ECS A68M-C4DL User Manual
A68M-C4DL USER MANUAL
Preface
Copyright
This publication, including all photographs, illustrations and software, is protected
under international copyright laws, with all rights reserved. Neither this manual, nor
any of the material contained herein, may be reproduced without written consent of
the author.
Version 1.0
Disclaimer
The information in this document is subject to change without notice. The manufacturer makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents hereof
and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for
any particular purpose. The manufacturer reserves the right to revise this publication and to make changes from time to time in the content hereof without obligation
of the manufacturer to notify any person of such revision or changes.
Trademark Recognition
Microsoft, MS-DOS and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
AMD, Phenom, Athlon, Sempron, Turion, and Duron are registered trademarks of AMD
Corporation.
Other product names used in this manual are the properties of their respective owners
and are acknowledged.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
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 the 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 the receiver
• Connect the equipment onto 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
Shielded interconnect cables and a shielded AC power cable must be employed with
this equipment to ensure compliance with the pertinent RF emission limits governing this device. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the system’s
manufacturer could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
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A68M-C4DL USER MANUAL
Declaration of Conformity
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference.
• This device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Canadian Department of Communications
This class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interferencecausing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Réglement
sur le matériel brouilieur du Canada.
The manual consists of the following:
Describes features of the
motherboard.
page 1
Describes installation of
motherboard components.
page 7
page 25
page 49
Installing the Motherboard
Introducing the Motherboard
Provides information on using the BIOS Setup Utility.
Describes the motherboard
software.
Limits and methods of mesurement of radio disturbance characteristics of information technology equipment
EN 55022
EN 61000-3-2
Disturbances in supply systems caused
EN 61000-3-3
Disturbances in supply systems caused by household appliances and similar electrical equipment “ Voltage fluctuations”
EN 55024
Information technology equipment-Immunity characteristicsLimits and methods of measurement
EN 60950
Safety for information technology equipment including electrical business equipment
CE marking
About the Manual
This device is in conformity with the following EC/EMC directives:
Chapter 4
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Using BIOS
Using the Motherboard Software
Chapter 5
Trouble Shooting
Provides basic trouble
shooting tips.
page 53
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A68M-C4DL USER MANUAL
Chapter 2 7
Installing the Motherboard 7
Safety Precautions..............................................................................7
Installing the Motherboard in a Chassis.......................................7
Checking Jumper Settings..................................................................8
Installing Hardware...........................................................................9
Installing the Processor............................................................9
Installing the CPU Cooler........................................................10
Installing Memory Modules...................................................11
Installing Add-on Cards..........................................................12
Connecting Optional Devices.................................................14
Installing a SATA Hard Drive...................................................19
Connecting Case Components........................................................20
Front Panel Header................................................................23
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface i
Chapter 1 1
Introducing the Motherboard 1
Introduction...........................................................................................1
Pakage Contents..................................................................................1
Specifications......................................................................................2
Motherboard Components................................................................4
I/O Ports...............................................................................................6
Chapter 3 25
Using BIOS 25
About the Setup Utility......................................................................25
The Standard Configuration........................ ...........................25
Entering the Setup Utility.......................................................25
Resetting the Default CMOS Values.....................................26
Using BIOS.........................................................................................26
BIOS Navigation Keys..............................................................27
Main Menu.............................................................................28
Advanced Menu......................................................................29
Chipset Menu..........................................................................40
M.I.B III(MB Intelligent Bios III) Menu....................................42
Boot Menu...............................................................................44
Security Menu.........................................................................45
Exit Menu................................................................................46
Updating the BIOS......................................................................47
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A68M-C4DL USER MANUAL
Chapter 4 49
Using the Motherboard Software 49
Auto-installing under Windows 7/8/8.1..........................................49
Running Setup........................................................................49
Manual Installation..........................................................................51
ECS Utility Software (Intelligent EZ Utility).....................................51
Chapter 5 53
Trouble Shooting 53
Start up problems during assembly..............................................53
Start up problems after prolong use............................................54
Maintenance and care tips..............................................................54
Basic Troubleshooting Flowchart.....................................................55
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A68M-C4DL USER MANUAL
Chapter 1
Chapter 1
Introducing the Motherboard
Introduction
Thank you for choosing the A68M-C4DL motherboard. This motherboard is a high
performance, enhanced function motherboard that supports FM2+ socket for AMD
A series APU in the FM2/FM2+ package for business or personal desktop markets.
Meanwhile, it’s passed AMD LoadLine test.
