Motherboard M2N68
E4153 Second Edition V2 August 2008 Copyright © 2008 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup purposes, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
Contents Notices.......................................................................................................... vi Safety information...................................................................................... vii About this guide........................................................................................ viii M2N68 specifications summary.................................................................. x Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome!....................
Contents Chapter 2: 2.1 2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk........................................ 2-2 2.1.3 AFUDOS utility................................................................. 2-5 2.1.2 2.1.4 2.2 2.1.5 2.2.3 Navigation keys.............................................................. 2-13 2.2.6 2.2.7 2.2.8 2.2.9 Menu bar........................................................................ 2-13 Menu items....................................................................
Contents 2.5.3 2.5.4 2.6 2.5.5 2.6.1 Boot Device Priority....................................................... 2-34 2.6.3 Security.......................................................................... 2-36 2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2........................................................... 2-38 2.7.3 AI NET 2........................................................................ 2-39 3.2 Support DVD information............................................................. 3-2 3.2.
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.
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 • Chapter 2: BIOS setup • This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports. This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
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 specifications summary CPU Supports AMD® socket AM2+ / AM2 for AMD Phenom™ FX / Phenom™ / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors AMD64 architecture enables simultaneous 32-bit and 64-bit computing Supports AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology Supports CPU up to 140W *This motherboard supports both AM2+ and AM2 processors, but AM2 processors work at AM2 platform, and AM2+ processors work at AM2+ platform.
M2N68 specifications summary Manageability USB Supports up to 10 USB 2.0 / 1.1 ports (6 on board and 4 on back) BIOS features 8 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI, Wfm 2.0, ACPI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.5 Rear panel 1 x Parallel port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port 4 x USB 2.0 / 1.
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This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports.
1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS® M2N68 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, please check the items in your package with the list below. 1.2 Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items.
AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology M2N68 supports AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet! Technology, which monitors system operation and automatically adjusts CPU voltage and frequency for a cool and quiet environment.. AMD Socket AM2 Athlon 64 X2 / Athlon 64 FX /Athlon 64/ Sempron Support This motherboard supports AMD® Socket AM2 single-core Athlon™ 64 / Sempron™ and dual-core Athlon™ 64 X2 / Athlon™ 64 FX processors with 2MB / 1MB / 512KB L2 cache based on 64-bit architecture.
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features Green ASUS This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 allows users to restore corrupted BIOS data from a disk containing the BIOS file.
ASUS Q-Fan ASUS Q-Fan technology intelligently adjusts CPU fan speeds according to system loading to ensure quiet, cool and efficient operation. ASUS Express Gate Taking only 5 seconds to go online from bootup, Express Gate is the one-stop gateway to instant fun! It’s a unique motherboard built-in OS.
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 Motherboard layout 23.5cm(9.25in) M2N68 PCIEX16 PCIEX1_1 Realtek 8211 PCIEX1_2 CR2032 3V Lithium Cell CMOS Power 30.
1.5.2 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the chassis in the correct orientation. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis as indicated in the image below. 1.5.3 Screw holes Place six (6) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis. Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2+ socket designed for the AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 / Athlon™ 64 / Athlon™ FX / Phenom / Sempron™ processor. The AM2+ socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the AMD Opteron™ processor. Ensusre that you use a CPU that is designed for the AM2+ socket. The CPU fits in only one correct orientation.
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. Small triangle Gold triangle The CPU fits only in one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU! 5. 6. 7. When the CPU is in place, push down the socket lever to secure the CPU.
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan The AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 / Athlon™ 64 / Athlon™ FX / Sempron™ processor require a specially designed heatsink and fan assembly to ensure optimum thermal condition and performance. Ensure that you use only qualified 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.
2. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base. 3. Align the other end of the retention bracket (near the retention bracket lock) to the retention module base. A clicking sound denotes that the retention bracket is in place. Ensure that the fan and heatsink assembly perfectly fits the retention mechanism module base. Otherwise, you cannot snap the retention bracket in place. 4.
1.7 System memory 1.7.1 Overview The motherboard comes with four Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets. A DDR2 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR DIMM but has a 240-pin footprint compared to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. DDR2 DIMMs are notched differently to prevent installation on a DDR DIMM socket.
