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Asus M2N68 Manual
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Asus M2N68 Manual

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  • Page 1 M2N68...
  • Page 2 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.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Notices ......................vi Safety information ..................vii About this guide ..................viii M2N68 specifications summary ..............x Chapter 1: Product introduction Welcome! ..................1-2 Package contents ................. 1-2 Special features ................1-2 1.3.1 Product highlights ............1-2 1.3.2 Innovative ASUS features ..........1-4 Before you proceed ..............
  • Page 4 Chapter 2: BIOS setup Managing and updating your BIOS ..........2-2 2.1.1 Creating a bootable floppy disk ........2-2 2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility ........... 2-3 2.1.3 AFUDOS utility ..............2-5 2.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility ........2-7 2.1.5 ASUS Update utility ............
  • Page 5 Boot Device Priority ............2-34 2.6.2 Boot Settings Configuration .......... 2-35 2.6.3 Security ................. 2-36 Boot menu .................. 2-38 2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 ............2-38 2.7.2 Express Gate ..............2-39 2.7.3 AI NET 2................ 2-39 Exit menu ..................2-40 Chapter 3: Software support Installing an operating system ...........

  • Page 6: Notices

    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.

  • Page 7: Safety Information

    Safety information Electrical safety • To prevent electrical shock hazard, disconnect the power cable from the electrical 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.

  • Page 8: About This Guide

    Refer to the following sources for additional information and for product and software updates. 1. ASUS websites The ASUS website provides updated information on ASUS hardware and software products. Refer to the ASUS contact information. 2. Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer.
  • Page 9 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.

  • Page 10: M2N68 Specifications Summary

    630a built-in Gigabit MAC with external ® ® Realtek 8211CL PHY Overclocking features Overclocking Protection: - ASUS C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) ASUS Unique features ASUS EZ DIY: - ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 - ASUS EZ Flash 2 ASUS Express Gate:...
  • Page 11 M2N68 specifications summary Manageability Supports up to 10 USB 2.0 / 1.1 ports (6 on board and 4 on back) BIOS features 8 Mb Flash ROM, AMI BIOS, PnP, DMI, Wfm 2.0, ACPI 2.0, SM BIOS 2.5 Rear panel 1 x Parallel port 1 x LAN (RJ-45) port 4 x USB 2.0 / 1.1 ports...

  • Page 13: Chapter 1: Product Introduction

    This chapter describes the motherboard features and the new technologies it supports. Product introduction...

  • Page 14: Welcome

    ® The motherboard delivers a host of new features and latest technologies, making it another standout in the long line of ASUS quality motherboards! Before you start installing the motherboard and hardware devices on it, please check the items in your package with the list below.
  • Page 15 AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet Technology M2N68 supports AMD Cool ‘n’ Quiet! Technology, which monitors system operation and automatically adjusts CPU voltage and frequency for a cool and quiet environment.. AMD Socket AM2 Athlon 64 X2 / Athlon 64 FX /Athlon 64/ Sempron Support This motherboard supports AMD®...

  • Page 16: Innovative Asus Features

    Green ASUS This motherboard and its packaging comply with the European Union’s Restriction on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). This is in line with the ASUS vision of creating environment-friendly and recyclable products/packaging to safeguard consumers’ health while minimizing the impact on the environment.
  • Page 17 ASUS Q-Fan ASUS Q-Fan technology intelligently adjusts CPU fan speeds according to system loading to ensure quiet, cool and efficient operation. ASUS Express Gate Taking only 5 seconds to go online from bootup, Express Gate is the one-stop gateway to instant fun! It’s a unique motherboard built-in OS. You can utilize the most popular...

  • Page 18: Before You Proceed

    The illustration below shows the location of the onboard LED. M2N68 SB_PWR Standby Powered Power M2N68 Onboard LED Chapter 1: Product introduction...

  • Page 19: Motherboard Overview

    Realtek 8211 MCP68 CR2032 3V Lithium Cell CMOS Power PCIEX1_2 SATA2 PCI1 SATA1 SATA3 PCI2 SATA4 BIOS PCI3 VT1708B CLRTC SB_PWR CHASSIS PANEL PCI4 FLOPPY SPDIF_OUT AAFP USB56 USB78 USB910 AM2+ socket is backward compatible with AM2 socket. ASUS M2N68...

