Asus M3N WS manual

Motherboard M3N WS[...]

ii E3772 First Edition June 2008 Copyright © 2008 ASUST eK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser[...]

iii Contents Contents ...................................................................................................... iii Notices ........................................................................................................ vii Safety information .................................................................................... [...]

iv Contents 2.5.6 PCI Express x1 slots ..................................................... 2-19 2.5.7 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot ............................................... 2-19 2.6 Jumpers ...................................................................................... 2-21 2.7 Connectors .................................................[...]

v Contents 3.3.4 Legacy Diskette A ......................................................... 3-15 3.3.5 Primary IDE Master/Slave ............................................. 3-16 3.3.6 S A T A 1 / 2 / 3/ 4 . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. .[...]

vi Contents 4.2.5 Manual menu .................................................................. 4-6 4.2.6 ASUS Contact information .............................................. 4-6 4.2.7 Other information ............................................................ 4-7 4.3 Software information .....................................................[...]

vii 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 [...]

viii Safety information Electrical safety • T o 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 a[...]

ix About this guide This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring 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 informatio[...]

x Conventions used in this guide T o make sure that you perform certain tasks properly , take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. T ypography Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select. Italics Used to emphasize a word or a phrase. <Key> Key s encl osed i n the less- than a nd gre ater-t han s ign mea ns tha t you [...]

xi M3N WS specications summary (continued on the next page) CPU AMD ® Socket AM2/AM2+ for AMD Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ T echnology AMD Live!™ Ready Support CPU up to 140W Chipset NVIDIA ® GeForce ® 8200 PCI-X bridge: NEC uPD720404 System Bus Up to 5200 MT/s; HyperT ransport™ 3.0 i[...]

xii High Denition Audio Realtek ® ALC888 8-channel High Denition audio CODEC - Supports Jack-Detection and Multi-Streaming Supports Jack-Detection and Multi-Streaming Multi-Streaming - Coaxial S/PDIF Out port at back I/O S/PDIF Out port at back I/O IEEE 1394a Agere ® FW3227 controller supports 2 x IEEE 1394a ports (1 at mid-board; 1 on the [...]

xiii M3N WS specications summary Internal I/O connectors 3 x USB connectors support additional 6 USB ports 1 x Floppy disk drive connector 1 x IDE connector 6 x SA T A connectors 1 x CPU Fan connector 2 x Chassis Fan connectors 1 x Power Fan connector 2 x IEEE1394a connectors 1 x Front panel audio connector 1 x Chassis Intrusion connector 1 x CD[...]

xiv[...]

1 Chapter 1: Product introduction This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports.[...]

ASUS M3N WS Chapter summary 1 1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1 1.2 Package contents ......................................................................... 1-1 1.3 Special features ............................................................................ 1-2[...]

ASUS M3N WS 1-1 1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS ® M3N WS 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 bel[...]

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction 1.3 Special features 1.3.1 Product highlights Green ASUS This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard consumers’ he[...]

ASUS M3N WS 1-3 NVIDIA ® Hybrid SLI T echnology Hybrid SLI™ T echnology is a unique hybrid multi-GPU technology . It includes two primary features: GeForce Boost and HybridPower™. GeForce Boost turbo-charges performance of discrete graphics cards when combined with M3N series motherboard GPUs. HybridPower™ unleashes graphics performance for [...]

1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction High Denition Audio Enjoy high-end sound quality on your PC! The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High Denition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality 192KHz/24-bit audio output that simultaneously sends different audio streams to different destinations. Y ou can now talk to your partners[...]

ASUS M3N WS 1-5 ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the overclocking capability . ASUS Stack Cool 2 Stack Cool 2 is a fan-less and zero-noise cooling solution offered exclusively by ASUS. It effectively transfers heat generated by the critical components to the other side of the specially de[...]

1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction ASUS Q-Connector ASUS Q-Connector allows you to easily connect or disconnect the chassis front panel cables to the motherboard. This unique module eliminates the trouble of connecting the system panel cables one at a time and avoiding wrong cable connections. See page 2-37 for details. ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS EZ Fla[...]

2 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 jumpers and connectors on the motherboard.[...]

ASUS M3N WS Chapter summary 2 2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1 2.2 Motherboard overview ................................................................. 2-2 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 2-5 2.4 System memory ....................[...]

ASUS M3N WS 2-1 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 locat[...]

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.2 Motherboard overview 2.2.1 Motherboard layout Refer to 2.7 Connectors for more information about rear panel connectors and internal connectors.[...]

ASUS M3N WS 2-3 2.2.2 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots Page 1. A TX power connectors (24-pin EA TXPWR, 4-pin A TX12V) 2-33 2. DDR2 DIMM slots 2-10 3. CPU Socket AM2/AM2+ 2-5 4. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_F AN; 3-pin CHA_F AN1-2; 3-pin PWR_F AN) 2-31 5. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) 2-27 6. NVIDIA GeForce 8200 Seria[...]

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.2.3 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 . 2.2.4 Screw holes Place nine (9) screws into the holes indicated by circles to sec[...]

ASUS M3N WS 2-5 2.3.1 Installing the CPU T o install a CPU: 1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. 2. Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sideways, then lift it up to a 90º angle. 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with an AM2+/AM2 socket designed for AMD AM2+/AM2 socket designed for AMD socket designed for AMD AMD ?[...]