1.7.2 Memory configurations You may install 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered ECC and non‑ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. Recommended Memory Configurations Mode Single-Channel Dual-channel (1) Dual-channel (2) DIMM_A1 (yellow) – Populated Populated Populated Sockets DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 (black) (yellow) – Populated – – – Populated Populated Populated DIMM_B2 (black) – – – Populated • You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B.
Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-1066 DIMM support Size Vendor Model CL Brand SS/ DS Component B C 512MB Kingston KVR1066D2N7/512 N/A Elpida SS E5108AJBG-1J-E • • 1G Kingston KHX8500D2/1G N/A Kingston DS Heat-Sink Package • • 1G Transcend TX1066QLJ-2GK1GB 5 Transced DS Heat-Sink Package • • 1G GEIL GE22GB1066C5DC 5 GEIL DS Heat-Sink Package A • Due to AMD CPU built-in controller limitation, when you install four DDR2 1066MHz DIMMs into the sockets, the frequen
DDR2-667 DIMM support Size Vendor Model CL Brand SS/ DS Component B C 512MB Qimonda HYS64T64000EU-3S-B2 5 Qimonda SS HYB18T512B00B2F3SFSS28171 • • 1G Corsair XMS2-5400 4 Corsair DS Heat-Sink Package • • 1G ADATA M2OAD5G314170Q1C58 N/A ADATA DS AD29608A8A-3EG80814 • • 2G ADATA M2OAD5H3J4170I1C53 N/A ADATA DS AD20908A8A-3EG 30724 • • 1G PSC AL7E8F73C-6E1 5 PSC SS A3R1GE3CFF734MAA0J • • 1G Nanya NT1GT64U8HB0BY-3C 5 Nanya DS NT5TU64M8BE-3C72155700CP
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM Ensure to unplug the power supply before adding or removing DIMMs or other system components. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to both the motherboard and the components. 1. 2. 3. 2 Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the socket. Firmly insert the DIMM into the socket until the retaining clips snap back in place and the DIMM is properly seated.
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 to the motherboard components. 1.8.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Standard interrupt assignments IRQ 0 1 4 6 8 9 12 13 10 18 20 20 21 21 22 23 Standard function High precision event timer Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural PS/2 keyboard Communications Port (COM1)* Standard floppy disk controller High precision event timer Microsoft ACPI-Compliant System Microsoft PS/2 Mouse Numeric data processor NVIDIA nForce PCI System Management NVIDIA GeForce 6200 TurboCache(TM) NVIDIA network Bus Enumerator Standard Enhanced PCI to USB Host Controller Standard Enhanced PCI to
1.8.3 PCI slots The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. The figure shows a LAN card installed on a PCI slot. 1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other cards that comply with the PCI Express specifications. The following figure shows a network card installed on the PCI Express x1 slot. 1.8.
1.9 1. Jumpers Clear RTC RAM (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. 3. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 (default) to pins 2-3.
1.10 Connectors 1.10.1 Rear panel connectors 1 3 2 45 6 7 8 13 14 12 11 10 9 1. PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse. 3. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. 2. Parallel port. This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a scanner, or other devices. LAN port LED indications ACT/LINK LED ACT/LINK LEDSPEED LED Status OFF 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Refer to the audio configuration table for the function of the audio ports in 2, 4, 6 or 8-channel configuration. Audio 2, 4, 6, or 8-channel configuration Port Light Blue Lime Pink Orange Black Gray Headset 2-channel Line In Line Out Mic In – – – 4-channel 6-channel 8-channel Line In Front Speaker Out Mic In – Rear Speaker Out – Line In Front Speaker Out Mic In Center/Subwoofer Rear Speaker Ou – Line In Front Speaker Out Mic In Center/Subwoofer Rear Speaker Out Side Speaker Out 10. USB 2.
1.10.2 1. Internal connectors Floppy disk drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) This connector is for the provided Floppy Disk Drive (FDD) signal cable. Insert one end of the cable to this connector, then connect the other end to the signal connector at the back of the floppy disk drive. Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable connection when using an FDD cable with a covered Pin 5. FLOPPY PIN 1 M2N68 NOTE: Orient the red markings on the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1.
2. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) The onboard IDE connector is for Ultra DMA 133 / 100 / 66 / 33 signal cable. There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133 / 100 / 66 / 33 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).
3. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA4) These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Serial ATA 3.0 Gb/s hard disk and optical disk drives. The Serial ATA 3 Gb/s is backward compatible with Serial ATA 1.5Gb/s specification. The current Serial ATA I interface allows up to 150 MB/s data transfer rate while Serial ATA II allows up to 300 MB/s data transfer rate, faster than the standard parallel ATA with 133 MB/s (Ultra DMA133).
4. CPU, Power, and Chassis Fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN, 3-pin PWR_FAN) The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350mA~740mA (8.88W max.) or a total of 1A~2.22A (26.64W max.) at +12V. Connect the fan cables to the fan connectors 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 connectors. Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components.
USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, USB 910) USB+5V USB_P8USB_P8+ GND NC USB78 1 USB910 1 USB+5V USB_P9USB_P9+ GND 1 USB+5V USB_P5USB_P5+ GND USB56 USB+5V USB_P7USB_P7+ GND M2N68 USB+5V USB_P10USB_P10+ GND NC 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.
Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) This connector is for a chassis-mounted front panel audio I / O module that supports either High Definition Audio or AC`97 audio standard. Connect one end of the front panel audio I/O module cable to this connector. NC M2N68 Legacy AC’97-compliant pin definition HP_HD AGND PRESENSE# MIC2_JD Azalia-compliant pin definition AGND NC NC 8.
9. 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 12 V Specification 2.0‑compliant power supply unit (PSU) with a minimum of 300 W power rating. This PSU type has 24-pin and 4-pin power plugs.
10. System panel connector (20-8 pin F_PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.
1-32 Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup. 1. 2. 3. 4. ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a floppy disk or the motherboard support DVD. ASUS AFUDOS: Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a bootable floppy disk. ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3: Updates the BIOS using a bootable floppy disk, or the motherboard support DVD when the BIOS file fails or gets corrupted.
2. Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS file to the bootable floppy disk. 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go through the long process of booting from a floppy disk and using a DOS‑based utility. The EZ Flash 2 utility is built-in the BIOS chip so it is accessible by pressing + during the Power-On Self Tests (POST). To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2: 1. 2. 3. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.
(2) Enter BIOS setup program. Go to the Tools menu to select EZ Flash2 and press to enable it. You can switch between drives by pressing before the correct file is found. Then press . 4. 2- When the correct BIOS file is found, EZ Flash 2 performs the BIOS update process and automatically reboots the system when done. • This function can support devices such as USB flash disk, or floppy disk with FAT 32/16 format and single partition only.
2.1.3 AFUDOS utility The AFUDOS utility allows you to update the BIOS file in DOS environment using a bootable floppy disk with the updated BIOS file. This utility also allows you to copy the current BIOS file that you can use as backup when the BIOS fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. Copying the current BIOS To copy the current BIOS file using the AFUDOS utility: 1. 2. • Ensure that the floppy disk is not write-protected and has at least 1024KB free space to save the file.
Updating the BIOS file To update the BIOS file using the AFUDOS utility: 1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) and download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. Save the BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk. Write the BIOS filename on a piece of paper. You need to type the exact BIOS filename at the DOS prompt. 2. 3. Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support DVD to the bootable floppy disk you created earlier.
2.1.4 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 , the floppy disk or the USB flash disk that contains the updated BIOS file. • Prepare the motherboard support DVD, the floppy disk or the USB flash disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility.
Recovering the BIOS from the support DVD To recover the BIOS from the support DVD: 1. Remove any floppy disk from the floppy disk drive, then turn on the system. 3. The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the floppy disk for the original or updated BIOS file. 2. Insert the support DVD to the optical drive. Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery... Checking for floppy...
2.1.5 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 allows you to: • Save the current BIOS file • Update the BIOS from an updated BIOS file • • • Download the latest BIOS file from the Internet Update the BIOS directly from the Internet, and View the BIOS version information. This utility is available in the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.
Updating the BIOS through the Internet To update the BIOS through the Internet: 2-10 1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update main window appears. 2. Select Update BIOS from the Internet option from the drop‑down menu, then click Next. 3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network traffic, or click Auto Select. Click Next.
