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5 expansion slots, 1 installing an expansion card, 2 configuring an expansion card – Asus P5MT-MX/C User Manual

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Chapter 2: Hardware information

2.5

Expansion slots

In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following

sub-sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support.

2.5.1 Installing an expansion card

To install an expansion card:

1. Before installing the expansion card, read the documentation that

came with it and make the necessary hardware settings for the card.

2. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is already

installed in a chassis).

3. Remove the bracket opposite the slot that you intend to use. Keep

the screw for later use.

4. Align the card connector with the slot and press firmly until the card is

completely seated on the slot.

5. Secure the card to the chassis with the screw you removed earlier.
6. Replace the system cover.

2.5.2 Configuring an expansion card

After installing the expansion card, configure the it by adjusting the

software settings.

1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any.

See Chapter 4 for information on BIOS setup.

2. Assign an IRQ to the card. Refer to the tables on the next page.
3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.

Make sure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing

expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and

damage motherboard components.

When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support

“Share IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise,

conflicts will arise between the two PCI groups, making the system

unstable and the card inoperable.