Asus M4N68T-M manual

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Table of contents for the manual

  • Page 1

    Motherboard M4N68T -M[...]

  • Page 2

    ii Copyright © 2009 ASUST eK 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 [...]

  • Page 3

    iii Contents Notices ......................................................................................................... vi Safety information ..................................................................................... vii About this guide ........................................................................................ vii M[...]

  • Page 4

    iv Contents 1.1 1 Software support ........................................................................ 1-28 1.1 1.1 Installing an operating system ...................................... 1-2 8 1.1 1.2 Support DVD information .............................................. 1-2 8 Chapter: BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ......[...]

  • Page 5

    v Contents 2.5.4 APM Conguration ........................................................ 2-1 6 2.5.5 HW Monitor Conguration ............................................. 2-1 7 2.5.6 Anti Surge Support ........................................................ 2-1 7 2.6 Boot menu .................................................................[...]

  • Page 6

    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 b[...]

  • Page 7

    vii Safety information Electrical safety • T o 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 po[...]

  • Page 8

    viii Conventions used in this guide T o ensure that you perform certain tasks properly , take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual. DANGER/W ARNING : Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to Information to prevent injury to yourself when trying to complete a task. CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the co[...]

  • Page 9

    ix M4N68T -M specications summary (continued on the next page) CPU AMD ® Socket AM3 for AMD ® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 series processors AMD ® Cool ‘n’ Quiet™ T echnology 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 [...]

  • Page 10

    x M4N68T -M specications summary Internal I/O connectors 3 x USB 2.0/1.1 connectors support additional 6 USB 2.0/1.1 ports 4 x SA T A connectors 1 x CPU fan connector 1 x Chassis fan connector 1 x High denition 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 [...]

  • Page 11

    1.2 Package contents Check your motherboard package for the following items. Motherboard ASUS M4N68T -M motherboard Cables 2 x Serial A T A cables 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100 cable Accessories 1 x I/O shield Application DVD ASUS motherboard Support DVD Documentation User Manual If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer . Chap[...]

  • Page 12

    AMD ® Cool ‘n’ Quiet T echnology 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[...]

  • Page 13

    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 SA T A HDDs, USB HDDs and ash drives with at least 1.2GB free disk space. When installing it on USB H[...]

  • Page 14

    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 [...]

  • Page 15

    1.4 Before you proceed T ake 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 s[...]

  • Page 16

    M4N68T-M 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 . DO NOT overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard. 1.5.2 Screw holes P[...]

  • Page 17

    1.5.3 Motherboard layout 1.5.4 Layout contents M4N68T-M PCIEX16 PCIEX1_1 PCI1 PCI2 PRI_IDE USB910 USB78 USB56 AAFP SPDIF_OUT SPEAKER ATX12V EATXPWR CPU_FAN Lithium Cell CMOS Power Super I/O VIA VT1708S RTL 8211CL KB/MS COM1 LPT 8Mb BIOS SB_PWR CLRTC USBPW5-10 USBPW1-4 KBPWR NVIDIA ® MCP68 SE SOCKET AM3 DDR3 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module) DDR3 DIM[...]

  • Page 18

    1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU) This motherboard supports AMD ® Phenom™ II / Athlon™ II / Sempron™ 100 series processors. 1.6.1 Installing the CPU T o install a CPU: 1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. 2. Press the lever sideways to unlock the socket, then lift it up to a 90°-100° angle. Socket lever Ensure that the socket lever[...]

  • Page 19

    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. Y ou can also refer to section 1.6.2 Installing heatsink and fan for instructions. 7. Connect the CPU fan cable [...]

  • Page 20

    1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan Ensure that you use only AMD-certied heatsink and fan assembly . T o install the CPU heatsink and fan: 1. Place the heatsink on top of the installed CPU, ensuring that the heatsink ts properly on the retention module base. • The retention module base is already installed on the motherboard upon purchase[...]

  • Page 21

    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 ts the retention mechanism module base, otherwise you cannot snap the retention bracket in place. 4. Push down the retention bracket lock on the retenti[...]

  • Page 22

    1.7.2 Memory congurations Y ou may install 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB unbuffered ECC and non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. • Y ou 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 conguration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is th[...]

  • Page 23

    DDR3-1600(O.C.) MHz capability (continued on the next page) DDR3-1333 MHz capability V endor Part No. Size SS/ DS Brand Chip NO. Timing DIMM (BIOS) V oltage DIMM Support A* B* 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 [...]

  • Page 24

    DDR3-1333MHz capability V endor Part No. Size SS/ DS Brand Chip NO. Timing DIMM (BIOS) V oltage DIMM Support A* B* 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 1.5~1.6V • • G[...]

