Biostar A68MHE User manual

FCC Informaon and Copyright
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits of a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protecon
against harmful interference in a residenal installaon. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instrucons,
may cause harmful interference to radio communicaons. There is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a parcular installaon.
The vendor makes no representaons or warranes with respect to the contents here and
specially disclaims any implied warranes of merchantability or tness for any purpose. Further
the vendor reserves the right to revise this publicaon and to make changes to the contents here
without obligaon to nofy any party beforehand.
Duplicaon of this publicaon, in part or in whole, is not allowed without rst obtaining the
vendor’s approval in wring.
The content of this user’s manual is subject to be changed without noce and we will not be
responsible for any mistakes found in this user’s manual. All the brand and product names are
trademarks of their respecve companies.
Dichiarazione di conformità sinteca
Ai sensi dell’art. 2 comma 3 del D.M. 275 del
30/10/2002
Si dichiara che questo prodoo è conforme
alle normave vigen e soddisfa i requisi
essenziali richies dalle direve
2004/108/CE, 2006/95/CE e 1999/05/CE
quando ad esso applicabili
Short Declaraon of conformity
We declare this product is complying with the
laws in force and meeng all the essenal
requirements as specied by the direcves
2004/108/CE, 2006/95/CE and 1999/05/CE
whenever these laws may be applied

2 | Table Of Contents
Table Of Contents
FCC Informaon and Copyright ������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1
Chapter 1: Introducon������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3
1.1 Before You Start.................................................................................................................. 3
1.2 Package Checklist................................................................................................................ 3
1.3 Specicaons...................................................................................................................... 4
1.4 Rear Panel Connectors........................................................................................................ 5
1.5 Motherboard Layout .......................................................................................................... 6
Chapter 2: Hardware installaon����������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7
2.1 Install Central Processing Unit (CPU) .................................................................................. 7
2.2 Install a Heatsink................................................................................................................. 8
2.3 Connect Cooling Fans ......................................................................................................... 9
2.4 Install System Memory ....................................................................................................... 9
2.5 Expansion Slots ................................................................................................................. 11
2.6 Jumper & Switch Seng................................................................................................... 12
2.7 Headers & Connectors...................................................................................................... 13
Chapter 3: UEFI BIOS & Soware��������������������������������������������������������������������������� 16
3.1 UEFI BIOS Setup................................................................................................................ 16
3.2 BIOS Update...................................................................................................................... 16
3.3 Soware............................................................................................................................ 20
Chapter 4: Useful help������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 21
4.1 Driver Installaon ............................................................................................................. 21
4.2 AMI BIOS Beep Code......................................................................................................... 22
4.3 Troubleshoong................................................................................................................ 22
4.4 RAID Funcons.................................................................................................................. 23
APPENDIX I: Specicaons in Other Languages ����������������������������������������������������� 25
Arabic...................................................................................................................................... 25
German................................................................................................................................... 26
Spanish ................................................................................................................................... 27
Thai ......................................................................................................................................... 28
Japan....................................................................................................................................... 29

Chapter 1: Introducon | 3
A68MHE
Chapter 1: Introducon
1�1 Before You Start
Thank you for choosing our product. Before you start installing the motherboard, please make
sure you follow the instrucons below:
• Prepare a dry and stable working environment with sucient lighng.
• Always disconnect the computer from power outlet before operaon.
• Before you take the motherboard out from an-stac bag, ground yourself properly
by touching any safely grounded appliance, or use grounded wrist strap to remove the
stac charge.
• Avoid touching the components on motherboard or the rear side of the board unless
necessary. Hold the board on the edge, do not try to bend or ex the board.
• Do not leave any unfastened small parts inside the case aer installaon. Loose parts
will cause short circuits which may damage the equipment.
• Keep the computer from dangerous area, such as heat source, humid air and water.
• The operang temperatures of the computer should be 0 to 45 degrees Celsius.
• To avoid injury, be careful of:
Sharp pins on headers and connectors
Rough edges and sharp corners on the chassis
Damage to wires that could cause a short circuit
1.2 Package Checklist
• Serial ATA Cable x2
• Rear I/O Panel for ATX Case x1
• Quick Installaon Guide x1
• Fully Setup Driver DVD x1
Note
»  Thepackagecontentsmaybedierentduetothesalesregionormodelsinwhichitwassold.For
moreinformaonaboutthestandardpackageinyourregion,pleasecontactyourdealerorsales
representave.