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information 3. Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with a small triangle. 4. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it ts in place. 5. When the CPU is in place, push down the socket lever to secure the CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab to [...]

ASUS M3N WS 2-7 2.3.2 Installing the heatsink and fan The AMD ® Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™/ Sempron™ processor requires a Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™/ Sempron™ processor requires a processor requires a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance. T o install the CPU heatsink and[...]

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base. 3. Align the other end of the retention bracket (near the retention bracket lock) to the retention module base. A clicking sound denotes that the retention bracket is in place. 4. Push down the retention bracket lock on the retention mechani[...]

ASUS M3N WS 2-9 5. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_F AN. • Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector . • This connector is backward compatible with 3-pin CPU fans .[...]

2-10 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 installati[...]

ASUS M3N WS 2-1 1 2.4.2 Memory congurations Y ou may install 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered ECC and non-ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. Recommended Memory Congurations • Y ou may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel conguration. An[...]

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware information M3N WS Motherboard Qualied V endors Lists (QVL) DDR2-800MHz capability for AM2 CPU V endor Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip No. CL Chip Brand DIMM socket support (Optional) A* B* C* A-DA TA M2OAD6G3H3160G1E53 512MB SS AD29608A8A-25EG N/A N/A • • • A-DA TA M2OAD6G3I4170I1E58 1GB DS AD26908A8A-25EG N/A N/A • A[...]

ASUS M3N WS 2-13 M3N WS Motherboard Qualied V endors Lists (QVL) DDR2-800MHz capability for AM2 CPU (continued) V endor Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip No. CL Chip Brand DIMM socket support (Optional) A* B* C* NANY A NT2GT64U8HC0BY -AC 2GB DS NT5TU128M8CE-AC 5 NANY A • • • OCZ OCZ2T8002GK 1GB DS Heat-Sink Package N/A N/A • • • OCZ OCZ2FX80[...]

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware information M3N WS Motherboard Qualied V endors Lists (QVL) DDR2-667MHz capability for AM2 CPU V endor Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip No. CL Chip Brand DIMM socket support (Optional) A* B* C* A-DA TA M2OAD5G3H3166I1C52 512MB SS AD29608A8A-3EG 5 A-DA TA • • A-DA TA M2OAD5G3I4176I1C52 1GB DS AD29608A8A-3EG 5 A-DA TA • A-D[...]

ASUS M3N WS 2-15 V endor Part No. Size SS/ DS Chip No. CL Chip Brand DIMM socket support (Optional) A* B* C* Transcend JM667QLU-2G 2GB DS TQ243ECF8 5 Transcend • • • T winMOS 8D-23JK5M2ETP 512MB SS TMM6208G8M30C 5 T winMOS • Aeneon AET660UD00-30DB97X 512MB SS AET93R300B 5 AENEON • • • Aeneon AET760UD00-30B97X 1GB DS AET93R30DB 5 AENEO[...]

2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.4.4 Removing a DDR2 DIMM Follow these steps to remove a DIMM. 1. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to unlock the DIMM. 2. Remove the DIMM from the socket. Support the DIMM lightly with your ngers when pressing the retaining clips. The DIMM might get damaged when it ips out with extra force[...]

ASUS M3N WS 2-17 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. 2.5.1 Installing an expansion card T o install an expansion card: 1. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that came with it and make the necessa[...]

2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.5.3 Interrupt assignments Standard interrupt assignments * These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices. IRQ Priority Standard function 0 1 System T imer 1 2 Keyboard Controller 2 – Redirect to IRQ#9 3 1 1 Reserved 4 12 Reserved 5 13 IRQ Holder for PCI Steering* 6 14 Floppy Disk Controller 7 15 IR[...]

ASUS M3N WS 2-19 2.5.4 PCI slots The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specications. Refer to the gure on the next page for the location of the slots. 2.5.5 PCI-X slot The PCI-X slot supports cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI-[...]

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware information • Currently , only Windows ® Vista operation system supports Hybrid SLI™ mode. • Currently , only NVIDIA ® GeForce ® 8500 GT and GeForce ® 8400 GS graphics cards support GeForce Boost function under Hybrid SLI™ mode. • Currently , only NVIDIA ® GeForce ® 9800 GX2 and GeForce ® 9800 GTX graphics [...]

ASUS M3N WS 2-21 2.6 Jumpers 1. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) This jumper allows you to clear the Real T ime Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. Y ou 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 sy[...]

2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2. PCI-X Speed setting (3-pin PCIX_SPEED1) This jumper allows you to set the PCI-X slot’s maximum frequency capability . The jumper cap on pins 1-2: 133 MHz capability for the PCI-X slot. The jumper cap on pins 2-3: 100 MHz capability for the PCI-X slot.[...]

ASUS M3N WS 2-23 2.7 Connectors 2.7.1 Rear panel connectors 1. PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard. 2. Coaxial S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device via a coaxial S/PDIF cable. 3. LAN2 (RJ-45) port. Supported by Realtek ® 81 1 1C Gigabit LAN controller , this port allows Gigabit connection to[...]

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel conguration Port Headset 2-channel 4-channel 6-channel 8-channel Light Blue Line In Line In Line In Line In Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Pink Mic In Mic In Mic In Mic In Orange – – Center/Subwoofer Center/Subwoofer Black – Rear Speaker O[...]

