Motherboard Motherboard installation guide
E3194 First Edition V1 April 2007 Copyright © 2007 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”).
Contents Chapter 1: 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.1.1 1.1.2 1.10 1.11 AMD AM2 Socket............................................................. 1-2 Installing a DIMM........................................................................... 1-6 Installing the motherboard........................................................... 1-6 Installing the power supply unit.................................................. 1-8 Installing an expansion card.......................................................
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.
Chapter 1: Quick Start 1.1 Installing the CPU 1.1.1 Intel LGA775 Socket 1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. 2. To prevent damage to the socket pins, do not remove the PnP cap unless you are installing a CPU. Pick and Place Cap (PnP Cap) 3. Position the CPU over the socket. ASUS Motherboard installation guide Release the load lever from the retention tab and lift the load plate. Then push the PnP cap from the load plate window to remove 4.
5. Fit the socket alignment key into the CPU notch. 6. Close the load plate, then push the load lever until it snaps into the retention tab. The CPU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and damaging the CPU! 1.1.2 1. AMD AM2 Socket Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. 2. Press the lever sideways to unlock the socket, then lift it up to a 90º angle. Make sure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90º angle.
3. Position the CPU above the socket 4. such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with a small triangle. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it fits in place. When the CPU is in place, push down the socket lever to secure the CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab to indicate that it is locked. The CPU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and damaging the CPU! 1.
For Intel-certified heatsink: 2. Some heatsinks will come with pre-applied thermal paste. If so, do not scrape it off and remove the protective film only before installation. If not, before installing the heatsink, apply several drops of thermal paste to the exposed area of the CPU that the heatsink will be in contact with. Make sure that it is spread in an even thin layer. To prevent contaminating the paste, DO NOT spread the paste with your finger directly. 3.
5. Connect the CPU fan cable to the corresponding connector on the motherboard. DO NOT forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector and we suggest you use an omnidirectional heatsink to gain the maximum heat dissipation area. For AMD-certified heatsink: Follow the instructions below to install an AMD-certified heatsink.
1.3 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. 2 To install a DIMM: 1. 2. 3. 3 Press the retaining clips outward to unlock a DIMM socket by . Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the socket. Firmly insert the DIMM into the socket until the retaining clips snap back in place and the DIMM is properly seated.
2. Install the standoffs to the matched 3. screw holes on the metal plate. The I/O shield edge springs may damage the I/O ports. Be cautious when installing the I/O shield. 4. 5. Position the I/O side of the motherboard toward the rear of the chassis and place the motherboard into the chassis. Insert and loosely tighten each screw in a diagonal sequence first. After all the screws have been inserted, drive the screws until they are finger-tight.
1.5 Installing the power supply unit There are two kinds of commonly-used power supply units. One is with Active Power Factor Correction (PFC) and the other with passive PFC. 1. 2. Select a power supply unit. Power supply with active PFC: Power supply with passive PFC: Active PFC automatically corrects the AC input voltage. Passive PFC requires user to manually adjust the AC input voltage. If you are using a power supply with passive PFC, adjust to the correct AC input voltage in your area.
1.6 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1. 2. 3. 4. Remove the metal slot cover opposite the expansion card slot where you wish to install an expansion card. Install the expansion card and make sure that it is properly seated on the slot. Screw to secure the card on the slot. Repeat the previous steps to install another expansion card.
1.7 Installing disk drives 1.7.1 PATA optical disk drive 1. Remove the dummy cover and slide the optical disk drive into the bay. 3. Orient and plug the IDE cable into the optical drive. The red stripe on the IDE cable is the pin1 end and should match the dimple marking Pin1 on the optical drive. 2. Align with the screw holes and secure the disk drive with screws. IDE cables are dummy-proof. Never force the IDE cable into the connector. 4.
1.7.2 SATA optical disk drive 1. Remove the dummy cover and slide the optical disk drive into the bay. 3. Orient and plug the SATA cable into the optical drive. SATA cables are dummy-proof. Never force a SATA cable into the connector. 4. Connect the SATA power cable to the the optical drive. ASUS Motherboard installation guide 2. Align with the screw holes and secure the disk drive with screws. 5. Attach the audio cable to the connector on the optical drive.
1.7.3 1-12 Floppy disk drive 1. Remove the dummy cover and 2. insert the floppy disk drive into the bay. Align with the screw holes and secure the disk drive with screws. 3. Orient and plug the floppy interface 4. cable into the floppy disk drive. The red stripe on the cable is the pin1 end and should match pin1 on the floppy disk drive. Connect the floppy power cable to the connector at the back of the floppy disk drive.
