that comes with the  
motherboard package.  
Software  
5
support  
5.1  
Installing an operating system  
This motherboard supports Windows® 2000 and 32/64-bit 2003 operating systems  
(OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize  
the features of your hardware.  
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.  
Make sure that you install Windows® 2000 Service Pack 4 or the Windows®  
32/64-bit 2003 before installing the drivers for better compatibility and  
system stability.  
5.2  
Support CD information  
The support CD that came with the motherboard package contains the drivers,  
software applications, and utilities that you can install to avail all motherboard  
features.  
The contents of the support CD are subject to change at any time without  
notice. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) for updates.  
5.2.1  
Running the support CD  
Place the support CD to the optical drive. The CD automatically displays the  
Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer.  
Click an icon to display  
support CD/motherboard  
information  
Click an item to install  
If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support  
CD to locate the file ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-click the  
ASSETUP.EXE to run the CD.  
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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.  
nVIDIA nForce (MCP55) Chipset  
Installs the nVIDIA® nForce® (MCP55) Chipset driver.  
Marvell LAN CPA Config tool  
Installs the Marvell LAN CPA Config tool driver.  
XGI VOLARI Z9s  
Installs the XGI VOLARI Z9s driver.  
AMD Processor driver  
Installs the AMD processor driver.  
ꢃ-2  
Chapter ꢃ: Software support  
5.2.3  
Management Software menu  
The Management Software menu displays all the available server management  
software applications.  
ASUS Network Utility  
Installs the ASUS Network Utility. Refer to the application help file for details.  
ASWM  
Installs the ASUS System Web-based Management (ASWM) software.  
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5.2.4  
Utilities menu  
The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard  
supports.  
ADOBE Reader V8.10  
Installs the Adobe® Reader v8.10 that allows you to open, view, and print  
documents in Portable Document Format (PDF).  
ASUS Screen Saver  
Bring life to your computer screen by installing the ASUS screen saver.  
ASUS Update  
The ASUS Update utility allows you to update the motherboard BIOS in Windows®  
environment. This utility requires an Internet connection either through a network  
or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).  
ꢃ-ꢂ  
Chapter ꢃ: Software support  
5.2.5  
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.  
5.2.6  
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.  
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ꢃ-ꢃ  
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.  
ꢃ-ꢄ  
Chapter ꢃ: Software support  
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.  
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.  
Turn on the system and enter BIOS by pressing the <Del> key during the  
Power On Self-Tests (POST).  
Go to Advanced -> CPU Configuration -> Cool ‘n’Quiet and set it to  
[Enabled]. See section “4.4 Advanced Menu.”  
In the Power menu, select the item ACPI 2.0 Support and set it to [Enabled].  
See section “4.5 Power Menu.”  
4.  
5.  
Save your changes and exit BIOS Setup.  
Reboot your computer and set your Power Option Properties depending on  
your operating system.  
Windows® 2000/2003  
1.  
2.  
3.  
From the Windows® 2000/2003 operating system, click the Start button.  
Select Settings, then Control Panel.  
Make sure the Control Panel is set  
to Classic View.  
Double-click the Display icon in  
the Control Panel then select the  
Screen Saver tab.  
4.  
5.  
Click the Power... button. The  
following dialog box appears.  
From the Power schemes combo  
list box, select Minimal Power  
Management.  
6.  
Click OK to effect settings.  
Make sure to install the Cool ‘n’  
Quiet!™ driver and application  
before using this feature.  
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5.4  
RAID configurations  
The motherboard comes with the NVIDIA® nForce® 570 SLI MCP (MCP55P) RAID  
utility that allow you to configure 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. Two hard disks perform the same work as a  
single drive but at a sustained data transfer rate, double that of a single disk alone,  
thus improving data access and storage. Use of two new identical hard disk drives  
is required for this setup.  
RAID 1 (Data mirroring) copies and maintains an identical image of data from one  
drive to a second drive. If one drive fails, the disk array management software  
directs all applications to the surviving drive as it contains a complete copy of  
the data in the other drive. This RAID configuration provides data protection and  
increases fault tolerance to the entire system. Use two new drives or use an  
existing drive and a new drive for this setup. The new drive must be of the same  
size or larger than the existing drive.  
RAID 5 stripes both data and parity information across three or more hard  
disk drives. Among the advantages of RAID 5 configuration include better  
HDD performance, fault tolerance, and higher storage capacity. The RAID  
5 configuration is best suited for transaction processing, relational database  
applications, enterprise resource planning, and other business systems. Use a  
minimum of three identical hard disk drives for this setup.  
