Asus M2N-VM - Motherboard - Micro ATX User manual

Motherboard
M2N-VM HDMI

ii
Copyright © 2008 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any
means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written
permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the
product is defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS,
LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE),
EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY
DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.
SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR
INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE,
AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO
RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS
MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or
copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the
owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.
E3831
Third Edition V3
April 2008

iii
Contents
Notices......................................................................................................... vi
Safety information ..................................................................................... vii
About this guide ....................................................................................... viii
M2N-VM HDMI specications summary .................................................... x
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome! ..................................................................................... 1-2
1.2 Package contents......................................................................... 1-2
1.3 Special features............................................................................ 1-2
1.3.1 Product highlights ........................................................... 1-2
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features .............................................. 1-5
1.4 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 1-6
1.5 Motherboard overview................................................................. 1-7
1.5.1 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 1-7
1.5.2 Placement direction ........................................................ 1-8
1.5.3 Screw holes .................................................................... 1-8
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 1-9
1.6.1 Installing the CPU ........................................................... 1-9
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan .......................................1-11
1.7 System memory ......................................................................... 1-13
1.7.1 Overview ....................................................................... 1-13
1.7.2 Memory congurations.................................................. 1-13
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 1-17
1.7.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 1-17
1.8 Expansion slots.......................................................................... 1-18
1.8.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 1-18
1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 1-18
1.8.3 PCI slots........................................................................ 1-20
1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot....................................................... 1-20
1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot..................................................... 1-20
1.9 Jumpers ...................................................................................... 1-21
1.10 Connectors ................................................................................. 1-24
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors.................................................. 1-24
1.10.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 1-26

iv
Contents
Chapter 2: BIOS setup
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 2-2
2.1.1 Creating a bootable oppy disk....................................... 2-3
2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility................................................... 2-4
2.1.3 AFUDOS utility................................................................ 2-5
2.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ...................................... 2-7
2.1.5 ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 2-9
2.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................. 2-12
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen........................................................ 2-13
2.2.2 Menu bar....................................................................... 2-13
2.2.3 Navigation Keys ............................................................ 2-14
2.2.4 Menu items ................................................................... 2-14
2.2.5 Sub-menu items............................................................ 2-14
2.2.6 Conguration elds ....................................................... 2-14
2.2.7 Pop-up window ............................................................. 2-14
2.2.8 Scroll bar....................................................................... 2-14
2.2.9 General help ................................................................. 2-14
2.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 2-15
2.3.1 System Time ................................................................. 2-15
2.3.2 System Date ................................................................. 2-15
2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A ........................................................ 2-15
2.3.4 IDE Conguration.......................................................... 2-16
2.3.5 Primary IDE Master/Slave............................................. 2-17
2.3.6 SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, and SATA4.............................. 2-19
2.3.7 System Information ....................................................... 2-20
2.4 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 2-21
2.4.1 JumperFree Conguration ............................................ 2-21
2.4.2 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 2-23
2.4.3 Chipset.......................................................................... 2-25
2.4.4 Onboard Devices Conguration.................................... 2-29
2.4.5 PCI PnP ........................................................................ 2-30
2.4.6 USB Conguration ........................................................ 2-31
2.5 Power menu................................................................................ 2-33
2.5.1 Suspend Mode.............................................................. 2-33
2.5.2 ACPI
Version Features ................................................ 2-33