ASUS M3N WS 2-25 T roubleshooting on HDTV overscaling or underscaling: If your desktop is extending beyond the viewable display area or the desktop or image is not lling the entire display area while using the onboard HDMI out port and the HDMI cable, you can resize the desktop appearing on your HDTV screen. T o resize your HDTV desktop: 1. Inst[...]

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.7.2 Internal connectors 1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) This connector is for the provided oppy 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 oppy disk drive. Pin 5 on the connector is [...]

ASUS M3N WS 2-27 2. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) The onboard IDE connector is for the Ultra DMA 133/100 signal cable. There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100 signal cable: blue, black, and gray . Connect the blue connector to the motherboard’s IDE connector , then select one of the following modes to congure your device. • P[...]

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware information 3. NVIDIA ® GeForce 8200 Serial A T A connectors (7-pin SA T A1-4 [red], 7-pin SA T A5-6 [black]) These connectors are for the Serial A T A signal cables for Serial A T A hard disk and optical disk drives. If you install SA T A hard disk drives to the SA T A connectors, you can create a RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1[...]

ASUS M3N WS 2-29 4. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB 78, USB910, USB1 1 12) These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specication that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed. N[...]

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware information 5. IEE E 1394 a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_1, IE1394_2) This connector is for a IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IEEE 1394a module cable to this connector , then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. Never connect a USB cable to the IEEE 1394a connector . Doing so will damage t[...]

ASUS M3N WS 2-31 6. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_F AN; 3-pin CHA_F AN1-2; 3-pin PWR_F AN) The fan c onnect ors su pport co oling fans o f 350 mA~2000 mA (24 W max.) or a total of 1 A~7 A (84 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 t[...]

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware information 7. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS) This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detection sensor or switch. Connect one end of the chassis intrusion sensor or switch cable to this connector . The chassis intrusion sensor or switch sends a high-level signal to this connector when a chassis comp[...]

ASUS M3N WS 2-33 • For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit (PSU) that complies with A TX 12 V Specication 2.0 (or later version) and provides a minimum power of 600 W . • Do not forget to connect the 4-pin A TX +12 V power plug; otherwise, the system will not boot. • Use of a PSU with a higher power ou[...]

2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware information 10. Front panel audio con nec tor (10-1 pin AAFP) This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports HD Audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector . We recommend that you connect a high-denition front panel audio module to this c[...]

ASUS M3N WS 2-35 1 1. TPM co nne cto r (20-1 pin TPM) [Optional] This connector supports a T rusted Platform Module (TPM) system, which can securely store keys, digital certicates, passwords, and data. A TPM system also helps enhance network security , protects digital identities, and ensures platform integrity .[...]

2-36 Chapter 2: Hardware information • System power LED (2-pin PLED) This 2-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. • Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin IDE_LED) This 2-pin c[...]

ASUS M3N WS 2-37 13. ASUS Q-Connector (system panel) Y ou can use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect chassis front panel cables in a few steps. Refer to the instructions below to install the ASUS Q-Connector . 1. Connect the front panel cables to the ASUS Q-Connector . Refer to the labels on the Q-Connector to know the detailed pin denit[...]

2-38 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.8 G.P. Diagnosis card installation 2.8.1 G.P . Diagnosis card layout 1. Locate the TPM co nne cto r (20-1 pin TPM) on the motherboard. 2. With the LEDs of the diagnosis card facing to the DIMM sockets, align the card connector with the TPM connector and press rmly until the card sits on the connector comple[...]

ASUS M3N WS 2-39 2.8.3 G.P . Diagnosis card check codes 3. Y ou may also install the G.P . Diagnosis card via a bundled 90- degree TPM adaptor for a more exible application. C0 Early chipset initialization C1 Detect memory C3 Expand compressed BIOS code to DRAM 25 Early PCI initialization 26 1. Set clock generator and disable unnecessary or unus[...]

2-40 Chapter 2: Hardware information 94 1. Enable L2 cache 2. Program Daylight Saving 3. Program boot up speed 4. Chipset nal initialization 5. Power management nal initialization 6. Clear screen & display summary table. 96 1. Build MP table. 2. Builid & update ESCD. 3. Set CMOS century to 20h or 19h 4. Load CMOS time into DOS timer t[...]

ASUS M3N WS 2-41 2.9 Starting up for the rst time 1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover . 2. Be sure that all switches are off. 3. Connect the power cord to the power connector at the back of the system chassis. 4. Connect the power cord to a power outlet that is equipped with a surge protector . 5. T urn on the devi[...]

2-42 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.10 Turning off the computer 2.10.1 Using the OS shut down function If you are using Windows ® XP: 1. Click the Start button then select T urn Off Computer . 2. Click the T urn Off button to shut down the computer . 3. The power supply should turn off after Windows ® shuts down. If you are using Windows ® Vi[...]

3 BIOS setup This chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.[...]

Chapter summary 3 ASUS M3N WS 3.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 3-1 3.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................. 3-1 1 3.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 3-15 3.4 Advanced menu ...................[...]

ASUS M3N WS 3-1 3.1 Managing and updating your BIOS The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup. 1. ASUS Update (Updates the BIOS in Windows ® environment.) 2. ASUS EZ Flash 2 (Updates the BIOS using a oppy disk or USB ash disk.) 3. AwardBIOS Flash Utility (Updates the BIOS us[...]

