Asus M3N WS - Motherboard - ATX Specifications Page 1

MotherboardM3N WS

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

3-32 Chapter 3: 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 WS 3-333.5.4 Hardware MonitorThe items in this sub-menu displays the hardware monitor values automatically detected by the BIOS. It also al

3-34 Chapter 3: 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 WS 3-353.6 Boot menuThe Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the

3-36 Chapter 3: BIOS setup3.6.3 Boot Settings Conguration Case Open Warning [Enabled]Enables or disables the chassis open status feature. Setting to

ASUS M3N WS 3-373.6.4 Security Select MenuItem Specic Help Security Supervisor Password Clear User Password Clear Password Ch

3-38 Chapter 3: BIOS setup2. Press any key to continue. The password eld setting is changed to [Clear]. A note about passwords The Supervisor passw

ASUS M3N WS 3-393.7 Tools menuThe Tools menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item then press <Enter> to d

3-40 Chapter 3: BIOS setupLoad from FileAllows you to load the previous BIOS le saved in the hard disk/oppy disk/USB ash disk with the FAT32/16/12

ASUS M3N WS 3-41ASUSTek O.C. Prole Utility B328BOARD: M3N WS VER: 0202 DATE: 05/02/2008Current CMOSUpdate CMOSBOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unkn

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

3-42 Chapter 3: BIOS setup3.8 Exit menuThe Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS items, and save or d

4Software supportThis chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.

ASUS M3N WSChapter summary44.1 Installing an operating system ... 4-14.2 Support DVD information ...

ASUS M3N WS 4-1If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the le ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. D

4-2 Chapter 4: Software support4.2.2 Drivers menuThe drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed devices. Install

ASUS M3N WS 4-34.2.3 Utilities menuThe Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports. ASUS InstAll - Install

4-4 Chapter 4: 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 WS 4-54.2.4 Make Disk menuThe Make Disk menu contains items to create the NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8200 SATA/RAID driver disk. Click to display the

4-6 Chapter 4: Software support4.2.5 Manual menuThe Manual menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to open the folder of th

ASUS M3N WS 4-74.2.7 Other informationThe icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the motherboard and the contents

xiiHigh Denition Audio Realtek® ALC888 8-channel High Denition audio CODEC - Supports Jack-Detection and Multi-StreamingSupports Jack-Detection

4-8 Chapter 4: Software supportTechnical support FormDisplays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to ll out when requesting technic

ASUS M3N WS 4-94.3 Software informationMost of the applications in the support DVD have wizards that will conveniently guide you through the installa

4-10 Chapter 4: 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 WS 4-114.3.2 Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ TechnologyThe motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ Technology that dynamically and automatically chan

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’

ASUS M3N WS 4-13Launching the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ softwareThe motherboard support CD/DVD includes the Cool ‘n’ Quiet!™ software that enables you to view

4-14 Chapter 4: Software support4.3.3 Audio congurationsThe Realtek® audio CODEC provides 8-channel audio capability to deliver the ultimate audio e

ASUS M3N WS 4-15Device advanced settingsClick Device advanced settings to show further settings for the playback and recording device.InformationClick

4-16 Chapter 4: Software supportDigital OutputThe Realtek® audio CODEC allows you to connect an external audio output device via the coaxial/digital S

ASUS M3N WS 4-17Line InThe Line In tab allows you to congure audio input settings using the analog line in port.To set the analog line in options1.

xiiiM3N WS specications summaryInternal I/O connectors 3 x USB connectors support additional 6 USB ports 1 x Floppy disk drive connector 1 x IDE conn

4-18 Chapter 4: Software supportControl settings windowConguration options Information buttonExit buttonMinimize buttonB. Realtek HD Audio Manager f

ASUS M3N WS 4-19Sound Effect The Realtek® audio CODEC allows you to set your listening environment, adjust the equalizer, set the karaoke, or select p

4-20 Chapter 4: Software supportAudio I/OThe Audio I/O option allows you congure your input/output settings.To set the Audio I/O options1. From the

ASUS M3N WS 4-213D Audio DemoThe 3D Audio Demo option gives you a demonstration of the 3D audio feature.To start the 3D Audio Demo1. From the Realtek

4-22 Chapter 4: Software support4.3.4 ASUS PC Probe IIPC Probe II is a utility that monitors the computer’s vital components, and detects and alerts

ASUS M3N WS 4-23Button FunctionOpens the Conguration windowOpens the Report windowOpens the Desktop Management Interface windowOpens the Peripheral C

4-24 Chapter 4: Software supportChanging the monitor panels positionTo change the position of the monitor panels in the desktop, click the arrow down

ASUS M3N WS 4-25Monitoring sensor alertThe monitor panel turns red when a component value exceeds or is lower than the threshold value. Refer to the i

