Asus M2N68-AM User Manual

Motherboard

M2N68-AM

ii

Copyright © 2008 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”).

Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the

product is defaced or missing.

ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS,
LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE),
EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY
DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.

SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR
INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE,
AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO
RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS
MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.

Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or

copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the
owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.

E4210

Second Edition V2
September 2008

iii

Contents

Notices ......................................................................................................... vi

Safety information ..................................................................................... vii

About this guide ....................................................................................... viii

M2N68-AM specications summary .......................................................... x

Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-2

1.2 Package contents .........................................................................

1-2

1.3 Special features ............................................................................

1-2

1.3.1 Product highlights ...........................................................

1-2

1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ..............................................

1-4

1.4 Before you proceed .....................................................................

1-6

1.5 Motherboard overview .................................................................

1-7

1.5.1 Motherboard layout .........................................................

1-7

1.5.2 Placement direction ........................................................

1-8

1.5.3 Screw holes ....................................................................

1-8

1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ...................................................

1-9

1.6.1 Installing the CPU ...........................................................

1-9

1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan .......................................

1-11

1.7 System memory .........................................................................

1-13

1.7.1 Overview .......................................................................

1-13

1.7.2 Memory congurations ..................................................

1-14

1.7.3 Installing a DIMM ..........................................................

1-19

1.7.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................

1-19

1.8 Expansion slots ..........................................................................

1-20

1.8.1 Installing an expansion card .........................................

1-20

1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card .....................................

1-20

1.8.3 Interrupt assignments ................................................... 1-21

1.8.4 PCI slots ........................................................................

1-22

1.8.5 PCI Express x1 slot .......................................................

1-22

1.8.6 PCI Express x16 slot .....................................................

1-22

1.9 Jumper ........................................................................................

1-23

1.10 Connectors .................................................................................

1-24

1.10.1 Rear panel connectors ..................................................

1-24

1.10.2 Internal connectors .......................................................

1-25

iv

Contents

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 2-2

2.1.1 Creating a bootable oppy disk .......................................

2-2

2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ...................................................

2-4

2.1.3 AFUDOS utility ................................................................

2-5

2.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ......................................

2-7

2.1.5 ASUS Update utility ........................................................

2-9

2.2 BIOS setup program ..................................................................

2-12

2.2.1 BIOS menu screen ........................................................

2-13

2.2.2 Menu bar .......................................................................

2-13

2.2.3 Navigation keys .............................................................

2-14

2.2.4 Menu items ...................................................................

2-14

2.2.5 Sub-menu items ............................................................

2-14

2.2.6 Conguration elds .......................................................

2-14

2.2.7 Pop-up window .............................................................

2-14

2.2.8 Scroll bar .......................................................................

2-14

2.2.9 General help .................................................................

2-14

2.3 Main menu ..................................................................................

2-15

2.3.1 System Time .................................................................

2-15

2.3.2 System Date .................................................................

2-15

2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A .........................................................

2-15

2.3.4 IDE Conguration ..........................................................

2-16

2.3.5 Primary IDE Master/Slave .............................................

2-17

2.3.6 SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, and SATA4 ..............................

2-19

2.3.7 System Information .......................................................

2-20

2.4 Advanced menu .........................................................................

2-21

2.4.1 JumperFree Conguration ............................................

2-21

2.4.2 CPU Conguration ........................................................

2-24

2.4.3 Chipset ..........................................................................

2-25

2.4.4 Onboard Devices Conguration ....................................

2-29

2.4.5 PCI PnP ........................................................................

2-30

2.4.6 USB Conguration ........................................................

2-31

2.5 Power menu ................................................................................

2-33

2.5.1 Suspend Mode ..............................................................

2-33

2.5.2 ACPI

Version Features ................................................. 2-33

v

Contents

2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support ....................................................... 2-33

2.5.4 APM Conguration ..........................................................

-34

2.5.5 Hardware Monitor ...........................................................

-35

2.6 Boot menu ....................................................................................

-36

2.6.1 Boot Device Priority ........................................................

-36

2.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration ............................................

-37

2.6.3 Security ...........................................................................

-38

2.7 Tools menu ...................................................................................

-40

2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ............................................................

-40

2.7.2 AI NET 2

.......................................................................... -41

2.8 Exit menu ......................................................................................

-42

Software support

3.1 Installing an operating system ..................................................... -2

3.2 Support DVD information ..............................................................

-2

3.2.1 Running the support DVD .................................................

-2

3.2.2 Drivers menu .....................................................................

-3

3.2.3 Utilities menu ....................................................................

-4

3.2.4 Make Disk menu ...............................................................

-6

3.2.5 Manual menu ....................................................................

-7

3.2.6 ASUS Contact information ................................................

-7

3.2.7 Other information ..............................................................

-8

vi

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. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:

•

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

•

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

•

Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.

•

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Canadian Department of Communications Statement

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions
from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the
Canadian Department of Communications.

This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is

required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modications

to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

vii

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.

•

Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure
that all power cables are unplugged.

•

Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord.
These devices could interrupt the grounding circuit.

•

Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you
are not sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact
your local power company.

•

If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied

service technician or your retailer.

Operation safety

•

Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all
the manuals that came with the package.

•

Before using the product, ensure that all cables are correctly connected and
the power cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your
dealer immediately.

•

To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from
connectors, slots, sockets and circuitry.

•

Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in
any area where it may become wet.

•

Place the product on a stable surface.

•

If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied

service technician or your retailer.

The symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical
and electronic equipment, Mercury-containing button cell battery) should not
be placed in municipal waste. Please check local regulations for disposal of
electronic products.

viii

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring

the motherboard.

How this guide is organized

This manual contains the following parts:

• Chapter 1: Product introduction

This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new
technology it supports. This chapter also lists the hardware setup procedures
that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes
description of the jumpers and connectors on the motherboard.

• Chapter 2: BIOS setup

This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup
menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.

• Chapter 3: Software support

This chapter describes the contents of the Support CD / DVD that comes with

the motherboard package.

Where to nd 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

yers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not

part of the standard package.

ix

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.

NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a

task.

IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a

task.

Typography

Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.

Italics

Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.

<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign

means that you must press the enclosed key.

Example: <Enter> means that you must press the
Enter or Return key.

<Key1+Key2+Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the

key names are linked with a plus sign (+).

Example: <Ctrl+Alt+D>

Command Means that you must type the command exactly

as shown, then supply the required item or value
enclosed in brackets.

Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line:

afudos /i[lename]

afudos /iM2N68-AM.ROM

x

M2N68-AM specications summary

(continued on the next page)

CPU Support AMD socket AM2/AM2+ for AMD Phenom™ FX /

Phenom™ / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors
AMD64 architecture enables simultaneous 32-bit and

64-bit computing

Supports AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology

Chipset MCP68S/MCP68PVNT

System bus 2000 / 1600 MT/s

Memory Dual-channel memory architecture 2 x 240-pin DIMM

sockets support up to 4 GB of unbufferred ECC and
non-ECC

1066 / 800 / 667 / 533 MHz DDR2 memory

modules
Notes*:

• Only AM2+ supports DDR2 1066.

• When installing total memory of 4GB capacity or more,
Windows® 32-bit operation system may only recognize
less than 3GB.Hence, a total installed memory of less
than 3GB is recommended.

Expansion slots 1 x PCI Express™ x16 slot

1 x PCI Express™ x1 slot
2 x PCI slots

Graphics

Integrated Nvidia® GeForce® 7 Series Shader model 3.0
DirectX9 graphics processor

Maximum shared memory of 256 MB
Supports RGB with max. resolution 1920 x 1440
(@70MHz*32bpp / 75Mhz*16bpp)

Notes*:

• Due to the chipset limitation, only MPEG 2 & WMV
Ofoad can support HD format 1920 x 1080p

• The suggested system conguration when playing HD
DVD and Blu-ray disc: DDR2 800 1GB x 2 / Althon
64 x 2 4400+ / Graphic shared memory 256 MB /

Purevideo HD support.

Storage - 1 x Ultra DMA 133 / 100 interface

- 4 x Serial ATA 3 Gb/s hard disk drives supporting
RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, and JBOD
conguration

- ATAPI support, AHCI mode

Supported OS Windows Vista/XP

High Denition Audio ALC662 High Denition Audio 6-channel CODEC

Supports Anti Pop Funtion

Supports S/PDIF out interface, Jack-detect and multi-

streaming

USB Supports up to 10 USB 2.0 / 1.1 ports (6 on the board, 4

at rear panel)

xi

M2N68-AM specications summary

LAN RTL8211CL Gigabit LAN

BIOS features 8 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0,

SM BIOS 2.5

Manageability WfM2.0, DMI2.0, WOR by Ring, PME Wake Up,

WO_USB, WO_KB/MS

ASUS Overclocking
Features

SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection) up to 300MHz at
1MHz increment
Adjustable CPU Voltage at 0.033V increment

Intelligent overclocking tool: AI Overclocking (Intelligent
CPU Frequency Tuner)
ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)

ASUS Special Features ASUS Q-Fan

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS MyLogo 2™

Rear panel I/O 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port

1 x COM port
1 x LPT
1 x VGA port

1 x PS/2 keyboard port
1 x PS/2 mouse port

6-channel audio ports

Internal I/O connectors 1 x High Denition front panel audio connector

1 x IDE connector
1 x Floppy disk drive connector
1 x CD audio-in connector
1 x CPU fan connector

1 x S/PDIF Out connector
3 x USB 2.0 connectors for 6 additional USB 2.0 ports
1 x 24-pin EATX power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector

1 x System panel connector

Support DVD contents Device drivers

ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS Live Update utility
Anti-virus software (OEM version)

Accessories 1 x Serial ATA cable

1 x Serial ATA power cable

1 x Ultra DMA 133 / 100 / 66 cable
1 x I/O Shield

User’s manual

Form Factor MicroATX: 9.6 in. x 8.75 in. (24.4 cm x 22.2 cm)

*Specications are subject to change without notice.

xii

1

Product

introduction

This chapter describes the motherboard
features and the new technologies
it supports.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 Welcome!

Thank you for buying an ASUS® M2N68-AM motherboard!

The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it

another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards!

Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the
items in your package with the list below.

If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.

1.2 Package contents

Check your motherboard package for the following items.

1.3 Special features

1.3.1 Product highlights

Latest processor technology

The motherboard supports AMD socket AM2/AM2+ for AMD Phenom™ FX /

Phenom™ / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors with 2MB / 1MB / 512KB L2 cache,

which is based on 64-bit architecture. It features 2000 / 1600 MT/s HyperTransport
Bus, dual-channel un-buffered DDR2 1066 memory support and AMD Cool ‘n’

Quiet Technology. See page 1-9 for details.

AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology

The motherboard supports the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology, which monitors
system operation and automatically adjusts CPU voltage and frequency for a cool

and quiet operating environment. See page 2-25 for details.

Motherboard ASUS M2N68-AM motherboard

Cables 1 x Serial ATA cable
1 x Serial ATA power cable

1 x Ultra DMA 133 / 100 / 66 cable

Accessories I/O shield

Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD

Documentation User guide

ASUS M2N68-AM 1-3

64-bit CPU support

64-bit computing, the technology to replace 32-bit architecture, delivers advanced

system performance, faster memory access and increased productivity. This

motherboard provides excellent compatibility and exibility by supporting either
64-bit or 32-bit architecture.

NVIDIA® GeForce™ 7025+nForce™ 630a

Integrated NVIDIA® GeForce™ 7Series Shader mpdel 3.0 DirectX 9.0 graphics
processor.The NVIDIA® nForce™ 630a MCP delivers NVIDIA® Gigabit LAN,

and NVIDIA® MediaShield storage management technology allowing easy RAID

conguration (RAID 0, RAID 1,RAID10,RAID5,JBOD) for Serial ATA 3Gb/s.

