Asus M3N-H HDMI User Manual

MotherboardM3N-H/HDMI

xConventions used in this guideTo make sure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual.Ty

4-34 Chapter 4: BIOS setup2. Press any key to continue. The password eld setting is changed to [Clear]. A note about passwords The Supervisor passw

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 4-354.7 Tools menuThe Tools menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item then press <Enter>

4-36 Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.7.2 Express Gate Lite Select MenuItem Specic HelpExpress Gate LiteExpress Gate Lite [Enabled] Boot Out Timer [10]

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 4-374.8 Exit menuThe Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS items, and save or discar

4-38 Chapter 4: BIOS setup

5Chapter 5: Software supportThis chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.

ASUS M3N-H/HDMIChapter summary55.1 Installing an operating system ... 5-15.2 Support DVD information

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 5-1If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the le ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folde

5-2 Chapter 5: Software support5.2.2 Drivers menuThe drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed devices. Install

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 5-35.2.3 Utilities menuThe Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports. ASUS InstAll - Ins

xiM3N-H/HDMI specications summary(continued on the next page)CPU AMD® Socket AM2/AM2+ for Phenom™ FX / Phenom™ / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors AMD

5-4 Chapter 5: Software supportASUS Update Allows you to download the latest version of the BIOS from the ASUS website.Before using the ASUS Update, m

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 5-55.2.4 Make Disk menuThe Make Disk menu contains items to create the NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8300 SATA/RAID driver disk. NVIDIA 32/64bit X

5-6 Chapter 5: Software support5.2.5 Manual menuThe Manual menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to open the folder of th

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 5-75.2.7 Other informationThe icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the motherboard and the cont

5-8 Chapter 5: Software supportTechnical support FormDisplays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to ll out when requesting technic

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 5-95.3 Software informationMost of the applications in the support DVD have wizards that will conveniently guide you through the inst

5-10 Chapter 5: Software support9. When the screen returns to the ASUS Update utility, ash the original BIOS to load the new boot logo.10. After a

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 5-115.3.2 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ TechnologyThe motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology that dynamically and automatically

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’

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 5-13Launching the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ softwareThe motherboard support CD/DVD includes the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software that enables you to v

xiiASUS AI Lifestyle unique featuresASUS Express Gate Lite: - Web browser, le downloading and uploading* - Further free features upgradable * File

5-14 Chapter 5: Software support5.3.3 Audio congurationsThe Realtek® ALC1200 audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the ultimat

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 5-15InformationClick the information button ( ) to display information about the audio driver version, DirectX version, audio controll

5-16 Chapter 5: Software supportMixerThe Mixer option allows you to congure audio output (playback) volume and audio input (record) volume.To set the

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 5-17MicrophoneThe Microphone option allows you congure your input/output settings and to check if your audio devices are connected pr

5-18 Chapter 5: Software support5.3.4 ASUS PC Probe IIPC Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects and alerts

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 5-19Button FunctionOpens the Conguration windowOpens the Report windowOpens the Desktop Management Interface windowOpens the Peripher

5-20 Chapter 5: Software supportChanging the monitor panels positionTo change the position of the monitor panels in the desktop, click the arrow down

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 5-21Monitoring sensor alertThe monitor panel turns red when a component value exceeds or is lower than the threshold value. Refer to t

5-22 Chapter 5: Software supportPCI browserClick to display the PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) browser. This browser provides information o

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 5-23Memory usageThe Memory tab shows both used and available physical memory. The pie chart at the bottom of the window represents the

xiiiM3N-H/HDMI specications summaryRear 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

5-24 Chapter 5: Software support5.3.5 ASUS AI SuiteASUS AI Suite allows you to launch AI Gear 2, AI Booster, AI Nap, and Q-Fan 2 utilities easily. I

ASUS M3N-H/HDMIM3N-H/HDMI 5-25Other feature buttonsClick on right corner of the main window to open the monitor window. Click on right corner of t

5-26 Chapter 5: Software support5.3.6 ASUS AI Gear 2ASUS AI Gear 2 provides four system performance options that allows you to select the best perfo

ASUS M3N-H/HDMIM3N-H/HDMI 5-275.3.7 ASUS AI NapThis feature allows you to minimize the power consumption of your computer whenever you are away. Enab

