Motherboard M4N68T-M
E5215 First Edition V1 November 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 M4N68T-M specifications summary........................................................... ix Chapter: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome!.............................
Contents 1.11 Software support......................................................................... 1-28 1.11.1 Installing an operating system....................................... 1-28 1.11.2 Support DVD information............................................... 1-28 Chapter: BIOS information 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 iv Managing and updating your BIOS............................................. 2-1 2.1.1 ASUS Update utility......................................................... 2-1 2.1.
Contents 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.5.4 APM Configuration......................................................... 2-16 2.5.5 HW Monitor Configuration.............................................. 2-17 2.5.6 Anti Surge Support......................................................... 2-17 Boot menu................................................................................... 2-18 2.6.1 Boot Device Priority....................................................... 2-18 2.6.2 Boot Settings Configuration.....
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 electric shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electric outlet before relocating the system. • When adding or removing devices to or from the system, ensure that the power cables for the devices are unplugged before the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power cables from the existing system before you add a device.
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.
M4N68T-M specifications summary CPU AMD® Socket AM3 for AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 series processors AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ Technology AMD 64 architecture enables simultaneous 32-bit and 64-bit computing * Refer to www.asus.com for the AMD® CPU support list Chipset GeForce 7025 / nForce 630a Front side bus 2000 / 1600 MT/s HyperTransport™ 1.0 interface Memory Dual-channel memory architecture 2 x 240-pin DIMM slots support maximum 8GB unbuffered ECC and non-ECC DDR3 1800(O.C.
M4N68T-M specifications summary Internal I/O connectors 3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0/1.1 ports 4 x SATA connectors 1 x CPU fan connector 1 x Chassis fan connector 1 x High definition front panel audio connector 1 x S/PDIF_OUT connector 1 x IDE connector 1 x Internal speaker connector 1 x System panel connector 1 x 24-pin ATX power connector 1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector BIOS 8Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0, ACPI2.0a, SM BIOS 2.
Chapter 1 Product introduction 1.1 Welcome! Thank you for buying an ASUS® M4N68T-M 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® Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology This motherboard supports the AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet technology which monitors system operation and automatically adjusts CPU voltage and frequency for a cool and quiet operating environment. Dual-Channel DDR3 1800 (O.C.) support This motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of 1800 (O.C.)/1600 (O.C.)/1333/1066 MHz to meet the higher bandwidth requirements of the latest operating system, 3D graphics, multimedia, and Internet applications.
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ASUS Express Gate ASUS Express Gate is an ASUS exclusive OS that provides you with quick access to the Internet and key applications before entering the Windows® OS. • ASUS Express Gate supports installation on SATA HDDs, USB HDDs and flash drives with at least 1.2GB free disk space. When installing it on USB HDDs or flash drives, connect the drives to the motherboard USB port before turning on the computer. • The actual boot time depends on the system configuration.
ASUS Anti-Surge Protection This special design prevents expensive devices and the motherboard from damage caused by power surges from switching power supply (PSU). ASUS EPU ASUS EPU is a unique power saving technology that detects the current system loadings and adjusts the power consumption in real time. ASUS AI NET2 ASUS AI NET2 remotely detects the cable connection immediately after you turn on the system and any faulty cable connections are reported back up to 100 meters at 1 meter accuracy. C.P.R.
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. • Before handling components, use a grounded wrist strap or touch a safely grounded object or a metal object, such as the power supply case, 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 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 3 4 5 6 20.8cm(8.2in) KB/MS KBPWR PRI_IDE 7 24.4cm(9.
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) This motherboard supports AMD® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 series processors. The AM3 socket has a different pinout from the the AM2+/AM2 socket. Ensure that you use a CPU designed for the AM3 socket. 1.6.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU: 1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. M4N68T-M M4N68T-M CPU socket AM3 2. Press the lever sideways to unlock the socket, then lift it up to a 90°-100° angle.
5. When the CPU is in place, push down the socket lever to secure the CPU. The lever clicks on the side tab to indicate that it is locked. 6. Install a CPU heatsink and fan following the instructions that comes with the heatsink package. You can also refer to section 1.6.2 Installing heatsink and fan for instructions. 7. Connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU_FAN connector on the motherboard.
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan Ensure that you use only AMD-certified heatsink and fan assembly. To install the CPU heatsink and fan: 1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, ensuring 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 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. 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 and non-ECC DDR3 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.
DDR3-1600(O.C.) MHz capability Part No. Size SS/ DS G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-2GBNQ 2048MB(Kit of 2) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24 1.5V~1.6V • • G.SKILL F3-12800CL8T-6GBHK 2048MB DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 8-8-8-21 1.6~1.65 • • G.SKILL F3-12800CL9T-6GBNQ 6144MB(Kit of 3) DS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24 1.5V~1.
