Motherboard M2N68-AM SE2
E4438 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 SE2 specifications summary................................................. viii Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Before you proceed.....................
Contents 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 Main menu..................................................................................... 2-4 2.3.1 System Time.................................................................... 2-4 2.3.2 System Date.................................................................... 2-4 2.3.3 IDE Configuration............................................................. 2-5 2.3.4 Primary IDE Master/Slave................................................ 2-5 2.3.5 SATA 1-2....
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.
M2N68-AM SE2 specifications summary CPU AMD® Socket AM2+ / AM2 for AMD Phenom™FX / Phenom / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology AMD64 architecture enables simultaneous 32-bit and 64-bit computing Chipset NVIDIA® GeForce 7025/nForce 630a (MCP68 SE) System bus 2000 / 1600MT/s Memory Dual-channel memory architecture 2 x 240-pin DIMM slots support unbuffered ECC and non-ECC DDR2 1066/800/667MHz memory modules Supports up to 4GB system memory * DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+ CPU o
M2N68-AM SE2 specifications summary ASUS special features ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution - ASUS Q-Fan ASUS EZ DIY - ASUS CrashFree BIOS3 - ASUS EZ Flash2 ASUS MyLogo2 Back panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 Keyboard port 1 x PS/2 Mouse port 1 x RJ45 port 1 x VGA port 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 6-channel audio I/O ports 1 x COM port Internal I/O connectors 3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0/1.
Chapter 1 Product introduction Thank you for buying an ASUS® M2N68-AM SE2 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.
1.3 Central Processing Unit (CPU) This motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2+ / AM2 socket designed for AMD® Phenom™FX / Phenom™ / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors. The AM2+ / AM2 socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the AMD Opteron™ processor. Use a CPU that is designed for the AM2+ / AM2 socket. 1.4 System memory 1.4.1 Overview This motherboard comes with two Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets.
1.4.2 Memory configurations You may install 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, and 2GB unbuffered ECC and non-ECC DDR2 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 the single-channel operation. • Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency.
M2N68-AM SE2 Motherboard Qualified Vendors List (QVL) DDR2-667MHz capability DIMM support Vendor Part No. Size SS/ DS CL Chip No.
DDR2-1066MHz capability DIMM support Vendor Part No. Size SS/ DS CL Chip No. Chip Brand A* B* Corsair CM2X1024-8500C5 1G DS N/A Heat-Sink Package N/A • • GEIL GB24GB8500C5QC 1G SS 5 GL2L128M88BA25AB GEIL • • • DDR2 1066 is supported by AM2+ CPU only. • The default DIMM frequency depends on its Serial Presence Detect (SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module.
1.5.2 Configuring an expansion card After installing the expansion card, configure it by adjusting the software settings. 1. Turn on the system and change the necessary BIOS settings, if any. See Chapter 2 for information on BIOS setup. 2. Assign an IRQ to the card. 3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.
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. Keep the cap on pins 2-3 for about 5-10 seconds, then move the cap back to pins 1-2. 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. Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC jumper default position.
3. Keyboard/mouse power (3-pin PS2_USBPW1-4) 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.
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 4-channel and 6-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, 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.
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.
Chapter 2 BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS 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 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. • ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
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 using an OS‑based utility. Download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2: 1.
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 reset button on the system chassis.
2.3.3 IDE Configuration The items in this menu allow you to set or change the configurations for the IDE devices installed in the system. Select an item then press if you want to configure the item. Onboard IDE Controller [Enabled] Enables or disables the onboard IDE controller. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Serial ATA Devices [Enabled] Enables or disables the Serial ATA devices.
2.3.5 SATA 1-2 While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. There is a separate submenu for each SATA device. Select a device item then press to display the SATA device information. The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Device, Vendor, Size, LBA Mode, Block Mode, PIO Mode, Async DMA, Ultra DMA, and SMART monitoring). These values are not user-configurable.
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. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. Main Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit JumperFree Configuration CPU Configuration Chipset Onboard Devices Configuration PCIPnP USB Configuration 2.4.1 Adjust System Frequency etc.
Processor Frequency Multiplier [Auto] Allows you to select the processor frequency. Configuration options: [Auto] [x4.0 800MHz] [x5.0 1000MHz] [x6.0 1200MHz] [x7.0 1400MHz] [x8.0 1600MHz] [x9.0 1800MHz] Processor Voltage [Standard] Allows you to set the processor voltage. Configuration options: [Power Saving Mode] [Standard] [+50mv] [+100mv] Memory Clock Mode [Auto] Allows you to select the memory clock mode.
tRDRD [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [2 CLK] ~ [5 CLK] tRFCO [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [75ns] [105ns] [127.5ns] [195ns] [327.5ns] tRFC1 [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [75ns] [105ns] [127.5ns] [195ns] [327.5ns] tRFC2 [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [75ns] [105ns] [127.5ns] [195ns] [327.5ns] tRFC3 [Auto] Configuration options: [Auto] [75ns] [105ns] [127.5ns] [195ns] [327.5ns] Memory Voltage [Auto] Allows you to set the memory voltage. Configuration options: [Auto] [2.
2.4.3 Chipset The Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings. Select an item then press to display the sub-menu. NorthBridge Configuration Memory Configuration Bank Interleaving [Disabled] 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 set or disable the onboard 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] MCP68 SE ACPI HPET TABLE [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the MCP68 SE ACPI HPET TABLE. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.4.4 Onboard Devices Configuration Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address.
Legacy USB Support [Auto] Allows you to enable or disable support for Legacy USB storage devices, including USB flash drives and USB hard drives. 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. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto] USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed] Allows you to configure the USB 2.
2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled] 2.5.4 APM Configuration Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) support in the Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). When set to Enabled, the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off] When set to Power Off, the system goes into off state after an AC power loss.
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 then 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 2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 2.8 Exit menu Press ENTER to run the utility to select and update BIOS.
