Motherboard M2N68 PLUS
E4515 First Edition V1 February 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”).
Contents Notices.......................................................................................................... vi Safety information...................................................................................... vii About this guide......................................................................................... vii M2N68 PLUS specifications summary....................................................... ix Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome!.............................
Contents 1.11 Software support......................................................................... 1-24 1.11.1 1.11.2 Installing an operating system....................................... 1-24 Support DVD information............................................... 1-24 Chapter 2 BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS............................................. 2-1 2.1.1 ASUS Update utility......................................................... 2-1 2.1.
Contents 2.5.2 ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled].......................................... 2-15 2.5.4 APM Configuration......................................................... 2-15 2.5.3 2.6 2.5.5 2.8 Hardware Monitor.......................................................... 2-16 Boot menu................................................................................... 2-17 2.6.1 Boot Device Priority....................................................... 2-17 2.6.3 Security.........................
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.
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.
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.
M2N68 PLUS specifications summary CPU AMD® Phenom™ X4 / Phenom™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors (socket AM2+/AM2) Compatible with Phenom™ II / Athlon™ X4 / Athlon™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 processors (AM3 CPU) AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology * Due to the chipset limitation, the AM3/AM2+ CPU runs at HT1 (1000MHz).
M2N68 PLUS specifications summary Back panel I/O ports 1 x PS/2 Keyboard port 1 x PS/2 Mouse port 1 x LAN (RJ45) port 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 6-channel Audio ports 1 x LPT port 1 x COM port Internal I/O connectors 3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0/1.
Chapter 1 Product introduction 1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS® M2N68 PLUS 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. 1.2 Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items.
AMD® Phenom™ x4 / Phenom™ x3 / Athlon™ x2 / Athlon™ / Sempron™ (socket AM2+/AM2) This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM2+ multi-core processors. It features dual-channel DDR2 1066 memory support, data transfer rate up to 5200MT/s via HyperTransport™ 3.0-based system bus, and supports AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology.
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ASUS MyLogo2™ Turn your favorite photos into 256-color boot logos to personalize your system. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto-recovery tool that allows you to restore a corrupted BIOS file using the bundled support DVD, or USB disk that contains the BIOS file. ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a utility that allows you to update the BIOS without using a bootable floppy disk or an OS-based utility.
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.
1.5 Motherboard overview 1.5.1 Placement direction 1.5.2 Screw holes 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. Place six (6) 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. Place this side towards the rear of the chassis.
1.5.3 Motherboard layout 1 2 20.3cm(8.0in) KBMS EATXPWR AUDIO 1000M LAN PCIEX1_1 M2N68 PLUS 3 PCIEX16 PCIEX1_2 SATA RAID Realtek 8211CL 30.5cm(12.
1.5.4 Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots Page Connectors/Jumpers/Slots Page 1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) 1-21 8. System panel connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL) 1-23 2. DDR2 DIMM slots 1-10 9. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, USB910) 1-20 3. CPU Socket 1-7 10. Speaker connector (4-pin SPEAKER) 1-17 4. CPU fan connector (4-pin CPU_FAN) 1-22 11. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) 1-22 5.
2. Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sideways, then lift it up to a 90°-100° angle. Socket lever Ensure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90°-100° angle, otherwise the CPU will not fit in completely. 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 fits in place. The CPU fits only in one correct orientation.
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan Make sure that you use only AMD-certified heatsink and fan assembly. Follow these steps to install the CPU heatsink and fan. 1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, making sure that the heatsink fits properly on the retention module base. • 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.
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. Make sure that the fan and heatsink assembly perfectly fits the retention mechanism module base, otherwise you cannot snap the retention bracket in place. 4. Push down the retention bracket lock on the retention mechanism to secure the heatsink and fan to the module base. 5.
1.7.2 Memory configurations You may install 512MB, 1GB, 2GB and 4GB unbuffered ECC/non-ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. • You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation. • Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency.
DDR2-800MHz capability DIMM support Vendor Part No. Size SS/ DS CL Chip No. Chip Brand A* B* Kingston KHX6400D2LLK2/1GN 512MB SS N/A Heat-Sink Package Kingston • • Kingston KVR800D2N5/1G 1G DS N/A E5108AJBG-8E-E Elpida • • Samsung M378T2863QZS-CF7 1G SS 6 K4T1G084QQ-HCF7 Samsung • • Samsung M391T2863QZ3-CF7 1G SS 6 K4T1G084QQ-HCF7(ECC) Samsung • • Samsung M378T5263AZ3-CF7 4G DS N/A K4T2G084QA-HCF7 Samsung • • Qimonda HYS64T64000EU-2.