3-2 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Quit all Windows ® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility . 3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network trafc, or click Auto Select . Click Next . Updating the BIOS through the Internet T o update the BIOS through the Internet: 1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows ® deskt[...]

ASUS M3N WS 3-3 Updating the BIOS through a BIOS le T o update the BIOS through a BIOS le: 1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows ® desktop by clicking Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate . The ASUS Update main window appears. 2. Select Update BIOS from a le option from the drop-down menu, then click [...]

3-4 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.1.2 Creating a bootable oppy disk 1. Do either one of the following to create a bootable oppy disk. DOS environment a. Insert a 1.44MB oppy disk into the drive. b. At the DOS prompt, type format A: / S then press <Enter>. Windows ® XP environment a. Insert a 1.44 MB oppy disk to the oppy disk drive.[...]

ASUS M3N WS 3-5 3.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go through the long process of booting from a oppy disk and using a DOS-based utility . The EZ Flash 2 utility is built-in the BIOS chip so it is accessible by pressing <Alt> + <F2> during the Power-On Self T ests[...]

3-6 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.1.4 Updating the BIOS The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) can be updated using the AwardBIOS Flash Utility . Follow these instructions to update the BIOS using this utility . 1. Visit the ASUS website (www .asus.com) and download the latest BIOS le for the motherboard. Save the BIOS le to a bootable oppy disk o[...]

ASUS M3N WS 3-7 6. T ype the BIOS le name in the File Name to Program eld, then press <Enter>. 7. Press <N> when the utility prompts you to save the current BIOS le. The following screen appears. 8. The utility veries the BIOS le in the oppy disk or the USB ash disk and starts ashing the BIOS le. Do not turn o[...]

3-8 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 4. The utility saves the current BIOS le to the oppy disk or the USB ash disk, and then returns to the BIOS ashing process. 3. T ype a lename for the current BIOS le in the Save current BIOS as eld, then press <Enter>. T o save the current BIOS le using the AwardBIOS Flash Utility: 1. Follow s[...]

ASUS M3N WS 3-9 3.1.6 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS le when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. Y ou can update a corrupted BIOS le using the motherboard support DVD or the USB ash disk that contains the updated BIOS le. • Prepar[...]

3-10 Chapter 3: BIOS setup • Only the USB ash disk with F A T 32/16/12 format and single partition can support ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3. The device size should be smaller than 8GB. • DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can cause system boot failure! Recovering the BIOS from the USB ash disk T o recover the [...]

ASUS M3N WS 3-1 1 3.2 BIOS setup program This motherboard supports a programmable rmware chip that you can update using the provided utility described in section 3.1 Managing and updating your BIOS . Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconguring your system, or prompted to “Run Setup.” This section explains[...]

3-12 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.2.1 BIOS menu screen 3.2.2 Menu bar The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items: Main For changing the basic system conguration Advanced For changing the advanced system settings Power For changing the advanced power management (APM) conguration Boot For changing the system boot conguration T[...]

ASUS M3N WS 3-13 3.2.4 Menu items The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic 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. 3.2.5 Sub-menu items A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen means[...]

3-14 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.2.7 Pop-up window Select a menu item then press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the conguration options for that item. Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Select Menu Item Specic Help Species the capacity and physical size of diskette drive A. System Time 15 : [...]

ASUS M3N WS 3-15 3.3 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 3.2.1 BIOS menu screen for information on the menu screen items and how to navigate through them. 3.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx] Allows you to set the system time. 3.3.2 System Da[...]

3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.3.5 Primary IDE Master/Slave While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each IDE device. Select a device item then press <Enter> to display the IDE device information. The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Capaci[...]

ASUS M3N WS 3-17 Access Mode [Auto] The default [Auto] allows automatic detection of an IDE hard disk drive. Select [CHS] for this item if you set the IDE Primary Master/Slave to [Manual]. Conguration options: [CHS] [LBA] [Large] [Auto] Before attempting to congure a hard disk drive, make sure you have the correct conguration information s[...]

3-18 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.3.6 S A T A 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of Serial A T A devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each SA T A device. Select a device item then press <Enter> to display the SA T A device information. The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed i[...]

ASUS M3N WS 3-19 Head Shows the number of the hard disk read/write heads. This item is not congurable. Landing Zone Shows the number of landing zone per track. This item is not congurable. Sector Shows the number of sectors per track. This item is not congurable. 3.3.7 HDD SMART Monitoring [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the HDD[...]

3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.4 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. AI T uning [Auto] Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU internal frequency . Select either one of the preset overclocking conguration options: Manual Allows you to individually [...]

ASUS M3N WS 3-21 Overclock Options [Disabled] This item becomes user-congurable only when you set the AI T uning item to [AI Overclock] and allows you to set the overclocking options. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Overclock 3%] [Overclock 5%] [Overclock 8%] [Overclock 10%] N.O.S. Option [Disabled] This item becomes user-congurable only [...]

3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Memory V oltage [Auto] Allows you to set the memory voltage. Conguration options: [Auto] [1.800V] [1.820V] [1.840V] ~ [2.460V] [2.480V] [2.500V] HT V oltage [Auto] Allows you to set the 1.2V HyperT ransport voltage. Conguration options: [Auto] [1.20V] [1.22V] [1.24V] ~ [1.46V] [1.48V] [1.50V] 3.4.2 Ai Net 2 This men[...]

