Asus M2N68 User manual

Motherboard
M2N68

ii
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”).
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.
E4153
Second Edition V2
August 2008

iii
Contents
Notices......................................................................................................... vi
Safety information ..................................................................................... vii
About this guide ....................................................................................... viii
M2N68 specications summary ................................................................. x
Chapter 1: Product introduction
1.1 Welcome! ...................................................................................... 1-2
1.2 Package contents......................................................................... 1-2
1.3 Special features............................................................................ 1-2
1.3.1 Product highlights ........................................................... 1-2
1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features .............................................. 1-4
1.4 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 1-5
1.5 Motherboard overview................................................................. 1-6
1.5.1 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 1-6
1.5.2 Placement direction ........................................................ 1-7
1.5.3 Screw holes .................................................................... 1-7
1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 1-8
1.6.1 Installing the CPU ............................................................. 1-8
1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan......................................... 1-10
1.7 System memory ......................................................................... 1-12
1.7.1 Overview ....................................................................... 1-12
1.7.2 Memory congurations.................................................. 1-13
1.7.3 Installing a DIMM .......................................................... 1-16
1.7.4 Removing a DIMM ........................................................ 1-16
1.8 Expansion slots.......................................................................... 1-17
1.8.1 Installing an expansion card ......................................... 1-17
1.8.2 Conguring an expansion card ..................................... 1-17
1.8.3 PCI slots........................................................................ 1-19
1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot....................................................... 1-19
1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot..................................................... 1-19
1.9 Jumpers ...................................................................................... 1-20
1.10 Connectors ................................................................................. 1-21
1.10.1 Rear panel connectors.................................................. 1-21
1.10.2 Internal connectors ....................................................... 1-23

iv
Contents
Chapter 2: BIOS setup
2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 2-2
2.1.1 Creating a bootable oppy disk....................................... 2-2
2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility................................................... 2-3
2.1.3 AFUDOS utility................................................................ 2-5
2.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ...................................... 2-7
2.1.5 ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 2-9
2.2 BIOS setup program .................................................................. 2-12
2.2.1 BIOS menu screen........................................................ 2-13
2.2.2 Menu bar....................................................................... 2-13
2.2.3 Navigation keys............................................................. 2-13
2.2.4 Menu items ................................................................... 2-14
2.2.5 Sub-menu items............................................................ 2-14
2.2.6 Conguration elds ....................................................... 2-14
2.2.7 Pop-up window ............................................................. 2-14
2.2.8 Scroll bar....................................................................... 2-14
2.2.9 General help ................................................................. 2-14
2.3 Main menu .................................................................................. 2-15
2.3.1 System Time ................................................................. 2-15
2.3.2 System Date ................................................................. 2-15
2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A ........................................................ 2-15
2.3.4 IDE Conguration.......................................................... 2-16
2.3.5 Primary IDE Master/Slave............................................. 2-16
2.3.6 SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, and SATA4.............................. 2-18
2.3.7 System Information ....................................................... 2-19
2.4 Advanced menu ......................................................................... 2-20
2.4.1 Jumperfree Conguration ............................................. 2-20
2.4.2 CPU Conguration ....................................................... 2-23
2.4.3 Chipset.......................................................................... 2-24
2.4.4 Onboard Devices Conguration.................................... 2-28
2.4.5 PCI PnP ........................................................................ 2-29
2.4.6 USB Conguration ........................................................ 2-30
2.5 Power menu................................................................................ 2-31
2.5.1 Suspend Mode.............................................................. 2-31
2.5.2 ACPI Version Features ................................................. 2-31

