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Contents Notices...vi Safety information vii About this guide vii M2N68-AM specifications summary ix Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome 1-1 1.2 Package contents 1-1 1.3 Special features 1-1 1.3.1 Product highlights 1-1 1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features 1-3 1.4 Before you proceed 1-4 1.5 Motherboard overview 1-5 1.5.1 Placement direction 1-5 1.5.2 Screw holes 1-5 1.5.3 Motherboard layout 1-6 1.5.4 Layout contents 1-6 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU 1-7 1.6.1 Installing the CPU 1-7 1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan 1-9 1.7 System memory...
Contents Notices...vi Safety information vii About this guide vii M2N68-AM specifications summary ix Chapter 1: Product introduction 1.1 Welcome 1-1 1.2 Package contents 1-1 1.3 Special features 1-1 1.3.1 Product highlights 1-1 1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features 1-3 1.4 Before you proceed 1-4 1.5 Motherboard overview 1-5 1.5.1 Placement direction 1-5 1.5.2 Screw holes 1-5 1.5.3 Motherboard layout 1-6 1.5.4 Layout contents 1-6 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU 1-7 1.6.1 Installing the CPU 1-7 1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan 1-9 1.7 System memory...
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... which can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer's instructions, may cause undesired operation. DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. Check local regulations for radio noise emissions from that interference will not occur in a residential installation. If this equipment does cause harmful...
... which can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer's instructions, may cause undesired operation. DO NOT throw the motherboard in municipal waste. Check local regulations for radio noise emissions from that interference will not occur in a residential installation. If this equipment does cause harmful...
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... any damage, contact your dealer immediately. • To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from the motherboard, ensure that all the manuals that came with the product, contact a qualified service technician or your retailer. These devices could interrupt ...connected and the power cables are connected. Operation safety • Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on a stable surface. • If you need when installing and configuring the motherboard. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are not sure about the voltage of the...
... any damage, contact your dealer immediately. • To avoid short circuits, keep paper clips, screws, and staples away from the motherboard, ensure that all the manuals that came with the product, contact a qualified service technician or your retailer. These devices could interrupt ...connected and the power cables are connected. Operation safety • Before installing the motherboard and adding devices on a stable surface. • If you need when installing and configuring the motherboard. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are not sure about the voltage of the...
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... Product highlights Latest processor technology This motherboard supports AMD socket AM2/AM2+ for a cool and quiet operating environment. Before you for buying an ASUS® M2N68-AM motherboard! Chapter 1 Product introduction 1.1 Welcome...motherboard package for the following items. Motherboard Cables Accessories Application DVD Documentation ASUS M2N68-AM motherboard 1 x Serial ATA cable 1 x Serial ATA power cable 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable 1 x I/O shield ASUS motherboard support DVD User Manual If any of ASUS quality motherboards! Thank you start installing the motherboard...
... Product highlights Latest processor technology This motherboard supports AMD socket AM2/AM2+ for a cool and quiet operating environment. Before you for buying an ASUS® M2N68-AM motherboard! Chapter 1 Product introduction 1.1 Welcome...motherboard package for the following items. Motherboard Cables Accessories Application DVD Documentation ASUS M2N68-AM motherboard 1 x Serial ATA cable 1 x Serial ATA power cable 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable 1 x I/O shield ASUS motherboard support DVD User Manual If any of ASUS quality motherboards! Thank you start installing the motherboard...
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... ,RAID 10 ,RAID 5, and JBOD) for next generation components and peripherals. Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology and RAID support This motherboard supports hard drives based on -board LAN controller is enhanced with current USB 1.1 peripherals, USB 2.0 delivers transfer speeds up to...configurations for AM2+ only. This motherboard provides excellent compatibility and flexibility by supporting either 64-bit or 32-bit architecture. Backwards compatible with an ACPI management function to 40 times faster at 480Mb/s, for advanced operating systems. 1-2 ASUS M2N68-AM It is a highly integrated ...