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM Unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so can cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. 2 1. Unlock a DDR2 DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward. 2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the socket. DDR2 DIMM notch 1 1 Unlocked retaining clip A DDR2 DIMM is keyed with a notch so that it fits in only one direction.
1.8 Expansion slots In the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub‑sections describe the slots and the expansion cards that they support. Ensure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 1.8.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1.
1.9 1. Jumpers Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memory of date, time, and system setup parameters by erasing the CMOS RTC RAM data. The onboard button cell battery powers the RAM data in CMOS, which include system setup information such as system passwords. To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3.
1.10 Connectors 1.10.1 Rear panel connectors 1. PS/2 Mouse port. This port is for a PS/2 mouse. 2. Parallel port. This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a scanner, or other devices. 3. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub.
7. USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices. 8. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices. 9. COM port. This 9-pin COM1 port is for pointing devices or other serial devices. 10. PS/2 keyboard port. This port is for a PS/2 keyboard. 1.10.2 1. 2.
3. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) The onboard IDE connector is for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable. There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable: blue, black, and gray. Connect the blue connector to the motherboard’s IDE connector, then select one of the following modes to configure your device(s).
4. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA4) These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA 3Gb/s hard disk and optical disk drives. The Serial ATA 3Gb/s is backward compatible with Serial ATA 1.5Gb/s specification. The data transfer rate of the Serial ATA 3Gb/s is faster than the standard parallel ATA with 133 MB/s (Ultra DMA133).
5. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB 78, USB910) These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module cable to any of these connectors, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. These USB connectors comply with USB 2.0 specification that supports up to 480 Mbps connection speed. Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard! The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. 6.
7. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) These connectors are for an ATX power supply. The plugs from the power supply are designed to fit these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down firmly until the connectors completely fit. • We recommend that you use an ATX 12V Specification 2.0‑compliant power supply unit (PSU) with a minimum of 300W power rating. This PSU type has 24-pin and 4-pin power plugs.
8. CPU fan connector (4-pin CPU_FAN) The fan connector supports cooling fans of 350 mA~740 mA (8.88 W max.) or a total of 1 A~2.22 A (26.64 W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cable to the fan connector on the motherboard, making sure that the black wire of each cable matches the ground pin of the connector. Do not forget to connect the fan cables to the fan connector. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components.
10. System panel connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. PLED+ PLEDPWR GND PWR LED PWR BTN F_PANEL PIN 1 IDE_LED+ IDE_LEDGround Reset M2N68 PLUS +HD_LED RESET M2N68 PLUS System panel connector • System power LED (2-pin PWRLED) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.
1.11 Software support 1.11.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows® XP/Vista Operating Systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware. • Motherboard settings and hardware options vary. Use the setup procedures presented in this chapter for reference only. Refer to your OS documentation for detailed information.
Chapter 2 BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS file to a USB flash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update or AFUDOS utilities. 2.1.1 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows® environment.
The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself through the Internet. Always update the utility to avail all its features. Updating from a BIOS file 3. a. Select Update BIOS from a file, then click Next. b. Locate the BIOS file from the Open window, then click Open. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the updating process. 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to use an OS‑based utility.
2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can update a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a USB flash disk that contains the updated BIOS file. • Prepare the motherboard support DVD or the USB flash disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility. • Always connect the SATA cable to the SATA1/ SATA 2 connector.
2.2 BIOS setup program This motherboard supports a programmable Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) chip that you can update using the provided utility described in section “2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS.” Use the BIOS Setup program when you are installing a motherboard, reconfiguring your system, or prompted to “Run Setup.” This section explains how to configure your system using this utility.
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Main Menu bar Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit System Time [19:34:30] System Date [Wed 02/04/2009] Use [ENTER], [TAB] or [SHIFT-TAB] to select a field. Use [+] or [-] to configure system Time.
2.2.3 Navigation keys At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that particular menu. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings. Some of the navigation keys differ from one screen to another. 2.2.4 Menu items 2.2.5 Submenu items 2.2.6 Configuration fields 2.2.7 General help 2.2.8 Pop-up window The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items.
2.3 Main menu When you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic system information. Refer to section “2.2.1 BIOS menu screen” for information on the menu screen items and how to navigate through them. Main Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit System Time [19:34:30] System Date [Wed 02/04/2009] Use [+] or [-] to configure system Time.