4 | Chapter 1: Introducon
1�3 Specifications
Specicaons
CPU Support Socket FM2+ supports AMD® FM2+ A-series APU
* Please refer to www.biostar.com.tw for CPU support list.
Chipset AMD® A68H FCH
Memory
Supports Dual Channel DDR3 800/ 1066/ 1333/ 1600/ 1866/ 2133/ 2400(OC)/ 2600(OC)
2 x DDR3 DIMM Memory Slot, Max. Supports up to 32 GB Memory
Each DIMM supports non-ECC 512MB/ 1/ 2/ 4/ 8/ 16 GB DDR3 module
* Please refer to www.biostar.com.tw for Memory support list.
Storage 4x SATA III Connector (6Gb/s) : Supports AHCI & RAID 0, 1, 10
LAN Realtek RTL 8111H
10/ 100/ 1000 Mb/s auto negoaon, Half / Full duplex capability
Audio Codec ALC662
5.1 Channels, High Denion Audio
USB 2x USB 3.1 Gen1 (5Gb/s) port (2 on rear I/Os)
6x USB 2.0 port (2 on rear I/Os and 4 via internal headers)
Expansion Slots 1x PCIe 2.0 x1 Slot
1x PCIe 3.0 x16 Slot
Rear I/Os
1x PS/2 Mouse
1x PS/2 Keyboard
1x VGA Port
1x HDMI Port
1x LAN port
2x USB 3.1 Gen1 (5Gb/s) Port
2x USB 2.0 Port
3x Audio Jack
Internal I/Os
4x SATA III 6.0Gb/s Connector
2x USB 2.0 Header (each header supports 2 USB 2.0 ports)
1x 4-Pin Power Connector
1x 24-Pin Power Connector
1x CPU Fan Connector
1x System Fan Connector
1x Front Panel Header
1x Front Audio Header
1x Clear CMOS Header
Form Factor uATX Form Factor, 215 mm x 170 mm
OS Support Windows 7/ 8/ 8.1(64bit)/ 10(64bit)
Biostar reserves the right to add or remove support for any OS with or without noce.

Chapter 1: Introducon | 5
A68MHE
1.4 Rear Panel Connectors
Note

»HDMI/VGAoutputrequireanAMD®familyprocessorwithintedratedgraphics.

»Maximumresoluon
HDMI:4096x2160@24Hz/1920x1200@60Hz
VGA:1920x1200@60Hz

»SincetheaudiochipsupportsHighDenionAudioSpecicaon,thefunconofeachaudiojack
canbedenedbysoware.Theinput/outputfunconofeachaudiojacklistedaboverepresents
thedefaultseng.However,whenconnecngexternalmicrophonetotheaudioport,pleaseuse
theLineIn(Blue)andMicIn(Pink)audiojack.

»WhenusingthefrontHDaudiojackandplugintheheadset/microphone,therearsoundwillbe
automacallyDisabled.

6 | Chapter 1: Introducon
1.5 Motherboard Layout
Note
»  representsthe1stpin.

Chapter 2: Hardware installaon | 7
A68MHE
Chapter 2: Hardware installaon
2.1 Install Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Step 1: Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard
Step 2: Pull the socket locking out from the socket and then raise the lever up to a 90-degree
angel.
Step 3: Look for the white triangle on socket, and the gold triangle on CPU should point
towards this white triangle. The CPU will t only in the correct orientaon.

8 | Chapter 2: Hardware installaon
Step 4: Hold the CPU down rmly, and then close the lever to locked the posion
Note
»  PleaseturnothePowerSupplybeforeremovetheCPUsocket.
2.2 Install a Heatsink
Step 1: Place the heatsink and fan assembly onto the retenon frame. Match the heatsink clip
with the socket mounng-lug. Hook the spring clip to the mounng-lug.
Step 2: On the other side, push the retenon clip straight down to lock into the plasc lug on
the retenon frame, and then press down the locker unl it stops.
Note

»DonotforgettoconnecttheCPUfanconnector.

»Forproperinstallaon,pleasekindlyrefertotheinstallaonmanualofyourCPUheatsink.