... ,RAID 10 ,RAID 5, and JBOD) for next generation components and peripherals. Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology and RAID support This motherboard supports hard drives based on -board LAN controller is enhanced with current USB 1.1 peripherals, USB 2.0 delivers transfer speeds up to...configurations for AM2+ only. This motherboard provides excellent compatibility and flexibility by supporting either 64-bit or 32-bit architecture. Backwards compatible with an ACPI management function to 40 times faster at 480Mb/s, for advanced operating systems. 1-2 ASUS M2N68-AM It is a highly integrated ...
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...photos into 256-color boot logos to open the system chassis and clear the RTC data. ASUS MyLogo 2™ Turn your system. 1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ASUS Q-Fan technology ASUS Q-Fan technology intelligently adjusts CPU fan speeds according to system loading to overclocking failure. CPU... parameters to restore a corrupted BIOS file using an OS-based utility. Green ASUS This motherboard and its packaging comply with the ASUS vision of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is a utility that allows you to safeguard consumers' health ...
...photos into 256-color boot logos to open the system chassis and clear the RTC data. ASUS MyLogo 2™ Turn your system. 1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ASUS Q-Fan technology ASUS Q-Fan technology intelligently adjusts CPU fan speeds according to system loading to overclocking failure. CPU... parameters to restore a corrupted BIOS file using an OS-based utility. Green ASUS This motherboard and its packaging comply with the ASUS vision of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is a utility that allows you to safeguard consumers' health ...
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...with a standby power LED that you install or remove any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in soft-off the ATX power supply and detach its power cord. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to indicate that the system is a reminder ...of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before removing or plugging in any motherboard component. M2N68-AM SB_PWR ON OFF Standby Power Powered Off M2N68-AM Onboard LED 1-4 ASUS M2N68-AM 1.4 Before you proceed Take ...
...with a standby power LED that you install or remove any component, place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in soft-off the ATX power supply and detach its power cord. Failure to do so may cause severe damage to indicate that the system is a reminder ...of the following precautions before you install motherboard components or change any motherboard settings. • Unplug the power cord from the wall socket before removing or plugging in any motherboard component. M2N68-AM SB_PWR ON OFF Standby Power Powered Off M2N68-AM Onboard LED 1-4 ASUS M2N68-AM 1.4 Before you proceed Take ...
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Do not overtighten the screws! Place this side towards the rear of the chassis as indicated in the image below. 1.5.2 Screw holes Place six screws into the chassis in the correct orientation. 1.5 Motherboard overview 1.5.1 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis. M2N68-AM Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-5 Doing so can damage the motherboard. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis.
Do not overtighten the screws! Place this side towards the rear of the chassis as indicated in the image below. 1.5.2 Screw holes Place six screws into the chassis in the correct orientation. 1.5 Motherboard overview 1.5.1 Placement direction When installing the motherboard, ensure that you place it into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis. M2N68-AM Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-5 Doing so can damage the motherboard. The edge with external ports goes to the rear part of the chassis.
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...drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) Page 1-27 1-24 1-25 1-7 1-10 1-17 1-23 1-20 1-6 ASUS M2N68-AM Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 4. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD) 3. DDR2 DIMM...22 12. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-18 14. Standby power LED (SB_PWR) 1-4 16. 1.5.3 Motherboard layout 1 22.2cm(8.75in) KBMS ATX12V COM EATXPWR DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module) DDR2 DIMM_B1 (... Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED 1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) 1-26 9. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB 78...
...drive connector (34-1 pin FLOPPY) Page 1-27 1-24 1-25 1-7 1-10 1-17 1-23 1-20 1-6 ASUS M2N68-AM Front panel audio connector (10-1 pin AAFP) 4. Optical drive audio connector (4-pin CD) 3. DDR2 DIMM...22 12. Clear RTC RAM (3-pin CLRTC) 1-18 14. Standby power LED (SB_PWR) 1-4 16. 1.5.3 Motherboard layout 1 22.2cm(8.75in) KBMS ATX12V COM EATXPWR DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module) DDR2 DIMM_B1 (... Layout contents Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED Page Connectors/Jumpers/Slots/LED 1. ATX power connectors (24-pin EATXPWR, 4-pin ATX12V) 1-26 9. USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB 78...