5-28 Chapter 5: Software support5.3.8 ASUS Q-Fan 2This ASUS Q-Fan 2 Control feature allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU Q-

ASUS M3N-H/HDMIM3N-H/HDMI 5-295.3.9 ASUS AI BoosterThe ASUS AI Booster application allows you to overclock the CPU speed in WIndows® environment with

5-30 Chapter 5: Software support5.3.10 ASUS Express Gate LiteASUS Express Gate Lite is an instant-on environment that gives you quick access to the I

ASUS M3N-H/HDMIM3N-H/HDMI 5-31The First ScreenExpress Gate Lite’s rst screen appears within a few seconds after you power on the computer. From here,

5-32 Chapter 5: Software supportUsing the Conguration PanelUse the conguration panel to change various Express Gate Lite settings.Click on an icon t

ASUS M3N-H/HDMIM3N-H/HDMI 5-33• Screen Settings: Choose the most optimal screen resolution for your display.• Volume Control: Control the volume for

xiv

5-34 Chapter 5: Software supportHow Do I Get on to the InternetIf Internet doesn’t seem to be working in the Express Gate Lite environment, check the

ASUS M3N-H/HDMIM3N-H/HDMI 5-353. Make the proper network congurations. Each network interface is enabled immediately when you check the box next to

5-36 Chapter 5: Software supportConguring Express Gate Lite in BIOS SetupEnter BIOS setup by pressing DEL key after powering on or by clicking on the

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 5-375.4 RAID congurationsThe motherboard comes with the NVIDIA GeForce 8300 chipset that allows you to congure Serial ATA hard disk

5-38 Chapter 5: Software supportSetting the BIOS RAID itemsAfter installing the hard disk drives, make sure to set the necessary RAID items in the BIO

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 5-39Entering the NVIDIA® RAID utilityTo enter the NVIDIA® RAID utility:1. Boot up your computer. 2. During POST, press <F10>

5-40 Chapter 5: Software supportCreating a RAID VolumeTo create a RAID volume:1. From the NVIDIA® RAID utility Dene a New Array menu, select RAID Mo

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 5-41Rebuilding a RAID arrayTo rebuild a RAID array:1. From the Array List menu, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID array

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.

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 5-43Deleting a RAID arrayTo delete a RAID array:1. From the Array List menu, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID array the

1Chapter 1: Product introductionThis chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports.

5-44 Chapter 5: Software supportClearing a disk dataTo clear disk data:1. From the Array List menu, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID ar

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 5-455.5 Creating a RAID driver diskA oppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows® XP operating system on a ha

5-46 Chapter 5: Software supportTo install the RAID driver in Windows® Vista™:1. Insert the motherboard support CD/DVD or USB device with RAID drive

ASUS M3N-H/HDMIChapter summary11.1 Welcome! ... 1-11.2 Package co

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 1-11.1 Welcome!Thank you for buying an ASUS® M3N-H/HDMI motherboard!The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest techno

1-2 Chapter 1: Product Introduction1.3 Special features1.3.1 Product highlightsGreen ASUS This motherboard and its packaging comply with the Europe

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 1-3NVIDIA® Hybrid SLI Technology Hybrid SLI™ Technology is a unique hybrid multi-GPU technology. It includes two primary features: Ge

iiE3620First Edition March 2008Copyright © 2008 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.No part of this manual, including the products and software

1-4 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionS/PDIF digital sound ready This motherboard provides convenient connectivity to external home theater audio systems

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 1-5Q-Fan 2 ASUS Q-Fan2 technology intelligently adjusts both CPU fan and chassis fan speeds according to system loading to ensure qui

1-6 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionSmart Support DVD This feature provides a checklist that allows the user to know which drivers are already install

2Chapter 2: Hardware informationThis chapter lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components. It inclu

ASUS M3N-H/HDMIChapter summary22.1 Before you proceed ... 2-12.2 Motherboard overv

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI2-1Onboard LEDThe motherboard comes with a standby power LED. The green LED lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode,

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information2.2 Motherboard overviewBefore you install the motherboard, study the conguration of your chassis to ensure that

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI2-32.2.3 Motherboard layout24.5cm (9.6in)30.5cm (12.0in)M3N-H/HDMI®DDR DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module)DDR DIMM_B1 (64bit, 240-pin modu

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information2.2.4 Layout contentsSlots Page1. DDR2 DIMM slots 2-112. PCI slots 2-183. PCI Express x1 slots 2-184. PCI Expr

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI2-5Internal connectors Page1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) 2-242. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) 2-253. NVIDIA Ge

iiiContentsContents ... iiiNotices ...

