Instruction/ maintenance manual of the product M3N-HD Asus
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Motherboard M3 N- HD / HDMI.
ii E3528 First Edition February 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, trans.
iii Contents Contents ...................................................................................................... iii Notices ........................................................................................................ vii Safety information .
iv Contents 2.5.5 PCI Express x1 slots ..................................................... 2-18 2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot (blue) .................................... 2-18 2.5.7 Universal PCI Express x16 slot (black) ......................... 2-18 2.
v Contents 4.3.6 HDD SMART Monitoring ............................................... 4-1 7 4.3.7 Installed Memory ........................................................... 4-17 4.3.8 Usable Memory ...................................................
vi Contents 5.2.7 Other information ............................................................ 5-7 5.3 Software information ................................................................... 5-9 5.3.1 ASUS MyLogo2™ ...............................
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.
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.
ix About this guide This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring 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.
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.
xi M3N-HD/HDMI specications summary (continued on the next page) CPU AMD ® Socket AM2+ Phenom™ FX / Phenom™ / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors AMD ® Socket AM2 Athlon Series / Sempron processors AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ T echnology Chipset NVIDIA ® nForce 750a SLI System bus Up to 5200 MT/s; HyperT ransport™ 3.
xii ASUS AI Lifestyle unique features ASUS Express Gate Lite: - Web browser , le downloading and uploading* - Further free features upgradable * File downloading and uploading through USB devices only .
xiii M3N-HD/HDMI specications summary Rear panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple) 1 x S/PDIF Out (Coaxial) 1 x HDMI Out 1 x IEEE 1394a port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) 6 x USB 2.
xiv.
1 Chapter 1: Product introduction This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports..
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI Chapter summary 1 1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1 1.2 Package contents ......................................................................... 1-1 1.3 Special features .
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 1-1 1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS ® M3N-HD/HDMI motherboard! The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another standout in the lo.
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).
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 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.
1-4 Chapter 1: Product Introduction S/PDIF digital sound ready This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio systems via the coaxial S/PDIF (SONY -PHILIPS Digital Interface) Out jack. It allows digital audio transferring without converting it to analog format, and therefore well preserves signal quality .
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 1-5 AI Nap With AI Nap, the system can continue running at minimum power and noise when you are temporarily away . T o wake the system and return to the OS environment, simply click the mouse or press a key . See page 5-27 for details.
1-6 Chapter 1: Product Introduction ASUS Q-Shield The specially designed ASUS Q-Shield does without the usual “ngers”— making it convenient and easy to install. With better electric conductivity , it ideally protects your motherboard against static electricity and shields it against Electronic Magnetic Interference (EMI).
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 1-7 1.3.3 ASUS intelligent performance and overclocking features Precision T weaker This feature allows you to ne tune the CPU/memory voltage and gradually increase the memory , Front Side Bus (FSB) and PCI Express frequency at 1MHz increment to achieve maximum system performance.
1-8 Chapter 1: Product Introduction.
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-HD/HDMI Chapter summary 2 2.1 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 2-1 2.2 Motherboard overview ................................................................. 2-2 2.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) .
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 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.
2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.2 Motherboard overview Before you install the motherboard, study the conguration of your chassis to ensure that the motherboard ts into it. 2.2.1 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in the correct orientation.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 2-3 2.2.3 Motherboard layout 24.5cm (9.6in) 30.5cm (12.0in) M3N-HD/HDMI ® DDR DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module) DDR DIMM_B1 (64bit, 240-pin module) DDR DIMM_A2 (64bit, 240-pin module) .
2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.2.4 Layout contents Slots Page 1. DDR2 DIMM slots 2-1 1 2. PCI slots 2-18 3. PCI Express x1 slots 2-18 4. PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot (blue) 2-18 5. Universal PCI Express x16 slot (black) 2-18 Jumper Page Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLR TC) 2-20 Rear panel connectors Page 1.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 2-5 Internal connectors Page 1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) 2-24 2. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) 2-25 3. nVIDIA ® nForce 750a SLI Serial A T A connectors (7-pin SA T A1-6) 2-26 4. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1 1 12) USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1 1 12) 2-27 5.
2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.3.1 Installing the CPU T o install a CPU: 1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to a 90º angle; otherwise, the CPU will not t in completely . 2. Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sideways, then lift it up to a 90º angle.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 2-7 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.
2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware information 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.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 2-9 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.
2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information 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 .
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 2-1 1 2.4 System memory 2.4.1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets.