v
Contents
2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support....................................................... 2-33
2.5.4 APM Conguration........................................................ 2-34
2.5.5 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 2-35
2.6 Boot menu .................................................................................. 2-36
2.6.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 2-36
2.6.2 Hard Disk Drives ........................................................... 2-36
2.6.3 Boot Settings Conguration .......................................... 2-37
2.6.4 Security ......................................................................... 2-38
2.7 Tools menu ................................................................................. 2-40
ASUS EZ Flash 2......................................................................... 2-40
2.8 Exit menu.................................................................................... 2-41
Chapter 3: Software support
3.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 3-2
3.2 Support CD information .............................................................. 3-2
3.2.1 Running the support CD ................................................. 3-2
3.2.2 Drivers menu................................................................... 3-3
3.2.3 Utilities menu .................................................................. 3-4
3.2.4 Make Disk menu ............................................................. 3-6
3.2.5 Manual menu .................................................................. 3-7
3.2.6 ASUS Contact information .............................................. 3-7
3.2.7 Other information ............................................................ 3-8

vi
Notices
Federal Communications Commission Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference, and
• This device must accept any interference received including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions
from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the
Canadian Department of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is
required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modications
to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

vii
Safety information
Electrical safety
• To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the
electrical outlet before relocating the system.
• When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power
cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If
possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add
a device.
• Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure
that all power cables are unplugged.
• Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord.
These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.
• Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you
are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact
your local power company.
• If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied
service technician or your retailer.
Operation safety
• Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all
the manuals that came with the package.
• Before using the product, ensure that all cables are correctly connected and
the power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your
dealer immediately.
• To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from
connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.
• Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in
any area where it may become wet.
• Place the product on a stable surface.
• If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied
service technician or your retailer.
The symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical
and electronic equipment, Mercury-containing button cell battery) should not
be placed in municipal waste. Please check local regulations for disposal of
electronic products.

viii
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring
the motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This manual contains the following parts:
• Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new
technology it supports. This chapter also 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.
• Chapter 2: BIOS setup
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup
menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
• Chapter 3: Software support
This chapter describes the contents of the support CD / DVD that comes with
the motherboard package.
Where to nd more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and
software updates.
1. ASUS websites
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and
software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.
2. Optional documentation
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty
yers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not
part of the standard package.

ix
Conventions used in this guide
To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following
symbols used throughout this manual.
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself
when trying to complete a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components
when trying to complete a task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a
task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a
task.
Typography
Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign
means that you must press the enclosed key.
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the
Enter or Return key.
<Key1+Key2+Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the
key names are linked with a plus sign (+).
Example: <Ctrl+Alt+D>
Command Means that you must type the command exactly
as shown, then supply the required item or value
enclosed in brackets.
Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line:
afudos /i[lename]
afudos /iM2NHDMI.ROM

x
M2N-VM HDMI specications summary
(continued on the next page)
CPU Support AMD socket AM2 for AMD Athlon™ 64 FX /
Athlon™ 64 X2 / Athlon™ 64 / Sempron / AM2+
processors
AMD64 architecture enables simultaneous 32-bit and
64-bit computing
Supports AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology
Chipset Nvidia®GeForce® 7050PV / nForce 630a (MCP68PVNT)
System bus 2000 MT/s
Memory Dual-channel memory architecture 4 x 240-pin DIMM
sockets support up to 8 GB of unbufferred ECC and
non-ECC 1066 / 800 / 667 / 533 MHz DDR2 memory
modules
* Only AM2+ supports DDR2 1066.
Expansion slots 1 x PCI Express™ x16 slot
1 x PCI Express™ x1 slot
2 x PCI slots
Graphics Integrated Nvidia®GeForce® 7 Series Shader model 3.0
DirectX9 graphics processor
Maximum shared memory of 256 MB
Dual VGA output: RGB + DVI / RGB + HDMI*
Supports DVI-D with max. resolution 1920 x 1200
(@60MHz)
Supports RGB with max. resolution 1920 x 1440
(@70MHz)
Supports HDMITM Technology with HDCP compliant with
max. resolution 1920 x 1080*
Note*:
• Due to the chipset limitation, simultaneous output for DVI and
HDMI is not supported. See page 1-24 for details.
• Due to the chipset limitation, only MPEG 2 & WMV Ofoad can
support HD format 1920 x 1080p
• The suggested system conguration when playing HD DVD
and Blu-ray disc: DDR2 800 1GB x 2 / Althon 64 x 2 4400+ /
Graphic shared memory 256 MB / Purevideo HD support.
Storage - 1 x Ultra DMA 133 / 100 interface
- 4 x Serial ATA 3 Gb/s hard disk drives supporting
RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, and JBOD
conguration
High Denition Audio Realtek® ALC883 High Denition Audio 8-channel
CODEC
Supports S/PDIF out interface, Jack-detect and multi-
streaming
LAN PHY Gigabit LAN
USB Supports up to 10 USB 2.0 / 1.1 ports (6 on the board, 4
at rear panel)

