Motherboard M2N68-AM PLUS
E4428 First Edition V1 January 2009 Copyright © 2009 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 Notices........................................................................................................... v Safety information....................................................................................... vi About this guide.......................................................................................... vi M2N68-AM PLUS specifications summary.............................................. viii Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Before you proceed...
Contents 2.3 Main menu..................................................................................... 2-4 2.3.1 System Time.................................................................... 2-4 2.3.3 IDE Configuration............................................................. 2-5 2.3.2 2.3.4 2.4 2.3.6 JumperFree Configuration............................................... 2-6 2.4.3 Chipset............................................................................. 2-9 2.4.5 2.4.
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, and • 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.
Safety information Electrical safety • • • • • • To prevent electric shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electric 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.
Conventions used in this guide To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task. CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task. IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task. NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
M2N68-AM PLUS specifications summary CPU AMD® Socket AM2+ / AM2 for AMD Phenom™ II / Phenom™ / Athlon™ FX / Athlon™ 64 / Sempron™ processor AMD64 architecture enables simultaneous 32-bit and 64-bit computing AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology * Refer to www.asus.
M2N68-AM PLUS specifications summary Internal I/O connectors Graphics ASUS special features ASUS Overclocking features BIOS Accessories Form Factor Support DVD 3 x USB 2.0 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0/1.
Chapter 1 Product introduction Thank you for buying an ASUS® M2N68-AM PLUS motherboard! Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in your motherboard package. Refer to page ix for the list of accessories. If any of the items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer. 1.1 Before you proceed Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings.
1.2 Motherboard overview 1.2.1 Motherboard layout Ensure that you install the motherboard into the chassis in the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis. Place this side towards the rear of the chassis. Place six screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis. DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard. 1.2.2 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots Page Connectors/Jumpers/Slots Page 1.
1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) This motherboard comes with a 940-pin AMD® Socket AM2+ / AM2 for AMD Phenom™ II / Phenom™ / Athlon™ FX / Athlon™ 64 / Sempron™ processor. The AM2/AM2+ socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the AMD Opteron™ processor. Ensure that you use a CPU that is designed for the AM2/AM2+ socket. The CPU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU! 1.4 System memory 1.4.
• 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 the single-channel operation. • Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimum compatibility, we recommend that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor.
DDR2-800MHz capability DIMM support Vendor Part No. Size SS/ DS CL Chip No. Chip Brand A* B* Kingston KHX6400D2LLK2/1GN 512MB SS N/A Heat-Sink Package Kingston • • Kingston KVR800D2N5/1G 1G DS N/A E5108AJBG-8E-E Elpida • • Samsung M378T2863QZS-CF7 1G SS 6 K4T1G084QQ-HCF7 Samsung • • Samsung M391T2863QZ3-CF7 1G SS 6 K4T1G084QQ-HCF7(ECC) Samsung • • Samsung M378T5263AZ3-CF7 4G DS N/A K4T2G084QA-HCF7 Samsung • • Qimonda HYS64T64000EU-2.
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. Ensure to 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.
1.6 1. Jumpers Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords. To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3.
3. Keyboard/mouse power (3-pin KBPW) This jumper allows you to enable or disable the keyboard/mouse and USB port 1-4 wake-up feature. When you set this jumper to pins 2-3 (+5VSB), you can wake up the computer by pressing a key on the keyboard (the default is the Space Bar), clicking the mouse, or using a USB device. This feature requires an ATX power supply that can supply at least 1A on the +5VSB lead, and a corresponding setting in the BIOS. The PS2_USBPW1-4 jumper is for the rear USB ports. 1.
4. Line In port (light blue). This port connects to the tape, CD, DVD player, or other audio sources. 5. Line Out port (lime). This port connects to a headphone or a speaker. In 4-channel and 6-channel configuration, the function of this port becomes Front Speaker Out. 6. 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, 4, or 6-channel configuration.
2. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) The onboard IDE connector is for an Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable. There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133 / 100 / 66 signal cable: blue, black, and gray. Connect the blue connector to the motherboard’s IDE connector, then select one of the following modes to configure your devices.
4. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, USB910) 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 the USB 2.0 specification that supports up to 480Mbps connection speed. Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard! The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. 5.
6. 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. • We recommend that you use an ATX 12V Specification 2.0‑compliant power supply unit (PSU) with a minimum of 300W power rating. This PSU type has 24-pin and 4-pin power plugs.
8. • • • System panel connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. System power LED (2-pin PWRLED) 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. Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin HDLED) This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity LED cable to this connector.
10. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. Connect the S/PDIF Out module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.