2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware information This motherboard can support 4 GB physical memory on the operating systems listed below . Y ou may install a maximum of 2 GB DIMMs on each slot. 64-bit Windows ® XP Professional x64 Edition Windows ® Vista x64 Edition Always use identical DDR2 DIMM pairs for dual channel mode.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 2-13 M3N-HD/HDMI Motherboard Qualied V endors Lists (QVL) DDR2-800MHz capability for AM2 CPU Size V endor Chip No. CL Chip Brand SS/ DS Part No.
2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware information M3N-HD/HDMI Motherboard Qualied V endors Lists (QVL) DDR2-667MHz capability for AM2 CPU Size V endor Chip No. CL Chip Brand SS/ DS Part No.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 2-15 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. T o install a DIMM: 1. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward.
2-16 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. 2.5.1 Installing an expansion card T o install an expansion card: 1.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 2-17 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 Keyboar.
2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware information 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 specications.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 2-19 • 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.
2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware information 2.6 Jumper Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) This jumper allows you to clear the Real T ime Clock (R TC) RAM in CMOS. Y ou can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 2-21 2.7 Connectors 2.7.1 Rear panel connectors 1. PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard. 2. IEEE 1394a port. IEEE 1394a port. This 6-pin IEEE 1394a port provides high-speed connectivity for audio/video devices, storage peripherals, PCs, or portable devices.
2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware information 10. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices. 1 1. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 2-23 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.
2-24 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.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 2-25 M3N-HD/HDMI ® PRI_IDE NOTE: Orient the red markings on the IDE ribbon cable to PIN 1. PIN1 M3N-HD/HDMI IDE connector 2. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) The onboard IDE connector is for the Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable. There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable: blue, black, and gray .
2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information 3. NVIDIA ® nForce 750a SLI Serial A T A connectors (7-pin SA T A1-6) These connectors are for the Serial A T A signal cables for Serial A T A hard disk and optical disk drives.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 2-27 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.
2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware information 5. IEE E 13 94a port connector (10-1 pin 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.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 2-29 6. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_F AN; 3-pin CHA_F AN1; 3-pin PWR_F AN) The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350 mA~2000 mA (24 W max.
2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware information 7. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS) This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detection sensor or switch.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 2-31 • For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit (PSU) that complies with A TX 12 V Specication 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.
2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware information M3N-HD/HDMI ® M3N-HD/HDMI Analog front panel connector PIN 1 AAFP GND PRESENCE# SENSE1_RETUR SENSE2_RETUR PORT1 L PORT1 R PORT2 R SENSE_SEND PORT1 L HD-audio-compliant pin definition PIN 1 AGND NC NC NC MIC2 MICPWR Line out_R NC Line out_L Legacy AC’97 compliant definition 9.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 2-33 10. Optical drive audio con ne ct or (4-pin CD) These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner , or MPEG card. M3N-HD/HDMI ® CD Left Audio Channel GND GND Right Audio Channel M3N-HD/HDMI Internal audio connector 1 1.
2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware information 12. Digital audio con ne ct or (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port(s). Connect the S/PDIF Out module cable to this connector , then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 2-35 • 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.
2-36 Chapter 2: Hardware information 15. 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 .
3 Chapter 3: Powering up This chapter describes the power up sequence, the vocal POST messages, and ways of shutting down the system..
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI Chapter summary 3 3.1 Starting up for the rst time ........................................................ 3-1 3.2 T urning off the computer .
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 3-1 3.1 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 .
3-2 Chapter 3: Powering up 3.2 Turning off the computer 3.2.1 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.
4 Chapter 4: 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 4 ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 4-1 4.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 4-9 4.3 Main menu .....................
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 4-1 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. ASUS Update (Updates the BIOS in Windows ® environment.) 2. ASUS EZ Flash 2 (Updates the BIOS using a oppy disk or USB ash disk.
4-2 Chapter 4: 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 trafc, or click Auto Select . Click Next . Updating the BIOS through the Internet T o update the BIOS through the Internet: 1.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 4-3 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.
4-4 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.1.2 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>.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 4-5 T o update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2: 1. Visit the ASUS website (www .asus.com) to download the latest BIOS le for the motherboard.
4-6 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.1.4 Updating the BIOS The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) can be updated using the A wardBIOS 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.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 4-7 7. Press <N> when the utility prompts you to save the current BIOS le. The following screen appears. 8. The utility veries the BIOS le in the oppy disk, DVD ROM or a USB ash disk and starts ashing the BIOS le.
4-8 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4. The utility saves the current BIOS le to the oppy disk, 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.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 4-9 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, reconguring your system, or prompted to “Run Setup.