DDR2 1066 is for AM2+ only.

Max. 10 USB 2.0 ports

USB 2.0 is the latest connectivity standard for next generation components and
peripherals. Backwards compatible with current USB 1.1 peripherals, USB 2.0
delivers transfer speeds up to 40 times faster at 480Mb/s, for easy connectivity and

ultra-fast data transfers.

NVIDIA® PureVideo

TM

HD Technology

PureVideo HD technology is the core of a complete Blu-ray or HD DVD movie
solution, featuring hardware acceleration, post-processing, HDCP circuitry, and
integration with leading HD movie software players.

Dual channel DDR2 1066

DDR2 1066 memory provides great performance for 3D graphics and other

memory demanding applications on next generation memory technology. See page
1-13 for details.

Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology

The motherboard supports SATA hard drives based on the new SATA 3Gb/s
storage specication. It allows RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10,
and JBOD congurations for four SATA connectors.

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction

ASUS Q-Fan technology

ASUS Q-Fan technology intelligently adjusts CPU fan speeds according to system

loading to ensure quiet, cool and efcient operation. See page 2-35 for details.

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3

The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data from a

USB ash disk containing the BIOS le. See page 2-7 for details.

ASUS EZ Flash 2

EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply press the predened

hotkey to launch the utility and update the BIOS without entering the OS. Update

your BIOS easily without preparing a bootable diskette or using an OS-based ash
utility. See pages 2-4 and 2-40 for details.

PCI Express™ interface

The motherboard fully supports PCI Express, the latest I/O interconnect

technology that speeds up the PCI bus. PCI Express features point-to-point serial
interconnections between devices and allows higher clockspeeds by carrying data
in packets. This high speed interface is software compatible with existing PCI

specications. See page 1-22 for details.

Gigabit LAN solution

PCI Express Gb LAN controller delivers transfer speeds up to ten times faster than

conventional 10/100/1000 Ethernet connections. Gigabit LAN is the networking

standard for the early future and is ideal for handling large amounts of data such as

video, audio, and voice. See page 1-24 for details.

1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features

ASUS M2N68-AM 1-5

C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)

The C.P.R. feature of the motherboard BIOS allows automatic re-setting to the
BIOS default settings in case the system hangs due to overclocking. When the
system hangs due to overclocking, C.P.R. eliminates the need to open the system
chassis and clear the RTC data. Simply shut down and reboot the system, and the
BIOS automatically restores the CPU default setting for each parameter. See page

1-23 for details.

ASUS MyLogo 2™

This feature allows you to convert your favorite photo into a 256-color boot logo for
a more colorful and vivid image on your screen. See page 2-38 for details.

Green ASUS

The motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s

Restriction on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with

the ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products and

packaging to safeguard consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the

environment.

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction

Onboard LED

The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate
that the system is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder
that you should shut down the system and unplug the power cable before
removing or plugging in any motherboard component. The illustration below
shows the location of the onboard LED.

1.4 Before you proceed

Take note of the following precautions before you install motherboard components
or change any motherboard settings.

• Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before touching any
component.

• Use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal
object, such as the power supply case, before handling components to
avoid damaging them due to static electricity

• Hold components by the edges to avoid touching the ICs on them.

• Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic
pad or in the bag that came with the component.

• Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power
supply is switched off or the power cord is detached from the power
supply. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to the motherboard,

peripherals, and/or components.

M2N68-AM

SB_PWR

ON

Standy Power Powered Of

f

OFF

M2N68-AM Onboard LED

ASUS M2N68-AM 1-7

1.5.1 Motherboard layout

1.5 Motherboard overview

M2N68-AM

PCIEX16

PCIEX1_1

PCI2

PCI1

PRI_IDE

FLOPPY

USB56 USB78 USB910

F_PANEL

SPDIF_OUT

AAFP

CD

ATX12V

EATXPWR

CPU_FAN

Lithium Cell

CMOS Power

Super

I/O

ALC
662

RTL

8211CL

KBMS

8Mb

BIOS

SB_PWR

CLRTC

SPEAKER

22.2cm(8.75in)

24.4cm(9.6in)

Nvidia

®

MCP68

Family

DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module)

SOCKET AM2

DDR2 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 240-pin module)

SATA2SATA1
SATA4SATA3

VGA

AUDIO

LPT

COM

LAN1_USB12

USB34

1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction

M2N68-AM

Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.

1.5.2 Placement direction

When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the chassis in
the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the
chassis as indicated in the image below.

1.5.3 Screw holes

Place six (6) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the
motherboard to the chassis.

Place this side towards
the rear of the chassis

ASUS M2N68-AM 1-9

1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2 / AM2+ socket designed for the AMD
Phenom™ FX / Phenom™ / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors.

The AM2 socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the
AMD Opteron™ processor. Ensure that you use a CPU is designed for the AM2
socket. The CPU ts in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into

the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and damaging the

CPU!

1.6.1 Installing the CPU

To install a CPU.

1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.

2. Unlock the socket by pressing the

lever sideways, then lift it up to a

90°-100° angle.

Ensure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90°-100° angle, otherwise the CPU
does not t in completely.

Socket lever

M2N68-AM

M2N68-AM CPU socket AM2+

1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction

3. Position the CPU above the socket
such that the CPU corner with the
gold triangle matches the socket
corner with a small triangle.

4. Carefully insert the CPU into the

socket until it ts in place.

The CPU ts only in one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the
socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU!

5. When the CPU is in place, push
down the socket lever to secure the
CPU. The lever clicks on the side
tab to indicate that it is locked.

6. Install a CPU heatsink and fan
following the instructions that came
with the heatsink package.

Gold triangle

Small triangle

7. Connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU_FAN connector on the motherboard.

Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors

can occur if you fail to plug this connector.

CPU_FAN

GND

CPU FAN PWR

CPU FAN IN

CPU FAN PWM

M2N68-AM

M2N68-AM CPU fan connector

ASUS M2N68-AM 1-11

1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan

The AMD Phenom™ FX / Phenom™ / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors require a

specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition
and performance.

Follow these steps to install the CPU heatsink and fan.

1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, ensuring that the heatsink ts

properly on the retention module base.

Retention Module Base

CPU Heatsink

CPU Fan

Retention bracket lockRetention bracket

Ensure that you use only qualied heatsink and fan assembly.

• The retention module base is already installed on the motherboard
upon purchase.

• You do not have to remove the retention module base when
installing the CPU or installing other motherboard components.

• If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, make

sure that a Thermal Interface Material is properly applied to the CPU
heatsink or CPU before you install the heatsink and fan assembly.

Your boxed CPU heatsink and fan assembly should come with installation
instructions for the CPU, heatsink, and the retention mechanism. If the
instructions in this section do not match the CPU documentation, follow the
latter.

1-12 Chapter 1: Product introduction

2. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base.

3. Align the other end of the retention bracket (near the retention bracket lock)
to the retention module base. A clicking sound denotes that the retention
bracket is in place.

4. Push down the retention bracket lock on the retention mechanism to secure
the heatsink and fan to the module base.

Ensure that the fan and heatsink

assembly perfectly ts the

retention mechanism module
base. Otherwise, you cannot snap
the retention bracket in place.

ASUS M2N68-AM 1-13

1.7 System memory

1.7.1 Overview

The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory

Modules (DIMM) sockets.

A DDR2 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR DIMM but has a
240-pin footprint compared to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. DDR2 DIMMs are notched

differently to prevent installation on a DDR DIMM socket.

The gure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets:

Channel Sockets

Channel A DIMM_A1

Channel B DIMM_B1

M2N68-AM

M2N68-AM 240-pin DDR2 DIMM sockets

DIMM_A1

DIMM_B1

1-14 Chapter 1: Product introduction

• When using only one memory module, start installing the DDR2 DIMM from

slot DIMM_A1 or DIMM_B1 for better overclocking capability.

• Always use identical DDR2 DIMM pairs for dual channel mode. For

optimum compatibility, we recommend that you obtain memory modules
from the same vendor.

• When installing total memory of 4GB capacity or more, Windows 32­bit operation system may only recognize less than 3GB. Hence, a total

installed memory of less than 3GB is recommended.

The motherboard can support 4 GB physical memory on the operating system
listed below. You may install a maximum of 2 GB DIMMs on each slot.

64-bit

Windows® XP Professional x64 Edition

Windows® Vista x64 Edition

1.7.2 Memory congurations

You may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR2

DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.

Recommended memory congurations

Mode

Sockets

DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1

Single-Channel

– Populated

Populated –

Dual-channel Populated Populated

ASUS M2N68-AM 1-15

Qualied Vendors Lists (QVL)

DDR2 1066 MHz capability (for AM2+ platform only)

Size Vendor Model CL Brand

SS/

DS

Component

DIMM support

A* B*

1G Kingston KHX8500D2K2/2GN N/A Kingston SS Heat-Sink Package • •

1G Corsair CM2X1024-8500C5 N/A Corsair DS Heat-Sink Package • •

1G Corsair CM2X1024-8500C5D 5 Corsair DS Heat-Sink Package • •

512MB ADATA M2OMIDG3H3160INC5Z 5 ADATA SS Heat-Sink Package • •

1G ADATA M2OMIDG314720INC5Z 5 ADATA DS Heat-Sink Package • •

• Due to AM2+ CPU limitation, only one DDR2 1066 DIMM is supported per
channel. When four DDR2 1066 DIMMs are installed, all DIMMs run at
800Mhz frequency by default for system stability.

• The default DIMM frequency depends on its Serial Presence Detect (SPD),
which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module.
Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may
operate at a lower frequency than the vendor-marked value.

DDR2-800 MHz capability

Size Vendor Model CL Brand

SS/
DS

Component

DIMM support

A* B*

1G Kingston KVR800D2N5/1G N/A Samsung DS K4T51083QC-ZCE7 • •

1G Kingston KHX6400D2LL/1G N/A Kingston DS Heat-Sink Package • •

512MB Kingston KHX6400D2LLK2/1GN N/A Kingston SS Heat-Sink Package • •

512MB Kingston KVR800D2N5/512 N/A Promos SS V59C1512804QCF25SY032406PECPA • •

1G Kingston KHX6400D2K2/2G N/A Kingston DS Heat-Sink Package • •

1G Kingston KVR800D2N5/1G N/A Promos DS V59C1512804QCF25S0061904PECJA • •

512MB Samsung KR M378T6553CZ3-CE7 N/A Samsung SS K4T51083QC-ZCE7 • •

1G Samsung KR M378T2953CZ3-CE7 N/A Samsung DS K4T51083QC-ZCE7 • •

512MB Samsung KR M391T6553CZ3-CE7 N/A Samsung SS K4T51083QC-ZCE7(ECC) • •

1G Samsung KR M391T2953CZ3-CE7 N/A Samsung DS K4T51083QC-ZCE7(ECC) • •

512MB Qimonda HYS64T64000EU-2.5-B2 6 Qimonda SS HYB18T512800B2F25FSS28380 • •

1G Qimonda HYS64T128020EU-2.5-B2 6 Qimonda DS HYB18T512800B2F25FSS28380 • •

512MB Micron MT9HTF6472AY-80ED4 5 Micron SS 6ED22D9GKX(ECC) • •

1G Micron MT18HTF12872AY-80ED4 5 Micron DS 6TD22D9GKX(ECC) • •

1G Corsair CM2X1024-6400 5 Corsair DS Heat-Sink Package • •

1G Corsair XMS2-6400 4 Corsair DS Heat-Sink Package • •

1G Corsair XMS2-6400 5 Corsair DS Heat-Sink Package • •

512MB HY HYMP564U64AP8-S6 AA N/A Hynix SS HY5PS12821AFP-S6 • •

512MB HY HYMP564U64BP8-S5 AB N/A Hynix SS HY5PS12821BFP-S5 • •

512MB HY HYMP564U64CP8-S5 AB 5 Hynix SS HY5PS12821CFP-S5 • •

1G HY HYMP512U64AP8-S6 AA N/A Hynix DS HY5PS12821AFP-S6 • •

1G HY HYMP512U64BP8-S5 AB 5 Hynix DS HY5PS12821BFP-S5 • •

(continued on the next page)

