Asus M2N68-VM User Manual Page 1

MotherboardM2N68-VM

xM2N68-VM specications summary(continued on the next page)CPU Support AMD socket AM2 for AMD Athlon™ 64 FX / Athlon™ 64 X2 / Athlon™ 64 / Pheno

xiM2N68-VM specications summaryUSB Supports up to 12 USB 2.0 / 1.1 ports (6 on the board, 6 at rear panel) BIOS features 8 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS,

xii*Specications are subject to change without notice. Accessories 2 x SATA cables 2 x SATA power cables 1 x UltraDMA 133 / 100 cable 1 x I/O Shiel

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

1-2 Chapter 1: Product introduction1.1 Welcome!Thank you for buying an ASUS® M2N68-VM motherboard!The motherboard delivers a host of new features and

ASUS M2N68-VM 1-364-bit CPU support 64-bit computing, the technology to replace 32-bit architecture, delivers advanced system performance, faster m

1-4 Chapter 1: Product introductionPCI Express™ interface The motherboard fully supports PCI Express, the latest I/O interconnect technology that spe

ASUS M2N68-VM 1-5ASUS Q-Fan technology ASUS Q-Fan technology intelligently adjusts CPU fan speeds according to system loading to ensure quiet, cool

1-6 Chapter 1: Product introductionOnboard LEDThe motherboard comes with a standby power LED that lights up to indicate that the system is ON, in slee

ASUS M2N68-VM 1-71.5.1 Motherboard layout1.5 Motherboard overview

iiCopyright © 2008 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. All Rights Reserved.No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be repro

1-8 Chapter 1: Product introductionM2N68-VMDo not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard.1.5.2 Placement directionWhen installin

ASUS M2N68-VM 1-91.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU)The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2 socket designed for the AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 / Athlon™ 64 / A

1-10 Chapter 1: Product introduction3. Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner w

ASUS M2N68-VM 1-111.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fanThe AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 / Athlon™ FX / Athlon™ 64 / Sempron™ / Phenom FX / Phenom require a spec

1-12 Chapter 1: Product introduction2. Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base.3. Align the other end of the retention

ASUS M2N68-VM 1-131.7.2 Memory congurationsYou may install 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered ECC / non-ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.

1-14 Chapter 1: Product introduction• When using only one memory module, start installing the DDR2 DIMM from slot DIMM_A1 or DIMM_B1 for better overc

ASUS M2N68-VM 1-15DDR2-667 MHz capabilitySize Vendor Model CL BrandSS/DSComponentDIMM supportA* B* C*512MB Kingston KVR667D2N5/512 N/A Elpida SS E5108

1-16 Chapter 1: Product introductionQualied Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-1066 MHz capabilitySS - Single-sided / DS - Double - sided DIMM support: • A*:

ASUS M2N68-VM 1-171.7.3 Installing a DIMM1. Unlock a DIMM socket by pressing the retaining clips outward.2. Align a DIMM on the socket such that th

iiiContentsNotices ... viSafety information ...

1-18 Chapter 1: Product introduction1.8 Expansion slotsIn the future, you may need to install expansion cards. The following sub-sections describe th

ASUS M2N68-VM 1-19* These IRQs are usually available for ISA or PCI devices.When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Sha

1-20 Chapter 1: Product introduction1.8.3 PCI slotsThe PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply w

ASUS M2N68-VM 1-211.9 JumpersClear RTC RAM (CLRTC)This jumper allows you to clear the Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM in CMOS. You can clear the CMOS memo

1-22 Chapter 1: Product introduction1.10 Connectors1.10.1 Rear panel connectors1. PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard.2.

ASUS M2N68-VM 1-23• This motherboard comes with dual-VGA output. If you connect 2 monitors to both VGA and DVI-D / HDMI out ports, each controller

1-24 Chapter 1: Product introduction15. Optical S/PDIF Out port. This port connects an external audio output device via an optical S/PDIF cable.16.

