Motherboard

M2N68-AM
E4210 Second Edition V2 September 2008
Copyright 2008 ASUSTeK 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 the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (ASUS). 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.
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL AS IS WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL OR PRODUCT. SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL ARE FURNISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR ANY ERRORS OR INACCURACIES THAT MAY APPEAR IN THIS MANUAL, INCLUDING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT. Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trademarks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identification or explanation and to the owners benefit, without intent to infringe.

Contents

Notices.... vi Safety information... vii About this guide... viii M2N68-AM specifications summary... x
Chapter 1: Product introduction

1.1 1.2 1.3

Welcome!.... 1-2 Package contents... 1-2. Special features... 1-2. 1.3.1 1.3.2 Product highlights.. 1-2 Innovative ASUS features.. 1-4

1.4 1.5

Before you proceed... 1-6 Motherboard overview... 1-7 1.5.1 1.5.2 1.5.3 1.6.1 1.6.2 1.7.1 1.7.2 1.7.3 1.7.4 1.8.1 1.8.3 1.8.2 1.8.4 1.8.5 1.8.6 Motherboard layout... 1-7 Placement direction.. 1-8 Screw holes... 1-8 Installing the CPU.. 1-9 Installing the heatsink and fan..1-11 Overview.. 1-13 Memory configurations.. 1-14. Installing a DIMM... 1-19 Removing a DIMM.. 1-19 Installing an expansion card.. 1-20 Configuring an expansion card.. 1-20 PCI slots.. 1-22. PCI Express x1 slot.. 1-22. PCI Express x16 slot... 1-22.
Central Processing Unit (CPU).. 1-9

System memory... 1-13

Expansion slots... 1-20.
Interrupt assignments.. 1-21
Jumper.... 1-23 Connectors.... 1-24 1.10.1 1.10.2 Rear panel connectors... 1-24 Internal connectors... 1-25

Chapter 2: BIOS setup

2.1 2.1.1 2.1.2 2.1.3 2.1.4 2.2 2.1.5 2.2.1 2.2.2 2.2.3 2.2.4 2.2.5 2.2.6 2.2.7 2.2.8 2.3 2.2.9 2.3.1 2.3.2 2.3.3 2.3.4 2.3.5 2.3.6 2.4 2.3.7 2.4.1 2.4.2 2.4.3 2.4.4 2.4.5 2.5 2.4.6 2.5.1 2.5.2 Managing and updating your BIOS.. 2-2 Creating a bootable floppy disk.. 2-2. ASUS EZ Flash 2 utility... 2-4. AFUDOS utility... 2-5 ASUS CrashFree BIOS 3 utility.. 2-7 ASUS Update utility.. 2-9 BIOS menu screen... 2-13. Menu bar.. 2-13 Navigation keys... 2-14. Menu items... 2-14 Sub-menu items... 2-14 Configuration fields... 2-14 Pop-up window.. 2-14 Scroll bar.. 2-14 General help... 2-14 System Time... 2-15 System Date... 2-15 Legacy Diskette A... 2-15 IDE Configuration... 2-16. Primary IDE Master/Slave.. 2-17. SATA1, SATA2, SATA3, and SATA4.. 2-19. System Information... 2-20 JumperFree Configuration.. 2-21 CPU Configuration.. 2-24 Chipset... 2-25 Onboard Devices Configuration.. 2-29 PCI PnP... 2-30 USB Configuration.. 2-31 Suspend Mode... 2-33 ACPI Version Features.. 2-33

About this guide

This user guide contains the information you need when installing and configuring the motherboard.
How this guide is organized
This manual contains the following parts: Chapter 1: Product introduction This chapter describes the features of the motherboard and the new technology it supports. This chapter also lists the hardware setup procedures that you have to perform when installing system components. It includes description of the jumpers and connectors on the motherboard. Chapter 2: BIOS setup This chapter tells how to change system settings through the BIOS Setup menus. Detailed descriptions of the BIOS parameters are also provided. Chapter 3: Software support This chapter describes the contents of the Support CD / DVD that comes with the motherboard package.
Where to find more information
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. Optional documentation Your product package may include optional documentation, such as warranty flyers, that may have been added by your dealer. These documents are not part of the standard package.
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. IMPORTANT: Instructions that you MUST follow to complete a task. NOTE: Tips and additional information to help you complete a task.

