M2N68-AM PLUS Motherboard E4428 First Edition V1 January 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"). Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or altered, unless such repair, modification 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 identification or explanation and to the owners' benefit, without intent to infringe. ii Contents Notices .......................................................................................................... v Safety information ...................................................................................... vi About this guide ......................................................................................... vi M2N68-AM PLUS specifications summary ............................................. viii Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 1.2 1.2.1 1.2.2 Before you proceed ..................................................................... 1-1 Motherboard overview ................................................................. 1-2 Motherboard layout ......................................................... 1-2 Layout contents............................................................... 1-2 1.3 1.4 Central Processing Unit (CPU) ................................................... 1-3 System memory ........................................................................... 1-3 1.4.1 1.4.2 1.5.1 1.5.2 1.5.3 1.5.4 1.5.5 Overview ......................................................................... 1-3 Memory configurations.................................................... 1-3 Installing an expansion card ........................................... 1-6 Configuring an expansion card ....................................... 1-6 PCI slot ........................................................................... 1-6 PCI Express x1 slot......................................................... 1-6 PCI Express x16 slot....................................................... 1-6 1.5 Expansion slots............................................................................ 1-6 1.6 1.7 Jumpers ........................................................................................ 1-7 Connectors ................................................................................... 1-8 1.7.1 1.7.2 1.8.1 1.8.2 Rear panel ports ............................................................. 1-8 Internal connectors ......................................................... 1-9 Installing an operating system ...................................... 1-15 Support DVD information .............................................. 1-15 1.8 Software support........................................................................ 1-15 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2.1 2.1.1 2.1.2 2.2 2.1.3 Managing and updating your BIOS ............................................ 2-1 ASUS Update utility ........................................................ 2-1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility................................................... 2-2 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ...................................... 2-3 BIOS setup program .................................................................... 2-4 iii Contents 2.3 Main menu .................................................................................... 2-4 2.3.1 2.3.2 2.3.3 2.3.4 2.4 2.3.6 2.4.1 2.4.2 2.4.3 2.4.4 2.4.5 2.5 2.4.6 2.5.1 2.5.2 2.5.3 2.5.4 2.6 2.5.5 2.6.1 2.6.2 2.7 2.6.3 2.7.1 2.7.2 System Time ................................................................... 2-4 System Date ................................................................... 2-4 IDE Configuration............................................................ 2-5 Primary IDE Master/Slave and SATA 1~4 ....................... 2-5 System Information ......................................................... 2-6 JumperFree Configuration .............................................. 2-6 CPU Configuration .......................................................... 2-8 Chipset ............................................................................ 2-9 Onboard Devices Configuration .................................... 2-10 PCI PnP ........................................................................ 2-10 USB Configuration ........................................................ 2-10 Suspend Mode ...............................................................2-11 ACPI 2.0 Support ...........................................................2-11 ACPI APIC Support ........................................................2-11 APM Configuration ........................................................ 2-12 HW Monitor Configuration............................................. 2-12 Boot Device Priority ...................................................... 2-13 Boot Settings Configuration .......................................... 2-13 Security ......................................................................... 2-14 ASUS EZ Flash 2 .......................................................... 2-15 AI NET 2........................................................................ 2-15 Advanced menu ........................................................................... 2-6 Power menu ................................................................................ 2-11 Boot menu .................................................................................. 2-13 Tools menu ................................................................................. 2-15 2.8 Exit menu .................................................................................... 2-15 iv 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 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. This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation. 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 modifications 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. v 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. 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 fix it by yourself. Contact a qualified 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 flat and stable surface. If you encounter technical problems with the product, contact a qualified service technician or your retailer. About this guide This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the motherboard. How this guide is organized This guide contains the following parts: · Chapter 1: Product introduction · 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. vi Conventions used in this guide To ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task. CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to complete a task. IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task. NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task. Where to find more information 1. ASUS websites Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. 2. Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the standard package. Typography Bold text Italics ++ Command Indicates a menu or an item to select. Used to emphasize a word or a phrase. Keys ...