1-16 Chapter 1: Product introduction

DDR2-667 MHz capability

Size Vendor Model CL Brand

SS/
DS

Component

DIMM support

A* B*

256MB Kingston KVR667D2N5/256 N/A Kingston SS D3216TLSAKL3U • •

256MB Kingston KVR667D2N5/256 N/A Inneon SS HYB18T256800AF3SW65 33154 • •

512MB Kingston KVR667D2N5/512 N/A Elpida SS E5108AGBG-6E-E • •

1G Kingston KVR667D2N5/1G N/A Kingston DS D6408TEBGGL3U • •

1G Kingston KVR667D2N5/1G N/A Elpida DS E5108AGBG-6E-E • •

512MB Samsung KR M378T6553CZ0-CE6 N/A Samsung SS K4T51083QC • •

512MB Samsung KR M378T6453FZ0-CE6 N/A Samsung DS K4T56083QF-ZCE6 • •

512MB Samsung M378T6553CZ3-CE6 N/A Samsung SS K4T51083QC-ZCE6 • •

1G Samsung M378T2953CZ3-CE6 N/A Samsung DS K4T51083QC-ZCE6 • •

1G Samsung KR M378T2953CZ0-CE6 N/A Samsung DS K4T51083QC-ZCE6 • •

512MB Qimonda HYS64T64000EU-3S-B2 5 Qimonda SS HYB18T512B00B2F3SFSS28171 • •

1G Qimonda HYS64T128020EU-3S-B2 5 Qimonda DS HYB18T512B00B2F3SFSS28171 • •

2G Qimonda HYS64T256020EU-3S-B 5 Qimonda DS HTB18T1G800BF-3S3VV10907 • •

512MB Corsair VS512MB667D2 N/A Corsair SS 64M8CFEGPS0900647 • •

512MB Corsair VS512MB667D2 N/A Corsair DS MIII0052532M8CEC • •

1G Corsair VS1GB667D2 N/A Corsair DS MID095D62864M8CEC • •

1G Corsair XMS2-5400 4 Corsair DS Heat-Sink Package • •

256MB HY HYMP532U64CP6-Y5 AB 5 Hynix SS HY5PS121621CFP-Y5 • •

512MB HY HYMP564U64AP8-Y4 AA N/A Hynix SS HY5PS12821AFP-Y4 • •

512MB HY HYMP564U64AP8-Y5 AA N/A Hynix SS HY5PS12821AFP-Y5 • •

512MB HY HYMP564U72AP8-Y4 N/A Hynix SS HY5PS12821AFP-Y4(ECC) • •

512MB HY HYMP564U72AP8-Y5 N/A Hynix SS HY5PS12821AFP-Y5(ECC) • •

1G HY HYMP512U72AP8-Y5 N/A Hynix DS HY5PS12821AFP-Y5(ECC) • •

1G HY HYMP512U64AP8-Y5 AB N/A Hynix DS HY5PS12821AFP-Y5 • •

1G HY HYMP512U64CP8-Y5 AB 5 Hynix DS HY5PS12521CFP-Y5 • •

512MB Kingmax KLCC28F-A8EB5 N/A Elpida SS E5108AE-6E-E • •

Size Vendor Model CL Brand

SS/
DS

Component

DIMM support

A* B*

1G HY HYMP512U64CP8-S5 AB 5 Hynix DS HY5PS12821CFPS5 • •

512MB ADATA M20AD6G3H3160I1E58 N/A ADATA SS AD29608A8A-25EG80720 • •

512MB VDATA M2GVD6G3H3160I1E53 N/A VDATA SS VD29608A8A-25EG30648 • •

1G VDATA M2GVD6G3I4170I1E53 N/A VDATA DS VD29608A8A-25EG30647 • •

512MB PSC AL6E8E63B-8E1K 5 PSC SS A3R12E3HEF641B9A05 • •

1G PSC AL7E8E63B-8E1K 5 PSC DS A3R12E3HEF641B9A05 • •

DDR2-800 MHz capability

(continued on the next page)

ASUS M2N68-AM 1-17

DDR2-667 MHz capability

Size Vendor Model CL Brand

SS/
DS

Component

DIMM support

A* B*

512MB Kingmax KLCC28F-A8KB5 N/A Kingmax SS KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX • •

1G Kingmax KLCD48F-A8KB5 N/A Kingmax DS KKEA88B4LAUG-29DX • •

512MB Apacer 78.91092.420 N/A Elpida SS E5108AE-6E-E • •

512MB Apacer AU512E667C5KBGC 5 Apacer SS AM4B5708MIJS7E0627B • •

512MB Apacer AU512E667C5KBGC 5 Apacer SS AM4B5708GQJS7E06332F • •

512MB Apacer 78.91G92.9KC 5 Apacer SS AM4B5708GQJS7E0706F • •

1G Apacer AU01GE667C5KBGC N/A Apacer DS AM4B5708GQJS7E0636B • •

1G Apacer 78.01092.420 5 Elpida DS E5108AE-6E-E • •

1G Apacer AU01GE667C5KBGC 5 Apacer DS AM4B5708MIJS7E0627B • •

512MB ADATA M20EL5G3H3160B1C0Z N/A Elpida SS E5108AE-6E-E • •

512MB ADATA M20AD5G3H3166I1C52 N/A ADATA SS AD29608A8A-3EG20648 • •

512MB ADATA M20AD5G3H3166I1C52 N/A ADATA SS AD29608A8A-3EG20718 • •

1G ADATA M2OAD5G3I4176I1C52 N/A ADATA DS AD29608A8A-3EG20645 • •

2G ADATA M2OAD5H3J4170I1C53 N/A ADATA DS AD20908A8A-3EG 30724 • •

512MB VDATA M2GVD5G3H31A4I1C52 N/A VDATA SS VD29608A8A-3EC20615 • •

512MB VDATA M2YVD5G3H31P4I1C52 N/A VDATA SS VD29608A8A-3EG20627 • •

512MB VDATA M2GVD5G3H166I1C52 N/A VDATA SS VD29608A8A-3EG20637 • •

1G VDATA M2GVD5G3I41P6I1C52 N/A VDATA DS VD29608A8A-3EG20627 • •

1G VDATA M2GVD5G3I41C4I1C52 N/A VDATA DS VD29608A8A-3EC20620 • •

1G VDATA M2GVD5G3I4176I1C52 N/A VDATA DS VD29608A8A-3EG20641 • •

512MB PSC AL6E8E63B-6E1K 5 PSC SS A3R12E3GEF637BLC5N • •

512MB PSC AL6E8E63J-6E1 5 PSC SS A3R12E3JFF717B9A00 • •

1G PSC AL7E8E63B-6E1K 5 PSC DS A3R12E3GEF637BLC5N • •

1G PSC AL7E8E63J-6E1 5 PSC DS A3R12E3JFF717B9A01 • •

256MB Nanya NT256T64UH4A1FY-3C N/A Nanya SS NT5TU32M16AG-3C • •

512MB Nanya NT512T64U88A1BY-3C N/A Nanya SS NT5TU64M8AE-3C • •

DDR2-553 MHz capability

Size Vendor Model CL Brand

SS/
DS

Component

DIMM support

A* B*

256MB Kingston KVR533D2N4/256 N/A Elpida SS E5116AF-5C-E • •

512MB Kingston KVR533D2N4/512 N/A Inneon SS HYB18T512800AF3733336550 • •

1G Kingston KVR533D2N4/1G N/A Kingston DS D6408TLRAGL37U • •

256MB Samsung M378T3253FG0-CD5 N/A Samsung SS K4T56083QF-GCD5 • •

512MB Samsung M378T6553BG0-CD5 4 Samsung SS K4T51083QB-GCD5 • •

256MB HY HYMP532U64CP6-C4 AB 4 Hynix SS HY5PS121621CFP-C4 • •

1G HY HYMP512U64CP8-C4 AB 4 Hynix DS HY5PS12821CFP-C4 • •

512MB Micron MT 16HTF6464AG-53EB2 4 Micron DS D9BOM • •

512MB Micron MT 16HTF6464AG-53EB2 4 Micron DS Z9BQT • •

1G Micron MT 16HTF12864AY-53EA1 4 Micron DS D9CRZ • •

(continued on the next page)

1-18 Chapter 1: Product introduction

SS - Single-sided / DS - Double - sided
DIMM support:

• A*: Supports one module inserted into any slot as Single-channel memory

conguration.

• B*: Supports one pair of modules inserted into either the yellow slots as

one pair of Dual-channel memory conguration.

Visit the ASUS website for the latest QVL.

Size Vendor Model CL Brand

SS/
DS

Component

DIMM support

A* B*

512MB Corsair VS512MB533D2 N/A Corsair DS MIII0052532M8CEC • •

512MB Corsair VS512MB533D2 N/A Corsair DS MI110052532M8CEC • •

1G Corsair VS1GB533D2 N/A Corsair DS 64M8CFEGQIB0900718 • •

512MB Elpida EBE51UD8ABFA-5C-E N/A Elpida SS E5108AB-5C-E • •

512MB Transcend 512MB DDR2 533 ECC N/A Micron SS 6ND22D9GCT(ECC) • •

512MB Kingmax KLBC28F-A8KB4 N/A Kingmax SS KKEA88B4IAK-37 • •

256MB Kingmax KLBB68F-36EP4 N/A Elpida SS E5116AB-5C-E • •

512MB Kingmax KLBC28F-A8EB4 N/A Elpida SS E5108AE-5C-E • •

512MB ADATA M2OAD2G3H3166I1B52 N/A ADATA SS AD29608A8A-37DG20719 • •

2G ADATA M20AD2H3J4170I1B53 N/A ADATA DS AD20908A8A-37DG30721 • •

DDR2-553 MHz capability

ASUS M2N68-AM 1-19

1.7.3 Installing a DIMM

1. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing
the retaining clips outward.

2. Align a DIMM on the socket such

that the notch on the DIMM matches
the break on the socket.

3. Firmly insert the DIMM into the
socket until the retaining clips snap
back in place and the DIMM is
properly seated.

Ensure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other
system components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to both the
motherboard and the components.

Unlocked retaining clip

DDR2 DIMM notch

3

2

1

1

• A DDR2 DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it ts in only one

direction. DO NOT force a DIMM into a socket to avoid damaging the
DIMM.

• The DDR2 DIMM sockets do not support DDR DIMMs. Do not install
DDR DIMMs to the DDR2 DIMM sockets.

1.7.4 Removing a DIMM

To remove a DIMM:

1. Simultaneously press the retaining
clips outward to unlock the DIMM.

DDR2 DIMM notch

1

2

1

1

Support the DIMM lightly with your ngers when pressing the retaining clips.
The DIMM might get damaged when it ips out with extra force.

2. Remove the DIMM from the socket.

1-20 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.8 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.

1.8.1 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 rmly 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.

1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card

After installing the expansion card, congure 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. Refer to the tables on the next page.

3. Install the software drivers for the expansion card.

ASUS M2N68-AM 1-21

* These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices.

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

IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise, conicts will

arise between the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card
inoperable.