1.8 Software support 1.8.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows® XP/Vista Operating Systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware. • Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed information. • Ensure that you install Windows® XP Service Pack 1 or later versions before installing the drivers for better compatibility and system stability. 1.8.
Chapter 2 BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a bootable 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 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment.
Updating from a BIOS file a. Select Update BIOS from a file, then click Next. b. Locate the BIOS file from the Open window, then click Open. 3. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the updating process. 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go through the long process of booting from a USB flash disk and using a DOS‑based utility. Download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website at www.asus.com.
2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can update a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard Support DVD or a USB flash disk that contains the updated BIOS file. • Prepare the motherboard Support DVD or a USB flash disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility.
2.2 BIOS setup program Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconfiguring your system, or prompted to “Run Setup.” This section explains how to configure your system using this utility. If you want to enter Setup after POST, reboot the system by doing any of the following procedures: • Restart using the OS standard shut-down procedure. • Press ++ simultaneously. • Press the power button to turn the system off then back on.
2.3.3 IDE Configuration Onboard IDE Controller [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the onboard IDE controller. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Serial-ATA Devices [Device 0/1] Allows you to disable or enable the Serial-ATA devices. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Device 0] [Device 0/1] nVidia RAID Function [Disabled] Allows you to disable or enable the nVidia RAID function. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.3.
2.3.6 System Information This menu gives you an overview of the general system specifications. The BIOS automatically detects the items in this menu. AMI BIOS Displays the auto-detected BIOS information Processor Displays the auto-detected CPU specification System Memory Displays the auto-detected system memory 2.4 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items.
The following item appears only when the PCIE Overclocking item is set to [Manual]. PCIE Clock [100] Allows you to manually adjust PCIE clock. Key in a number between 100 to 150. Processor Frequency Multiplier [Auto] Allows you to set the processor frequency multiplier. Configuration options: [Auto] [x4.0 800 MHz] [x5.0 1000 MHz] [x6.0 1200 MHz] [x7.0 1400 MHz] [x8.0 1600 MHz] [x9.0 1800 MHz] Processor Voltage [Auto] Allows you to set the processor voltage.
tRWTTO [ Auto] Allows you to set tRWTTO. Configuration options: [Auto] [2 CLK] [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK] [8 CLK] [9 CLK] tWRRD [ Auto] Allows you to specify the write to read delay when accessing different DRAMs. Configuration options: [Auto] [0 CLK] [1 CLK] [2 CLK] [3 CLK] tWTR [ Auto] Allows you to specify the write to read delay when accessing the same DRAM. Configuration options: [1 CLK] [2 CLK] [3 CLK] [Auto] tWRWR [ Auto] Allows you to specify the Twrwr time.
2.4.3 Chipset The Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings. Select an item then press to display the submenu. NorthBridge Configuration Memory Configuration Bank Interleaving [Auto] Allows you to enable the bank memory interleaving. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Auto] Channel Interleaving [Disabled] Allows you to enable the channel memory interleaving.
MAC LAN [Auto] Allows you to enable or disable the MAC LAN. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] Onboard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the Onboard LAN Boot ROM. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] MCP68SE ACPI HPET TABLE [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the MCP68SE ACPI HPET TABLE. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] 2.4.4 Onboard Devices Configuration Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address.
USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the USB 2.0 controller. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Legacy USB Support [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable support for USB devices on legacy operating systems (OS). Setting to Auto allows the system to detect the presence of USB devices at startup. If detected, the USB controller legacy mode is enabled. If no USB device is detected, the legacy USB support is disabled.
2.5.4 APM Configuration Restore on AC Power Loss [Always Off] When set to Power Off, the system goes into off state after an AC power loss. When set to Power On, the system goes on after an AC power loss. Configuration options: [Power Off] [Power On] Power On By PCI(-E) Device [Disabled] When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to turn on the system through a PCI LAN or modem card. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.
2.6 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press to display the sub-menu. Main Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Boot Settings Boot Device Priority Boot Settings Configuration Security 2.6.1 Specifies the Boot Device Priority sequence. A virtual floppy disk drive (Floppy Drive B:) may appear when you set the CD-ROM drive as the first boot device.
2.6.3 Security The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item then press to display the configuration options. Change Supervisor Password Select this item to set or change the supervisor password. The Supervisor Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this item shows Installed. To set a Supervisor Password: 1. Select the Change Supervisor Password item and press . 2.
Clear User Password Select this item to clear the user password. Password Check [Setup] When set to [Setup], BIOS checks for user password when accessing the Setup utility. When set to [Always], BIOS checks for user password both when accessing Setup and booting the system. Configuration options: [Setup] [Always] 2.7 Main Tools menu Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit ASUS EZ Flash 2 AI NET2 2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 2.7.
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