2.3.4 Primary IDE Master/Slave and SATA 1~4 While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE/SATA devices. There is a separate submenu for each IDE/SATA device. Select a device item then press to display the IDE/SATA device information. The BIOS automatically detects the values opposite the dimmed items (Device, Vendor, Size, LBA Mode, Block Mode, PIO Mode, Async DMA, Ultra DMA, and SMART monitoring). These values are not user-configurable.
2.3.5 System Information This menu gives you an overview of the general system specifications. The BIOS automatically detects the items in this menu. AMI BIOS Displays the auto-detected BIOS information. Processor Displays the auto-detected CPU specification. System Memory Displays the auto-detected system memory. 2.4 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items.
The following item appears only when the CPU Overclocking item is set to [Manual]. CPU Frequency (MHz) [200.0] Allows you to select the CPU frequency. Configuration options: [200.0] [201.0] [202.0] ... [214.0] [215.0]. The following item appears only when the CPU Overclocking item is set to [Overclock Profile]. Overclok Options [Auto] Allows you to set the overclock options.
The following items appear only when the DRAM Timing Mode item is set to [DCT0]. CAS Latency (CL) [Auto] Allows you to set CAS# latency. Configuration options: [Auto] [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [7 CLK DH_Only] TRCD [Auto] Allows you to set TRCD. Configuration options: [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [Auto] TRP [Auto] Allows you to set TRP. Configuration options: [3 CLK] [4 CLK] [5 CLK] [6 CLK] [Auto] tRTP [Auto] Allows you to specify the read CAS# to percharge time.
Memory Over Voltage [Auto] Allows you to set the memory over voltage. The value ranges from 1.85000V to 2.24375V with a 0.00625V interval. Configuration options: [Auto] Chipset Voltage [Auto] Allows you to set the chipset over voltage. Configuration options: [Auto] [+50mv] [+100mv] [+150mv] 2.4.2 CPU Configuration The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. GART Error Reporting [Disabled] This option should remain disabled for the normal operation.
MemClk Tristate C3/ATLVID [Disabled] Enables or disables the MemClk Tristate C3/ALTVID. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Memory Hole Remapping [Enabled] Enables or disables the memory remapping around memory hole. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] DCT Unganged Mode [Auto] Allows you to enable or disable Unganed mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [Always] Power Down Enable [Enabled] Enables or disables the DDR power down mode.
Parallel Port Address [378] Allows you to select the Parallel Port base addresses. Configuration options: [Disabled] [378] [278] [3BC] Parallel Port Mode [Normal] Allows you to select the Parallel Port mode. Configuration options: [Normal] [EPP] [ECP] [EPP+ECP] Parallel Port IRQ [IRQ7] Configuration options: [IRQ5] [IRQ7] 2.4.5 PCI PnP The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices.
2.5 Power menu The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) and the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an item then press to display the configuration options. Suspend Mode ACPI 2.0 Support ACPI APIC Support [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] Select the ACPI state used for System Suspend. APM Configuration Hardware Monitor 2.5.1 Suspend Mode [Auto] 2.5.2 ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled] 2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled] 2.
Power On By Ring [Disabled] Enable or disable RI to generate a wake event. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Power On By PS/2 KB/MS [Disabled] Enable or disable PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse to generate a wake event. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable RTC to generate a wake event. When this item is set to Enabled, the items RTC Alarm Date, RTC Alarm Hour, RTC Alarm Minute, and RTC Alarm Second appear with set values.
2.6 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press to display the sub-menu. Main Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Boot Settings Boot Device Priority Boot Settings Configuration Security Specifies the Boot Device Priority sequence. A virtual floppy disk drive (Floppy Drive B:) may appear when you set the CD-ROM drive as the first boot device.
Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled] When set to Enabled, the system waits for the F1 key to be pressed when error occurs. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled] When set to Enabled, the system displays the message Press DEL to run Setup during POST. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.6.3 Security The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item then press to display the configuration options.
Change User Password Select this item to set or change the user password. The User Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this item shows Installed. To set a User Password: 1. Select the Change User Password item and press . 2. On the password box that appears, type a password composed of at most six letters and/or numbers, then press . 3. Confirm the password when prompted.
2.8 Exit menu The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. Exit Options Exit & Save Changes Exit & Discard Changes Discard Changes Load Setup Defaults Exit system setup after saving the changes. F10 key can be used for this operation. Pressing does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options from this menu or from the legend bar to exit.
