ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition User Manual

ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition Motherboard manual cover

Pages 154

Year 2007

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of 154

ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition Motherboard Specification

The ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition motherboard is engineered to cater to the needs of gaming enthusiasts and high-performance users, offering robust support for NVIDIA's SLI technology. Built around the NVIDIA nForce 560 SLI chipset, it supports AMD's AM2 socket processors, including Athlon 64, Athlon 64 FX, Athlon 64 X2, and Sempron CPUs. This motherboard accommodates up to 8GB of dual-channel DDR2 memory, with speeds reaching DDR2 800, ensuring efficient multitasking and application performance.

In terms of expansion, the M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition features two PCI Express x16 slots, enabling dual graphics card configurations for enhanced visuals and gaming experiences. It also includes a PCI Express x1 slot and three PCI slots for additional peripherals and expansion cards. The onboard audio is powered by the Realtek ALC883 8-channel High Definition Audio codec, delivering immersive sound quality for entertainment and multimedia applications.

Networking capabilities are supported by an integrated Gigabit Ethernet controller, providing reliable and fast internet connectivity. For storage, the motherboard offers four SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports with RAID 0, 1, 0+1, and 5 support, alongside a single PATA interface for legacy optical drives. Connectivity options are further expanded with up to ten USB 2.0 ports, ensuring ample room for external devices and peripherals.

Designed with Microsoft Windows Vista compatibility in mind, the motherboard features ASUS's proprietary technologies such as AI Gear and AI Nap for power efficiency and system optimization. The ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition combines performance, expandability, and innovative features, making it a versatile choice for users seeking a reliable platform for gaming and multimedia applications.

ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition Motherboard F.A.Q.

How do I enable SLI on my ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition motherboard?

To enable SLI, first ensure that you have two compatible NVIDIA graphics cards installed. Enter the BIOS setup by pressing 'Del' during boot, navigate to the 'Advanced' tab, select 'Chipset', and enable SLI mode. Save and exit the BIOS. Upon reboot, install the latest NVIDIA drivers and use the NVIDIA Control Panel to configure SLI settings.

What should I do if my ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition motherboard does not boot?

Check the power connections to the motherboard and ensure the power supply is functioning. Verify that RAM modules are properly seated and compatible. Clear the CMOS by removing the battery and shorting the CLRTC jumper. If the issue persists, test with minimal hardware connected and consult the user manual for beep code diagnostics.

How can I update the BIOS for my ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition motherboard?

Download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS support website. Format a USB drive to FAT32 and copy the BIOS file to it. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS setup. Use the ASUS EZ Flash utility found under the 'Tools' menu to select your USB drive and update the BIOS.

What are the maximum RAM and CPU support specifications for ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition?

The ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition supports up to 8GB of DDR2 RAM across four slots. It is compatible with AMD Socket AM2 processors, including Athlon 64, Athlon 64 X2, and Sempron CPUs. For optimal performance, refer to the ASUS CPU support list for the latest compatibility.

Can I use a SATA 3 hard drive with the ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition motherboard?

Yes, you can use a SATA 3 hard drive with the ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition motherboard, but it will operate at SATA 2 speeds due to the board's SATA 2 interface. Ensure that the SATA mode in BIOS is set to IDE or AHCI, depending on your operating system's compatibility.

How do I reset the BIOS settings on my ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition?

To reset the BIOS settings, turn off the computer and unplug it. Locate the CLRTC jumper on the motherboard and short the pins for a few seconds, or remove the CMOS battery for about 5 minutes. Reinsert the battery or move the jumper back to its original position, then power on the system.

What should I do if I experience audio issues on the ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition?

First, ensure that the audio device is enabled in BIOS and that the correct drivers are installed from the ASUS support site. Check the audio output connections and ensure that the correct playback device is selected in the operating system. If problems persist, try updating the audio drivers or checking for conflicts in Device Manager.

How can I improve the cooling efficiency for my ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition motherboard?

Ensure that your case has adequate airflow by organizing cables and using quality case fans. Consider upgrading the CPU cooler or adding additional fans if necessary. Regularly clean dust from the case, fans, and heatsinks to maintain optimal cooling performance.

What ports and expansion slots are available on the ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition motherboard?

The ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition includes two PCIe x16 slots (for SLI), two PCIe x1 slots, and two PCI slots. It features four SATA 2 ports, one IDE connector, and various USB 2.0 ports. Audio output includes 8-channel HD audio jacks and an S/PDIF out.

How do I troubleshoot network connectivity issues on the ASUS M2N-Plus SLI Vista Edition?

Ensure that the onboard LAN is enabled in the BIOS and that the network cable is securely connected. Check the status of the network adapter in Device Manager and update the drivers if necessary. If connectivity issues persist, try resetting the router, verifying network settings, or testing with a different cable.