1.8.3 Interrupt assignments

IRQ Standard function

0 High precision event timer

1 Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural PS/2 keyboard

4 Communications Port (COM1)*

6 Standard oppy disk controller

8 High precision event timer

9 Microsoft ACPI-Compliant System

13 Numeric data processor

14 Main IDE Channel

10 NVIDIA nForce PCI System Management

20 NVIDIA Network Bus Enumerator

20 Standard Enhanced PCI to USB Host Controller

21 Standard Enhanced PCI to USB Host Controller

21 Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller

22 Microsoft UAA Bus Driver for High Denition Audio

22 NVIDIA GeForce 7025 / NVIDIA nForce 630a

23 Standard OpenHCD USB Host Controller

23 Standard OpenHCD USB Host Controller

IRQ assignments for this motherboard

A B C D

PCI slot 1 – shared – –
PCI slot 2 – shared – –
PCI Express x1 slot – shared – –
PCI Express x16 slot – shared – –

1-22 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.8.4 PCI slots

The PCI slots support cards such as
a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card,
and other cards that comply with PCI

specications. The gure shows a LAN

card installed on a PCI slot.

1.8.5 PCI Express x1 slot

This motherboard supports PCI Express
x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other
cards that comply with the PCI Express

specications. The following gure

shows a network card installed on the
PCI Express x1 slot.

1.8.6 PCI Express x16 slot

This motherboard has supports PCI
Express x16 graphic cards that comply

with PCI Express specications. The
gure shows a graphics card installed on

the PCI Express x16 slot.

ASUS M2N68-AM 1-23

1.9 Jumper

1. Clear RTC RAM (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. Remove the onboard battery.

3. 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.

4. Reinstall the battery.

5. Plug the power cord and turn ON the computer.

6. Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to
re-enter data.

Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC jumper

default position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!

You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking.
For system failure due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
feature. Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS can automatically reset
parameter settings to default values.

M2N68-AM

M2N68-AM Clear RTC RAM

1 2 2 3

Normal

(Default)

Clear RTC

CLRTC

1-24 Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.10 Connectors

1.10.1 Rear panel connectors

1. PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse.

2. Parallel port.

This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a scanner, or other

devices.

3. LAN (RJ-45) port. Supported by RTL8211CL Gigabit LAN controller, this port

allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network
hub. Refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indications.

4. Line In port (light blue)

. This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player, or

other audio sources.

5. Line Out port (lime)

. This port connects a headphone or a speaker. In 4-

channel, and 6-channel conguration, the function of this port becomes Front

Speaker Out.

6. Microphone port (pink).

This port connects a microphone.

Activity/Link LED Speed LED
Status Description Status Description

OFF No link OFF 10 Mbps connection

ORANGE Linked ORANGE 100 Mbps connection

BLINKING Data activity GREEN 1 Gbps connection

LAN port LED indications

SPEED

LED

ACT/LINK

LED

LAN port

Refer to the audio conguration on the next page for the function of the audio
ports in 2, 4, or 6-channel conguration.

4 53

68 7

2

10 9

1

11

ASUS M2N68-AM 1-25

Audio 2, 4, or 6-channel conguration

7. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports

are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

8. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports

are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

9. Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) port. This 15-pin port is for a VGA monitor

or other VGA-compatible devices.

10. Serial port. This 9-pin COM1 port is for pointing devices or other serial

devices.

11. PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.

Port Headset

2-channel

4-channel 6-channel

Light Blue Line In Rear Speaker Out Rear Speaker Out

Lime Line Out Front Speaker Out Front Speaker Out

Pink Mic In Mic In Bass/Center

1.10.2 Internal connectors

1. Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY)

This connector is for the oppy disk drive (FDD) signal cable. Insert one

end of the cable to this connector, then connect the other end to the signal

connector at the back of the oppy disk drive.

• Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable connection
when using an FDD cable with a covered Pin 5.

• The Floppy Disk Drive cable is purchased separately.

M2N68-AM

M2N68-AM Floppy disk drive connector

FLOPPY

NOTE:Orient the red markings
on the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1.

PIN1

1-26 Chapter 1: Product introduction

2. IDE connectors (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 congure your device(s).

• Pin 20 on the IDE connector is removed to match the covered hole on the

Ultra DMA cable connector. This prevents incorrect insertion when you
connect the IDE cable.

• Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 IDE devices.

If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select,” ensure that all other device
jumpers have the same setting.

Drive jumper setting Mode of

device(s)

Cable connector

Single device Cable-Select or Master - Black

Two devices Cable-Select Master

Black

Slave Gray

Master Master Black or gray

Slave Slave

M2N68-AM

PRI_IDE

NOTE:Orient the red markings
on the IDE ribbon cable to PIN 1.

PIN1

M2N68-AM IDE connector

ASUS M2N68-AM 1-27

3. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA4)

These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA

3Gb/s hard disk and optical disk drives. The Serial ATA 3Gb/s is backward
compatible with Serial ATA 1.5Gb/s specication. The data transfer rate of the
Serial ATA 3Gb/s is faster than the standard parallel ATA with 133 MB/s (Ultra

DMA133).

If you install Serial ATA hard disk drives, you can create a RAID 0, RAID 1,
RAID 5, RAID 10, and JBOD conguration through the onboard controller.

Install the Windows® XP Service Pack 1 before using Serial ATA.

• For detailed instructions on how to congure RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and

RAID 10, and JBOD, refer to the RAID manual in the support DVD.

• If you intend to create a Serial ATA RAID set using these connectors, set

the SATA Mode select item in the BIOS to [RAID Mode]. See the

page 2-16 for details.

Serial ATA hard disk drive connection

Connector Color Setting Use

SATA1/2 Red Master Boot disk

SATA3/4 Red Slave Data disk

SATA2

GND

RSATA_RXN2

RSATA_RXP2

GND

RSATA_TXN2

RSATA_TXP2

GND

SATA4

GND

RSATA_RXN4

RSATA_RXP4

GND

RSATA_TXN4

RSATA_TXP4

GND

SATA1

GND

RSATA_RXN1

RSATA_RXP1

GND

RSATA_TXN1

RSATA_TXP1

GND

SATA3

GND

RSATA_RXN3

RSATA_RXP3

GND

RSATA_TXN3

RSATA_TXP3

GND

M2N68-AM

M2N68-AM SATA connectors

1-28 Chapter 1: Product introduction

4. CPU Fan connector (4-pin CPU_FAN)

The fan connector supports cooling fans of 350mA~740mA (8.88W max.)
or a total of 1A~2.22A (26.64W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cable to the

fan connector on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of the cable
matches the ground pin of the connector.

5. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT)

This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF)
port(s). Connect the S/PDIF module cable to this connector, then install the

module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis.

CPU Fan supports Q-Fan.

The S/PDIF module is purchased separately.

Do not forget to connect the fan cable to the fan connector. Insufcient air ow

inside the system may damage the motherboard components. This is not a

jumper! DO NOT place jumper cap on the fan connector.

CPU_FAN

GND

CPU FAN PWR

CPU FAN IN

CPU FAN PWM

M2N68-AM

M2N68-AM CPU fan connector

SPDIF_OUT

+5V

SPDIFOUT

GND

M2N68-AM

M2N68-AM Digital audio connector

ASUS M2N68-AM 1-29

6. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112)

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
specication that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed.

Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the

motherboard!

7. Optical drive audio in connector (4-pin CD)

These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources
such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card.

The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately.

M2N68-AM

M2N68-AM USB2.0 connectors

PIN 1

USB+5V

USB_P10-

USB_P10+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P9-

USB_P9+

GND

USB910

PIN 1

USB+5V

USB_P8-

USB_P8+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P7-

USB_P7+

GND

USB78

PIN 1

USB+5V

USB_P6-

USB_P6+

GND

NC

USB+5V

USB_P5-

USB_P5+

GND

USB56

CD

Left Audio Channel

GND

GND

Right Audio Channel

M2N68-AM

M2N68-AM Internal audio connector

1-30 Chapter 1: Product introduction

8. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP)

This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I/O module that
supports either High Denition Audio or AC`97 audio standard. Connect one
end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector.

• We recommend that you connect a high-denition front panel audio module
to this connector to avail of the motherboard high-denition audio capability.

• If you want to connect a high-denition front panel audio module to this

connector, ensure that the Front Panel Type item in the BIOS is set to [HD

Audio]; if you want to connect an AC`97 front panel audio module to this
connector, set the item to [AC97]. See pages 2-30 for details.

M2N68-AM

M2N68-AM Analog front panel connector

AAFP

PIN 1

GND

PRESENCE#

SENSE1_RETUR

SENSE2_RETUR

PORT1 L

PORT1 R

PORT2 R

SENSE_SEND

PORT1 L

HD-audio-compliant

pin definition

PIN 1

AGNDNCNC

NC

MIC2

MICPWR

Line out_R

NC

Line out_L

Legacy AC’97

compliant definition

ASUS M2N68-AM 1-31

9. ATX power connectors (24-pin ATX-PWRGD, 4-pin ATX12V)

These connectors are for an ATX power supply. The plugs from the power

supply are designed to t these connectors in only one orientation. Find the
proper orientation and push down rmly until the connectors completely t.

•

We recommend that you use an ATX 12 V Specication 2.0-compliant
power supply unit (PSU) with a minimum of 300 W power rating. This PSU
type has 24-pin and 4-pin power plugs.

•

If you intend to use a PSU with 20-pin and 4-pin power plugs, ensure that
the 20-pin power plug can provide at least 15 A on +12 V and that the PSU
has a minimum power rating of 300 W. The system may become unstable

or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.

•

Do not forget to connect the 4-pin ATX +12 V power plug. Otherwise, the

system will not boot up.

• We recommend that you use a PSU with higher power output when

conguring a system with more power-consuming devices. The system

may become unstable or may not boot up if the power is inadequate.

• If you are uncertain about the minimum power supply requirement for your
system, refer to the Recommended Power Supply Wattage Calculator

at http://support.asus.com/PowerSupplyCalculator/PSCalculator.

aspx?SLanguage=en-us for details.

•

You must install a PSU with a higher power rating if you intend to install
additional devices.

M2N68-AM

M2N68-AM ATX power connectors

EATXPWR

PIN 1

GND
+5 Volts
+5 Volts
+5 Volts

-5 Volts
GND
GND
GND
PSON#
GND

-12 Volts
+3 Volts

+3 Volts
+12 Volts
+12 Volts

+5V Standby

Power OK

GND

+5 Volts

GND

+5 Volts

GND
+3 Volts
+3 Volts

ATX12V

PIN 1

+12V DC

+12V DC

GND

GND

1-32 Chapter 1: Product introduction

•

Hard disk drive activity LED (2-pin +IDE_LED)

This 2-pin connector is for the HDD Activity LED. Connect the HDD Activity
LED cable to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or ashes when data is

read from or written to the HDD.

•

System warning speaker (4-pin SPEAKER)
This 4-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted system warning speaker. The
speaker allows you to hear system beeps and warnings.

•

Power/Soft-off button (2-pin PWRSW)

This 2-pin connector is for the system power button. Pressing the power

button turns the system ON or puts the system in SLEEP or SOFT-OFF
mode depending on the BIOS settings. Pressing the power switch for more
than four seconds while the system is ON turns the system OFF.

•

Reset button (2-pin Reset)

This 2-pin connector is for the chassis-mounted reset button for system

reboot without turning off the system power.

10. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL)

This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.

M2N68-AM

M2N68-AM System panel connector

PIN 1

PWR BTN

PLED+

PLED-

PWR

GND

IDE_LED+

IDE_LED-

Ground

Reset

F_PANEL

PWR LED

HD_LED RESET

•

System power LED (2-pin PLED)

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.

2

This chapter tells how to change
the system settings through the BIOS
Setup menus. Detailed descriptions
of the BIOS parameters are also
provided.

BIOS setup

2-2 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS

The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic

Input/Output System (BIOS) setup.

1.

ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS using a oppy disk, USB Flash, or the

motherboard support DVD during POST.

2.

