This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits of 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 the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. There is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation.
The vendor makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents
here and specially disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness
for any purpose. Further the vendor reserves the right to revise this publication
and to make changes to the contents here without obligation to notify any party
beforehand.
Duplication of this publication, in part or in whole, is not allowed without first
obtaining the vendor’s approval in writing.
The content of this user’s manual is subject to be changed without notice and we
will not be responsible for any mistakes found in this user’s manual. All the brand
and product names are trademarks of their respective companies.
Dichiarazione di conformità
sintetica
Ai sensi dell’art. 2 comma 3 del D.M.
275 del 30/10/2002
Si dichiara che questo prodotto è
conforme alle normative vigenti e
soddisfa i requisiti essenziali richiesti
dalle direttive
2004/108/CE, 2006/95/CE e
1999/05/CE
quando ad esso applicabili
Short Declaration of conformity
We declare this product is complying
with the laws in force and meeting all
the essential requirements as specified
by the directives
Thank you for choosing our product. Before you start installing the
motherboard, please make sure you follow the instructions below:
Prepare a dry and stable working environment with sufficient
lighting.
Always disconnect the computer from power outlet before
operation.
Before you take the motherboard out from anti-static bag,
ground yourself properly by touching any safely grounded
appliance, or use grounded wrist strap to remove the static
charge.
Avoid touching the components on motherboard or the rear
side of the board unless necessary. Hold the board on the
edge, do not try to bend or flex the board.
Do not leave any unfastened small parts inside the case after
installation. Loose parts will cause short circuits which may
damage the equipment.
Keep the computer from dangerous area, such as heat
source, humid air and water.
The operating temperatures of the computer should be 0 to
45 degrees Celsius.
To avoid injury, be careful of:
Sharp pins on headers and connectors
Rough edges and sharp corners on the chassis
Damage to wires that could cause a short circuit
1.2 Package Checklist
; Serial ATA Cable x2
; Rear I/O Panel for ATX Case x1
; Installation Guide x1
; Fully Setup Driver DVD x1
Note: The package contents may be different due to the sales region or models in which it was sold.
For more information about the standard package in your region, please contact your dealer or sales
representative.
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Motherboard Manual
1.3 Motherboard Specifications
Specifications
A68N-5200: A6-5200 (Quad core 2.0GHz, 25W)
CPU Support
Memory
Storage 2x SATA 6Gb/s Connector, Supports Native IDE, AHCI Mode
LAN
Audio Codec ALC662, 5.1 Channels, High Definition Audio
USB
Expansion Slots 1x PCIe 2.0 x16 Slot (x4)
Rear I/Os
Internal I/Os
Form Factor mini-ITX Form Factor, 170 mm x 170 mm
OS Support
2
A68N-5000: A4-5000 (Quad core 1.5GHz, 15W)
A68N-3800: E2-3800 (Quad core 1.3 GHz, 15W)
A68N-2100: E1-2100 (Dual core 1.0 GHz, 9W)
Supports Single Channel DDR3 800/1066/1333/1600
(*A68N-2100 is only for DDR3 800/1066/1333)
2 x DDR3 DIMM Memory Slot, Max. Supports up to 16 GB Memory
Each DIMM supports non-ECC 512MB/ 1/ 2/ 4/ 8 GB DDR3 module
* Please refer to www.biostar.com.tw
Realtek RTL 8111G
10/ 100/ 1000 Mb/s auto negotiation, Half / Full duplex capability
2x USB 3.0 port (2 on rear I/Os)
6x USB 2.0 port (2 on rear I/Os and 4 via internal headers)
1x PS/2 Mouse
1x PS/2 Keyboard
1x HDMI Port
1x VGA Port
1x LAN port
2x USB 2.0 Port
2x USB 3.0 Port
3x Audio Jack
2x SATA 6.0Gb/s Connector
2x USB 2.0 Header (each header supports 2 USB 2.0 ports)
1x 4-Pin Power Connector
1x 24-Pin Power Connector
1x CPU Fan Connector
1x System Fan Connector
1x Front Panel Header
1x Front Audio Header
1x Clear CMOS Header
1x Printer Port Header
1x Serial Port Header
1x S/PDIF out Connector
Windows XP / 7 / 8 / 8.1
Biostar reserves the right to add or remove support for any OS with or without
notice.
for Memory support list.