This motherboard is based on AMD FCH A68H (Bolton D2H) express chipset for best
desktop platform solution. It supports up to 16GB of system memory with dual
channel DDR3 2133(FM2+)*1/1866(FM2)*1. One PCI Express x16 slot, intended for
Graphics Interface, is fully compliant to the PCI Express Gen3*2 (version 3.0). In
addition, one PCI Express x1 slot and one PCI slot are supported.
It implements USB 2.0 interface, supporting up to six USB 2.0 ports (two USB 2.0 ports
at the rear panel and two USB 2.0 headers support additional four USB 2.0 ports) and
four USB 3.0 ports (two USB 3.0 ports at the rear panel and one USB 3.0 header
supports additional two USB 3.0 ports). This motherboard integrates a Serial ATA
host controller, supporting four SATA ports with maximum transfer rate up to 6Gb/s
each.
There is an full set of I/O ports in the rear panel, including PS/2 mouse and keyboard
connectors, one HDMI or DVI port (DVI port optional), one D-sub (VGA) port, two USB
2.0 ports, two USB 3.0 ports, one LAN port, three audio jacks for microphone, line-in
and 6-ch line-out.
Your motherboard package ships with the following items:
Package Contents
A68M-C4DL Motherboard
Quick Installation Guide
User Manual
DVD
I/O Shield
2 SATA 6Gb/s Cables
The package contents above are for reference only, please take the actual
package items as standard.
*1Due to the limitation of chipset spec, it supports up to 2133/1866 MHz, 1.5
V memory with a single DIMM per channel.
*2FM2+ supports PCI Express Gen3, FM2 supports PCI Express Gen2.
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CPU
Specifications
• AMD A68H (Bolton D2H) ChipsetChipset
• Dual-channel DDR3 memory architecture
• 2 x 240-pin DDR3 Long DIMM sockets support up to 16 GB
• Supports DDR3 2133(FM2+)*/1866(FM2)* MHz DDR3 SDRAM
Memory
• 1 x PCI Express x16 Gen3* slot
• 1 x PCI Express x1 Gen2 slot
• 1 x PCI slot
• Supported by AMD A68H (Bolton D2H)
- 4 x Serial ATA 6Gb/s devices
Expansion
Slots
Storage
• 1 x PS/2 keyboard and PS/2 mouse connectors
• 1 x HDMI or DVI port (DVI port optional)
• 1 x D-Sub port (VGA)
• 2 x USB 2.0 ports
• 2 x USB 3.0 ports
• 1 x RJ45 LAN connector
• 1 x Audio port (Line in, Line out, Mic_in Rear)
Rear Panel I/O
• FM2+ socket for AMD A series APU in the FM2/FM2+ package
• Supports CPU up to 100W TDP
• Pass AMD LoadLine test
Note: Please go to ECS website for the latest CPU support list.
Note: *Due to the limitation of chipset spec, it supports up to
2133/
1866 MHz, 1.5V memory with a single DIMM per channel.
Please go to ECS website for the latest Memory support list.
• 1 x 24-pin ATX Power Supply connector
• 1 x 4-pin 12V Power connector
• 1 x 4-pin CPU_FAN connector
• 1 x 4-pin SYS_FAN connector
• 2 x USB 2.0 headers support additional four USB 2.0 ports
• 1 x USB 3.0 header supports additional two USB 3.0 ports
• 4 x SATA 6Gb/s connectors
• 1 x COM header
• 1 x Case open header
• 1 x Front panel USB power select jumper
• 1 x Rear USB 2.0/PS2 power select jumper
• 1 x Rear USB 3.0/PS2 power select jumper
• 1 x Front Panel audio header
• 1 x Front Panel switch/LED header
Internal I/O
Connectors &
Headers
• Realtek ALC662-VD0-GR 6-Ch High Definition audio CODEC
- 6 Channel High Definiton Audio Codec
- Compliant with HD audio specification
Audio
LAN • Realtek RTL8111G Giga Lan
Note: *FM2+ supports PCI Express Gen3, FM2 supports PCI
Express Gen2.