ASUS AFUDOS: Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a bootable oppy

disk.

3.

ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3: Updates the BIOS using a bootable oppy disk,
USB ash disk or the motherboard support DVD when the BIOS le fails or

gets corrupted.

4.

ASUS Update: Updates the BIOS in Windows® environment.

Refer to the corresponding sections for details on these utilities.

Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS le to a bootable oppy disk in

case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard
BIOS using the ASUS Update or AFUDOS utilities.

2.1.1 Creating a bootable oppy disk

1. Do either one of the following to create a bootable oppy disk.

DOS environment

a. Insert a 1.44MB oppy disk into the drive.

b. At the DOS prompt, type

format A:/S then press <Enter>.

Windows® XP environment

a. Insert a 1.44 MB oppy disk to the oppy disk drive.

b. Click

Start from the Windows® desktop, then select My Computer.

c. Select the 3 1/2 Floppy Drive icon.

d. Click

File from the menu, then select Format. A Format 3 1/2 Floppy

Disk window appears.

e. Windows

®

XP users: Select Create an MS-DOS startup disk from the

format options eld, then click Start.

ASUS M2N68-AM 2-3

Windows® Vista environment

a. Insert a formatted, high density 1.44 MB oppy disk to the oppy disk

drive.

b. Click

from the Windows® desktop, then select Computer.

c. Right-click

Floppy Disk Drive then click Format to display the Format 3

1/2 Floppy dialog box .

d. Select the

Create an MS-DOS startup disk check box.

e. Click

Start.

2. Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS le to the bootable oppy

disk.

2-4 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:

1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS le for

the motherboard.

2. Save the BIOS le to a oppy disk or a USB ash disk, then restart the system.

3. You can launch the EZ Flash 2 by two methods.

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 oppy disk and using a DOS-based
utility. The EZ Flash 2 utility is built-in the BIOS chip so it is accessible by pressing
<Alt> + <F2> during the Power-On Self-Test (POST).

(2) Enter BIOS setup program. Go to the

Tools menu to select EZ Flash 2

and press <Enter> to enable it.

You can switch between drives by pressing <Tab> before the correct le

is found. Then press <Enter>.

4. When the correct BIOS le is found, EZ Flash 2 performs the BIOS update

process and automatically reboots the system when done.

(1)

Insert the oppy disk / USB ash disk that contains the BIOS le to the
oppy disk drive or the USB port.

Press <Alt> + <F2> during POST to display the following.

• This function can support devices such as USB ash disk, or oppy disk

with

FAT 32/16

format only.

• Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent

system boot failure!

ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.06

Current ROM

Update ROM

A:

Note

[Enter] Select or Load [B] Backup [ESC] Exit

[Tab] Switch [Up/Down/Home/End] Move

FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L8005

PATH: A:\

BOARD: M2N68-AM
VER: 0303
DATE: 07/28/08

BOARD: Unknown
VER: Unknown
DATE: Unknown

ASUS M2N68-AM 2-5

2.1.3 AFUDOS utility

The AFUDOS utility allows you to update the BIOS le in DOS environment using
a bootable oppy disk with the updated BIOS le. This utility also allows you to
copy the current BIOS le that you can use as backup when the BIOS fails or gets

corrupted during the updating process.

Copying the current BIOS

To copy the current BIOS le using the AFUDOS utility:

Main lename Extension name

1. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support DVD to

the bootable oppy disk you created earlier.

2. Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the prompt type:

afudos /o[lename]

where the [lename] is any user-assigned lename not more than eight
alphanumeric characters for the main lename and three alphanumeric

characters for the extension name.

A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom

• Ensure that the oppy disk is not write-protected and has at least 1024KB
free space to save the le.

• The succeeding BIOS screens are for reference only. The actual BIOS
screen displays may not be same as shown.

The utility returns to the DOS prompt after copying the current BIOS le.

3. Press <Enter>. The utility copies the current BIOS le to the oppy disk.

A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom

AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB))

Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reading ash ..... done

Write to le...... ok

A:\>

2-6 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

Updating the BIOS le

To update the BIOS le using the AFUDOS utility:

1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) and download the latest BIOS le for
the motherboard. Save the BIOS le to a bootable oppy disk.

5. The utility returns to the DOS prompt after the BIOS update process is
completed. Reboot the system from the hard disk drive.

A:\>afudos /iM2N68-AM.ROM

AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.26(06.08.28BB))

Copyright (C) 2003 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.

WARNING!! Do not turn off power during ash BIOS

Reading le ....... done

Reading ash ...... done

Advance Check ......

Erasing ash ...... done

Writing ash ...... done

Verifying ash .... done

Please restart your computer

A:\>

2. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support DVD to
the bootable oppy disk you created earlier.

3. Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the prompt type:

afudos /i[lename]

where [lename] is the latest or the original BIOS le on the bootable oppy disk.

A:\>afudos /iM2N68-AM.ROM

Write the BIOS lename on a piece of paper. You need to type the exact BIOS
lename at the DOS prompt.

A:\>afudos /iM2N68-AM.ROM

AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.26(06.08.28BB))

Copyright (C) 2003 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved.

WARNING!! Do not turn off power during ash BIOS

Reading le ....... done

Reading ash ...... done

Advance Check ......

Erasing ash ...... done

Writing ash ...... 0x0008CC00 (9%)

4. The utility veries the le and starts updating the BIOS.

Do not shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS to prevent

system boot failure!

ASUS M2N68-AM 2-7

2.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility

The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore

the BIOS le when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can
update a corrupted BIOS le using the motherboard support DVD , the oppy disk
or the USB ash disk that contains the updated BIOS le.

• Prepare the motherboard support DVD, the oppy disk or the USB ash

disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility.

• Make sure that you rename the original or updated BIOS le in the oppy

disk or the USB ash disk to M2N68-AM.ROM.

Recovering the BIOS from a oppy disk

To recover the BIOS from a oppy disk:

1. Turn on the system.

2. Insert the oppy disk with the original or updated BIOS le to the oppy disk

drive.

3. The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the

oppy disk for the original or updated BIOS le.

Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...

Checking for oppy...

When found, the utility reads the BIOS le and starts ashing the corrupted

BIOS le.

Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...
Checking for oppy...
Floppy found!
Reading le “M2N68-AM.ROM”. Completed.
Start ashing...

DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can
cause system boot failure!

4. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.

2-8 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

Recovering the BIOS from the support DVD

To recover the BIOS from the support DVD:

1. Remove any oppy disk from the oppy disk drive, then turn on the system.

2. Insert the support DVD to the optical drive.

3. The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the

oppy disk for the original or updated BIOS le.

Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...
Checking for oppy...
Floppy not found!
Checking for CD-ROM...
CD-ROM found!
Reading le “M2N68-AM.ROM”. Completed.
Start ashing...

When no oppy disk is found, the utility automatically checks the optical drive

for the original or updated BIOS le. The utility then updates the corrupted
BIOS le.

Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery...
Checking for oppy...

4. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.

The recovered BIOS may not be the latest BIOS version for this motherboard.

Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS le.

• Only the USB ash disk with FAT 32/16 format and single partition can
support ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3. The device size should be smaller than
8GB.

• DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so
can cause system boot failure!

Recovering the BIOS from the USB ash disk

To recover the BIOS from the USB ash disk:

1. Insert the USB ash disk that contains BIOS le to the USB port.

2. Turn on the system.

3. The utility will automatically checks the devices for the BIOS le When found,
the utility reads the BIOS le and starts ashing the corrupted BIOS le.

4. Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.

ASUS M2N68-AM 2-9

Installing ASUS Update

To install ASUS Update:

1. Place the support DVD in the optical drive. The

Drivers menu appears.

2. Click the Utilities tab, then click

Install ASUS Update. See page 3-4 for the

Utilities screen menu.

3. The ASUS Update utility is copied to your system.

2.1.5 ASUS Update utility

The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the
motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment. The ASUS Update utility allows you
to:

• Save the current BIOS le

• Download the latest BIOS le from the Internet

• Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS le

• Update the BIOS directly from the Internet, and

• View the BIOS version information.

This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard
package.

ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an
Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Quit all Windows® applications before you update the BIOS using this utility.

2-10 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest

you to avoid network trafc, or

click Auto Select. Click Next.

Updating the BIOS through the Internet

To update the BIOS through the Internet:

1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows

®

desktop by clicking Start

> Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update
main window appears.

2. Select Update BIOS from
the Internet option from the
drop-down menu, then click Next.

ASUS M2N68-AM 2-11

Updating the BIOS through a BIOS le

To update the BIOS through a BIOS le:

1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows

®

desktop by clicking Start

> Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update
main window appears.

2. Select

Update BIOS from a le

option from the drop-down menu,
then click Next.

3. Locate the BIOS le from the Open
window, then click Open.

4. Follow the screen instructions to
complete the update process.

4. From the FTP site, select the BIOS
version that you wish to download.
Click Next.

5. Follow the screen instructions to
complete the update process.

The ASUS Update utility is
capable of updating itself
through the Internet. Always
update the utility to avail all its
features.

M2N68-AM.rom

M2N68-AM

2-12 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.2 BIOS setup program

This motherboard supports a programmable Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) chip

that you can update using the provided utility described in section “2.1 Managing

and updating your BIOS.”

Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconguring
your system, or prompted to“Run Setup.” This section explains how to congure

your system using this utility.

Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you can change the

conguration of your computer in the future. For example, you can enable the

security password feature or change the power management settings. This

requires you to recongure your system using the BIOS Setup program so that the
computer can recognize these changes and record them in the CMOS RAM of the

SPI chip.

The SPI chip on the motherboard stores the Setup utility. When you start up the
computer, the system provides you with the opportunity to run this program. Press
<Del> during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) to enter the Setup utility. Otherwise,
POST continues with its test routines.

If you wish to enter Setup after POST, restart the system by pressing
<Ctrl+Alt+Delete>, or by pressing the reset button on the system chassis. You can
also restart by turning the system off and then back on. Do this last option only if

the rst two failed.

The Setup program is designed to make it as easy to use as possible. Being a
menu-driven program, it lets you scroll through the various sub-menus and make
your selections from the available options using the navigation keys.

• The default BIOS settings for this motherboard apply for most conditions
to ensure optimum performance. If the system becomes unstable after
changing any BIOS settings, load the default settings to ensure system
compatibility and stability. Select the Load Default Settings item under the

Exit Menu. See section “2.8 Exit Menu.”

• The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes
only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.

• Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS le for

this motherboard.

ASUS M2N68-AM 2-13

2.2.1 BIOS menu screen

• The BIOS setup screens shown in this chapter are for reference purposes
only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen.

• Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS
information.

Navigation keysSub-menu items

General help

Menu bar Conguration eldsMenu items

2.2.2 Menu bar

The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items:

Main For changing the basic system conguration

Advanced For changing the advanced system settings

Power For changing the advanced power management (APM)

conguration

Boot For changing the system boot conguration

Tools For conguring options for special functions

Exit For selecting the exit options and loading default

settings

To select an item on the menu bar, press the right or left arrow key on the keyboard
until the desired item is highlighted.

System Time [04: 08 : 23]
System Date [Wed 01/09/2002]
Legacy Diskette A [1.44M,3.5in.]

IDE Conguration

Primary IDE Master : [Not Detected]
Primary IDE Slave : [Not Detected]
SATA1 : [Not Detected]
SATA2 : [Not Detected]
SATA3 : [Not Detected]
SATA4 : [Not Detected]

System Information

Use [ENTER], [TAB]
or [SHIFT-TAB] to
select a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to
congure system Time.

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

Select Screen

Select Item

+-

Change Field

Tab Select Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

2-14 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.2.4 Menu items

The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic items for that menu.

For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items.

The other items (Advanced, Power, Boot, and Exit) on the menu bar have their
respective menu items.

