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16 ASUS P/I-XP6NP5 User’s Manual
III. INSTALLATION
(Expansion Cards)
III. INSTALLATION
4. Expansion Cards
First read your expansion card documentation on any hardware and software set-
tings that may be required to setup your specific card.
NOTE: PCI Slot 5 has a MediaBus extension 2.0 (see page 18) which allows the
installation of a PCI card or a MediaBus card (optional multifunctional card) but not
both.
WARNING: Make sure that you unplug your power supply when adding or
removing expansion cards or other system components. Failure to do so may
cause severe damage to both your motherboard and expansion cards. ATX
power supplies may power on if certain motherboard components or connec-
tions are touched by metallic objects.
Expansion Card Installation Procedure:
1. Read the documentation for your expansion card.
2. Set any necessary jumpers on your expansion card.
3. Remove your computer system's cover.
4. Remove the bracket on the slot you intend to use. Keep the bracket for
possible future use.
5. Carefully align the card’s connectors and press firmly.
6. Secure the card on the slot with the screw you removed in step 4.
7. Replace the computer system's cover.
8. Setup the BIOS if necessary (such as "IRQ xx Used By ISA: Yes" in PNP
AND PCI SETUP)
9. Install the necessary software drivers for your expansion card.
Assigning IRQs for Expansion Cards
IMPORTANT: PCI Slots 4 & 5 share the same IRQ. If using PCI cards on
both slots 4 & 5, make sure that the drivers support "Share IRQ" or that one
card does not need an IRQ assignment. Conflicts will arise on PCI Slots 4 & 5
that will make the system unstable.
Some expansion cards need to use an IRQ to operate. Generally an IRQ must be
exclusively assigned to one use. In an standard design there are 16 IRQs available
but most of them are already in use by parts of the system which leaves 6 free for
expansion cards.