DDR3-1333MHz capability 1-14 Timing DIMM (BIOS) DIMM Support Vendor Part No. Size SS/ DS G.SKILL F3-10600CL8D-2GBHK 1024MB SS G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package G.SKILL F3-10600CL9D-2GBPK 1024MB SS G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package G.SKILL F3-10666CL7T-3GBPK 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 7-7-7-18 G.SKILL F3-10666CL9T-3GBNQ 3072MB(Kit of 3) SS N/A Heat-Sink Package 9-9-9-24 G.SKILL F3-10600CL7D-2GBPI 1024MB DS G.SKILL F3-10600CL9D-2GBNQ 1024MB DS G.
DDR3-1066MHz capability Timing DIMM (BIOS) DIMM Support Vendor Part No. Size SS/ DS A* B* Crucial CT12864BA1067.8FF 1024MB SS Micron 9GF22D9KPT 7 • • Crucial CT12872BA1067.9FF 1024MB SS Micron 9HF22D9KPT(ECC) 7 • • Crucial CT25664BA1067.16FF 2048MB DS Micron 9HF22D9KPT 7 • • Crucial CT25672BA1067.
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. Press the retaining clips outward to unlock a DIMM socket. 2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the socket. DIMM notch 1 1 Unlocked retaining clip A 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. 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 (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. 3 CLRTC 2 1 2 M4N68T-M Normal (Default) Clear RTC M4N68T-M Clear RTC RAM To erase the RTC RAM: 1. Turn OFF the computer and unplug the power cord. 2.
2. USB device wake-up (3-pin USBPW1-4, USBPW5-10) Set these jumpers to +5V to wake up the computer from S1 sleep mode (CPU stopped, DRAM refreshed, system running in low power mode) using the connected USB devices. Set these jumpers to +5VSB to wake up the computer from S3 and S4 sleep modes (no power to CPU, DRAM in slow refresh, power supply in reduced power mode). 1 2 2 3 USBPW1-4 +5VSB +5V (Default) USBPW5-10 M4N68T-M 1 2 3 2 +5VSB +5V (Default) M4N68T-M USB Device Wake Up 3.
1.10 Connectors 1.10.1 Rear panel ports 1 2 11 3 10 9 8 4 5 7 6 1. PS/2 Mouse port (green). 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 connect to USB 2.0 devices. 8. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports connect to USB 2.0 devices. 9. Video Graphics Adapter (VGA) port. This 15-pin port is for a VGA monitor or other VGA-compatible devices. 10. COM port. This 9-pin COM1 port is for pointing devices or other serial devices. 11. PS/2 Keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard. 1.10.2 1.
2. 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.
3. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) The onboard IDE connector is for Ultra DMA 133/100 signal cable. There are three connectors on each Ultra DMA 133/100 signal cable: blue, black, and gray.
4. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, SATA4) M4N68T-M SATA1 GND RSATA_TXP4 RSATA_TXN4 GND RSATA_RXP4 RSATA_RXN4 GND GND RSATA_RXN3 RSATA_RXP3 GND RSATA_TXN3 RSATA_TXP3 GND SATA4 GND RSATA_RXN1 RSATA_RXP1 GND RSATA_TXN1 RSATA_TXP1 GND SATA2 GND RSATA_TXP2 RSATA_TXN2 GND RSATA_RXP2 RSATA_RXN2 GND 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.
6. System panel connector (10-1 pin F_PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. PLED+ PLEDPWR GND PWR LED PWR BTN M4N68T-M IDE_LED+ IDE_LEDGround Reset F_PANEL PIN 1 HD_LED RESET M4N68T-M 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.
7. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB78, 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 480Mbps connection speed.
8. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) SPDIFOUT GND M4N68T-M +5V This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. SPDIF_OUT M4N68T-M Digital audio connector Ensure that the audio device of Sound playback is VIA High Definition Audio (the name may be different based on the OS). Go to Start > Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices > Sound Playback to configure the setting. The S/PDIF module is purchased separately. 9.
1.11 Software support 1.11.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows® XP/Vista/7 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. 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 utility. 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. • ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
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 using an OS‑based utility. Before you start using this utility, download the latest BIOS file from the ASUS website at www.asus.com. To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2: 1. 2.
2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 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 restore a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD or a removable device that contains the updated BIOS file. • Before using this utility, rename the BIOS file in the removable device into M4N68TM.ROM. • The BIOS file in the support DVD may not be the latest version.
2.2 BIOS setup program Use the BIOS Setup program to update the BIOS or configure its parameters. The BIOS screens include navigation keys and brief online help to guide you in using the BIOS Setup program. Entering BIOS Setup at startup To enter BIOS Setup at startup: • Press during the Power-On Self-Test (POST). If you do not press , POST continues with its routines. Entering BIOS Setup after POST To enter BIOS Setup after POST: • Press ++ simultaneously.