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... a CPU that the socket lever is designed for the AM2/AM2+ socket. 1.6.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU: 1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. M2N68-AM M2N68-AM CPU socket AM2 2. Socket lever Ensure that is lifted up to 90°-100° angle, otherwise the CPU will not fit in completely...
... a CPU that the socket lever is designed for the AM2/AM2+ socket. 1.6.1 Installing the CPU To install a CPU: 1. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. M2N68-AM M2N68-AM CPU socket AM2 2. Socket lever Ensure that is lifted up to 90°-100° angle, otherwise the CPU will not fit in completely...
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... the motherboard. Connect the CPU fan cable to section 1.6.2 Installing heatsink and fan for instructions. You can occur if you fail to connect the CPU fan connector! CPU_FAN GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM M2N68-AM M2N68-AM CPU fan connector Do not forget to plug this connector. 1-8 ASUS M2N68-AM...
... the motherboard. Connect the CPU fan cable to section 1.6.2 Installing heatsink and fan for instructions. You can occur if you fail to connect the CPU fan connector! CPU_FAN GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM M2N68-AM M2N68-AM CPU fan connector Do not forget to plug this connector. 1-8 ASUS M2N68-AM...
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Place the heatsink on top of the retention bracket to remove the retention module base when installing the CPU or installing other motherboard components. • If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, ensure that you install the heatsink and fan assembly. CPU Fan CPU ...2 3 4 5 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-9 To install the CPU heatsink and fan: 1. 1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan Ensure that a Thermal Interface Material is already installed on the motherboard upon purchase. • You do not match the CPU documentation, follow the latter. 2.
Place the heatsink on top of the retention bracket to remove the retention module base when installing the CPU or installing other motherboard components. • If you purchased a separate CPU heatsink and fan assembly, ensure that you install the heatsink and fan assembly. CPU Fan CPU ...2 3 4 5 Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-9 To install the CPU heatsink and fan: 1. 1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and fan Ensure that a Thermal Interface Material is already installed on the motherboard upon purchase. • You do not match the CPU documentation, follow the latter. 2.
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... Channel Channel A Channel B Sockets DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 M2N68-AM M2N68-AM 240-pin DDR2 DIMM sockets 1-10 ASUS M2N68-AM Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you cannot snap the retention bracket in place. The figure illustrates the location of the retention bracket to prevent installation on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. DDR2 DIMMs are notched differently...
... Channel Channel A Channel B Sockets DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 M2N68-AM M2N68-AM 240-pin DDR2 DIMM sockets 1-10 ASUS M2N68-AM Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you cannot snap the retention bracket in place. The figure illustrates the location of the retention bracket to prevent installation on the motherboard labeled CPU_FAN. DDR2 DIMMs are notched differently...
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... of 3GB system memory if you want to install 4GB or more memory on the motherboard. • This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up to 4GB memory modules on each slot. M2N68-AM Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-1066MHz capability Size 1G 1G 1G 512MB 1G Vendor Kingston...Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For effective use of memory, we recommend that you install 4GB or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the dual-channel configuration. 1.7.2 Memory configurations You may install 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, and 2GB unbuffered ECC/...
... of 3GB system memory if you want to install 4GB or more memory on the motherboard. • This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up to 4GB memory modules on each slot. M2N68-AM Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-1066MHz capability Size 1G 1G 1G 512MB 1G Vendor Kingston...Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For effective use of memory, we recommend that you install 4GB or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the dual-channel configuration. 1.7.2 Memory configurations You may install 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, and 2GB unbuffered ECC/...
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... seated. Press the retaining clips outward to avoid damaging the DIMM. 3. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to both the motherboard and the components. 1. Remove the DIMM from the socket. 1-16 ASUS M2N68-AM Firmly insert the DIMM into a socket to unlock a DDR2 DIMM socket. 2. Failure to do so can cause severe damage...
... seated. Press the retaining clips outward to avoid damaging the DIMM. 3. Simultaneously press the retaining clips outward to both the motherboard and the components. 1. Remove the DIMM from the socket. 1-16 ASUS M2N68-AM Firmly insert the DIMM into a socket to unlock a DDR2 DIMM socket. 2. Failure to do so can cause severe damage...