4-10 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.2.1 BIOS menu screen Legend bar General help Menu bar Sub-menu items Conguration elds Menu items Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit System Time 15 : 30 : 36 System Date Sat, Oct 26 2007 Legacy Diskette A: [1.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 4-1 1 4.2.4 Menu items The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items. The other items (Advanced, Power , Boot, T ools and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items.
4-12 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.2.7 Pop-up window Select a menu item then press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the conguration options for that item. Phoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup Utility Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit Select Menu Item Specic Help Species the capacity and physical size of diskette drive A.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 4-13 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.
4-14 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.3.4 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.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 4-15 Capacity Displays the auto-detected hard disk capacity . This item is not congurable. Cylinder Shows the number of the hard disk cylinders. This item is not congurable. Head Shows the number of the hard disk read/write heads.
4-16 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.3.5 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.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 4-17 Head Shows the number of the hard disk read/write heads. This item is not congurable. Landing Zone Shows the number of landing zone per track. This item is not congurable. Sector Shows the number of sectors per track. This item is not congurable.
4-18 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.4 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. 4.4.1 JumperFree Conguration T ake caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect eld values can cause the system to malfunction.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 4-19 Overclock Options [Disabled] This item becomes user-congurable only when you set the AI T uning item to [AI Overclock] and allows you to set the overclocking options. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Overclock 3%] [Overclock 5%] [Overclock 8%] [Overclock 10%] CPU VTT V oltage [AUTO] Allows you to set the CPU VTT voltage.
4-20 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.4.2 AI Net 2 This menu displays the status of the Local Area Network (LAN) cable connected to the LAN (RJ-45) port. POST Check LAN cable [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable LAN cable check during POST .
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 4-21 T iming Mode [Auto] Allows selection of the DRAM timing mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [MaxMemClk] [Manual] Memory Clock Frequency [Auto] This item becomes user-congurable when you set the Timing Mode item to [MaxMemClk] or [Manual] and allows you to adjust the memory clock frequency .
4-22 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.4.4 Chipset iGPU Frame Buffer Control [Auto] Allows you to set the onboard GPU frame buffer control mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [Manual] Frame Buffer Size [128M] .
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 4-23 SA T A Spread Spectrum [Disabled] Allows you to adjust the SA T A spread spectrum setting. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Down Spread] Primary Display Adapter [PCI-E] Allows you to select which graphics controller to use as the primary boot device.
4-24 Chapter 4: BIOS setup IRQ-xx assigned to [PCI Device] When set to [PCI Device], the specic IRQ is free for use of PCI/PnP devices. When set to [Reserved], the IRQ is reserved for legacy ISA devices. Conguration options: [PCI Device] [Reserved] Maximum Payload Size [4096] Sets maximum TLP payload size for the PCI Express devices.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 4-25 MCP Storage Cong Select Menu Item Specic Help Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced MCP Storage Cong SATA Operation Mode [IDE] SA T A Operation Mode [IDE] Allows you to select the onboard Serial A T A type.
4-26 Chapter 4: BIOS setup HDMI Audio [Auto] Allows you to disable or enable the HDMI Audio function. Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] Make sure to set the HDMI Audio item to [Auto] to enable HDMI audio output. Onboard LAN Device [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the OnBoard LAN device.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 4-27 4.5 Power menu The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) and the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options.
4-28 Chapter 4: 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.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 4-29 4.5.4 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 conguration options.
4-30 Chapter 4: BIOS setup CPU Q-Fan Prole [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.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 4-31 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.
4-32 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.6.3 Boot Settings Conguration 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. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Quick Boot [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the system quick boot feature.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 4-33 4.6.4 Security Select Menu Item Specic 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.
4-34 Chapter 4: 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.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 4-35 4.7 Tools menu The T ools menu items allow you to congure options for special function s. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu. 4.7.1 ASUS O.C. Prole This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings.
4-36 Chapter 4: 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.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 4-37 ASUSTek O.C. Prole Utility B325 BOARD: M3N-HD VER: 0101 DATE: 11/20/2007 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.
4-38 Chapter 4: BIOS setup 4.7.3 Express Gate Lite Select Menu Item Specic Help Express Gate Lite Express Gate Lite [Enabled] Timeout [10] Reset User Data [No] Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Tools Express Gate Lite [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Express Gate Lite feature.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 4-39 4.8 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 Specic Help This option save data to CMOS and exiting the setup menu.
4-40 Chapter 4: BIOS setup.
5 Chapter 5: Software support This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package..
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI Chapter summary 5 5.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 5-1 5.2 Support DVD information ............................................................ 5-1 5.3 Software information .......