  • Page 20: Placement Direction

    Place six (6) screws into the holes indicated by circles to secure the motherboard to the chassis. Do not overtighten the screws! Doing so can damage the motherboard. Place this side towards the rear of the chassis M2N68 Chapter 1: Product introduction...

  • Page 21: Central Processing Unit (Cpu)

    Installing the CPU To install a CPU: SATA2 Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard. M2N68 M2N68 CPU Socket AM2+ Unlock the socket by pressing the lever sideways, then lift it up to a 90°-100° angle. Socket lever Ensure that the socket lever is lifted up to 90°-100° angle, otherwise the CPU will not fit in completely.
  • Page 22 Connect the CPU fan cable to the CPU_FAN connector on the motherboard. CPU_FAN M2N68 M2N68 CPU Fan Connector Do not forget to connect the CPU fan connector! Hardware monitoring errors can occur if you fail to plug this connector. 1-10...

  • Page 23: Installing The Heatsink And Fan

    Retention bracket lock Your boxed CPU heatsink and fan assembly should come with installation instructions for the CPU, heatsink, and the retention mechanism. If the instructions in this section do not match the CPU documentation, follow the latter. ASUS M2N68 1-11...
  • Page 24 Attach one end of the retention bracket to the retention module base. Align the other end of the retention bracket (near the retention bracket lock) to the retention module base. A clicking sound denotes that the retention bracket is in place. Ensure that the fan and heatsink assembly perfectly fits the retention mechanism module...

  • Page 25: System Memory

    240-pin footprint compared to the 184-pin DDR DIMM. DDR2 DIMMs are notched differently to prevent installation on a DDR DIMM socket. The figure illustrates the location of the DDR2 DIMM sockets: M2N68 M2N68 240-pin DDR2 DIMM Sockets Channel Sockets Channel A...

  • Page 26: Memory Configurations

    1.7.2 Memory configurations You may install 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB unbuffered ECC and non-ECC DDR2 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets. Recommended Memory Configurations Sockets Mode DIMM_A1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 DIMM_B2 (yellow) (black) (yellow) (black) – – Populated – Single-Channel Populated –...
  • Page 27 • AL7E8E63H-10E1K A3R1GE3CFF750RABBP(ECC) • • GEIL GE28GB800C4QC GEIL Heat-Sink Package • • GEIL GX22GB6400CUSC GEIL Heat-Sink Package • • G.SKILL F2-6400CL4D-4GBPK G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package • • G.SKILL F2-6400CL5Q-16GNQ G.SKILL Heat-Sink Package • OCZ2VU8004GK Heat-Sink Package • • ASUS M2N68 1-15...
  • Page 28 512MB DDR2 533 ECC Micron 6ND22D9GCT(ECC) • • Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) for the latest QVL. Side(s): SS - Single-sided DS - Double-sided DIMM Support: A - Supports one module inserted in any slot for a single-channel memory configuration.

  • Page 29: Installing A Dimm

    DIMM. DDR2 DIMM notch Support the DIMM lightly with your fingers when pressing the retaining clips. The DIMM might get damaged when it flips out with extra force. Remove the DIMM from the socket. ASUS M2N68 1-17...

  • Page 30: Expansion Slots

    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. Ensure to unplug the power cord before adding or removing expansion cards. Failure to do so may cause you physical injury and damage to the motherboard components.
  • Page 31 When using PCI cards on shared slots, ensure that the drivers support “Share IRQ” or that the cards do not need IRQ assignments. Otherwise, conflicts will arise between the two PCI groups, making the system unstable and the card inoperable. ASUS M2N68 1-19...

  • Page 32: Pci Slots

    1.8.3 PCI slots The PCI slots support cards such as a LAN card, SCSI card, USB card, and other cards that comply with PCI specifications. The figure shows a LAN card installed on a PCI slot. 1.8.4 PCI Express x1 slot This motherboard supports PCI Express x1 network cards, SCSI cards and other cards that comply with the PCI Express...