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...by adjusting the software settings. 1. Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is completely seated on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support "Share IRQ" or that came with the slot and press firmly ... the expansion card. Assign an IRQ to install expansion cards. 1.8 Expansion slots In the future, you may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 1.8.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1. When using PCI cards on the slot. 5. Failure to do not ...
...by adjusting the software settings. 1. Unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Remove the system unit cover (if your motherboard is completely seated on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support "Share IRQ" or that came with the slot and press firmly ... the expansion card. Assign an IRQ to install expansion cards. 1.8 Expansion slots In the future, you may cause you physical injury and damage motherboard components. 1.8.1 Installing an expansion card To install an expansion card: 1. When using PCI cards on the slot. 5. Failure to do not ...
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Connect the blue connector to the motherboard's IDE connector, then select one of device(s) Master Slave Master Slave Cable connector Black Black Gray Black or gray Pin ...when you connect the IDE cable. • If any device jumper is for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 IDE devices. PRI_IDE PIN1 M2N68-AM NOTE:Orient the red markings on the IDE ribbon cable to configure your devices. There are three connectors on the Ultra DMA ... have the same setting. • Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for an Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable. M2N68-AM IDE connector Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-21
Connect the blue connector to the motherboard's IDE connector, then select one of device(s) Master Slave Master Slave Cable connector Black Black Gray Black or gray Pin ...when you connect the IDE cable. • If any device jumper is for Ultra DMA 133/100/66 IDE devices. PRI_IDE PIN1 M2N68-AM NOTE:Orient the red markings on the IDE ribbon cable to configure your devices. There are three connectors on the Ultra DMA ... have the same setting. • Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for an Ultra DMA 133/100/66 signal cable. M2N68-AM IDE connector Chapter 1: Product introduction 1-21
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Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. This is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. Chapter 1: Product ...the connector. DO NOT place a jumper cap on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of the cable matches the ground pin of the system chassis. +5V SPDIFOUT GND M2N68-AM SPDIF_OUT M2N68-AM Digital audio connector The S/PDIF module is purchased separately... the module to the CPU fan connector. Only the CPU fan supports Q-Fan. CPU_FAN M2N68-AM M2N68-AM CPU fan connector 5. GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM 4.
Insufficient air flow inside the system may damage the motherboard components. This is for an additional Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF) port. Chapter 1: Product ...the connector. DO NOT place a jumper cap on the motherboard, ensuring that the black wire of the cable matches the ground pin of the system chassis. +5V SPDIFOUT GND M2N68-AM SPDIF_OUT M2N68-AM Digital audio connector The S/PDIF module is purchased separately... the module to the CPU fan connector. Only the CPU fan supports Q-Fan. CPU_FAN M2N68-AM M2N68-AM CPU fan connector 5. GND CPU FAN PWR CPU FAN IN CPU FAN PWM 4.
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... 1 USB910 PIN 1 USB+5V USB_P7USB_P7+ GND USB+5V USB_P5USB_P5+ GND M2N68-AM USB2.0 connectors Never connect a 1394 cable to receive stereo audio input from sound sources such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card. Doing so will damage the motherboard! Optical drive audio in connector (4-pin CD) These connectors allow you... connectors, then install the module to 480 Mbps connection speed. The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. 7. CD Left Audio Channel GND GND Right Audio Channel M2N68-AM M2N68-AM Internal audio connector 1-24 ASUS M2N68-AM
... 1 USB910 PIN 1 USB+5V USB_P7USB_P7+ GND USB+5V USB_P5USB_P5+ GND M2N68-AM USB2.0 connectors Never connect a 1394 cable to receive stereo audio input from sound sources such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card. Doing so will damage the motherboard! Optical drive audio in connector (4-pin CD) These connectors allow you... connectors, then install the module to 480 Mbps connection speed. The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. 7. CD Left Audio Channel GND GND Right Audio Channel M2N68-AM M2N68-AM Internal audio connector 1-24 ASUS M2N68-AM