Asus M2N68 PLUS User manual

Motherboard
M2N68 PLUS

ii
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”).
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modied or altered, unless
such repair, modication of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or (2) the serial number of the
product is defaced or missing.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS
DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS,
LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE),
EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY
DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT.
SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR
INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE,
AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO
RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS
MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or
copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identication or explanation and to the
owners’ benet, without intent to infringe.
E4515
First Edition V1
February 2009

iii
Contents
Notices......................................................................................................... vi
Safety information ..................................................................................... vii
About this guide ........................................................................................ vii
M2N68 PLUS specications summary...................................................... ix
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Package contents......................................................................... 1-1
1.3 Special features............................................................................ 1-1
1.3.1 Product highlights ........................................................... 1-1
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ............................................... 1-3
1.4 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 1-4
1.5 Motherboard overview................................................................. 1-5
1.5.1 Placement direction ........................................................ 1-5
1.5.2 Screw holes .................................................................... 1-5
1.5.3 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 1-6
1.5.4 Layout contents............................................................... 1-7
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 1-7
1.6.1 Installing the CPU ........................................................... 1-7
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan ........................................ 1-9
1.7 System memory ......................................................................... 1-10
1.7.1 Overview ....................................................................... 1-10
1.7.2 Memory congurations...................................................1-11
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 1-13
1.7.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 1-13
1.8 Expansion slots.......................................................................... 1-14
1.8.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 1-14
1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 1-14
1.8.3 PCI slots........................................................................ 1-14
1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slots..................................................... 1-14
1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot..................................................... 1-14
1.9 Jumpers ...................................................................................... 1-15
1.10 Connectors ................................................................................. 1-16
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors.................................................. 1-16
1.10.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 1-17

iv
Contents
1.11 Software support........................................................................ 1-24
1.11.1 Installing an operating system ...................................... 1-24
1.11.2 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
2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility................................................... 2-2
2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ...................................... 2-3
2.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 2-4
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen.......................................................... 2-5
2.2.2 Menu bar......................................................................... 2-5
2.2.3 Navigation keys............................................................... 2-6
2.2.4 Menu items ..................................................................... 2-6
2.2.5 Submenu items ............................................................... 2-6
2.2.6 Conguration elds ......................................................... 2-6
2.2.7 General help ................................................................... 2-6
2.2.8 Pop-up window ............................................................... 2-6
2.2.9 Scroll bar......................................................................... 2-6
2.3 Main menu .................................................................................... 2-7
2.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx] ................................................... 2-7
2.3.2 System Date [Day xx/xx/xxxx]......................................... 2-7
2.3.3 Storage Conguration ..................................................... 2-7
2.3.4 Primary IDE Master/Slave and SATA 1~4....................... 2-8
2.3.5 System Information ......................................................... 2-9
2.4 Advanced menu ........................................................................... 2-9
2.4.1 JumperFree Conguration .............................................. 2-9
2.4.2 CPU Conguration ........................................................ 2-12
2.4.3 Chipset.......................................................................... 2-12
2.4.4 Onboard Devices Conguration.................................... 2-13
2.4.5 PCI PnP ........................................................................ 2-14
2.4.6 USB Conguration ........................................................ 2-14
2.5 Power menu................................................................................ 2-15
2.5.1 Suspend Mode [Auto] ................................................... 2-15

v
Contents
2.5.2 ACPI 2.0 Support [Disabled] ......................................... 2-15
2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support [Enabled]....................................... 2-15
2.5.4 APM Conguration........................................................ 2-15
2.5.5 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 2-16
2.6 Boot menu .................................................................................. 2-17
2.6.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 2-17
2.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration .......................................... 2-17
2.6.3 Security ......................................................................... 2-18
2.7 Tools menu ................................................................................. 2-19
2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2.......................................................... 2-19
2.7.2 AI NET 2........................................................................ 2-19
2.8 Exit menu.................................................................................... 2-20

vi
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. 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 manufacturer’s 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 receiver.
• Connect the equipment to 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.
The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the graphics card is required
to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes or modications to this unit not
expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority
to operate this equipment.
Canadian Department of Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department
of Communications.
This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. This product has been
designed to enable proper reuse of parts and recycling. This symbol of the
crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical and electronic
equipment) should not be placed in municipal waste. Check local regulations for
disposal of electronic products.
DO NOT throw the mercury-containing button cell battery in municipal waste.
This symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the battery should not
be placed in municipal waste.