Chapter 2: Hardware installaon | 9
A68MHE
2.3 Connect Cooling Fans
These fan headers support cooling-fans built in the computer. The fan cable and connector
may be dierent according to the fan manufacturer.
CPU_FAN1: CPU Fan Header
Pin Assignment
1 Ground
2+12V
3 FAN RPM rate sense
4 AI Fan Control
SYS_FAN1: System Fan Header
Pin Assignment
1 Ground
2+12V
3 FAN RPM rate sense
Note
»  CPU_FAN1,support4-pinand3-pinheadconnectors.SYS_FAN1support3-pinheadconnectors.
Whenconnecngwithwiresontoconnectors,pleasenotethattheredwireistheposiveand
shouldbeconnectedtopin#2,andtheblackwireisGroundandshouldbeconnectedtopin#1(GND).
2.4 Install System Memory
DDR3 Modules

10 | Chapter 2: Hardware installaon
Step 1: Unlock a DIMM slot by pressing the retaining clips outward. Align a DIMM on the slot
such that the notch on the DIMM matches the break on the slot.
Step 2: Insert the DIMM vercally and rmly into the slot unl the retaining clips snap back in
place and the DIMM is properly seated.
Note
»  IftheDIMMdoesnotgoinsmoothly,donotforceit.Pullitallthewayoutandtryagain.
Memory Capacity
DIMM Socket Locaon DDR3 Module Total Memory Size
DDR3_A1 512MB/1GB/2GB/4GB/8GB/16GB Max is 32GB.
DDR3_B1 512MB/1GB/2GB/4GB/8GB/16GB
Dual Channel Memory Installaon
Please refer to the following requirements to acvate Dual Channel funcon:
Install memory module of the same density in pairs, shown in the table.
Dual Channel Status DDR3_A1 DDR3_B1
Disabled O X
Disabled XO
Enabled O O
(O means memory installed, X means memory not installed.)
Note
»  Wheninstallingmorethanonememorymodule,werecommendtousethesamebrandand
capacitymemoryonthismotherboard.

Chapter 2: Hardware installaon | 11
A68MHE
2.5 Expansion Slots
PEX16_1: PCI-Express Gen3 x16 Slot
• PCI-Express 3.0 compliant.
• Theorecal maximum bandwidth using two slots simultaneously is 16GB/s for each slot,
a total of 32GB/s.
PEX1_1: PCI-Express Gen2 x1 Slot
• PCI-Express 2.0 compliant.
• Data transfer bandwidth up to 500MB/s per direcon; 1GB/s in total.
Install an Expansion Card
You can install your expansion card by following steps:
• Read the related expansion card’s instrucon document before install the expansion
card into the computer.
• Remove your computer’s chassis cover, screws and slot bracket from the computer.
• Place a card in the expansion slot and press down on the card unl it is completely
seated in the slot.
• Secure the card’s metal bracket to the chassis back panel with a screw.
• Replace your computer’s chassis cover.
• Power on the computer, if necessary, change BIOS sengs for the expansion card.
• Install related driver for the expansion card.

12 | Chapter 2: Hardware installaon
2.6 Jumper & Switch Setting
The illustraon shows how to set up jumpers. When the jumper cap is placed on pins, the
jumper is “close”, if not, that means the jumper is “open”.
Pin opened Pin closed Pin 1-2 closed
JCMOS1: Clear CMOS Jumper
The jumper allows users to restore the BIOS safe seng and the CMOS data. Please carefully
follow the procedures to avoid damaging the motherboard.
Pin 1-2 Short:
Normal Operaon (default).
Pin 2-3 Short:
Clear CMOS data.
Clear CMOS Procedures:
1. Remove AC power line.
2. Set the jumper to “Pin 2-3 short”.
3. Wait for ve seconds.
4. Set the jumper to “Pin 1-2 short”.
5. Power on the AC.
6. Load Opmal Defaults and save sengs in CMOS.