  • Page 25

    SS: Single-sided / DS: Double-sided DIMM support: • A*: Supports one module inserted into either slot as single-channel memory conguration. • B*: Supports one pair of modules inserted into both the blue slots as one pair of dual-channel memory conguration. Visit the ASUS website at www .asus.com for the latest QVL. DDR3-1066MHz capability[...]

  • Page 26

    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. 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. [...]

  • Page 27

    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 T o[...]

  • Page 28

    1.9 Jumpers 1. Clear RTC RAM (CLRTC) This jumper allows you to clear the Real T ime Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. Y ou 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. Except [...]

  • Page 29

    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 r[...]

  • Page 30

    1.10 Connectors 1.10.1 Rear panel ports 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. LAN port LED indications Activity/Link LED Spee[...]

  • Page 31

    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 [...]

  • Page 32

    2. A TX power connectors (24-pin EA TXPWR, 4-pin A TX12V) These connectors are for an A TX power supply . The plugs from the power supply are designed to t these connectors in only one orientation. Find the proper orientation and push down rmly until the connectors completely t. • We recommend that you use an A TX 12V Specication 2.0-[...]

  • Page 33

    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 . Connect the blue connector to the motherboard’s IDE connector , then select one of the following modes to congure your devices: Drive jumper setting Mode[...]

  • Page 34

    4. Serial A T A connectors (7-pin SA T A1, SA T A2, SA T A3, SA T A4) These connectors are for the Serial A T A signal cables for Serial A T A 3Gb/s hard disk and optical disk drives. The Serial A T A 3Gb/s is backward compatible with Serial A T A 1.5Gb/s specication. The data transfer rate of the Serial A T A 3Gb/s is faster than the standard p[...]

  • Page 35

    6. System panel connector (10-1 pin F_P ANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions. M4N68T-M M4N68T -M System panel connector PIN 1 PWR BTN PLED+ PLED- PWR GND IDE_LED+ IDE_LED- Ground Reset F_P ANEL PWR LED HD_LED RESET • System power LED (2-pin PWRLED) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis po[...]

  • Page 36

    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 specication that supports up to 480Mbps connection speed. Never connect a 1394 cab[...]

  • Page 37

    8. Digital audio connector (4-1 pin SPDIF_OUT) This connector is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. Ensure that the audio device of Sound playback is VIA High Denition Audio (the name may be different based on the OS) . Go to Start > Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices > Sound Playback to congure the[...]

  • Page 38

    1.1 1 Software support 1.1 1.1 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. [...]

  • Page 39

    ASUS M4N68T -M 2-1 Chapter 2 BIOS information 2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS Save a copy of the original motherboard BIOS le to a USB ash disk in case you need to restore the BIOS in the future. Copy the original motherboard BIOS using the ASUS Update utility . • ASUS Update requires an Internet connection either through a network or a[...]

  • Page 40

    2-2 Chapter 2: BIOS information Updating from a BIOS file a. Select Update BIOS from a le , then click Next . b. Locate the BIOS le from the Open window , then click Open . 3. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the updating process. T o update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2: 1. Insert the USB ash disk that contains the latest BIOS [...]

  • Page 41

    ASUS M4N68T -M 2-3 2.1.3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS le when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. Y ou can restore a corrupted BIOS le using the motherboard support DVD or a removable device that contains the updated BIOS le. • Before [...]

  • Page 42

    2-4 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2.2 BIOS setup program Use the BIOS Setup program to update the BIOS or congure 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 T o enter BIOS Setup at startup: • Press <Delete> during the Power-On S[...]

  • Page 43

    ASUS M4N68T -M 2-5 2.2.1 BIOS menu screen 2.2.2 Menu bar The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items: Main For changing the basic system conguration Advanced For changing the advanced system settings Power For changing the advanced power management (APM) conguration Boot For changing the system boot conguration T ools Fo[...]

  • Page 44

    2-6 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2.2.4 Menu items The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items. The other items (Advanced, Power , Boot, T ools, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items. 2.2.5 Submenu items A solid triangle before each item on[...]

  • Page 45

    ASUS M4N68T -M 2-7 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. 2.3.1 System Time [xx:xx:xx] Allows you to set the system time. 2.3.2 System [...]

  • Page 46

    2-8 Chapter 2: BIOS information LBA/Large Mode [Auto] Enables or disables the LBA mode. Setting this item to [Auto] enables the LBA mode if the device supports this mode, and if the device was not previously formatted with LBA mode disabled. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Auto] Block (Multi-Sector T ransfer) Mode [Auto] Enables or disables dat[...]