4. 5. From the FTP site, select the BIOS version that you wish to download. Click Next. Follow the screen instructions to complete the update process. The ASUS Update utility is capable of updating itself through the Internet. Always update the utility to avail all its features. Updating the BIOS through a BIOS file To update the BIOS through a BIOS file: 1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® desktop by clicking Start > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate.
2.2 BIOS setup program This motherboard supports a programmable firmware 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. Even if you are not prompted to use the Setup program, you can change the configuration of your computer in the future.
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Menu bar Configuration fields General help Exit System Time System Date Legacy Diskette A [14: 48 : 06] [Tue07/01/2008] [1.44M, 3.5in.] Storage Configuration Primary IDE Master Primary IDE Slave SATA1 SATA2 SATA3 SATA4 System Information : : : : : : [Not [Not [Not [Not [Not [Not Detected] Detected] Detected] Detected] Detected] Detected] Use [ENTER], [TAB] or [SHIFT-TAB] to select a field. Use [+] or [-] to configure system time.
2.2.4 Menu items The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items. Main The other items (Advanced, Power, Boot, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items. 2.2.5 Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Exit System Time [11:10:19] System Date [Tue 07/01/2008] Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in] Use [+] or [-] to configure system time.
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. Exit System Time System Date Legacy Diskette A Storage Configuration Primary IDE Master Primary IDE Slave SATA1 SATA2 SATA3 SATA4 System Information 2.3.1 [14: 48 : 06] [Tue07/01/2008] [1.44M, 3.5in.
2.3.4 Storage Configuration The items in this menu allow you to set or change the configurations for the IDE or Serial-ATA devices installed in the system. Select an item then press if you wish to configure the item. Disabled: disables the integrated IDE Controller. Enabled: enable the integrated IDE Controller.
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. These items show N/A if no IDE device is installed in the system. Type [Auto] Selects the type of IDE drive. Setting to Auto allows automatic selection of the appropriate IDE device type. Select CDROM if you are specifically configuring a CD-ROM drive.
2.3.6 SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, and SATA4 While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each SATA device. Select a device item then press to display the SATA device information. Exit Disabled: Disables LBA Mode. Auto: Enables LBA Mode ifthe device supports it and the device is not already formatted with LBA Mode disabled. SATA1 Device : Hard Disk Vendor : ST320413A Size : 20.
SMART Monitoring [Auto] Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] 32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled] Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.3.7 System Information This menu gives you an overview of the general system specifications. The BIOS automatically detects the items in this menu.
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. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. Exit Adjust System Frequency etc. Jumperfree Configuration CPU Configuration Chipset Onboard Devices Configuration PCIPnP USB Configuration 2.4.
CPU Overclocking [Auto] Allows selection of CPU overclocking options to achieve desired CPU internal frequency. Select either one of the preset overclocking configuration options: [Auto] - allows you to set overclocking parameters automatically. [MANUAL] - allows you to individually set overclocking parameters. [Overclock Profile] - loads overclocking profiles with optimal parameters for stability when overclocking. The following item appears only when the CPU Overclocking item is set to [MANUAL].
Processor Frequency Multiplier [Auto] Allows you to select Processor frequency. Configuration options: [Auto] [x4.0 800 MHz] [x5.0 1000 MHz] [x6.0 1200 MHz] [x7.0 1400 MHz] [x8.0 1600 MHz] [x9.0 1800 MHz] Processor Voltage [Auto] Allows you to select the Processor voltage or set it to auto for safe mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [+ 50mv] [+100mv] [+ 150mv] Processor-NB Voltage [Auto] Allows you to select the Processor-NB voltage or set it to auto for safe mode.
2.4.2 CPU Configuration The items in this menu show the CPU-related information that the BIOS automatically detects. Exit CPU Configuration Module Version: 13.29 AGESA Version: 3.1.8.0 Physical Count: 1 Logical Count: 1 AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3200+ Revision: F2 Cache L1: 128KB Cache L2: 128KB Cache L3: N/A Speed : 1800MHz Current FSB Multiplier: 9x Maximum FSB Multiplier: 9x Able to Change Freq.
2.4.3 Chipset The Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings. Select an item then press to display the sub-menu. Advanced Chipset Settings WARNING: Setting wrong values in below sections may cause system to malfunction.