Typography

Bold text Indicates a menu or an item to select. Used to emphasize a word or a phrase. Keys enclosed in the less-than and greater-than sign means that you must press the enclosed key. Example: <Enter> means that you must press the Enter or Return key. <Key1+Key2+Key3> If you must press two or more keys simultaneously, the key names are linked with a plus sign (+). Example: <Ctrl+Alt+D> Command Means that you must type the command exactly as shown, then supply the required item or value enclosed in brackets. Example: At the DOS prompt, type the command line: afudos /i[filename] afudos /iM2N68-AM.ROM

Italics

<Key>
M2N68-AM specifications summary
CPU Support AMD socket AM2/AM2+ for AMD Phenom FX / Phenom / Athlon / Sempron processors AMD64 architecture enables simultaneous 32-bit and 64-bit computing Supports AMD Cool n Quiet Technology MCP68S/MCP68PVNT Dual-channel memory architecture 2 x 240-pin DIMM sockets support up to 4 GB of unbufferred ECC and non-ECC 1066 / 800 / 667 / 533 MHz DDR2 memory modules Notes*: Only AM2+ supports DDR2 1066. When installing total memory of 4GB capacity or more, Windows 32-bit operation system may only recognize less than 3GB.Hence, a total installed memory of less than 3GB is recommended. 1 x PCI Express x16 slot 1 x PCI Express x1 slot 2 x PCI slots 2000 / 1600 MT/s

Welcome!
Thank you for buying an ASUS M2N68-AM motherboard! 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, check the items in your package with the list below.

Package contents

ASUS M2N68-AM motherboard 1 x Serial ATA cable 1 x Serial ATA power cable 1 x Ultra DMA 133 / 100 / 66 cable I/O shield ASUS motherboard support DVD User guide
Check your motherboard package for the following items. Motherboard Cables Accessories Application DVD Documentation
If any of the above items is damaged or missing, contact your retailer.

Special features

Product highlights
Latest processor technology
The motherboard supports AMD socket AM2/AM2+ for AMD Phenom FX / Phenom / Athlon / Sempron processors with 2MB / 1MB / 512KB L2 cache, which is based on 64-bit architecture. It features 2000 / 1600 MT/s HyperTransport Bus, dual-channel un-buffered DDRmemory support and AMD Cool n Quiet Technology. See page 1-9 for details.
AMD Cool n Quiet Technology
The 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. See page 2-25 for details.

64-bit CPU support

64-bit computing, the technology to replace 32-bit architecture, delivers advanced system performance, faster memory access and increased productivity. This motherboard provides excellent compatibility and flexibility by supporting either 64-bit or 32-bit architecture.
NVIDIA GeForce 7025+nForce 630a
Integrated NVIDIA GeForce 7Series Shader mpdel 3.0 DirectX 9.0 graphics processor.The NVIDIA nForce 630a MCP delivers NVIDIA Gigabit LAN, and NVIDIA MediaShield storage management technology allowing easy RAID configuration (RAID 0, RAID 1,RAID10,RAID5,JBOD) for Serial ATA 3Gb/s.

Max. 10 USB 2.0 ports

USB 2.0 is the latest connectivity standard for next generation components and peripherals. Backwards compatible with current USB 1.1 peripherals, USB 2.0 delivers transfer speeds up to 40 times faster at 480Mb/s, for easy connectivity and ultra-fast data transfers.

SB_PWR

ON Standy Power

OFF Powered Off

M2N68-AM Onboard LED

Motherboard overview

Motherboard layout

22.2cm(8.75in)

ATX12V
DDR2 DIMM_A1 (64bit, 240-pin module)
DDR2 DIMM_B1 (64bit, 240-pin module)

SOCKET AM2

EATXPWR

LAN1_USB12 Super I/O

CPU_FAN PCIEX16

RTL 8211CL

PCIEX1_1

Lithium Cell CMOS Power

Nvidia MCP68 Family

8Mb BIOS SPEAKER CLRTC

ALC 662

PCI2 CD

SPDIF_OUT FLOPPY

SATA1 SATA3

SATA2 SATA4

F_PANEL

USB910

PRI_IDE

24.4cm(9.6in)

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.