2.2.5 Sub-menu items

A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen means that the iteam has a
sub-menu. To display the sub-menu, select the item and press <Enter>.

2.2.6 Conguration elds

These elds show the values for the menu items. If an item is user-congurable,
you can change the value of the eld opposite the item. You cannot select an item
that is not user-congurable.

A congurable eld is enclosed in brackets, and is highlighted when selected. To
change the value of a eld, select it then press <Enter> to display a list of options.
Refer to “2.2.7 Pop-up window.”

Some of the navigation keys differ from one screen to another.

2.2.3 Navigation keys

At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that
particular menu. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change
the settings.

2.2.9 General help

At the top right corner of the menu screen is a brief description of the selected
item.

2.2.7 Pop-up window

Select a menu item then press <Enter> to display a pop-up window with the

conguration options for that item.

2.2.8 Scroll bar

A scroll bar appears on the right side of a
menu screen when there are items that do

not t on the screen. Press the
Up/Down arrow keys or <Page Up> /<Page

Down> keys to display the other items on the
screen.

Scroll bar

This option should
remain disabled for
the normal operation.
The driver developer
may enable it for
testing purpose.

CPU Conguration

Module Version: 13.29
AGESA Version: 3.1.8.0
Physical Count: 1
Logical Count: 1
AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3200+
Revision: F2
Cache L1: 128KB
Cache L2: 128KB
Cache L3: N/A
Speed : 1800MHz
HT Frequency: 800MHz
Current FSB Multiplier: 9x
Maximum FSB Multiplier: 9x
Able to Change Freq. : Yes
uCode Patch Level : 0x62

GART Error Reporting [Disabled]

Microcode Updation [Enabled]
Secure Virtual Machine Mode [Enabled]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

Pop-up window

ASUS M2N68-AM 2-15

2.3 Main menu

When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving
you an overview of the basic system information.

Refer to section “2.2.1 BIOS menu screen” for information on the menu screen

items and how to navigate through them.

2.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx]

Allows you to set the system time.

2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]

Allows you to set the system date.

2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.]

Sets the type of oppy drive installed. Conguration options: [Disabled] [720K , 3.5
in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.] [360K, 5.25 pin] [1.2M 5.25 pin] [2.88M, 3.5 pin]

System Time [04: 08 : 23]

System Date [Wed 01/09/2002] Legacy Diskette A [1.44M,3.5in.]

IDE Conguration

Primary IDE Master : [Not Detected]
Primary IDE Slave : [Not Detected]
SATA1 : [Not Detected]
SATA2 : [Not Detected]
SATA3 : [Not Detected]
SATA4 : [Not Detected]

System Information

Use [ENTER], [TAB]
or [SHIFT-TAB] to
select a eld.

Use [+] or [-] to
congure system Time.

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

Select Screen

Select Item

+-

Change Field

Tab Select Field
F1 General Help
F10 Save and Exit
ESC Exit

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Main Advanced Power Boot Tools Exit

2-16 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.3.4 IDE Conguration

The items in this menu allow you to set or change the congurations for the IDE

devices installed in the system. Select an item then press <Enter> if you wish to

congure the item.

Onboard IDE Controller [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the onboard IDE controller.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

Serial-ATA Devices [Enabled]

Allows you to disable or set the Serial-ATA devices.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

SATA Mode select [SATA Mode]

Allows you to select the SATA Mode. Conguration options: [SATA Mode] [RAID
Mode]

The following two items appear only when the SATA Mode select item is set to
[RAID Mode].

SATA1/SATA2 [Disabled]

Allows you to disable or enable the SATA1/SATA2.
Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

SATA3/SATA4 [Disabled]

Allows you to disable or enable the SATA3/SATA4.
Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

IDE Conguration

Onboard IDE Controller [Enabled]

Serial-ATA Devices [Enabled]
SATA Mode select [SATA Mode]

Disabled: disables
the integrated IDE
Controller.
Enabled: enable
the integrated IDE
Controller.

ASUS M2N68-AM 2-17

2.3.5 Primary IDE Master/Slave

While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE devices.
There is a separate sub-menu for each IDE device. Select a device item then
press <Enter> to display the IDE device information.

Primary IDE Master

Device : Not Detected

Type [Auto]

LBA/Large Mode [Auto]
Block (Multi-Sector Transfer) M [Auto]
PIO Mode [Auto]
DMA Mode [Auto]
SMART Monitoring [Auto]
32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]

Select the type
of device connected
to the system

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-congurable. These items show
N/A if no IDE device is installed in the system.

Type [Auto]

Selects the type of IDE drive. Setting to Auto allows automatic selection of the

appropriate IDE device type. Select CDROM if you are specically conguring a

CD-ROM drive. Select ARMD (ATAPI Removable Media Device) if your device

is either a ZIP, LS-120, or MO drive. Conguration options: [Not Installed] [Auto]

[CDROM] [ARMD]

LBA/Large Mode [Auto]

Enables or disables the LBA mode. Setting to Auto enables the LBA mode if the
device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously formatted with LBA

mode disabled. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

2-18 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

Block (Multi-Sector Transfer) M [Auto]

Enables or disables data multi-sectors transfers. When set to Auto, the data
transfer from and to the device occurs multiple sectors at a time if the device
supports multi-sector transfer feature. When set to [Disabled], the data transfer
from and to the device occurs one sector at a time.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

PIO Mode [Auto]

Selects the PIO mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4]

DMA Mode [Auto]

Selects the DMA mode. Conguration options: [Auto]

SMART Monitoring [Auto]

Enables or disables the S.M.A.R.T. (Self Monitoring and Reporting Technology)

capability of your hard drive. This features allows your system to report read/write

errors of the hard drive and to issue warnings when a third party hardware monitor

utility is installed. Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]

Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer. Conguration options: [Disabled]

[Enabled]

ASUS M2N68-AM 2-19

2.3.6 SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, and SATA4

While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA
devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each SATA device. Select a device item
then press <Enter> 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-congurable. These items show
N/A if no SATA device is installed in the system.

LBA/Large Mode [Auto]

Enables or disables the LBA mode. Setting to Auto enables the LBA mode if the
device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously formatted with LBA

mode disabled. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

Block (Multi-sector Transfer) M [Auto]

Enables or disables data multi-sectors transfers. When set to Auto, the data
transfer from and to the device occurs multiple sectors at a time if the device
supports multi-sector transfer feature. When set to [Disabled], the data transfer
from and to the device occurs one sector at a time.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

PIO Mode [Auto]

Selects the PIO mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4]

SATA1

Device : Not Detected

LBA/Large Mode [Auto]

Block(Multi-sector Transfer) M [Auto]
PIO Mode [Auto]
DMA Mode [Auto]
SMART Monitoring [Auto]
32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]

Disable: Disables LBA
Mode.
Auto: Enables LBA
Mode if the device
supports it and the
device is not already
formatted with LBA
Mode disabled.

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

2-20 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

DMA Mode [Auto]

Selects the DMA mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [SWDMA0] [SWDMA1]
[SWDMA2] [MWDMA0] [MWDMA1] [MWDMA2] [UDMA0] [UDMA1] [UDMA2]

[UDMA3] [UDMA4] [UDMA5] [UDMA6]

SMART Monitoring [Auto]

Enables or disables the S.M.A.R.T. (Self Monitoring and Reporting Technology)

capability of your hard drive. This features allows your system to report read/write

errors of the hard drive and to issue warnings when a third party hardware monitor

utility is installed. Conguration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled]

32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled]

Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer. Conguration options: [Disabled]

[Enabled]

2.3.7 System Information

This menu gives you an overview of the general system specications. The BIOS

automatically detects the items in this menu.

AMIBIOS

Version : 0303
Build Date : 07/28/08

Processor

Type : AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3200+
Speed : 1800MHz
Count : 1

System Memory

Installed Size : 512MB
Usable Size : 384MB

AMI BIOS

Displays the auto-detected BIOS information

Processor

Displays the auto-detected CPU specication

System Memory

Displays the auto-detected system memory

ASUS M2N68-AM 2-21

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

eld values can cause the system to malfunction.

JumperFree Conguration

CPU Conguration
Chipset
Onboard Devices Conguration

PCIPnP

USB Conguration

Adjust System
Frequency etc.

2.4.1 JumperFree Conguration

AI Overclocking [Auto]

Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU internal

frequency. Select either one of the preset overclocking conguration options:

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

Congure System Frequency

AI Overclocking [Auto]

PCIE Overclocking [Auto]

CPU Ratio and Voltage:

Processor Frequency Multiplier [Auto]
Processor Voltage [Auto]

Memory Timming and Voltage:

Memory Clock Mode [Auto]
DRAM Timing Mode [Auto]
Memory Over voltage [Auto]

Chipset Voltage

Chipset Voltage [Auto]

Select the target CPU
frequency, and the
relevant parameters
will be auto-adjusted.
Frequencies higher
than CPU manufacturer
recommends are not
guaranteed to be
stable.If the system
becomes unstable,
returen to the default.

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

2-22 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

CPU Frequency (MHz) [200.0]

Allows you to select the target CPU frequency.

Conguration options: [200.0][201.0] [202.0]~[300.0].

The following item appears only when the AI Overclocking item is set to

[Overclock Prole].

The following item appears only when the AI Overclocking item is set to
[MANUAL].

Selecting a very high CPU frequency may cause the system to become

unstable! If this happens, revert to the default setting.

Overclock Options [Auto]

Allows you to select the overclock options. Conguration options: [Auto]

[Overclock 3%] [Overclock 5%] [Overclock 7%] [Test Mode]

PCIE Overclocking [Auto]

Allows you to select the PCIE Overclocking. Conguration options: [Auto] [Manual]

The following item appears only when the PCIE Overclocking item is set to
[Manual].

PCI-Express Frequency [100]

Allows you to select PCI Express frequency. Conguration options: [100]
[101] [102] [103] ... [150]

[Auto] - allows you to set overclocking parameters automatically.

[MANUAL] - allows you to individually set overclocking parameters.

[Standard] - loads the standard settings for the system.

[Overclock Prole] - loads overclocking proles with optimal parameters for stability

when overclocking.

ASUS M2N68-AM 2-23

Memclock Value [200 MHz]

Allows you to set the Memclock value. Conguration options: [200 MHz] [266
MHz] [333 MHz] [400 MHz] [533 MHz]

DRAM Timing Mode [Auto]

Allows you to set the DRAM timing mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [DCT 0]

Memory Over Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the memory over voltage. The value ranges from 1.85000V
to 2.24375V with a 0.00625V interval. Conguration options: [Auto] [1.85000V]
[2.24375V]

Chipset Over Voltage [Auto]

Allows you to set the chipset over voltage. Conguration options: [Auto] [+50mv]
[+100mv] [+150mv]

The following item appears only when the Memory clock mode item is set to
[Manual].

Processor Frequency Multiplier [Auto]

Allows you to select Processor frequency. Conguration 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 select the Processor voltage or set it to auto for safe mode.

Conguration options: [Auto] [+ 50mv] [+100mv] [+ 150mv]

Memory Clock Mode [Auto]

Allows you to set the memory clock mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [Manual]

2-24 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.4.2 CPU Conguration

GART Error Reporting [Disabled]

This option should remain disabled for the normal operation. The driver developer

may enable it for testing purpose. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Microcode Updation [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the microcode updation.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Secure Virtual Machine Mode [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the AMD Secure Virtual Machine.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

This option should
remain disabled for
the normal operation.
The driver developer
may enable it for
testing purpose.