Chapter 2: Hardware installaon | 13
A68MHE
2.7 Headers & Connectors
ATXPWR1: ATX Power Source Connector
For beer compability, we recommend to use a standard ATX 24-pin power supply for this
connector. Make sure to nd the correct orientaon before plugging the connector.
Pin Assignment Pin Assignment
13 +3.3V 1+3.3V
14 -12V 2+3.3V
15 Ground 3 Ground
16 PS_ON 4 +5V
17 Ground 5 Ground
18 Ground 6 +5V
19 Ground 7 Ground
20 NC 8 PW_OK
21 +5V 9Standby Voltage+5V
22 +5V 10 +12V
23 +5V 11 +12V
24 Ground 12 +3.3V
ATXPWR2: ATX Power Source Connector
This connector will provide +12V to CPU power circuit.
Pin Assignment
1+12V
2+12V
3 Ground
4 Ground
Note
»  Beforeyoupoweronthesystem,pleasemakesurethatbothATXPWR1andATXPWR2connectors
havebeenplugged-in.
»  Insucientpowersuppliedtothesystemmayresultininstabilityortheperipheralsnotfunconing
properly.UseofaPSUwithahigherpoweroutputisrecommendedwhenconguringasystemwith
morepower-consumingdevices.

14 | Chapter 2: Hardware installaon
PANEL1: Front Panel Header
This 16-pin header includes Power-on, Reset, HDD LED, Power LED, and speaker connecon.
Pin Assignment Funcon Pin Assignment Funcon
1+5V
Speaker
Connector
9N/A N/A
2N/A 10 N/A
3N/A 11 N/A N/A
4 Speaker 12 Power LED (+) Power
LED
5 HDD LED (+) Hard drive
LED
13 Power LED (+)
6HDD LED (-) 14 Power LED (-)
7 Ground Reset
buon
15 Power buon Power-on
buon
8 Reset control 16 Ground
SATA1~SATA4: Serial ATA 6.0 Gb/s Connectors
These connectors connect to SATA hard disk drives via SATA cables.
Pin Assignment
1 Ground
2TX+
3TX-
4 Ground
5RX-
6RX+
7 Ground
F_USB1/2: Header for USB 2.0 Ports at Front Panel
This header allows user to add addional USB ports on the PC front panel, and also can be
connected with a wide range of external peripherals.
Pin Assignment
1+5V (fused)
2+5V (fused)
3USB-
4USB-
5 USB+
6 USB+
7 Ground
8 Ground
9Key
10 NC

Chapter 2: Hardware installaon | 15
A68MHE
F_AUDIO1: Front Panel Audio Header
This header allows user to connect the chassis-mount front panel audio I/O which supports HD
and AC’97 audio standards.
HD Audio AC’97
Pin Assignment Pin Assignment
1Mic Le in 1 Mic In
2 Ground 2 Ground
3 Mic Right in 3 Mic Power
4 GPIO 4 Audio Power
5 Right line in 5 RT Line Out
6 Jack Sense 6 RT Line Out
7 Front Sense 7 Reserved
8Key 8Key
9Le line in 9 LFT Line Out
10 Jack Sense 10 LFT Line Out
Note
»  Itisrecommendedthatyouconnectahigh-denionfrontpanelaudiomoduletothisconnectorto
availofthemotherboard’shighdenionaudiocapability.
»  Pleasetrytodisablethe“FrontPanelJackDetecon”ifyouwanttouseanAC’97frontaudiooutput
cable.ThefunconcanbefoundviaO.S.AudioUlity.

16 | Chapter 3: UEFI BIOS & Soware
Chapter 3: UEFI BIOS & Soware
3.1 UEFI BIOS Setup
• The BIOS Setup program can be used to view and change the BIOS sengs for the
computer. The BIOS Setup program is accessed by pressing the <DEL> key aer the
Power-On Self-Test (POST) memory test begins and before the operang system boot
begins.
• For further informaon of seng up the UEFI BIOS, please refer to the UEFI BIOS Manual
on our website.
3.2 BIOS Update
The BIOS can be updated using either of the following ulies:
• BIOSTAR BIOS Flasher: Using this ulity, the BIOS can be updated from a le on a hard
disk, a USB drive (a ash drive or a USB hard drive), or a CD-ROM.
• BIOSTAR BIOS Update Ulity: It enables automated updang while in the Windows
environment. Using this ulity, the BIOS can be updated from a le on a hard disk, a USB
drive (a ash drive or a USB hard drive), or a CD-ROM, or from the le locaon on the
Web.
BIOSTAR BIOS Flasher
Note
»  ThisulityonlyallowsstoragedevicewithFAT32/16formatandsingleparon.
»  ShungdownorresengthesystemwhileupdangtheBIOSwillleadtosystembootfailure.
Updang BIOS with BIOSTAR BIOS Flasher
1. Go to the website to download the latest BIOS le for the motherboard.
2. Then, copy and save the BIOS le into a USB ash (pen) drive.(Only supported FAT/FAT32
format)
3. Insert the USB pen drive that contains the BIOS le to the USB port.
4. Power on or reset the computer and then press <F12> during the POST process.
5. Aer entering the POST screen, the BIOS-
FLASHER ulity pops out. Choose <fs0> to search
for the BIOS le.