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A68M-C4DL USER MANUAL
Chapter 1
• AMI BIOS with 32Mb SPI Flash ROM
- Supports Plug and Play
- Supports ACPI & DMI
- Supports Hardware Monitor
- Supports STR (S3)/STD (S4)
- Supports Audio, LAN, can be disabled in BIOS
- F7 hot key for boot up devices option
- Supports PgUp clear CMOS Hotkey (Has PS2 KB Model only)
System BIOS
Form Factor
• Micro-ATX Size, 225mm x 200mm
• 1 x Speaker header
• 1 x Clear CMOS jumper
• 1 x Parallel port header (LPT)
Chapter 1
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Motherboard Components
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A68M-C4DL USER MANUAL
Chapter 1
Table of Motherboard Components
LABEL COMPONENTS
1. CPU Socket AMD A series APU in the FM2/FM2+ package
2. CPU_FAN CPU cooling fan connector
3. SPK Speaker header
4. DDR3_1~2 240-pin DDR3 SDRAM slots
5. ATX_POWER Standard 24-pin ATX power connector
6. USB3F Front panel USB 3.0 header
7. SATA1~4 Serial ATA 6Gb/s connectors
8. F_PANEL Front panel switch/LED header
9. F_USB1~2 Front panel USB 2.0 headers
10. USBPWR_F Front panel USB power select jumper
11. COM Onboard serial port header
12. LPT Printer header
13. CASE Case open header
14. F_AUDIO Front panel audio header
15. PCI 32-bit add-on card slot
16. CLR_CMOS Clear CMOS jumper
17. PCIEX1 PCI Express x1 slot
18. PCIEX16 PCI Express slot for graphics interface
19. SYS_FAN System cooling fan connector
20. USBPWR_R Rear USB 2.0/PS2 power select jumper
21. USB3PWR_R Rear USB 3.0/PS2 power select jumper
22. ATX12V 4-pin +12V power connector
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A68M-C4DL USER MANUAL
I/O Ports
1. PS/2 Mouse(green)
Use the upper PS/2 port to connect a PS/2 mouse.
2. PS/2 Keyboard(purple)
Use the lower PS/2 port to connect a PS/2 keyboard.
3. HDMI or DVI Port (DVI port optional)
You can connect the display device to the HDMI (or DVI) port.
4. VGA Port
You can connect the display device to the VGA port.
5. USB 3.0 Ports(Blue)
Use the USB 3.0 ports to connect USB 3.0 devices.
6. LAN Port
Connect an RJ-45 jack to the LAN port to connect your computer to the Network.
7. USB 2.0 Ports(Black)
Use the USB 2.0 ports to connect USB 2.0 devices.
8. Line-in(blue)
It can be connected to an external CD/DVD player, Tape player or other audio
devices for audio input.
9. Line-out(lime)
It is used to connect to speakers or headphones.
10. Microphone(pink)
It is used to connect to a microphone.
LAN LED Status Description
OFF No d ata
Orange blinking Active
OFF No link
Green Link
Activity LED
Link LED
Link LED
LAN Port
Or
(Optional)
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A68M-C4DL USER MANUAL
Chapter 2
Installing the Motherboard
2-1. Safety Precautions
2-2. Installing the motherboard in a Chassis
This motherboard carries a Micro ATX form factor of 225 x 200 mm. Choose a chassis
that accommodates this form factor. Make sure that the I/O template in the chassis
matches the I/O ports installed on the rear edge of the motherboard. Most system
chassis have mounting brackets installed in the chassis, which corresponds to the
holes in the motherboard. Place the motherboard over the mounting brackets and
secure the motherboard onto the mounting brackets with screws.
Follow these safety precautions when installing the motherboard:
• Wear a grounding strap attached to a grounded device to avoid damage
from static electricity.
• Discharge static electricity by touching the metal case of a safely grounded
object before working on the motherboard.
• Leave components in the static-proof bags.
• Always remove the AC power by unplugging the power cord from the power
outlet before installing or removing the motherboard or other hardware
components.
Do not over-tighten the screws as this can stress the motherboard.
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A68M-C4DL USER MANUAL
The following illustration shows the location of the motherboard jumpers. Pin 1 is
labeled.
1. To avoid the system instability after clearing CMOS, we recommend users to
enter the main BIOS setting page to “Load Default Settings” and then “Save
and Exit Setup”.
2. Make sure the power supply provides enough VCC_DUAL voltage before
selecting the VCC_DUAL function.
3. It is required that users place the USBPWR_F & USBPWR_R cap onto 2-3 pin
rather than 1-2 pin as default if you want to wake up the computer by USB/
PS2 KB/Mouse.
2-3. Checking Jumper Settings
Chapter 2
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A68M-C4DL USER MANUAL
2-4. Installing Hardware
2-4-1. Installing the Processor
• This motherboard has an FM2+ socket.
• When choosing a processor, consider the performance requirements of
the system. Performance is based on the processor design, the clock speed
and system bus frequency of the processor, and the quantity of internal
cache memory and external cache memory.
