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.  
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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.  
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5.  
When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable  
to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN1.  
CPU_FAN1  
TACHO  
+12V  
GND  
®
M2N-L  
M2N-L CPU Fan Connector  
Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring  
errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector.  
2-ꢀ0  
Chapter 2: Hardware information  
2.4  
System memory  
2.4.1  
Overview  
The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory  
Modules (DIMM) sockets.  
A DDR2 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR DIMM but has a  
240-pin footprint compared to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. DDR2 DIMMs are notched  
differently to prevent installation on a DDR DIMM socket.  
The figure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets:  
®
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Channel  
Sockets  
Channel A  
Channel B  
DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2  
DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2  
2.4.2  
Memory configurations  
You may install 128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB, or 2 GB unbuffered ECC/Non-ECC  
DDR2 DIMMS into the DIMM sockets using the memory configurations in this  
section.  
For dual-channel configuration, the total size of memory module(s) installed  
per channel must be the same for better performance (DIMM_A1+DIMM_  
A2=DIMM_B1+DIMM_B2).  
Due to chipset resource allocation, the system may detect less than 8 GB  
of system memory when you installed four 2 GB DDR2 memory modules.  
Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum  
compatibility, we recommend that you obtain memory modules from the  
same vendor. Refer to the Memory Qualified Vendors List at the ASUS web  
site.  
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2.4.3  
Installing a DIMM  
Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other  
system components. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the  
motherboard and the components.  
2
To install a DIMM:  
DDR2 DIMM notch  
1.  
2.  
3.  
Unlock a DIMM socket by  
pressing the retaining clips  
outward.  
Align a DIMM on the socket  
such that the notch on the DIMM  
matches the break on the socket.  
1
Firmly insert the DIMM into the  
socket until the retaining clips  
snap back in place and the  
DIMM is properly seated.  
3
A DDR2 DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction. Do  
not force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the DIMM.  
The DDR2 DIMM sockets do not support DDR DIMMs. DO not install DDR  
DIMMs to the DDR2 DIMM sockets.  
2.4.4  
Removing a DIMM  
To remove a DIMM:  
2
1. Simultaneously press the retaining  
clips outward to unlock the DIMM.  
1
Support the DIMM lightly with  
your fingers when pressing the  
retaining clips. The DIMM might  
get damaged when it flips out  
with extra force.  
1
DDR2 DIMM notch  
2.  
Remove the DIMM from the socket.  
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.  
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