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 5-1 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 .
5-2 Chapter 5: Software support 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. ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Drivers Installs all of the drivers through the installation wizard.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 5-3 5.2.3 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.
5-4 Chapter 5: 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 Cool‘n’Quiet Utility This item installs the ASUS Cool‘n’Quiet utility .
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 5-5 5.2.4 Make Disk menu The Make Disk menu contains items to create the NVIDIA ® nForce™ 750 SLI SA T A/RAID driver disk. 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 .
5-6 Chapter 5: Software support 5.2.5 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.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 5-7 5.2.7 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 specied information. Motherboard Info Displays the general specications of the motherboard.
5-8 Chapter 5: 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-HD/HDMI 5-9 5.3 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.
5-10 Chapter 5: 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.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 5-1 1 5.3.2 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.
5-12 Chapter 5: 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 o.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 5-13 Launching the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software The motherboard support 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.
5-14 Chapter 5: Software support 5.3.3 Audio congurations The Realtek ® ALC1200 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 .
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 5-15 Information Click the information button ( ) to display information about the audio driver version, DirectX version, audio controller , audio codec, and language setting. Minimize Click the minimize button ( ) to minimize the window .
5-16 Chapter 5: Software support Mixer The Mixer option allows you to congure audio output (playback) volume and audio input (record) volume. T o set the mixer options: 1. From the Realtek HD Audio Manager , click the Mixer tab. 2. T urn the volume buttons to adjust the Playback and/or Record volume.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 5-17 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.
5-18 Chapter 5: Software support 5.3.4 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.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 5-19 Button Function Opens the Conguration window Opens the Report window Opens the Desktop Management Interface window Opens the Peripheral Component Interconnect window Opens the.
5-20 Chapter 5: 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.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 5-21 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 .
5-22 Chapter 5: 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.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 5-23 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 . Conguring PC Probe II Click to view and adjust the sensor threshold values.
5-24 Chapter 5: Software support 5.3.5 ASUS AI Suite ASUS AI Suite allows you to launch AI Gear 2, AI Booster , AI Nap, and Q-Fan 2 utilities easily . Installing AI Suite T o install AI Suite on your computer: 1. Place the support DVD to the optical drive.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI M3N-HD/HDMI 5-25 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.
5-26 Chapter 5: Software support 5.3.6 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.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI M3N-HD/HDMI 5-27 5.3.7 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.
5-28 Chapter 5: Software support 5.3.8 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 efcient system operation.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI M3N-HD/HDMI 5-29 5.3.9 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.
5-30 Chapter 5: Software support 5.3.10 ASUS Express Gate Lite ASUS Express Gate Lite is an instant-on environment that gives you quick access to web and Skype. Within a few seconds of powering on your computer , you will be at the Express Gate Lite menu where you can start the web browser , Skype, or other Express Gate Lite softwares.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI M3N-HD/HDMI 5-31 The First Screen Express Gate Lite’s rst screen appears within a few seconds after you power on the computer . From here, you can immediately start the web browser or Skype. Y ou can also choose to continue booting normally (e.
5-32 Chapter 5: Software support Using the Conguration Panel Use the conguration panel to change various Express Gate Lite settings. Click on an icon to open a particular conguration tool. The following tools are available: • Date and Time: set current date and time as well as time zone.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI M3N-HD/HDMI 5-33 • Screen Settings: Choose the most optimal screen resolution for your display . • V olume Control: Control the volume for your speaker output, microphone input, etc.
5-34 Chapter 5: Software support How Do I Get on to the Internet If Internet doesn’t seem to be working in the Express Gate Lite environment, check the following: 1. Open the Conguration Panel. 2. Open Network. Click to show “About Express Gate Lite”.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI M3N-HD/HDMI 5-35 3. Make the proper network congurations. Each network interface is enabled immediately when you check the box next to it. • If you use a network cable connected to a home router (which is then connected to your DSL/cable modem), enable both LAN1 and LAN2.
5-36 Chapter 5: Software support Conguring Express Gate Lite in BIOS Setup Enter BIOS setup by pressing DEL key after powering on or by clicking on the BIOS setup icon on Express Gate Lite’s rst screen. Express Gate Lite conguration options are under the T ools menu.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 5-37 For Windows XP , If you want to boot the system from a hard disk drive included in a RAID set, rst copy the RAID driver from the support DVD to a oppy disk before you install an operating system to a selected hard disk drive.
5-38 Chapter 5: 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 conguration. 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 .
