HB - it's an ASUS M2N-Sli Deluxe
http://usa.asus.com/products.aspx?l1...60&modelmenu=1
I did read a paragraph (2.6 p2-20) about "a" jumper - singular - that suggests you "can" (not "must") move the jumper from pins 1 and 2, place it on pins 2 and 3 for 5 to 10 seconds, then replace on pins 1 and 2.
This, apparently, clears the "Real Time Clock RAM in CMOS". It comes with two warnings, don't do this unless clearing the clock as removal will cause system boot failure (ah, interesting!!) and if you do do it, you must reset the bios afterwards.
This al suggests that it's an option for later use, after having run the machine initially -especially as the first line is "Turn off the computer with the power switch".
The jumper is in it's default pin 1 and 2 position.
All the scrawny little wires from the front, HDD LED, PWRLED, RESET and PWR are connected through a "Quick Connect" adaptor that makes them into a single plug for direct connection to their new home in the corner of the motherboard. It's one ribbon cable that splits into four individual connections. The ribbon is run alongside the two front panel USB cables, the front panel 1394 cable and the front panel audio cable - all connected to their individual places.
The audio has three connection options, HD Audio, AC97 and "Azalia" - mother board is default enabled to AC97 (whatever that is), so that was the choice.
Neo, I'm convinced that the cards don't use the external power - though equally surprised. Each card has a fan on it, so I'm assuming a reasonable current draw. Having seen the plethora of eight ad six pin connectors on the PCI EXpress power cords from the PSU (there are 4 cords, each with a minimum of two connectors (an 8 pin and a 6 pin)), I was convinced that they would be put to use, but I promise you, there is no connector available on either the cards, or the board, to plug anything into.
The only connectors on the cards are the PCI slot itself and a small bridge connector on the top, to connect the two cards to each other (and they are). Nowhere on cards or board for the power connectors.
Couple of things I have thought of - as this machine is (hopefully) going to run Vista Ultimate, I didn't see much point in installing a floppy disk drive, and I'm wondering if the motherboard is looking for one.
I also wonder about having both graphics cards in and connected to gether with the SLI bridge connector. Is it too early for that? Will they confuse the system?
A UK buddy suggested that an analogue video signal would be available by default and that the board might require digital to be enabled afterwards. Snag is both video cards are dual DVI output, so I have 4 DVI sockets - nothing analogue (and no mention of anything similar in the manual).