Memory Configuration Memory Configuration Bank Interleaving Channel Interleaving Enable Clock to ALL DIMMs MemCLK Tristate C3/ATLVID Memory Hole Remapping DCT Unganged Mode Power Down Mode [Disabled] [Auto] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto] [Enabled] Enable Bank Memory Interleaving Bank Interleaving [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the Bank Memory Interleaving.
ECC Configuration ECC Configuration ECC Mode DRAM ECC Enable ECC Error Log DRAM SCRUB REDIRECT 4-Bit ECC Mode DRAM BG Scrub Data Cache BG Scrub L2 Cache BG Scrub L3 Cache BG Scrub [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] Set the level of ECC protection. Note: The ‘Super’ ECC mode dynamically sets the DRAM scrub rate so all of memory is scrubbed in 8 hours. ECC Mode [Disabled] Sets the level of ECC protection.
L2/L3 Cache BG Scrub [Disabled] Allows the L2/L3 Data Cache ram to be corrected while idle. Configuration options: [Disabled] [40ns] [80ns] [160ns] [320ns] [640ns] [1.28us] [2.56us] [5.12us] [10.2us] [20.5us] [41.0us] [81.9us] [163.8us] [327.7us] [655.4us] [1.31ms] [2.62ms] [5.24ms] [10.49ms] [20.97ms] [42.00ms] [84.
2.4.4 Onboard Devices Configuration Configure ITE8712 Super IO Chipset Serial Port1 Address Parallel Port Address Parallel Port Mode Parallel Port IRQ [3F8/IRQ4] [378] [Normal] [IRQ7] Allows BIOS to Select Serial Port1 Base Addresses. Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address. Configuration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4][2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3] Parallel Port Address [378] Allows you to select the Parallel Port base addresses.
2.4.5 PCI PnP The PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices. The menu includes setting IRQ and DMA channel resources for either PCI/PnP or legacy ISA devices, and setting the memory size block for legacy ISA devices. Take caution when changing the settings of the PCI PnP menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. Advanced PCI/PnP Settings WARNING: Setting wrong values in below sections may cause system to malfunction.
IRQ-xx assigned to [PCI Device] When set to [PCI Device], the specific IRQ is free for use of PCI/PnP devices. When set to [Reserved], the IRQ is reserved for legacy ISA devices. Configuration options: [PCI Device] [Reserved] 2.4.6 USB Configuration The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an item then press to display the configuration options. USB Configuration Options Module Version - 2.24.2-13.4 Enable Disable USB Devices Enabled: None USB 1.
2.5 Power menu The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an item then press to display the configuration options. Exit Suspend Mode ACPI Version Features ACPI APIC Support 2.5.1 [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] Select the ACPI state used for System Suspend. APM Configuration Hardware Monitor Suspend Mode [Auto] Allows you to select the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) state to be used for system suspend.
2.5.4 APM Configuration APM Configuration Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off] Power Power Power Power [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] On On On On By By By By PCI(-E) Device Ring PS/2 KB/MS RTC Alarm Go into On/Off or Suspend when Power button is pressed. Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off] When set to Power Off, the system goes into off state after an AC power loss. When set to Power On, the system goes on after an AC power loss.
2.5.5 Hardware Monitor CPU Temperature Hardware Monitor CPU Temperature MB Temperature [38ºC/100ºF] [32ºC/89.5ºF] CPU Fan Speed Chassis Fan Speed Power Fan Speed [3260RPM] [N/A] [N/A] VCORE Voltage 3.3V Voltage 5V Voltage 12V Voltage [ 1.424V] [ 3.296V] [ 5.068V] [12.
Smart Q-FAN Function [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the Q-Fan function that monitors the CPU/System temperature and smartly adjust the fan speed. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 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. Exit Specifies the Boot Device Priority sequence. Boot Settings Boot Device Priority Boot Settings Configuration Security 2.6.
2.6.2 Boot Settings Configuration Boot Settings Configuration Quick Boot Full Screen Logo AddOn ROM Display Mode Bootup Num-Lock PS/2 Mouse Support Wait For ‘F1’ If Error Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display Interrupt 19 Capture [Enabled] [Enabled] [Force BIOS] [On] [Auto] [Enabled] [Enabled] [Disabled] Quick Boot [Enabled] Allows BIOS to skip certain tests while booting. This will decrease the time needed to boot the system.