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 5-39 Entering the NVIDIA ® RAID utility T o enter the NVIDIA ® 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 screen.
5-40 Chapter 5: Software support Creating a RAID V olume T o create a RAID volume: 1. From the NVIDIA ® RAID utility Dene a New Array menu, select RAID Mode then press <Enter>. The following submenu appears. Use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID mode then press <Enter>.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 5-41 Rebuilding a RAID array T o rebuild a RAID array: 1. From the Array List menu, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID array then press <Enter>.
5-42 Chapter 5: Software support A new set of navigation keys is displayed on the bottom of the screen. 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>.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 5-43 Deleting a RAID array T o delete a RAID array: 1. From the Array List menu, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID array then press <Enter>. The RAID Array details appear . [R] Rebuild [D] Delete [C] Clear Disk [ENTER] Return Array 1 : NVIDIA MIRROR XXX.
5-44 Chapter 5: Software support Clearing a disk data T o clear disk data: 1. From the Array List menu, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID array then press <Enter>. The RAID Array details appear . [R] Rebuild [D] Delete [C] Clear Disk [ENTER] Return Array 1 : NVIDIA MIRROR XXX.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 5-45 5.5 Creating a RAID driver disk A oppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows ® XP operating system on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set. For Windows ® Vista™ operating system, use either the motherboard support DVD or a USB device with the RAID driver .
5-46 Chapter 5: Software support T o install the RAID driver in Windows ® Vista™: 1. Insert the motherboard support DVD or USB device with RAID driver into the optical drive or USB port.
6 Chapter 6: NVIDIA ® SLI™ technology support This chapter tells how to set up NVIDIA ® SLI™ graphics cards to avail of nVIDIA ’s Multi-Video Processing technology .
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI Chapter summary 6.1 Overview ....................................................................................... 6-1 6.2 Installing CrossFire™ graphics cards ....................................... 6-2 6.3 Software information .
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 6-1 6.1 Overview The motherboard supports the NVIDIA ® SLI™ (Scalable Link Interface)-Intel ® Edition technology that allows you to install two identical PCI Express™ x16 graphics cards. Follow the installation procedures in this section.
6-2 Chapter 6: nVIDIA ® SLI™ technology support 6.2 Dual graphics card setup 6.2.1 Installing SLI-ready graphics cards Install only identical SLI-ready graphics cards that are NVIDIA ® -certied. Different types of graphics cards will not work together properly .
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 6-3 4. Insert the second graphics card into the other slot. Make sure that the card is properly seated on the slot. If required, connect an auxiliary power source to the PCI Express graphics cards. 3. Insert one graphics card into either the blue or black slot.
6-4 Chapter 6: nVIDIA ® SLI™ technology support 7. Connect a VGA cable or a DVI-I cable to the graphics card/s. We recommend to install an additional chassis fan for better thermal environment. 5. Align and insert the SLI connector to the goldngers on each graphics card.
ASUS M3N-HD/HDMI 6-5 NVIDIA Settings icon T o enable the multi-GPU feature: 1. Click the NVIDIA Settings icon on your Windows taskbar . 2. From the pop-up menu, select nView Desktop Manager then click nView Properties. Make sure that your PCI Express graphics card driver supports the NVIDIA SLI technology .
6-6 Chapter 6: nVIDIA ® SLI™ technology support 5. From the Display Properties dialog box, select the Settings tab then click Advanced. 6. Select the NVIDIA GeForce tab. 7. Click the slider to display the following screen, then select the SLI multi-GPU item.
An important point after buying a device Asus M3N-HD (or even before the purchase) is to read its user manual. We should do this for several simple reasons:
If you have not bought Asus M3N-HD yet, this is a good time to familiarize yourself with the basic data on the product. First of all view first pages of the manual, you can find above. You should find there the most important technical data Asus M3N-HD - thus you can check whether the hardware meets your expectations. When delving into next pages of the user manual, Asus M3N-HD you will learn all the available features of the product, as well as information on its operation. The information that you get Asus M3N-HD will certainly help you make a decision on the purchase.
If you already are a holder of Asus M3N-HD, but have not read the manual yet, you should do it for the reasons described above. You will learn then if you properly used the available features, and whether you have not made any mistakes, which can shorten the lifetime Asus M3N-HD.
However, one of the most important roles played by the user manual is to help in solving problems with Asus M3N-HD. Almost always you will find there Troubleshooting, which are the most frequently occurring failures and malfunctions of the device Asus M3N-HD along with tips on how to solve them. Even if you fail to solve the problem, the manual will show you a further procedure – contact to the customer service center or the nearest service center