ASUS M3N WS 3-23 DRAM Conguration This sub-menu allows you to adjust the DRAM-related items. Select an item, then press <Enter> to edit. Memory Clock Frequency [Auto] This item allows you to adjust the memory clock frequency . Conguration options: [Auto] [DDR2 533] [DDR2 667] [DDR2 800] [DDR2 1066] T cl [Auto] Conguration options: [A[...]

3-24 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced Advance Memory Settings Twr [Auto] Trrd [Auto] Trwt [Auto] Twtr [Auto] Trtp [Auto] Twrrd [Auto] Twrwr [Auto] Trdrd [Auto] Tref [Auto] Trfc [Auto] Max Async Latency [Auto] R/W Queue Bypass [Auto] Dynamic Idle Cycle Counter [Auto] DCQ Bypass Maximum [Auto] RdPadPcvFIFO Delay [A[...]

ASUS M3N WS 3-25 3.4.4 Chipset Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced Chipset Hybrid Support [Auto] iGPU Frame Buffer Control [Auto] x Frame Buffer Size 128M Onboard GPU [Auto] K8<->NB HT Speed [Auto] K8<->NB HT Width [Auto] CPU Spread Spectrum [Disabled] PCIE Spread Spectrum [Disabled] SATA Spread Spectrum [Disabled] Primary Di[...]

3-26 Chapter 3: BIOS setup iGPU Frame Buffer Control [Auto] Allows you to set the onboard GPU frame buffer control mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [Manual] Frame Buffer Size [128M] This item becomes user-congurable when you set the iGPU Frame Buffer Control item to [Manual] and allows you to set frame buffer size for onboard GPU. Congura[...]

ASUS M3N WS 3-27 Plug & Play O/S [No] When set to [No], the BIOS congures all the devices in the system. When set to [Y es] and if you install a Plug and Play operating system, the operating system congures the Plug and Play devices not required for boot. Conguration options: [No] [Y es] Resources Controlled By [Auto] When set to [Auto[...]

3-28 Chapter 3: BIOS setup MCP Storage Cong Select Menu Item Specic Help Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced MCP Storage Cong SATA Operation Mode [IDE] 3.4.6 Onboard Device Conguration OnChip IDE Channel 0 [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the onchip IDE channel 0 controller . Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabl[...]

ASUS M3N WS 3-29 SA T A Operation Mode [IDE] Allows you to select the onboard Serial A T A type. Conguration options: [IDE] [RAID] [AHCI] • If you want to use the Serial A T A hard disk drives as Parallel A T A physical storage devices, keep the default setting [IDE]. • If you want the Serial A T A hard disk drives to use the Advanced Host C[...]

3-30 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.4.7 USB Conguration Select Menu Item Specic Help Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced USB Conguration USB Controller [Enabled] USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled] USB Legacy support [Enabled] USB Controller [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the USB 1.1 and 2.0 controller . Conguration options: [Di[...]

ASUS M3N WS 3-31 3.5 Power menu The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) and the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options. 3.5.1 ACPI Suspend T ype [S1&S3] Allows you to select the Advanced Conguration[...]

3-32 Chapter 3: BIOS setup PWR Button < 4 secs [Instant-Off] When set to [Instant-Off], the system goes into Soft-of f mode after you press the power button for less than 4 seconds. When set to [Suspend], the system goes into Suspend mode after you press the power button for less than 4 seconds. Conguration options: [Suspend] [Instant-Off] Po[...]

ASUS M3N WS 3-33 3.5.4 Hardware Monitor The items in this sub-menu displays the hardware monitor values automatically detected by the BIOS. It also allows you to change CPU Q-Fan feature-related parameters. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options. CPU Fan T ype [DC] Allows you to select the CPU fan type you ins[...]

3-34 Chapter 3: BIOS setup CPU Q-Fan Prole [Performance] Allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU Q-Fan. When set to [Optimal], the CPU fan automatically adjusts depending on the CPU temperature. Set this item to [Silent] to minimize fan speed for quiet CPU fan operation, or [Performance] to achieve maximum CPU fan speed. C[...]

ASUS M3N WS 3-35 3.6 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. 3.6.1 Boot Device Priority 1st ~ 4th Boot Device [Removable] These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices. The number of device items that appears on the[...]

3-36 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.6.3 Boot Settings Conguration Case Open W arning [Enabled] Enables or disables the chassis open status feature. Setting to [Enabled] to send warning messages when the chassis is opened. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Quick Boot [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the system quick boot feature. Whe[...]

ASUS M3N WS 3-37 3.6.4 Security Select Menu Item Specic Help Security Supervisor Password Clear User Password Clear Password Check [Setup] Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Boot Supervisor Password User Password These elds allow you to set passwords: T o set a password: 1. Select an item then press <Enter>. 2. T ype in a password us[...]

3-38 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 2. Press any key to continue. The password eld setting is changed to [Clear]. A note about passwords The Supervisor password is required to enter the BIOS Setup program preventing unauthorized access. The User password is required to boot the system preventing unauthorized use. Forgot your password? If you forget your [...]

ASUS M3N WS 3-39 3.7 Tools menu The T ools menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu. Select Menu Item Specic Help ASUS O.C. Prole ASUS EZ Flash 2 Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit F1:Help ↑↓ : Select Item -/+: C[...]