xi
M2N-VM HDMI specications summary
BIOS features 8 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0,
SM BIOS 2.5
Manageability WfM2.0, DMI2.0, WOR by Ring, PME Wake Up
ASUS Overclocking
Features
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection) from 200MHz to
300MHz at 1MHz increment
Adjustable CPU Voltage at 0.025V increment
ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
ASUS Special Features ASUS Q-Fan
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS MyLogo 2™
Rear panel I/O 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
1 x HDMI port
1 x DVI port
4 x USB 2.0 / 1.1 ports
1 x VGA Out port
1 x PS/2 keyboard port
1 x PS/2 mouse port
8-channel audio ports
Internal I/O connectors 1 x High Denition front panel audio connector
1 x IDE connector
1 x Floppy disk drive connector
1 x CD audio-in connector
1 x CPU fan connector
1 x Chassis fan connector
1 x COM connector
1 x LPT connector
1 x S/PDIF Out connector
1 x Chassis intrusion connector
3 x USB 2.0 connectors for 6 additional USB 2.0 ports
1 x 24-pin EATX power connector
1 x 4-pin x ATX 12V power connector
1 x System panel connector
Support CD contents Device drivers
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS Live Update utility
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
Accessories 2 x SATA cables
1 x 2-port SATA power cable
1 x UltraDMA 133 / 100 cable
1 x Floppy Disk Drive cable
1 x I/O Shield
User’s manual
Form Factor MicroATX: 9.6 in. x 8.8 in. (24.4 cm x 22.4 cm)
*Specications are subject to change without notice.

xii

1
Product
introduction
This chapter describes the motherboard
features and the new technologies
it supports.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS® M2N-VM HDMI motherboard!
The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it
another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!
Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the
items in your package with the list below.
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
1.2 Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
Latest processor technology
The motherboard supports AMD socket AM2 Athlon 64 / Sempron / Athlon 64 X2 /
Athlon 64 FX / AM2+ processors with 2MB / 1MB / 512KB L2 cache, which is
based on 64-bit architecture. It features 2000 / 1600 MT/s HyperTransport Bus,
dual-channel un-buffered DDR2 1066 memory support and AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet
Technology. See page 1-9 for details.
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology
The motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology, which monitors
system operation and automatically adjusts CPU voltage and frequency for a cool
and quiet operating environment. See page 2-23 for details.
Motherboard ASUS M2N-VM HDMI motherboard
Cables 2 x Serial ATA signal cables
1 x 2-port Serial ATA power cable
1 x Ultra DMA 133 / 100 cable
1 x Floppy disk drive cable
Accessories I/O shield
Application CD ASUS motherboard support CD
Documentation User guide