  • Page 33: Jumpers

    Normal Clear RTC (Default) M2N68 Clear RTC RAM You do not need to clear the RTC when the system hangs due to overclocking. For system failure due to overclocking, use the CPU Parameter Recall (C.P.R) feature. Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS can automatically reset parameter settings to default values.

  • Page 34: 1.10 Connectors

    1.10 Connectors 1.10.1 Rear panel connectors PS/2 mouse port (green). This port is for a PS/2 mouse. Parallel port. This 25-pin port connects a parallel printer, a scanner, or other devices. LAN (RJ-45) port. This port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub.
  • Page 35 12. COM port. This port is for pointing devices or other serial devices. 13. Optical S/PDIF Out port (yellow). This port connects an external audio output device via a optical S/PDIF cable. 14. PS/2 keyboard port (purple). This port is for a PS/2 keyboard. ASUS M2N68 1-23...

  • Page 36: Internal Connectors

    Pin 5 on the connector is removed to prevent incorrect cable connection when using an FDD cable with a covered Pin 5. M2N68 FLOPPY NOTE: Orient the red markings on the floppy ribbon cable to PIN 1. M2N68 Floppy Disk Drive Connector 1-24 Chapter 1: Product introduction...
  • Page 37 Use the 80-conductor IDE cable for Ultra DMA 133 / 100 / 66 / 33 IDE devices. If any device jumper is set as “Cable-Select”, ensure that all other device jumpers have the same setting. M2N68 IDE Connector M2N68 ASUS M2N68 1-25...
  • Page 38 RAID 0+1, RAID 5, and JBOD configuration through the onboard NVIDIA ® MediaShield™ controller. SATA2 SATA1 SATA3 M2N68 SATA4 M2N68 SATA Connectors Install the Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 or the Windows XP Service Pack1 ® ® before using Serial ATA. •...
  • Page 39 Connect the S/PDIF Out module cable to this connector, then install the module to a slot opening at the back of the system chassis. M2N68 SPDIF_OUT M2N68 Digital Audio Connector The S/PDIF module is purchased separately. ASUS M2N68 1-27...
  • Page 40 480 Mbps connection speed. M2N68 USB56 USB78 USB910 M2N68 USB 2.0 Connectors Never connect a 1394 cable to the USB connectors. Doing so will damage the motherboard! The USB 2.0 module is purchased separately. Optical drive audio in connector (4-pin CD) These connectors allow you to receive stereo audio input from sound sources such as a CD-ROM, TV tuner, or MPEG card.
  • Page 41 Legacy AC’97-compliant pin definition pin definition M2N68 AAFP M2N68 Azalia Analog Front Panel Connector • We recommend that you connect a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector to avail of the motherboard high-definition audio capability. • By default, this connector is set to HD Audio. If you want to connect a High Definition front panel audio module to this connector, set the Front Panel Select item in the BIOS to [HD Audio].
  • Page 42 +5 Volts +5V Standby +5 Volts Power OK -5 Volts M2N68 Ground Ground +5 Volts Ground Ground Ground +5 Volts PSON# Ground Ground +3 Volts -12 Volts +3 Volts +3 Volts M2N68 ATX Power Connector 1-30 Chapter 1: Product introduction...
  • Page 43 PLED M2N68 Reset +IDE_LED PWRSW M2N68 System Panel Connector • System power LED (2-pin PLED) This 2-pin connector is for the system power LED. Connect the chassis power LED cable to this connector. The system power LED lights up when you turn on the system power, and blinks when the system is in sleep mode.
  • Page 44 1-32 Chapter 1: Product introduction...

  • Page 45: Chapter 2: Bios Setup

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

  • Page 46: Managing And Updating Your Bios

    The following utilities allow you to manage and update the motherboard Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) setup. ASUS EZ Flash 2: Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a floppy disk or the motherboard support DVD. ASUS AFUDOS: Updates the BIOS in DOS mode using a bootable floppy disk.

  • Page 47: Asus Ez Flash 2 Utility

    2.1.2 ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility The ASUS EZ Flash 2 feature allows you to update the BIOS without having to go through the long process of booting from a floppy disk and using a DOS-based utility. The EZ Flash 2 utility is built-in the BIOS chip so it is accessible by pressing <Alt>...
  • Page 48 (2) Enter BIOS setup program. Go to the Tools menu to select EZ Flash2 and press <Enter> to enable it. You can switch between drives by pressing <Tab> before the correct file is found. Then press <Enter>. When the correct BIOS file is found, EZ Flash 2 performs the BIOS update process and automatically reboots the system when done.