3-40 Chapter 3: BIOS setup Load from File Allows you to load the previous BIOS le saved in the hard disk/oppy disk/USB ash disk with the F A T32/16/12 format. Follow the instructions below to load the BIOS le. 1. Insert the storage devices that contains the “xxx.CMO” le. 2. T urn on the system. 3. Enter BIOS setup program. Go to [...]

ASUS M3N WS 3-41 ASUSTek O.C. Prole Utility B328 BOARD: M3N WS VER: 0202 DATE: 05/02/2008 Current CMOS Update CMOS BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown PATH: A: A: Note [Enter] Select [S] Save [ESC] Exit [Tab] Switch [Up/Down/Home/End] Move CMOS backup is done! Press any key to Exit. The BIOS le will be saved as “xxx.CMO“. 3.7.2 ASU[...]

3-42 Chapter 3: BIOS setup 3.8 Exit menu The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. Select Menu Item Specic Help This option save data to CMOS and exiting the setup menu. Exit & Save Changes Exit & Discard Changes Load Setup Default [...]

4 Software support This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.[...]

ASUS M3N WS Chapter summary 4 4.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 4-1 4.2 Support DVD information ............................................................ 4-1 4.3 Software information ................................................................... 4-9 4.4 RAID congurations ..............[...]

ASUS M3N WS 4-1 If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer , browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the le ASSETUP .EXE from the BIN folder . Double-click the ASSETUP .EXE to run the DVD. Click an item to install 4.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows ® XP/64-bit XP/Vista/64-bit V ista operating systems ([...]

4-2 Chapter 4: Software support 4.2.2 Drivers menu The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices. ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Anti-Virus and Drivers Utility Installs all of the drivers and anti-virus utility through the installation wizar[...]

ASUS M3N WS 4-3 4.2.3 Utilities menu The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports. ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Utilities Installs all of the utilities through the Installation Wizard. ASUS Cool‘n’Quiet Utility This item installs the ASUS Cool‘n’Quiet utility . ASUS PC Probe II This sm[...]

4-4 Chapter 4: Software support ASUS Update Allows you to download the latest version of the BIOS from the ASUS website. Before using the ASUS Update, make sure that you have an Internet connection so you can connect to the ASUS website. ASUS AI Suite Installs the ASUS AI Suite. Adobe Acrobat Reader 8 Installs the Adobe ® Acrobat ® Reader that al[...]

ASUS M3N WS 4-5 4.2.4 Make Disk menu The Make Disk menu contains items to create the NVIDIA ® GeForce™ 8200 SA T A/RAID driver disk. Click to display the next page Click to return to the previous page NVIDIA 32/64bit XP SA T A RAID Driver (Disk 1/2) Allows you to create NVIDIA SA T A RAID driver disks for 32/64bit Windows ® XP . NVIDIA 32/64bit[...]

4-6 Chapter 4: Software support 4.2.5 Manual menu The Manual menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to open the folder of the user manual. Most user manual les are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the Adobe ® Acrobat ® Reader from the Utilities menu before opening a user manual le. 4.2.6 ASUS Contact inf[...]

ASUS M3N WS 4-7 4.2.7 Other information The icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the motherboard and the contents of the support DVD. Click an icon to display the specied information. Motherboard Info Displays the general specications of the motherboard. Browse this DVD Displays the support DVD contents i[...]

4-8 Chapter 4: Software support T echnical support Form Displays the ASUS T echnical Support Request Form that you have to ll out when requesting technical support. File list Displays the contents of the support DVD and a brief description of each in text format.[...]

ASUS M3N WS 4-9 4.3 Software information Most of the applications in the support DVD have wizards that will conveniently guide you through the installation. View the online help or readme le that came with the software application for more information. 4.3.1 ASUS MyLogo2™ The ASUS MyLogo2™ utility lets you customize the boot logo. The boot l[...]

4-10 Chapter 4: Software support 9. When the screen returns to the ASUS Update utility , ash the original BIOS to load the new boot logo. 10. After ashing the BIOS, restart the computer to display the new boot logo during POST . 8. Adjust the boot image to your desired size by selecting a value on the Ratio box. 7. When the logo images appear[...]

ASUS M3N WS 4-1 1 4.3.2 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ T echnology The motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ T echnology that dynamically and automatically change the CPU speed, voltage, and amount of power depending on the task the CPU performs. Enabling Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ T echnology T o enable Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ T echnology: 1. T u[...]

4-12 Chapter 4: Software support • Make sure to install the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ driver and application before using this feature. • The AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ technology feature works only with the AMD heatsink and fan assembly with monitor chip • If you purchased a separate heatsink and fan package, use the ASUS Q-Fan technology f[...]

ASUS M3N WS 4-13 Launching the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software The motherboard support CD/DVD includes the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software that enables you to view your system’s real-time CPU Frequency and voltage. T o launch the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ program: 1. If you are using Windows ® XP , click the Start button. Select Programs > ASUS [...]

4-14 Chapter 4: Software support 4.3.3 Audio congurations The Realtek ® audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the ultimate audio experience on your computer . The software provides Jack-Sensing function, S/PDIF Out support, and interrupt capability . The CODEC also includes the Realtek ® proprietary UAJ ® (Universal Audio[...]

ASUS M3N WS 4-15 Device advanced settings Click Device advanced settings to show further settings for the playback and recording device. Information Click the Information button ( ) to display information about the audio driver version, DirectX version, audio controller , audio codec, and language setting. Connector settings Click the Connector Set[...]