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen Menu items Main Menu bar Advanced Configuration fields Power General help BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Main Settings System Time System Date [19:34:30] [Fri 11/13/2009] IDE Configuration Primary IDE Master Primary IDE Slave SATA1 SATA2 SATA3 SATA4 :[Not :[Not :[Not :[Not :[Not :[Not Detected] Detected] Detected] Detected] Detected] Detected] System Information Use [ENTER], [TAB] or [SHIFT-TAB] to select a field. Use [+] or [-] to configure system Time.
2.2.4 Menu items 2.2.5 Submenu items 2.2.6 Configuration fields 2.2.7 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. The other items (Advanced, Power, Boot, Tools, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items. A solid triangle before each item on a menu screen means that the item has a submenu. To display the submenu, select the item and press .
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.
2.3.4 Primary IDE Master/Slave, SATA 1/2/3/4 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. BIOS Information 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 only appears when you set CPU Overclocking to [Manual]. CPU/HT Reference Clock (MHz) [200] Sets the CPU/HT Reference Clock. Configuration options: [Min.=200] [Max.=300] The following item only appears when you set CPU Overclocking to [Overclock Profile]. Overclock Options [Auto] Selects the overclocking profile. Configuration options: [Auto] [Overclock 3%] [Overclock 5%] [Overclock 7%] PCIE Overclocking [Auto] Configures the PCIE overclocking.
VDDNB Over Voltage [Auto] Sets the VDDNB over voltage. The valid value ranges vary depending on your CPU model. Use <+> / <-> keys to adjust the ratio. Configuration options: [Auto] LoadLine Calibration [Auto] Sets the LoadLine. Configuration options: [Auto] [Max.=100%] [Min.=0%] If the system becomes unstable after changing the setting, set it back to [Auto] for safe mode. Memory Clock Mode [Auto] Sets the memory clock mode.
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. The driver developer may enable it for testing purpose. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Microcode Updation [Enabled] Enables or disables Microcode Updation.
Page Smashing [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the Page Smashing Mechanism. Configuration options: [Disabled] [IC] [DC] [Enabled] ECC Configuration ECC Mode [Disabled] Allows you to set the ECC mode. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Basic] [Good] [Super] [Max] [User] SouthBridge Configuration Primary Graphics Adapter [PCIE -> PCI -> IGP] Selects the primary display adapter.
2.4.4 Onboard Device Configuration 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] Serial Port1 Mode [Normal] Allows you to select the Serial Port1 mode. Configuration options: [Normal] [IrDA] [ASK IR] Parallel Port Address [378] Allows you to select the Parallel Port base addresses.
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. The Module Version and USB Devices Enabled items show the auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the item shows None. USB Functions [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable the USB functions. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] USB 2.0 Controller [Enabled] Enables or disables USB 2.0 Controllers.
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. Main Advanced Power BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Power Settings Suspend Mode ACPI 2.0 Support ACPI APIC Support [Auto] [Enabled] [Enabled] Select the ACPI state used for System Suspend.
Keyboard PowerOn [Disabled] Allows you to use specific keys on the keyboard to turn on the system. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Space Bar] [Ctrl-Esc] [Power Key] Mouse PowerOn [Disabled] When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to use the PS/2 mouse to turn on the system. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead.
2.6 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press to display the submenu. 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.
AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS] Sets the display mode for option ROM. Configuration options: [Force BIOS] [Keep Current] Bootup Num-Lock [On] Selects the power-on state for the NumLock. Configuration options: [Off] [On] Wait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled] When this item is set to [Enabled], the system waits for the F1 key to be pressed when error occurs.
After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to change other security settings. User Access Level [Full Access] This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items. Configuration options: [No Access] [View Only] [Limited] [Full Access] No Access prevents user access to the Setup utility. View Only allows access but does not allow change to any field. Limited allows changes only to selected fields, such as Date and Time.
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 Advanced BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Power ASUS EZ Flash 2 Express Gate Enter OS Timer Reset User Data [Auto] [10 Seconds] [No] ASUS O.C. Profile AI NET2 Press ENTER to run the utility to select and update BIOS. This utility supports: 1.FAT 12/16/32 (r/w) 2.NTFS (read only) 3.
2.7.3 ASUS O.C. Profile This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings. Add Your CMOS Profile Allows you to save the current BIOS file to the BIOS Flash. In the Name sub-item, type your profile name and press , and then choose a profile number to save your CMOS settings in the Save to sub-item. Load CMOS Profiles Allows you to load the previous BIOS settings saved in the BIOS Flash. Press , and choose a profile to load. Start O.C.
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. Main Advanced Power Exit Options Exit & Save Changes Exit & Discard Changes Discard Changes Load Setup Defaults BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools Exit Exit system setup after saving the cahnges. F10 key can be used for this operation. Pressing does not immediately exit this menu.
2-24 Chapter 2: BIOS information
