User Manual
Page 3
Contents Notices...vi Safety information vii About this guide vii M2N68 PLUS 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 1-7 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU 1-7 1.6.1 Installing the CPU 1-7 1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and ...
Contents Notices...vi Safety information vii About this guide vii M2N68 PLUS 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 1-7 1.6 Central Processing Unit (CPU 1-7 1.6.1 Installing the CPU 1-7 1.6.2 Installing the heatsink and ...
User Manual
Page 8
... CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to emphasize a word or a phrase. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to select. Optional documentation Your product package may have been added by ... Refer to complete a task. These documents are linked with a plus sign (+). Keys enclosed in this manual. Typography Bold text Italics ++ Command Indicates a menu or an item to the ASUS contact information. 2. DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself...
... CAUTION: Information to prevent damage to the components when trying to emphasize a word or a phrase. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to select. Optional documentation Your product package may have been added by ... Refer to complete a task. These documents are linked with a plus sign (+). Keys enclosed in this manual. Typography Bold text Italics ++ Command Indicates a menu or an item to the ASUS contact information. 2. DANGER/WARNING: Information to prevent injury to yourself...
User Manual
Page 9
... of 4GB or more, Windows® 32-bit operating system may only recognize less than 3GB. ASUS Q-Fan ASUS EZ DIY - ASUS CrashFree BIOS3 - M2N68 PLUS specifications summary CPU Chipset System bus Memory Expansion slots Storage Audio USB LAN ASUS special features AMD® Phenom™ X4 / Phenom™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 / Athlon™ / Sempron...
... of 4GB or more, Windows® 32-bit operating system may only recognize less than 3GB. ASUS Q-Fan ASUS EZ DIY - ASUS CrashFree BIOS3 - M2N68 PLUS specifications summary CPU Chipset System bus Memory Expansion slots Storage Audio USB LAN ASUS special features AMD® Phenom™ X4 / Phenom™ X3 / Athlon™ X2 / Athlon™ / Sempron...
User Manual
Page 10
M2N68 PLUS specifications summary Back panel I/O ports Internal I/O connectors BIOS Accessories Form Factor Support DVD 1 x PS/2 Keyboard port 1 x PS/2 Mouse port 1 x LAN (RJ45) port 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 6-channel ....0, ACPI2.0a, SM BIOS2.5 1 x Serial ATA cable 1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable 1x I/O Shield User manual ATX form factor: 12'' x 8'' (30.5cm x 20.3cm) Drivers ASUS LiveUpdateUtility ASUS PC Probe II Anti-Virus software (OEM version) *Specifications are subject to change without notice.
M2N68 PLUS specifications summary Back panel I/O ports Internal I/O connectors BIOS Accessories Form Factor Support DVD 1 x PS/2 Keyboard port 1 x PS/2 Mouse port 1 x LAN (RJ45) port 4 x USB 2.0/1.1 ports 6-channel ....0, ACPI2.0a, SM BIOS2.5 1 x Serial ATA cable 1 x UltraDMA 133/100/66 cable 1x I/O Shield User manual ATX form factor: 12'' x 8'' (30.5cm x 20.3cm) Drivers ASUS LiveUpdateUtility ASUS PC Probe II Anti-Virus software (OEM version) *Specifications are subject to change without notice.
User Manual
Page 11
Before you for the following items. Motherboard Cables Accessories Application DVD Documentation ASUS M2N68 PLUS motherboard 1 x Serial ATA cable 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable 1 x I/O shield ASUS motherboard support DVD User guide If any of ASUS quality motherboards! This motherboard also supports AMD® CPUs in your package with the list below. 1.2 Package contents Check your... hardware devices on it another standout in the long line of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your motherboard package for buying an ASUS® M2N68 PLUS motherboard!
Before you for the following items. Motherboard Cables Accessories Application DVD Documentation ASUS M2N68 PLUS motherboard 1 x Serial ATA cable 1 x Ultra DMA 133/100/66 cable 1 x I/O shield ASUS motherboard support DVD User guide If any of ASUS quality motherboards! This motherboard also supports AMD® CPUs in your package with the list below. 1.2 Package contents Check your... hardware devices on it another standout in the long line of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your motherboard package for buying an ASUS® M2N68 PLUS motherboard!
