M2N68-AM PLUS
Motherboard
E4428
First Edition V1
January 2009
Copyright © 2009 ASUSTeK Computer Inc. All Rights Reserved.
No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (“ASUS”).
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing byASUS; 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 identification or explanation and to the owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.
ii
Contents
Notices.......................................................................................................... |
v |
Safety information....................................................................................... |
vi |
About this guide.......................................................................................... |
vi |
M2N68-AM PLUS specifications summary............................................. |
viii |
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 |
Before you proceed...................................................................... |
1-1 |
|
1.2 |
Motherboard overview................................................................. |
1-2 |
|
|
1.2.1 |
Motherboard layout .......................................................... |
1-2 |
|
1.2.2 |
Layout contents . .............................................................. |
1-2 |
1.3 |
Central Processing Unit (CPU).................................................... |
1-3 |
|
1.4 |
System memory............................................................................ |
1-3 |
|
|
1.4.1 |
Overview .......................................................................... |
1-3 |
|
1.4.2 |
Memory configurations . ................................................... |
1-3 |
1.5 |
Expansion slots............................................................................ |
1-6 |
|
|
1.5.1 |
Installing an expansion card ............................................ |
1-6 |
|
1.5.2 |
Configuring an expansion card ........................................ |
1-6 |
|
1.5.3 |
PCI slot ............................................................................ |
1-6 |
|
1.5.4 |
PCI Express x1 slot . ........................................................ |
1-6 |
|
1.5.5 |
PCI Express x16 slot . ...................................................... |
1-6 |
1.6 |
Jumpers |
......................................................................................... |
1-7 |
1.7 |
Connectors.................................................................................... |
1-8 |
|
|
1.7.1 .............................................................. |
Rear panel ports |
1-8 |
|
1.7.2 .......................................................... |
Internal connectors |
1-9 |
1.8 |
Software ........................................................................support |
1-15 |
|
|
1.8.1 ....................................... |
Installing an operating system |
1-15 |
|
1.8.2 ............................................... |
Support DVD information |
1-15 |
Chapter 2: BIOS information
2.1 |
Managing and updating your BIOS............................................. |
2-1 |
|
|
2.1.1 |
ASUS Update utility......................................................... |
2-1 |
|
2.1.2 |
ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility................................................... |
2-2 |
|
2.1.3 |
ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility....................................... |
2-3 |
2.2 |
BIOS setup program..................................................................... |
2-4 |
|
iii
Contents
2.3 |
Main menu..................................................................................... |
2-4 |
|
|
2.3.1 |
System Time.................................................................... |
2-4 |
|
2.3.2 |
System Date.................................................................... |
2-4 |
|
2.3.3 |
IDE Configuration............................................................ |
2-5 |
|
2.3.4 |
Primary IDE Master/Slave and SATA1~4....................... |
2-5 |
|
2.3.6 |
System Information.......................................................... |
2-6 |
2.4 |
Advanced menu............................................................................ |
2-6 |
|
|
2.4.1 |
JumperFree Configuration............................................... |
2-6 |
|
2.4.2 |
CPU Configuration........................................................... |
2-8 |
|
2.4.3 |
Chipset............................................................................ |
2-9 |
|
2.4.4 |
Onboard Devices Configuration.................................... |
2-10 |
|
2.4.5 |
PCI PnP......................................................................... |
2-10 |
|
2.4.6 |
USB Configuration......................................................... |
2-10 |
2.5 |
Power menu................................................................................ |
2-11 |
|
|
2.5.1 |
Suspend Mode............................................................... |
2-11 |
|
2.5.2 |
ACPI 2.0 Support............................................................ |
2-11 |
|
2.5.3 |
ACPIAPIC Support........................................................ |
2-11 |
|
2.5.4 |
APM Configuration........................................................ |
2-12 |
|
2.5.5 |
HW Monitor Configuration............................................. |
2-12 |
2.6 |
Boot menu................................................................................... |
2-13 |
|
|
2.6.1 |
Boot Device Priority....................................................... |
2-13 |
|
2.6.2 |
Boot Settings Configuration........................................... |
2-13 |
|
2.6.3 |
Security.......................................................................... |
2-14 |
2.7 |
Tools menu.................................................................................. |
2-15 |
|
|
2.7.1 |
ASUS EZ Flash 2.......................................................... |
2-15 |
|
2.7.2 |
AI NET 2........................................................................ |
2-15 |
2.8 |
Exit menu..................................................................................... |
2-15 |
|
iv
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.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
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.
DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been designed to enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical and electronic equipment) should not be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for disposal of electronic products.
DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste. This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not be placed in municipal waste.
Safety information
Electrical safety
•To prevent electric shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electric outlet before relocating the system.
•When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.
•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 fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified 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 flat and stable surface.
•If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified service technician or your retailer.
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This guide contains the following parts:
•Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports.
•Chapter 2: BIOS information
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
vi
Conventions used in this guide
To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual.
DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task.
CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.
Where to find more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates.
1.ASUS websites
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products.
2.Optional documentation
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the standard package.
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[filename] |
|
afudos /iM2N68AMP.ROM |
vii
M2N68-AM PLUS specifications summary
CPU |
AMD® SocketAM2+ /AM2 forAMD Phenom™ II / Phenom™ / |
|
Athlon™ FX /Athlon™ 64 / Sempron™ processor |
|
AMD64 architecture enables simultaneous 32-bit |
|
and 64-bit computing |
|
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology |
|
* Refer to www.asus.com for AMD CPU support list |
Chipset
System bus
Memory
Expansion slots
GeForce 7025 / NVIDIAnForce 630a
2000 / 1600 MT/s
Dual-channel memory architecture
2 x 240-pin DIMM slots support unbuffered ECC and non-ECC DDR2 1066/800/667MHz
Supports up to 4GB system memory
* Due toAM2+ CPU limitation, only one DDR2 1066 DIMM is supported per channel. When two DDR2 1066 DIMMs are installed, all DIMMs run at 800MHz frequency by default for system stability.
** Refer to www.asus.com or user manual for Memory QVL
(Qualified Vendors List)
*** Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows OS, when you install 4GB or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can be about 3GB
or less. For effective use of memory, we recommend that you install a 64-bit Windows OS when having 4GB or more memory installed on the motherboard.
1 x PCI Express™ x16 slot
1 x PCI Express™ x1 slot
2 x PCI slots
Storage / RAID
Audio
1 x UltraDMA133/100
4 x SerialATA3Gb/s connectors
Supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10, RAID 5 (only for Vista OS)
ALC662 High DefinitionAudio 6-channel CODEC
Supports Vista Premium, Multistreaming Technologies.