RAID 0+1 is a striping and data mirroring combined without parity (redundancy  
data) having to be calculated and written. With the RAID 0+1 configuration you can  
get all the benefits of both RAID 0 and RAID 1 configurations. Use at least four  
new hard disk drives for this setup.  
JBOD (Spanning) stands for just a Bunch of Disks and refers to hard disk drivers  
that are not yet configured as a RAID set. This configuration stores the same data  
redundantly on multiple disks that appear as a single disk on the operating system.  
Spanning does not deliver any advantage over using separate disks independently  
and does not provide fault tolerance or other RAID performance benefits.  
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.  
ꢃ-ꢆ  
Chapter ꢃ: Software support  
Installing hard disks  
The motherboard supports Serial ATA hard disk drives. For optimal performance,  
install identical drives of the same model and capacity when creating a disk array.  
Installing Serial ATA (SATA) hard disks  
To install the SATA hard disks for a RAID configuration:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Install the SATA hard disks into the drive bays.  
Connect the SATA signal cables.  
Connect a SATA power cable to the power connector on each drive.  
Refer to the RAID controllers user manual in the motherboard support CD for  
detailed information on RAID configurations.  
ASUS M2N-L  
ꢃ-ꢇ  
5.5  
NVIDIA® RAID configurations  
The motherboard includes a high performance SATA RAID controller integrated in  
the NVIDIA® nForce® 570 SLI MCP (MCP55P). It supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID  
0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD for six independent Serial ATA disks.  
The RAID BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference only, and  
may not exactly match the items on your screen.  
5.5.1  
Entering the NVIDIA® RAID Utility  
To enter the NVIDIA® RAID Utility:  
1.  
2.  
Restart the computer.  
During POST, press <F10> to display the utility main menu.  
MediaShield BIOS Apr 20 2007  
- Define a New Array -  
RAID Mode: Striped  
Stripe Block:  
Array Disks  
Optimal  
Free Disks  
Port  
Disk Model  
Capacity  
Port  
Disk Model  
Capacity  
1.0  
XXXXXXXXXXXX  
XX.XXGB  
XX.XXGB  
XX.XXGB  
XX.XXGB  
1.1 XXXXXXXXXXXX  
2.0 XXXXXXXXXXXX  
2.1 XXXXXXXXXXXX  
[] Add  
[
[] Del  
[ESC] Quit [F6] Back [F7] Finish [TAB] Navigate [↑↓] Select [ENTER] Popup  
The SATA ports are called channels that are associated with adapters. The first  
digit in the Location field defines the adapter that the SATA port is associated with.  
The 2nd digit defines the channel.  
At the bottom section of the screen are the navigation keys. These keys allow you  
to move through and select menu options.  
[ESC] Quit [F6] Back [F7] Finish [TAB] Navigate [↑↓] Select [ENTER] Popup  
The navigation keys vary depending on the menu level or option.  
ꢃ-ꢀ0  
Chapter ꢃ: Software support  
5.5.2  
Creating a RAID Volume  
To create a RAID set:  
Mirrored  
Striped  
1.  
From the Define a New Array menu,  
select RAID Mode, then press  
<ENTER>. A pop-up menu appears.  
Use the up or down arrow keys to select  
a RAID mode , then press <ENTER>.  
You can select either Mirrored,  
Striped, Spanned, Striped Mirror, or  
RAID 5.  
Spanned  
Striped Mirror  
RAID 5  
The RAID mode is set to Mirrored by default.  
Not all RAID modes are supported on all platforms. (If the server only has two  
HDDs, it only supports RAID 0 and RAID 1 mode.)  
2.  
Press <TAB> to select the Stripe  
Block option, then press <ENTER>.  
The following submenu appears: The  
available stripe size values range from  
4KB to 128KB. The default stripe size  
is optimal (64KB). You must choose  
the stripe size value based on the  
projected drive usage. For low disk  
usage, select 4 KB/16 KB. For typical  
disk usage, select 64 KB. Select 128KB  
for performance disk usage.  
4K  
8K  
16K  
32K  
64K  
128K  
Optimal  
For server systems, we recommend using a lower array block size. For multimedia  
computer systems used mainly for audio and video editing, we recommend a higher  
array block size for optimum performance.  
3.  
Press <TAB> to move to the Free Disks section. Highlight the hard disk drives  
that you want to add in the RAID set, then press the right arrow key to select.  