User Manual
Page 12
... Technology This motherboard supports the AMD Cool 'n' Quiet technology which provides faster data transfer rate and more bandwidth to www.asus.com for a cool and quiet operating environment. This enhances system performance in 3D graphics and other memory demanding applications. Refer... solution The onboard LAN controller is supported by AM3 / AM2+ CPU only. ALC662 also supports the Windows® Vista Premium OS. 1-2 ASUS M2N68 PLUS It also supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD configurations for advanced operating systems. Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology This motherboard ...
... Technology This motherboard supports the AMD Cool 'n' Quiet technology which provides faster data transfer rate and more bandwidth to www.asus.com for a cool and quiet operating environment. This enhances system performance in 3D graphics and other memory demanding applications. Refer... solution The onboard LAN controller is supported by AM3 / AM2+ CPU only. ALC662 also supports the Windows® Vista Premium OS. 1-2 ASUS M2N68 PLUS It also supports RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD configurations for advanced operating systems. Serial ATA 3Gb/s technology This motherboard ...
User Manual
Page 14
..., place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in any component, ensure that lights up to the motherboard, peripherals, or components. M2N68 PLUS SB_PWR ON OFF Standby Power Powered Off M2N68 PLUS Onboard LED 1-4 ASUS M2N68 PLUS Onboard LED The motherboard comes with the component. • Before you install or remove any motherboard component. 1.4 Before you proceed Take...
..., place it on a grounded antistatic pad or in any component, ensure that lights up to the motherboard, peripherals, or components. M2N68 PLUS SB_PWR ON OFF Standby Power Powered Off M2N68 PLUS Onboard LED 1-4 ASUS M2N68 PLUS Onboard LED The motherboard comes with the component. • Before you install or remove any motherboard component. 1.4 Before you proceed Take...
User Manual
Page 16
1.5.3 Motherboard layout 1 2 20.3cm(8.0in) KBMS ATX12V COM LPT CPU Socket DDR2-1066 DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module) DDR2 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 240-pin module) EATXPWR 30.5cm(12.0in) 4PHASE POWER 5000HRS VRM USB34 LAN1_USB12 CPU_FAN AUDIO PCIEX1_1 M2N68 PLUS 1000M LAN Realtek PCIEX16 3 8211CL SATA RAID Lithium Cell 4 PCIEX1_2 CMOS Power PCI1 SB_PWR NVIDIA® MCP68 SE Super I/O SATA4 PCI2 SATA3 5 SATA2 ALC 662 AAFP PCI3 CD SPDIF_OUT PCI4 8Mb BIOS SATA1 6 CLRTC PRI_IDE SPEAKER 7 USB56 USB78 USB910 F_PANEL 8 14 13 12 11 10 9 1-6 ASUS M2N68 PLUS
1.5.3 Motherboard layout 1 2 20.3cm(8.0in) KBMS ATX12V COM LPT CPU Socket DDR2-1066 DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module) DDR2 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 240-pin module) EATXPWR 30.5cm(12.0in) 4PHASE POWER 5000HRS VRM USB34 LAN1_USB12 CPU_FAN AUDIO PCIEX1_1 M2N68 PLUS 1000M LAN Realtek PCIEX16 3 8211CL SATA RAID Lithium Cell 4 PCIEX1_2 CMOS Power PCI1 SB_PWR NVIDIA® MCP68 SE Super I/O SATA4 PCI2 SATA3 5 SATA2 ALC 662 AAFP PCI3 CD SPDIF_OUT PCI4 8Mb BIOS SATA1 6 CLRTC PRI_IDE SPEAKER 7 USB56 USB78 USB910 F_PANEL 8 14 13 12 11 10 9 1-6 ASUS M2N68 PLUS
User Manual
Page 18
... CPU fan connector! Position the CPU above the socket such that came with a small triangle. 4. Hardware monitoring errors can also refer to plug this connector. 1-8 ASUS M2N68 PLUS Do not forget to the CPU_FAN connector on the side tab to indicate that the socket lever is in completely. 3.