4-26 Chapter 4: Software supportPCI browserClick to display the PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) browser. This browser provides information o

ASUS M3N WS 4-27Memory usageThe Memory tab shows both used and available physical memory. The pie chart at the bottom of the window represents the use

xiv

4-28 Chapter 4: Software support4.3.5 ASUS AI SuiteASUS AI Suite allows you to launch AI Gear2, AI N.O.S., AI Booster, AI Nap, and Q-Fan2 utilities

ASUS M3N WSM3N WS 4-29Other feature buttonsClick on right corner of the main window to open the monitor window. Click on right corner of the expan

4-30 Chapter 4: Software support4.3.6 ASUS AI Gear 2ASUS AI Gear 2 provides four system performance options that allows you to select the best perfo

ASUS M3N WSM3N WS 4-314.3.7 ASUS AI NapThis feature allows you to minimize the power consumption of your computer whenever you are away. Enable this

4-32 Chapter 4: Software support4.3.8 ASUS AI N.O.S.This ASUS Non-delay Overclocking System feature intelligently determines the system load and auto

ASUS M3N WSM3N WS 4-334.3.9 ASUS Q-Fan 2This ASUS Q-Fan 2 Control feature allows you to set the appropriate performance level of the CPU Q-Fan 2 or t

4-34 Chapter 4: Software support4.3.10 ASUS AI BoosterThe ASUS AI Booster application allows you to overclock the CPU speed in WIndows® environment w

ASUS M3N WS 4-354.4 RAID congurationsThe motherboard comes with the NVIDIA GeForce 8200 chipset that allows you to congure Serial ATA hard disk dri

4-36 Chapter 4: Software supportSetting the BIOS RAID itemsAfter installing the hard disk drives, make sure to set the necessary RAID items in the BIO

ASUS M3N WS 4-37Entering the NVIDIA® MediaShield BIOS RAID utilityTo enter the NVIDIA® MediaShield BIOS RAID utility1. Boot up your computer. 2. D

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

4-38 Chapter 4: Software supportCreating a RAID VolumeTo create a RAID volume:1. From the Dene a New Array screen, use the <TAB> key to highli

ASUS M3N WS 4-39Rebuilding a RAID arrayTo rebuild a RAID array1. From the Array List screen, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID array, an

4-40 Chapter 4: Software support2. Press <R> to rebuild a RAID array. The following screen appears.3. Use the up or down arrow keys to select

ASUS M3N WS 4-41Deleting a RAID arrayTo delete a RAID array1. From the Array List screen, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID array, and t

4-42 Chapter 4: Software supportClearing a disk MBRTo clear disk MBR1. From the Array List screen, use the up or down arrow keys to select a RAID arr

ASUS M3N WS 4-434.5 Creating a RAID driver diskA oppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows® XP/Vista operating system on a

4-44 Chapter 4: Software supportTo install the RAID driver in Windows® Vista™:1. Insert the motherboard support DVD into the optical drive. Find RA

5 NVIDIA® Hybrid SLI™ technology supportThis chapter describes the NVIDIA Hybrid SLI™ feature and shows the graphics card installation procedures.

ASUS M3N WSChapter summary55.1 NVIDIA Hybrid SLI Technology ... 5-1

ASUS M3N WS 5-15.1 NVIDIA® Hybrid SLI® Technology The motherboard supports the NVIDIA® Hybrid SLI® technology that includes twoincludes two primary f

ASUS M3N WSChapter summary11.1 Welcome! ... 1-11.2 Package conten

5-2 Chapter 5: NVIDIA® Hybrid SLI™ technology support5.1.2 Enabling GeForce® Boost and HybridPower™Before enabling GeForce Boost and HybridPower, mak

ASUS M3N WS 5-3To enable HybridPower1. Follow Step 1 to 5 on the previous page to complete the hardware and driver installation.2. If the driver is

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

ASUS M3N WS 1-11.1 Welcome!Thank you for buying an ASUS® M3N WS motherboard!The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies,

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 WS 1-3NVIDIA® Hybrid SLI Technology Hybrid SLI™ Technology is a unique hybrid multi-GPU technology. It includes two primary features: GeForc

iiE3772First Edition June 2008Copyright © 2008 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.No part of this manual, including the products and software d

1-4 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionHigh Denition Audio Enjoy high-end sound quality on your PC! The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High Denition Audio

ASUS M3N WS 1-5ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution ASUS Quiet Thermal solution makes system more stable and enhances the overclocking capability.ASUS Stack Co

1-6 Chapter 1: Product IntroductionASUS Q-Connector ASUS Q-Connector allows you to easily connect or disconnect the chassis front panel cables to the