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] Interrupt 19 Capture [Disabled] When set to [Enabled], this function allows the option ROMs to trap Interrupt 19. 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.
After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to change other security settings. Security Settings Supervisor Password User Password : Not Installed : Not Installed Change Supervisor Password User Access Level Change User Password Clear User Password Password Check to change password. again to disabled password.
2.7 Tools menu The Tools menu items allow you to configure options for special functions. Select an item then press to display the sub-menu. Main Ai Tweaker BIOS SETUP UTILITY Advanced Power Boot Exit Press ENTER to run the utility to select and update BIOS. This utility doesn't support : 1.
2.7.2 Express Gate Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Express Gate feature. The ASUS Express Gate feature is a unique instant-on environment that provides quick access to the Internet browser and Skype. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds] Sets countdown duration that the system waits at the Express Gate’s first screen before starting Windows or other installed OS. Choose [Prompt User] to stay at the first screen of Express Gate for user action.
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 Exit Options Exit & Save Changes Exit & Discard Changes Discard Changes Load Setup Defaults Pressing does not immediately exit this menu. Select one of the options from this menu or from the legend bar to exit.
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package.
3.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows® XP 32 bit/XP 64 bit/Vista 32 bit/Vista 64 bit Operating Systems (OS). Always install the latest OS version and corresponding updates to maximize the features of your hardware. 3.2 • 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.
3.2.2 Drivers menu The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices. ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Anti-Virus and Drivers Utility Launches the ASUS InstallAll driver installation wizard. Norton Internet Security 2008 Installs the Norton Internet Security 2008. Nvidia nForce Chipset Driver Installs the Nvidia chipset driver. AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Driver Installs the AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet driver.
3.2.3 Utilities menu The Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports. ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Utilities Install all of the utilities through the Installation Wizard. ASUS Cool ‘n’ Quiet Utility This item installs the ASUS Cool ‘n’ Quiet utility. ASUS Update The ASUS Update utility allows you to update the motherboard BIOS in a Windows® environment.
Ulead Burn. Now Installs the Ulead Burn. Now application for Audio DVD,CD and data disc creation. Corel MediaOne Plus Installs the Corel MediaOne plus application to easily manage, edit share and protect your multimedia data. Ulead Photolmpact 12 SE Installs the Photolmpact image editing software. CyberLink PowerBackup Installs CyberLink PowerBackup to back up and restore your data easily. WinZip 11 Installs the Winzip utility for easy file-compression and protection. Microsoft DirectX 9.
3.2.4 Make Disk menu The Make Disk menu allows you to make a RAID driver disk. NVIDIA 32 bit XP AHCI Driver [Disk1] Allows you to create the NVIDIA® 32-bit XP AHCI disk1. NVIDIA 32 bit XP AHCI Driver [Disk2] Allows you to create the NVIDIA® 32-bit XP AHCI disk2. NVIDIA 64 bit XP AHCI Driver [Disk1] Allows you to create the NVIDIA® 64-bit XP AHCI disk1. NVIDIA 64 bit XP AHCI Driver [Disk2] Allows you to create the NVIDIA® 64-bit XP AHCI disk2.
NVIDIA 64 bit XP SATA RAID Driver [Disk1] Allows you to create the NVIDIA® 64-bit XP SATA RAID disk1. NVIDIA 64 bit XP SATA RAID Driver [Disk2] Allows you to create the NVIDIA® 64-bit XP SATA RAID disk2. NVIDIA 32/64 bit Vista SATA RAID Driver Allows you to create the NVIDIA® 32/64-bit Vista SATA RAID disk.
3.2.5 Manual menu The Manual menu contains a list of supplementary user manuals. Click an item to open the folder of the user manual. Most user manual files are in Portable Document Format (PDF). Install the Adobe® Acrobat® Reader from the Utilities menu before opening a user manual file. NVIDIA® SATA RAID User’s Manual Allows you to open the NVIDIA® SATA RAID user’s manual.
3.2.6 ASUS Contact information Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can also find this information on the inside front cover of this user guide. 3.2.7 Other information The icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the motherboard and the contents of the support DVD. Click an icon to display the specified information. Motherboard Info Displays the general specifications of the motherboard.