... CPU fan connector! Position the CPU above the socket such that came with a small triangle. 4. Hardware monitoring errors can also refer to plug this connector. 1-8 ASUS M2N68 PLUS Do not forget to the CPU_FAN connector on the side tab to indicate that the socket lever is in completely. 3.
User Manual
Page 20
... the heatsink and fan to the retention module base. Align the other end of the DDR2 DIMM sockets: Channel Channel A Channel B 1-10 Sockets DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 ASUS M2N68 PLUS A DDR2 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR DIMM but has a 240-pin footprint compared to plug this connector. 1.7 System memory 1.7.1 Overview The motherboard...
... the heatsink and fan to the retention module base. Align the other end of the DDR2 DIMM sockets: Channel Channel A Channel B 1-10 Sockets DIMM_A1 DIMM_B1 ASUS M2N68 PLUS A DDR2 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR DIMM but has a 240-pin footprint compared to plug this connector. 1.7 System memory 1.7.1 Overview The motherboard...
User Manual
Page 21
... mapped for single-channel operation. • Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. The motherboard supports up of 256 megabits (Mb) chips or less. M2N68 PLUS Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-667MHz capability Vendor Part No. Chip Brand DIMM support A* B* Kingston KVR667D2N5/512 512MB SS N/A SO1237650821 SBP D6408TR4CGL25 USL074905PECNB Kingston...
... mapped for single-channel operation. • Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. The motherboard supports up of 256 megabits (Mb) chips or less. M2N68 PLUS Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR2-667MHz capability Vendor Part No. Chip Brand DIMM support A* B* Kingston KVR667D2N5/512 512MB SS N/A SO1237650821 SBP D6408TR4CGL25 USL074905PECNB Kingston...
User Manual
Page 22
Under the default state, some memory modules for the latest QVL. 1-12 ASUS M2N68 PLUS Heat-Sink Package E5108AJBG-8E-E K4T1G084QQ-HCF7 K4T1G084QQ-HCF7(ECC) K4T2G084QA-HCF7 HYB18T512800B2F25FSS28380 Heat-Sink Package Heat-Sink Package HY5PS12821CFP-S5 KKA8FF1XF-JFS-25A ... DS N/A SS 6 SS 6 DS N/A SS 6 DS 5 SS N/A SS 5 SS N/A SS 5 DS 5 SS N/A DS N/A DS 5 DS 5 DS 4 DS 4 DS 6 DS 5 Chip No. Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for overclocking may operate at a lower frequency than the vendor-marked value. Size Corsair CM2X1024-8500C5 1G GEIL GB24GB8500C5QC 1G SS/ DS CL...
Under the default state, some memory modules for the latest QVL. 1-12 ASUS M2N68 PLUS Heat-Sink Package E5108AJBG-8E-E K4T1G084QQ-HCF7 K4T1G084QQ-HCF7(ECC) K4T2G084QA-HCF7 HYB18T512800B2F25FSS28380 Heat-Sink Package Heat-Sink Package HY5PS12821CFP-S5 KKA8FF1XF-JFS-25A ... DS N/A SS 6 SS 6 DS N/A SS 6 DS 5 SS N/A SS 5 SS N/A SS 5 DS 5 SS N/A DS N/A DS 5 DS 5 DS 4 DS 4 DS 6 DS 5 Chip No. Visit the ASUS website at www.asus.com for overclocking may operate at a lower frequency than the vendor-marked value. Size Corsair CM2X1024-8500C5 1G GEIL GB24GB8500C5QC 1G SS/ DS CL...
User Manual
Page 24
... with the PCI Express specifications. 1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot This motherboard supports a PCI Express x16 graphics card that came with the PCI Express specifications. 1-14 ASUS M2N68 PLUS Align the card connector with the screw you removed earlier. 6. Secure the card to the card. 3. Assign an IRQ to the chassis with the slot...
... with the PCI Express specifications. 1.8.5 PCI Express x16 slot This motherboard supports a PCI Express x16 graphics card that came with the PCI Express specifications. 1-14 ASUS M2N68 PLUS Align the card connector with the screw you removed earlier. 6. Secure the card to the card. 3. Assign an IRQ to the chassis with the slot...