CPU Conguration

Module Version: 13.29
AGESA Version: 3.1.8.0
Physical Count: 1
Logical Count: 1

AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3200+
Revision: F2
Cache L1: 128KB
Cache L2: 128KB
Cache L3: N/A
Speed : 1800MHz
HT Frequency: 800MHz
Current FSB Multiplier: 9x
Maximum FSB Multiplier: 9x
Able to Change Freq. : Yes
uCode Patch Level : 0x62

GART Error Reporting [Disabled]

Microcode Updation [Enabled]
Secure Virtual Machine Mode [Enabled]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

ASUS M2N68-AM 2-25

NorthBridge Chipset Conguration

Memory Conguration

ECC Conguration

NorthBridge Conguration

2.4.3 Chipset

The Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings. Select an
item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.

Advanced Chipset Settings

WARNING: Setting wrong values in below sections
may cause system to malfunction.

NorthBridge Conguration

Southbridge Conguration

Memory Options &
Information

Memory Conguration

Enable Bank Memory
Interleaving

Memory Conguration

Bank Interleaving [Disabled]

Channel Interleaving [Disabled]
Enable Clock to All DIMMs [Disabled]
MemClk Tristate C3/ATLVID [Disabled]
Memory Hole Remapping [Enabled]
DCT Unganged Mode [Auto]
Power Down Enable [Enabled]

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

2-26 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

Bank Interleaving [Disabled]

Allows you to enable the bank memory interleaving.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

Channel Interleaving [Disabled]

Allows you to enable the channel memory interleaving.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto]

Enable Clock to All DIMMs [Disabled]

Enables or disables clock to all DIMMs. Conguration options: [Disabled]

[Enabled]

MemClk Tristate C3/ALTVID [Disabled]

Enables or disables the MemClk Tristate C3/ALTVID.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Memory Hole Remapping [Enabled]

Enables or disables the memory remapping around memory hole.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

DCT Unganged Mode [Auto]

Allow you to enable or disable Unganed mode.

Conguration options: [Auto] [Always]

Power Down Enable [Enabled]

Enables or disables the DDR power down mode.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS M2N68-AM 2-27

ECC Mode [Disabled]

Enables or disables the DRAM ECC that allows the hardware to report and

correct memory errors automatically. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Basic]

[Good] [Super] [Max] [User]

DRAM ECC Enable [Disabled]

Enables or disables the DRAM ECC. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

DRAM SCRUB REDIRECT [Disabled]

Enables or disables the DRAM SCRUB REDIRECT feature that allows the system to

correct the DRAM ECC errors immediately when they occur. Conguration options:

[Disabled] [Enabled]

4-Bit ECC Mode [Disabled]

Enables or disables the ECC chip kill feature.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

DRAM BG SCRUB [Disabled]

Disables or sets the DRAM BG Scrub. Conguration options: [Disabled] [40ns]
[80ns] [160ns] [320ns] [640ns] [1.28us] [2.56us] [5.12us] [10.2us] [20.5us] [41.0us]
[81.9us] [163.8us] [327.7us] [655.4us]

Data/L2/L3 Cache BG Scrub [Disabled]

Disables or sets the Data/L2/L3 Cache BG Scrub. This item allows the cache RAM
to be corrected when idle. Conguration options: [Disabled] [40ns] [80ns] [160ns]
[320ns] [640ns] [1.28us] [2.56us] [5.12us] [10.2us] [20.5us] [41.0us] [81.9us]
[163.8us] [327.7us] [655.4us]

ECC Conguration

ECC Mode [Disabled]

DRAM ECC Enable [Disabled]

DRAM SCRUB REDIRECT [Disabled]
4-Bit ECC Mode [Disabled]
DRAM BG Scrub [Disabled]
Date Cache BG Scrub [Disabled]
L2 Cache BG Scrub [Disabled]
L3 Cache BG Scrub [Disabled]

ECC Conguration

Set the level of ECC
protection. Note: The
‘Super’ ECC mode
dynamically sets the
DRAM scrub rate so
all of memory is
scrubbed in 8 hours.

2-28 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

SouthBridge Chipset Conguration

Primary Graphics Adapter [PCIE-> PCI -> IGP]

iGPU Frame Buffer Detect [Auto]

iGPU Frame Buffer Size [128MB]

AZALIA AUDIO [Enabled]
Front Panel Select [HD Audio]

OnBoard LAN [Auto]
OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]
SouthBridge ACPI HPET TABLE [Enabled]

Primary Graphics Adapter [PCIE-> PCI -> IGP]

Display Device Priority, from high to low. Conguration options: [PCIE-> PCI-

> IGP] [IGP ->PCI -> PCIE]

iGPU Frame Buffer Detect [Auto]

Allows you to set the iGPU Frame Buffer Detect. Conguration options:

[Disabled] [Auto]

iGPU Frame Buffer Size [128MB]

Allows you to set the iGPU Frame Buffer Size.
Conguration options: [128MB]**********

AZALIA AUDIO [Enabled]

Allows you to set or disable the AZALIA AUDIO. Conguration options:

[Disabled] [Enabled]

Front Panel Select [HD Audio]

Allows you to set HD Audio mode. Conguration options: [AC97] [HD Audio]

SouthBridge Conguration

Display Device
Priority, from
high to low

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

OnBoard LAN [Auto]

Allows you to set or disable the OnBoard LAN. Conguration options: [Auto]

[Disabled]

OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the OnBoard LAN Boot ROM.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

SouthBridge ACPI HPET TABLE [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable SouthBridge ACPI HPET TABLE.

Conguration options: [Enabled] [Disabled]

ASUS M2N68-AM 2-29

2.4.4 Onboard Devices Conguration

Congure ITE8712 Super IO Chipset

Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]

Parallel Port Address [378]
Parallel Port Mode [Normal]
Parallel Port IRQ [IRQ7]

Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]

Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4][2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3]

Parallel Port Address [378]

Allows you to select the Parallel Port base addresses.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [378] [278] [3BC]

Parallel Port Mode [Normal]

Allows you to select the Parallel Port mode. Conguration options: [Normal] [EPP]

[ECP] [EPP+ECP]

Parallel Port IRQ [IRQ7]

Conguration options: [IRQ5] [IRQ7]

Allows BIOS to Select
Serial Port1 Base
Addresses.

2-30 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.4.5 PCI PnP

The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP

devices. The menu includes setting IRQ and DMA channel resources for either

PCI/PnP or legacy ISA devices, and setting the memory size block for legacy ISA

devices.

Take caution when changing the settings of the PCI PnP menu items. Incorrect

eld values can cause the system to malfunction.

Advanced PCI/PnP Settings

WARNING: Setting wrong values in below sections

may cause system to malfunction.

Plug And Play O/S [No]

PCI Latency Timer [64]
Allocate IRQ to PCI VGA [Yes]
Palette Snooping [Disabled]

IRQ-3 assigned to [PCI Device]
IRQ-4 assigned to [PCI Device]
IRQ-5 assigned to [PCI Device]
IRQ-7 assigned to [PCI Device]
IRQ-9 assigned to [PCI Device]
IRQ-10 assigned to [PCI Device]
IRQ-11 assigned to [PCI Device]
IRQ-14 assigned to [PCI Device]
IRQ-15 assigned to [PCI Device]

Plug and Play O/S [No]

When set to [No], BIOS congures all the devices in the system. When set to

[Yes] and if you install a Plug and Play operating system, the operating system

congures the Plug and Play devices not required for boot.
Conguration options: [No] [Yes]

PCI Latency Timer [64]

Allows you to select the value in units of PCI clocks for the PCI device latency

timer register. Conguration options: [32] [64] [96] [128] [160] [192] [224] [248]

Allocate IRQ to PCI VGA [Yes]

When set to [Yes], BIOS assigns an IRQ to PCI VGA card if the card requests for
an IRQ. When set to [No], BIOS does not assign an IRQ to the PCI VGA card even

if requested. Conguration options: [No] [Yes]

Palette Snooping [Disabled]

When set to [Enabled], the palete snooping feature informs the PCI devices that
an ISA graphics device is installed in the system so that the latter can function

correctly. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

No: lets the BIOS
congure all the
devices in the system.
YES: lets the
operating system
congure Plug and
Play (PnP) devices not
required for boot if
your system has a Plug
and Play operating
system.

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

ASUS M2N68-AM 2-31

IRQ-xx assigned to [PCI Device]

When set to [PCI Device], the specic IRQ is free for use of PCI/PnP devices.

When set to [Reserved], the IRQ is reserved for legacy ISA devices.

Conguration options: [PCI Device] [Reserved]

USB Functions [Enabled]

Enables or disables the USB Functions. Conguration options: [Disabled]

[Enabled]

USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]

Enables or disables the USB 2.0 Controller. Conguration options: [Disabled]

[Enabled]

The Module Version and USB Devices Enabled items show the
auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the item shows None.

2.4.6 USB Conguration

The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an

item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options.

USB Conguration

Module Version - 2.24.2-13.4

USB Devices Enabled:

None

USB Functions. [Enabled]

USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled]
Legacy USB Support [Auto]
USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]

Options

Enable
Disable

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

2-32 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

Legacy USB Support [Auto]

Allows you to enable or disable support for Legacy USB storage devices, including

USB ash 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.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]

USB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]

Allows you to congure the USB 2.0 controller in HiSpeed (480 Mbps) or Full
Speed (12 Mbps). Conguration options: [Full Speed] [HiSpeed]

ASUS M2N68-AM 2-33

2.5 Power menu

The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced

Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) and the Advanced Power Management
(APM). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options.

2.5.1 Suspend Mode [Auto]

Allows you to select the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) state
to be used for system suspend. Conguration options: [S1 (POS) Only] [S3 Only]

[Auto]

[S1(POS) Only] - Enables the system to enter the ACPI S1 (Power on Suspend)
sleep state. In S1 sleep state, the system appears suspended
and stays in a low power mode. The system can be resumed at
any time.
[S3 Only] - Enables the system to enter the ACPI S3 (Suspend to RAM) sleep
state (default). In S3 sleep state, the system appears to be off
and consumes less power than in the S1 state. When signaled by a
wake-up device or event, the system resumes to its working state
exactly where it was left off.

[Auto] - Detected by OS.

2.5.2 ACPI Version Features [Disabled]

Allows you to add more tables for Advanced Conguration and Power Interface
(ACPI) features. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface
(ACPI) support in the Application-Specic Integrated Circuit (ASIC). When set

to Enabled, the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Suspend Mode [Auto]

ACPI Version Features [Disabled] ACPI APIC support [Enabled]

APM Conguration
Hardware Monitor

Select the ACPI state
used for System
Suspend.

2-34 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.5.4 APM Conguration

APM Conguration

Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off]

Power On By PCI (-E) Device [Disabled]
Power On By Ring [Disabled]
Power On By PS/2 KB/MS [Disabled]
Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled]

Restore on AC Power Loss [Power 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.

Conguration options: [Power Off] [Power On]

Power On By PCI Device (-E) [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. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Power On By Ring [Disabled]

Enable or disable RI to generate a wake event. Conguration options: [Disabled]

[Enabled]

Power On By PS/2 KB/MS [Disabled]

Enable or disable PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse to generate a wake event.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable RTC to generate a wake event. When this item is
set to Enabled, the items RTC Alarm Date, RTC Alarm Hour, RTC Alarm Minute,

and RTC Alarm Second appear with set values. Conguration options: [Disabled]

[Enabled]

Options

Power Off
Power On

ASUS M2N68-AM 2-35

2.5.5 Hardware Monitor

Hardware Monitor

CPU Temperature [39ºC/102ºF]

MB Temperature [34ºC/93ºF]

CPU Fan Speed [3245RPM]

VCORE Voltage [ 1.392V]

3.3V Voltage [ 3.312V]
5V Voltage [ 5.068V]
12V Voltage [12.038V]

Smart Q-FAN Function [Disabled]

CPU Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]
MB Temperature [xxxºC/xxxºF]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the motherboard
and CPU temperatures. Select Ignored if you do not wish to display the detected
temperatures.