Browse this DVD Displays the support DVD contents in graphical format. Technical Support Form Displays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to fill out when requesting technical support. Filelist Displays the contents of the support DVD and a brief description of each in text format.
3.3 Creating a RAID driver disk A floppy disk with the RAID driver is required when installing Windows® 32-bit XP / 64-bit XP / 32-bit Vista / 64-bit Vista OS on a hard disk drive that is included in a RAID set. To create a RAID driver disk: 1. Place the motherboard support DVD into the DVD-ROM drive. 3. From the Make Disk menu, select the RAID driver disk you want to create or browse the contents of the support DVD to locate the driver disk utility. 2. Select Make Disk tab.
3.4 ASUS Express Gate ASUS Express Gate is an instant-on environment that gives you quick access to the Internet. Within a few seconds of powering on your computer, you will be at the Express Gate menu where you can start the web browser, Skype, or other Express Gate softwares. Installing ASUS Express Gate • ASUS Express Gate supports installation on SATA HDDs in IDE mode only. • ASUS Express Gate supports HDDs connected to motherboard chipsetcontrolled onboard SATA ports only.
5. 6. Select the target disk volume for you to install Express Gate. If you have multiple volumes and OS installed in your hard drive, it is recommended to install Express Gate in Volume C. Click Next to continue. Follow the screen instructions to complete installation. The First Screen Express Gate’s first screen appears within a few seconds after you power on the computer. From here, you can immediately start the web browser or Skype. You can also choose to continue booting normally (e.g.
Once inside the Express Gate environment, click on the icons on the LaunchBar, by default at bottom of the screen, to launch or switch between softwares. You can re-arrange, re-size and move windows. Bring a window to the foreground by clicking within it or by clicking on its corresponding software icon. Re-size a window by dragging any of its four corners. Move a window by dragging its title bar. Besides using the LaunchBar, you can also switch between softwares by pressing + on the keyboard.
Using the Configuration Panel Use the configuration panel to change various Express Gate settings. Click on an icon to open a particular configuration tool. The following tools are available: • Date and Time: set current date and time as well as time zone. • Language and Keyboard: choose your language and keyboard preferences. • • • • Input Method: choose your preferred input language and method. LaunchBar Settings: customize your LaunchBar (where it docks, whether it auto-hides, etc.
• • Screen Settings: Choose the most optimal screen resolution for your display. Volume Control: Control the volume for your speaker output, microphone input, etc. Using the LaunchBar The LaunchBar has several system icons that show you various system statuses and let you configure individual Express Gate settings. The LaunchBar can be configured to auto-hide, if you want more screen space for the softwares. It can also be configured to dock on any of the four sides of the screen.
Click to choose input language and method as well as keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl-Space by default). Click to change LaunchBar options (auto-hide, docking position, etc). Click to show the “ASUS Utility” panel. Click to show “About Express Gate ”. Click to open Express Gate Help. Click to bring up power options window to boot to OS, restart or power down. This window is also shown when you press Ctrl-Alt-Del on the keyboard.
2. Open Network. Network 3. • Make the proper network configurations. Each network interface is enabled immediately when you check the box next to it. If you use a network cable connected to a home router (which is then connected to your DSL/cable modem), enable both LAN1 and LAN2. Express Gate will automatically use whichever port (LAN1 or LAN2) is connected. If you plug the network cable into a different port while Express Gate is running (e.g.
• • If you have wireless network, click Setup for the WiFi option. In the WiFi tab of the Advanced Network Settings box, enter the name of your wireless access point in the SSID field. If your wireless access point has security enabled, select the corresponding security algorithm from the drop-down list (e.g. WEPAUTO) in the Encryption Type field, and enter the password. Click OK to enable WiFi and establish the wireless connection.
Configuring Express Gate in BIOS Setup Enter BIOS setup by pressing DEL key after powering on or by clicking on the BIOS setup icon on Express Gate’s first screen. Express Gate configuration options are under the Tools menu. Refer to section 2.7.2 Express Gate for details. Main Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools ASUS EZ Flash 2 Express Gate Enter OS Timer Reset User Data [Enabled] [10 Seconds] [No] Exit Press ENTER to run the utility to select and update BIOS.