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information2.3.1 Installing the CPUTo install a CPU:1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.2. Unlock the socket by pre

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI2-73. Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with a small triangl

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware information2.3.2 Installing the heatsink and fanThe AMD® Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™/ Sempron™ processor requires aPhenom™

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 2-92. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base.3. Align the other end of the retention bracket (near the

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information5. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 2-112.4 System memory2.4.1 OverviewThe motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) socke

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware information2.4.2 Memory congurationsYou may install 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered ECC and non-ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the D

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 2-13M3N-H/HDMI Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-800MHz capability for AM2 CPUSize Vendor Chip No. CLChip BrandSS/DSPart

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware informationM3N-H/HDMI Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-667MHz capability for AM2 CPUSize Vendor Chip No. CLChip

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 2-15Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL.Side(s): SS - Single-sided DS - Double-sided DIMM support: • A*: Supports one module

ivContents2.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot ... 2-192.6 Jumper ...

2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware information2.4.3 Installing a DIMMTo install a DIMM:1. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward.2. Ali

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 2-172.5 Expansion slotsIn the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections describe the slots and the

2-18 Chapter 2: Hardware information2.5.3 Interrupt assignmentsStandard interrupt assignments* These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI device

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 2-192.5.6 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slotThis motherboard supports PCI Express 2.0 x16 graphics cards that complies with the PCI Express spe

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware informationM3N-H/HDMI®M3N-H/HDMI Clear RTC RAM2123Disable(Default)EnableCLRTC2.6 Jumper Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)This jum

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 2-212.7 Connectors2.7.1 Rear panel connectors1. PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.2. IEEE 1394a port.I

2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware informationAudio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel congurationPortHeadset 2-channel4-channel 6-channel 8-channelLight Blue Line In Line

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 2-23Troubleshooting on HDTV overscaling or underscaling:If your desktop is extending beyond the viewable display area or the desktop o

2-24 Chapter 2: Hardware information2.7.2 Internal connectors1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)This connector is for the provided opp

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 2-25M3N-H/HDMI®PRI_IDENOTE:Orient the red markingson the IDE ribbon cable to PIN 1.PIN1M3N-H/HDMI IDE connector2. IDE connector (40-1

vContents4.3.8 Usable Memory ... 4-174.4 Advanced menu ...

2-26 Chapter 2: Hardware information3. NVIDIA® GeForce 8300 Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1-6)These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cable

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 2-274. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB 78, USB910, USB1112)These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any o

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware information5. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_2)This connector is for a IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IEEE 1394a m

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI2-296. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN1, 3-pin PWR_FAN)The fan connectors support cooling fans of

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware information7. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detection senso

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI2-31• For a fully congured system, we recommend that you use a power supply unit (PSU) that complies with ATX 12 V Specication 2.0 (

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware informationM3N-H/HDMI®M3N-H/HDMI Analog front panel connectorPIN 1AAFPGNDPRESENCE#SENSE1_RETURSENSE2_RETURPORT1 LPORT1 RPORT2

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI2-3310. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD)These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources such as a

2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware information12. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI2-35• System power LED (2-pin PLED)This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connec

viContents5.3.2 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology ...5-115.3.3 Audio congurations ...

2-36 Chapter 2: Hardware information15. ASUS Q-Connector (system panel)You can use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect chassis front panel cab

3Chapter 3: Powering upThis chapter describes the power up sequence, the vocal POST messages, and ways of shutting down the system.

ASUS M3N-H/HDMIChapter summary33.1 Starting up for the rst time ... 3-13.2 Turning off the com

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 3-13.1 Starting up for the rst time1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover. 2. Be sure that all switche

3-2 Chapter 3: Powering up3.2 Turning off the computer3.2.1 Using the OS shut down functionIf you are using Windows® XP:1. Click the Start button

4Chapter 4: BIOS setupThis chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters

Chapter summary4ASUS M3N-H/HDMI4.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ... 4-14.2 BIOS setup program ...