4-16 Chapter 4: Software support Digital Output The Realtek ® audio CODEC allows you to connect an external audio output device via the coaxial/digital S/PDIF port. Y ou can set your listening environment, set the karaoke, or select pre-programmed equalizer settings for your listening pleasure. T o set the digital output options 1. From the Realte[...]

ASUS M3N WS 4-17 Line In The Line In tab allows you to congure audio input settings using the analog line in port. T o set the analog line in options 1. From the Realtek HD Audio Manager , click the Line In tab. 2. Click Set Default Device to set the analog line in port as the default audio input device. 3. The Line In tab allows you to adjust t[...]

4-18 Chapter 4: Software support Control settings window Conguration options Information button Exit button Minimize button B. Realtek HD Audio Manager for Windows XP™ Information Click the information button ( ) to display information about the audio driver version, DirectX version, audio controller , audio codec, and language setting. Minimi[...]

ASUS M3N WS 4-19 Sound Effect The Realtek ® audio CODEC allows you to set your listening environment, adjust the equalizer , set the karaoke, or select pre-programmed equalizer settings for your listening pleasure. T o set the sound effect options 1. From the Realtek HD Audio Manager , click the Sound Effect tab. 2. Click the shortcut buttons or t[...]

4-20 Chapter 4: Software support Audio I/O The Audio I/O option allows you congure your input/output settings. T o set the Audio I/O options 1. From the Realtek HD Audio Manager , click the Audio I/O tab. 2. Click the drop-down menu to select the channel conguration. 3. The con trol set tings window d isplays the status of connected devices. [...]

ASUS M3N WS 4-21 3D Audio Demo The 3D Audio Demo option gives you a demonstration of the 3D audio feature. T o start the 3D Audio Demo 1. From the Realtek HD Audio Manager , click the 3D Audio Demo tab. 2. Click the option buttons to change the sound, moving path, or environment settings. 3. Click to test your settings. 4. Click to effect the 3D Au[...]

4-22 Chapter 4: Software support 4.3.4 ASUS PC Probe II PC Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer ’ s vital components, and detects and alerts you of any problem with these components. PC Probe II senses fan rotations, CPU temperature, and system voltages, among others. Because PC Probe II is software-based, you can start monitoring you[...]

ASUS M3N WS 4-23 Button Function Opens the Conguration window Opens the Report window Opens the Desktop Management Interface window Opens the Peripheral Component Interconnect window Opens the Windows Management Instrumentation window Opens the hard disk drive, memory , CPU usage window Shows/Hides the Preference section Minimizes the applicatio[...]

4-24 Chapter 4: Software support Changing the monitor panels position T o change the position of the monitor panels in the desktop, click the arrow down button of the Scheme options, then select another position from the list box. Click OK when nished. Moving the monitor panels All monitor panels move together using a magnetic effect. If you wan[...]

ASUS M3N WS 4-25 Monitoring sensor alert The monitor panel turns red when a component value exceeds or is lower than the threshold value. Refer to the illustrations below . Large display Small display WMI browser Click to display the WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation) browser . This browser displays various Windows® management information. C[...]

4-26 Chapter 4: Software support PCI browser Click to display the PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) browser . This browser provides information on the PCI devices installed on your system. Click the plus sign (+) before the PCI Information item to display available information. Usage The Usage browser displays real-time information on the CPU[...]

ASUS M3N WS 4-27 Memory usage The Memory tab shows both used and available physical memory . The pie chart at the bottom of the window represents the used (blue) and the available physical memory . Conguring PC Probe II Click to view and adjust the sensor threshold values. The Cong window has two tabs: Sensor/Threshold and Preference. The Sen[...]

4-28 Chapter 4: Software support 4.3.5 ASUS AI Suite ASUS AI Suite allows you to launch AI Gear2, AI N.O.S., AI Booster , AI Nap, and Q-Fan2 utilities easily . Installing AI Suite T o install AI Suite on your computer: 1. Place the support DVD to the optical drive. The Drivers installation tab appears if your computer has an enabled Autorun feature[...]

ASUS M3N WS M3N WS 4-29 Other feature buttons Click on right corner of the main window to open the monitor window . Click on right corner of the expanded window to switch the temperature from degrees Centigrade to degrees Fahrenheit. Displays the CPU/ system temperature, CPU/memory/PCIE voltage, and CPU/ chassis fan speed Displays the FSB/CPU frequ[...]

4-30 Chapter 4: Software support 4.3.6 ASUS AI Gear 2 ASUS AI Gear 2 provides four system performance options that allows you to select the best performance setting for your computing needs. This easy-to-use utility adjusts the processor frequency and vCore voltage to minimize system noise and power consumption. After installing AI Suite from the b[...]

ASUS M3N WS M3N WS 4-31 4.3.7 ASUS AI Nap This feature allows you to minimize the power consumption of your computer whenever you are away . Enable this feature for minimum power consumption and a more quiet system operation. After installing AI Suite from the bundled support DVD, you can launch the utility by double-clicking the AI Suite icon on t[...]

4-32 Chapter 4: Software support 4.3.8 ASUS AI N.O.S. This ASUS Non-delay Overclocking System feature intelligently determines the system load and automatically boosts the performance for the most demanding tasks. After installing AI Suite from the bundled support CD, you can launch the utility by double-clicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows OS[...]