The selected hard disk drives appear in the Array Disks section. Repeat the  
process until all desired hard disk drives are added.  
ASUS M2N-L  
ꢃ-ꢀꢀ  
MediaShield BIOS Apr 20 2007  
- Define a New Array -  
RAID Mode: Striped  
Stripe Block:  
Optimal  
Free Disks  
Array Disks  
Port  
Disk Model  
Capacity  
Port  
1.0  
Disk Model  
Capacity  
XXXXXXXXXXXXX  
XXXXXXXXXXXXX  
XX.XXGB  
XX.XXGB  
[] Add 1.1  
[] Del  
[ESC] Quit [F6] Back [F7] Finish [TAB] Navigate [↑↓] Select [ENTER] Popup  
4.  
5.  
Press <F7> to create the RAID set. A pop-up window appears.  
All data on new (or added) disks will be overwritten. Continue?  
[Y] YES  
[N] NO  
Press <Y> to overwrite all data on new  
(or added) disks, or press <N> to cancel.  
When you press <Y>, a confirmation  
message appears.  
Clear MBR?  
[Y] YES [N] NO  
You will lose all data on the drives if you clear the MBR!  
6.  
Press <Y> to clear MBR.  
The Array List windows appears.  
MediaShield BIOS Apr 20 2007  
- Array List -  
Boot  
NO  
Status  
Vendor  
NVIDIA  
Array  
STRIPE  
Size  
Healthy  
XXX.XXG  
[Ctrl-X] Exit [↑↓]Select [B] Set Bootable [N]New Array [ENTER] Detail  
7.  
The utility displays the created RAID set. Press <Ctrl+X> to save your settings  
and exit the utility.  
ꢃ-ꢀ2  
Chapter ꢃ: Software support  
5.5.3  
Rebuilding a RAID set  
To rebuild a RAID set:  
1. From the Array List, use the up or down arrow keys to select the RAID set you  
want to rebuild, then press <ENTER>. The RAID set details appear.  
MediaShield BIOS Apr 20 2007  
- Array List -  
Boot  
YES  
NO  
Status  
Vendor  
NVIDIA  
NVIDIA  
Array  
STRIPE  
MIRROR  
Size  
Healthy  
Healthy  
XXX.XXG  
XXX.XXG  
[Ctrl-X]Exit [↑↓]Select [B]Set Bootable [N]New Array [ENTER] Detail  
2.  
Press <R>. The RAID details appear.  
Array 3 : NVIDIA MIRROR XX.XXGB  
- Array Detail -  
RAID Mode: Mirrored  
Stripe Width: 1  
Stripe Block: 64K  
Capacity  
Port  
Index  
Disk Model  
0.0  
1.1  
1
0
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX  
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX  
XXX.XXGB  
XXX.XXGB  
[R] Rebuild [D] Delete [C] Clear MBR [ENTER] Return  
ASUS M2N-L  
ꢃ-ꢀꢁ  
3.  
Use the up or down arrow keys to select a the RAID set you want to rebuild,  
then press <F7>. A confirmation message appears.  
Array 1 : NVIDIA MIRROR XXX.XXG  
- Select Disk Inside Array -  
RAID Mode: Mirrored  
Stripe Width: 1  
Stripe Block: 64K  
Port  
Index  
Disk Model  
Capacity  
0.0  
1.1  
1
0
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX  
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX  
XXX.XXGB  
XXX.XXGB  
[↑↓] Select [F6] Back [F7] Finish  
4.  
Press <ENTER> to start rebuilding  
the array, or <ESC> to cancel.  
Rebuild array?  
[ENTER] OK [ESC] Cancel  
5.  
When you press <ENTER>, a confirmation message appears. Press <Y> to  
overwrite all data on new (or added) disks, or <N> to cancel. The array List  
screen displays the RAID set after rebuilding.  
All data on new (or added) disks will be overwritten. Continue?  
[Y] YES  
[N] NO  
ꢃ-ꢀꢂ  
Chapter ꢃ: Software support  
5.5.4  
Deleting a RAID array  
To delete a RAID array:  
1.  
From the Array List, use the up or down arrow keys to select the RAID set you  
want to delete, then press <ENTER>. The RAID set details appear.  
MediaShield BIOS Apr 20 2007  
- Array Detail -  
RAID Mode: Mirrored  
Stripe Width: 1  
Stripe Block: 64K  
Port  
0.0  
Index  
Disk Model  
Capacity  
XXX.XXG  
XXX.XXG  
0
1
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx  
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx  
1.0  
[R] Rebuild [D] Delete [C] Clear MBR [ENTER] Return  
2.  