Screw holes

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
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The motherboard comes with a 940-pin AM2 / AM2+ socket designed for the AMD Phenom FX / Phenom / Athlon / Sempron processors.
The AM2 socket has a different pinout from the 940-pin socket designed for the AMD Opteron processor. Ensure that you use a CPU is designed for the AM2 socket. The CPU fits in only one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the connectors on the socket and damaging the CPU!

Installing the CPU

To install a CPU. Locate the CPU socket on the motherboard.

M2N68-AM CPU socket AM2+

2. 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 does not fit in completely.
Position the CPU above the socket such that the CPU corner with the gold triangle matches the socket corner with a small triangle. Carefully insert the CPU into the socket until it fits in place.
Small triangle Gold triangle
The CPU fits only in one correct orientation. DO NOT force the CPU into the socket to prevent bending the pins and damaging the CPU!
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. Install a CPU heatsink and fan following the instructions that came with the heatsink package.

When using only one memory module, start installing the DDR2 DIMM from slot DIMM_A1 or DIMM_B1 for better overclocking capability. Always use identical DDR2 DIMM pairs for dual channel mode. For optimum compatibility, we recommend that you obtain memory modules from the same vendor. When installing total memory of 4GB capacity or more, Windows 32bit operation system may only recognize less than 3GB. Hence, a total installed memory of less than 3GB is recommended.
The motherboard can support 4 GB physical memory on the operating system listed below. You may install a maximum of 2 GB DIMMs on each slot. 64-bit Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Windows Vista x64 Edition
Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDRMHz capability (for AM2+ platform only)

1G 1G 1G 512MB 1G

Vendor
Kingston Corsair Corsair ADATA ADATA
KHX8500D2K2/2GN CM2X1024-8500C5 CM2X1024-8500C5D M2OMIDG3H3160INC5Z M2OMIDG314720INC5Z

N/A N/A 5

SS/ DS

SS DS DS SS DS

Component
Heat-Sink Package Heat-Sink Package Heat-Sink Package Heat-Sink Package Heat-Sink Package

DIMM support A*

Due to AM2+ CPU limitation, only one DDRDIMM is supported per channel. When four DDRDIMMs are installed, all DIMMs run at 800Mhz frequency by default for system stability. The default DIMM frequency depends on its Serial Presence Detect (SPD), which is the standard way of accessing information from a memory module. Under the default state, some memory modules for overclocking may operate at a lower frequency than the vendor-marked value.

DDR2-800 MHz capability

1G 1G 512MB 512MB 1G 1G 512MB 1G 512MB 1G 512MB 1G 512MB 1G 1G 1G 1G 512MB 512MB 512MB 1G 1G
Kingston Kingston Kingston Kingston Kingston Kingston Samsung Samsung Samsung Samsung Qimonda Qimonda Micron Micron Corsair Corsair Corsair HY HY HY HY HY
KVR800D2N5/1G KHX6400D2LL/1G KHX6400D2LLK2/1GN KVR800D2N5/512 KHX6400D2K2/2G KVR800D2N5/1G KR M378T6553CZ3-CE7 KR M378T2953CZ3-CE7 KR M391T6553CZ3-CE7 KR M391T2953CZ3-CE7 HYS64T64000EU-2.5-B2 HYS64T128020EU-2.5-B2 MT9HTF6472AY-80ED4 MT18HTF12872AY-80ED4 CM2X1024-6400 XMS2-6400 XMS2-6400 HYMP564U64AP8-S6 AA HYMP564U64BP8-S5 AB HYMP564U64CP8-S5 AB HYMP512U64AP8-S6 AA HYMP512U64BP8-S5 AB
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 5 N/A N/A 5 N/A 5
Samsung Kingston Kingston Promos Kingston Promos Samsung Samsung Samsung Samsung Qimonda Qimonda Micron Micron Corsair Corsair Corsair Hynix Hynix Hynix Hynix Hynix
DS DS SS SS DS DS SS DS SS DS SS DS SS DS DS DS DS SS SS SS DS DS
K4T51083QC-ZCE7 Heat-Sink Package Heat-Sink Package V59C1512804QCF25SY032406PECPA Heat-Sink Package V59C1512804QCF25S0061904PECJA K4T51083QC-ZCE7 K4T51083QC-ZCE7 K4T51083QC-ZCE7(ECC) K4T51083QC-ZCE7(ECC) HYB18T512800B2F25FSS28380 HYB18T512800B2F25FSS28380 6ED22D9GKX(ECC) 6TD22D9GKX(ECC) Heat-Sink Package Heat-Sink Package Heat-Sink Package HY5PS12821AFP-S6 HY5PS12821BFP-S5 HY5PS12821CFP-S5 HY5PS12821AFP-S6 HY5PS12821BFP-S5

To erase the RTC RAM: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re-enter data.
Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on CLRTC jumper default position. Removing the cap will cause system boot failure!