A68N-5200/A68N-5000/A68N-3800/A68N-2100
1.4 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The motherboard is equipped with an onboard AMD procrssor and a CPU cooler.
Note 1: Since the audio chip supports High Definition Audio Specification, the function of
each audio jack can be defined by software. The input / output function of each audio jack
listed above represents the default setting. However, when connecting external microphone
to the audio port, please use the Line In (Blue) and Mic In (Pink) audio jack.
Note 2: Maximum resolution:
HDMI: 1920 x 1080 @60Hz
VGA: 1920 x 1200 @60Hz
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Motherboard Manual
1.6 Motherboard Layout
Note: ■ represents the 1st pin.
4
A68N-5200/A68N-5000/A68N-3800/A68N-2100
CHAPTER 2: HARDWARE INSTALLATION
2.1 Connect Cooling Fans
These fan headers support cooling-fans built in the computer. The fan cable and
connector may be different according to the fan manufacturer. Connect the fan
cable to the connector while matching the black wire to pin#1.
CPU_FAN: CPU Fan Header
PinAssignment
1Ground
2+12V
3
FAN RPM rate sense
SYS_FAN: System Fan Header
PinAssignment
1Ground
2+12V
3
FAN RPM rate sense
Note: CPU_FAN, SYS_FAN support 4-pin and 3-pin head connectors. When connecting
with wires onto connectors, please note that the red wire is the positive and should be
connected to pin#2, and the black wire is Ground and should be connected to GND.
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Motherboard Manual
2.2 Install System Memory
A. DDR3 Modules
Step 1: Unlock a DIMM slot by pressing the retaining clips outward. Align a DIMM
on the slot such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the slot.
Step 2: Insert the DIMM vertically and firmly into the slot until the retaining clips
snap back in place and the DIMM is properly seated.
Note1: If the DIMM does not go in smoothly, do not force it. Pull it all the way out and try again.
Note2: When two double-sided DDR3 1600 DIMMs are both installed to the slots, the memory
- Data transfer bandwidth up to 2GB/s per direction; 4GB/s in total.
Install an Expansion Card
You can install your expansion card by following steps:
1. Read the related expansion card's instruction document before
install the expansion card into the computer.
2. Remove your computer's chassis cover, screws and slot bracket
from the computer.
3. Place a card in the expansion slot and press down on the card until it
is completely seated in the slot.
4. Secure the card’s metal bracket to the chassis back panel with a
screw.
5. Replace your computer's chassis cover.
6. Power on the computer, if necessary, change BIOS settings for the
expansion card.
7. Install related driver for the expansion card.
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Motherboard Manual
2.4 Jumper Setting
The illustration shows how to set up jumpers. When the jumper cap is placed on
pins, the jumper is “close”, if not, that means the jumper is “open”.
Pin opened Pin closed Pin1-2 closed
JCMOS: Clear CMOS Header
Placing the jumper on pin2-3, it allows user to restore the BIOS safe setting and
the CMOS data. Please carefully follow the procedures to avoid damaging the
motherboard.
Pin 1-2 Close:
Normal Operation (default).
Pin 2-3 Close:
Clear CMOS data.
31
31
※ Clear CMOS Procedures:
1. Remove AC power line.
2. Set the jumper to “Pin 2-3 close”.
3. Wait for five seconds.
4. Set the jumper to “Pin 1-2 close”.
5. Power on the AC.
6. Load Optimal Defaults and save settings in CMOS.
8
A68N-5200/A68N-5000/A68N-3800/A68N-2100
2.5 Headers & Connectors
ATXPWR1: ATX Power Source Connector
For better compatibility, we recommend to use a standard ATX 24-pin power
supply for this connector. Make sure to find the correct orientation before
plugging the connector.
