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, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication 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 identication or explanation and to the
owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.
E4210
Second Edition V2
September 2008
iii
Contents
Notices ......................................................................................................... vi
Safety information ..................................................................................... vii
About this guide ....................................................................................... viii
M2N68-AM specications 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 congurations ..................................................
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 Conguring 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 Conguration 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 Conguration ..........................................................
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 Conguration ............................................
2-21
2.4.2 CPU Conguration ........................................................
2-24
2.4.3 Chipset ..........................................................................
2-25
2.4.4 Onboard Devices Conguration ....................................
2-29
2.4.5 PCI PnP ........................................................................
2-30
2.4.6 USB Conguration ........................................................
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 Conguration ..........................................................
-34
2.5.5 Hardware Monitor ...........................................................
-35
2.6 Boot menu ....................................................................................
-36
2.6.1 Boot Device Priority ........................................................
-36
2.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration ............................................
-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 modications
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 qualied
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 qualied
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 conguring
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 specications 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
Ofoad can support HD format 1920 x 1080p
• The suggested system conguration 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
conguration
- ATAPI support, AHCI mode
Supported OS Windows Vista/XP
High Denition Audio ALC662 High Denition 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 specications 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 Denition 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)
*Specications 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
conguration (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 specication. It allows RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10,
and JBOD congurations 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 efcient 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 predened
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
specications. 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 qualied 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 congurations
You may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR2
DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.
Recommended memory congurations
Mode
Sockets
DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1
Single-Channel
– Populated
Populated –
Dual-channel Populated Populated
ASUS M2N68-AM 1-15
Qualied 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 • •
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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 Inneon 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
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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 Inneon 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 • •
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