Normal (Default)

Clear RTC

M2N68-AM 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 C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature. Shut down and reboot the system so the BIOS can automatically reset parameter settings to default values.

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. Supported by RTL8211CL Gigabit LAN controller, this port allows Gigabit connection to a Local Area Network (LAN) through a network hub. Refer to the table below for the LAN port LED indications.

ACT/LINK LED SPEED LED

LAN port LED indications
Activity/Link LED Status Description OFF No link ORANGE Linked BLINKING Data activity Speed LED Status Description OFF 10 Mbps connection ORANGE 100 Mbps connection GREEN 1 Gbps connection

LAN port

4. 5. 6.
Line In port (light blue). This port connects the tape, CD, DVD player, or other audio sources. Line Out port (lime). This port connects a headphone or a speaker. In 4channel, and 6-channel configuration, the function of this port becomes Front Speaker Out. Microphone port (pink). This port connects a microphone.
Refer to the audio configuration on the next page for the function of the audio ports in 2, 4, or 6-channel configuration.
Audio 2, 4, or 6-channel configuration
Port Light Blue Lime Pink Headset 2-channel Line In Line Out Mic In 4-channel Rear Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Mic In 6-channel Rear Speaker Out Front Speaker Out Bass/Center

7. 8. 9.

USB 2.0 ports 1 and 2. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices. USB 2.0 ports 3 and 4. These two 4-pin Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports are available for connecting USB 2.0 devices.

b. Click Start from the Windows desktop, then select My Computer.
d. Click File from the menu, then select Format. A Format 3 1/2 Floppy Disk window appears.
e. Windows XP users: Select Create an MS-DOS startup disk from the format options field, then click Start.
Windows Vista environment a. Insert a formatted, high density 1.44 MB floppy disk to the floppy disk drive.
b. Click c. Right-click Floppy Disk Drive then click Format to display the Format 3 1/2 Floppy dialog box. e. Click Start. from the Windows desktop, then select Computer.
d. Select the Create an MS-DOS startup disk check box. 2.
Copy the original or the latest motherboard BIOS file to the bootable floppy disk.

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 DOSbased utility. The EZ Flash 2 utility is built-in the BIOS chip so it is accessible by pressing <Alt> + <F2> during the Power-On Self-Test (POST). To update the BIOS using EZ Flash 2: 1. 2. 3. Visit the ASUS website (www.asus.com) to download the latest BIOS file for the motherboard. You can launch the EZ Flash 2 by two methods. (1) Insert the floppy disk / USB flash disk that contains the BIOS file to the floppy disk drive or the USB port. Press <Alt> + <F2> during POST to display the following.
ASUSTek EZ Flash 2 BIOS ROM Utility V3.06 FLASH TYPE: MXIC 25L8005 Current ROM BOARD: M2N68-AM VER: 0303 DATE: 07/28/08 PATH: A:\ A: Update ROM BOARD: Unknown VER: Unknown DATE: Unknown
Save the BIOS file to a floppy disk or a USB flash disk, then restart the system.
[Enter] Select or Load [Tab] Switch

[B] Backup

[ESC] Exit

[Up/Down/Home/End] Move

(2) Enter BIOS setup program. Go to the Tools menu to select EZ Flash 2 and press <Enter> to enable it. 4.
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.

2. 3.

Copy the AFUDOS utility (afudos.exe) from the motherboard support DVD to the bootable floppy disk you created earlier. Boot the system in DOS mode, then at the prompt type: afudos /i[filename]
where [filename] is the latest or the original BIOS file on the bootable floppy disk.
A:\>afudos /iM2N68-AM.ROM
The utility verifies the file and starts updating the BIOS.
A:\>afudos /iM2N68-AM.ROM AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.26(06.08.28BB)) Copyright (C) 2003 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved. WARNING!! Do not turn off power during flash BIOS Reading file. done Reading flash. done Advance Check. Erasing flash. done Writing flash. 0x0008CC00 (9%)
The utility returns to the DOS prompt after the BIOS update process is completed. Reboot the system from the hard disk drive.
A:\>afudos /iM2N68-AM.ROM AMI Firmware Update Utility - Version 1.19(ASUS V2.26(06.08.28BB)) Copyright (C) 2003 American Megatrends, Inc. All rights reserved. WARNING!! Do not turn off power during flash BIOS Reading file. done Reading flash. done Advance Check. Erasing flash. done Writing flash. done Verifying flash. done Please restart your computer