This connector will provide +12V to CPU power circuit.
Pin Assignment
1 +12V
2 +12V
3 Ground
4 Ground
Note1: Before you power on the system, please make sure that both ATXPWR1 and
ATXPWR2 connectors have been plugged-in.
Note2: Insufficient power supplied to the system may result in instability or the peripherals
not functioning properly. Use of a PSU with a higher power output is recommended when
configuring a system with more power-consuming devices.
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Motherboard Manual
PANEL: Front Panel Header
This 16-pin connector includes Power-on, Reset, HDD LED, Power LED, and
speaker connection. It allows user to connect the PC case’s front panel switch
functions.
PinAssignment Function PinAssignment Function
1+5V 9 N/A
2N/A 10N/A
3N/A 11N/A N/A
4Speaker
5HDD LED (+) 13Power LED (+)
6HDD LED (-)
7Ground 15Power button
8Reset control
Speaker
Connector
Hard drive LED
Reset button
12Power LED (+)
14Power LED (-)
16Ground
SATA1~SATA2: Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s Connectors
These connectors connect to SATA hard disk drives via SATA cables and with
transfer rate upto 6 Gb/s.
N/A
Power LED
Power-on button
Pin Assignment
1 Ground
2 TX+
3 TX4 Ground
5 RX6 RX+
7 Ground
10
A68N-5200/A68N-5000/A68N-3800/A68N-2100
F_USB1/F_USB2: Headers for USB 2.0 Ports at Front Panel
This header allows user to connect additional USB cable on the PC front panel,
and also can be connected with a wide range of simultaneously accessible
external Plug and Play peripherals.
This header allows user to connect the front audio output cable with the PC front
panel. This header supports HD and AC’97 audio front panel connector.
HD Audio AC’97
Pin Assignment Pin Assignment
1 Mic Left in 1 Mic In
2 Ground 2 Ground
3 Mic Right in 3 Mic Power
4 GPIO 4 Audio Power
5 Right line in 5 RT Line Out
6 Jack Sense 6 RT Line Out
7 Front Sense 7 Reserved
8 Key 8 Key
9 Left line in 9 LFT Line Out
10 Jack Sense 10 LFT Line Out
Note1: It is recommended that you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to
this connector to avail of the motherboard's high definition audio capability.
Note2: Please try to disable the "Front Panel Jack Detection" if you want to use an
AC'97 front audio output cable. The function can be found via O.S. Audio Utility.
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Motherboard Manual
y
JSPDIFOUT1: Digital Audio-out Connectors
The JSPDIFOUT1 is for connecting the PCI bracket SPDIF output.
COM: Serial Port Connector
The motherboard has a Serial Port Connector for connecting RS-232 Port.
PinAssignment
1 +5V
2 SPDIF_OUT
3 Ground
PinAssignment
1Carrier detect
2Received data
3Transmitted data
4Data terminal ready
5Signal ground
6Data set read
7 Request to send
8 Clear to send
9 Ring indicator
10Key
12
A68N-5200/A68N-5000/A68N-3800/A68N-2100
PRINT: Printer Port Connector
This header allows you to connector printer on the PC.
Pin Assignment Pin Assignment
1 -Strobe 14 Ground
2 -ALF 15 Data 6
3 Data 0 16 Ground
4 -Error 17 Data 7
5 Data 1 18 Ground
6 -Init 19 -ACK
7 Data 2 20 Ground
8 -Scltin 21 Busy
9 Data 3 22 Ground
10 Ground 23 PE
11 Data 4 24 Ground
12 Ground 25 SCLT
13 Data 5 26 Key
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Motherboard Manual
CHAPTER 3: UEFI BIOS & SOFTWARE
3.1 UEFI BIOS Setup
zThe BIOS Setup program can be used to view and change the BIOS
settings for the computer. The BIOS Setup program is accessed by pressing
the <DEL> key after the Power-On Self-Test (POST) memory test begins
and before the operating system boot begins.
zFor further information of setting up the UEFI BIOS, please refer to the UEFI
BIOS Manual in the Setup DVD.