v
Contents
2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support....................................................... 2-31
2.5.4 APM Conguration........................................................ 2-32
2.5.5 Hardware Monitor ......................................................... 2-33
2.6 Boot menu .................................................................................. 2-34
2.6.1 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 2-34
2.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration .......................................... 2-35
2.6.3 Security ......................................................................... 2-36
2.7 Boot menu .................................................................................. 2-38
2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2.......................................................... 2-38
2.7.2 Express Gate ................................................................ 2-39
2.7.3 AI NET 2........................................................................ 2-39
2.8 Exit menu.................................................................................... 2-40
Chapter 3: Software support
3.1 Installing an operating system ................................................... 3-2
3.2 Support DVD information ............................................................ 3-2
3.2.1 Running the support DVD ............................................... 3-2
3.2.2 Drivers menu................................................................... 3-3
3.2.3 Utilities menu .................................................................. 3-4
3.2.4 Make Disk menu ............................................................. 3-6
3.2.5 Manual menu .................................................................. 3-8
3.2.6 ASUS Contact information .............................................. 3-9
3.2.7 Other information ............................................................ 3-9
3.3 Creating a RAID driver disk....................................................... 3-11
3.4 ASUS Express Gate ................................................................... 3-12

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.
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.
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.

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.
The symbol of the crossed out wheeled bin indicates that the product (electrical
and electronic equipment, Mercury-containing button cell battery) should not
be placed in municipal waste. Please check local regulations for disposal of
electronic products.

viii
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 setup
This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup
menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.
• Chapter 3: Software support
This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the
motherboard package.
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.

ix
Conventions used in this guide
To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following
symbols used throughout this manual.
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 /iM2N68.ROM
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.

x
M2N68 specications summary
(continued on the next page)
CPU
Chipset
System Bus
Memory
Expansion slots
Storage
Audio
LAN
Overclocking features
ASUS Unique features
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.
NVIDIA® nForce630a
2000 / 1600 MT / s
Dual-channel memory architecture
4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support up to 8 GB of
ECC and non-ECC unbuffered 1066 / 800 / 667 / 533 / 400
MHz DDR2 momeory modules
*Due to AMD CPU limitation, DDR2 1066 is supported by
AM2+ CPU for one DIMM per channel only.
1 x PCI Express™ x16 slot
2 x PCI Express™ x1 slots
4 x PCI slots
Supports:
- 1 x Ultra DMA 133 / 100 / 66 / 33 interfaces
- 4 x Serial ATA 3 Gb/s devices
- NVIDIA® MediaShield™ RAID supports RAID 0, RAID
1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD span cross Serial
ATA drives
8-channel High Denition Audio CODEC
NVIDIA®nForce® 630a built-in Gigabit MAC with external
Realtek 8211CL PHY
Overclocking Protection:
- ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall)
ASUS EZ DIY:
- ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3
- ASUS EZ Flash 2
ASUS Express Gate:
- Access the Internet in 5-second* boot time without
entering Windows
- A built-in OS offers instant fun platform for Internet and
Instant Messenger
- User-friendly Picture Manager Interface
*The actual boot time various according to hardware
congurations and product models.
ASUS Quiet Thermal Solution:
- ASUS Q-Fan

xi
M2N68 specications summary
Manageability
USB
BIOS features
Rear panel
Internal Connector
Accessories
Other Features
Form Factor
Support DVD contents
Supports up to 10 USB 2.0 / 1.1 ports (6 on board and 4 on
back)
8 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI, Wfm 2.0, ACPI 2.0,
SM BIOS 2.5
1 x Parallel port
1 x LAN (RJ-45) port
4 x USB 2.0 / 1.1 ports
1 x Optical S / PDIF Out port
1 x COM port
1 x PS / 2 keyboard port
1 x PS / 2 mouse port
8-channel audio ports
1 x CD audio in connector
1 x CPU fan connector
1 x Power fan connector
1 x Chassis fan connector
1 x Chassis Intrusion connector
1 x Floppy disk drive connector
1 x IDE connector for two devices
4 x Serial ATA connectors
3 x USB 2.0 connectors for 6 additional USB 2.0 ports
1 x 24-pin ATX power connector
1 x 4-pin ATX 12V power connector
1 x System panel connector
1 x UltraDMA 133 / 100 / 66 cable
1 x Serial ATA cable
1 x Serial ATA power cable
1 x I / O Shield
User manual
ASUS AI NET 2
ASUS My Logo 2
ATX Form Factor: 12 in x 9.25 in (30.5 cm x 23.6 cm)
Device drivers
ASUS PC Probe II
ASUS Update
Anti-virus software (OEM version)
*Specications are subject to change without notice.