  • Page 49: Afudos Utility

    Extension name Press <Enter>. The utility copies the current BIOS file to the floppy disk. A:\>afudos /oOLDBIOS1.rom AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.07(03.11.24BB)) Copyright (C) 2002 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved. Reading flash ..done Write to file..ok A:\>...
  • Page 50 Updating the BIOS file To update the BIOS file using the AFUDOS utility: Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) and download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. Save the BIOS file to a bootable floppy disk. Write the BIOS filename on a piece of paper. You need to type the exact BIOS filename at the DOS prompt.

  • Page 51: Asus Crashfree Bios 3 Utility

    2.1.4 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility The ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 is an auto recovery tool that allows you to restore the BIOS file when it fails or gets corrupted during the updating process. You can update a corrupted BIOS file using the motherboard support DVD , the floppy disk or the USB flash disk that contains the updated BIOS file.
  • Page 52 Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process. • Only the USB flash disk with FAT 32/16 format and single partition can support ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3. The device size should be smaller than 8GB. • DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so...

  • Page 53: Asus Update Utility

    2.1.5 ASUS Update utility The ASUS Update is a utility that allows you to manage, save, and update the motherboard BIOS in Windows environment. The ASUS Update utility allows you ® • Save the current BIOS file • Download the latest BIOS file from the Internet •...
  • Page 54 To update the BIOS through the Internet: desktop by clicking Start Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows ® > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update main window appears. Select Update BIOS from Select the ASUS FTP site nearest...
  • Page 55 To update the BIOS through a BIOS file: desktop by clicking Start Launch the ASUS Update utility from the Windows ® > Programs > ASUS > ASUSUpdate > ASUSUpdate. The ASUS Update main window appears. Select Update BIOS from a file option from the drop-down menu, then click Next.

  • Page 56: Bios Setup Program

    The BIOS setup screens shown in this section are for reference purposes only, and may not exactly match what you see on your screen. • Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for this motherboard. 2-12...

  • Page 57: Bios Menu Screen

    At the bottom right corner of a menu screen are the navigation keys for that particular menu. Use the navigation keys to select items in the menu and change the settings. Some of the navigation keys differ from one screen to another. ASUS M2N68 2-13...

  • Page 58: Menu Items

    2.2.4 Menu items The highlighted item on the menu bar BIOS SETUP UTILITY Main Advanced Power Boot Exit displays the specific items for that menu. System Time [11:10:19] Use [ENTER], [TAB], or [SHIFT-TAB] to System Date [Tue 07/01/2008] select a field. For example, selecting Main shows the Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in] Use [+] or [-] to...

  • Page 59: Main Menu

    Allows you to set the system date. 2.3.3 Legacy Diskette A [1.44M, 3.5 in.] Sets the type of floppy drive installed. Configuration options: [Disabled] [360K, 5.25 in.] [1.2M , 5.25 in.] [720K , 3.5 in.] [1.44M, 3.5 in.] [2.88M, 3.5 in.] ASUS M2N68 2-15...

  • Page 60: Primary Ide Master/Slave

    2.3.4 Storage Configuration The items in this menu allow you to set or change the configurations for the IDE or Serial-ATA devices installed in the system. Select an item then press <Enter> if you wish to configure the item. Disabled: disables Storage Configuration the integrated IDE Controller.
  • Page 61 [SWDMA2] [MWDMA0] [MWDMA1] [MWDMA2] [UDMA0] [UDMA1] [UDMA2] [UDMA3] [UDMA4] [UDMA5] SMART Monitoring [Auto] Sets the Smart Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology. Configuration options: [Auto] [Disabled] [Enabled] 32Bit Data Transfer [Enabled] Enables or disables 32-bit data transfer. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS M2N68 2-17...

  • Page 62: Sata1, Sata2, Sata3, And Sata4

    2.3.6 SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, and SATA4 While entering Setup, the BIOS automatically detects the presence of SATA devices. There is a separate sub-menu for each SATA device. Select a device item then press <Enter> to display the SATA device information. Exit Disabled: Disables SATA1...