ASUS M3N WS M3N WS 4-33 4.3.9 ASUS Q-Fan 2 This ASUS Q-Fan 2 Control feature allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU Q-Fan 2 or the Chassis Q-Fan 2 for more efcient system operation. After enabling the Q-Fan 2 function, the fans can be set to automatically adjust depending on the temperature, to decrease fan speed, or to a[...]

4-34 Chapter 4: Software support 4.3.10 ASUS AI Booster The ASUS AI Booster application allows you to overclock the CPU speed in WIndows ® environment without the hassle of booting the BIOS. After installing AI Suite from the bundled support DVD, you can launch the utility by double-clicking the AI Suite icon on the Windows ® OS taskbar and click[...]

ASUS M3N WS 4-35 4.4 RAID congurations The motherboard comes with the NVIDIA GeForce 8200 chipset that allows you to congure Serial A T A hard disk drives as RAID sets. The motherboard supports the following RAID congurations: RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5 and JBOD. 4.4.1 RAID denitions RAID 0 (Data striping) optimizes two identical [...]

4-36 Chapter 4: Software support Setting the BIOS RAID items After installing the hard disk drives, make sure to set the necessary RAID items in the BIOS before setting your RAID conguration. T o set the BIOS RAID items: 1. Boot the system and press <Del> during the Power-On Self-T est (POST) to enter the BIOS Setup Utility . 2. Set the SA[...]

ASUS M3N WS 4-37 Entering the NVIDIA ® MediaShield BIOS RAID utility T o enter the NVIDIA ® MediaShield BIOS RAID utility 1. Boot up your computer . 2. During POST , press <F10> to display the main menu of the utility . The RAID BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference only , and may not exactly match the items on your scr[...]

4-38 Chapter 4: Software support Creating a RAID V olume T o create a RAID volume: 1. From the Dene a New Array screen, use the <T AB> key to highlight the RAID Mode eld, and then press <Enter>. The following sub-menu appears. Use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID mode, and then press <Enter>. • For server systems[...]

ASUS M3N WS 4-39 Rebuilding a RAID array T o rebuild a RAID array 1. From the Array List screen, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID array , and then press <Enter>. The RAID Array details appear . A new set of navigation keys is displayed on the bottom of the screen. 7. Press <Ctrl+X> to save settings and exit. [Ctrl-X] Exit [...]

4-40 Chapter 4: Software support 2. Press <R> to rebuild a RAID array . The following screen appears. 3. Use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID array to rebuild, then press <F7>. The following conrmation message appears. Rebuild array? [ENTER] OK [ESC] Cancel 4. Press <Enter> to start rebuilding array or press <Esc&g[...]

ASUS M3N WS 4-41 Deleting a RAID array T o delete a RAID array 1. From the Array List screen, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID array , and then press <Enter>. The RAID Array details appear . A new set of navigation keys is displayed on the bottom of the screen. 2. Press <D> to delete a RAID array . The following conrmat[...]

4-42 Chapter 4: Software support Clearing a disk MBR T o clear disk MBR 1. From the Array List screen, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID array , and then press <Enter>. The RAID Array details appear . A new set of navigation keys is displayed on the bottom of the screen. 2. Press <C> to clear disk MBR. The following conr[...]

ASUS M3N WS 4-43 4.5 Creating a RAID driver disk A oppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows ® XP/Vista operating system on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set. 4.5.1 Creating a RAID driver disk without entering the OS T o create a RAID/SA T A driver disk without entering the OS: 1. Boot your computer . 2. [...]

4-44 Chapter 4: Software support T o install the RAID driver in Windows ® Vista™: 1. Insert the motherboard support DVD into the optical drive. Find RAID driver in the support DVD through the path below: DriversChipsetDiskRAID Find AHCI driver in the support DVD through the path below: DriversChipsetDiskAHCI 2. Follow the succeeding screen[...]

5 NVIDIA ® Hybrid SLI™ technology support This chapter describes the NVIDIA Hybrid SLI™ feature and shows the graphics card installation procedures.[...]

ASUS M3N WS Chapter summary 5 5.1 NVIDIA Hybrid SLI T echnology ................................................... 5-1[...]

ASUS M3N WS 5-1 5.1 NVIDIA ® Hybrid SLI ® Technology The motherboard supports the NVIDIA ® Hybrid SLI ® technology that includes two includes two primary features: GeForce ® Boost and HybridPower™. GeForce ® Boost enhances the performance of NVIDIA discrete Graphics Process Units (dGPU) when they work with the onboard motherboard GPU (mGPU)[...]

5-2 Chapter 5: NVIDIA ® Hybrid SLI™ technology support 5.1.2 Enabling GeForce ® Boost and HybridPower™ Before enabling GeForce Boost and HybridPower , make sure that you have installed a dGPU recommended for GeForce Boost on your motherboard. GeForce Boost 1. T urn on the system and press <Del> during the Power-On Self-T est (POST) to e[...]

ASUS M3N WS 5-3 T o enable HybridPower 1. Follow Step 1 to 5 on the previous page to complete the hardware and driver installation. 2. If the driver is correctly installed, you will nd the Hybrid SLI icon on the taskbar . The Hybrid SLI icon indicates that the system is in Performance mode and that rendering is being done by the dGPU. The mGPU i[...]

5-4 Chapter 5: NVIDIA ® Hybrid SLI™ technology support[...]