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

ASUS M3N WSChapter summary22.1 Before you proceed ... 2-12.2 Motherboard overview

ASUS M3N WS2-1Onboard LEDThe motherboard comes with a standby power LED. The green LED lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or

2-2 Chapter 2: Hardware information2.2 Motherboard overview2.2.1 Motherboard layoutRefer to 2.7 Connectors for more information about rear panel con

ASUS M3N WS2-32.2.2 Layout contentsConnectors/Jumpers/Slots Page1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) 2-332. DDR2 DIMM slots 2-103

2-4 Chapter 2: Hardware information2.2.3 Placement directionWhen installing the motherboard, make sure that you place it into the chassis in the corr

ASUS M3N WS2-52.3.1 Installing the CPUTo install a CPU:1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.2. Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sidew

iiiContentsContents ... iiiNotices ...

2-6 Chapter 2: Hardware information3. Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner wit

ASUS M3N WS 2-72.3.2 Installing the heatsink and fanThe AMD® Phenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon™/ Sempron™ processor requires aPhenom™ FX / Phenom / Athlon

2-8 Chapter 2: Hardware information2. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base.3. Align the other end of the retention b

ASUS M3N WS 2-95. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN.• Do

2-10 Chapter 2: Hardware information2.4 System memory2.4.1 OverviewThe motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modu

ASUS M3N WS 2-112.4.2 Memory congurationsYou may install 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered ECC and non-ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.Recommen

2-12 Chapter 2: Hardware informationM3N WS Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-800MHz capability for AM2 CPUVendor Part No. SizeSS/DS Chip N

ASUS M3N WS 2-13M3N WS Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-800MHz capability for AM2 CPU (continued)Vendor Part No. SizeSS/DS Chip No. CL Ch

2-14 Chapter 2: Hardware informationM3N WS Motherboard Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-667MHz capability for AM2 CPUVendor Part No. SizeSS/DS Chip N

ASUS M3N WS 2-15Vendor Part No. SizeSS/DS Chip No. CLChip BrandDIMM socket support (Optional)A* B* C*Transcend JM667QLU-2G 2GB DS TQ243ECF8 5 Transce

ivContents2.5.6 PCI Express x1 slots ... 2-192.5.7 PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot ...

2-16 Chapter 2: Hardware information2.4.4 Removing a DDR2 DIMMFollow these steps to remove a DIMM.1. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outwar

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

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

ASUS M3N WS 2-192.5.4 PCI slotsThe PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specication

2-20 Chapter 2: Hardware information• Currently, only Windows® Vista operation system supports Hybrid SLI™ mode.• Currently, only NVIDIA® GeForce® 8

ASUS M3N WS 2-212.6 Jumpers1. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC)This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the CM

2-22 Chapter 2: Hardware information2. PCI-X Speed setting (3-pin PCIX_SPEED1)This jumper allows you to set the PCI-X slot’s maximum frequency capabi

ASUS M3N WS 2-232.7 Connectors2.7.1 Rear panel connectors1. PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.2. Coaxial S/PDIF Out po

2-24 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 WS 2-25Troubleshooting on HDTV overscaling or underscaling:If your desktop is extending beyond the viewable display area or the desktop or im

vContents3.3.4 Legacy Diskette A ... 3-153.3.5 Primary IDE Master/Slave ...

2-26 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 WS 2-272. 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

2-28 Chapter 2: Hardware information3. NVIDIA® GeForce 8200 Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1-4 [red], 7-pin SATA5-6 [black])These connectors are fo

ASUS M3N WS 2-294. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB 78, USB910, USB1112)These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of th

2-30 Chapter 2: Hardware information5. IEEE 1394a port connector (10-1 pin IE1394_1, IE1394_2)This connector is for a IEEE 1394a port. Connect the IE

ASUS M3N WS2-316. CPU, chassis, and power fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN; 3-pin CHA_FAN1-2; 3-pin PWR_FAN)The fan connectors support cooling fans of 3

2-32 Chapter 2: Hardware information7. Chassis intrusion connector (4-1 pin CHASSIS)This connector is for a chassis-mounted intrusion detection senso

ASUS M3N WS2-33• 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 (or l

2-34 Chapter 2: Hardware information10. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O modu

ASUS M3N WS2-3511. TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM) [Optional]This connector supports a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) system, which can securely store ke

viContents4.2.5 Manual menu ... 4-64.2.6 ASUS Contact information ...