CPU Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored]

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU
fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the

motherboard, the eld shows N/A. Select Ignored if you do not wish to display the

detected speed.

CPU Temperature

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

VCORE Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage

The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through
the onboard voltage regulators.

Smart Q-Fan Function [Disabled]

Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Q-Fan feature that smartly adjusts the

fan speeds for more efcient system operation. Conguration options: [Disabled]

[Enabled]

2-36 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.6 Boot menu

The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item
then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu.

Species the Boot
Device Priority
sequence.

A virtual oopy disk
drive (Floppy Drive
B:) may appear when
you set the CD-ROM
drive as the rst
boot device.

Boot Settings

Boot Device Priority

Boot Settings Conguration
Security

2.6.1 Boot Device Priority

Boot Device Priority

1st Boot Device [1st FLOPPY DRIVE]

2nd Boot Device [Hard Drive]
3rd Boot Device [ATAPI CD-ROM]

1st ~ xxth Boot Device [1st Floppy Drive]

These items specify the boot device priority sequence from the available devices.
The number of device items that appears on the screen depends on the number

of devices installed in the system. Conguration options: [xxth Drive] [Hard Drive]

[ATAPI CD-ROM ] [Disabled]

Species the boot
sequence from the
available devices.

A device enclosed in

v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

ASUS M2N68-AM 2-37

2.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration

Boot Settings Conguration

Quick Boot [Enabled]

Full Screen Logo [Enabled]
AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS]
Bootup Num-Lock [On]
PS/2 Mouse Support [Auto]
Wait For ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]
Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]
Interrupt 19 Capture [Disabled]

Allows BIOS to skip
certain tests while
booting. This will
decrease the time
needed to boot the
system.

Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo 2™ feature.

Quick Boot [Enabled]

Enabling this item allows the BIOS to skip some power on self tests (POST) while
booting to decrease the time needed to boot the system. When set to [Disabled],
BIOS performs all the POST items.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Full Screen Logo [Enabled]

This allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Add On ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS]

Sets the display mode for option ROM. Conguration options: [Force BIOS] [Keep

Current]

Bootup Num-Lock [On]

Allows you to select the power-on state for the NumLock.

Conguration options: [Off] [On]

PS/2 Mouse Support [Auto]

Allows you to enable or disable support for PS/2 mouse.
Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]

Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled]

When set to Enabled, the system waits for the F1 key to be pressed when error

occurs. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2-38 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.6.3 Security

The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select

an item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options.

Security Settings

Supervisor Password : Not Installed
User Password : Not Installed

Change Supervisor Password

Change User Passward

<Enter> to change
password.
<Enter> again to
disabled password.

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 <Enter>.

2. From the password box, type a password composed of at least six letters and/or

numbers, then press <Enter>.

3. Conrm the password when prompted.

The message “Password Installed” appears after you successfully set your
password.

To change the supervisor password, follow the same steps as in setting a user
password.

To clear the supervisor password, select the Change Supervisor Password then
press <Enter>. The message “Password Uninstalled” appears.

If you forget your BIOS password, you can clear clear it by erasing the CMOS
Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM. See section “1.9 Jumper” for information on how
to erase the RTC RAM.

Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled]

When set to Enabled, the system displays the message “Press DEL to run Setup”

during POST. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Interrupt 19 Capture [Disabled]

When set to [Enabled], this function allows the option ROMs to trap Interrupt 19.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

ASUS M2N68-AM 2-39

User Access Level [Full Access]

This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items.

Conguration options: [No Access] [View Only] [Limited] [Full Access]

No Access prevents user access to the Setup utility.

View Only allows access but does not allow change to any eld.

Limited allows changes only to selected elds, such as Date and Time.

Full Access allows viewing and changing all the elds in the Setup utility.

Change User Password

Select this item to set or change the user password. The User Password item on
top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this
item shows Installed.

To set a User Password:

1. Select the Change User Password item and press <Enter>.

2. On the password box that appears, type a password composed of at least six
letters and/or numbers, then press <Enter>.

3. Conrm the password when prompted.

The message “Password Installed” appears after you set your password
successfully.

To change the user password, follow the same steps as in setting a user password.

Clear User Password

Select this item to clear the user password.

Security Settings

Supervisor Password : Not Installed
User Password : Not Installed

Change Supervisor Password
User Access Level [Full Access]
Change User Password
Clear User Password
Password Check [Setup]

After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to
change other security settings.

2-40 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.7 Tools menu

ASUS EZ Flash 2

AI NET 2

2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2

Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Ok>, a conrmation
message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No],
then press <Ok> to conrm your choice.

ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.06

Current ROM

Update ROM

A:

Note

[Enter] Select or Load [B] Backup [Esc] Exit

[Tab] Switch [Up/Down/Home/End] Move

FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L8005

PATH: A:\

BOARD: M2N68-AM
VER: 0303
DATE: 07/28/08

BOARD: Unknown
VER: Unknown
DATE: Unknown

Press ENTER to run
the utility to select
and update BIOS.
This utility doesn’t
support:

1. NTFS format

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. Conguration options: [Setup] [Always]

ASUS M2N68-AM 2-41

2.7.2 AI NET 2

AI NET 2
Pair Status Length

Check Realtek Phy LAN cable [Disabled]

Check Realtek Phy
LAN cable during
POST.

BIOS SETUP UTILITY

Tools

Check Realtek Phy LAN cable [Disabled]

Allows you enable or disable checking Realtek Phy LAN cable during POST.

Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

2-42 Chapter 2: BIOS setup

Exit & Discard Changes

Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you made to

the Setup program. If you made changes to elds other than System Date, System
Time, and Password, the BIOS asks for a conrmation before exiting.

Discard Changes

This option allows you to discard the selections you made and restore the

previously saved values. After selecting this option, a conrmation appears. Select

OK to discard any changes and load the previously saved values.

Load Setup Defaults

This option allows you to load the default values for each of the parameters on the

Setup menus. When you select this option or if you press <F5>, a conrmation

window appears. Select OK to load default values. Select Exit & Save Changes
or make other changes before saving the values to the non-volatile RAM.

If you attempt to exit the Setup program without saving your changes, the
program prompts you with a message asking if you want to save your changes
before exiting. Press <Enter> to save the changes while exiting.

2.8 Exit menu

Pressing <Esc> does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options

from this menu or <F10> from the legend bar to exit.

The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the
BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items.

Exit Options

Exit & Save Changes

Exit & Discard Changes
Discard Changes

Load Setup Defaults

Exit system setup
after saving the
changes.

F10 key can be used
for this operaton.

Exit & Save Changes

Once you are nished making your selections, choose this option from the Exit

menu to ensure the values you selected are saved to the CMOS RAM. An onboard
backup battery sustains the CMOS RAM so it stays on even when the PC is turned
off. When you select this option, a conrmation window appears. Select OK to save
changes and exit.

3

Software

support

This chapter describes the contents of
the support DVD that comes with the
motherboard package.

3-2 Chapter 3: Software support

3.1 Installing an operating system

This motherboard supports Windows® 32-bit XP / 32-bit Vista / 64-bit XP /
64-bit 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. Use the setup
procedures presented in this chapter for reference only. Refer to your OS
documentation for detailed information.

• Ensure that you install the Windows® XP Service Pack 2 or later versions

before installing the drivers for better compatibility and system stability.

• NVIDIA GeFore 7050PV/nForce 630a chipset drivers package from v1417
and later version, does not support Windows 2000 operating system
(OS); hence, ASUS support DVD v406.02 and later version, cannot
support Windows 2000 OS. If you want to use Windows 2000 OS on this

motherboard, download the older version driver package from the ASUS

website: http://support.asus.com/download/download.aspx?Language=en­us&model=M2N-VM%20HDMI&type=drivers.

3.2 Support DVD information

The support DVD that came with the motherboard package contai ns the drivers,
software applications, and utilities that you can install to avail all motherboard
features.

The contents of the support DVD are subject to change at any time without
notice. Visit the ASUS website(www.asus.com) for updates.

Click an item to install

3.2.1 Running the support DVD

Place the support DVD to the optical drive. The DVD automatically displays the
Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer.

Click an icon to
display support DVD/
motherboard information

3-3ASUS M2N68-AM

ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Anti-Virus and Drivers Utility

Launches the ASUS InstallAll driver installation wizard.

Norton Internet Security 2008

Installs the Norton Internet Security 2008.

AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Driver

Installs the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet driver.

RealTek Audio Driver

Installs the RealTek Audio Driver.

Nvidia nForce Chipset Driver

Installs the Nvidia nForce chipset driver.

The screen display and driver options may vary depending on the operating
system version.

3.2.2 Drivers menu

The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed
devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices.

If Autorun is NOT enabled in your computer, browse the contents of the support

DVD to locate the le ASSETUP.EXE from the BIN folder. Double-click the

ASSETUP.EXE to run the DVD.

3-4 Chapter 3: Software support

3.2.3 Utilities menu

The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard
supports.

ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Utilities

Launches the ASUS InstallAll utilities installation wizard.

ASUS Cool ‘n’ Quiet Utility

This item installs the ASUS Cool ‘n’ Quiet utility.

ASUS Update

The ASUS Update utility allows you to update the motherboard BIOS in a
Windows® environment. This utility requires an Internet connection either through a
network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

ASUS PC Probe II

This smart utility monitors the fan speed, CPU temperature, and system voltages,
and alerts you of any detected problems. This utility helps you keep your computer
in healthy operating condition.

Adobe Acrobat Reader 8

Installs the Adobe® Acrobat® Reader V8.0 that allows you to open, view, and print
documents in Portable Document Format (PDF).

Ulead Burn. Now

Installs the Ulead Burn.Now.

3-5ASUS M2N68-AM

Ulead PhotoImpact 12 SE

Installs the Ulead PhotoImpact 12 SE.

CyberLink PowerBackup

Installs the CyberLink PowerBackup.

WinZip 11

Installs the WinZip 11.

Microsoft DirectX 9.0c

Installs the Microsoft® DirectX 9.0c driver. The Microsoft DirectX® 9.0c is a
multimedia technology that enhances computer graphics and sound. DirectX®
improves the multimedia features of you computer so you can enjoy watching
TV and movies, capturing videos, or playing games in your computer. Visit the
Microsoft website (www.microsoft.com) for updates.

3-6 Chapter 3: Software support

3.2.4 Make Disk menu

The Make Disk menu allows you to make a RAID driver disk.

NVIDIA 32bit XP/Vista AHCI Driver

Allows you to create the NVIDIA AHCI Driver disk for Windows® 32-bit XP/Vista
Operationg System (OS).

NVIDIA 64bit XP/Vista AHCI Driver

Allows you to create the NVIDIA AHCI Driver disk for Windows® 64-bit XP/Vista OS.

NVIDIA 32bit XP SATA RAID Driver

Allows you to create the NVIDIA SATA RAID Driver disk for Windows® 32-bit XP
OS.

NVIDIA 64bit XP SATA RAID Driver

Allows you to create the NVIDIA SATA RAID Driver disk for Windows® 64-bit XP
OS.

3-7ASUS M2N68-AM

3.2.5 Manual menu

The Manual menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to
open the folder of the user manual.

3.2.6 ASUS Contact information

Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can also nd

this information on the inside front cover of this user guide.

Most user manual les are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the

Adobe® Acrobat® Reader from the Utilities menu before opening a user manual

le.

3-8 Chapter 3: Software support

Browse this DVD

Displays the support DVD contents in graphical format.

3.2.7 Other information

The icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the
motherboard and the contents of the support DVD. Click an icon to display the

specied information.

Motherboard Info

Displays the general specications of the motherboard.

3-9ASUS M2N68-AM

Technical support Form

Displays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to ll out when

requesting technical support.

Filelist

Displays the contents of the support DVD and a brief description of each in text
format.

3-10 Chapter 3: Software support