xii

1
Product
introduction
This chapter describes the motherboard
features and the new technologies
it supports.

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction
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.
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.
1.2 Package contents
Check your motherboard package for the following items.
Motherboard ASUS M2N68 motherboard
Cables 1 x Serial ATA cable
1 x Serial ATA power cable
1 x Ultra DMA 133 / 100 / 66 cable
Accessories I / O shield
Application DVD ASUS motherboard support DVD
Documentation User guide
1.3 Special features
1.3.1 Product highlights
AMD®Socket AM2+ Phenom™ FX /
Phenom™ / Athlon™ / Sempron™ Support
This motherboard supports AMD AMD® Socket AM2+ multi-core processors with
unique L3 cache and delivers better overclocking capabilities with less power
consumption. It features dual-channel DDR2 1066 memory support.
The oppy disk drive cable is purchased separately.

ASUS M2N68 1-3
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. It features 2000 / 1600 MT/s HyperTransport™-based system
bus, dual-channel un-buffered DDR2 800 memory support, and AMD® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™
Technology.
Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology
The motherboard supports next-generation SATA hard drives based on the new
SATA 3Gb/s storage specication. The onboard NVIDIA southbridge allows RAID
0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD congurations for four SATA connectors.
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..

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introduction
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 le. This utility saves users the cost and hassle of buying a
replacement BIOS chip.
ASUS EZ Flash 2
Simply update BIOS from a USB ash disk before entering the OS
EZ Flash 2 is a user-friendly BIOS update utility. Simply launch this tool and update
BIOS from a USB ash disk before entering the OS. You can update your BIOS only
in a few clicks without preparing an additional oppy diskette or using an OS-based
ash utility.
ASUS MyLogo2™
Personalize your system with customizable boot logo
You can convert your favorite photo into a 256-color boot logo for a more colorful
and vivid image on your screen.
AI NET2
Diagnose LAN connection before entering OS!
AI NET2 remotely detects cable connection the second you turn on the system,
and any faulty connections are reported back up to 100 meters at 1 meter
accuracy.

ASUS M2N68 1-5
ASUS Q-Fan
ASUS Q-Fan technology intelligently adjusts CPU fan speeds according to system
loading to ensure quiet, cool and efcient 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. You can utilize the most popular
Instant Messengers (IM) like MSN, Skype, Google talk, QQ, and Yahoo! Messenger
to keep in touch with friends, or quickly check on the weather and e-mails just before
leaving your house. What’s more, the user-friendly picture manager lets you view
your pictures without entering Windows at anytime!
• The actual boot time depends on the system conguration.
• ASUS Express Gate supports le uploading from SATA HDDs, ODDs and
USB drive and downloading to USB drives only.

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introduction
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.
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.
M2N68
M2N68 Onboard LED
SB_PWR
ON
Standby
Power
OFF
Powered
Off

ASUS M2N68 1-7
1.5.1 Motherboard layout
1.5 Motherboard overview
AM2+ socket is backward compatible with AM2 socket.
Super I/O
SATA4
SATA3
SATA2
SATA1
SocketAM2
EATXPWR
PANEL
USB56 USB78 USB910
AAFP
SB_PWR
8Mb
BIOS
Nvidia
MCP68
DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64 bit,240-pin module) DDR2 DIMM_B1 (64 bit,240-pin module) DDR2 DIMM_A2 (64 bit,240-pin module) DDR2 DIMM_B2 (64 bit,240-pin module)
CR2032 3V
Lithium Cell
CMOS Power
PCI2
PCI3
PCI4
PCI1
PCIEX16
PCIEX1_2
PCIEX1_1
CLRTC
ATX12V
R
SPDIF_OUT
M2N68
FLOPPY
CD
30.5cm (12in)
VIA
VT1708B
23.5cm(9.25in)
CHASSIS
CHA_FAN
PWR_FAN
CPU_FAN
Realtek
8211
JMB
381
AUDIO
LAN1_USB12
USB34
SPDOF_O
PRI_IDE

1-8 Chapter 1: Product introduction
M2N68
Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.
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.
Place this side towards
the rear of the chassis
1.5.3 Screw holes
Place six (6) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the
motherboard to the chassis.