vii
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.
• Before connecting or removing signal cables from the motherboard, ensure that all
power cables are unplugged.
• Seek professional assistance before using an adapter or extension cord. These devices
could interrupt the grounding circuit.
• Ensure that your power supply is set to the correct voltage in your area. If you are not
sure about the voltage of the electrical outlet you are using, contact your local power
company.
• If the power supply is broken, do not try to x it by yourself. Contact a qualied service
technician or your retailer.
Operation safety
• Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on it, carefully read all the manuals
that came with the package.
• Before using the product, ensure that all cables are correctly connected and the power
cables are not damaged. If you detect any damage, contact your dealer immediately.
• To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from connectors,
slots, sockets and circuitry.
• Avoid dust, humidity, and temperature extremes. Do not place the product in any area
where it may become wet.
• Place the product on a stable surface.
• If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualied service
technician or your retailer.
About this guide
This user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the
motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This guide contains the following parts:
• Chapter 1: Product introduction
This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it
supports.
• Chapter 2: BIOS information
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus.
Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.

viii
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.
NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a
task.
IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a
task.
Where to nd more information
Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software
updates.
1. ASUS websites
The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software
products. Refer to the ASUS contact information.
2. Optional documentation
Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty yers,
that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the
standard package.
Typography
Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select.
Italics Used to emphasize a word or a phrase.
<Key> Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign means
that you must press the enclosed key.
Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or
Return key.
<Key1>+<Key2>+<Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key
names are linked with a plus sign (+).
Example: <Ctrl>+<Alt>+<D>
Command Means that you must type the command exactly as shown,
then supply the required item or value enclosed in
brackets.
Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line:
afudos /i[lename]
afudos /iM2NPLUS.ROM

ix
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).
Chipset Nvidia® nForce630a
System bus 2000 / 1600 MT/s
Memory Dual-channel memory architecture
2 x 240-pin DIMM slots support unbuffered
ECC and non-ECC DDR2 1066*/800/667MHz memory
modules
Supports up to 8GB system memory
* DDR2 1066 is supported by AM3/AM2+ CPU only.
** Refer to www.asus.com for the latest Memory QVL
(Qualied Vendors List).
*** When you install a total memory of 4GB or more,
Windows® 32-bit operating system may only
recognize less than 3GB. We recommend a maximum
of 3GB system memory if you are using a Windows 32-bit
operating system.
Expansion slots 1 x PCI Express™ x16 slot
2 x PCI Express™ x1 slots
4 x PCI 2.2 slots
Storage 1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66 connector
4 x Serial ATA 3Gb/s connectors
Nvidia® MediaShield™ RAID supports RAID 0, RAID 1,
RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD congurations
Audio ALC662 High Denition Audio 6-channel CODEC
USB Supports up to 10 USB 2.0/1.1 ports (6 ports
at mid-board, 4 ports at back panel)
LAN Nvidia®nForce built-in Gigabit MAC with external Realtek
8211CL-GR PHY
ASUS special features ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution
- ASUS Q-Fan
ASUS EZ DIY
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS3
- ASUS EZ Flash2
ASUS AI NET 2
ASUS MyLogo2
M2N68 PLUS specications summary
(continued on the next page)

x
M2N68 PLUS specications 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 2.0/1.1 ports
1 x IDE connector
1 x High Denition Front panel audio connector
4 x SATA connectors
1 x CD audio-in connector
1 x Speaker connector
1 x S/PDIF Out connector
1 x CPU Fan connector
1 x 24-pin EATX power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 x system panel connector
BIOS 8Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI2.0, WfM2.0,
ACPI2.0a, SM BIOS2.5
Accessories 1 x Serial ATA cable
1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable
1x I/O Shield
User manual
Form Factor ATX form factor: 12’’ x 8’’ (30.5cm x 20.3cm)
Support DVD Drivers
ASUS LiveUpdateUtility
ASUS PC Probe II
Anti-Virus software (OEM version)
*Specications are subject to change without notice.

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.
Motherboard ASUS M2N68 PLUS motherboard
Cables 1 x Serial ATA cable
1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable
Accessories 1 x I/O shield
Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD
Documentation User guide
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
Chapter 1
Product introduction
AMD®Phenom™ II / Athlon™ x4 / Athlon™ x3 / Athlon™ x2
(AM3 CPU)
This motherboard supports AMD®AM3 multi-core processors with unique
L3 cache and delivers better overclocking capabilities with less power
consumption. This motherboard also supports AMD®CPUs in the new
45nm manufacturing process.
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-1