User Manual
Page 26
... Audio Devices > Sound Playback to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. PS/2 Mouse port. This port allows Gigabit connection to configure the setting. 1-16 ASUS M2N68 PLUS LAN port LED indications Activity/Link LED Status Description OFF No link ORANGE Linked BLINKING Data activity Speed LED Status OFF ORANGE GREEN Description 10...
... Audio Devices > Sound Playback to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. PS/2 Mouse port. This port allows Gigabit connection to configure the setting. 1-16 ASUS M2N68 PLUS LAN port LED indications Activity/Link LED Status Description OFF No link ORANGE Linked BLINKING Data activity Speed LED Status OFF ORANGE GREEN Description 10...
User Manual
Page 28
... 133/100/66 signal cable. If any device jumper is set as "Cable-Select", ensure that all other device jumpers have the same setting. 1-18 ASUS M2N68 PLUS 3.
... 133/100/66 signal cable. If any device jumper is set as "Cable-Select", ensure that all other device jumpers have the same setting. 1-18 ASUS M2N68 PLUS 3.
User Manual
Page 30
USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB 78, USB910) These connectors are for details. 1-20 ASUS M2N68 PLUS Never connect a 1394 cable to [HD Audio]. If you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the motherboard high-...
USB connectors (10-1 pin USB56, USB 78, USB910) These connectors are for details. 1-20 ASUS M2N68 PLUS Never connect a 1394 cable to [HD Audio]. If you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the motherboard high-...
User Manual
Page 32
... fans of 350 mA~740 mA (8.88 W max.) or a total of the connector. Connect the fan cable to configure the setting. 1-22 ASUS M2N68 PLUS Only the CPU fan supports the ASUS Q-Fan feature. 9. 8. Go to Start > Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices > Sound Playback to the fan connector on the fan connectors! Do...
... fans of 350 mA~740 mA (8.88 W max.) or a total of the connector. Connect the fan cable to configure the setting. 1-22 ASUS M2N68 PLUS Only the CPU fan supports the ASUS Q-Fan feature. 9. 8. Go to Start > Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices > Sound Playback to the fan connector on the fan connectors! Do...
User Manual
Page 33
...or written to this connector. Connect the HDD Activity LED cable to the HDD. • Power/Soft-off the system power. Ground Reset +HD_LED RESET M2N68 PLUS System panel connector • System power LED (2-pin PWRLED) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. 10. PWR LED PWR BTN PLED+... PLEDPWR GND M2N68 PLUS F_PANEL PIN 1 IDE_LED+ IDE_LED- Pressing the power button turns the system ON or puts the system in SLEEP or SOFT-OFF mode depending on the...
...or written to this connector. Connect the HDD Activity LED cable to the HDD. • Power/Soft-off the system power. Ground Reset +HD_LED RESET M2N68 PLUS System panel connector • System power LED (2-pin PWRLED) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. 10. PWR LED PWR BTN PLED+... PLEDPWR GND M2N68 PLUS F_PANEL PIN 1 IDE_LED+ IDE_LED- Pressing the power button turns the system ON or puts the system in SLEEP or SOFT-OFF mode depending on the...
User Manual
Page 34
The contents of the Support DVD are subject to change at www.asus.com for updates. Click an icon to display Support DVD/ motherboard information Click an item to install If Autorun is enabled in your computer. The ... the Support DVD Place the Support DVD to maximize the features of the Support DVD to avail all motherboard features. To run the DVD. 1-24 ASUS M2N68 PLUS 1.11 Software support 1.11.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows® XP/Vista Operating Systems (OS). Use the setup procedures presented in your...
The contents of the Support DVD are subject to change at www.asus.com for updates. Click an icon to display Support DVD/ motherboard information Click an item to install If Autorun is enabled in your computer. The ... the Support DVD Place the Support DVD to maximize the features of the Support DVD to avail all motherboard features. To run the DVD. 1-24 ASUS M2N68 PLUS 1.11 Software support 1.11.1 Installing an operating system This motherboard supports Windows® XP/Vista Operating Systems (OS). Use the setup procedures presented in your...