1.7.4 PATA hard disk drive 1. Insert the PATA hard disk drive into 2. the bay. Align with the screw holes and secure the disk drive with screws. 3. Orient and connect the signal cable 4. to the hard disk drive. The red stripe on the cable is the pin1 end. Match the dummy-proof notch and do not force the cable into the connector. Connect the 4-pin power cable to the connector at the back of the hard disk drive. 5. Attach the other end of the signal cable to the corresponding slot on the motherboard.
Notes for installing PATA hard disk drive • If your operating system is installed to the hard disk drive controlled by the RAID or other controllers, you have to install the controller driver to the hard disk first. • The cables are designed with pull tabs. Just easily install the disk drives based on the cable labels. To prevent damaging the pins, pull the the cable tabs to disconnect the cable.
1.7.5 SATA hard disk drive 1. Insert the SATA hard disk drive into 2. the bay. Align with the screw holes and secure the disk drive with screws. 3. Orient and connect the SATA cable 4. to the hard disk drive. The cable can only fit in one direction. Connect the SATA power cable to the connector at the back of the hard disk drive. Notes for installing SATA hard disk drive • Serial ATA (SATA) interface • provides higher data transmission speed,and better voltage tolerance.
1.8 Front panel cables To connect the front panel cables: • RESET (Reset Switch) • PWRSW (Power Switch) • • • PLED (Power LED) IDE_LED (IDE Hard Disk Active LED) SPEAKER (Speaker Connector) 20-8 pin front panel connector +5V Ground Ground Speaker PLED- PLED+ PIN1 SPEAKER IDE_LED PWR Ground PIN1 Reset Ground PANEL IDE_LED+ IDE_LED- ® P5B-E PLED RESET PWRSW * Requires an ATX power supply.
ASUS Q-Connector ASUS Q-Connector’s one step installation saves your time from struggling with the messy front panel cables. Refer to the user guide for details. The Q-connector is available in selected models. Refer to the user guide for details. 1.9 Connecting the ATX power The ATX power connectors can fit in only one orientation. Use the side clip to hook the connectors to the motherboard. DO NOT force the male power connectors into the female counterparts on the motherboard.
• DO NOT attach the external AC power when connecting the power connectors to the motherboard. • Make sure the power connectors are firmly secured to the motherboard. • If your power supply supports 20-pin+4-pin, you are able to combine these two connectors and install to the 24-pin connectors on the motherboard.
1.10 Peripheral devices and accessories Refer to the figure for connecting the peripheral devices and accessories. 1. AC power plug 8. PS/2 mouse port 2. PS/2 keyboard port 9. Parallel port 3. S/PDIF out port 10. IEEE1394 port 4. Serial port 11. LAN (RJ45) port 5. USB port 12. Line in port 13. Video graphics adapter port 6. Microphone port 7. Line out port 14. DVI port 1. AC Power plug + power extension cord 8. PS/2 mouse port + mouse 2. PS/2 keyboard port + keyboard 9.
1.11 Starting up for the first time The system then runs the power-on self tests or POST. While the tests are running, the BIOS beeps.
Chapter 2: 2.1 Manage/update BIOS AFUDOS utility The AFUDOS utility allows you to update the BIOS file in DOS environment using a bootable floppy disk with the updated BIOS file. This utility also allows you to copy the current BIOS file that you can use as backup when the BIOS fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. Copying the current BIOS To copy the current BIOS file using the AFUDOS utility: 1. 2.
Write the BIOS filename on a piece of paper. You need to type the exact BIOS filename at the DOS prompt. 2. 3. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support DVD to the bootable floppy disk you created earlier. Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the prompt type: afudos /i[filename] where [filename] is the latest or the original BIOS file on the bootable floppy disk. A:\>afudos /iP5K3D.ROM 4. The utility verifies the file and starts updating the BIOS. A:\>afudos /iP5K3D.
2.2 Award BIOS Flash Utility Updating the BIOS The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) can be updated using the AwardBIOS Flash Utility. Follow these instructions to update the BIOS using this utility. 1. Download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS web site. Rename the file to XXXXX.BIN (model name.BIN)and save it to a floppy disk, CD ROM or a USB flash disk in FAT 16/12 format. Save only the updated BIOS file in the disk to avoid loading the wrong BIOS file. 2. 3. 4. 5.