USB |
Supports up to 10 USB 2.0 ports (6 ports at mid-board, |
|
|
4 ports at the back panel) |
|
LAN |
Gigabit LAN |
|
Back panel I/O |
1 x PS/2 Keyboard port |
|
ports |
1 x Mouse port |
|
|
1 x VGA port |
|
|
1 x RJ45 port |
|
|
1 x COM port |
|
|
1 x LPT port |
|
|
4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports |
|
|
6-channelAudio I/O ports |
|
|
(continued on the next page) |
|
viii
M2N68-AM PLUS specifications summary
Internal I/O connectors
Graphics
ASUS special features
ASUS Overclocking features
BIOS
Accessories
Form Factor
Support DVD
3 x USB 2.0 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0/1.1 ports
1 x IDE connector
4 x SATA connectors
1 x front panel audio connector
1 x system panel connector
1 x CD audio-in connector
1 x S/PDIF out connector
1 x Internal speaker connector
1 x CPU fan connector
24-pinATX power connector
4-pinATX 12V power connector
Integrated Programmable Shader model3.0 DirectX 9 graphics processor
Supports maximum shared memory up to 256MB
Supports RGB with max. resolution up to 1920 x 1440 @75Hz * We recommend system configuration when playing HD-DVD and Blu-ray Disc: DDR 800 1GB x 2 /Althlon 64 x 2 4400+ / Graphich shared memory 256MB / Purevideo HD support
ASUS Q-Fan
ASUS CrashFree BIOS3
ASUS EZ Flash2
ASUS MyLogo2
ASUSAI NET2
SFS (Stepless Frequency Selection):
- HT turning from 200MHz to 300MHz at 1MHz increment - Memory turning from 533 MHz to 1066 MHz
- PCIe frequency turning from 100 MHz up to 150 MHz at 1 MHz increment
Overclocking protection
- ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
8Mb Flash ROM,AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0,ACPI2.0,
SMBIOS 2.5
User manual
1 x Serial ATA cable
1 x UltraDMA133/100/66 cable
1 x I/O shield
uATX Form factor: 9.6’’ x 8.2’’ (24.4cm x 20.8cm)
Drivers
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS LiveUpdate Utilitys
Anti-Virus software (OEM version)
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.
ix
Chapter 1
Product introduction
Thank you for buying an ASUS® M2N68-AM PLUS motherboard!
Before you start installing the motherboard, and hardware devices on it, check the items in your motherboard package. Refer to page ix for the list of accessories.
If any of the items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
1.1Before 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, or components.
Onboard LED
This 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 must 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1-1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chapter 1: Product introduction |
1.2Motherboard overview
1.2.1Motherboard layout
Ensure that you install the motherboard into the chassis in the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis.
Place this side towards the rear of the chassis.
Place six screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis. DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
1.2.2Layout contents
|
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots |
Page |
|
Connectors/Jumpers/Slots |
Page |
1. |
Keyboard/mouse power (3-pin KBPWR) |
1-8 |
9. |
USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56 USB78, |
1-11 |
|
|
|
|
and USB 910) |
|
2. |
USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW1-4 ,and5-8) |
1-7 |
10. |
Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) |
1-7 |
3. |
ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin |
1-12 |
11. |
Speaker connector (4-pin SPEAKER) |
1-12 |
|
ATX12V) |
|
|
|
|
4. |
CPU fan connector (4-pin CPU_FAN) |
1-11 |
12. |
Onboard LED |
1-1 |
5. |
AM2/AM2+ CPU socket |
1-3 |
13. |
System panel connector (10-1 pin PANEL) |
1-13 |
6. |
DDR2 DIMM slots |
1-3 |
14. |
Digital audio connector (4-1 pin |
1-14 |
|
|
|
|
SPDIF_OUT) |
|
7. |
Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1-4) |
1-9 |
15. |
Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD) |
1-10 |
8 |
IDE connector (40-pin PRI-EIDE) |
1-10 |
16. |
Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin |
1-13 |
|
|
|
|
AAFP) |
|
ASUS M2N68-AM PLUS |
1-2 |
1.3Central Processing Unit (CPU)
This motherboard comes with a 940-pinAMD® SocketAM2+ /AM2 forAMD Phenom™ II / Phenom™ /Athlon™ FX /Athlon™ 64 / Sempron™ processor.
TheAM2/AM2+ socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the AMD Opteron™ processor. Ensure that you use a CPU that is designed for theAM2/AM2+ socket. The CPU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU!
1.4System memory
1.4.1Overview
This motherboard comes with two Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets.ADDR2 DIMM 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 figure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Channel |
Sockets |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
Channel A |
DIMM_A1 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
Channel B |
DIMM_B1 |
|||||||||||||||||||
1.4.2Memory configurations
You may install 512MB, 1GB, and 2GB unbuffered ECC/non-ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the
DIMM sockets.
1-3 |
Chapter 1: Product introduction |
Loading...