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 4-14.1 Managing and updating your BIOSThe following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output Syste

4-2 Chapter 4: BIOS setupQuit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility.3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoi

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 4-3Updating the BIOS through a BIOS leTo update the BIOS through a BIOS le:1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desk

viiNoticesFederal Communications Commission StatementThis device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two con

4-4 Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.1.2 Creating a bootable oppy disk1. Do either one of the following to create a bootable oppy disk.DOS environmenta. In

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 4-54.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utilityThe ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go through the long proce

4-6 Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.1.4 Updating the BIOSThe Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) can be updated using the AwardBIOS Flash Utility. Follow these i

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 4-76. Type the BIOS le name in the File Name to Program eld, then press <Enter>.7. Press <N> when the utility prompts

4-8 Chapter 4: BIOS setup4. The utility saves the current BIOS le to the oppy disk, then returns to the BIOS ashing process.3. Type a lename for

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 4-94.2 BIOS setup programThis motherboard supports a programmable Low-Pin Count (LPC) chip that you can update using the provided uti

4-10 Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.2.1 BIOS menu screenLegend barGeneral helpMenu barSub-menu itemsConguration eldsMenu itemsPhoenix-AwardBIOS CMOS Setup

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 4-114.2.4 Menu itemsThe highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic items for that menu. For example, selecting Main show

4-12 Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.2.7 Pop-up windowSelect a menu item then press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the conguration options for

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 4-134.3 Main menuWhen you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic system inf

viiiSafety informationElectrical safety• To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating

4-14 Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.3.4 Primary IDE Master/SlaveWhile entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE devices. There is a

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 4-15Access Mode [Auto]The default [Auto] allows automatic detection of an IDE hard disk drive. Select [CHS] for this item if you set

4-16 Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.3.5 SATA1/2/3/4While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of Serial ATA devices. There is a separa

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 4-17HeadShows the number of the hard disk read/write heads. This item is not congurable. Landing ZoneShows the number of landing zo

4-18 Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.4 Advanced menuThe Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices.AI Tuning [A

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 4-19Overclock Options [Disabled]This item becomes user-congurable only when you set the AI Tuning item to [AI Overclock] and allows

4-20 Chapter 4: BIOS setupPhoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility AdvancedCPU Conguration CPU Type AMD Phenom(tm)9600 Quad-Core

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 4-21Timing Mode [Auto]Allows selection of the DRAM timing mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [MaxMemClk] [Manual]Memory Clock Frequen

4-22 Chapter 4: BIOS setupiGPU Frame Buffer Control [Auto]Allows you to set the onboard GPU frame buffer control mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [M

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 4-23Plug & Play O/S [No]When set to [No], the BIOS congures all the devices in the system. When set to [Yes] and if you install

ixAbout this guideThis user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the motherboard.How this guide is organizedThis gui

4-24 Chapter 4: BIOS setupIRQ-xx assigned to [PCI Device]When set to [PCI Device], the specic IRQ is free for use of PCI/PnP devices. When set to [Re

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 4-25MCP Storage CongSelect MenuItem Specic Help Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced MCP Storage

4-26 Chapter 4: BIOS setupMake sure to set the HDMI Audio item to [Auto] to enable HDMI audio output.Onboard LAN Device [Enabled]Allows you to enable

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 4-274.5 Power menuThe Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) and

4-28 Chapter 4: BIOS setupPWR Button < 4 secs [Instant-Off]When set to [Instant-Off], the system goes into Soft-off mode after you press the power

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 4-294.5.4 Hardware MonitorThe items in this sub-menu displays the hardware monitor values automatically detected by the BIOS. It als

4-30 Chapter 4: BIOS setupCPU Q-Fan Prole [Performance]Allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU Q-Fan. When set to [Optimal], t

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 4-314.6 Boot menuThe Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press <Enter> to display

4-32 Chapter 4: BIOS setup4.6.3 Boot Settings Conguration Case Open Warning [Enabled]Enables or disables the chassis open status feature. Setting to

ASUS M3N-H/HDMI 4-334.6.4 Security Select MenuItem Specic Help Security Supervisor Password Clear User Password Clear Passwor