  • Page 47

    ASUS M4N68T -M 2-9 2.4.1 JumperFree Conguration 2.4 Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. T ake caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect eld values can cause the system to malfunction. v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc.[...]

  • Page 48

    2-10 Chapter 2: BIOS information Processor Frequency Multiplier [Auto] Sets the processor frequency multiplier . Conguration options: [Auto] [Min.  x4.0 800MHz] [Min.  x4.0 800MHz] [Max.  x15.0 3000MHz] CPU/NB Frequency [Auto] Sets the CPU/Northbridge frequency . Conguration options: [Auto] [4.00x] [5.00x] [6.00x] [7.00x] [8.00x] [9.[...]

  • Page 49

    ASUS M4N68T -M 2-1 1 VDDNB Over V oltage [Auto] Sets the VDDNB over voltage. The valid value ranges vary depending on your CPU model. Use <+> / <-> keys to adjust the ratio. Conguration options: [Auto] LoadLine Calibration [Auto] Sets the LoadLine. Conguration options: [Auto] [Max.100%] [Min.0%] If the system becomes unstabl[...]

  • Page 50

    2-12 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2.4.2 CPU Conguration 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. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Micro[...]

  • Page 51

    ASUS M4N68T -M 2-13 ECC Conguration ECC Mode [Disabled] Allows you to set the ECC mode. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Basic] [Good] [Super] [Max] [User] SouthBridge Conguration Primary Graphics Adapter [PCIE -> PCI -> IGP] Selects the primary display adapter . Conguration options: [PCIE -> PCI -> IGP] [IGD -> PCI ->[...]

  • Page 52

    2-14 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2.4.4 Onboard Device Conguration Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address. Conguration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4][2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3] Serial Port1 Mode [Normal] Allows you to select the Serial Port1 mode. Conguration options: [Normal] [IrDA] [ASK IR][...]

  • Page 53

    ASUS M4N68T -M 2-15 2.4.6 USB Conguration The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options. The Module V ersion and USB Devices Enabled items show the auto-detected values. If no USB device is detected, the item shows None . USB Functions [Enabled][...]

  • Page 54

    2-16 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2.5 Power menu The Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) and the Advanced Power Management (APM). Select an item then press <Enter> to display the conguration options. Select Screen Select Item +- Change Option F1 General Help F10 Save a[...]

  • Page 55

    ASUS M4N68T -M 2-17 2.5.5 HW Monitor Conguration CPU T emperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] or [Ignored] MB T emperature [xxxºC/xxxºF] or [Ignored] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the motherboard and CPU temperatures. Select Ignored if you do not wish to display the detected temperatures. CPU / Chassis Fan Speed [N/A], [x[...]

  • Page 56

    2-18 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2.6 Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the submenu. Select Screen Select Item Enter Go to Sub Screen F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc. Boot Settings Congurat[...]

  • Page 57

    ASUS M4N68T -M 2-19 AddOn ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS] Sets the display mode for option ROM. Conguration options: [Force BIOS] [Keep Current] Bootup Num-Lock [On] Selects the power-on state for the NumLock. Conguration options: [Off] [On] W ait for ‘F1’ If Error [Enabled] When this item is set to [Enabled] , the system waits for the F1 k[...]

  • Page 58

    2-20 Chapter 2: BIOS information Change User Password Select this item to set or change the user password. The User Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed . After you set a password, this item shows Installed . T o set a User Password: 1. Select the Change User Password item and press <Enter> . 2. On the password b[...]

  • Page 59

    ASUS M4N68T -M 2-21 2.7 T ools menu The T ools menu items allow you to congure options for special functions. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu. Select Screen Select Item Enter Go to Sub Screen F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2009, American Megatrends, Inc. ASUS EZ Flash 2 Express[...]

  • Page 60

    2-22 Chapter 2: BIOS information 2.7.4 AI NET 2 Check Realtek Phy LAN cable [Disabled] Enables or disables checking of the Realtek LAN cable during the Power-On Self-T est (POST). Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.7.3 ASUS O.C. Prole This item allows you to store or load multiple BIOS settings. Add Y our CMOS Prole Allows you to [...]

  • Page 61

    ASUS M4N68T -M 2-23 Exit & Discard Changes Select this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you made to the Setup program. If you made changes to elds other than System Date, System T ime, and Password, the BIOS asks for a conrmation before exiting. Discard Changes This option allows you to discard the selections you ma[...]

  • Page 62

    2-24 Chapter 2: BIOS information[...]