A:\>

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.
Prepare the motherboard support DVD, the floppy disk or the USB flash disk containing the updated motherboard BIOS before using this utility. Make sure that you rename the original or updated BIOS file in the floppy disk or the USB flash disk to M2N68-AM.ROM.
Recovering the BIOS from a floppy disk
To recover the BIOS from a floppy disk: 1. 2. 3. Turn on the system.
Insert the floppy disk with the original or updated BIOS file to the floppy disk drive. The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the floppy disk for the original or updated BIOS file.
Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery. Checking for floppy.
When found, the utility reads the BIOS file and starts flashing the corrupted BIOS file.
Bad BIOS checksum. Starting BIOS recovery. Checking for floppy. Floppy found! Reading file M2N68-AM.ROM. Completed. Start flashing.
DO NOT shut down or reset the system while updating the BIOS! Doing so can cause system boot failure!
Restart the system after the utility completes the updating process.
Recovering the BIOS from the support DVD
To recover the BIOS from the support DVD: 1. 2. 3. Remove any floppy disk from the floppy disk drive, then turn on the system. The utility displays the following message and automatically checks the floppy disk for the original or updated BIOS file.

Menu items

BIOS menu screen
Menu bar Configuration fields
BIOS SETUP UTILITY Boot Tools [04: 08 : 23] [Wed 01/09/2002] [1.44M,3.5in.]

General help

Advanced
Exit Use [ENTER], [TAB] or [SHIFT-TAB] to select a field. Use [+] or [-] to configure system Time.
System Time System Date Legacy Diskette A IDE Configuration Primary IDE Master Primary IDE Slave SATA1 SATA2 SATA3 SATA4 System Information

: : : : : :

[Not [Not [Not [Not [Not [Not
Detected] Detected] Detected] Detected] Detected] Detected]
Select Screen Select Item Change Field Tab Select Field F1 General Help F10 Save and Exit ESC Exit
v02.61 (C)Copyright 1985-2008, American Megatrends, Inc.

Sub-menu items

Navigation keys

Menu bar

For changing the basic system configuration For changing the advanced system settings For changing the advanced power management (APM) configuration For configuring options for special functions For changing the system boot configuration
The menu bar on top of the screen has the following main items: Advanced Power Tools

Boot Exit

For selecting the exit options and loading default settings
To select an item on the menu bar, press the right or left arrow key on the keyboard until the desired item is highlighted.
The BIOS setup screens shown in this chapter 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 information.
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.
The highlighted item on the menu bar displays the specific items for that menu. For example, selecting Main shows the Main menu items. The other items (Advanced, Power, Boot, and Exit) on the menu bar have their respective menu items.
A solid triangle before each item on any menu screen means that the iteam has a sub-menu. To display the sub-menu, select the item and press <Enter>.

Configuration fields

These fields show the values for the menu items. If an item is userconfigurable, you can change the value of the field opposite the item. You cannot select an item that is not user-configurable. A configurable field is enclosed in brackets, and is highlighted when selected. To change the value of a field, select it then press <Enter> to display a list of options. Refer to 2.2.7 Pop-up window.

APM Configuration

Options [Power Off] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] [Disabled] Power Off Power On
APM Configuration Restore on AC Power Loss Power Power Power Power On On On On By By By By PCI (-E) Device Ring PS/2 KB/MS RTC Alarm
Restore on AC Power Loss [Power Off]
When set to Power Off, the system goes into off state after an AC power loss. When set to Power On, the system goes on after an AC power loss. Configuration options: [Power Off] [Power On]
Power On By PCI Device (-E) [Disabled]
When set to [Enabled], this parameter allows you to turn on the system through a PCI LAN or modem card. This feature requires an ATX power supply that provides at least 1A on the +5VSB lead. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Power On By Ring [Disabled]
Enable or disable RI to generate a wake event. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Power On By PS/2 KB/MS [Disabled]
Enable or disable PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse to generate a wake event. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
Power On By RTC Alarm [Disabled]
Allows you to enable or disable RTC to generate a wake event. When this item is set to Enabled, the items RTC Alarm Date, RTC Alarm Hour, RTC Alarm Minute, and RTC Alarm Second appear with set values. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