ASUS M2N68-VM 1-253. IDE connectors (40-1 pin PRI_IDE)The onboard IDE connector is for an Ultra DMA 133/100 signal cable. There are three connectors

1-26 Chapter 1: Product introduction4. Serial ATA connectors (7-pin SATA1, SATA2, SATA3)These connectors are for the Serial ATA signal cables for Ser

ASUS M2N68-VM 1-275. CPU and Chassis Fan connectors (4-pin CPU_FAN, 3-pin CHA_FAN)The fan connectors support cooling fans of 350mA~740mA (8.88W max.)

ivContentsChapter 2: BIOS setup2.1 Managing and updating your BIOS ... 2-22.1.1 Creating a bootable oppy di

1-28 Chapter 1: Product introduction7. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB78, USB910, USB1112)These connectors are for USB 2.0 ports. Connect the USB module

ASUS M2N68-VM 1-299. Serial port connectors (10-1 pin COM1)The connector is for a serial (COM) port. Connect the serial port module cable to the conn

1-30 Chapter 1: Product introduction11. ATX power connectors (24-pin ATX-PWRGD, 4-pin ATX12V)These connectors are for an ATX power supply. The plugs

ASUS M2N68-VM 1-3112. LPT connector The LPT (Line Printing Terminal) connector supports devices such as a printer. LPT standardizes as IEEE 1284, wh

1-32 Chapter 1: Product introduction13. System panel connector (20-8 pin PANEL) This connector supports several chassis-mounted functions.• System p

2This chapter tells how to change the system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided.B

2-2 Chapter 2: BIOS setup2.1 Managing and updating your BIOSThe following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output

ASUS M2N68-VM 2-3Windows® Vista environmenta. Insert a formatted, high density 1.44 MB oppy disk to the oppy disk drive. b. Click from the Windo

2-4 Chapter 2: BIOS setupTo update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2:1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS le for the motherb

ASUS M2N68-VM 2-52.1.3 AFUDOS utilityThe AFUDOS utility allows you to update the BIOS le in DOS environment using a bootable oppy disk with the upd

vContents2.5.3 ACPI APIC Support ... 2-332.5.4 APM Conguration ...

2-6 Chapter 2: BIOS setupUpdating the BIOS leTo update the BIOS le using the AFUDOS utility:1. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) and download t

ASUS M2N68-VM 2-72.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utilityThe ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS le when i

2-8 Chapter 2: BIOS setupRecovering the BIOS from the support CDTo recover the BIOS from the support CD:1. Remove any oppy disk from the oppy disk

ASUS M2N68-VM 2-9Installing ASUS UpdateTo install ASUS Update:1. Place the support CD in the optical drive. The Drivers menu appears. 2. Click the U

2-10 Chapter 2: BIOS setup3. Select the ASUS FTP site nearest you to avoid network trafc, or click Auto Select. Click Next.Updating the BIOS through

ASUS M2N68-VM 2-11Updating the BIOS through a BIOS leTo update the BIOS through a BIOS le:1. Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows® deskt

2-12 Chapter 2: BIOS setup2.2 BIOS setup programThis motherboard supports a programmable Low-Pin Count (LPC) chip that you can update using the provi

ASUS M2N68-VM 2-132.2.1 BIOS menu screen• The BIOS setup screens shown in this chapter are for reference purposes only, and may not exactly match wh

2-14 Chapter 2: BIOS setup2.2.4 Menu itemsThe highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specic items for that menu. For example, selecting Main

ASUS M2N68-VM 2-152.3 Main menuWhen you enter the BIOS Setup program, the Main menu screen appears, giving you an overview of the basic system inform

viNoticesFederal Communications Commission StatementThis device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two cond

2-16 Chapter 2: BIOS setup2.3.4 IDE CongurationThe items in this menu allow you to set or change the congurations for the IDE devices installed in

ASUS M2N68-VM 2-172.3.5 Primary IDE Master/SlaveWhile entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of IDE devices. There is a separate

2-18 Chapter 2: BIOS setupPIO Mode [Auto]Selects the PIO mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [0] [1] [2] [3] [4]DMA Mode [Auto]Selects the DMA mode. Co

ASUS M2N68-VM 2-192.3.6 SATA1, SATA2, SATA3While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. There is a separate sub

2-20 Chapter 2: BIOS setupDMA Mode [Auto]Selects the DMA mode. Conguration options: [Auto]SMART Monitoring [Auto]Enables or disables the S.M.A.R.T. (

ASUS M2N68-VM 2-212.4 Advanced menuThe Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices.Take caution when ch

2-22 Chapter 2: BIOS setupCPU Frequency (MHz) [200.0]Displays the frequency sent by the clock generator to the system bus and PCI bus. The value of th

ASUS M2N68-VM 2-23Memory Clock Mode [Auto]Allows you to set the memory clock mode. Conguration options: [Auto] [Manual]Memclock Value [200 MHz]Allows

2-24 Chapter 2: BIOS setup2.4.2 CPU CongurationGART Error Reporting [Disabled]This option should remain disabled for the normal operation. The drive