Chapter 3: UEFI BIOS & Soware | 17
A68MHE
6. Select the proper BIOS le, and a message asking
if you are sure to ash the BIOS le. Click “Yes” to
start updang BIOS.
7. A dialog pops out aer BIOS ash is completed,
asking you to restart the system. Press the <Y> key
to restart system.
8. While the system boots up and the full screen logo shows up, press <DEL> key to enter BIOS
setup.
Aer entering the BIOS setup, please go to the <Save & Exit>, using the <Restore Defaults>
funcon to load Opmized Defaults, and select <Save Changes and Reset> to restart the
computer. Then the BIOS Update is completed.
BIOS Update Ulity (through the Internet)
1. Installing BIOS Update Ulity from the DVD Driver.
2. Please make sure the system is connected to the internet before using this funcon.
3. Launch BIOS Update Ulity and click the
“Online Update” buon on the main screen.
4. An open dialog will show up to request your
agreement to start the BIOS update. Click “Yes”
to start the online update procedure.

18 | Chapter 3: UEFI BIOS & Soware
5. If there is a new BIOS version, the ulity will
ask you to download it. Click “Yes” to proceed.
6. Aer the download is completed, you will be
asked to program (update) the BIOS or not. Click
“Yes” to proceed.
7. Aer the updang process is nished, you
will be asked you to reboot the system. Click
“OK” to reboot.
8. While the system boots up and the full screen logo shows up, press <DEL> key to enter BIOS
setup.
Aer entering the BIOS setup, please go to the <Save & Exit>, using the <Restore Defaults>
funcon to load Opmized Defaults, and select <Save Changes> and <Reset> to restart the
computer. Then, the BIOS Update is completed.
BIOS Update Ulity (through a BIOS le)
1. Installing BIOS Update Ulity from the DVD Driver.
2. Download the proper BIOS from hp://www.biostar.com.tw/
3. Launch BIOS Update Ulity and click the “Update
BIOS” buon on the main screen.
4. A warning message will show up to request your
agreement to start the BIOS update. Click “OK” to
start the update procedure.

Chapter 3: UEFI BIOS & Soware | 19
A68MHE
5. Choose the locaon for your BIOS le in the
system. Please select the proper BIOS le, and
then click on “Open”. It will take several minutes,
please be paent.
6. Aer the BIOS Update process is nished, click
on “OK” to reboot the system.
7. While the system boots up and the full screen logo shows up, press <DEL> key to enter BIOS
setup.
Aer entering the BIOS setup, please go to the <Save & Exit>, using the <Restore Defaults>
funcon to load Opmized Defaults, and select <Save Changes and Reset> to restart the
computer. Then, the BIOS Update is completed.
Backup BIOS
Click the Backup BIOS buon on the main screen
for the backup of BIOS, and select a proper
locaon for your backup BIOS le in the system,
and click “Save”.

20 | Chapter 3: UEFI BIOS & Soware
3.3 Software
Installing Soware
1. Insert the Setup DVD to the opcal drive. The driver installaon program would appear if
the Auto-run funcon has been enabled.
2. Select Soware Installaon, and then click on the respecve soware tle.
3. Follow the on-screen instrucons to complete the installaon.
Launching Soware
Aer the installaon process is completed, you will see the soware icon showing on the
desktop. Double-click the icon to launch it.
Note
»  Alltheinformaonandcontentaboutfollowingsowarearesubjecttobechangedwithoutnoce.
Forbeerperformance,thesowareisbeingconnuouslyupdated.
»  Theinformaonandpicturesdescribedbelowareforyourreferenceonly.Theactualinformaon
andsengsonboardmaybeslightlydierentfromthismanual.
BIOScreen Ulity
This ulity allows you to personalize your boot logo easily. You can choose BMP as your boot
logo so as to customize your computer.
Please follow the step-by-step instrucons below to update boot logo:
• Load Image: Choose the picture as the boot logo.
• Transform: Transform the picture for BIOS and preview the result.
• Update Bios: Write the picture to BIOS Memory to complete the update.