  • Page 63: System Information

    : AMD Sempron(tm) Processor 3200+ Speed : 1800MHz Count System Memory Installed Size: 512MB Usable Size : 512MB AMI BIOS Displays the auto-detected BIOS information Processor Displays the auto-detected CPU specification System Memory Displays the auto-detected system memory ASUS M2N68 2-19...

  • Page 64: Advanced Menu

    Advanced menu The Advanced menu items allow you to change the settings for the CPU and other system devices. Take caution when changing the settings of the Advanced menu items. Incorrect field values can cause the system to malfunction. Exit Adjust System Jumperfree Configuration Frequency etc.
  • Page 65 Allows you to select the PCIE Overclocking. Configuration options: [Auto] [Manual] The following item appear only when the PCIE Overclocking item is set to [Manual]. PCI-Express Frequency [100] Allows you to select PCI Express frequency. Configuration options: [100] [101] [102] [103] ... [150] ASUS M2N68 2-21...
  • Page 66 Processor Frequency Multiplier [Auto] Allows you to select Processor frequency. Configuration options: [Auto] [x4.0 800 MHz] [x5.0 1000 MHz] [x6.0 1200 MHz] [x7.0 1400 MHz] [x8.0 1600 MHz] [x9.0 1800 MHz] Processor Voltage [Auto] Allows you to select the Processor voltage or set it to auto for safe mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [+ 50mv] [+100mv] [+ 150mv] Processor-NB Voltage [Auto] Allows you to select the Processor-NB voltage or set it to auto for safe mode.

  • Page 67: Cpu Configuration

    Enables or disables the microcode updation. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Secure Virtual Machine [Enabled] Enables or disables the AMD secure virtual machine. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Cool’n’Quiet [Enabled] Enables or disables the AMD Cool’n’Quiet function. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS M2N68 2-23...

  • Page 68: Chipset

    2.4.3 Chipset The Chipset menu allows you to change the advanced chipset settings. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the sub-menu. Memory Options & Advanced Chipset Settings Information WARNING: Setting wrong values in below sections may cause system to malfunction.
  • Page 69 Hole.Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] DCT Unganged Mode [Auto] Allows you to enable or disable Unganged mode. Configuration options: [Auto] [Always] Power Down Enable [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable DDR power down mode. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] ASUS M2N68 2-25...
  • Page 70 ECC Configuration ECC Configuration Set the level of ECC protection. Note: The ECC Mode [Disabled] ‘Super’ ECC mode DRAM ECC Enable [Disabled] dynamically sets the ECC Error Log [Disabled] DRAM scrub rate so DRAM SCRUB REDIRECT [Disabled] all of memory is 4-Bit ECC Mode [Disabled]...
  • Page 71 OnBoard LAN Boot ROM [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the OnBoard LAN Boot ROM. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] SouthBridge ACPI HPET TABLE [Enabled] Allows you to enable or disable SouthBridge ACPI HPET TABLE. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] ASUS M2N68 2-27...

  • Page 72: Onboard Devices Configuration

    2.4.4 Onboard Devices Configuration Allows BIOS to Configure ITE8712 Super IO Chipset Select Serial Port1 Base Addresses. Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Parallel Port Address [378] Parallel Port Mode [Normal] Parallel Port IRQ [IRQ7] Serial Port1 Address [3F8/IRQ4] Allows you to select the Serial Port1 base address. Configuration options: [Disabled] [3F8/IRQ4][2F8/IRQ3] [3E8/IRQ4] [2E8/IRQ3] Parallel Port Address [378] Allows you to select the Parallel Port base addresses.

  • Page 73: Pci Pnp

    Configuration options: [Yes] [No] Palette Snooping [Disabled] When set to [Enabled], the pallete snooping feature informs the PCI devices that an ISA graphics device is installed in the system so that the latter can function correctly. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS M2N68 2-29...

  • Page 74: Usb Configuration

    IRQ-xx assigned to [PCI Device] When set to [PCI Device], the specific IRQ is free for use of PCI/PnP devices. When set to [Reserved], the IRQ is reserved for legacy ISA devices. Configuration options: [PCI Device] [Reserved] 2.4.6 USB Configuration The items in this menu allows you to change the USB-related features.