ASUS M2N68-VM 2-25NorthBridge Chipset Conguration Memory Conguration ECC CongurationNorthBridge Conguration2.4.3 ChipsetThe Chipset menu allows

viiSafety informationElectrical safety• To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical outlet before relocating th

2-26 Chapter 2: BIOS setupEnable Clock to All DIMMs [Disabled]Enables or disables clock to all DIMMs. Conguration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]MemClk

ASUS M2N68-VM 2-27ECC Enable [Disabled]Enables or disables the DRAM ECC that allows the hardware to report and correct memory errors automatically. Co

2-28 Chapter 2: BIOS setupSouthBridge chipset CongurationPrimary Graphics Adapter [PCIE-> PCI -> IGP]iGPU Frame Buffer Detect [Auto]iGPU Fram

ASUS M2N68-VM 2-292.4.4 Onboard Devices CongurationCongure ITE8712 Super IO ChipsetSerial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4]Parallel Port Address [378]Para

2-30 Chapter 2: BIOS setup2.4.5 PCI PnPThe PCI PnP menu items allow you to change the advanced settings for PCI/PnP devices. The menu includes settin

ASUS M2N68-VM 2-31IRQ-xx assigned to [PCI Device]When set to [PCI Device], the specic IRQ is free for use of PCI/PnP devices. When set to [Reserved],

2-32 Chapter 2: BIOS setupUSB 2.0 Controller Mode [HiSpeed]Allows you to congure the USB 2.0 controller in HiSpeed (480 Mbps) or Full Speed (12 Mbps)

ASUS M2N68-VM 2-332.5 Power menuThe Power menu items allow you to change the settings for the Advanced Conguration and Power Interface (ACPI) and th

2-34 Chapter 2: BIOS setup2.5.4 APM CongurationAPM CongurationRestore on AC Power Loss [Power Off]Power On By PCI (-E) Device [Disabled] Power On

ASUS M2N68-VM 2-352.5.5 Hardware MonitorHardware MonitorCPU Temperature [45ºC/113ºF]MB Temperature [34ºC/93ºF]CPU Fan Speed [3308RPM]Chassis Fan S

viiiAbout this guideThis user guide contains the information you need when installing and conguring the motherboard.How this guide is organizedThis m

2-36 Chapter 2: BIOS setup2.6 Boot menuThe Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press <Enter> to di

ASUS M2N68-VM 2-372.6.2 Boot Settings Conguration Select Screen Select Item+- Change OptionF1 General HelpF10 Save and ExitESC ExitBoo

2-38 Chapter 2: BIOS setupInterrupt 19 Capture [Disabled]When set to [Enabled], this function allows the option ROMs to trap Interrupt 19. Conguratio

ASUS M2N68-VM 2-39User Access Level [Full Access]This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items. Conguration options: [No A

2-40 Chapter 2: BIOS setup2.7 Tools menuASUS EZ Flash 2Express Gate [Enabled] Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds] Reset User Data [No] AI NET 22.7.1

ASUS M2N68-VM 2-412.7.2 Express Gate [Enabled]Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Express Gate feature. The ASUS Express Gate feature is a uniqu

2-42 Chapter 2: BIOS setupExit & Discard ChangesSelect this option only if you do not want to save the changes that you made to the Setup program

3Software supportThis chapter describes the contents of the support CD that comes with the motherboard package.

3-2 Chapter 3: Software support3.1 Installing an operating systemThis motherboard supports Windows® 32-bit XP / 32-bit Vista / 64-bit XP / 64-bit Vis

3-3ASUS M2N68-VM 3.2.2 Drivers menuThe drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed devices. Install the necessary

ixConventions used in this guideTo ensure that you perform certain tasks properly, take note of the following symbols used throughout this manual.

3-4 Chapter 3: Software support3.2.3 Utilities menuThe Utilities menu shows the applications and other software that the motherboard supports. ASUS I

3-5ASUS M2N68-VM Norton Internet Security 2008Installs the Norton Internet Security 2008.Ulead Burn. NowInstalls the Ulead Burn. Now application for A

3-6 Chapter 3: Software supportMicrosoft DirectX 9.0cInstalls the Microsoft® DirectX 9.0c driver. The Microsoft DirectX® 9.0c is a multimedia technolo

3-7ASUS M2N68-VM NVIDIA 32bit XP SATA RAID DriverAllows you to create the NVIDIA SATA RAID Driver disk for Windows® 32-bit XP Operationg System (OS).N

3-8 Chapter 3: Software support3.2.6 ASUS Contact informationClick the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can also nd this inf