ASUS M2N-VM HDMI 1-3
Dual-Core CPU
Enjoy the extraordinary CPU power from dual-core CPU. The advanced processing
technology contains two physical CPU cores with individually dedicated L2 cache
to satisfy the rising demand for more powerful processing capability.
64-bit CPU support
64-bit computing, the technology to replace 32-bit architecture, delivers advanced
system performance, faster memory access and increased productivity. This
motherboard provides excellent compatibility and exibility by supporting either
64-bit or 32-bit architecture.
NVIDIA®GeForce™ 7050PV+nForce™ 630a
The NVIDIA® GeForce™ 7 Series GPU Northbridge supports Microsoft® DirectX
9.0 Shader Model 3.0, The NVIDIA® nForce™ 630a MCP delivers NVIDIA®
Gigabit LAN, and NVIDIA® MediaShield storage management technology allowing
easy RAID conguration (RAID 0, RAID 1,RAID10,RAID5) for Serial ATA 3Gb/s.
HDMITM Interface
High-Deniton Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is the rst and only industry-supported,
uncompressed, all digital audio and video interface via a single cable and is HDCP
compliant allowing playback of HD DVD, Blu-ray Disc and other protected content.
Dual channel DDR2 1066
DDR2 1066 memory provides great performance for 3D graphics and other
memory demanding applications on next generation memory technology. See page
1-13 for details.
Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology
The motherboard supports SATA hard drives based on the new SATA 3Gb/s
storage specication. It allows RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10,
and JBOD congurations for four SATA connectors.
DDR2 1066 is for AM2+ only.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction
PCI Express™ interface
The motherboard fully supports PCI Express, the latest I/O interconnect
technology that speeds up the PCI bus. PCI Express features point-to-point serial
interconnections between devices and allows higher clockspeeds by carrying data
in packets. This high speed interface is software compatible with existing PCI
specications. See page 1-20 for details.
High Denition Audio
Enjoy high-end sound quality on your PC! The onboard 8-channel HD audio (High
Definition Audio, previously codenamed Azalia) CODEC enables high-quality
192KHz / 24-bit audio output, jack-detect feature.
Gigabit LAN solution
PCI Express Gb LAN controller delivers transfer speeds up to ten times faster than
conventional 10/100/1000 Ethernet connections. Gigabit LAN is the networking
standard for the early future and is ideal for handling large amounts of data such as
video, audio, and voice. See page 1-24 for details.

ASUS M2N-VM HDMI 1-5
ASUS Q-Fan technology
ASUS Q-Fan technology intelligently adjusts CPU fan speeds according to system
loading to ensure quiet, cool and efcient operation. See page 2-35 for details.
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data from a
USB ash disk containing the BIOS le. See page 2-7 for details.
ASUS EZ Flash 2
EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply press the predened
hotkey to launch the utility and update the BIOS without entering the OS. Update
your BIOS easily without preparing a bootable diskette or using an OS-based ash
utility. See pages 2-4 and 2-40 for details.
C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
The C.P.R. feature of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to the
BIOS default settings in case the system hangs due to overclocking. When the
system hangs due to overclocking, C.P.R. eliminates the need to open the system
chassis and clear the RTC data. Simply shut down and reboot the system, and the
BIOS automatically restores the CPU default setting for each parameter. See page
1-21 for details.
ASUS MyLogo 2™
This feature allows you to convert your favorite photo into a 256-color boot logo for
a more colorful and vivid image on your screen. See page 2-37 for details.
Green ASUS
The motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s
Restriction on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with
the ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products and
packaging to safeguard consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the
environment.
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction
Onboard LED
The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate
that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder
that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before
removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below
shows the location of the onboard LED.
1.4 Before you proceed
Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components
or change any motherboard settings.
• Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any
component.
• Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal
object, such as the power supply case, before handling components to
avoid damaging them due to static electricity
• Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
• Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic
pad or in the bag that came with the component.
• Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power
supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power
supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard,
peripherals, and/or components.
M2N-VM HDMI
R
SB_PWR
ON
Standby
Power
OFF
Powered
Off

ASUS M2N-VM HDMI 1-7
1.5.1 Motherboard layout
1.5 Motherboard overview

1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction
M2N-VM HDMI
R
Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
1.5.2 Placement direction
When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the chassis in
the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the
chassis as indicated in the image below.
1.5.3 Screw holes
Place six (6) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the
motherboard to the chassis.
Place this side towards
the rear of the chassis