6. Type the BIOS file name in the File Name to Program field, then press . AwardBIOS Flash Utility for ASUS V1.14 (C) Phoenix Technologies Ltd. All Rights Reserved For NF590-SLI-M2N32-SLI-DELUXE DATE:03/30/2006 Flash Type - PMC Pm49FL004T LPC/FWH File Name to Program: M2N32SLI.bin Message: Do You Want To Save Bios (Y/N) 7. 8. Press when the utility prompts you to save the current BIOS file. The following screen appears.
Saving the current BIOS file You can use the AwardBIOS Flash Utility to save the current BIOS file. You can load the current BIOS file when the BIOS file gets corrupted during the flashing process. Make sure that the floppy disk, CD ROM or a USB flash disk has enough disk space to save the file. To save the current BIOS file using the AwardBIOS Flash Utility: 1. 2. Follow steps 1 to 6 of the previous section. Press when the utility prompts you to save the current BIOS file.
2.3 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update utility allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. The ASUS Update utility allows you to: • Save the current BIOS file; • Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS file; • • • Download the latest BIOS file from the Internet; Update the BIOS directly from the Internet; and View the BIOS version information. This utility is available in the support CD/DVD that comes with the motherboard package.
Quit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility. Updating the BIOS through the Internet To update the BIOS through the Internet: 1. To aunch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop, click Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update main window appears. 2. Select Update BIOS from the drop‑down menu list, then click Next. ASUS Motherboard installation guide 3.
4. 5. From the FTP site, select the BIOS version that you wish to download. Click Next. Follow the screen instructions to complete the update process. The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself through the Internet. Always update the utility to avail of all its features. Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file To update the BIOS through a BIOS file: 1. 2. 3. 4. To launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop, click Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate.
Chapter 3: 3.1 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting for Motherboard DIY After assembling your own computer, you might encounter troubles in starting it up. This chapter provides answers to some common questions about your PC before entering the operating system. Read this chapter for basic troubleshooting. It saves time and hassles for you on contacting ASUS technical support team or returning the product for warranty service. 3.1.1 A. 1. 2.
3. Make sure there is no broken or bended pins on your connector pins or CPU pins. A broken and bended pin will cause the component malfunction. Contact your retailer for further support. AMD CPU gold pins Connector pins If the broken or bended pins are caused after the purchase, your retailer may ask for repair charge. Sometimes the broken or bended pins are NOT REPAIRABLE. B. 1. CPU overheated Wipe clean the CPU surface with the clean cloth.
3.2 • • • • Other common troubles When removing devices from the system, ensure all the power cables are unplugged. All the error messages will be displayed on screen during the Power-On SelfTest (POST). If there are BIOS beeps, refer to section 1.11 for details. Go over the checklist table below for further check.
3.2.1 No power ASUS motherboards come with a standby power LED. The LED lights up to indicate that the system is ON. If the LED stays unlit, follow the instructions below to fix the problem. 1. 2. Make sure to adjust your power supply to the correct AC input voltage in your area, and the power supply is turned on. • 3- Before adjusting the AC input volage, ensure to disconnect the power plug. Failure to do so will seriously damage the power supply unit.
3.2.2 Failure to boot-up; No screen display Most boot-up failure and no screen display result from device defection or incorrect installation. Follow the instructions below to fix the problem. 1. 2. 3. Make sure that all the power cables are attached, including the system and the monitor. Make sure if the problem comes from expansion devices. • Remove all the expansion card and devices.
4. If the problem comes from a computer virus or a corrupt file, follow the instructions below to fix the problem. a. Enter the operating system in safe mode and do a full system virus scan using an anti-virus application. b. Contact the operating system company for further support. c. If the previous instructions fail to fix the problem, you may need to reformat your hard disk drive and reinstall a new operating system. 3.2.
Chapter 4: 4.1 Computer care tips Proper care of your PC Your personal computer is like other home appliances. Keep your computer away from humidity, direct sun, and static electricity source. You should not move the computer when it is turned on in case of damage. Internal dust will affect the operating disk drive and contribute to overheating problem which will cause computer crash or damage the components. 4.2 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Encase your computer with dust cover when not in use.
4.4 1. 2. 4- Tips If your computer will not be used for a long time, put some desiccant moisture absorbers in the chassis to prevent humidity damage. In some hot and humid climatic areas, you had better turn on your computer every other week. This also helps prevent humidity damage.
