E9808_A68HM Series_Manual.
E9808 First Edition October 2014 Copyright © 2014 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 Safety information....................................................................................................... iv About this guide.......................................................................................................... iv Package contents........................................................................................................ vi A68HM Series specifications summary....................................................................
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.
Where to find 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 flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the standard package.
Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items. Motherboard ASUS A68HM-E / A68HM-K motherboard Cables 2 x Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s cables Accessories 1 x I/O Shield Application DVD Support DVD Documentation User Guide • A68HM series motherboard include A68HM-E and A68HM-K. The layout illustrations in this user manual are for A68HM-E only. • If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
A68HM Series specifications summary Expansion slots 1 x PCIe 3.0*/2.0 x16 slot 1 x PCIe 2.0 x1 slot 1 x PCI slot * PCIe 3.0 is supported by FM2+ processors only. LAN Realtek® 8111GR Gigabit LAN controller Audio Realtek® ALC887-VD 7.
A68HM Series specifications summary Back Panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 mouse port (green) 1 x PS/2 keyboard port (purple) 1 x DVI-D port 1 x D-Sub output port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port 2 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 2 x USB 3.0 ports 7.1-channel audio I/O ports (3-jack) 2 x USB 2.0 connectors support additional 4 USB 2.0 ports Internal I/O connectors 4 x SATA 6.
Product introduction 1.1 Before you proceed 1 Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. 1.2 • Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any component. • Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, to avoid damaging them due to static electricity. • Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.
Place this side towards the rear of the chassis A68HM-E The layout illustrations in this user manual are for A68HM-E only. 1.2.3 Motherboard layout 1 2 3 4 18.0cm(7.0in) KBMS CPU_FAN DIGI +VRM CHA_FAN EATXPWR LAN_USB12 22.6cm(8.
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page 1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) 1-14 2. AMD FM2+ socket 1-3 3. CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN and 4-pin CHA_FAN) 1-13 4. DDR3 DIMM slots 1-6 5. Speaker connector (4-pin SPEAKER) 1-17 6. SATA 6.0Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G_1~4) 1-15 7. System panel connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL) 1-16 8. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB34, USB56) 1-18 9. Clear RTC RAM (2-pin CLRTC) 1-10 10.
1.3.1 Installing the APU 1 2 3 1.3.2 4 APU heatsink and fan assembly installation Apply the Thermal Interface Material to the APU heatsink and APU before you install the heatsink and fan if necessary. 1-4 E9808_A68HM Series_Manual.
To install the APU heatsink and fan assembly 1 2 3 4 5 To uninstall the APU heatsink and fan assembly 1 ASUS A68HM Series E9808_A68HM Series_Manual.
4 5 1.4 System memory 1.4.1 Overview The motherboard comes with two Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. A DDR3 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR2 DIMM but is notched differently to prevent installation on a DDR2 DIMM socket. DDR3 modules are developed for better performance with less power consumption.
1.4.2 Memory configurations You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB unbuffered non‑ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. • You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation. • Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency.
1.4.3 Installing a DIMM 1 2 3 To remove a DIMM B A 1-8 E9808_A68HM Series_Manual.
1.5 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. Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 1.5.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1.
1.5.4 PCI Express x1 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express 2.0 x1 network cards, SCSI cards, and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. 1.5.5 PCI Express x16 slot This motherboard supports one PCI Express 3.0/2.0 x16 graphics cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications.
To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2. Use a metal object such as a screwdriver to short the two pins. 3. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer. 4. Hold down the key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to reenter data. • If the steps above do not help, remove the onboard battery and short the two pins again to clear the CMOS RTC RAM data. After clearing the CMOS, reinstall the battery.
3. Line In port (light blue). This port connects to the tape, CD, DVD player, or other audio sources. 4. Line Out port (lime). This port connects to a headphone or a speaker. In the 4.1, 5.1, and 7.1-channel configurations, the function of this port becomes Front Speaker Out. 5. Microphone port (pink). This port connects to a microphone. Refer to the audio configuration table below for the function of the audio ports in 2.1, 4.1, 5.1, or 7.1-channel configuration. Audio 2.1, 4.1, 5.1, or 7.
1.7.2 1. Internal connectors CPU and chassis fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, and 4-pin CHA_FAN) CPU_FAN CHA_FAN CPU FAN PWM CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWR GND CHA FAN PWM CHA FAN IN CHA FAN PWR GND Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector. A68HM-E A68HM-E Fan connectors DO NOT forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connectors.
3. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) These connectors are for an ATX power supply. The plugs from the power supply are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit.
4. Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s connectors (7-pin SATA6G 1~4) These connectors are for the Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s signal cables for Serial ATA hard disk drives and optical disc drives. If you installed Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, RAID 1, or RAID 10 configuration through the onboard controller.
6. System panel connector (10-1 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. F_PANEL PWR_LED+ PWR_LEDPWR GND +PWR LED- PWR BTN HDD_LED+ HDD_LEDGround HWRST# (NC) PIN 1 A68HM-E +HDD_LED- RESET A68HM-E System panel connector • System power LED (2-pin PWR_LED) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.
7. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) NC AGND NC NC SENSE2_RETUR AGND NC SENSE1_RETUR This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that supports either High Definition Audio or AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.
9. USB 2.0 connectors (10-1 pin USB34, USB56) These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to 480Mbps connection speed. PIN 1 USB+5V USB_P4USB_P4+ GND PIN 1 USB+5V USB_P6USB_P6+ GND A68HM-E USB+5V USB_P3USB_P3+ GND NC USB34 USB+5V USB_P5USB_P5+ GND NC USB56 A68HM-E USB2.