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 cab

ASUS M3N WS2-3713. ASUS Q-Connector (system panel)You can use the ASUS Q-Connector to connect/disconnect chassis front panel cables in a few steps. R

2-38 Chapter 2: Hardware information2.8 G.P. Diagnosis card installation2.8.1 G.P. Diagnosis card layout1. Locate the TPM connector (20-1 pin TPM)

ASUS M3N WS2-392.8.3 G.P. Diagnosis card check codes3. You may also install the G.P. Diagnosis card via a bundled 90-degree TPM adaptor for a more 

2-40 Chapter 2: Hardware information94 1. Enable L2 cache 2. Program Daylight Saving 3. Program boot up speed 4. Chipset nal initialization 5. Power

ASUS M3N WS2-412.9 Starting up for the rst time1. After making all the connections, replace the system case cover. 2. Be sure that all switches ar

2-42 Chapter 2: Hardware information2.10 Turning off the computer2.10.1 Using the OS shut down functionIf you are using Windows® XP:1. Click the S

3BIOS setupThis chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also pr

Chapter summary3ASUS M3N WS3.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ... 3-13.2 BIOS setup program ...

ASUS M3N WS 3-13.1 Managing and updating your BIOSThe following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output System (B

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

3-2 Chapter 3: 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 WS 3-3Updating the BIOS through a BIOS leTo update the BIOS through a BIOS le:1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop

3-4 Chapter 3: BIOS setup3.1.2 Creating a bootable oppy disk1. Do either one of the following to create a bootable oppy disk.DOS environmenta. In

ASUS M3N WS 3-53.1.3 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utilityThe ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go through the long process o

3-6 Chapter 3: BIOS setup3.1.4 Updating the BIOSThe Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) can be updated using the AwardBIOS Flash Utility. Follow these i

ASUS M3N WS 3-76. Type the BIOS le name in the File Name to Program eld, then press <Enter>.7. Press <N> when the utility prompts you

3-8 Chapter 3: BIOS setup4. The utility saves the current BIOS le to the oppy disk or the USB ash disk, and then returns to the BIOS ashing proce

ASUS M3N WS 3-93.1.6 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utilityThe ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS le when it

3-10 Chapter 3: BIOS setup• Only the USB ash disk with FAT 32/16/12 format and single partition can support ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3. The device size s

ASUS M3N WS 3-113.2 BIOS setup programThis motherboard supports a programmable rmware chip that you can update using the provided utility described

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

3-12 Chapter 3: BIOS setup3.2.1 BIOS menu screen3.2.2 Menu barThe menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:Main For changing t

ASUS M3N WS 3-133.2.4 Menu itemsThe highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows th

3-14 Chapter 3: BIOS setup3.2.7 Pop-up windowSelect a menu item then press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the conguration options for

ASUS M3N WS 3-153.3 Main menuWhen you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic system informa

3-16 Chapter 3: BIOS setup3.3.5 Primary IDE Master/SlaveWhile entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE devices. There is a

ASUS M3N WS 3-17Access Mode [Auto]The default [Auto] allows automatic detection of an IDE hard disk drive. Select [CHS] for this item if you set the

3-18 Chapter 3: BIOS setup3.3.6 SATA1/2/3/4While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of Serial ATA devices. There is a separa

ASUS M3N WS 3-19HeadShows the number of the hard disk read/write heads. This item is not congurable. Landing ZoneShows the number of landing zone p

3-20 Chapter 3: BIOS setup3.4 Advanced menuThe Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices.AI Tuning [A

ASUS M3N WS 3-21Overclock Options [Disabled]This item becomes user-congurable only when you set the AI Tuning item to [AI Overclock] and allows you

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

3-22 Chapter 3: BIOS setupMemory Voltage [Auto]Allows you to set the memory voltage. Conguration options: [Auto] [1.800V] [1.820V] [1.840V] ~ [2.460V

ASUS M3N WS 3-23DRAM CongurationThis sub-menu allows you to adjust the DRAM-related items. Select an item, then press <Enter> to edit.Memory C

3-24 Chapter 3: BIOS setupPhoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility AdvancedAdvance Memory Settings Twr [Auto] Trrd [Auto] Trwt [Au

ASUS M3N WS 3-253.4.4 ChipsetPhoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility AdvancedChipset Hybrid Support [Auto] iGPU Frame Buffer Control [Auto]x

3-26 Chapter 3: BIOS setupiGPU Frame Buffer Control [Auto]Allows you to set the onboard GPU frame buffer control mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [M

ASUS M3N WS 3-27Plug & 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 a Pl

3-28 Chapter 3: BIOS setupMCP Storage CongSelect MenuItem Specic Help Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced MCP Sto

ASUS M3N WS 3-29SATA Operation Mode [IDE]Allows you to select the onboard Serial ATA type. Conguration options: [IDE] [RAID] [AHCI]• If you want to

3-30 Chapter 3: BIOS setup3.4.7 USB CongurationSelect MenuItem Specic Help Phoenix-Award BIOS CMOS Setup Utility Advanced

ASUS M3N WS 3-313.5 Power menuThe Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) and the