  • Page 75: Power Menu

    Allows you to enable or disable the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) support in the Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). When set to Enabled, the ACPI APIC table pointer is included in the RSDT pointer list. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] ASUS M2N68 2-31...

  • Page 76: Apm Configuration

    2.5.4 APM Configuration APM Configuration Go into On/Off or Suspend when Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off] Power button is pressed. Power On By PCI(-E) Device [Disabled] Power On By Ring [Disabled] Power On By PS/2 KB/MS [Disabled] Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled] Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off] When set to Power Off, the system goes into off state after an AC power loss.

  • Page 77: Hardware Monitor

    N/A. Select Ignored if you do not wish to display the detected speed. VCORE Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage [xxxxV] or [Ignored] The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard voltage regulators. ASUS M2N68 2-33...

  • Page 78: Boot Menu

    Smart Q-FAN Function [Disabled] Allows you to enable or disable the Q-Fan function that monitors the CPU/System temperature and smartly adjust the fan speed. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Boot menu The Boot menu items allow you to change the system boot options. Select an item then press <Enter>...

  • Page 79: Boot Settings Configuration

    This allows you to enable or disable the full screen logo display feature. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Set this item to [Enabled] to use the ASUS MyLogo™ 2 feature. Add On ROM Display Mode [Force BIOS] Sets the display mode for option ROM. Configuration options: [Force BIOS]...

  • Page 80: Security

    Hit ‘DEL’ Message Display [Enabled] When set to Enabled, the system displays the message “Press DEL to run Setup” during POST. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] Interrupt 19 Capture [Disabled] When set to [Enabled], this function allows the option ROMs to trap Interrupt 19. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] 2.6.3 Security...
  • Page 81 Password Check [Setup] When set to [Setup], BIOS checks for user password when accessing the Setup utility. When set to [Always], BIOS checks for user password both when accessing Setup and booting the system. Configuration options: [Setup] [Always] ASUS M2N68 2-37...

  • Page 82: Asus Ez Flash 2

    2.7.1 ASUS EZ Flash 2 Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Enter>, a confirmation message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press <Enter> to confirm your choice. Please see page 2-4, section 2.1.2 for details.

  • Page 83: Express Gate

    2.7.2 Express Gate Allows you to enable or disable the ASUS Express Gate feature. The ASUS Express Gate feature is a unique instant-on environment that provides quick access to the Internet browser and Skype. Configuration options: [Enabled] [Disabled] Enter OS Timer [10 Seconds] Sets countdown duration that the system waits at the Express Gate’s first...

  • Page 84: Exit Menu

    Exit menu The Exit menu items allow you to load the optimal or failsafe default values for the BIOS items, and save or discard your changes to the BIOS items. Exit Exit Options Exit & Save Changes Exit & Discard Changes Discard Changes Load Setup Defaults Pressing <Esc>...

  • Page 85: Chapter 3: Software Support

    This chapter describes the contents of the support DVD that comes with the motherboard package. Software support...

  • Page 86: Installing An Operating System

    The contents of the support DVD are subject to change at any time without notice. Visit the ASUS website(www.asus.com) for updates. 3.2.1 Running the support DVD Place the support DVD to the optical drive. The DVD automatically displays the Drivers menu if Autorun is enabled in your computer.

  • Page 87: Drivers Menu

    The drivers menu shows the available device drivers if the system detects installed devices. Install the necessary drivers to activate the devices. ASUS InstAll - Installation Wizard for Anti-Virus and Drivers Utility Launches the ASUS InstallAll driver installation wizard. Norton Internet Security 2008 Installs the Norton Internet Security 2008.

  • Page 88: Utilities Menu

    ASUS Cool ‘n’ Quiet Utility This item installs the ASUS Cool ‘n’ Quiet utility. ASUS Update The ASUS Update utility allows you to update the motherboard BIOS in a Windows environment. This utility requires an Internet connection either through a ®...
  • Page 89 DirectX ® improves the multimedia features of you computer so you can enjoy watching TV and movies, capturing videos, or playing games in your computer. Visit the Microsoft website (www.microsoft.com) for updates. ASUS M2N68...