When the array details appear, press <D> to delete the RAID set.Aconfirmation  
message appears.  
3.  
Press <Y> to delete the array, or press <N>  
to cancel.  
Delete array?  
[Y] YES [N] NO  
4.  
When you press <Y>, a confirmation  
message appears. Press <Y> to clear  
MBR, or press <N> to cancel.  
Clear MBR?  
[Y] YES [N] NO  
You will lose all data on the drives if you delete a disk array!  
5.  
The Define a New Array menu appears when you press <Y>. Create a new  
RAID set following the instructions in the previous sections.  
ASUS M2N-L  
ꢃ-ꢀꢃ  
5.5.5  
Clearing the MBR  
You will lose all data when you clear the MBR!  
To clear the MBR:  
1.  
From the Array List, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID set, then  
press <ENTER>. The RAID set details appear.  
MediaShield BIOS Apr 20 2007  
- Array List -  
Boot  
Status  
Vendor  
Array  
Size  
No  
NO  
Healthy  
Healthy  
NVIDIA  
NVIDIA  
STRIPE  
MIRROR  
XXX.XXG  
XXX.XXG  
[Ctrl-X] Exit [↑↓] Select [B] Set Bootable [N] New Array [ENTER] Detail  
2.  
When the array details appear, then press <C>. A confirmation message  
appears.  
Array 4 : NVIDIA MIRROR XXX.XXG  
- Array Detail -  
RAID Mode: Mirrored  
Stripe Width: 1  
Stripe Block: 64K  
Port  
Index  
Disk Model  
Capacity  
0.0  
1.0  
0
0
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX  
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX  
XXX.XXGB  
XXX.XXGB  
[R] Rebuild [D] Delete [C] Clear MBR [ENTER] Return  
3.  
Press <Y> to clear the MBR, or press  
<N> to cancel.  
Clear MBR?  
[Y] Yes [N] NO  
ꢃ-ꢀꢄ  
Chapter ꢃ: Software support  
5.6  
Creating a RAID driver disk  
A floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows® 2000/2003/  
XP operating system on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set.  
To create a RAID driver disk:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Place the motherboard support CD into the CD-ROM drive.  
Select Make Disk tab.  
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.  
4.  
5.  
6.  
Insert floppy disk to floppy disk drive.  
Follow succeeding screen information to complete process.  
Write-protect the floppy disk to avoid computer virus infection.  
To install the RAID driver:  
1.  
2.  
3.  
During the OS installation, the system prompts you to press the F6 key to  
install third-party SCSI or RAID driver.  
Press <F6> then insert the floppy disk with RAID driver into the floppy disk  
drive.  
Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation.  
Due to chipset limitation, the Serial ATA ports supported by the NVIDIA chipset  
doesn’t support Serial Optical Disk Drives (Serial ODD) under DOS.  
ASUS M2N-L  
ꢃ-ꢀꢅ  
ꢃ-ꢀꢆ  
Chapter ꢃ: Software support  
This appendix includes additional  
information that you may refer to when  
configuring the motherboard.  
Reference  
A
information  
Appendix summary  
A
M2N-L block diagram ...............................................................................A-1  
ASUS M2N-L  
M2N-L block diagram  
DDR2-800  
DDR2-800  
AM2 CPU  
HT Bus  
x16  
x1  
x16 slot  
PCIE1  
x1 slot  
PCIE2  
6 x SATA2  
x1  
x1 slot  
PCIE3  
PCI 33  
x8  
x16 slot  
PCIE4  
PCI5  
PCI6  
NVIDIA  
NF570 SLI  
x1  
x1  
Marvell  
8056  
XGI Z9s  
Marvell  
8056  
ASUS M2N-L  
A-1  
A-2  
Appendix A: Reference information  

HP Hewlett Packard HP Ultra Slim LED LCD Monitor W1971A User Manual
HP Hewlett Packard HP Business ZR2240w 21 5 XW475A4#ABA User Manual
Hotpoint EC604 User Manual
Grandstream Networks Handy Tone 386 User Manual
Grandstream Networks Grandstream HandyTone HandyTone 488 User Manual
GE Profile JP968BC User Manual
EVGA GeForce GTX 460 EE User Manual
Dell E2211H User Manual
Dell E550 User Manual
Asus Computer Hardware H87IPLUS User Manual