3.2 BIOS Update
The BIOS can be updated using either of the following utilities:
zBIOSTAR BIOS Flasher: Using this utility, the BIOS can be updated from a
file on a hard disk, a USB drive (a flash drive or a USB hard drive), or a
CD-ROM.
zBIOSTAR BIOS Update Utility: It enables automated updating while in the
Windows environment. Using this utility, the BIOS can be updated from a file
on a hard disk, a USB drive (a flash drive or a USB hard drive), or a
CD-ROM, or from the file location on the Web.
BIOSTAR BIOS Flasher
BIOSTAR BIOS Flasher is a BIOS flashing utility providing you an easy and simple
way to update your BIOS via USB pen drive.
Note1: This utility only allows storage device with FAT32/16 format and single partition.
Note2: Shutting down or resetting the system while updating the BIOS will lead to system boot
failure.
Updating BIOS with BIOSTAR BIOS Flasher
1. Go to the website to download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard.
2. Then, copy and save the BIOS file into a USB flash (pen) drive.
3. Insert the USB pen drive that contains the BIOS file to the USB port.
4. Power on or reset the computer and then press <F12> during the POST process.
5. After entering the POST screen,
the BIOS-FLASHER utility pops
out. Choose [fs0] to search for the
BIOS file.
14
A68N-5200/A68N-5000/A68N-3800/A68N-2100
6. Select the proper BIOS file, and a
message asking if you are sure to
flash the BIOS file. Click Yes to
start updating BIOS.
7. A dialog pops out after BIOS flash
is completed, asking you to restart
the system. Press the [Y] key to
restart system.
8. While the system boots up and the full screen logo shows up, press <DEL> key to
enter BIOS setup.
After entering the BIOS setup, please go to the Save & Exit, using the Restore
Defaults function to load Optimized Defaults, and select Save Changes and
Reset to restart the computer. Then, the BIOS Update is completed.
BIOS Update Utility (through the Internet)
1. Installing BIOS Update Utility from the DVD Driver.
2. Please make sure the system is connected to the internet before using this
function.
3. Launch BIOS Update Utility and
click the Online Update button on
the main screen.
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Motherboard Manual
4. An open dialog will show up to
request your agreement to start the
BIOS update. Click Yes to start the
online update procedure.
5. If there is a new BIOS version, the
utility will ask you to download it.
Click Yes to proceed.
6. After the download is completed,
you will be asked to program
(update) the BIOS or not. Click Yes
to proceed.
7. After the updating process is
finished, you will be asked you to
reboot the system. Click OK to
reboot.
8. While the system boots up and the full screen logo shows up, press <DEL> key
to enter BIOS setup.
After entering the BIOS setup, please go to the Save & Exit, using the Restore
Defaults function to load Optimized Defaults, and select Save Changes and
Reset to restart the computer. Then, the BIOS Update is completed.
BIOS Update Utility (through a BIOS file)
1. Installing BIOS Update Utility from the DVD Driver.
2. Download the proper BIOS from http://www.biostar.com.tw/
3. Launch BIOS Update Utility and
click the Update BIOS button on
the main screen.
16
A68N-5200/A68N-5000/A68N-3800/A68N-2100
4. A warning message will show up
to request your agreement to start
the BIOS update. Click OK to start
the update procedure.
5. Choose the location for your BIOS
file in the system. Please select
the proper BIOS file, and then
click on Open. It will take several
minutes, please be patient.
6. After the BIOS Update process is
finished, click on OK to reboot the
system.
7. While the system boots up and the full screen logo shows up, press <DEL> key
to enter BIOS setup.
After entering the BIOS setup, please go to the Save & Exit, using the Restore
Defaults function to load Optimized Defaults, and select Save Changes and
Reset to restart the computer. Then, the BIOS Update is completed.
Backup BIOS
Click the Backup BIOS button on
the main screen for the backup of
BIOS, and select a proper location
for your backup BIOS file in the
system, and click Save.