  • Page 90: Make Disk Menu

    3.2.4 Make Disk menu The Make Disk menu allows you to make a RAID driver disk. NVIDIA 32 bit XP AHCI Driver [Disk1] Allows you to create the NVIDIA 32-bit XP AHCI disk1. ® NVIDIA 32 bit XP AHCI Driver [Disk2] Allows you to create the NVIDIA 32-bit XP AHCI disk2.
  • Page 91 NVIDIA 64 bit XP SATA RAID Driver [Disk2] Allows you to create the NVIDIA 64-bit XP SATA RAID disk2. ® NVIDIA 32/64 bit Vista SATA RAID Driver Allows you to create the NVIDIA 32/64-bit Vista SATA RAID disk. ® ASUS M2N68...

  • Page 92: Manual Menu

    Allows you to open the NVIDIA SATA RAID user’s manual. ® ASUS Motherboard Installation Guide Allows you to open the ASUS Motherboard Installation Guide NIS 2008 Subscription Renewal Guide Allows you to open the NIS 2008 Subscription Renewal Guide. Chapter 3: Software support...

  • Page 93: Asus Contact Information

    3.2.6 ASUS Contact information Click the Contact tab to display the ASUS contact information. You can also find this information on the inside front cover of this user guide. 3.2.7 Other information The icons on the top right corner of the screen give additional information on the motherboard and the contents of the support DVD.
  • Page 94 Browse this DVD Displays the support DVD contents in graphical format. Technical Support Form Displays the ASUS Technical Support Request Form that you have to fill out when requesting technical support. Filelist Displays the contents of the support DVD and a brief description of each in text format.

  • Page 95: Creating A Raid Driver Disk

    Press <F6> then insert the floppy disk with RAID driver into the floppy disk drive. Follow the succeeding screen instructions to complete the installation. Due to chipset limitation, the Serial ATA ports supported by the NVIDIA chipset does not support Serial Optical Disk Drives (Serial ODD) under DOS. ASUS M2N68 3-11...

  • Page 96: Asus Express Gate

    ASUS Express Gate ASUS Express Gate is an instant-on environment that gives you quick access to the Internet. Within a few seconds of powering on your computer, you will be at the Express Gate menu where you can start the web browser, Skype, or other Express Gate softwares.
  • Page 97 The very first time you enter the Express Gate environment (by launching either web or Skype from the first screen), a first time wizard will guide you through basic Express Gate configurations. Basic configurations include language, date and time and screen resolution. ASUS M2N68 3-13...
  • Page 98 Once inside the Express Gate environment, click on the icons on the LaunchBar, by default at bottom of the screen, to launch or switch between softwares. You can re-arrange, re-size and move windows. Bring a window to the foreground by clicking within it or by clicking on its corresponding software icon.
  • Page 99 Express Gate to finish clearing the settings. This is also useful in the rare case where settings might become corrupted. The first-time Wizard will run again when you enter the Express Gate environment after clearing its settings. ASUS M2N68 3-15...
  • Page 100 USB drive. If a USB device is detected, the icon contains a green arrow. ASUS Express Gate supports file uploading from SATA HDDs, ODDs and USB drive and downloading to USB drives only. Shows network status; click to configure network.
  • Page 101 Click to choose input language and method as well as keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl-Space by default). Click to change LaunchBar options (auto-hide, docking position, etc). Click to show the “ASUS Utility” panel. Click to show “About Express Gate ”. Click to open Express Gate Help.
  • Page 102 Open Network. Network Make the proper network configurations. Each network interface is enabled immediately when you check the box next to it. • If you use a network cable connected to a home router (which is then connected to your DSL/cable modem), enable both LAN1 and LAN2. Express Gate will automatically use whichever port (LAN1 or LAN2) is connected.
  • Page 103 Shows user- created image album(s) I m a g e control bar ASUS Express Gate supports HDDs connected to motherboard chipset- controlled onboard SATA ports only. All onboard extended SATA ports and external SATA ports are NOT supported. ASUS M2N68 3-19...
  • Page 104 Express Gate software will be released regularly, adding refinements or new applications. You can find original version of the software on the support DVD or download new versions from the ASUS support website. To update Express Gate Double-click the Express Gate setup file to start software update.

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