Hardware Monitor

CPU Temperature [39C/102F] [34C/93F] [3245RPM]
Hardware Monitor CPU Temperature MB Temperature CPU Fan Speed
VCORE Voltage 3.3V Voltage 5V Voltage 12V Voltage Smart Q-FAN Function
[ 1.392V] [ 3.312V] [ 5.068V] [12.038V] [Disabled]
CPU Temperature [xxxC/xxxF] MB Temperature [xxxC/xxxF]
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 Fan Speed [xxxxRPM] or [Ignored]
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects and displays the CPU fan speed in rotations per minute (RPM). If the fan is not connected to the motherboard, the field shows N/A. Select Ignored if you do not wish to display the detected speed.
VCORE Voltage, 3.3V Voltage, 5V Voltage, 12V Voltage
The onboard hardware monitor automatically detects the voltage output through the onboard voltage regulators.

PS/2 Mouse Support [Auto]
Allows you to enable or disable support for PS/2 mouse. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled] [Auto]
Wait for F1 If Error [Enabled]
When set to Enabled, the system waits for the F1 key to be pressed when error occurs. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]
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]

Security

The Security menu items allow you to change the system security settings. Select an item then press <Enter> to display the configuration options.
Security Settings Supervisor Password User Password : Not Installed : Not Installed
Change Supervisor Password Change User Passward
<Enter> to change password. <Enter> again to disabled password.
Change Supervisor Password
Select this item to set or change the supervisor Password item on top of the screen shows the default Not Installed. After you set a password, this item shows Installed. To set a Supervisor Password: 1. Select the Change Supervisor Password item and press <Enter>. 2. From the password box, type a password composed of at least six letters and/or numbers, then press <Enter>. 3. Confirm the password when prompted. The message Password Installed appears after you successfully set your password. To change the supervisor password, follow the same steps as in setting a user password. To clear the supervisor password, select the Change Supervisor Password then press <Enter>. The message Password Uninstalled appears.
If you forget your BIOS password, you can clear clear it by erasing the CMOS Real Time Clock (RTC) RAM. See section 1.9 Jumper for information on how to erase the RTC RAM.
+F1 password. F10 The ESC

Select Screen Select Item Change Option General Help Save and Exit Supervisor Exit
After you have set a supervisor password, the other items appear to allow you to change other security settings.
Security Settings Supervisor Password User Password : Not Installed : Not Installed [Full Access] [Setup] Select Screen Select Item Change Option General Help Save and Exit Exit
Change Supervisor Password User Access Level Change User Password Clear User Password Password Check
User Access Level [Full Access]
This item allows you to select the access restriction to the Setup items. Configuration options: [No Access] [View Only] [Limited] [Full Access] No Access prevents user access to the Setup utility. View Only allows access but does not allow change to any field. Limited allows changes only to selected fields, such as Date and Time. Full Access allows viewing and changing all the fields in the Setup utility.

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. To set a User Password: 1. Select the Change User Password item and press <Enter>. 2. On the password box that appears, type a password composed of at least six letters and/or numbers, then press <Enter>. 3. Confirm the password when prompted. The message Password Installed appears after you set your password successfully. To change the user password, follow the same steps as in setting a user password.

Clear User Password

Select this item to clear the user password.

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]

Tools menu

Press ENTER to run the utility to select and update BIOS. This utility doesnt support: 1. NTFS format

ASUS EZ Flash 2 AI NET 2

Allows you to run ASUS EZ Flash 2. When you press <Ok>, a confirmation message appears. Use the left/right arrow key to select between [Yes] or [No], then press <Ok> to confirm your choice.

[Esc] Exit

AI NET 2 Pair

AI NET 2

BIOS SETUP UTILITY Tools Status Length [Disabled] Check Realtek Phy LAN cable during POST.
Check Realtek Phy LAN cable
Check Realtek Phy LAN cable [Disabled]
Allows you enable or disable checking Realtek Phy LAN cable during POST. Configuration options: [Disabled] [Enabled]

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.