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Motherboard Manual
3.3 Software
Installing Software
1. Insert the Setup DVD to the optical drive. The driver installation program would
appear if the Auto-run function has been enabled.
2. Select Software Installation, and then click on the respective software title.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Launching Software
After the installation process is completed, you will see the software icon showing on
the desktop. Double-click the icon to launch it.
Note1: All the information and content about following software are subject to be changed without
notice. For better performance, the software is being continuously updated.
Note2: The information and pictures described below are for your reference only. The actual
information and settings on board may be slightly different from this manual.
BIOScreen Utility
This utility allows you to personalize your boot logo easily. You can choose BMP as
your boot logo so as to customize your computer.
Please follow the step-by-step instructions below to update boot logo:
z Load Image:Choose the picture as the boot logo.
z Transform:Transform the picture for BIOS and preview the result.
z Update Bios:Write the picture to BIOS Memory to complete the update.
18
A68N-5200/A68N-5000/A68N-3800/A68N-2100
eHot-Line
eHot-Line is a convenient utility that helps you to contact with our Tech-Support system.
This utility will collect the system information which is useful for analyzing the problem you
may have encountered, and then send these information to our tech-support department
to help you fix the problem.
Note: Before you use this utility, please set Outlook Express as your default e-mail client
application program.
represents important
*
in forma tion t hat you
must provide. Without
this information, you may
not be able to send out
the mail.
This block will show
the information which
wou ld be co llec ted in
the mail.
Send the mail out.
Describe condition
*
of your system.
Save these information to a .txt file
Exit this dialog.
Select your area or
*
the area close to you.
Pro vide t he e-mail
address that you would
like to send the copy to.
Pro vide t he name of
*
the memory module
manufactur er.
Pro vide t he name of
the power supply
manufacturer and the
model no.
After filling up this information, click
“Send” to send the mail out. A
warning dialog would appear asking
for your confirmation; click “Send” to
confirm or “Do Not Send” to cancel.
If you want to save this information to
a .txt file, click “Save As…” and then
you will see a saving dialog appears
asking you to enter file name.
19
Motherboard Manual
Enter the file name and then click
“Save”. Your system information will be
saved to a .txt file.
Open the saved .txt file, you will see
your system information including
motherboard/BIOS/CPU/video/
device/OS information. This
information is also concluded in the
sent mail.
Note1: We will not share customer’s data with any other third parties, so please feel free to provide
your system information while using eHot-Line service.
Note2: If you are not using Outlook Express as your default e-mail client application, you may need
to save the system information to a .txt file and send the file to our tech support with other e-mail
application. Go to the following website http://www.biostar.com.tw/app/en/about/contact.php for
getting our contact information.
20
A68N-5200/A68N-5000/A68N-3800/A68N-2100
CHAPTER 4: USEFUL HELP
4.1 Driver Installation
After you installed your operating system, please insert the Fully Setup Driver
DVD into your optical drive and install the driver for better system performance.
You will see the following window after you insert the DVD
The setup guide will auto detect your motherboard and operating system.
Note: If this window didn’t show up after you insert the Driver DVD, please use file browser
to locate and execute the file SETUP.EXE under your optical drive.
A. Driver Installation
To install the driver, please click on the Driver icon. The setup guide will list the
compatible driver for your motherboard and operating system. Click on each
device driver to launch the installation program.
B. Software Installation
To install the software, please click on the Software icon. The setup guide will list
the software available for your system, click on each software title to launch the
installation program.
C. Manual
Aside from the paperback manual, we also provide manual in the Driver DVD.
Click on the Manual icon to browse for available manual.
Note: You will need Acrobat Reader to open the manual file. Please download the latest
version of Acrobat Reader software from http://get.adobe.com/reader/
21
Motherboard Manual
4.2 Extra Information
CPU Overheated
If the system shutdown automatically after power on system for seconds, that
means the CPU protection function has been activated.
When the CPU is over heated, the motherboard will shutdown automatically to
avoid a damage of the CPU, and the system may not power on again.