• You may be able to change the settings in the system Setup Utility. We
strongly recommend you do not over-clock processor or other components to run faster than their rated speed.
• The following illustration shows CPU installation components.
A. Pull up the lever away from the socket and lift up to 90-degree angle.
B. Locate the CPU cut edge (the corner with the pin hold noticeably
missing). Align and insert the CPU correctly.
C. Press the metal lever back into its original position.
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A68M-C4DL USER MANUAL
A. Apply some thermal grease onto the contacted area between the
heatsink and the CPU, and make it to be a thin layer.
B. Put the CPU Fan down on the retention module and flip the levers
over the heat sink in place.
C. Connect the CPU cooler power connector to the CPU_FAN connector.
2-4-2. Installing the CPU Cooler
• Install the cooling fan in a well-lit work area so that you can clearly see the
motherboard and processor socket.
• Avoid using cooling fans with sharp edges in case the fan casing and the
clips cause serious damage to the motherboard or its components.
• To achieve better airflow rates and heat dissipation, we suggest that you
use a high quality fan with 3800 rpm at least. CPU fan and heat sink installation procedures may vary with the type of CPU fan/heatsink supplied.
The form and size of fan/heatsink may also vary.
• The following illustration shows how to install CPU fan.
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A68M-C4DL USER MANUAL
2-4-3. Installing Memory Modules
• This motherboard accommodates two memory modules. It can support
two 240-pin DDR3 2133
*(FM2+)/1866(FM2)*.
• Do not remove any memory module from its antistatic packaging until
you are ready to install it on the motherboard. Handle the modules only
by their edges. Do not touch the components or metal parts. Always wear
a grounding strap when you handle the modules.
• You must install at least one module in any of the two slots. Total memory
capacity is 16 GB.
• Refer to the following to install the memory modules.
C. The slot latches are levered upwards and latch on to the edges of the
DIMM.
A. Push the latches on each side of the DIMM slot down.
B. Install the DIMM module into the slot and press it firmly down until it
seats correctly. Check that the cutouts on the DIMM module edge
connector match the notches in the DIMM slot.
*Due to the limitation of chipset spec, it supports up to 2133/1866 MHz,
1.5V memory with a single DIMM per channel.
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2-4-4. Installing Add-on Cards
The slots on this motherboard are designed to hold expansion cards and connect
them to the system bus. Expansion slots are a means of adding or enhancing the
motherboard’s features and capabilities. With these efficient facilities, you can
increase the motherboard’s capabilities by adding hardware that performs tasks
that are not part of the basic system.
PCIEX16 Slot
The PCI Express x16 slot is used to install an external PCI
Express graphics card that is fully compliant to the PCI Express
Base Specification revision 3.0
*.
Before installing an add-on card, check the documentation for the card
carefully. If the card is not Plug and Play, you may have to manually configure
the card before installation.
The PCI Express x1 slot is fully compliant to the PCI Express Base
Specification revision 2.0.
PCIEX1 Slot
This motherboard is equipped with one standard PCI slot. PCI
stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect and is a bus
standard for expansion cards, which for the most part, is a
supplement of the older ISA bus standard. The PCI slot on this
board is PCI v2.3 compliant.
PCI Slot
*FM2+ supports PCI Express Gen3, FM2 supports PCI Express Gen2.
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A68M-C4DL USER MANUAL
1 Remove a blanking plate from the system case corresponding to the slot
you are going to use.
2 Install the edge connector of the add-on card into the expansion slot.
Ensure that the edge connector is correctly seated in the slot.
3 Secure the metal bracket of the card to the system case with a screw.
1. For some add-on cards, for example graphics adapters and network adapters, you have to install drivers and software before you can begin using the
add-on card.
2. The onboard PCI interface does not support 64-bit SCSI cards.
Follow these instructions to install an add-on card:
Please refer the following illustrations to install the add-on card:
Install the VGA Card in the PCIEX16 slot
Install the VGA Card in the PCI slot
Install the LAN Card in the PCIEX1 slot
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2-4-5. Connecting Optional Devices
Refer to the following for information on connecting the motherboard’s optional
devices:
No. Components No. Components
1USB3F5 LPT
2 SATA3 _1~4 6 CASE
3F_USB1~27F_AUDIO
4COM~ ~
Please make sure that the USB cable has the same pin assignment as
indicated above. A different pin assignment may cause damage or system
hang-up.
This Motherboard implements one USB 3.0 header supporting 2 extra front USB 3.0
ports, which delivers 5Gb/s transfer rate.
1. USB3F: Front Panel USB 3.0 Header
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