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.
Dual channel DDR2 1066 support
This motherboard supports DDR2 1066, which provides faster data
transfer rate and more bandwidth to increase memory data transfer rate
and computing efciency. This enhances system performance in 3D
graphics and other memory demanding applications.
DDR2 1066 is supported by AM3 / AM2+ CPU only. Refer to www.asus.com for the AM3
/ AM2+ CPU models.
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.
Gigabit LAN solution
The onboard LAN controller is a highly integrated Gb LAN controller. It is
enhanced with an ACPI management function to provide efcient power
management for advanced operating systems.
Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology
This motherboard supports hard drives based on the Serial ATA (SATA)
3Gb/s storage specications. It also supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1,
RAID 5, and JBOD congurations for Serial ATA drives.
6-channel High Denition Audio
The onboard 6-channel ALC662 High Denition Audio CODEC enables
high-quality audio that automatically detects peripherals plugged into the
audio I/O jacks. ALC662 also supports the Windows®Vista Premium OS.
1-2 ASUS M2N68 PLUS

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 le using the bundled support DVD, or USB
disk that contains the BIOS le.
ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS EZ Flash 2 is a utility that allows you to update the BIOS without
using a bootable oppy disk or an OS-based utility.
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.
ASUS Q-Fan
ASUS Q-Fan technology intelligently adjusts CPU fan speeds according
to system loading to ensure quiet, cool, and efcient operation.
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.
Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-3

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.
• Whenever you uninstall any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in the
bag that came with the component.
• Before you install or remove any component, ensure that the ATX power supply is
switched off or the power cord is detached from the power supply. Failure to do so may
cause severe damage to the motherboard, peripherals, or components.
Onboard LED
The motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate that the system
is ON, in sleep mode, or in soft-off mode. This is a reminder that you should shut down
the system and unplug the power cable before removing or plugging in any motherboard
component. The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED.
SB_PWR
ON
Standby Power Powered Off
OFF
M2N68 PLUS
M2N68 PLUS Onboard LED
1-4 ASUS M2N68 PLUS

1.5 Motherboard overview
1.5.1 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.
1.5.2 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.
Place this side towards
the rear of the chassis.
Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-5

M2N68 PLUS
SATA RAID
1000M LAN 5000HRS VRM
4PHASE POWER
DDR2-1066
PCIEX16
PCIEX1_1
PCIEX1_2
PCI2
PCI3
PCI4
PCI1
USB56 USB78 USB910
F_PANEL
SPDIF_OUT
AAFP
CD
ATX12V
EATXPWR
CPU_FAN
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
Super
I/O
ALC
662
Realtek
8211CL
KBMS
8Mb
BIOS
SB_PWR
CLRTC
SPEAKER
20.3cm(8.0in)
NVIDIA
®
MCP68 SE
DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module)
CPU Socket
DDR2 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 240-pin module)
SATA4
SATA3
SATA2
SATA1
AUDIO
LPT
COM
LAN1_USB12
USB34
30.5cm(12.0in)
PRI_IDE
1
4
2
3
5
6
7
8
91011121314
1.5.3 Motherboard layout
1-6 ASUS M2N68 PLUS

1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The motherboard comes with a CPU socket designed for AMD® AM3 Phenom™ II /
Athlon™ X4 / Athlon™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 processors and AM2+ / AM2 Phenom™ X4 /
Phenom™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 / Athlon™ / Sempron™ processors.
The CPU socket is not compatible with AMD®Opteron™ processors. Do not install an
Opteron™ processor on this motherboard.
1.6.1 Installing the CPU
To install a CPU:
1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.
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. SATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2,
SATA3, SATA4)
1-19 12. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD) 1-17
6. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-15 13. Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 1-20
7. IDE connector (40-1 pin PRI_IDE) 1-18 14. Onboard LED (SB_PWR) 1-4
Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-7

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 t 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 ts in place.
The CPU ts only in one correct
orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into
the socket to prevent bending the pins
and damaging the CPU!
Gold triangle
Small triangle
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 came 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.
Do not forget to connect the CPU
fan connector! Hardware monitoring
errors can occur if you fail to plug
this connector.
1-8 ASUS M2N68 PLUS

1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan
Make sure that you use only AMD-certied 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 ts
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.
• If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, make sure that a Thermal
Interface Material is properly applied to the CPU heatsink or CPU before you install the
heatsink and fan assembly.
CPU Fan
CPU Heatsink
Retention bracket
Retention bracket lock
Retention Module Base
Your boxed CPU heatsink and fan assembly should come with installation instructions for
the CPU, heatsink, and the retention mechanism. If the instructions in this section do not
match the CPU documentation, follow the latter.
2. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base.
1
34
5
2
Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-9

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 ts 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. When the fan and heatsink assembly is in place, connect the CPU fan cable to the
connector on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN.
Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if
you fail to plug this connector.
1.7 System memory
1.7.1 Overview
The motherboard comes with two 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.
The gure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets:
Channel Sockets
Channel A DIMM_A1
Channel B DIMM_B1
1-10 ASUS M2N68 PLUS