In this case, please double check:
1. The CPU cooler surface is placed evenly with the CPU surface.
2. CPU fan is rotated normally.
3. CPU fan speed is fulfilling with the CPU speed.
After confirmed, please follow steps below to relief the CPU protection
function.
1. Remove the power cord from power supply for seconds.
2. Wait for seconds.
3. Plug in the power cord and boot up the system.
Or you can:
1. Clear the CMOS data.
(See “Close CMOS Header: JCMOS1” section)
2. Wait for seconds.
3. Power on the system again.
22
A68N-5200/A68N-5000/A68N-3800/A68N-2100
4.2 AMI BIOS Beep Code
Boot Block Beep Codes
Number of Beeps Description
Continuing Memory sizing error or Memory module not found
POST BIOS Beep Codes
Number of Beeps Description
1 Success booting.
8 Display memory error (system video adapter)
4.3 Troubleshooting
Probable Solution
1. There is no power in the system. Power
LED does not shine; the fan of the
power supply does not work
2. Indicator light on keyboard does not
shine.
System is inoperative. Keyboard lights are
on, power indicator lights are lit, and hard
drives are running.
System does not boot from a hard disk drive,
but can be booted from optical drive.
System only boots from an optical drive.
Hard disks can be read, applications can be
used, but system fails to boot from a hard
disk.
Screen message shows “Invalid
Configuration” or “CMOS Failure.”
System cannot boot after user installs a
second hard drive.
1. Make sure power cable is securely
plugged in.
2. Replace cable.
3. Contact technical support.
Using even pressure on both ends of the
DIMM, press down firmly until the module
snaps into place.
1. Check cable running from disk to disk
controller board. Make sure both ends
are securely plugged in; check the
drive type in the standard CMOS
setup.
2. Backing up the hard drive is
extremely important. All hard disks
are capable of breaking down at any
time.
1. Back up data and applications files.
2. Reformat the hard drive. Re-install
applications and data using backup
disks.
Review system’s equipment. Make sure
correct information is in setup.
1. Set master/slave jumpers correctly.
2. Run SETUP program and select
correct drive types. Call the drive
manufacturers for compatibility with
other drives.
Supporte mémoire DDR3 single canal 800/1066/1333/1600
Banc de mémoire 2 x DDR3 DIMM, Supporte max. jusqu’à une mémoire de 16
GB
Chaque module DIMM supporte module DDR3 non-ECC 512MB/ 1/ 2/ 4/ 8 GB
* Veuillez vous reporter à www.biostar.com.tw
mémoire.
Realtek RTL 8111G
10/ 100/ 1000 Mb/s auto négociation, capacité bidirectionnelle à l'alternat /
bidirectionnelle simultanée
Port 2x USB 3.0 (2 sur les I/O arrières)
Port 6x USB 2.0 (2 sur les I/O arrières et 4 en interne)
1x PCIe 2.0 x16 Fente (x4)
1x PS/2 Clavier
1x PS/2 Souris
1x Port HDMI
1x Port VGA
1x port LAN
2x Port USB 2.0
2x Port USB 3.0
3x entrées audio
2x Connecteur SATA 6.0Gb/s
2x embases USB 2.0 (chaque embase supporte 2 Ports USB 2.0)
1x 4-Broche de carte
1x 24-Broche de carte
1x Connecteur ventilateur unité centrale
1x Connecteur ventilateur système
1x Fiche panneau avant
1x Fiche audio avant
1x Fiche mémoire CMOS vide
1x Embase port imprimante
1x Embase port série
1x Connecteur sortie S/PDIF
Facteur d'encombrement mini-ITX, 170 mm x 170 mm
Windows XP / 7 / 8 / 8.1
Biostar se réserve le droit d’ajouter ou d'enlever le support pour toute SE avec
ou sans préavis.
pour la liste des soutien de la
25
Motherboard Manual
German
Spezifikationen
A68N-5200: A6-5200 (Quad core 2.0GHz, 25W)
CPU-Unterstützun
g
Festplattenspeich
er
Arbeitsspeicher 2x SATA 6Gb-Verbindung, Unterstützt Ureinwohner IDE & AHCI Modus