1.8 Software support 1.8.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows® 8.1 (32bit/64bit) / Windows® 8 (32bit/64bit) / Windows® 7 (32bit/64bit) / Windows® XP Operating Systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware. 1.8.2 • Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed information.
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BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS 2 Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility. 2.1.1 EZ Update EZ Update is a utility that allows you to automatically update your motherboard’s softwares, drivers and the BIOS version easily. With this utlity, you can also manually update the saved BIOS and select a boot logo when the system goes into POST.
2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without using an OS‑based utility. Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2: 1. Insert the USB flash disk that contains the latest BIOS file to the USB port. 2. Enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS setup program. Go to the Tool menu to select ASUS EZ Flash 2 Utility and press to enable it. 3.
Recovering the BIOS To recover the BIOS: 1. Turn on the system. 2. Insert the support DVD to the optical drive or the USB flash drive that contains the BIOS file to the USB port. 3. The utility automatically checks the devices for the BIOS file. When found, the utility reads the BIOS file and enters ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility automatically. 4. The system requires you to enter BIOS Setup to recover BIOS setting.
Please select boot device: E1: ASUS DVD-E818A6T (4069MB) USB DISK 2.0 (3824MB) UEFI: (FAT) USB DISK 2.0 (3824MB) Enter Setup and to move selection ENTER to select boot device ESC to boot using defaults 4. When the booting message appears, press within five (5) seconds to enter FreeDOS prompt. ISOLINUX 3.20 2006-08-26 Copyright (C) 1994-2005 H. Peter Anvin A Bootable DVD/CD is detected. Press ENTER to boot from the DVD/CD.
ASUSTeK BIOS Updater for DOS V1.30 [2014/01/01] Current ROM BOARD: A68HM-E VER: 0205 (H :00 B :00) DATE: 09/28/2014 PATH: Update ROM BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown C:\ C: D: FORMAN~1 A68HME.CAP
8390626 2014-09-12 21:14:34 Drives panel Files panel Note [Enter] Select or Load [Up/Down/Home/End] Move [Tab] Switch [Esc] Exit [V] Drive Info 3. Press to switch from Drives panel to Files panel then press keys to select the BIOS file and press .2.2 BIOS setup program Use the BIOS Setup program to update the BIOS or configure its parameters. The BIOS screens include navigation keys and brief online help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup program. Entering BIOS Setup at startup To enter BIOS Setup at startup: • Press during the Power-On Self Test (POST). If you do not press , POST continues with its routines. Entering BIOS Setup after POST To enter BIOS Setup after POST: • Press ++ simultaneously.
EZ Mode By default, the EZ Mode screen appears when you enter the BIOS setup program. The EZ Mode provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to select the display language, system performance mode and boot device priority. To access the Advanced Mode, click Exit/Advanced Mode or press F7 for the advanced BIOS settings. The default screen for entering the BIOS setup program can be changed.
Advanced Mode The Advanced Mode provides advanced options for experienced end-users to configure the BIOS settings. The figure below shows an example of the Advanced Mode. Refer to the following sections for the detailed configurations. To access the EZ Mode, click Exit, then select ASUS EZ Mode or press F7.
2.3 My Favorites MyFavorites is your personal space where you can easily save and access your favorite BIOS items. Adding items to My Favorites To add frequently-used BIOS items to My Favorites: 1. Use the arrow keys to select an item that you want to add. When using a mouse, hover the pointer to the item. 2. Press on your keyboard or right-click on your mouse to add the item to My Favorites page.
2.4 Main menu The Main menu screen appears when you enter the Advanced Mode of the BIOS Setup program. The Main menu provides you an overview of the basic system information, and allows you to set the system date, time, language, and security settings. • If you have forgotten your BIOS password, erase the CMOS Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM to clear the BIOS password. See section 1.6 Headers for information on how to erase the RTC RAM.
2.5 Ai Tweaker menu The Ai Tweaker menu items allow you to configure overclocking-related items. Be cautious when changing the settings of the Ai Tweaker menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. The configuration options for this section vary depending on the CPU and DIMM model you installed on the motherboard. Scroll down to display the other items. ASUS A68HM Series E9808_A68HM Series_Manual.
2.6 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. Be cautious when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. 2.7 Monitor menu The Monitor menu displays the system temperature/power status, and allows you to change the fan settings. Scroll down to display the other items. 2-12 E9808_A68HM Series_Manual.
2.8 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Scroll down to display the other items. ASUS A68HM Series E9808_A68HM Series_Manual.
2.9 Tools menu The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select an item then press to display the submenu. 2.10 Exit menu The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. You can access the EZ Mode from the Exit menu. 2-14 E9808_A68HM Series_Manual.
Appendices 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. • 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.
IC: Canadian Compliance Statement Complies with the Canadian ICES-003 Class B specifications. This device complies with RSS 210 of Industry Canada. This Class B device meets all the requirements of the Canadian interference-causing equipment regulations. This device complies with Industry Canada license exempt RSS standard(s).
REACH Complying with the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) regulatory framework, we published the chemical substances in our products at ASUS REACH website at http://csr.asus.com/english/REACH.htm. DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to enable proper reuse of parts and recycling.
ASUS contact information ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. Address Telephone Fax E-mail Web site 15 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 11259 +886-2-2894-3447 +886-2-2890-7798 info@asus.com.tw www.asus.com/tw/ Technical Support Telephone Fax Online support +86-21-38429911 +86-21-58668722, ext.9101# http://www.asus.
ASUS A68HM Series E9808_A68HM Series_Manual.indb 5 A-5 2014/10/16 10:09:12 (510)739-3777/(510)608-4555 800 Corporate Way, Fremont, CA 94539. Asus Computer International Date : Signature : Representative Person’s Name : Oct. 10, 2014 Steve Chang / President This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.
